Chuck vs The Wayward Legionnaire
Chapter 18: Passings/The Lady in Red….
26th March 2010. Malahide Marina. 07.40am GMT.
The two of them started at each other for a moment, Chuck's mouth open as his mind frantically raced for a solution, his eyes darted around the room as he realised, he was naked beneath the barely covering sheet that draped his body. There was a laugh from the doorway, and he looked to see another police officer standing there, she was laughing so hard she was doubled up and her cap fell off to reveal a mass of blonde hair. There was an answering giggle as the other officer finally lost their composure, and joined in.
They pulled their cap off, resting it on their knees as the red hair and green eyes of Meadhbh were revealed… she gasped, "…the look on your face…" That set Niamh, the blonde, off into another gale of hearty laughter. "I see you took down his…particulars…" she squeaked out amid peals of laughter.
"Har, Har…" croaked out a reddening Chuck as he caught on. Niamh gave one more appreciative glance at the chest of the now standing Chuck before she left the room, giggling.
Meadhbh strode over and pulling his head to hers gave him a reminder of what they had indulged in earlier, he felt his anxiety fade as he had to admit the woman could kiss. She broke it off and looked up at him, "look, I don't normally do this sort of thing, and not before a full tour of duty, I want you to know I enjoyed myself, but…."
"But you're not looking for anything long term…."
"Hmm, hmm, now there's water in the shower and I called for a taxi to be here in about ten minutes, you can see yourself out, thanks Chuc…Robie. If you're back in town, here's a number…" She handed a still slightly stunned Chuck a card. Then kissing him hard again, she stepped back grabbed her cap off the bed and smiled, "How do I look?"
"…gorgeous…" And it was true, it was written all over his face. She pointed to the card and made the sign for 'call me' and left.
He watched and waved from the window as the two women jumped into the mini cooper he recognised from the night before and sped off.
He eyed himself in a dresser mirror, shook his head and began the walk of shame to the shower.
Five minutes later, he had found his clothes and dressed, the apartment was small but well appointed, he noticed everything he had missed on the way in, the two women in various poses, often on the front of some women's magazine or just some posed glamour shots…cops and models…he shook his head, it had been fun, but not fulfilling.
He'd been down this road as a younger man, college days with Bryce, he had been thrilled that he had made such a go getter friend at first and he had certainly experimented with the usual distractions at first, but then Jill, he shivered slightly at her memory…was it his lot in life to completely misjudge those he gave his heart to….?
It was an unsettling thought, perhaps that's why he felt somewhat guilty about last night, he didn't know what hit him. The good feeling the sexual release had given him deflated… it wasn't fair, but he didn't want a one for right now either…
Unbidden an image of a smiling Sarah, crossed his mind, he started to feel more ashamed but then his last memory of her, kissing Cole Barker resurfaced. To hell with it, he had enough in the Legion and the Ghosts to concern him, especially now Oisin was dead. He reddened again, Sean and his family must think the worst of me, there was a beep beep from outside and he trudged downstairs expecting a taxi but finding Sean with a large grin on his face awaiting him!
"…Sean, I'm so sorr…" Sean Murphy laughed at his friend's embarrassment good naturedly, "will you give it a rest, I'm delighted one of us got some, I told you this is Ireland, best times for a shag? Mate's wedding or a good wake! Nothing better than a good shag to spit in the face of death! Very life affirming!"
Chuck nearly banged his head on the roof of the car as he dropped into the seat, "You're joking, right?" The BMW 320 rocketed away from the kerb, "uh uh", laughed Sean, shaking his head, "You were the talk of the breakfast table this morning…".
Chuck groaned and slid down further into the car seat….
…..
Murphy residence, 09.00 hrs.
A smiling Delon looked at his sergent as he parked the car, there was a burst of giggles from some of the assembled group as Robie entered the foyer. His head was dipped as he found it hard to look the others in the eye. It was Morgan Grimes who finally broke the deadlock and enquired of his heterosexual life partner if the evening had been to his satisfaction…
A glaring Robie mumbled something and the whole room erupted in laughter. After a moment, Robie shrugged and laughed the loudest himself, if he couldn't beat them….
He made his way to the kitchen, Mrs, Fitzgerald passed him a glass of water that was fizzing away, he looked at her, "Alka-Seltzer, and a Panadol", she said. "Now what can I fix you up?"
Roisin entered behind him, waving off Fitzgerald, she went to a coffee machine and topped up her mug. "Robie, I have Dad's solicitor, Hugh Downey arriving at 10.30, I want to get the Will sorted", she saw his expression. "…normally, we do wait, but you're only here for a few days and I thought it better to deal with it now rather than later."
It made sense, but he was puzzled as to why that would involve him. She answered that unspoken question too. "It's for everyone Robie, Dad, had plans for us all, you'll see" She smiled reassuringly.
Well, there was nothing else he could do, he went to change his clothes, there may have been a smoking ban in Ireland, but he felt a bit ripe.
…
At the appointed time they all gathered in Oisin's old study, Hughie as he preferred to be called, took a few minutes to talk to the three siblings alone, Delon was left on his own, which he didn't mind, Morgan Grimes was shocked to hear he had also been invited to the reading. He stood nervously beside his friend as they waited on the old solicitor to take a seat behind the big desk that dominated the room.
Putting on a pair of spectacles, Chuck had the oddest sensation that he was back at school as a young child, he looked at his companions, only Akio, who'd arrived that morning, seemed relaxed, and that was true, the Japanese man understood ritual better than most and had instantly felt at ease in the moment.
Looking around the room Hughie began to read, most of it was standard, the Murphy children had inherited the bulk of their Father's estate. He was generous to a fault and each of the Ghosts had received five million Euro, there was a collective gasp from the room.
When Morgan's name was mentioned, it appeared he had been given two million to finance his new career and pay for his degree, there was a thud as he hit the floor.
Mrs Fitzgerald arrived with a glass of water, and he was quickly on his feet again, there was as stunned expression on his face for the duration of the event.
"…so, in conclusion, all that remains now is the matter of Anomaliz and it's new divergent associations…" He indicated the room, Mateo, Travers, Meike and Sven, Radcliffe and Dieter all looked somewhat surprised. Only Akio again seemed unperturbed at the unfolding situation.
"…in this matter, Oisin's instructions were recorded here," he raised a DVD, "… and ONLY to be heard by the following people…" he listed them all, "…Roisin, has been appointed executor in this matter, so with that, I'll take my leave. He closed his briefcase and taking a moment to shake his late client's family members hands, left the room.
Roisin went to a large entertainment system that had been placed there earlier, looking around the room, even at Maria, who had been Mike's guest, she nodded.
"All of you are welcome to stay, there's a final farewell for us all, and Dad's thoughts and wishes for going forth, ok?"
There were interested faces that turned to the screen, it appeared the old Irishman had a few tricks still up his sleeve and they were eager to hear his final utterances. A hush fell on the room when his avuncular visage appeared, he smiled.
"Well, my friends, it appears that time and earlier circumstances have finally caught me up…" There were some sniffles from the room, and hardly a dry eye remained.
"…I want to say it was great knowing you all, I'm so jealous that I can't be with you all as we embark on this great adventure, to my old friends, Sven, Meike, Paul, Dieter, Mateo, Mike and Akio, thank you so much, you'll never know how you all kept me going through the time we spent together. That meant a lot to me, and I hope my small token of my appreciation helps you in whatever way it can…"
He paused, "…but it's just a downpayment really, I'm hoping that now, Chuck has joined us that my plans for us all can become the reality I hoped they would be…."
For Chuck Bartowski watching, it seemed a sudden closeup of Oisin's face made his eyes bore into his very soul, he realised there was something important coming, he wasn't disappointed.
"Chuck, when you joined us, you saved us and we saved you, but this isn't over, one thing I've accepted in all this, is that YOU have a destiny, young man, and now I present to you the means to make that happen…"
He put on his reading glasses as he took a sheet of paper of his desk in front of him, the same one Chuck found his eyes sliding to…
"…with my passing I hereby nominate Chuck Bartowski to officially take my position in the group and have an equal say in all our plans. To Sean, Roisin and Micheál, I have left you Anomaliz, in Roisin's hands it will do well, but I want it to thrive, to that end I would ask you to let Chuck take a 25% share in the business, going forth, with the full rights and responsibilities that that confers, his official title will be as our Head of New Product Development and I would like the others to assist him in all aspects of the business and for him to assist in theirs in a consultant capacity as needed".
There was a pause, Chuck blinked in shock. Onscreen, Oisin continued, "…Chuck, I have great faith in your abilities, as I do in all my family and friends, but from the beginning I always knew, you were the one to take matters further. They stole your life, Chuck, robbed you of what you deserved and had worked hard for, now is the time to undo that, your life after the Legion will be whatever you want it to be my young friend. For now, develop yourself, test your limits and surpass them, become who you were always meant to be. I had good times in my youth, but my travels taught me a lot and one thing I do remember, from an old Spanish friend I had, was a saying…" Vivir con miedo, es vivir a medias…""
From behind him, Chuck heard Maria and Mateo almost simultaneously translate, "…a life lived in fear is a life half lived…"
"…lived…" echoed Oisin's voice on the screen. "…it's time for you for to live again, Chuck."
"I wish you all the best my friends, raise a glass or two to an old fool and try to keep each safe, I don't want to see any of you for a very long time…." He laughed and reached for a control; the screen shut off.
The room was quiet as they all considered their friend's last words, Roisin was the first to speak, "Chuck, I already knew most of this, and speaking only for the family and Anomaliz, I want you to know we already voted yes on Dad's instructions.
Sean and his brother both nodded in affirmation.
Akio stood, looking at his friends faces he saw each of them nod. He turned back to Chuck and the Murphys, "it appears it's unanimous, Chuck. Welcome to the Ghosts." He said the last with a slightly embarrassed grin, Paul and Dieter and the rest had no reservations at all as they stood and welcomed a bemused Chuck.
Finally, he found his voice, "Thanks Akio, I'm still going to be busy for the next 4 years…" he said with a grimace, "…so I'll do my best to play my part and justify the faith you have placed in me…" he turned to Roisin.
"…and also, the faith that you and your family and Oisin have also placed in me…. I just don't know how it's going to work…" he scratched his head.
Roisin smiled, she produced some documents, "…well we planned a lot of it out, Dad and me, and now you're in, we'll need to discuss things…"
They all stood, except for Morgan who was still staring into space…." …Two million euro, TWO MILLION EURO…TWO…MILLION…EURO…" He kept repeating, giggling…
Chuck shook his head, "Come on Morgs, I think you may need a drink…"
"…TWO…wha...?" he shook as if in a stupor, looking around the room at the amused faces of the others, his cheeks burned red in embarrassment. "…sorry…" He sheepishly mumbled, "…drink..., yea…that's probably a good idea…"
They left the study and headed to the kitchen area, Mrs Fitz, as they now called her had prepared a lunch, Roisin and Chuck sat together, she quickly updated him on the specifics, he listened thoughtfully, asking questions when he needed clarification. By the end of the meal, he was ready to sign the paperwork.
He found his hand hovering above the dotted lines though, Roisin smiled, "you will be a silent partner Chuck, unless we're required by law, we won't be notifying anybody and those we do, well, let's just say your digital friend will mask any enquiries."
Chuck nodded relieved, "We're doing the same for Morgan, Dieter will be the official face of Nerdz Gamez…."
He laughed aloud at that, Morgan Grimes smiled, "I thought you might like it".
"I do, you're looking a bit better, over your surprise?"
"…no, but it's growing on me…thanks Roisin, I had no idea your father thought so well of me…"
She smiled back in response, "Dad, had faith in us all…", she surveyed the room again, "…he really did. I think though that Chuck was the missing piece of the puzzle for a while, I'm not saying we wouldn't have managed to sort ourselves out, but he felt that there was a synergy that you brought, and he was right…"
Chuck was abashed, "I thought at Christmas when we sorted out Morgan's situation that there was nothing, we all couldn't accomplish together, but he led the way, without him now, I hope we can see this through, he's going to be missed."
Roisin met his eyes, "he taught me well, Chuck, you and Mateo and the others keep putting out new products and I can promise you; I'll keep the ship steady…" She waved the signed documents, "…the new companies are already showing promise, Sven and Meike have several products seeking patent approval, Dieter and Morgan have already mapped out the first game for their new company…"
There was a thumbs up from Morgan, Dieter nodded.
"…Dad left plans for a central fund for any new ideas the others might want to develop, and profits from all, will feed that and keep it going so the group benefits. I think the future is what we write it, Chuck, the only limits are those we place on ourselves."
There was a buzz in the air as she said that and the rest of the group gathered around them, yes, there was sadness, their friend had died, but from his ending, he had made it possible for them to go on, finding their own paths, building on their successes.
Roisin had taken a glass of wine off a tray that had been left, now she and her siblings and the rest raised their glasses, "To Dad, may he rest in peace." The group answered "To Oisin. Rest in Peace".
Akio had made his way over to Chuck, now as they finished their toast, he decided it was the right time to address some issues relating to the Intersect and his and Ellie's findings.
Chuck with Sean and Morgan and Sven went with him to the house gym, it was well laid out, various apparatus lined the wall, treadmills, stationary bikes, weights and mats, etc, for the family that had many athletic pursuits, it fit their requirements well.
There was some excitement, he had managed to let Akio know something of the changes he was going through, and he needed to hear if Sven and Meike had made any progress on what might have happened in the mountain.
Sean had prepared a few things, Sven and Meike had managed to scrounge up some test equipment, Chuck changed into some sweats and jogging shoes.
Morgan eyed him, "What's this about Chuck?"
"Changes, buddy, changes… listen, I don't want Ellie worried, ok? What you see here is to be kept on the downlow… she and Devon are nearly ready to go, I need her to have a clear mind, no worries…"
Morgan frowned, "NOW, you're worrying me, what's…."
They had been walking towards a stand with a large barbell, Morgan had watched Sean and Sven strain as they lifted it into position, without a word, Chuck gripped the bar, and drawing a breath, in one smooth movement, lifted it over his head…
A pin dropping on the floor would have made more noise as five jaws dropped in astonishment, only Sean remained unfazed by the display. Centring himself, Chuck inched his hands into the middle of the bar and slowly removed one hand, he strained a bit, his balance wavered, but he stood tall.
"Heliga fan!" exclaimed Sven, his eyes wide as he counted the rings on the bar. He estimated that it was 160 kgs Chuck was holding over his head, that was about 350lbs!
With a grunt of effort, Chuck slowly turned, wide eyed the others could see he was struggling a bit, he used his other arm to support his holding one, finally after approximately ten seconds, he let the weight slowly drop, controlling the bounce of the bar on the floor.
His face was a bit mottled, but he quickly regained his poise.
"That seemed more than the base, Sean…" he gasped a bit, the other man nodded, "you've been getting stronger…"
There was an explosion of questions from the others. He raised his hands in mock surrender.
Looking at Sven and Meike, he asked, "What did you find?" Sven shook his head, still coming to terms with what he had just witnessed. "you didn't even warm up…"
"Sven…" there was an edge to Chuck's voice that drew the other man's attention back to the moment.
He looked pained, "I'm sorry, we're still cleaning a lot of videos up, we're running it through a digital enhancer, some of the quality wasn't great, we think the battle at the end may have interfered with your transmission, we'll know more soon, I promise."
Chuck faced away in annoyance, he should have anticipated that, Meike spoke up, "We do have some news though, the Contessa kept very detailed notes…" she paused.
"What's the issue, what was she…"
She answered before he finished, "…she was, God forgive me, brilliant, Chuck, we're no slouches in the sciences but she was light years ahead of anybody else, her experiments were mainly in human intelligence enhancement, somewhere along the line she had realised what the orchids were doing to her, what they had done to her…"
"Go on…"
"She had realised that the plants were the key, she did a lot of R&D into known specimens that she had taken illegally from protected areas, but she financed expeditions to remote areas in South America for others we don't even have classifications for!"
Sven continued, "the biochemistry alone is a struggle to comprehend, my friend, we were waiting to see you to see if you want us to try farming it out for other expert opinion, whatever pharmacological, and I use that term loosely, substances she was working on, only she could explain what they were…we're shooting in the dark here, but if that's what you got exposed to, it appears there's been side effects even she didn't account for…"
Silence filled the room again, Akio looked at the younger man, "is there anything related to the Intersect, Chuck?"
Chuck nodded, "… a lot…" he explained and then demonstrated the new…adaptations… there were some stunned faces as some of the best minds in the group tried to understand the new direction things had taken.
Sean filled them in on the reports from the Hospital, "Show them your wounds…"
He peeled off his shirt, there was a gasp from Meike as she eyed the knife scars on Chuck's stomach, they were still prominent, but they had also faded, same as his shoulder and bullet wound, scarring but no other damage.
"Dear God!" she exclaimed, there were similar murmurings from the others.
"It's fine, really…" Chuck insisted. "…look, let's get this done. I don't want to take the focus off why we're here, for Oisin, not me…do the tests…"
And they did, for the next hour they put him through the gamut of what they could, a lot of what they witnessed defied conventional explanation, this was going to require further analysis back at EnigmaTech where they had better equipment. Their laptops gathered the information, and they quickly sent the results to Visp.
Akio stood beside Morgan, "is he going to be, ok?" he asked the Japanese man, "I dare say, physically he's in better condition than ever, I will try and help the others in trying to speed up the CCTV video…" He looked at Morgan directly, "…but I sense your question is…is he still the man we knew?"
Morgan nodded as he watched Chuck complete a series of moves at Sean's instruction, his speed and co-ordination were making eyebrows raise on everybody.
"Listen to him, Morgan, he's afraid, he cares about our opinions of him, so we must be steadfast in our support of him, monsters don't care and if I have learned one thing about Chuck Bartowski, it's that he cares too much…"
"That's our Chuck, never puts himself first…" he sighed, a sudden more concerning thought struck him, "…will you tell Ellie?"
There was a nervousness about the question that surprised Akio, "No, there's not much point yet, we have made some progress since she returned to the States, but Chuck is right, we are getting ready to 'move' them from Beckman's cage, once we accomplish this, she will be able to devote more time to the Intersect."
"Piece of advice?"
Akio was slightly bemused, and curious, "Yes?"
"Do it sooner rather than later, an angry Ellie is NOT something you want to see…" Akio was about to respond but the visible shiver than shot through Morgan was somewhat disconcerting!
"That bad, huh?" Meeting his eyes again, Morgan had an uneasy look, "Ohhh yeah, Mama bear ain't got nothing on Ellie Bartowski–Woodcomb, she's his sister, but for a while there, she was also acting as mother…" Akio nodded in understanding, "noted…."
They watched as the others wrapped things up.
…..
27th March 2010. St. Fintan's Cemetery. Howth Head, Dublin. 11.30hrs GMT.
Spring had come, most of the wintery weather had abated, but on the side of Howth Head it was still in debate, the strong winds rising up from Dublin Bay had caused damage to the older standing headstones, anyone that visited the graveyard, would be astonished to see the rows of flat markers, rich or poor, famous or not, everyone's final resting place was the same, the Church had taken action and new regulations were introduced after complaints from mourners.
Their father had been laid to rest with his wife, as they watched the headstone was returned to its former position, the new engraving complete, in some ways it was a simple marker, death didn't need to be vulgar here, amid the other resting places of the deceased.
The priest completed his blessings and with a final acknowledgement of the family departed. The Ghosts also watched, for some it wasn't that different to their cultures, and for some it was a glimpse of a new ceremony, Sean, Robie and Delon were in dress uniform and Delon had brought a French flag, the man had also been a French citizen and soldier no matter his origin.
The media had heeded the family requests for privacy, only an opportunist paparazzi had a camera, and he was quickly headed off by a Garda presence, wealth did indeed have some privileges.
Robie and the family lingered after the rest departed, the grief shared was easier to bear and despite appearances there was plenty to go around.
Back at the house, guests and other extended family members soon left, duties fulfilled, life inexorably marched on.
Chuck sat in his room, there was a lot on his mind, he really was going to miss the older man, he smiled as he wondered what Oisin would have thought about his changes, would it have made them more bearable he pondered.
His thoughts drifted to Sarah Walker again, what would she think? Meadhbh was also on his mind, how did he explain that? It disturbed him on many levels that he had behaved like that. It scared him too, was this what moving on was? He hadn't a great record in that department, 5 years after Jill dumped him it took a blonde kickass ninja superspy to shake him loose from his self-imposed Buy More exile, what would shake him loose now?
More importantly did he want to escape his feelings? He had felt a coldness growing inside him recently, was this how Sarah and Casey felt? They had been regular people at some point too, right? Was easy sex and a life looking over your shoulder all they had?
He paused, maybe he was just overthinking things, they weren't him and he had a network, Denis had been correct, people liked him, and he liked them but … he was feeling a distance, things were becoming an effort, his mind was constantly on the go, a whirlwind of information and … something…that becoming feeling was back again….
He shook his head and stood, they were flying back tomorrow, maybe he was just missing the routine, he had time to meet with Roisin and Mateo, they needed to work on AUGUR, a browser idea he'd had in Stanford, annoyed at Google and Yahoo and other search engines when he was researching papers, he had written his own, it was rudimentary but it focused on his user queries and ads were blocked.
With Archangel, the two combined would function better than any current competitor's, Roisin had a whole marketing campaign ready to rock. He thought of Oisin again, he would make him proud, a lot rested on his shoulders now, would Charles Carmichael or Chuck Bartowski have risen to the challenge? John Robie would, he could do anything. He was a hero…
…
17th April 2010. Club Space Nightclub Miami 02.00hrs.
NSA agent Ted Billings laughed, he was half cut from a heavy drinking session, the nightclub had been one of his old unit's better ideas, they usually met up for a fishing vacation, this year someone had chosen the Keys, they'd booked a spot in Little Havanna, chartered a boat and kicked back.
The drinking had started early that day and hadn't stopped, now the music ramped up the session, some foreign DJ was kicking up a storm on the decks and the crowd was hopping.
"Some fucking night, eh T?" Simmons laughed as he eyed a couple of Latina beauties as they popped to the beat, white teeth flashed as they acknowledged the staring men, and why not? They were young and in great shape themselves, they made a move and wound up next to the two women.
Introductions were made and they paired off, Isabella snuggled into Billings as they swayed to the beat.
Up on the stage DJ PJ laughed, it was a great set. He bent under his decks and had a little toot of the old Columbian marching powder and he was ready to smash some sounds again….oops…better let them know who I am…he grinned, he was making a name for himself, Antonio the resident DJ had told him the secret in Ibiza, he needed to get a following, all the great DJ's brought their fans with them, like a modern day Pied Piper, all a DJ needed was the right sound and they were legend.
His fingers blurred on the decks, and he hit play on his laptop, tied into the club video screens, his face filled the screens from the various locations he played at. From the appreciative roars from the heaving throng, it sounded like he made an impression…
He had…but not quite as he intended. Out on the floor Billings had half followed the feed on the screens, his agent training forcing him to keep somewhat aware as Isabella did her best to entice the tall well-built man further into her embrace.
Not that he wasn't enjoying himself but onscreen there was a billowing image of smoke and from that emerged one of the hottest redheads he had ever seen in his life…
The name TAMAGOS night club, popped up on the screen obscuring the view for a second, he could make out a man that joined her, lucky bastard he thought, he started to turn away when the man turned and then Billings froze, and so suddenly that Isabella bounced off him hitting the floor, "Heyyyy…!", she shouted, enraged.
She was left talking to herself as the man had vanished!
Outside Billings raced to an alleyway, he glanced off a younger man who promptly swore and took an angry step towards the other, Billings pivoted, opening his jacket, exposing his sidearm, "Fuck off...!" he growled. With wide eyes and raised hands the younger man did exactly that.
He pulled his mobile, grabbing a carafe of water off a table he threw the contents over his head. Satisfied it had done some good he dialled a number. "Billings Secure, Colonel? You're not going to believe this…."
…..
Later that morning….
PJ stretched and yawned, it had been a long night and he had put in a great set. He grabbed his laptop and a few personal items, he secured the rest of his stuff, he'd be back later tonight for the next session, this was going to be a sell-out tour. He would have high fived himself if he could, he cackled in self-appreciation.
He walked towards the SUV he had hired for the trip, if he hurried, he would catch his dealer leaving another downtown club and he needed something for the next few nights, Miami was a great spot, but it was heavy on the body, and he needed a little pick me up….
There was a sultry giggle beside him, and he turned to see a stunning blonde and redhead that looked practically spraypainted into their tight clothing! They sashayed towards him with a walk that wouldn't have looked out of place on a Paris catwalk, he never noticed the black van that peeled away from the kerb behind him, he did notice the sudden stinging from his neck…lights out…
…
CIA Safe House, Miami.
Apart from the icy cold water that shocked him abruptly back to consciousness, and the realisation that his hands were somehow not allowing him to wipe his face, he'd have thought he'd had a really nice trip, whatever had crashed through his system wasn't the worst he'd ever had, and he'd tried a lot!
The clink of chains brought him crashing back to reality as he realised, he was handcuffed to a chair! There was blackness around him. "What the sweet feck is going…."
A hand swept across his face from out of nowhere, pain was a great clarifier, his attention now fully engaged, a light flicked on, across the table the redhead sat with a big mean looking bastard. It was him that had had encouraged PJ's attention… he glared at them both. "If this is about that poxy 300, I owe Roberto for the coke…. Yeeouch! Stop that, ye fucker!"
The big bastard had delivered another slap to his already sore face, "Listen you Mick shit, we ask the questions, you do the answering…get it?" He loomed over the spluttering PJ.
By way of reply, PJ spat blood in the man's face, he smiled a bloodey grin, "Fuck you…"
The punch that landed in his solar plexus, he never saw, like a magician pulling a trick, suddenly it was there, poof! It felt like his body tried to wrap around it, trying to minimize the damage, that unfortunately didn't work so well, his face turned purple as he fought between the desire to scream in pain and the necessity to breath, breathing won out, and he drew great whooping lungsful of air.
The redhead looked bored, but she stood and turned his chair around to face a large screen, his laptop was hooked up…" Hey! That's mi…Aaah Aaah ahh!"
She had grabbed his ear like his mam used to and given it a good twist, "Pay attention, answer our questions, and this is all over…" There was steel in her silky tones, and he felt the sweat roll down his back. Whatever this was, maybe he should just listen, yeah…listening might work.
The screen lit up, he watched with puzzled eyes as she set up his promo, she hit play and put one of her long, very long delectable legs on one side of his headrest, pushing the chair back and ensuring he had a perfect view, she leered as he went cross-eyed trying to check out under her leather miniskirt…
There was a grunt from the gorilla behind and he focused on the picture, he watched as she fast-forwarded to the Tomangos footage, puzzled he watched as they slowed it down to half speed as a couple gyrated together.
"Who are they?" It dripped menace. Gorilla again. He gulped, whoever these eejits were, they seemed mean and pissed off for some reason. They weren't the only ones; he could feel the ire rising himself!
"How the fuck would I know? I'm a DJ, I run a set…. Jesus Chrisssttt!"
Without warning Red's foot dropped to his groin and began applying painful pressure to his sensitives.
The scene shifted and he watched as they showed Meadhbh shooting him a look. He groaned under his breath, snookered…
She leaned in and grabbed his hair, forcing him to look her in the eyes, "WHO IS SHE?" There was a metallic sound behind him, and he twisted his head around and watched in horror as the table was filled with what looked suspiciously like medical devices, they gleamed evilly in the half light.
"Oh Meadhbh…? She's a regular, that's it, asks for a song now and then, probably a local…." The words came that fast out of his mouth, the woman frowned as his accent muddled a few up, but she caught the gist of it. "…and the man?"
Big Bastard stopped moving the cutlery about and stared at him intently….
He gulped, what the fuck was going on here? "No... no...no…idea…", he stammered. The sound of hand slapping face hard was heard.
"For fuck's sake….! I don't know! Probably a tourist. Never saw him before, or after that night…great moves though…."
….
On the other side of the Interrogation room observation area Sarah Walker found that statement hard to refute as she watched Chuck Bartowski and the …. skank…cavort in front of her. She gritted her teeth in annoyance as another voice, filled the silence.
"…. looks like our boy put on some muscle…." Bryce Larkin mused aloud.
She couldn't deny that her eyes roved to the open shirt, the defined upper pectoral muscles on display had her biting her lower lip, her eyes slit in desire… the nerd got ripped….
Larkin laughed lowly, half watching him in the reflection of the one-way glass, she saw him shake his head.
"What?" her voice annoyed her; it betrayed her desire, and her need to know what the other spy was holding from her.
He grinned at her; bastard knew it too.
"It's just… you never knew him back then, at Stanford, Chuck always felt he was the lucky one in our...friendship…" he paused, the grin dropped, regret took its place, "…truth was, he was the one we all wanted to impress, to be around…"
Sarah eyed him dubiously.
He caught that. "…I'm the first to admit I'm a player, Sarah. And the Farm taught me how to be a bigger one…" Bigger asshole, she privately thought. "… but Chuck… seriously, do think he really had to try? He could have been me…thank God he was him; I was his wingman… "
"…but…"
"but nothing Sarah, we were at Stanford, there weren't too many airheads or Valley girls out there, my charm paled next to what really mattered out there, brains. And he was the smartest of us all, just too damn nice to push it, can you imagine if he had? I read the mission logs, La Ciudad, Lou Palone, Jill…you. It wasn't the Intersect that turned a top foreign female spy into defecting…it was just him… I may have had the looks, but he always had their attention."
She felt herself nodding in agreement, damn Bartowski charm…her eyes drifted to the screen again…and now this….
He trailed off. "you know I used to take him training some days, all those games of Gotcha, I didn't win them all, when he tried, he was really good at… anything…" He gestured to the screen, "…that comes as no surprise to me. I wonder what he's doing."
Sarah pursed her lips. Well, everyone was wondering that, and now he was dancing… with some…she struggled to reconcile the images in front of her with the memory of that first night. Was this another hidden side of him she had missed?
Outside, things had gotten quiet, the questions were over, she watched as Casey drew a Trank gun and popped a twilight dart into the leg of the man, a medic checked him over and then a couple of NSA suits uncuffed and dragged him out the door. All he'd remember was a possible mugging.
Carina appeared at the door, frowning at Larkin, she nodded at Walker, the two women stepped into the corridor.
"Looks like your boy has been living it up in Europe, blondie." She teased.
Glaring at the redhead, Walker tersely replied, "…where…?"
"Ireland. Come on, we've got a flight to catch." Walker ground to a halt at that, made sense, they spoke English there. There was something nagging her about the location though, but right now all she could feel was excitement, a sighting, she hurried after her friend.
…..
DJ PJ woke up an hour or so later in a precinct cell, some cops tried to spin him a story that he'd been found in an alley, reported mugging…rightttt…
They noted a few bumps and bruises and advised him to steer clear of the seedier spots in the area near the club. He said nothing.
He had some vague recollections of his encounter, he smiled to himself, if he hadn't of experienced some the best psychedelics on offer in his short career, whatever they hit him with probably would have done its job. There was a bit of karma due on his hosts, Meadhbh Byrne could be a right bitch when she wanted to be… served them right. He smiled again and shook his head…. She'd give them a right Irish welcome….
…..
28th March 2010. Camp Raffalli. 14.00hrs CET.
The trip home had been quiet, Delon had a conversation with Sean on the plane, but Robie had stayed out of it. They saluted the guards as they passed the sentry posts, they never noticed the battered Renault van that was parked by a corrugated shed further down the street, inside a camera was lowered and the shocked face of IIsa Trinchina tried to make sense of what she'd just seen.
It had taken her weeks to make the connections that led her to Camp Raffalli, the doctor at the hospital had been most reluctant to divulge anything, in the end it had been an orderly she had plied with alcohol and the use of her considerable charms that finally bore some useful information.
Now she sat in the van in a daze, Alain Delon she had expected, Chuck Bartowski she had not! She had no idea of the other man, from the NCO rank she guessed the Irishman, Murphy. The orderly had mentioned him.
She had been expecting the mysterious Robie, but Bartowski…. was this an op? She shook her head, after the Fulcrum business the Americans had bent over backwards to expunge their faux pax… they openly disclosed as much of their operations in France as possible, she had not been informed of any.
She drummed her fingers on the dashboard. She owed Bartowski, with her life, dammit! There was too much she didn't know… she considered her options, tell her boss the truth, but what was the truth? Or…
Well, she had been given Carte Blanche…. She smiled to herself, she should be thorough, maybe a trip to Los Angeles was in order….
….
19th April 2010. Dublin, Ireland. 14.00hrs. GMT.
Late April was warm by Irish standards, in the sea by the road, some brave souls could be seen in the shallows near the shore, kids were tearing up and down the beach, a dog or two running at the waves, barking. Overhead seagulls hovered, their keoh keoh, went back and forth as they eyed the passers by for whatever food they could cadge or steal.
Across the road from the Sands Hotel, Sarah Walker sat on one of the bollards of the walkway, it had seemed appropriate while Carina had parked the embassy car in the carpark.
He had been here alright, he could never resist the sea, turbulent like his hair, deep like his soul…she smiled, if was here right now he'd make one of those comments that warmed her heart, like the blue of the sea matching her eyes…
The moment passed, and she stood and walked across the narrow road to join Carina.
"You ok Walker?" There was honest to God concern in the voice. She nodded, it may have been warm to the natives, but they had been in L.A. and Miami more recently, it cut them to the chase.
They were in luck and the nightclub doors stood open, outside a young man was busy dealing with a delivery, they quickened their pace….
Dara O' Brien sucked on the end of his pen as he counted the kegs, to the side of them was an assortment of cases on a pallet, he took his time, Brendan, the head gaffer was a pain in the ass for correctness, he didn't need a chewing out.
"Are you open?" that voice….
He turned so sharply that he almost dropped the clipboard with the POD. Still, he felt like a kid again, that time Mary Shields, the class hottie, that appeared at his desk asking for help with the Biology exam… The two women that stood in front of him were gorgeous…Top Class, Grade A, babes….
The redhead snapped her fingers in front of his face, he blinked, "…huh…? Ehhh, no, we open at 10 tonight…"
"Oh…" the blonde said, disappointment on her face, she looked at her friend, and then with a thoughtful look, turned back to him, "Maybe you can help…?" she asked tentatively.
"Sure…ehhh, how?"
She produced a mobile out of nowhere, she started looking trough some pictures, "…we made a friend recently, she said she sometimes comes here… I guess we thought the Nightclub would be open like back home…" She looked up and shrugged.
"Ah…here she is, Meadhbh…" She beamed as Dara looked the picture and tried manfully not to stare at her cleavage, concentrating for a minute, he nodded.
"I know her, yeah Meadhbh Byrne, she's a regular…"
"...skank…" It just slipped out.
"Wha…?" Dara was befuddled, the redhead glared at the blonde, who scowled and looked away, "Do you know where she might be, handsome?" she purred.
The redhead put the whammy on him, and Dara was pretty confused… and hot and bothered. Still, he managed to remember something. A snippet of conversation he once had with Meadhbh… something about training… oh yeah…
"You know she might be at the club…" Two sets of lovely eyebrows raised in question…
"…the Sports and Leisure Centre…." baffled looks… "well, you see that road there…?"
….
The Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre was right in the middle of a bunch of housing estates, right round the corner from the Sands hotel. The two agents parked the car and walked by some outdoor tennis courts into a reception area, the stink of chlorine hung in the air, and they saw a sign for a pool.
Carina's sensitive nose twitched as she also smelled something else…coffee! Her stomach growled and she quickly saw the source of the delicious aroma, a bar and bistro! "you want something Walker?"
Sarah shook her head, she watched the hustle and bustle of the centre, there was a wide variety of activities, and she was startled to see a small girl in a tutu walk by her, she followed the little one to a function room that had a sign saying Kinsella School of Ballet. The girl smiled at the tall, beautiful blonde and entered the room.
There was a waft of coffee beside and she turned to see Carina looking at her with a puzzled look on her face, "you look like you've seen a ghost!" She peeked over Sarah's shoulder at the young girls in the room. Walker shook her head at a memory.
"Come on, we're here on business, they approached the reception area, a young woman smiled at them, "Can I help you ladies?"
Sarah smiled, "You might be able to, we were told to meet a friend here, Meadhbh, but it's our first time here, do you know if she's about?"
"Oh yes, looking at you two, I should have guessed… you're models too, right?" The two spies shared a look. "Yes", smiled Sarah. "…she'll be finishing up, you can wait…"
"Oh, we wanted to surprise her" grinned Miller, looking around as if she could spot the other woman.
The young woman smiled, "Well, in that case, she's upstairs in the studio…" she indicated some stairs.
"Thanks." said Sarah, already striding towards the steps, Carina hurried to catch up, looking at her friend's facial expression she began to worry. "Let's play nice, blondie, she's a civilian…"
There was a snort from the other, her pace quickened. They rounded a corner and stopped, outside a set of double doors stood a statuesque blonde in a pair of tight leotards and a tank top that did nothing but showcase her magnificent figure, she in turn did a double take at the two agents.
"Hiiii…" stammered out Carina.
The woman said nothing, she had been drinking from a bottle of mineral water, she replaced the cap, wiped her mouth and appraised the two women in front of her.
The moment grew, finally she responded, "Hello." Her voice was as lovely as her looks, pleasant, the soft Irish accent so different to the American one.
"We're looking for Meadhbh, is she here?" Carina startled, Walker sounded harsh, even to her.
"Why?" The answer was cautious, the other woman's friendly demeanour vanished.
Carina's antenna began to rise, there was something about how the woman held herself….
Just then the set of double doors opened and the lady herself appeared, "Niamh, have you got the keys, I want to lock …."
She turned at her friend's silence, following her gaze, she spotted the other two also looking back, the blonde's eyes flashed artic blue and despite the fact she'd just been training she suddenly fell a chill.
"Where is Chuck Bartowski?", looking at her, Niamh and Meadhbh had the impression that the humanity had been sucked out of the person in front of them. What was left, didn't appear to be very friendly at all. Carina put a hand on Sarah's arm.
"Lady, I have no idea what you're talking about, but you better take that tone out of your voice and that look off your face before I do!"
Walker looked at the woman like the thrash she felt she was, she shook off Carina's arm and advanced towards the other two.
"Oh fuc…" began Carina Miller, she looked for a place to put her paper cup. The other blonde, Niamh took a step to the side of her friend that still gave her excellent position on Miller.
Meadhbh, stood there with her hands on her hips, watching the approaching Walker, to Carina's surprise, the initial surprise both women had had was gone, they both focussed intently on them.
The effect was rather disconcerting.
Walker was pissed, she was only thinking of one thing, answers, and a couple of Irish gym bunnies, one of whom had been kissing HER nerd weren't going to pose a problem in her quest.
"I said, where is Chuck Bartowski?" she snarled.
"You better back off!" snarled the other redhead back, "Or else!"
That paused Walker, she almost laughed.
The other blonde spoke again, "look I don't know what this is about…" she looked at Carina, who like her, still seemed to be calm, "but you better calm your friend down, she's acting like a jealous bitch…"
Meadhbh was still fuming, the woman in front of her was giving her a look of disgust, it pissed her off. She didn't know either of them from Adam, then something the blonde said registered.
"Chuck…"
The icy blue eyes snapped to hers again. "Yeah, Chuck Bartowski, you know…"
"Lady, this is your last warning, ditch the attitude, I don't know any Chuck Bartowski…the only guy I met a few weeks ago was called Robie, although he did say his name was Chuc…Robie" she half smiled in remembrance.
That was enough for Sarah Walker, she snorted in rage advancing again, as she reached for the other woman, Meadhbh's eyes hardened, and she took a half step back…
There was a blur of motion and Walker's head rocked back from a spinning heel to the jaw that spun her into a bunch of stacked chairs and hitting the floor, she popped up and rolled her head and looked straight into the Sig Sauer P226 that Niamh pulled out of her bag.
She cocked it, "Alright Ladies, Gardai, let's see some fucking ID's!"
"Oh shit…." understanding finally damned on Carina Miller. That was the vibe she had felt, they were cops, Irish cops!
"No shit," said Niamh, as she pulled a Warrant Card from an inside jacket pocket. From beside her, Meadhbh pulled another one, "Stand where you are!" She hissed, "Niamh, you brought your cuffs?"
"hmm, hmm..." answered her friend, Niamh moved to cover the two agents. "Excellent… now. Let's start this again. And this time, we'll be asking the fucking questions, ok?"
"Ok" sighed Carina resignedly, she proffered her hands to Niamh, there was a glare from Meadhbh, "That was fucking rhetorical!" She snapped a set on a glowering Walker.
…..
Niamh was talking into her mobile phone, "Thanks Boss, we'll…ah…straighten this out…" She hung up and faced them. "…let's see your hands…" the two agents stood and complied. She produced her key and uncuffed them both.
"Well Meadhbh, may I introduce DEA agent Carina Miller, and CIA agent Sarah Walker, I am Sergeant Niamh Kavanagh, and I do believe you already met my colleague Sergeant Meadhbh Byrne, we're with the CAB (Criminal Assets Bureau) and right about now, we're wondering why American spies are interested in us…"
She stepped back and looked at the two chastened women. She handed them back their credentials.
Carina could see Walker was still pissed so she started, "we're looking for a …person of interest, Chuck Bartowski, he was seen in the company of your friend here, so we were sent to see what you know…"
Meadhbh looked at her, "I know him?" Carina reached for her mobile, there was a hand on hers before she even opened her jacket, "easy there red," frowned Niamh, "I'll take that, wouldn't want you to strain yourself…" Carina rolled her eyes.
"It's just my phone..." she replied, "…besides you need me to find the video…"
"Video…there's video?" Meadhbh was now intrigued, keeping one eye on the still glowering Walker she stood beside Miller as she searched her phone. "…got it..." she turned triumphantly to show them.
She hit play, at this point, they instantly remembered the night and the man.
Niamh and Meadhbh looked at each other, they turned to the two others, "do you both promise to behave?" Niamh asked, Carina nudged Sarah with her elbow, the two spies nodded.
"Right then, well I need a coffee, let's go…"
…
"uh, uh, you two can take the inside seats". Meadhbh pointed to the table at the back of the small bar.
Walker shot her a glare, but Miller pulled her down beside her, "make nice, Sarah" she admonished.
"She always acts like she got a stick up her ass?"
"Only when some Irish skan…." Meadhbh stood up, her brow furrowed. Walker had a think about it. "…some…" she searched for a word.
"Some other woman that screwed your man?" supplied the redhead, who'd put two and two together at this stage, remembering Niamh 's words earlier. "…newsflash Walker, I didn't do anything I reckon you haven't done, and hey, it was mutual between two consenting adults...why don't you try acting like one…? I don't see rings on those fingers, and I saw none on his."
"I'm surprised you had the time to notice." retorted Sarah.
Meadhbh had had enough, but she couldn't resist sticking the needle in.
"Well, if you're going to let a specimen like that slip his leash, tough, I will say this, that man was talented…the things he did to me with just his lips…. fingers and tongue…. why, I'd put him up there with that Austrian I met on the Vogue shoot…"
There was a splutter of rage from the now puce faced Walker, it wasn't helped by the giggles from Niamh and the stunned expression on Carina Miller's face.
"Neither of you had the pleasure, eh?" She sneered, enjoying the blonde's discomfort. Skank, eh? She thought.
A shot in the dark that rang true for both agents, Miller found herself regretting a missed opportunity in a L.A. hotel. She shook her head.
"That good?" Niamh mused, her friend smiled, still watching Walker.
Miller coughed, "can we get back to the business at hand?" The other two looked at her.
"I really can't tell you much, Agent Miller…"
Carina tried some damage limitation, "…Carina, just Carina…" she shot an obvious look around the room, there were some people milling about, they understood.
"We were there for a friend, female friend… we really had no intention of meeting anyone that night…"
There was a snort from Walker.
Meadhbh rolled her eyes, she turned to Niamh, "you got those disgusting things in your bag?"
"Wha….?" answered Niamh with the proverbial deer in the headlights look. "Ciggies…gimme" she ordered, putting her hand out.
Sheepishly, Niamh pulled a box out of her bag. Her friend grabbed them, "we're all taking one and going outside to the smoking area..." her voice made it clear this was not a request.
The other two and Niamh complied, and they walked outside, "Act like you haven't a light…come on ladies…" she said to Walker and Miller, "…just like they trained us to…"
With a puzzled look they all did, tapping jacket pockets and looking flustered, there was a crash as the many males in the area bounced off the small fenced off area in their eagerness to offer the four stunners a light.
Seamus Donnelly, barboy, was the hero though, clearing the tables had never paid off so handsomely as he artfully blocked the entrance offering each of them his lit lighter, Carina rested a hand on his arm and flashed a smile that sent the young man into a daze. The rest of the men disappointedly returned to their seats.
Meadhbh stood in front of Sarah, she flicked the cigarette into a bin. Eyeballing her directly, she indicated herself and the other women.
"Do you seriously think I have to try, Agent Walker? Any of us…" she emphasised. "If you're what you purport to be, you trying to tell us you haven't had any out there, working?" She raised a querulous eyebrow. Walker looked away; Carina grinned.
That one hit.
"Look, Chuck is a person of interest to our gov…"
There was a sudden eruption of laughter from Niamh that had the other three looking at her, puzzled.
"Sorry, sorry… just remembering something you were screaming at one point… I thought it was something else…"
Meadhbh was clueless, "What?"
Niamh was still laughing, "…rhymes with Chuck…"
This time the explosive laughter came from Carina, who caught on first, Meadhbh reddened but smiled, Walker said nothing but if looks could kill….
Things calmed down.
They quickly asked their questions, the two officers gave what they had, but promised to check the taxi they'd booked for Chuck.
"…anything we find we'll pass on to the Embassy…"
"No", replied Walker, "ring this number and only this number…"
They had walked back upstairs to the studio, the other two had put their sports bags in the studio, the two spies followed them in, stopping in surprise as they realised, they were standing in a Korean TKD dojang.
Walker had a thought. Not a good one. Adopting a condescending tone, she indicated the sparring area, "Nice kick earlier, but I wonder if you can do that when it matters?"
Meadhbh smiled, "Wellll…I guess there's only one way to find out, Walker, you reckon you're capable? You seemed a bit wimpy earlier…"
"Oh, it is on!"
"Pump the hate brakes there, sister, you need a dobok, you look a 175? Here…"
Meadhbh had reached behind a counter that also served as a shop, there was Martial Arts uniforms and sparring equipment, from a pile she pulled a fresh one and threw it to the waiting hands of Walker.
"…changing areas over there, after you…" Walker stormed off, mutterings could be heard under her breath…
Carina started to protest but Niamh sighed, "look Miller, let them at it… c'mon there's a gallery over there, we can referee…"
Carina looked at her like she was mad, Niamh saw it, "…keep the carnage to a minimum then…" Miller nodded, she looked around, it was a nice place, the walls were full of pictures and there was an impressive trophy cabinet on display.
She paused as she recognised a face in the pictures, it read 2009 World championships, Seoul. She took a closer look and gulped, it was the winners' podium, first, second and third places, Meadhbh was in second place, she glowered at the camera. The Korean woman that wore the gold medal gave a wincing smile; her face looked like raw hamburger…
"…yep…" Niamh's voice gave from behind her, "…Meadhbh should have taken Gold…" Carina turned with a stunned look on her face, Niamh nodded, "…dodgy Kimchi, the night before, that Korean only won on points, Meadhbh was off her game…. She'll win it this year..."
Walker and Byrne returned to the floor; they took up stances.
"…of course, she's no dodgy stomach today…" she gave Carina an apologetic smile and walked to the floor.
"Right Ladies, we all got to work tomorrow, and I don't think the bosses will be pleased if ye look like you were both pulled through thorn bushes backwards…" she paused, with a wink over her shoulder at Carina who was frantically pointing to the pictures on the wall to Walker's puzzlement, she continued, "…so we're going to have some rules…"
…..
Forty minutes later, the two agents sat in the car on their way back to the American Embassy at Ballsbridge in Dublin city., Miller drove, she shot a glance now and then at her friend who held a bar towel full of ice against the side of her badly bruised face.
Walker sat face forward, finally she turned her head towards Carina and said in an exasperated tone, "you could have said something…"
It was too much for Miller who exploded into laughter, she quickly pulled the car over to the blare of a horn behind them as an irate Irish motorist disapproved of the sudden manoeuvre.
She raised her hands at the glowering Walker, "Hey, leave me out of it, I liked them, next time through here, we're going out together…"
Sarah sighed, "I lost him, Carina…"
"Bullshit!" exclaimed the other woman angrily, the blonde whipped her head around, "she slept with him, Carina!" she wailed.
Miller rolled her eyes, "If you hadn't of blown your top and waited, Kavanagh would have shown you this…"
"Shown me what? More pictures…" Carina had pulled her mobile out again, she quickly opened her video files, "While you and Byrne were kicking the shit out of each other, Niamh sent me this…"
Walker leaned in and watched as Meadhbh led Chuck off the dancefloor, Niamh popped up in the picture, Miller paused, "… a friend of theirs had their phone out, videoing Chuckles, she caught the whole thing… watch…"
As Niamh stepped into view, she saw the look on Chuck's face. "he may have banged the redhead, Walker, but his heart was thinking blondes…"
Carina turned to start the car again, Sarah had let it run on, now someone else stepped into Chuck's way, she gasped and grabbed her friend's arm, "What the fuck now, Walker?" said a clearly annoyed Miller. She looked at the screen again and gasped herself… Morgan Grimes….
…..
Back at the Leisure centre Meadhbh's nose had finally stopped bleeding, Niamh stopped her fussing and started gathering their things.
She taken a quick mop to the floor, mercifully the uniforms had caught most the blood, and Meadhbh was brushing her long hair straight again from where Walker had tried to pull it out!
"Decent scrapper." opined Meadhbh. "hmmph…!" grunted Niamh as she swept a pile of blonde and red hairs into a scoop with a hand brush. "…all I'll say is I hope he was worth it…it's a good thing Murph wasn't here; she'd have torn her head off!"
Meadhbh paled, she walked to the pictures, there was another World Championship on display, 2004, a beaming Roisin Murphy holding a gold medal was borne aloft by her brothers with Oisin in the foreground…. Yeh … she thought, damn good thing! Their friend was a right animal!
…..
There was a surprise at the Embassy when they arrived, Carina was summoned to a SCIF and Walker was told to report the Ambassador's office.
Entering, she found the CIA station officer and the Ambassador, Helen Jefferies waiting for her. They did not look happy!
"Agent Walker, why have I had the head of the Garda, Commissioner Hickey, the Irish Minister for Justice and Col. Kennedy of the J2 on my phone screaming about your antics with Miller?" She paused, peering closely, she continued, "what the fuck happened to your face…?"
Sarah sighed, "…well it was like this, Ma'am…."
Twenty minutes and one chewing out later, she found Carina in the Embassy canteen.
"Where the hell did you get to?" she demanded, still smarting.
"You're heading back on your own, message from Seagram, seems the DEA need me back for a mission here in Europe, an old acquaintance…" she didn't offer any more and Sarah didn't need to know.
"What happened up there?" She slid a coffee across the table to a grateful Walker. She sipped the hot liquid, it burned all kinds of good and she felt a bit better, she closed her eyes.
"I've been informed I better not show my face around here for the duration of the Ambassador's appointment…."
"Ouch!" sympathised Miller, "well I better head down to Ops, Seagram is contacting me for a briefing, you better get back and tell Casey the news. I don't think the General's going to be happy…"
No, thought Sarah, she definitely won't be, she looked at Carina, "You take care, Red."
"Always, you gonna be, ok?"
That was the sixty-four-million-dollar question, wasn't it? She nodded to her friend who smiled back and headed off.
Sarah sat for the longest time, staring out the window at the Dublin traffic….
…..
END OF BOOK ONE.