EVEN AT MY WORST CH 7
London
EJ tossed the daily paper. It had been a few days since she thought that she had her revenge and Agent Walker and what's his face were dead. There was no word from the quarry, and she figured there wouldn't be as she had paid the owners a large sum to stay quiet. But there was a possibility that someone would say something and sure enough some one did and it wasn't from who she expected. Trent walked in with a guilty look on his face, even though he wasn't in any trouble. He feared the news he had would domino into something bigger. He sat down waiting for her to look at him. "Well spit it out? Their obviously not dead."
Trent cleared his throat. "No."
"So where is she now?"
"Back at work."
"And you have proof?"
Trent stood up and showed her his phone. Then sat down. "They have tightened security so it will be a lot harder to get inside."
"And what's his face?"
"Agent Carmichael? Not around, not for awhile now. Not sure where he is?"
EJ shifted in her seat. "Maybe this will work for us."
Sarah's heart raced as she tore each layer of paper off the small box. She looked around wishing that she wasn't doing this all by herself. She was still not over what happened weeks ago, and any surprizes, still affected her. She lifted the lid of the small box and her heart stopped. She took a deep breath then looked down recognizing his handwriting from the note he left on the mirror. She walked over to the bench in the hall and sat down. She flipped the piece of paper open and out fell an address and a key. "I hope that I didn't scare you with a stranger coming up to you and having them hand you this box but I thought that it would be somewhat romantic if I did it this way. I will be at this address in a few days and wanted to know if you wanted to meet me?" Sarah looked at the address and smiled. She drew her eyes back to the letter.
Sarah looked at the address. Curious but also cautious having her mind go to the events that threatened her and Chuck's life. She had to be in Jakarta in a few days and wondered if taking this risk would be worth it, it would it be a risk just to see him, wherever he was. Despite not knowing for sure, her heart won and she headed home with a peaceful thought of him. It was always him that she thought about. Even more since he was away on his own missions. The separation was deafening. She grabbed her to go bag and boarded the train to the address that was given. She stared at the note trying to find something, a catch, a possible trap. But her heart stomped on all those thoughts. She rented a car and drove to the address given. She was able to see the tower in her rear-view mirror as she got closer. She had seen the tower many times on those many in flight movies or perfume commercials but never really saw Paris. She drove up to what looked like a bed and breakfast but very old and very Paris. She grabbed her gun just in case. One benefit of taking the train you can always pack a few hidden items. It wasn't a big gun just the size of her hand, easy to conceal. She pulled out the key from her over coat and slid it into the old fashion key hole and opened the wooden door displaying a fire lit room. Her heart sank as she closed the door and adjusted her eyes. She scanned the room seeing the room covered in rose petals, a bottle of pinot noir on the kitchen table and a tray of delicious meats, cheeses and artisan bread. She now could relax, that her mystery note did come from him. How did he know that she was leaving on a new mission? Where has he been and why wasn't he here now?
Chuck walked up the back path leading to the house. He scanned the exterior of the house before he entered seeing her staring out the window into Paris. He whispered, 'you're here'. She ran into his arms. Their lips met, remembering how they fit together perfectly. They broke the kiss as Sarah played with his fingers with hers. Chuck smiled as he caressed her face with his free hand. Sarah whispered meeting his gaze. "I missed this. I missed not having you with me and I can't sleep at night." Chuck kissed her. "I missed you too." Chuck carried her to the bedroom laying her down in between kisses, caresses and undoing her buttons of her shirt, with more kisses. Pulling both her overcoat and shirt off her shoulders, she spun around pushing him back onto the bed allowing her to sit on his lap as he continued to undress her and her getting access to his shirt. She wasted no time in opening his shirt and instantly kissing his chest neck then his lips. He laid back taking her with him making up for lost time. Sarah moved her fingers over his warm skin taking in his cologne, tasting his lips, feeling him. Definitely appreciating the things she missed, and what she was able to have with him. He moved with her and for her.
Sarah placed her hand over his chest getting his attention though she didn't want him to stop what he was doing, she needed to see him, really see him. He looked down at her and drew back the loose strands of hair back over her ear. She just needed to look at him. In seconds the words that scared her, that were foreign to her exhaled from her lips. "I love you." Chuck smiled and smiled till he leaned down to kiss her. His lips grazed hers as he spoke those same three words. He slid his arm around her body and held her close. Sarah wrapped her leg around him caressing him. They made love into the early hours of the evening.
Sarah rolled over seeing his side empty. She didn't freak out cause she could see him on the other side of the open floor plan. He had put on his boxers that enticed her immensely. She scanned him, seeing that his dark hair was making those funny animal shapes. She also noticed that he looked tired and why wouldn't he after what they just did. But despite those things she told him she loved him. She finally was able to love someone, was able to let someone in. He walked over carrying the tray of meats and cheeses with two glasses. He set them on the bed sneaking a quick kiss as Sarah promised to remember this moment.
They ate, waking up to the warm sun rising over Paris. They got dressed then walked into Paris. They stayed off much of the busy streets and tourist locations but made the effort to see the tower. Chuck found a quaint bistro and grabbed a table. The waitress greeted them bringing with a tray of croissants and pastries. "Man, pastries for breakfast every morning. Europe is a genius." Chuck continued to look at the tray. "Raspberries, chocolate chip." Sarah smiled as she took a pastry from Chuck. They enjoyed their breakfast then headed back.
With new energy and full stomachs they returned to where they left off, not wasting any more time apart. Sarah rolled out from his warm embrace and waited for him to prop up his pillows as she snuggled in beside him. Sarah grabbed his hand and placed it in hers. "I missed you." "I missed you too. But you're here now."
"But not for long and how did you know that I had a few days free?"
"I didn't, really. I got in contact with William but he was tight lipped on your where abouts as was he on where I was."
Sarah looked over at him. "I was."
Chuck heard the uncertainty in her voice. He leaned over the bed and grabbed his laptop that was on the chair beside him. "I wanted to call you but couldn't guarantee that your end was safe nor was any calls coming from here. And I didn't know where you were or where you were going. I decided to put together an algorithm."
Sarah sat up and watched him proceed. "I put your characteristics and your aliases that I remembered of yours." Sarah smiled as he typed away adding data. "And when I remembered a few more things, names and of course how beautiful you are." Sneaking a kiss. "Then when any of these key words popped up I looked more into them. The data would give me travellers who were leaving London and area either by train or air." Chuck turned the screen slightly. "There were four women with similar characteristics, destinations and features that came up, but when I looked into them, one was a mother of four heading to Norfolk Virginia the other was a senior age 88 the other was a 15 year old travelling with her parents and then there was another who was leaving for Jakarta. So I figured that it wouldn't be any different if you left from here or from London. And I could slip away for a few days and meet you. So for the last few days I waited for you to show. She took his hand. "I wasn't sure. When this stranger came up to me, I thought that it was." Chuck closed his laptop then caressed her face. "I'm so sorry, I never thought about that." "But then I was curious. Why Paris and why now? I relaxed when I saw the rose petals." "I thought maybe gardenias but roses were more romantic." Sarah looked at him. "I missed you. Where have you been?" Chuck looked at her. "Off the record?" Kissing her lips. "Of course." Kissing her neck. "Mostly this part of the world. Collecting intel, that kind of stuff." He resumed kissing her neck. Mumbling. "And you? Jakarta?" Sarah catching her breath. "That's where I am suppose to start. More instructions when I land." Chuck lifting her onto him. Sarah staring into his eyes. "I'm glad that your not in Jakarta yet but here with me." Sarah smiled grabbing his face. "I'm glad that I opened that box."
Chuck slid his fingers under her shirt gathering the excess material in his fingers. He slid her shirt up and over her head then pulling it down tossing it. He caressed her shoulders placing his lips on the exposed skin facing him. He leaned forward when Sarah grabbed his shirt and started unbuttoning it. Her frustration led to pulling his shirt over his head. She stared at his chest and ran her nails over his chest hair with a bit of force causing Chuck to moan slightly. Chuck released Sarah from her bra and rolled her onto her back. They slid under the cotton sheets and made love. It was just them in their little bubble. No missions, no deadlines, no threats. Their touches spoke volumes, more than words could ever do. They continued till the sun slipped away for another day. They laid in each others arms knowing that their reunion was coming to an end.
Chuck woke finding Sarah lying on her stomach. He hated to wake her, as sleep wasn't her friend but he played the selfish card and leaned over and placed kisses on her back. He caressed her back gently, feeling her skin under his fingers. He giggled slightly as he saw her move. She wasn't fully awake but she made him aware she liked what he was doing. He slid the sheet off her exposing her naked body. He dragged his hand down the back of her leg then placing kisses behind her knee then dragging his lips up and over her backside settling on her lower back. He stayed there for awhile then hovered over her. He pulled her hair back over her shoulder exposing her neck. He moved closer kissing her neck, shoulders then resuming kissing her back. Sarah looked over his shoulder then turned around and in seconds she couldn't resist him.
Sarah tied her belt on her overcoat and headed to the door. Chuck still leaning against the table watching her. He grabbed her hand. "Let me take you to the airport?"
Sarah turned to face him. Placing her hand on his chest. "I would love that, but its hard enough leaving from here and we wouldn't want to expose your whereabouts in such a public place as an airport." Chuck knew she hated goodbyes and he did too. "Be safe." He kissed her softly but the kiss got intense which drew a tear from her eyes. "I can't do this, Chuck."
"Yes you can and we will see each other soon, I guarantee that. The next time we see each other, this being apart will seem like a dream. Chuck grabbed his bag and pulled out a business card and gave it to Sarah. Here is my email, my back up for the back up. You, Ellie and Morgan are the only ones who have this address. Sarah looked at the address. Nerdherder101 . "Why this address?"
Chuck looked at the card in her hand and placed his hand next to hers. "I used to work at the Buy More, during college as a Nerd herder." Sarah laughed. She then grabbed a take out menu and jotted down an address. Bigdreamz . Chuck looked up. "And your email?"
"If I ever learned anything from my dad it was to dream big." Chuck reached for the paper then kissed Sarah. Sarah broke the kiss. "I better go."
Chuck opened the door and snuck one more kiss as Sarah walked down the path then drove off. He closed the door grabbing the take out menu and adding the address to his phone.
A month later
Chuck didn't dreaded the long days and even shorter nights when he was able to see the tonnes of emails from Sarah. Though they were days late of reading, he knew that she was still alive and was safe. He hoped that his replies would be enough till he saw her again.
Sarah crawled into bed feeling the effects of the battle round with one of her marks. She peeled her dirty clothes off tossing them into the wash and letting the water from the shower cascade down her sore body. She hated these missions that forced her to fight. To fight for her life or end up dead. Her only strength she had to hold on was checking her inbox. It was the only line of communication she had with him and when she saw something from him whether it was a love poem, a photo or a jpeg of flowers. Sarah dried off and grabbed a bite to eat, along with her laptop she saw that someone had called and left a voicemail. She didn't recognize the number so she waited to listen to it. She settled in her bed and logged on as she did every time she got ready for bed. She pressed enter and saw nothing in her in box. She refreshed the page and nothing. She knew it had been a few days since she checked but she always knew that there was always something there. She looked at her laptop and the possible time differences but they didn't solve her problem. She grabbed her phone and listened to the voice mail. 'Sarah, William here. I know that its not protocol to hear about another agents whereabouts but have you heard from Chuck?' Sarah's heart sank and her breathing laboured. She continued to listen. 'He failed to check in and I have been unable to locate him. I know I shouldn't worry, he's a pro, but ( his voice trailed off) Sarah check your email. We got some disturbing images and I feel that Chuck might be in danger.'
Chuck slid out from the side of the vehicle and saw the gash in his leg. This was another close call and with all this 'close calls' he had lately, he wondered if it was something other than the mission he was on. He heard the sirens and needed to get out from under the car before he had to explain himself and he wasn't up for any European police department.
Sarah logged into her work email and saw Williams emails. She prepared herself, fearing the worse. She clicked on emails from the bottom up and scanned the images. She read Williams email. I was concerned when these images popped up a few weeks ago. Sarah looked at the first photo and was happy to see his face even if it was just a photo. To here it proved that he was still alive. She read on and looked back at the photo. I think that he is being followed, someone was watching him hence the photo being leaked. If I got it who else got it as well? Sarah feared the worse but only one person came to mind. Evelyn was still out there and she had found out that we weren't dead and she wanted her revenge and hated the fact that they were freed from the quarry. Sarah continued to click on the next few emails, all showing places and events that didn't end well. William didn't respond to them which made Sarah instantly pick up the phone and call him.
William saw Sarah's incoming number and took a deep breath as he answered. "Tell me that this isn't what I think it is?" Sarah's voice sounded harsh.
"Sarah, I don't know what to say, we have our people looking for him and so far we are unable to locate him."
"So he could be hiding or hurt or…"
"Don't go there. Charles has never not got in touch with me and this won't be his first."
"And what about?"
"EJ, do I think that it's her?"
His silence was his answer.
Sarah grabbed the next flight out leaving her mission where it was as it was not a priority anymore. She hurried upstairs seeing William at his desk. He stood up when he saw her. "You didn't need to come back here."
Sarah gave him a look then looked at the items on his desk. "Where is it?"
"Where is what?"
Sarah looked up. William walked over and gave her a white envelope. She sat down and opened it. "You're a hard person to get a hold of and I must commend you on your escape but I hope that you didn't think that this was a win for you. It just gave me time to figure out how I could make your life miserable like you made mine. I could see that coming after you directly might not be the answer but to maybe go after something, someone that means the world to you and I agree. I am letting you off the hook but coming after someone that you truly care about. I hope it might give me some sense of retribution and it will be enough for now. He's such a handsome man, I hate to do something to him."
Sarah froze as the letter fell to the floor. William knew that Charles was more than a partner to her and this just verified it. William walked over and crouched down beside her. "We will find him."
William and Sarah spent the next few days looking at the images, trying to figure out if what they had seen was real. Still no word on Chuck's whereabouts and the hope Sarah still had was running low.
Sarah looked at the letter and sat down at her desk. She had to put an end to this, she had to find out if EJ was behind all of this and Chuck was indeed in danger. Sarah grabbed her keys and headed out hoping for some answers. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw a side of her that she had not seen in a long time. She saw that young, did what she told agent, some called her the wild card. But since meeting Chuck that person that she once was, was not as important as the person he helped her to become, despite what he knew of her. She drove to dive of a place near the quarry that sent shivers down her spine as the sign for the quarry came into view. She opened and closed her eyes quickly holding back the tears that came with the memories. She entered the dive getting a few drunken faces looking at her as she approached the bar. She sat down and waited to be served. The bar tender walked up to her. He like everyone else that looked at her, stared her down. Probably thinking the worst but Sarah was not there to make friends. She was there to get some information. She grabbed a drink and swallowed it down in one gulp and slammed the glass hard onto the top of the bar. She turned in her seat and scanned the area looking for that person that would spill the info she needed. She found her target and approached the man. Again she endured the names and the gawking eyes. She looked at the man. "I'm looking for Ms. Shaw and I was wondering if you had her number." Polite as it was, it got no response. Sarah asked again. The stout looking man stood up, looking up at Sarah. "What will you give me for that information?" Sarah smiled. "Your life."
The man laughed and reached for her backside."
Sarah looked at his hand.
Sarah stood briefly at the door of the bar where she located the owner, watching him and his men recover from the events that had occurred. Sarah slammed the door and crossed the street getting into her car. She typed the number from the photo she took of the number into her laptop and got an address. She drove to the location and waited. If EJ was responsible she would have to pay and this time she'd get exactly what her husband got.
Sarah woke to find EJ's place still quiet. She started her car and drove back to the office hating herself for not being able to find Chuck.
Hours later
Chuck grabbed a taxi not announcing to anyone that he was coming home. He was glad that Interpol took his current case easing up his calendar and saving his bacon. The last few weeks his decision to be a spy was probably not a good one. All the close calls, the coincidences and the over all feeling of this recent mission he was on, he felt like he was being watched. Even good spies can miss the obvious. He was glad to be back in London. He grabbed a taxi and rolled down his window embracing the cool air as the driver drove him into the city. Chuck grabbed his bags and headed into the office. William looked up seeing him coming up on the stairs. He ran over. "Man am I glad to see you. You're not dead."
"And hello to you too, and though I am tired I'm not dead." He then looked up seeing Sarah and the look she had on her face, showing as if she had seen a ghost. Her eyes not hiding the fact that she was overwhelmed by his presence. He dropped his bags as Sarah grabbed his hand and pulled him into a corner room shutting the door behind them, embracing him and crying into his shirt. Chuck wrapped his arms around her not knowing why she was so emotional, her body shaking, her hands trembling. He held her tight. He grabbed her face and kissed her lips. She just returned to holding him. When the initial shock wore off she looked at him as he wiped her face. "What's going on?"
She didn't want to alarm him with what had been going on as she didn't expect to see him and she still didn't know why, this was all happening. She kissed him back. Chuck sat down beside her. Sarah composed herself and as the pro she was, convinced Chuck that she was just overwhelmed with all that was going on. That she hadn't heard from him and that she allowed her thoughts to get the best of her.
Chuck held her close, chuckling slightly, but something didn't feel right but he was too tired to care. He got up and the headed home. They both crashed even though they wanted to do more.
Sarah got up and headed to the living room, calling William back. "Morning, what did you find out?"
"I got a location of the first set of images and they were taken in Moscow, the images I was able to pick up and scan, gave me a hotel that was not near any of Chuck's locations. I was able to cross reference his last few weeks and he was not near Moscow or this hotel. Then it dawned on me that maybe there was something more to these photos."
Sarah sat down. "They obviously were altered to make it look like Chuck was at these places. I read an article of new software that was able to manipulate images to make them look as real as real could be. And I am thinking who would go to the extreme efforts to modify these images to have you think that it was the real person."
Sarah took a deep breath. "There's more." William continued.
"More?" Sarah's voice cautious.
"Yeah, I got word that Chuck had a few close calls."
"Who told you this?" Sarah's voice expressing her fear.
"Interpol just called McFadden. I felt that I needed to listen to the call and I'm glad that I did. Interpol took over after Charles felt that the mission he was one had too many coincidences and that close calls were becoming frequent. Charles asked Interpol to take over and they needed McFadden's authorization on a few things."
"So that is why he is back home?"
"I am guessing yes."
"William do we know where she has been? Has she left the city?"
"I can check it out. I am guessing this all happened after he left for Paris."
"It sounds like it."
Sarah put her phone down on the table and headed back to the bedroom. She stood in the doorway and looked at him as he rolled over and smiled, when he heard his voice. "You're too far away."
Sarah walked towards the bed as Chuck pulled back the covers. Sarah laid down looking up at him. She missed him, she missed everything about him. Chuck leaned down and kissed her. He smiled. "Hi."
Sarah smiled back then kissed him back. "Hi."
Chuck slid his arms under her and up into her shirt feeling her warm back on his arm. He held her close as he continued to kiss her. She was glad that he hadn't put his shirt on last night and just crashed. 'Less clothes to take off.' She reached her arms around his muscular back and pulled him on top of her. He slid her shirt off exposing her naked body. "I told you that the next time we'd be together it would be worth it." Sarah kissed him back not answering him. Sarah the girlfriend was enjoying this moment, but Sarah the spy had to rise above all of this. "Chuck we need to talk." Chuck kissed her neck and dragged his lips down her chest, making sure that every inch of her was covered or would be covered in kisses. He slid his hand up to her face as he cupped her chin. "We are talking without words." He continue to kiss her. Sarah knew that talking wasn't going to happen, but she had to talk to him about what happened to him. Chuck continued to kiss Sarah as she returned the sentiments. As their bodies warmed up to their reunion, they paused as faint rings could be heard.
Chuck looked at her. "You got to be kidding."
Sarah rolled over and grabbed his phone seeing the number. She passed him his phone as she got up and walked into the living room and grabbing hers. She came back seeing Chuck eye's closed and his phone placed over his eyes. Sarah sat down reaching for her shirt. "Chuck."
Chuck didn't respond. Sarah caressed his chest.
Chuck mumbled. "We got time right?"
Sarah leaned in and kissed his lips. "I don't want our reunion to be a quickie."
"It doesn't have to be, it could be an appetizer or a before meal dessert."
Sarah kissed him again, then looked at him. "You better go have a cold shower. I'll meet you at the office."
Chuck rolled onto his side. "I'm so sorry."
Sarah looked at him. "Your home, your safe and I love you."
"I love you too."
Sarah grabbed her clothes and got dress. Sarah shut his door and headed out. She sighed deeply, hoping that this would give her sometime to have a talk with him. She had to warn him. Chuck grabbed that cold shower and headed to the office.
McFadden and LaFayette stood in the conference room. "Agents Carmichael and Agent Walker, please have a seat." McFadden's voice was its' usual demeanour and tone.
"We have another assignment for you. Charles now that your schedule as opened up."
Sarah looked at him wondering why he'd want Chuck to go out into the field so soon. Did he not get the 411 and forget that Chuck just came home because the last mission he was on didn't feel right. Sarah looked at him, this wasn't right.
"Charles we need you to fly to Finland and retrieve a lock box of one Klaus Steiner." McFadden spoke. "We believe that it may contain files of national security. Agent Batson will give you your debriefing package on your way out, your flight leaves in one hour." Chuck looked at Sarah with disbelief. An hour ago he was lying in bed with her just about to make love to the most beautiful woman and now he was heading to Finland. Before his thoughts could continue, LaFayette cleared her throat. "Agent Walker you will assist Agent Carmichael here in office. You will access info and any contact between the two of you will be done remotely. This will free him up if anything should happen to him out in the field." Sarah looked at William then quickly back to Chuck. Sarah stood up, then William. "Sir, ma'am wouldn't Agent Walker's physical presence be better out in the field then sitting at a desk. I could do that myself. Her skills would best be used out in the field."
LaFayette took a deep breath. "I hear what you are saying but Agent Carmichael won't be gone that long and I hope that by now he can do this job without someone beside him."
Chuck stood up and followed McFadden out. William walked over to LaFayette trying to plead his case again but got shot down.
Chuck walked over to Sarah's desk and took her hand. He walked out holding her hand that meant the world to her. As busy as he was he still took time to show how much he cared for her with things as small as holding her hand. They walked down the stairs and slipped into a side room. Their lips met trying to get as much out the kiss as they could. Chuck held her close. "It's not fair."
Sarah held him close. "I know, it's not." Her voice softened.
Chuck kissed her once more. "I'll be back soon."
"We need to talk."
"I got to go, can it wait?"
Sarah didn't know what to say. He opened the door and headed out. Sarah watched from the entrance not to show her disapproval and the lump in her stomach.
Chuck grabbed a cab and as the cab drove off another car turned into traffic.
Chuck arrived at his location thanks to Sarah's voice in his ear. He slipped into the office on the third floor. Heading down the hall he approached the first security box. William watched as Chuck connected the security box to allow William to access the security system from his laptop. Chuck closed the door and headed down the hall. He reached the second security door allowing William to hack the system, opening the door for him. Chuck looked up at the camera and smiled. Sarah nervously watched from the second screen. It pained her not to be there knowing that someone could be out there. Chuck slid through the corridor. "Charles." Williams' voice rang. "You're not alone. Bogey 25 feet a head of you."
"Any other way out?"
William scanned the buildings specs. "Not really. But there is an access panel five feet east of you. It leads to the roof."
Chuck looked down the hall, hearing voices. He turned and headed to the access panel. He slid the device into his jacket and jumped up onto the desk and slid the ceiling panel over and lifted himself onto the filing cabinet. He slid up into the panel and carefully slid the panel down into it's frame. He sat perched on a beam hearing the voices below him.
William scanned the hallway. "Okay Charles. Good to go. There should be a latch door at the far end."
Chuck grabbed his flashlight and shone it around locating the latch. "I see it."
Sarah sighed again and waited to hear that he was outside.
Chuck slipped down the roof of the building and jumped onto the other. Hearing voices and barking. 'He's on the roof.' Chuck's heart raced as he tried to out run the men that were coming after him. He scanned the roof and looked back over his shoulder, giving them a smirk. He jumped down onto another roof, shimming down a drain pipe. "Man I love these old buildings."
William shook his head. "Okay Spiderman. Head north, there's a car waiting for you."
"Spiderman, impressive Billy Batson."
"Sarah I'm coming home."
Sarah brought her hands to her face hiding her excitement but also hearing his voice.
Chuck headed north and saw the car. He walked to the back and slid his hand under and up under the back tire, searching for a key. He grabbed it and tossed it slightly in the air. "Got the key, heading to the airport."
"Be careful." Sarah's voice softer than usual.
"I will."
Chuck slid into the car and drove off. William got up and grabbed a coffee. "His flight isn't in another hour or so then he won't land for another three hours." Before William could finish his sentence Sarah was heading to the door. "Where are you going?"
"No one told me that I had to stay."
William returned to filling his cup as Sarah ran downstairs. She drove through the tunnel heading to Heathrow. Checking her mirrors, she glanced over to a dark range rover that when she changed lanes, they changed lanes. She shrugged the first few times as coincidences but whoever was behind her, they were not giving up. Sarah signalled and turned off the exit coming up and in seconds the range rover was soon behind her. She sped down the street looking for a street to go down and hopefully losing them. The range rover was now a block away. Sarah shifted into the next gear and then pulled back on the brake making her car turn on a dime. She shifted then sped down the road hoping for a one way. The range rover sped up keeping up a close distance. Sarah sped up and slipped into a driveway and shut her lights off. She slid down in her seat adjusting her mirror. In seconds she saw the range rover speed by. She waited for awhile in case they backed up.
Sarah sat up, adjusted her mirror and dialed William.
William sat with his legs up on his desk reading a version of a Downton Abbey type romance novel. He saw the incoming call. "Trouble at the airport?"
"Not there yet, but yes I got trouble."
William put down his book placing his feet on the floor. "Okay, where are you."
Sarah backed up and located a street sign and told William. "Well, you're definitely not near the airport."
"I need you to rewind the street footage outside the office less than an hour ago. I have been followed since I left. I just managed to lose them. Black range rover, not sure how many were in the car. I am heading to the airport hopefully they won't be coming back."
Sarah turned around and found another exit.
Sarah pulled into the loading area for arrivals and parked. She sat on the hood waiting. It was very quiet as the the clock on the wall of the over hang read 2:00 a.m.
Sarah's cell rang. "Yes William."
"Well, our black range rover has been spending a lot of time outside the office. They seemed to arrive early this morning and left when Charles left then came back and sat till you left. The car is registered to EJ's other half."
"So she still out there?"
"It looks like it."
"I will keep an eye on the car and keep you posted. You two stay safe."
Those words haunted Sarah. Her past, she thought was just that. What was done in the past stayed in the past. But this wasn't going to stop, she wasn't going to stop. Sarah stayed in her thoughts for a long while till she heard a familiar voice.
"I didn't know that heaven allowed their angels to be out at this hour."
It was a little corny, but it was coming from the man that had captured her heart in more ways than one. She was about to slide off the hood when he placed his arms on either side of her and slid between her legs. He gave her that familiar look, raised eye brows. She grabbed his face and kissed him. Chuck leaned into her, making the experience something new. She kissed him again then pulled back when it got hotter than they were ready to admit. Sarah paused his next advances, whispering into his ear. "Save it for the bedroom."
Chuck stood up straighter and helped her off the hood. He placed his bag into the back seat and slipped into the front as Sarah buckled up. She started the car and drove off. They stopped by the office and dropped off the lock box into the secured safe and headed back to her place. It was closer than driving back to his.
Clothes were tossed and bodies united as Chuck laid her down on the bed. Sarah giggled slightly as the anticipation of making love to him again was long over due. Chuck caressed her thighs moving his hands gently up her back, caressing her chest then holding her close. Sarah wrapped her legs around his hips and embrace the next few hours. Sarah snuggled in beside him laying her head on his chest as he covered them up with the sheet. Sleep was coming and a new day.
Few weeks later
Chuck dropped his mission bag on his desk and looked around. He had not seen Sarah since he got back from Finland and things seemed to be quiet on all the 'coincidences' that for some reason all of a sudden stopped. His face still showed the effects of the last dance he had. He knew that this last encounter was not mission related but a message. Chuck didn't want to go there but or think that what was happening to him was or could be happening to Sarah. He walked the room, grabbing a coffee then sat down hoping to hear from Sarah.
(72 hours earlier)
Sarah zipped up her leather jacket as the wind started to pick up. She remembered Chuck talking about the wind and how it made him feel and at this point she could relate. She got word that he had arrived but looked like he was in a fight and in reality he was. He was taking the brunt for what she did years ago. She wanted to see him but she had to put a stop to this before the next call she got was telling her that he was dead. She saw the lights of the car knowing that she was on her own and whoever was inside had the advantage. But she didn't care as long as he was safe, she'd do anything for him, even die for him.
The car stopped and the doors opened. The driver was Trent, stupid and as loyal he was, slid to the other side and opened the door. Sarah watched as EJ stepped out dressed in a leopard faux jacket and long knee high boots. They put to shame Sarah's knee high boots. EJ stepped around to the front of the car. The two eyed each other hoping to out look each other for some reason. "Congrats on living. I hoped that this meeting was never going to happen but I am guessing with all the stalking you have done, you wanted something."
Sarah reached behind her, ready to fire her gun but she looked around and sure enough, EJ wasn't alone. By the time Sarah could pull her gun out she'd have a bullet in the head. "I see that we're not alone."
EJ looked around waving her arms. "You guessed right. For someone as good as you it didn't take long for you to see that."
"Well I wasn't born yesterday."
"I am surprised that you weren't as prepared."
"I wouldn't be so quick to answer."
Trent placed his finger to his ear, then approached EJ. "Our guys have been taken out." EJ scanned the area and saw not one of the guys she put there. Sarah placed her finger near her ear. A familiar British voice whispered in her ear. "All taken care of. You are free to proceed."
Sarah smiled slightly then walked towards Trent taking his gun then taking EJ's purse and dumping it on the hood of the car. Separating the magazine from both guns and tossing them aside. She walked back and kept the gun on them both.
"Too bad I am not a chess player, but I believe that would have been check mate or something like that."
EJ coughed her response.
"I don't want trouble, never have but when you continue to bring it my way and make it your mission to hurt the people I care about, that's when it becomes personal. You tried once and failed and yes you did try to interfere with Chuck's life on several occasions and thank goodness he is okay. He has nothing to do with this. I have nothing to do with this."
"You have everything to do with this."
"And why is that?"
"You killed my husband."
"I did my job and if he died, like I told you months ago it was for a reason. It doesn't give you the right to come after the one I love just because you can't get over the fact that your husband was not the man you married. My life has nothing to do with how you feel or should feel."
"You have no right to be happy after what you did."
"What I did years ago, that is my battle and what I do to come to peace with my demons, has taken some time. Thanks to people in my life I am able to do that. Chuck has nothing to do with this nor should he have to. You have me."
William still listening froze. He hoped that she wasn't going to do something stupid.
EJ walked closer to Sarah. "I can see that you're a straight shooter so I am going to say it as crystal clear as I can. I will leave Chuck alone if you stay away from him."
Sarah didn't want to react to what she was hearing. She stared EJ down and before she could think of a counter offer she tilted her head slightly. "If I call it off, sever all ties with him, you will leave him alone."
"It's only fair. Why should you be happy? You took the man I loved, so I'll take yours, but I will allow him to continue breathing."
EJ walked back to her car. "I hope that you find a way to break his heart oh so gently."
William jumped down from where he was sitting and joined Sarah as Trent grabbed their guns and got into the car. EJ put her sunglasses on and never looked at Sarah. Sarah walked towards her car. "Your not going to give her the satisfaction of actually doing what she asked you to do."
Sarah looked at William, trying to hold back her tears. "To keep him safe, I would do anything for him."
Sarah slid into her seat as William got into the passenger side. The ride back to the office was very quiet.
Present day
Chuck looked at his watch and decided to head home, a hot shower and a good nights sleep in his own bed sounded like heaven. He left Sarah a note then left. He waited for the elevator dropping her a text just in case.
Sarah and William sat in a local coffee shop. William knew Sarah was avoiding going back to the office. He was able to keep her busy but the events of the last few days and waiting to hear if EJ was going to keep her word and that Chuck was safe was the only thing she cared about. Sarah fixed her fourth cup of coffee, her gasoline for the time being. She heard her phone buzz. William put down his tea cup and watched as Sarah turned her phone over. I am home, I waited for you at the office but I am too tired. We need to talk, love you.
Sarah sat back in her chair. William waiting to hear. Sarah looked up at him. "He's home."
William sighed deeply, nodding his approval. Sarah looked out the window. "So, what are you going to do?"
Sarah downed her coffee and stood up. "I have to find a way to break up with one Charles Carmichael." Sarah said goodbye and headed outside. She didn't realize till she got home that she had not called him by his real name. That she had to break up with Charles and not Chuck. This gave her some reassurance that what she was doing was not the real thing. That she was making it look like they were no longer, that somewhere somehow their real selves could find happiness, stay together. That her and Chuck could have a life together outside the spy life. But how long could she live without him and what will this break up do to him.
Chuck entered the office not hearing from Sarah and still seeing the note still on her desk. He entered McFadden's office. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, please have a seat."
McFadden sat down and saw Charles' face. "You have looked better."
"Yeah, occupational hazard."
"I see, so your good."
"Yeah I guess, tired but a few more naps might do the trick."
"Speaking of rest. You are entitled to some RnR. You can have a few weeks."
Chuck sat up at the thought of him taking some time off, with the woman he loved. He was about to answer when he saw Sarah walk in and stand by her desk.
Chuck looked at McFadden. "Can this wait."
Just then his phone rang, giving Chuck the excuse to leave. Sarah picked up the note and smiled. She turned slightly when she saw him. He was wearing a casual shirt and blue jeans and looked so handsome. She saw his smile then saw the rest of his face that was black and blue with a white bandage above his right eye. Her heart sank. Chuck walked up to her, too close not to feel his breath on her neck. "Agent Walker."
Sarah reached for his hand. Chuck slid his fingers into hers. "Agent Carmichael."
Chuck stood by her longer than she wished he did, which made her not want to do what she needed to do. She loved him and needed to protect him but she also couldn't resist him. Not now and at that moment this office was the safest place for them and the only place she could be with him with out her finding out. She needed time, she needed to do this right but right now she needed him. She grabbed his hand and he knew where they where going. He nodded slightly.
Sarah walked ahead of him, feeling his eyes on her. Her whole body felt it. She walked in first then came back holding the door a jar allowing him to enter. She closed the door behind her and though the room was familiar to them, this was different. It felt different. Chuck approached her as she felt his hands caressed her thigh. He looked at her. "I left you a note."
"I know."
"I texted you."
"I know, but you said that you needed sleep."
"I did."
Their small talk was like fore play that moved to Chuck slowly unbuttoning her blouse. He laid it down beside her as he unzipped her skirt. Sarah shimmied out of it as Chuck lifted her up onto the desk. Sarah kissed his bruises then gently placed her lips just above his eye as she helped Chuck out of his shirt. He kissed her softly on the lips as Sarah undid his belt. Their lips dualled and arms intertwined with each other. Chuck lifted her up and carried her over to the bed and laid her down. The dimness of the light above them hid the tears that rolled down her face. The love of her life was making love to her as she tried not to think of what to say to him. She had to toss them aside and embrace what could be their last time together. She heard him moan in her ear as she too responded to what was happening. Chuck made sure that she was taken care of.
Sarah slid her feet onto the floor and reached for her clothes. Chuck caressed her back with his hand. She turned to face him. "We better get back to work."
Chuck rested his head on his arms exposing his chest to her. "If we must."
Sarah stood up slipping her panties and skirt on. She slipped her bra on and tossed Chuck his clothes. Chuck slipped into his jeans and grabbed his shirt. Sarah snuck a kiss which made him drop his shirt. He swallowed hard trying to catch his breath as Sarah slid her feet into her shoes. Chuck button his shirt and buckled his belt. He ran his hands through his hair as Sarah opened the door. He slid out the first door as Sarah took the other door.
Chuck grabbed a bottle and poured him a glass. William came in behind him as Sarah followed. Chuck slammed the glass down. "What was that?"
William knew that Sarah had purposely let their mark go. She had to make it look like he got away but she had planned to have him picked up a few blocks away. It was time that she had to call it off. If she did something bad enough and work related he'd want to call it off between them. Let her go and not the other way around. But Chuck wasn't that kind of guy. She had to break his heart and it had to happen now. William looked at Chuck. "At least we got the intel."
Chuck looked at him. "Well it's not good enough, now we don't have the guy to go with the codes, thanks to…"
Sarah looked at him. This was her chance, even if it broke her heart to do so. "Say it...You have been on my case since we started this mission."
"Okay I'll say it. You screwed up."
"Me."
"I'm not the one who lets their emotions interfere with their job."
"No, I rather have emotions than…."
William had heard enough and he couldn't allow this to continue, not like this. He knew she had no choice but he knew that she couldn't live with her self nor could he if they said what they were feeling. "Let's regroup in the morning, with clear heads." He looked at Sarah giving her a look. "We can find another way." William walked to the door. "Did you two hear me?"
Chuck looked at Sarah then at William. "Yeah."
"Sarah!"
"Yes, I heard you."
William walked out closing the door behind him. He headed to his room, hoping that they weren't going to kill each other.
Chuck poured another and grabbed another glass and walked over to Sarah. Sarah took the glass and took a sip. Chuck downed the glass and headed to the bathroom. He grabbed a shower then came back out in just a towel. They had not planned to stay the night so they were short a few items, like having a change of clothes. Sarah grabbed a shower making her feel a bit better. She walked out seeing that Chuck had ordered something to eat. He had dried off just wearing his boxers, she pulled her bathrobe tighter around her. They ate in silence.
Chuck raced through the channels on the tv till he found a movie that had just started. He had seen it before but it was one that Sarah had not seen. "It's called Spies like us." Those were the only words he had spoken to her till he laid down beside her. It was normal for them to just lie in bed and watch tv, it was like any other night. Sarah snuggled in beside him like she always did. The movies credit scrolled on the screen. Sarah sat up. "That was pretty good." She saw that he was sleeping. She caressed his chest then reached for the remote. She leaned over him and placed the remote on the side table. She leaned back about to roll back onto her side when she made eye contact. Chuck sat up and looked at her. "I'm sorry."
Sarah fell into his arms. She rolled on top of him. He removed her bath robe then rolled her onto her back. The darkness of the room shedding light on how much they still cared for each other.
Sarah completed her report and slipped out of the office. For the next week she was able to keep her distance by telling Chuck that it was woman's stuff. He kept busy with work and thought nothing of it. The next few weeks he noticed a drastic change and it was again affecting their missions. Even when they were alone, Sarah made sure that something else came up. Sarah continued to shut down, though she was good at hiding it, Chuck knew that something wasn't right. They would argue on the silly things and then make up on the not so silly things. Chuck feared that she was hiding something and thought that he'd go to William for some insight.
Chuck sat alone in the armoury cleaning his gun, something that he dreaded but it was mandatory that he stay current how to use a gun. Alone in his thoughts he didn't hear the door open and Sarah walking in. She saw him and tried to leave. "I'm sorry I thought that you were out."
"No, I got back early and had a few minutes to spare so I thought that I'd get ready for my test. Not sure that spending time cleaning the outside of your gun will make a difference. It's aim and shoot."
Sarah laughed, she always laughed at things he said, even if they were not important to anyone else. Chuck grabbed his case and placed the parts into their spot then closed the case. "How are you?"
"Good and you? Sorry I missed our date."
"No problem, it was just a night a deep fried shrimp and cold beer."
Sarah tried to smile. Even if it was what was on the menu, it was another thing she purposely made an excuse to miss.
Chuck turned on his stool. "Talk to me?"
"What's to talk about? I missed a few dates."
"It's not the dates, its all the other stuff. The things that make you you."
Chuck saw the confusion. "You haven't been yourself and I want to know why?"
"I'm fine."
"You can tell yourself that all you want. But when it involves us, you and me, I take a defence to it. We haven't talked, really talked since Paris and when I came home, I wanted to talk about what happened. You avoided the situation, even after it happened again. We know that what happened to me was not all mission related."
"You don't know that."
"Maybe not but don't you think that all coincidences add up to the same equation."
Sarah never answered. It pained her to continued but this was the only way she'd be able to live with her decision. Sarah faced Chuck. "You can think what you want, you can believe that none of it had anything to with the missions that you were on. That you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's like us. This isn't working."
Chuck's face went cold. "What are you talking about?"
"Us, this. Who are we fooling? It was good while it lasted, your busy I'm busy."
"Are you trying to pick a fight?"
Sarah turned her face trying to not react, she had to stay strong, for their sake. She turned to face him. She reached for his hand. "You'd be better without me."
Chuck's eyes started to water. "You don't need me to hold you back, you are going to do great things as a spy."
"Who said that you were holding me back?"
"Chuck, us, it's what it is and now its time to move on, do other things, see other…"
"Don't go there. There is no one I'd rather be with. So whatever is the reason behind this sudden woe is me act, it's not going to work."
"You be better without me, I know that without me holding you back you can do all that you have dreamed of doing."
"You can tell yourself that what we had was just that. But again you'd be lying to yourself." Sarah wiped a tear.
"You can't say that what we had and still have is one of those one in a million relationships. The probability that someone like you and I meeting, falling in love at the worst time in our lives to sharing this connection, is it worth holding onto." Chuck pleading with her.
"You'd be better without me."
Chuck walked up to her and leaned in. "I don't think so."
Sarah headed to the door. Chuck stood up and raised his voice. "You can leave, but I'm not going to close the door on us. Not with what we have. You can tell yourself that what we had was just what it was. A reaction to almost dying and we are surviving on the high that it brought us. But again you'll be lying to yourself, to us." Sarah wiped another tear.
Sarah opened the door and left.
Sarah took a few personal days leaving Chuck to wonder what was going to happen between the two of them. He wanted to call, but she too made no attempts to call him. He got up and walked into McFadden's office. "Yes Charles, what can I do for you?"
Chuck sat down. "I was wondering if your invitation for me to take some time off was still open."
McFadden stopped what he was doing. He knew that Walker had taken a few days and was wondering how long it was going to take him to do the same.
"Sure, you deserve it. I can make arrangements to send you to an undisclosed location, somewhere exotic."
"Thanks but, I would like to head state side. Bob Hope Airport, I would like to go back to LA, Burbank to be exact."
McFadden nodded. "I will make arrangements."
Chuck stood up. "Thanks."
"And how long?"
"Not sure." Chuck walked out and closed the door.
