Chuck vs The Wayward Legionnaire
Chapter 11: A Bartowski Christmas story…
12th December. 2009. Burbank. L.A. Westside Medical Centre. 12.30am.
Ellie Bartowski Woodcomb sat in her usual spot in the Medical Centre canteen, she pushed her food aimlessly around her plate as she waited for her husband Devon to join her, it was one of those days on a shift were nothing truly important had happened and they could enjoy their lunch together.
In the canteen watchful eyes kept glancing over at the beautiful brunette doctor, there was still a lot of sympathy for her many months after the disappearance of her brother, those that had met Chuck Bartowski on one of his sister's many attempts to induce a date with some of her colleagues had been very surprised at the loss of contact between the close siblings.
Other watchful eyes, however, were not as kind, for them their sole purpose of watching the doctor was to assess if her brother had been in contact with his sister, though over six months later, the operation had been downgraded and only two NSA agents kept a full-time surveillance on Ellie and Devon at the hospital.
Outside today watching them was Mike Travers and his friend, Javier, Mike had been working on a plan, with the news that Chuck had accomplished his goal and was safely hidden away, it was now time to get the Bartowski siblings back together.
Over the months it had been tough going to watch Ellie realise that she had to move on, to live her life under the false impression that her brother had abandoned her, every milestone in their shared lives together became one more sadness she had added to the monkey of grief she had placed on her back. Missed birthdays and Mother's Day became torments. Throughout it all Devon did his best to bolster his wife's spirits.
It had been heart-breaking to follow her on Chuck's twenty eighth birthday, she had also known of his favourite spot on the beach, she hadn't been alone either, Sarah Walker had been there too, the two women had narrowly missed each other, only for the sudden gust of wind that threw sand in Ellie's eyes and obscured her view of 'the spot' , had allowed a panicked agent the opportunity to run swiftly to the water's edge and dive in fully clothed.
She treaded water just beyond the surf before swimming a mile out of her way back to shore, as she walked through a carpark a stunning redhead had pulled up beside the soaking wet Walker in a Porsche, there had been much gesticulating amongst the two women before the blonde had been wrapped in a hug by the other woman, the heaving shoulders of the crying blonde told the watching Mike through a small drone, that Akio's observations of Walker in Castle had been spot on, she was in love with Bartowski. He shook his head, Christ, what a mess.
On a personal level his own situation with Maria had improved greatly, they were a couple, his previous existence. He realised, had been lonely, lonelier than he had admitted to himself, with the formation of Oisin's extra companies he found he had more time to develop other interests. She was top of his list, he understood he had been living half a life, still, Maria was fiery and a handful at times but when they kissed, time stopped, that and other things…
The launch of Archangel had been a smash, within a month it had blown the competition away and the Government contracts had finally been signed, the Anomaliz Security engineers had performed on site installations and within a matter of days Oisin and Akio had grinned delightedly as the silent status board on agency infiltration was again green as Janus hooked up the individual spy agencies and was once again sending it's reports on what Beckman et al were up to.
There had been a lot of catching up to do and the Ghosts had been busy searching for any information pertaining to Chuck or themselves, it appeared his warning had done the job though. Larkin's focus was heavily on Fulcrum, any hacking activity noted lately by the agencies was strictly low tier stuff that the Ghosts would have been embarrassed to be associated with. Radcliffe and Dieter spent some time educating various hacker groups than intelligence agencies were off-limits for the foreseeable future. The word was out.
Beckman had a team of Intersect scientists poring over any means of negating what Chuck and Akio had done, with little success, it wouldn't have mattered, Chuck and Akio had kept adjusting the copy they had for future uploads, Larkin had only to look at a TV with satellite hook-up and he was theirs. Beckman, they concluded could waste her time and resources, she was playing a rigged deck with no idea of the rules against some of the smartest players in the world. Success against Fulcrum was her main priority now.
Meike and Sven had been busy with their new company, some of what they had taken during the Cyber-attack had caught their eye, there had been consultations with Chuck by phone and he had managed to flash on information that helped them greatly. Some Fulcrum research that hadn't been safeguarded held some promising finds, they were occupied.
The rest of the Ghosts had been relieved that all had worked out mostly as planned, Oisin had used his company to appoint overseas new sales offices that, of course, also offered technical support for Archangel. Mateo and Mike were obvious choices for North and South America.
Paul and Dieter covered the UK and Europe. There had been some moaning over the wearing of suits and maintaining regular office hours, but these were easy sacrifices, everybody realised that while Chuck had saved them all from serious consequences, Oisin had helped secure their future going forward. Now the favour needed to be returned. Besides, a regular lawfully earned salary was a welcome bonus in some cases.
Akio was also out of the loop, he was either busy adjusting the Intersect copy or poring over the files they had taken to understand more of the process of how it functioned, whoever the creator had been they had been brilliant and had a better understanding of the human brain than he did, they needed a neurologist, luckily they knew where to find one, and one that would be motivated by the need to help.
They had watched as Ellie and Devon went about their lives, when Ellie finally decided she could wait no longer for her brother's return, her marriage was a step in moving forward, they had a simple ceremony in Devon's hometown. The bride's side of the room was embarrassingly bare, Morgan and Anna Wu had turned up, the on and off again relationship had apparently been on again for the event, there was a smattering of work colleagues from the medical centre. The rest of the bystanders were the NSA strike team guided by Casey outside with Miller in the van, Walker had cried off and who could blame her?
In the intervening months the Orange Orange had shut down, the visits to the Bartowski-Woodcomb apartment had dwindled as Sarah Walker was ordered to cease contact with Ellie, it was one more stab to the heart for both women. Another abandonment for Ellie and the loss of a real friendship for the CIA agent.
Another surprise had involved Casey who had quit the Buy More much to Big Mike's shock, he was still seen in the area however, a new security company had sprung up from the closing of the former yoghurt bar, nobody could deny the former Marine wasn't more suited to that line of work. He also moved out of Echo Park, Ellie and Devon returned one morning to a removal van outside the complex, in their post-box was a small card thanking them for their hospitality and a forwarding address if they should ever need anything or hear anything of Chuck. Typical John Casey.
The couple that took over the apartment were soon a topic of conversation for the newly married couple, Fred and Janice White were almost as strange as the previous tenant, in and out at odd hours, friendly, yet with that reserve that Ellie had noticed John Casey had so often demonstrated. Mike Travers would have set them straight, the drones he flew over the Echo Park apartments registered audio signal and bandwidth usage off the charts for a normal household, Beckman and the NSA were in for the long haul.
Devon was delighted, they were apparently fitness freaks and after a few morning runs with Fred, it was a more competitive Devon that was early to rise to prepare on his mornings off.
Their apartment was strangely sterile on the times that Ellie and Devon visited, Fred laughed it off and said they still had some stuff in transit.
Janice irked Ellie slightly though, she was always full of questions on Chuck, Ellie began to suspect that there was some schadenfreude at play, but Devon thought she was just somewhat intense, the Whites both were. At times Ellie could have sworn their new neighbours only preoccupation was with her, and her families lives, she might have been jealous, but Janice never even mentioned Devon in conversation beyond pleasantries. Odd wasn't the word, there was a definite Stepford wife vibe off that girl she thought.
Today, though, she was just missing Chuck. Thanksgiving had been hard. She had banned Morgan from coming over, she had felt bad about it, but she hadn't wanted a repeat of the previous year with that little Taiwanese dragon, Anna Wu. "Hey Babe!", a breathless Devon said as he sat down, he kissed her, "Sorry, last-minute consult just before a surgery with Ellis." Dr. Ian Ellis was the other Cardiologist on call that day.
"It's fine Honey", she replied listlessly, Devon's face dropped a little, but he was too much an optimist to allow himself to falter in raising his wife's spirits, he had sworn his vows for better or worse and he meant them. "Hey! I spoke to my folks; they're heading to my grammy's for Christmas in Reno! We can have the house to ourselves, take that honeymoon we promised ourselves!" He enthused.
After the wedding, Ellie had thrown herself back into her job, it was almost like she'd allowed herself one day of happiness before her woes had surrounded her again. Devon hadn't minded, he'd have Ellie for the rest of his life, the other stuff was just details, but the thoughts of a few days away from Burbank did appeal to the young doctor, it might do them both good, recharge their batteries.
Ellie realised Devon was right, they needed a break, whatever her brother was doing with his life it had become painfully clear that she played no part in it, nobody did, her, Devon, even that annoying fuzzball Morgan Grimes. She nearly forgot Sarah Walker too, but she'd long since disappeared also, probably back to D.C. and her former life. Wiping the frown off her face, she smiled at him, "that's a great idea Hun, something different sounds good". His heart warmed, he tucked into his lunch.
Outside the canteen, listening in with the small bug that Javier had placed in the room, Devon's words had given Mike pause for thought, he wondered… Maria was with him, she saw him smile, it was that smile that she liked the best about Senor Voice. It sent goosebumps even now across her bare arms that made her shiver slightly and lean closer to him for a kiss. He happily obliged.
Drawing back, she looked in his eyes, "What are you planning Mike?" He looked thoughtful, "I think I want to play a game… a little raffle…"
Her eyebrows raised, "…come on, I need to arrange something with your cousins!" He took her hand in his own, they entered the hospital and headed to an elevator.
Downstairs in the Maintenance room the hospital workers shared, he outlined his idea to the two brothers, their eyebrows raised but the grins on both their faces showed they were impressed with the idea.
Mike got on the phone with Mateo and Oisin, this was going to require a little something special, a little "paranormal activity", it was going to need the Ghosts to do their stuff again, this time though, there would be less heat. A small sleight of hand…
12th December. 2009. Anomaliz Security Offices, Dublin. 11.00am
Oisin walked into Roisin's office, there was a huge smile on her face as she tore her eyes from her open laptop screen, jumping up she walked around her desk to warmly embrace her father, after a moment she stepped back and peered up into his eyes. "Well, what do you need me to do?"
A surprised Oisin looked at his daughter's face intently, "And what makes you think I'm here for any other purpose than to check on my only daughter?" Roisin gave him a playful pat on his chest, her head inclined sideways, and her smile became closed. She waited.
He rolled his eyes, "Oh alright…" he tutted, "can I ever get anything past you?" She shook her head, "You taught me everything I know, including you!" she giggled. She walked to a coffee maker.
He shook his head, "Not everything, my young Padawan, now, have you kept up your licence?" Roisin stopped in mid-stride, "as in my special licence…?" He nodded. "I spent…", there was a cough, "…we spent…", another cough, he sighed, "the company spent enough money on your toy, and if I recall, your being able to use it was part of the deal!"
Roisin grinned and pointed to a picture frame on the wall, "Finished up the training in June, logged plenty of hours promoting Archangel since then, figured I'd get some use out of it, why?"
"Well…. Mike has a plan…"
13th December. 2009. Burbank. L.A. Westside Medical Centre. 12.00am.
NSA agent Ted Billings sighed, Carina Miller had been right in her assessment of Burbank, he sat in the canteen for the umpteen time watching the daily routine of the doctors Woodcomb, Snoresville didn't quite cover the description of his duties, outside he could see Nick Cotton standing at the Nurses station, at least he got to do something, Billings sighed again.
It wasn't fair, he had medical training too, all Cotton had done was a stint in the Pararescue, you'd think he'd attended Harvard Medical the way he went on! He glanced around the room again, when he turned back there was a beautiful Mexican woman looking down at him, slightly surprised, he jumped back in his seat, "Smooth, Billings, smooth…" came mockingly in his earpiece, he looked past the young woman to Cotton staring at him over the counter. He bit off a sharp retort as he looked up at the woman.
"Hola! My name is Elena, and I am selling tickets for the Red Cross Charity Christmas special Raffle, would you like to buy a ticket, Senor?" She flashed a glorious smile. "Go on Billings, buy a ticket, I'll split it with you." Cotton again.
Billings looked at the woman, he saw an ID card hanging off her neck on a lanyard. He took in the details, Elena Gonzalez, registered charity no. etc. He read the information out loud….
A couple of streets away….
Mike sat in the small van watching the proceedings, he'd hacked the internal security cameras and Maria had a hidden camera in a jewelled necklace that her wore around her neck and now sat firmly between her ample breasts. All credit to the NSA agent though, he kept his eyes fastened on Maria's face and as Mike watched the other NSA agent outside the canteen fed a steady stream of information back to his colleague verifying that yes, Elena Gonzalez was exactly who they thought she was.
It had been child's play to insert a new identity for Maria with the actual charity, and even though she was fake, any monies that she did gather where going to the Red Cross. She moved slowly away from the agent, Mike smiled, she managed to get him to buy a bunch of tickets, the irony!
She approached the table of Ellie and Devon, with a genuine smile on her face, she liked the couple, her and Devon had a brief conversation in Spanish, Ellie was as usual preoccupied but managed a smile at Maria. Devon bought a couple of tickets. Javier watched as his cousin made the rounds, his attention, as he pretended to attend to a broken light fixture, was on the two agents.
He smiled as he saw she had accomplished her task. She moved out of the canteen and took an elevator down to a waiting Mike as he relayed the next phase of the plan to his friends. They all felt happy, it was a good plan.
15th December. 2009. Echo Apartments. Burbank. 10.30am.
The mobile phone buzzed again and again, finally there was a groan from the bed and an elbow shot across the space between the two occupants, squarely catching the larger in his stomach, luckily, he was in superb shape, it wasn't enough to hurt but it definitely jolted him from his slumber.
"Devon!", moaned Ellie Woodcomb as she peered at her husband from under her sleep mask, "Answer your damn phone!"Still shrugging off sleep from his tired mind, the normally co-ordinated doctor eventually managed to grab the offending article and glaring at it, acknowledged the call, "This had better be an emergency…!" He was cut off, a jaunty voice came through from the far end, "Devon Woodcomb? Is this Dr. Devon Woodcomb of Westside Medical?"
Sitting up, the doctor's brow furrowed in puzzlement as he didn't recognise the voice, cautiously he responded, "Yes, this is he…" The was an explosion of fanfare music from the receiver! "Well Congratulations Doc! You and a lucky partner have just won an all-expenses paid vacation to Dublin, Ireland for the Holiday season!"
"What!" The stunned Devon sat up so abruptly he fell off the side of the bed dragging the duvet cover with him much to the annoyance of one Ellie Woodcomb, "DEVON! That's no special treat for you later, mister…" She paused as she registered the grin all over her husband's face. "What's going on…?" Devon's hand shot up as he tried to catch the details of the prize, Ellie tried to listen in…
"That's AWESOME! What are the dates? He was silent as the voice explained… finally he hung up. Laughing he jumped up off the floor, he grabbed his wife in a hug and spun her joyously in the room, "Devon! What the hell…?" Her protests were useless, she was trying not to laugh as her husband's joy was infectious. He told her.
"OH MY GOD!" an excited Ellie screamed, hugging him closer!
….
Across the yard, Janice White, or NSA agent Dana Wilde tore the headphones from her ears as the squeals emanating from the other apartment reached the decibel level normally associated with shattering glass! "Jesus Christ!", she moaned. "That woman should be registered as a WMD!"
Fred, or Jared Diamond grinned, "I'll phone it in, but honestly, I'm happy for them. They deserve a break, the CIA pukes can watch them on vacation…" he mimicked Casey's voice on the last part, Dana laughed, she liked the couple too, besides, now they could have a break too, Christmas was coming early for all parties involved!
…..
Back in the apartment an excited couple quickly realised that they needed to do some planning if they wanted to take the prize, the dates were set so they had to leave on December 23rd and return by the first week in January after New Years!
The hospital administrator had been great, he had attended the marriage of his two staff members and had been greatly concerned about Ellie's refusal to take a Honeymoon, quietly he had taken the Groom aside on the big day and sincerely promised he would grant the time off at any point. He had no problem adding the extra time off on the promise of a bottle of Irish whiskey, Devon laughed and promised a case!
Then he phoned his parents to inform them of the change in plan, Woody had been delighted, "I spent a Summer there as a young man, let me tell you…" Devon dutifully listened and wrote down a few sights that his father told him to check out.
….
Across town in Mike's RV, he smiled as he contacted Oisin to let him know the plan was in motion, the older man was delighted, "Roisin will fly the corporate jet into Los Angeles, we need to secure the other item to join them on the flight, are you confident you can manage that?"
Mike Travers nodded, "I can ask Diego and the cousins to ensure that, Maria and I will help on the flight over, once we're airborne I figure the cat's going to out of the bag soon enough. Do you have everything sorted out over there? "There was a bleeping sound from his system, Oisin's also bleeped, "Predictable, aren't they?" Oisin asked. "Yes, we're ready for our guests." He answered Mike's question.
Both men watched as the NSA checked out the "prize" that the Woodcomb's had won. Little did the government agency realise that they were been taken on a ride by the Ghosts who had prepared a false trail with the Janus worm. All enquiries returned green, both men released a breath they didn't know they were holding, it was the first real test of the newly activated worm. They had passed with flying colours! As far as Beckman and co, were concerned the late Honeymoon was legit.
"You and Maria looking forward to the trip Mike?"
Travers had to admit he was, "It will be Maria's first real vacation Oisin, and to be honest it will be good to relax, really relax for a while and figure out the next move…"
"Yes lad, it will be good to see you all, I've convinced the others to come too, I have a great spot for us all, but get some good Winter clothes, it's damn cold and wet this time of year here!"
"We will, see you soon."
"You too, Mike" They signed off. He turned to a happy Maria, "Ireland, Mike, is it as green as they say?" Mike gawked; she was barely wearing a … sheer something… she opened her arms and swayed sensuously. He dived forward…
23rd December. 2009. Downtown L.A.
Morgan Grimes drove the Nerd Herder car slowly through the streets on his way to a call out, it wasn't normally his job, but with the loss of his friend Chuck Bartowski and the ending of his on/off relationship with the scary Anna Wu, he had decided to step up and take on some more responsibilities, his almost new stepdad Big Mike had been surprisingly supportive, after Chuck's disappearance the head manager had fought hard to keep store morale alive. He even managed to get Emmet transferred out, much to the shock of the annoying one!
Morgan had his face pressed up against the windshield has he tried to see the address on the building he had been called to, a sudden flash of movement in his peripheral vision alerted him to a black van that was cutting him off! He practically stood on the brakes as he smashed his face against the glass as he slid to a halt, moaning, he barely noticed as the door opened and two Hispanic men grabbed him out of the car and dragged him to the van.
"What the Frak is going on?" He moaned as a black hood was thrown over his head, a cable tie secured his hands. There was the ominous sound of an automatic pistol being cocked near his head. "Be silent or else!" was hissed angrily in his ear. He eeped and fell quiet. His mind desperately raced, was this the end of Chewbacca?
The van took off and he could hear two voices in rapid Spanish relay a message to someone unknown. His head cleared, the van smelled like an auto shop, all oil and hydraulic fumes, and he could feel small metal parts under his body. He felt the van increase in speed, they were on a freeway, where the hell where they taking him….?
In the front of the van the two cousins, Diego and Eduardo laughed, Diego pushed the replica pistol into the glove compartment and called Mike. They took their time and joined the traffic on the Freeway.
Earlier…. Echo Apartments. Burbank.
Devon Woodcomb groaned but he should have known better, Ellie was nothing if not prepared, she was relentless in her preparation for the impending vacation, at this rate he thought he might need his own services as a Cardiologist as he checked and rechecked everything at his wife's urging.
The emails had been printed out, passports checked, and luggage sorted, it was that very task he was currently engaged in when Fred popped his head into the courtyard, "Need a hand there Devon?" he asked.
"Thanks Fred, you're a lifesaver, Ellie's bringing half the apartment for a two-week visit!" The other man laughed, "I heard, she borrowed a few things from Janice…." Devon's eyes shot up, "…women's things.", added Fred rolling his eyes. "Say no more…" grinned the struggling doctor as he shook his head," …say Fred, you don't mind watching the place while we're away?" Fred White smiled back, "Naw, you go do the Honeymoon thing, take plenty of pics, I'm jealous already!"
"No worries there, Ellie is going to snap her head off, this is her first ever foreign trip." There was the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps, "Oh for God's Sake! Is that car still not loaded? Oh, Hi Fred! I just spoke to Janice, thanks for helping out, we really appreciate it!" Ellie hugged Fred and jumped in the car.
"Thanks Fred! See you in the New Year!" Devon jumped in the car too and off they went. Janice appeared beside Fred and with a broad smile waved at the departing couple, as the car rounded a corner the smiles dropped, opening his phone Jared spoke briefly, "Diamond secure, packages en route." He listened briefly and then hung up. "Come on, I can just about make the connection to Seattle, you ok for making yours?" Dana nodded, "I'm fine, I'll make sure the Colonel has the cover surveillance for the complex secured, enjoy your break. See you in the New Year."
23rd December. 2009. L.A.X. International.
The van had made its way to a small warehouse on the outskirts of the airport, there the two cousins had met with Mike and Maria, they were decked out as Red Cross Charity office workers, Mike peeked in the van, Morgan had remained quiet, his head was turning side from side though, Mike grinned, he could almost hear the other man thinking. He nodded at Diego.
Diego entered and grabbed Morgan, "where's your phone?" he snarled in his best bad guy voice. Morgan shook in fright and stammered out, "...in... in... my back... back …pocket…ok? Please don't hurt me…" Diego found the phone, he leaned closer to the frightened Morgan, "Tell your boss, you finished the job and you're going to a friend's apartment, you'll see him and your mother over Christmas…" Puzzled, the other man obeyed. Diego listened to the brief call, switching off the phone he placed it in a Faraday bag. He handed it to Maria.
The two cousins got to work, the van was given a quick cleaning and Red Cross decals added to the sides, anyone familiar with the charity would instantly recognise it as a courtesy vehicle, the interior seating was added and within twenty minutes they were ready to go, Morgan had been placed in a large case and warned under penalty of death to stay silent. Mike thanked Diego and Eduardo, Maria hugged her brother and cousin, there was muted goodbyes, for the siblings it would be their first Christmas apart since their parents passed.
Mike's phone buzzed with a text, it was Roisin, she was ready, she'd arrived the day before, a business meeting had been arranged with a client to account for the jet's arrival in Los Angeles, the return trip manifest included some extra passengers it was noted, the Company was bringing some staff across for a site visit, at least that's what the official line was….
Inside in the Private Jet terminal, Ellie and Devon were enjoying a pre-flight drink, the first-class lounge was a new experience for both, and they enjoyed all the amenities on offer, the Learjet could be seen from the lounge window and they both marvelled at the sleek craft.
"It's amazing, isn't it sweetie?" Ellie gushed, already some of the year's heartache was disappearing, she had made a conscious decision to really enjoy herself and make sure her husband did too. Devon smiled back enthusiastically, he enjoyed the change in his wife's demeanour, "Yes honey, it is, like a dream!" He nuzzled her neck as she leaned back against him.
The door opened to the lounge and a smartly dressed man and woman entered, he was tall with a slightly official air to his face, the woman Devon instantly recognised, it was the one that sold him the winning ticket, she wore a broad smile, another Hispanic man walked in behind them and started opening some banner cases, in a matter of moments there was a small Red Cross display, and the man, who introduced himself as Terry Michaels, presented a pair of tickets to the two smiling doctors.
Devon recognised his voice from the phone call, "Delighted to meet you both, sorry for the pizazz, marketing nonsense, but it creates interest…" he said by way of explanation. After a few pictures by the other man with Maria pretending to take a sound bite, Roisin Murphy appeared in the doorway, Mike nodded, "Come on, we'll accompany you to the plane for a few shots inside" The happy couple had their passports checked as Roisin walked ahead.
Outside the van had pulled up near the jet and the assistant was busy loading a large case on. Nobody minded and Mike and Maria kept the doctors busy with small talk. Once aboard they didn't notice as Mike slipped Diego a nod, the other man climbed down from the plane and quietly closed the door, he got in the van and drove off towards the airport exit.
Back onboard, Roisin, who had already completed her safety checks turned to her co-pilot Colum McMahon and began the startup procedures, the first inkling Ellie and Devon had that something untoward was going on was when the plane moved gently as it pulled away from the boarding area.
"Sorry but shouldn't you both be getting off?" she asked nervously. Devon was also puzzled, he was also puzzled by the large chest the other man had deposited on the floor behind them as they entered the plane, it had just started thumping!
The man they had known as Terry had stopped smiling, he produced a gun from his pocket and motioned to the two doctors to sit down, Devon stepped in front of Ellie, his handsome features twisted in anger, "Hey! What the hell is going on…?"
"Sit down Dr. Woodcomb and strap in, we're taking a little trip. But first put your mobiles in this silver bag that my partner is holding." They both glared but complied, Maria looked unhappy, Mike had explained this part of the plan to her, but she was afraid. "Please Senor, Senora, do as he asks, all will be explained soon!"
The plane picked up speed and the fasten seatbelts sign lit up, with no choice in sight and afraid for his wife, Devon complied, they all sat down and belted up.
In a matter of moments, the jet taxied to the runaway and in a burst of power shot up into the air. The jet climbed sharply and after ten minutes levelled off. Mike looked at Maria, "Can you let our other guest out of the case, I'm sure he'd enjoy a seat a lot more."
Devon and Ellie's eyes widened at that remark. Maria unbuckled and tight-lipped crossed over to the case and popped open the lid, a gasping Morgan Grimes shot up, wide eyed and angry, "What the FUCK is going on?" He demanded.
"Morgan?" came a familiar voice from behind him, he froze… turning his head slowly he saw Ellie and Devon sitting behind him in plush jet seats… that registeredfast with him, and his head spun as he took in his surroundings. He tried to step towards his friends, "Ellie, Devon…what the…WHOA…!", he had forgotten the high side of the case and sprawled onto the cabin floor, Mike unbuckled and picked him up.
He pushed the other man gently into a seat across the aisle from the other two and with a quick wrist motion snapped open a folder he had in his hand. Morgan flinched and closed his eyes as Mike approached but suddenly his outstretched hands shot free as the cable tie was cut.
"Can someone please tell me, what the FUCK is going on?" Heads all turned as an angry Ellie had regained her composure and was now looking from Mike to Morgan for answers.
Mike stood, he produced the gun, Ellie's mouth closed, she curled into her husband's shoulder as he placed a protective hand on her.
Mike flipped the gun into Devon's lap. The other man wasted no time in grabbing it and reversing it at Mike, "Take us back! NOW!" he snarled.
Morgan also glared angrily at the two unknown people, "What hesaid!" he snapped.
Mike leaned forward to the bearded man, "We could do that, but then Chewbacca would miss the chance to see Han Solo again and Ellie here would miss seeing her brother Chuck…"
"WHAT!" came in unison from the three shocked friends.
"What do you mean? Do you know where my brother is? Were you involved in his disappearance? What is going on?" Ellie's voice was breaking. The other two men just stared at Mike.
Mike sighed and sat down, "I'm sorry, but we had to get you guys out of L.A. and we had to make sure you weren't followed…"
"What do you mean followed...?" Devon had regained his voice, he was furious, but he had the gun now, and like his wife, he needed answers.
"Please Senor…", it was Maria, "You have been in great danger, your brother had to run for his life, I helped him, Mike is a good man, he and his friends were in great danger and your brother saved them all. Dark forces surrounded you all, and this was the only way…"
"Dark Forces…. is this for real?", came from Morgan Grimes, like his friends his face had lost its fear and now he was curious.
"Oh, it's for real alright…" the accented lilt of a woman's voice came from behind them all, three heads spun as Roisin Murphy entered the cabin. "I get it, this is a shock, but my advice is to listen to Mike, he can't tell you the full story…", she paused, "…he can't because it's a story you really need to hear from the one you all miss, all I ask I that you trust us for now, no harm is coming to you, I promise."
There was something is the woman's voice that placated Ellie, it didn't hurt either that she was poised and assured in her speech and mannerisms, someone used to yielding authority. She looked at her husband's face, he had taken on that look she knew as interest. He placed the gun on the table beside him, within reach of all.
"We're listening…"
Maria sat down next to Mike, Roisin walked forward and took a seat next to them facing the other three.
"Well...", Mike began, "…it all started about nine months ago…"
Later….
Ellie and Devon and Morgan sat dumbfounded, they had looked at each other over the course of the flight as Mike and Roisin filled them in on what happened to Chuck, they left out a lot of stuff, questions as to why Chuck had been a person of interest to the government, they deflected, reminding the couple and Morgan that it was not their tale to tell.
Roisin had gotten up at various times to check on the cockpit and to help Maria with some food service, while she and Mike and Maria had been hungry, the other three had picked at their food. Their appetites for answers outweighed their needs for calorific intake.
After the adrenaline rush of the departure, their heads swam as Mike had explained the necessity of the subterfuge in getting them out of the U.S. When he revealed the truth of their neighbours there was a triumphant aha! from Ellie.
"I told you she was too good to be true…!" Devon shook his head, when Mike produced a laptop and showed them the extent of the surveillance that had been carried out against them, they were both deeply offended.
"Those things are in our home?" Ellie gasped in horror. Her appetite completely disappeared, and she felt nauseous, cupping a hand over her mouth she ran to the toilet slamming the door shut behind her. Mike sighed, Maria grabbed a bottle of mineral water and stood outside for the other woman.
Devon appreciated the gesture, he sat with a concerned look on his face, "Will they find out? Will they harm my parents?"
Mike shook his head no, "Actually it was them that kept you safe… and no, they believe this Honeymoon is real" He explained, Devon gave a sigh of relief. Mike explained more about Chuck's escape.
"…however, that agent was not FBI, he was one of Beckman's. just like Walker and Casey…" Ellie had returned to her seat for that part. She still couldn't believe it; Sarah Walker was a spy for the godforsaken CIA! What had her little brother gotten into?
The flight eventually reached its destination, the couple and their friend watched as they passed over the coastal lights before turning and passing over Howth Head on the landing path to Dublin Airport. It was dark outside, they had arrived early in the morning, but daylight was still a while off, however that was what they hoped would help in getting them through the airport, the city would be waking up and traffic increasing, if they wanted to catch any tails, they needed to take advantage of that.
Mike looked at the three of them, "We have asked you to trust us, and if you want when we touch down all you have to do is call out to any official and all of us, bar the co-pilot will be arrested, all I'm asking you for is a few more hours, we need to obscure our trail, Beckman will have people following you even here."
They looked at each other. The look conveyed a message of understanding that only the three of them could follow after years of each other's company. Ellie looked at Mike and Maria, "Ok, we'll play along for now, but if I don't meet my brother soon, I'm going to start screaming so loud they'll hear me in the U.S. Embassy!"
Mike smiled, "Ellie, I would expect no less from you after all these months getting to know you. Welcome to Ireland by the way…"
The jet jumped slightly as the wheels hit the tarmac, they had landed…
23rd December. 2009. Jetex-Toulouse Airport. France. 14.00CET.
John Robie jumped up from his seat for the umpteenth time that day, Sean Murphy groaned, "Can you give it a rest? My head is still hopping after the Christmas Party last night?" His bloodshot eyes pleaded with his friend.
Robie relented and sat back down. The Legion had several traditions that were well maintained, the Camerone celebration in April, in remembrance of the Legion's most famous battle, Bastillie Day was also a celebration and they also celebrated Christmas, for most Legionnaires there was no going home for the holidays unlike members of other armies.
So it was with some trepidation that he prepared for his first Christmas alone, he was being silly he thought, Erik and Philip were in the same boat, it was a surprise when Delon had summoned him to his office where Sean was waiting, he entered and snapped to attention, announcing his name, rank, and duration of service to the waiting officer.
It had been a couple of months since he had been officially accepted as a Legionnaire, training was still ongoing, there was more in-depth exams of materials covered, Delon had discussed his training program with the new legionnaire. So, he was expecting more of the same when he entered the office. It was a surprise when Delon announced that he was granting him a ten-day pass to accompany Caporal Murphy on his annual leave.
This was practically unheard of, Robie had no doubt it was only with the assurances of Sean to Delon that he was being allowed to travel at all. First year Legionnaires were a high risk for desertion. He thanked Delon profusely and left the office. He had no idea how he would face his friends though; he had no worries; Sean had already broached the issue with the lads, and they were happy for him. It seemed Sean Murphy had thought of everything.
Delon had surprised them all though, he moved up the traditional Christmas celebrations to the 22nd, Robie was grateful beyond measure, it was an amazing experience, he had witnessed the Camerone celebration in April, but as a new recruit he had been reduced to the role of a waiter, serving on the current and past Legionnaires that knew the significance of the day, something only a full blooded Legionnaire could appreciate.
So, Christmas was his chance to join in a unique celebration for the men of many nationalities, it did not disappoint, the Officers that attended each presented the men with a gift, in Robie's case it was a good pair of Aviator sunglasses, "For the range, Robie!", one of Delon's rare smiles accompanied the gift and Robie found he was very touched by the gesture, Erik got a similar pair and Philip got a decent MP3 player, they were served a traditional Christmas dinner, the main two Legion beers of Kronenbourg and Heineken were on full display and everyone got stuck in.
In some ways it reminded Robie of a frat party, but that had been boys, this was a group of men, they had built a creche of the Nativity and some had attended mass, the men had stood and sung Silent Night (Stile Nacht) in German and the hairs had stood up on Robie's neck, now more than ever, he realised he was a part of something special, a true brotherhood.
The men had done a few skits of the NCO's and Officers, it wasn't just a gentle mocking but also a show of appreciation for the leadership they had experienced over the training at Castel as well as the gratitude that these men had helped them realise their ambitions of becoming a Legionnaire. It was a unique Christmas present for them all in itself.
Robie and his friends as well as Sean had really tied one on, it was a very amused caporal friend of Sean's who drove the two men from their current base in Saint-Christol to Toulouse the following morning, they reached the airport in good time, one thing about the military life, once you were up, you were up!
Sean phoned his father to check on the travel arrangements, they had carefully planned the journey, the original idea had been for Roisin to collect her brother and Robie, but Mike's plan needed her elsewhere, Oisin had booked a private plane for them at a small company that was part of the Jetex-Toulouse private airfield near the main Toulouse airport, there was less security and less chance of any intelligence agency people watching the comings and goings of travellers, it wasn't a problem anyway, the security cameras were experiencing 'technical difficulties' as soon as Robie and Sean turned up.
The flight over had been short, only three hours before they touched down again at Galway airport, there was a wait for Robie on the plane before a beep of a car horn sounded outside, disembarking he quickly stepped into a Ford Focus with window tints, Sean steered the car quickly from the airport, Robie kept his head down and in a short while they stopped at a house near a place called Salthill on the coast outside the main city, there was a garage and Sean drove in, he grabbed a key from a can full of screws on a bench and opened a door into a small kitchen area. They entered.
Robie turned and whistled as he entered the Dining room, there was a large bay window and the sea off the West Coast was a sight for sore eyes. "Make yourself at home mate, this is my place, so no worries on visitors, we'll be here for a few hours before we meet with your family at a friend of dad's, he hired some rooms at a place J.P. owns in Limerick. It's a bit of a drive down the coast."
Robie had only heard "family" and his face lit up. Sean was amazed, the man was ablaze with happiness. If this was what he was normally like, he wondered what they would be like. He smiled and went to put the kettle on. "There's hot water in the shower, you need a wash, I bloodey do, you may want to change…" Robie nodded, they'd bought some clothing over for the trip. He made his way upstairs. A few hours more…
23rd December. 2009. Malahide Estuary, Dublin. 11.30am.
The trip from the airport had been very short, after getting off the plane, Roisin had taken over, everybody had made it through the Customs, a large minibus had been organised by her P.A. Breda Kelly. Morgan had kept his head down and had been totally surprised when Mike gave him a passport before they left the plane, his new name was Brian Morgan, Mike was taking no chances, the shorter man's nervousness had increased but he was holding it together.
They had hardly left the airport confines before Mike pinged a car with Consular plates behind them, looks like Beckman had arranged a surveillance detail after all, "behind us Roisin, navy Mercedes, about three cars back, other lane." She threw a glance in the mirror, Mike had warned the others, he was pleased to see they didn't turn to check.
"Not a problem, we're in a private estate, security will stop him". They turned onto a small road, there was gates up ahead and a gatehouse, a guard walked out as they stopped, "Oh it's you Ms Murphy, I'll get the gates for you!", there was a buzz and the gates opened, they passed through. "Thanks David", she said pleasantly as they passed by, "Happy Christmas!".
The Mercedes halted further back up the lane, they could see the driver emerge and approach the gatehouse, Roisin smiled, celebrities and important businesspeople lived here, he was on a hiding to nothing. Wealthy people paid well for their privacy, even the National Police would need a valid reason for turning up unannounced! The SUV had been hired through an unconnected party.
Rounding a small hill they approached a small estate, there was a sign with Setanta Hall on it and they turned onto a large driveway, an elegant house with two large garages on either side of a large courtyard with a small fountain loomed ahead, Ellie's eyes widened, and Devon gave a low whistle of appreciation. It was a recent build, modern, he thought about twenty years old at most.
The minivan stopped outside a large pair of latticed glass doors, a large elderly man leaning on a cane stood smiling outside them, "We're home!" grinned Roisin and she jumped from the van and into her father's welcoming arms. They hugged warmly.
Whatever doubts the three watching friends had had, disappeared at the display of affection in front of them, no bad guys they ever heard of got a homecoming like that! Mike and Maria were next, and Oisin stepped forward to shake his friend's hand, his eyes twinkled as he kissed Maria's hand. He welcomed them both.
He turned to the onlookers still in the van, "Well if you want to stay there, you're more than welcome but I have some food and coffee in the house, if you'd care to join us?"
That was all Morgan needed, that and a bathroom! He leaped from the van, "Thank you, where's your restroom?" Oisin laughed, "Roisin? Would you do the honours?" She smiled at her father, "This way Morgan." She led the way inside with the other two.
Outside Oisin waited as Ellie and Devon exited the minivan, they stood for a moment sizing each other up, he took in the older Bartowski sibling in the flesh for the first time, her husband too, they made a striking couple. Just like her brother, Ellie radiated intelligence.
"Welcome to my home Ellie, Devon, I hope I can answer more of your questions, we won't be here long, just enough for you to freshen up, there's someone who you all want to meet and now finally …it's time to make that happen…"
There were tears on Ellie's face as she shook the older man's hand, Devon too was not immune, his eyes glistened with happiness too. He shook the other man's hand vigorously and they entered the house.
23rd December. 2009. Outskirts Limerick City. 20.00pm.
The Ford Focus wound its way carefully down a country road, beside Sean, an eager Robie took in the sights of rural Ireland, they had passed some old castles and buildings on the way to Adare.
They had both changed into what was referred to as smart casual these days, chinos, shirt, sturdy shoes and a heavy jacket, a quick shower had washed away their travel weariness and they were eager to reach their destination for similar reasons, family, and friends.
"Ah, here we are!" said Sean, Robie looked as they entered an estate called Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Course, "This is your dad's friend's place!?" he gasped incredulously, the road opened out revealing an enormous estate that was both old and modern, the buildings were behind a large river than had a footbridge over it and a golf course beyond, they approached from the garden side, they passed by the front of the old building and entered a carpark behind the new addition to the estate.
Robie's head spun as he took in the sheer opulence surrounding him, Sean grabbed his arm, guiding him, and they entered the reception area, a man seemed to recognise Sean and hailed him, Robie tensed. "Hallo Sean, good to see you…" they shook hands, "J.P. this is Robie, a good mate of dad's and mine."
The man reached for Robie's hand, "Nice to meet you Robie, welcome to Adare Manor, I hope you'll enjoy your stay!" Robie smiled, "Thank you sir, it's a beautiful place you have here!" The other man looked proud, "Thank you, you're very kind. Sean, your dads on the way with his guests they should be here by nine, the wing is yours, try not to wreck the place!"
Sean laughed, "See you on the course J.P. and thanks!" He turned to Robie who seemed slightly dazed, "Did he say wing, Sean?" Sean nodded, "Dad and Roisin thought it was probably best if we had control of our own area, J.P. is an old mate of the family. He sorted us out no problem!"
"But the cost, Sean…" Sean laughed again, "You already paid for it mate!" Robie blinked, "I paid for it?"
"Yep, we outfitted his business with Archangel at a very reasonable price, don't worry, in Ireland it's very much you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, particularly in business among friends!"
Robie was still staring around the reception area with its high arched windows and plush seating. Shaking his head, he followed Sean up the stairs to their rooms. Europe, he thought, it's definitely different.
23rd December. 2009. Malahide Estuary, Dublin. 19.45pm.
The first inkling Ellie and the rest had of their travel arrangements after a light lunch and some rest was when Roisin had answered a call from her company. She smiled at the news, "They're here!" she told her father. "Is the transport on the way?" he asked. She nodded.
Morgan looked at the older man and Mike, "won't our friend outside follow us to… wherever?" They smiled, "Not unless he can fly!" answered Oisin. With that a large helicopter came flying out of nowhere and hovered over the property before landing on the large lawn.
The pilot jumped out to be greeted by Roisin who jumped into his arms and kissed the man passionately. They made their way, arm in arm to the house. Inside, Roisin introduced Turlough Breslin to the assembled group, "this is my boyfriend, and he has kindly volunteered to fly us in his helicopter to our destination!" The tall handsome man smiled at the group, "If you'll follow me, please."
Turlough led the way to his craft, they all boarded, "What about luggage?" asked Ellie. "Don't you worry, your luggage may contain a few NSA surprises, we can restock when we get where we're going", Mike replied. The couple stared at one another; it was another reminder than their lives had not been as free as they thought they had been.
The helicopter powered up and soon they were hovering above the house, just before Turlough banked the craft in the direction of travel Mike noticed the man in the navy Mercedes jump from his car in a vain attempt to see the copter markings, but they were already moving by the time he turned around.
Mike smiled at Oisin, there was no way the operative could find out about a privately owned aircraft in a foreign country without damn good cause. Besides, the operative would have no idea if it was them or not. There was some 'guests' Oisin had arranged to stay in his house for the break. The ruse they pulled in L.A. was back in operation with local talent. They were free of surveillance.
After about an hour's flying time Ellie gasped as the destination slowly appeared in their view, if her brother had been impressed arriving by road, the older Bartowski sibling was amazed at the view of the estate from the air. Turlough moved in a slow circle around the buildings before he received permission to land.
The group disembarked onto the grass where a couple of estate SUVs awaited their arrival. Roisin took Ellie and Devon and Morgan to one side, "I heard what you said to Mike, Ellie, we were watching over you all for months, so we had time to get your sizes, for allof you", she beamed at Morgan, who started to look a little concerned, "In your rooms we have left you clothing, all you will need, hopefully, but anything you're missing, ask the Concierge, she's been asked to help you out, ok?"
It was one more example of kindness from this mysterious group of people that put Ellie at ease with the situation, "Thank you Roisin, I have no idea how we can ever repay you…" Roisin smiled, "thank your brother, Ellie, without him I would have possibly lost my father, and our business."
They got into the SUVs, and it was a few minutes' drive to the hotel entrance, they walked into the vast reception area where they were met by the hotel manager and his staff, "Ms Murphy, delighted to see you and your father again, we've arranged the rooms as per your request, your other guests have also arrived and will meet you in the private guests lounge at 9.30. If there's anything else, we can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask…"
"Thanks very much Mr. Gleeson, I'm sure we're going to enjoy our stay, please convey my families thanks to the owner."
"But, of course, here are your room cards and the access cards to the wing. Have a good evening" he withdrew leaving the group as they stared around themselves.
"Come on, let's get comfortable, Dad, are you ok?" asked a concerned Roisin. It didn't escape her notice that the two doctors were observing her father keenly. Normally her father was resting at this time of night, to her surprise though, he was beaming at the reactions of the others. "Never better my Dear, come. Let's find our rooms and then I want to see Sean and Chuck."
Ellie's heart raced at that. She looked at Devon and Morgan, they were both practically vibrating with excitement! They forced themselves to go to their rooms, Ellie and Devon stood for the longest time in theirs taking in the elegance of the furnishings before Ellie let a whoop of delight as she dived on the marvellous four poster! It was like a dream come true and in a short while her nightmare was about to end, standing watching his wife, Devon Woodcomb's heart soared as he watched the sadness leave his wife's face.
There was a knock on their door, and they opened to see Morgan standing there, he quietly said in an awed voice, "We're in a castle, a FREAKIN' CASTLE!" He nearly shouted the last part!
It was too much for the other two and they collapsed on the bed laughing as the tension left them. After a few moments Ellie looked at the clock on the room wall, it was a few minutes to 9.30. She stepped to the washroom and ran a facecloth over her face. "Come on! We have someone to meet!" They exited the room and followed the signage to an elevator or lift as they were now in Europe, Morgan pointed out. Ellie rolled her eyes but summoned the lift to their floor, she entered and selected the lounge floor.
They arrived and made their way down the long corridor before opening the doors to see an enormous room, it had arched ceilings, a large log fire and an assortment of leather suites that looked magnificent in the low light, there was a commotion from the far end of the room by a bar and they recognised their travelling companions, they made their way over.
There was a man with the same hair and green eyes as his sister who was hugging him enthusiastically as a younger, taller version tried to shake his brother's hand at the same time, their father and Mike and some other people she didn't recognise, stood to the side talking to someone that they couldn't see blocked by a column, whomever it was, he was definitely taller than the Irishman, slowly they came into view.
He had his back to her, he was tall, his brown hair was tight to his head, he was broad, athletically built, but there was something in his movements that caused the breath to catch in Ellie's throat. Oisin noticed her and the others approaching, he smiled and said something to the man, who turned.
She gasped, her hand shot to her mouth and then she was running, running faster than she'd ever run in her life… sobbing, screaming, jumping, into the arms of Chuck Bartowski, her brother…