A/N: Happy Sunday friends, and welcome to Chapter 13 – Hunting Season. And thank you for all the continued support. Your reviews and PM's are greatly valued.

Last chapter, Chuck returned to Washington under the watchful eye of Ellie and Devon. Chuck Also got a heart-warming surprise homecoming gift from Sarah. But today is Christmas morning, and Chuck has a date at the White House, where for the first time he will meet President Walker, not as an employee, but as Sarah's boyfriend. And while Chuck, Sarah and the rest of the extended family are expecting a happy Christmas, someone is going to get some coal in their stocking. I hope you enjoy this chapter, as it starts to set up a series of much larger events.

I'd like to extend my thanks to klipdoctor for offering very kindly to beta, and to CliffM who also kindly offered his services pre-reader. As usual, I don't own Chuck or profit in any way from writing this completely AU story.

Valkyrie's Invisible Shield

Chapter 13 – Hunting Season

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 08:00 EST

Location: 80 29th Street, Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) – Brooklyn, New York

Lieutenant Frank Mauser walked into the detention center and prepared to present his NYPD badge and identification card as required for access. His destination was the female detention wing, the same wing that housed Ghislaine Maxwell. In his pocket was a pack of cigarettes, one of which had been dosed with a slow-acting nerve agent that would cause paralysis. All he needed to do was get Heather to put the cigarette's filter to her lips, and she would absorb the toxin and die of respiratory failure within two to three hours, depending on her size and metabolic rate. Heather Chandler was a smoker and petite, so Mauser estimated that once she touched the cigarette, death would probably take less than two hours. He approached the check-in desk and filled out the required form to gain access to the prisoner. Later in the afternoon, a friend would destroy the inmate visitation form and replace it with an alternate that had another prisoner's name on it.

"Lieutenant Frank Mauser here to question Heather Chandler, inmate number 02879-509." He handed a surly correction officer at the check-in counter his NYPD ID and the completed Inmate Request Form. The Check-in officer punched Mauser's NYPD ID number into his system and entered Heather Chandler's name and inmate number. A small red flashing square appeared on his screen with specific instructions.

"Okay, Lieutenant, you have been cleared. I need your service weapon, please." Securing weapons on entry was standard procedure. All armed law enforcement personnel were required to surrender any weapons they carried before being given access. The weapons would go into a secure locker and be retrieved after the officer exited the secure areas of the facility.

Mauser complied, immediately surrendering his Glock-19 as well as a telescoping steel baton and his handcuffs.

"We also need your mobile phone or phones, Lieutenant." The check-in officer added.

Mauser pulled out two phones and laid them on the counter. "Can I keep the smokes and matches?" He asked.

"Those you can keep, but no lighters."

Mauser nodded and was directed to the entry to the secure section of the facility, where he would pass through a metal detector and where any briefcase or files would be x-rayed. Once he cleared the scans, he would need to wait for a series of doors to open and close sequentially, so there was never a fully opened path between the screening room and the secure area of the detention center. As Mauser stepped into the screening area, the check-in officer picked up his phone, dialed a number, and spoke.

"Yes, Sir….Lieutenant Mauser, 10th Precinct is here for inmate Chandler….yes, Sir….I have two phones here." A moment later, one of Mauser's phones rang. "Do you want me to answer it, Sir?" The check-in officer asked.

"Yes, please." Came the response.

The officer pushed the button and lifted the phone to his ear. "Hello?"

"This is Agent Ratner with the FBI. Is this the phone handed to you by Lieutenant Mauser?"

"Yes, Sir. I have it, his service weapon, some additional effects, and a second phone. All are inventoried on his check-in, and I have not broken the chain of custody."

"Excellent. You can hang up the mobile phone, but please stay on the landline." Ratner could be heard speaking to some others for a moment.

"Officer Gomez, Lieutenant Mauser is suspected of being a co-conspirator in a national security matter and will be taken into custody momentarily. Please allow him to be routed to the meeting room as per standard procedure, and once he is in isolation, he will be arrested. We are monitoring your video feeds, so your people only need to follow procedure. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Sir," Gomez responded.

Mauser walked through a series of reinforced glass and steel doors, one at a time, and was met by a sizeable uniformed woman. "You are here to interview inmate Chandler?" The woman asked as confirmation.

"Yep," Mauser responded succinctly.

"Interview Six. This way." The large woman led the way down a corridor, through some more secure doors, and then to a hallway with numbered doors.

"Interview Six. When you are done, push the button on the intercom, and someone will come to collect you." Mauser nodded as he entered the dingy room, and the large woman closed the door behind him, the steel locking mechanism clicking with an uncomfortable finality. The space was sparse. A steel table with two matching chairs across each other, all bolted to the floor. On the far side of the room was another door, one that the inmate would be using to enter. Mauser noted the camera on the wall, nestled in the corner, and pointed towards the inmate's side of the room. Instinctively, he kept his face protected from it. He sat down, pulled out the pack of cigarettes, and waited.

The wait was longer than expected, and Mauser's gut started to make him question his safety. He was about to stand and call on the intercom to be escorted out when he heard the heavy steel lock on the inmate's side of the interview room clang. He expected to see a petite blonde in an orange jumpsuit being led in handcuffs by a corrections officer, but instead, he saw four large men in dark blue tactical gear flood the room with their weapons drawn, followed by two FBI special agents.

The fast entry shocked Mauser, who remained frozen in his chair as the four members of the NYPD Emergency Services Unit surrounded him and placed him under arrest.

"Frank Mauser, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and a series of other charges that will be listed as soon as we finish compiling them." Lana Richards, the Special Agent In-Charge, spoke with disdain at Mauser, who was now flat on the floor with his hands cuffed behind his back.

"Johnson," she said to her number two, "I want him strip-searched and carefully inventory everything he has. I also want everything he has that could be consumed, like the buttons on his jacket, shirt, etc, tested, including the cigarettes and the matches. Everything."

"On it," Johnson replied as he put on a pair of nitrile gloves and started collecting everything on Mauser's person, including the cigarettes, and placing them in evidence baggies.

Once he was thoroughly patted down, Mauser would be taken to a separate room and strip-searched before being locked up in solitary in the high-risk wing of the facility without the usual booking process. Once the FBI had finished checking Mauser's clothes, phones, etc, he would be thoroughly questioned.

-O-

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 09:45 EST

Location: 2501 Q Street, Chuck Bartowski's Residence – Georgetown, Washington D.C.

"Quit fussing, Chuck, you look terrific," Ellie chided her brother as she helped him button up his shirt. She took a step back to give him a quick once-over. "You look very handsome, Chuck. Very handsome." Ellie smiled before pulling him into a gentle hug. "I'm so very proud of you, Chuck. I really am. And I'm so happy you seem to have found your counterpoint in Sarah." Ellie stepped back and looked Chuck in the eye. "Chuck, if Sarah is as special to you as you are saying, please don't get complicated on her. I know your focus on your career hasn't left much room for romance, but some things in life are more important than a career, and love is one of those things." She smiled and patted his cheek. "Besides, I really like her, and if you screw this up, you'll have me to deal with."

"Thanks sis. I'll do my best. I promise." Chuck grinned at Ellie before walking into the living room, where Devon was nursing a cup of coffee.

"Looking good, Awesome!" Chuck greeted his brother-in-law.

"You too, pal. Ready to slay'em?" Devon responded cheerfully.

"Slay'em? Really, Devon? This is what you tell a member of the President's Secret Service protection detail before he meets the First Family?" Chuck started laughing out loud and then winced as the sharp pain in his chest reminded him of his injury.

"Devon….what is wrong with you?" Ellie growled as she hovered around Chuck checking he was OK.

After being adequately chastised for causing Chuck pain, Devon was sent to the bedroom to collect the few gifts they had managed to purchase in London before flying to D.C. The gifts included something special Chuck had asked Ellie to pick up for Sarah.

Once Ellie was satisfied they were ready, she helped Chuck drape a long dark gray coat over his shoulders to accommodate the sling that held his left arm and then led them out of the apartment and to the sidewalk. The black Towncar pulled up just as they reached the sidewalk.

-O-

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 15:00 GMT (10:00 EST)

Location: Bruce Rooms -Tottenham, London

Clyde Decker checked in to Bruce Rooms, a sort of boarding house in Tottenham, maybe a half mile from the Tottenham Hotspur soccer stadium. He took a short nap, showered, and changed in preparation for meeting one of his resources. He had a lengthy list of contacts he could approach, and given the nature of the "club" Decker belonged to, the names on his list were all well-established in the London underworld. Unsurprisingly, the top name on his list was Daniel Shaw, but Shaw was MIA and wasn't returning calls. Perhaps he had already left London and returned to Dubai. Decker also called Bryce Larkin, another reputable resource one could use in and around London, but Larkin was also not reachable. Maybe Shaw and Larkin were working on something together.

Third on his list was Stavros Demetrios. He was able to make contact and arranged to meet Demetrios and one of his captains in the next hour. In that meeting Demetrius would also receive a substantial payment for locating Volkoff and for delivery of a new nine-millimeter Glock 19 and a new Sig Sauer SSG 3000 sniper rifle with Zeiss scope. Given the date, it was likely that Volkoff would be out of sight for the day before returning to his usual activities on "Boxing Day" as it was called over here, the day after Christmas. Once Demetrios let loose his bloodhounds, it should only be a matter of time before they found Volkoff, and then Decker could execute the sanction.

-O-

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 10:20 EST

Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C. – The White House.

Sarah Walker was uncharacteristically nervous and fretted about the family dining room, making sure everything was perfect. She also went to the library, where the family's private Christmas tree was set up near a roaring fireplace.

"Sarah, will you please relax? You're going to give your poor father an aneurism!" Emma pulled her daughter in for a comforting hug. "Sweetheart, it will be fine. I promise." Just then, a member of the presidential detail approached the First Lady.

"Ma'am, your guests are at the main gate."

"Thank you, Special Agent Wilson." Emma Walker gave the Special Agent a warm smile. "And Wilson, Merry Christmas."

"Thank you, Ma'am. To you as well."

As Wilson stepped out of the library, Sarah ran past him and flew down the stairs, wanting to ensure she was at the door when Chuck and his family arrived. She just reached the main entrance as the town car approached.

"Devon, Ellie, Merry Christmas!" Sarah rushed the two doctors and pulled them into a hug. "Thank you for coming. I'm so glad you could make it." As Sarah exchanged her welcome with Ellie and Devon, Chuck managed to lever himself out of the front and stood to his full height with a broad smile that reached his eyes and crinkled his nose.

"Merry Christmas, Sarah." He beamed as his eyes took her in. She wore a form-fitting black turtleneck sweater over jeans and black knee-high riding boots. Her makeup was flawless, and her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail held in place by a red ribbon. She looked so beautiful his heart skipped a beat.

"Oh, Chuck!" Sarah was momentarily at a loss for words as her eyes fixed on Chuck's. He wore a pair of neatly pressed charcoal gray wool trousers, a white button-down with a red sweater, and a pair of black loafers. Over his shoulders, he had a long, dark gray wool coat. Sarah felt a flutter in her chest as she took in the sight of the man she had come to understand was "it" for her. "Merry Christmas."

While Sarah and Chuck were lost in their little private bubble, no one noticed that the President and First Lady had themselves arrived and were standing on the front steps of the main entrance, enjoying the show. After allowing the young couple a moment, Jack Walker spoke up.

"Merry Christmas everyone, and welcome. Come on in before you get cold. Breakfast is waiting."

Chuck, along with Ellie and Devon, stood frozen for a moment. The President and his wife stood in the doorway, inviting them into "The People's House" for breakfast and a Christmas celebration.

Sarah took Chuck's hand and pulled him along. "Guys, come meet mom and dad." Her eyes sparkled with joy as she spoke. "Ellie, Devon, let me introduce you."

As Sarah, Chuck, Ellie, and Devon made their way up the front steps, Jack and Emma retreated to the warmth of the house and waited to welcome their guests. And, as nervous as Chuck, Ellie, and Devon might have been, Jack and Emma were so down to earth and gracious they quickly found themselves comfortable and interacting informally as long-time friends might. Things were moving smoothly when suddenly Emma walked over and gave Chuck a gentle hug, being mindful of his injury, and pulled him a little to the side.

"Thank you, Chuck. Thank you for saving Sarah again." She whispered in his ears as her eyes glazed over momentarily. "And I'm sorry I didn't come visit you at the hospital, but once I knew you were going to be ok, I really wanted to avoid bringing the circus to your recovery room, but know that I prayed for you."

"Thank you Emma. I really appreciate it."

"One more thing, Chuck, Sarah has been having trouble sleeping since we came back to Washington…you need to know she has been seeing someone to help her manage what she went through."

Chuck's eyes saddened. "She's certainly been through more shock than most people will ever see, Emma. We have mandatory counseling when we are involved in a shooting, so I'm pleased to hear that she's getting some help."

"Chuck, it's her story to tell, but I don't think she's suffering because she shot that bastard dead." Emma gave Chuck a peck on the cheek, then stepped back as Jack Walker approached him.

Chuck straightened his spine and extended his hand. "Sir, It's an honor to be here…"

Jack Walker walked through Chuck's proffered hand and gently embraced the younger and taller man wordlessly. After a short pause that had everyone staring with glassy eyes at the two men, Jack pulled back just a little.

"You, young man, have given me a gift I can't possibly ever repay. Twice. And almost laid down your life to do so. I want you to know that there is almost no one on earth I owe more to than you."

Chuck was completely taken aback and stared numbly for a moment before speaking up. "Mr. President, I'm…"

Jack Walker raised his hand to cut him off. "When we are amongst ourselves, you call me Jack. You have earned that right at a minimum, Chuck….Sarah tells me you prefer Chuck right?"

"Chuck, right. Yes, Sir. Chuck is fine, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

"No, it's Thank you, Jack" the President corrected with a quiet laugh as he turned to Emma.

"Let's get some breakfast gang!" Jack announced as he reached for Emma's hand and led the group up the stairs to the family dining room, where a full breakfast spread had been laid out. As the group was finding their places at the table, Jack asked for Chuck to have a private word for a moment. Emma was aware Jack was going to ask Chuck for a private talk, but Sarah had no clue and was suddenly nervous as she cast a sharp look at her mother.

"Sarah, please relax. Your Dad's just having a word with Chuck about work….he has nothing to worry about." She leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Dad wants to thank him for all he has done for you and for us, and wants him to know that he can have any assignment he wants after he's done recovering. Okay? I promise….that's all."

"Okay. And what were you whispering in Chuck's ear downstairs, Mom?"

Emma smiled and patted Sarah's hand. "I was thanking him for twice saving my little girl, and apologizing for not coming to the hospital in London. As for Dad's chat with Chuck, I think it's a very good thing if they build a rapport…..especially if Chuck is really "it" for you, don't you think?"

Sarah nodded and smiled. "Thanks, Mom."

Moments later, a smiling Jack Walker returned with a beaming Chuck Bartowski right behind him. They took their seats, and Jack made a short speech to give thanks for the family's good health, their good fortune, and their very good new friends, before they all tucked into the food.

Breakfast was a surprisingly relaxed experience, with Jack Walker telling amusing anecdotes about his experiences in the world of politics and Emma sharing some stories about how she and Jack met and how focused and tom-boyish Sarah was as a child. There were also plenty of questions directed to Ellie and Devon about their lives and careers. And, just as Emma had put Sarah in a bit of a spot with her stories, so too did Ellie with Chuck, recounting some humorous tales from Chuck's youth. As the meal progressed, the interaction between Sarah and Chuck was carefully watched by both Emma and Ellie, but Emma was watching Ellie carefully as well. Emma recalled Chuck explaining the challenges of their parentless childhood and immediately understood the look in Ellie's eyes…. motherly pride and affection. And given that Ellie practically raised Chuck, she was as much a mother to Chuck as a big sister. Emma shared a knowing look with Ellie who smiled back happily.

As breakfast finished, Jack was notified of an important call he needed to take and excused himself.

"Sarah, darling, would you show Chuck and Devon to the library."

Sarah rose, never releasing her grip on Chuck's hand, and led him toward the door. "Come on, Devon."

Emma gave Ellie a subtle hand signal to stay as Sarah and the two men slipped out of the family dining room.

"Ellie," Emma began, "I'd like to thank you for raising such a remarkable man. I am as much in your debt as his for saving my daughter."

"Thank you, Emma, but I promise, it's all Chuck. He has always been the kind of person who puts everyone else first, even before he became my responsibility." Ellie gave Emma a slight grin. "I'm incredibly proud of him, though sometimes I wish he hadn't chosen such a potentially dangerous career."

Emma studies Ellie carefully for a moment. "Selfishly, I can't tell you how glad I am that he did." Emma took a moment. "Jack really likes him, and when they had their private chat, he told Chuck he could have whatever job he wanted once he was fully recovered. Maybe something less dangerous."

"Oh my God, that is so kind. I hope he takes a different role, one where he can still help people, but maybe with less risk." Ellie beamed. "Besides, he seems to have a new reason to be safe now."

Emma laughed warmly. "The two of them are pretty much done, aren't they?" She asked Ellie facetiously.

"Pretty much?" Ellie replied in mock surprise. "I've never seen Chuck so completely lost." Ellie leaned in closer to Emma and whispered. "I probably shouldn't say anything, but last night Chuck asked Devon how he knew I was "the one" for him. I just sat there speechless, which is really hard for me." Ellie shook her head in faux dismay. "Sarah seems quite smitten as well."

Emma pulled Ellie in for a hug. "This is going to be so much fun!" She pulled back a little and giggled. "If we're speaking out of school, I should also share with you that Sarah asked me the exact same question when we got on the plane to fly back from London." Emma paused pensively for a moment. "Sarah has had a few boyfriends. Some were even kind of serious, but anything like this? No way. She's a goner." Emma stepped back and took Ellie's hand. "Let's join the others, but before Jack and I leave for Camp David, I want to give you my private number. I have a feeling that if the two of them don't screw things up, we might be family sooner than later."

Ellie felt her hand being pulled by Emma but was momentarily caught up in the conversation she'd just had with the First Lady of the United States. Emma Walker was openly suggesting that the path Sarah and Chuck were on could lead to marriage, and the Walkers could be family.

"Ellie, you okay?" Emma prodded.

"Sorry, Emma. Yes. I'm more than okay. It's just that I thought I was kind of done with the big, crazy surprises over the last 2 weeks, but I guess not….but I am insanely happy right now. Overwhelmed but insanely happy." She paused, "And Emma, let's keep this between us, please. I don't know about Sarah, but if Chuck feels like he's getting pushed into something, he reflexively pushes back, and I get the feeling the same is true with Sarah."

"Oh, if you only knew, Ellie….That girl can be a real handful….but she is a really wonderful person, and I'm so happy for her. Mum's the word!"

The two women entered the library holding hands and smiling, causing Sarah and Chuck to look suspiciously at them.

"What are you two staring at?" Ellie challenged the younger couple.

Chuck was about to speak when Jack arrived.

"Hey, gang….mind if I borrow Chuck for a few minutes. I'll have him back as soon as possible. I promise." Without waiting for a response, Jack made eye contact with Chuck and nodded toward his private office before turning and leaving the library with Chuck at his heels.

Emma leaned into Ellie. "Something is up. Jack had his game face on. Go have a seat by the fireplace. I'll have some coffee sent up while I find out what is happening." Ellie gave Emma a worried look. "Relax, Ellie, you're in the safest place on the planet. Give me a minute." Emma winked and took her leave.

-O-

Emma was approaching Jack's office when John Casey appeared.

"Merry Christmas, John. What are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you until we go to Camp David this afternoon."

"Merry Christmas, Ma'am," Casey replied. "I need to brief the President on some developments related to our investigation.

"Okay, John. I won't pry, but since we have Chuck's family here with us this morning, is there anything I need to worry about?"

"No, Ma'am. We've caught a few breaks, have made an arrest, and have a number of additional leads to follow up on, so this is the first real movement on the investigation since it began. I'll be providing the President with the salient details."

"Thank you, John. Jack and Chuck are both in there waiting for you. See you later." Emma turned on her heel and went to give Ellie the comforting update.

-O-

"Come in, John, and Merry Christmas." Jack waved the big man into his private office and directed him to a seat beside Chuck.

"Thank you, Sir. To you and the Walker family as well. How are you feeling today, Bartowski?" Casey asked the younger agent.

"Had a good rest last night, so on the mend, Sir. Thank you for asking." Chuck's bearing was courteous yet professional.

"So, what's got you coming to the White House," Jack checked his watch, "two hours before departure for Camp David?"

For the next thirty minutes, Casey relayed all the relevant information, including the identification of Daniel Shaw as the man who was speaking with Volkoff on the recorded call and confirmation that he was also the man who shot Chuck. Casey explained Shaw's prior employment with the CIA and his dismissal. He also made it clear that there seemed to be an issue with the CIA not being particularly forthcoming about Daniel Shaw and their arrangement with him. He also shared that Scotland Yard had likely identified the mysterious man that ran away after Sarah shot Shaw as Bryce Larkin. Cameras near the scene of the shooting caught the vehicle's plates, and identified the car as registered to a Miranda Frost. Under questioning, Ms. Frost confirmed that while the car was registered to her, Bryce Larkin was the actual owner. Larkin is still at large, but given that his rap sheet had no instances of violent crime, Scotland Yard and MI-5 don't see him as an immediate threat.

"I have informed DNI Beckman, and she will launch a formal investigation, which is currently classified for obvious reasons. DNI Beckman will brief you personally in due course, Sir." Casey then explained the arrest of Lieutenant Mauser in Brooklyn. Casey went on to explain how work was being done with the NSA to track the phones that had been used, as well as the next steps. Of particular interest was MI-5's plan to locate and detain a Russian named Volkoff for his likely involvement.

"That's where we are, Mr. President. We still need to track the U.S. phone that connected to the Russian in London, and we are working on that. We know the phone is in Washington, D.C., but we can't pinpoint its location. So unless the phone gets used and we grab some good information from the intercepted calls, it's not of much use." Casey paused for questions.

"Sir," Chuck unexpectedly spoke up. "With your permission, I'd like to start working on the money trail. There appear to be a series of connections between all the names you have so far uncovered, and if I can track how, when and where the money moved, we can better define their connections and potentially help identify the unknown subject in the U.S. whose phone you are tracking."

Casey was about to speak when Jack raised his hand to interrupt him. "You can do this, Chuck?"

"Yes, Sir. I can." Chuck replied.

"Mr. President, before I stole Chuck from Treasury, he was highly sought-after because of his proficiency with the technology that could be used to track counterfeiting and money laundering operations. His proficiency and aptitude scores are absolutely off the charts, Sir." Casey gave Chuck a slight grin.

"Really?" Jack looked at Chuck.

"Yes, Sir," Chuck replied.

"John, see to it that Chuck is given access to whatever resources he needs to do this work starting Monday. Chuck, let me be clear. I want you to do this only if you are feeling healthy enough. If not, I can assign some people to you, and you can supervise them." Jack looked at Chuck.

"Sir, my preference would be to work on this myself for a number of reasons, but if I need help, I'll reach out to Special Agent Casey directly. Also, if I may be so bold?"

"Go on…." Jack instructed.

"Sir, the information related to the arrival of your wife and daughter in London was closely held, but somehow, that information got out. I suggest we keep the circle of people with access to whatever I dig up as tightly controlled as possible. This will also allow us to feed different bits of misinformation through different channels and see if anyone takes the bait."

"John, any objections?"

"No, Sir. It's a sound approach. And while I trust all my people implicitly, Bartowski raises an excellent point in terms of approach. There is a leak somewhere, and that leak is highly placed." Casey was careful to not be too explicit with his statement.

Jack nodded thoughtfully. Then, with the situation seemingly settled, Jack dismissed Special Agent Casey. "Thanks for the update, John, and good work! We'll see you a little later for the flight to Camp David."

As Casey got up to leave, Chuck looked towards him and spoke up. "Sir, may I have a moment, please?"

Both men looked to the President who nodded, then the pair proceeded out of the office.

"Sir, with respect, may I inquire into the status of Special Agent Grimes?" Chuck had heard that Morgan Grimes had been subjected to a disciplinary review, and he stood tall as he asked the question.

"I swear, you two are trying to kill my career." Casey growled and shook his head as he spoke.

"Sir, what I would like to….." Chuck was interrupted.

"Relax, Bartowski. Under normal circumstances, Grimes would be issuing parking tickets in Antarctica. However, because of the President's intercession, Grimes is getting away with a rather mild slap on the wrist. A week's suspension without pay, which he can take on his vacation. I also understand that Valkyrie didn't really give him much of a choice. I also appreciated his attempt at keeping your dalliance with Valkyrie under wraps, though so many of our people saw the two of you making googly eyes at each other and holding hands, that I'm surprised the damned paparazzi ain't all over it. As for you, Special Agent Romeo, after all this nonsense I'm gonna wind up losing you anyway, so at least I don't have to fire your ass for violating our code of conduct." Casey softened his tone and gave Chuck a small smile. "Look kid, you are one of my best and brightest, so I'll hang on to you as long as I can, but the President has already told me he's given you some options. So, get yourself healed, and then we can discuss whatever we need to ok?"

"Sir….Casey….Thank you." Chuck reached out to shake Casey's hand.

"Merry Christmas, Bartowski. And try not to fuck things up with Valkyrie. I'd really hate to fire you." Casey grinned.

"Merry Christmas, Casey." The two men parted with a smile and Chuck returned to the President's office, apologizing for stepping away.

"My apologies, Sir. I had a private matter to address with Special Agent Casey." As Chuck spoke, he saw a very different expression in the President's eyes. They were hard and focused. As Chuck returned to his seat, the President turned to him.

"Chuck, I want these bastards. They went after my daughter….MY DAUGHTER!" He paused momentarily to calm himself. As an experienced politician, he knew better than to let his emotions get the better of him. Jack let out a calming breath, then, with a tight grin, added, "And they shot one of my people."

With Casey out of the room, the conversation had suddenly become very personal, and while Chuck was still uncomfortable referring to the President by name, he recognized this as an opportunity to forge a personal bond out of Jack Walker's rage.

"Jack," Chuck paused for a moment, quietly debating his thoughts with himself. "I think you know I'm in love with your daughter, so this goes way beyond my oath to serve and protect. I will find out who is behind this, and when I do, they will pay."

Jack looked at the grim determination on Chuck's face as he spoke and smiled. "You know, Chuck….Something tells me that once you set your mind to something, you will see it through. Funnily enough I have a daughter who is very much the same." He stood and waved for Chuck to follow. "Come on. Let's go join our ladies and open some presents."

-O-

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 14:30 EST

Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C. – The White House.

A light snow had started to fall as Marine One lifted off from the White House lawn destined for Camp David. Jack and Emma Walker, John Casey, and the core of the presidential security detail were on board. As the rotor wash from the departing helicopter blew a blizzard of flakes toward them, Sarah, Chuck, Ellie, and Devon waved from the landing that led to the makeshift helipad. As Marine One gained altitude and joined two other identical decoy helicopters in formation, the two couples scampered back to the warmth of the White House and headed back to the library.

"Sarah, thank you. This was an incredible experience and a most memorable Christmas. You really made us feel like family." Ellie glowed as she settled next to Devon by the fireplace.

"Ellie, I'm so happy you and Devon were here today. This was a wonderful Christmas for me, too. I got so much more than I ever hoped for." She turned her eyes to Chuck and smiled lovingly. "Honestly, I've never felt more blessed."

Chuck leaned into Sarah and gently kissed the top of her head. "Me too, Sarah."

"Get a room, you two," Chuckled Devon as Ellie swatted his arm.

"Sorry Sarah….I guess sometimes we can't really help who we love, even if they are a frat-boy man-child trapped in the body of a surgeon." Ellie rolled her eyes comically, eliciting a giggle from Sarah.

The foursome spent the next two hours by the fireplace, enjoying hot chocolate, talking, and further deepening their connections. Outside, darkness had fallen as the light snow continued to float gently down, creating magical orbs of glowing white as the lamps that lined the White House property illuminated the snowflakes. Sarah had slipped off her boots and tucked her legs under herself as she gently snuggled into Chuck's uninjured side and sighed contentedly.

"Ellie, why don't you guys stay for dinner and then stay overnight. I know you didn't bring any change of clothes, but we have sleepwear and toiletries for guests, so it's really not a problem. I can even put you two in the Lincoln Bedroom if you like. Besides, I'm not letting Chuck leave me this evening."

Ellie's face was a picture. "The Lincoln Bedroom? Really Sarah? You can just do that?"

"Of course. If you stay. I'll have the kitchen whip up something easy for dinner, and we can go down to the theater room and watch the Packers play the Browns on the big screen while we eat."

"All in favor, say Aye!" Devon shouted, followed by his raising his hand and shouting Aye. "And beer. We'll need beer."

-O-

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 16:30 EST

Location: Number 1 Observatory Circle – Washington D.C. - Vice President's residence.

Ted Roark's special phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out and pushed the button to accept the call. It was Decker with an update.

"I'm going fox hunting tomorrow," Decker explained. "I have all the necessary equipment, and the dogs will start first thing in the morning. Might take a couple of days to find the fox, but when I do, I will let you know."

Roark had been following the investigation through the head of his security detail, who didn't see the V.P.'s curiosity as an issue. He also understood Decker's thinly coded message intended to avoid capture of any trigger words by the Echelon system. "Listen. The local animal rights people also want to catch the same fox in your neighborhood. If they get the fox before you do, they might let it go free, so make sure you catch it first and don't get caught by the locals. They'll be all over your neighborhood. Happy hunting. Oh, and for the next week, use my "other" number."

Roark hung up the call, leaving Decker to consider some additional layers to his plan. He then shut off his phone, pulled out the SIM card and the battery, and tossed everything in the garbage can by his desk.

-O-

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 21:30 GMT (16:30 EST)

Location: SIS Building, 85 Albert Embankment, London

An MI-5 team monitoring Stavros Demetrios's communication activities noted an incoming call from an American-sounding male and the request for a meeting. The MI-5 team followed Demetrios and photographed him meeting an unidentified white male in his early forties. The conversation was relatively short, but Demetrios was seen handing two boxes to the unknown man, one long and flat, the other more like a shoe box. Both were wrapped in plain brown paper. More pictures were taken. In the meantime, the parabolic microphone struggled to catch much of the conversation due to wind and traffic noise, but the name Volkoff did come up clearly enough to be discernible on the recording. The after-action report was deposited with the liaison to MI-6, but the man was on holiday, so the file would sit in his inbox until Monday unless the duty officer noticed it sitting there, giving Decker an opportunity to further his plans.

-O-

Date: Saturday, 25 December 2021

Time: 23:00 EST

Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C. – The White House.

Sarah and Chuck bid goodnight to Ellie and Devon, closing the door to the Lincoln Bedroom behind them. No sooner had they started to walk toward the Queen's Bedroom when they heard Ellie giggling lasciviously.

"The Lincoln Bedroom is going to see some action tonight." Sarah smiled as she ducked her head and looked up at Chuck through her eyelashes.

Chuck smiled a little sadly and pulled her in for a kiss. "You know I can't yet."

"I know, baby. I just want to sleep with you. I need to feel you next to me and wake up with you. The rest will happen when you're ready." She took his hand and led him to the bedroom. "I also want to thank you for your very lovely gift." She fingered the delicate antique silver necklace that held a small, intricately engraved locket. In it was a tiny picture Ellie had taken of the two of them when Sarah was lying next to him in his hospital bed.

Sarah closed the door to the bedroom and walked him to the large antique bed they would be sharing. She sat him on the bed, then, without a word, knelt down to take off his shoes and socks. She then helped him stand to remove his sling, followed by his sweater, shirt, and finally his trousers. Chuck was left in his boxers and a plain white T-shirt.

Sarah pulled back the covers. "In you go." She gently guided him into bed, pulling the covers up to his chest and giving him a loving smile. "I'll be right back," she whispered before kissing his forehead and slipping into the bathroom. A moment later, Sarah emerged wearing a long-sleeved white cotton henley and boy shorts. The buttons on the Henley were unfastened, revealing her generous cleavage, while the boy shorts did magical things in highlighting the shape of her hips and rear end. She had removed what little makeup she had worn and the ribbon that had kept her hair in a ponytail all day. He watched her with absolute love in his eyes as she closed the distance, slipped into bed, and turned off the lights.

Sarah carefully snuggled into Chuck's uninjured side and nuzzled her nose against his neck. His warmth and scent invaded her senses and emotions. "Merry Christmas, Chuck. I really missed you these last few days."

Chuck pulled her tighter to him and felt her leg gently slide over his as the warmth of her body and her breath on his neck wrapped him in a cocoon of love and comfort. "I missed you too, Sarah."

Neither moved nor spoke, and for the first time in several days, Sarah drifted to a sleep full of dreams of a happy future together unencumbered by nightmares.