A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 13:
If You Wanna Be My lover,
You Gotta Get With My Friends
Climbing into the helicopter behind Chuck, Sarah checks his seatbelt, making sure he's safe and secure. She kisses him, then sits next to him, and buckles in. The whine of the gas turbines driving the rotors is loud. Sarah shouts even though they're wearing headsets, "Are you okay Chuck, have you ever been flown in a chopper before? I mean other than that one time."
Chuck grips her hand as he swallows hard and nods his head. Sarah smiles at him and strokes his cheek, "I've flown this way many times. It's noisy but fun. We'll have a short flight, a car ride, a quick stop at the office. Before you know it, we'll be making love in my soon to be vacant apartment."
Chuck is silent as she continues to ease his anxiety, "This is just the start of our lives together. I'm so excited. In all the time I've been in Naples, the only places I've seen are my office, my apartment, and a little restaurant between them. Every time I thought about sightseeing all I could think about was how it wouldn't be fun without you. Baby, I missed you so much. I hope you've forgiven me for the time I stole from us. I'll never stop working to make that up to you. I am going to kiss you in all the most wonderful places." Sarah giggles, "And at tourist attractions too."
Chuck smiles at Sarah's joke. He's anxious as he prepares to experience a carrier liftoff for the first time. I wish I were flying this thing. I would love to show her how much I've learned since that first time with Zarnow, but Sarah is finally my wife. What more could I want?
He squeezes her hand, "Baby, we need to let that go. We're Mr. and Mrs. Batman, fearless superheroes. We have nothing but a bright future ahead of us. It's time for us to start our new adventure as husband and wife, and hopefully soon, as mommy and daddy." Sarah nods, smiles, and squeezes his hand.
The engine sounds grow louder, suddenly Chuck and Sarah feel the vibrations increase, and they're in the air, heading to Naples. Chuck takes a deep breath. I hope she's really ready to give up the spy life. I would hate it if I'm taking something away from her, something that she really wants.
Sarah looks over as Chuck lets out a sigh. Then as if she can read his mind, "Baby, you are everything that I want in this world. I'll be so happy when this spy crap is way behind us, and all I have to worry about is making my husband happy."
Chuck looks at her seriously, "You mean making me happy and keeping the breakroom and company toilets clean."
Sarah gives him a shocked look, then smiles. "Yes, my love, of course, as agreed. I just hope it doesn't tire me out too much. I was hoping to keep up our regular practice sessions."
Chuck laughs, "Well that didn't take long."
Sarah puts on an innocent face, "Why husband, whatever do you mean?"
Chuck looks at Sarah, "It means that I love you, and I want you to be happy. I wonder how long it'll take before Casey starts calling you Boss?"
The couple is jarred as the chopper touches down after a short flight. It rolls to a stop, and the engine noise dies down. Sarah unbuckles and stands up. She leans down to kiss Chuck, "Doesn't matter what he calls me. You're the Boss, at work and in our home."
Chuck throws his head back and laughs again, "Yeah, sure." Shaking his head, "Whatever you say, Boss."
Sarah gives him a nasty look, "Okay, how about we agree. At work you're the Boss. At home we're equal partners, but I may want to defer to your good instincts, and loving heart."
Chuck stands the best he can in the low overhead and kisses her. He strokes her cheek as he looks into her eyes, "You trust me?
Sarah looks shocked, "Baby, I trust you with everything I hold dear, except your life. I'll always ensure your safety, like right now. You wait while I scope out the situation."
Chuck looks at her, and shakes his head, "No, I'm not more important than you. I'm not the asset and you're not my handler."
Sarah smiles, "I see, so you're wearing your Kevlar, like I am? You'll always be an asset to me. Not in an agency way, but as the love of my life. My husband and soon to be father of our children. Now sit down and let me do what I do best."
Chuck hesitates, then sits down, "Yes Dear."
Sarah laughs, and bends to kiss him, "Thank you Sweetheart. I'll be right back."
Sarah moves to the door and stands to the side as it's opened from the outside. She peers through the door and sees Zondra Rizzo standing next to a large black Escalade. Zondra catches Sarah's eye and waves. Sarah looks down and sees that Zondra's right foot is in front of her left, the coast is clear. Sarah smiles and holds up one finger, turning to Chuck, "Come on Lover, time to go."
Chuck moves to the door and the two of them climb down to the tarmac. Zondra looks shocked when she sees Chuck. She puts her hands up and puts on a questioning face. Sarah laughs and puts her arm through Chuck's, then rests her head on his shoulder. They walk to the SUV, followed by the flight crew with their bags. Zondra's face changes to one of disgust. Sarah flashes her an angry look and Z's face goes neutral.
Approaching the car Sarah releases Chuck and gives Zondra a hug. "Glad to see you survived, meet Colonel Carmichael." Chuck reaches his hand out, Zondra shakes it. Sarah continues, "Feel free to call him Batman, but his friends call him Chuck."
Zondra looks shocked, "Bat…, him, you're…" Sarah flashes another angry look. Zondra continues "… Batman, it's a pleasure to see you again Chuck. Forgive my surprise, when we last met, I had no idea you could fly a fighter jet."
Chuck looks surprised, "Me? No, I don't know how to fly. Any chance we could get to a bathroom? I'm dying." Sarah puts her hand in front of her mouth to hide her smile, yep, he was born to be a spy. Right now, Zondra is wondering how he can walk and talk at the same time.
Sarah opens the car door, "Come on Colonel, my office is close by. You can use the facilities there."
Chuck climbs into the car as their gear is loaded into the rear compartment. "Thanks Agent Walker. I think my back teeth are floating." Zondra makes no attempt to hide her look of disgust. Sarah is fighting hard not to laugh.
Chuck climbs into the back seat, Sarah closes the door behind him and gets into the front seat. As Zondra walks around the front of the car towards the driver's side Sarah asks, "Can I tell her?"
Chuck shrugs, "If you really want to. But I get the feeling she won't be happy for you."
As the door opens Sarah adds, "The only thing that matters is that I'm happy for me."
Zondra climbs in behind the wheel and starts the car, "So, tell me Colonel, what were you doing aboard the Ford?"
Chuck shrugs, "Just some computer stuff."
Zondra glances at Sarah, "Are you going to stop bullshitting me and tell me what's really going on?"
Sarah laughs, "Are you sure you want to know?"
Zondra is taken aback, "What the hell are you laughing at. I had clearance for this mission. What the hell happened after I got slugged?"
Sarah laughs again, "Okay if you're sure you want to know." Sarah holds up her hand where Zondra can see it.
Zondra looks over, while keeping her eyes on the road, "What the hell is that?"
Sarah turns the ring on her finger, "It's a titanium nut taken from the F-18 that brought Batman to the Ford. It was ground down to make my wedding band."
Zondra pulls over to the side and slams on the brakes, "Are you shitting me? Who the hell did you marry?"
Chuck reaches between the seats with his hand to show the matching wedding band.
Zondra's mouth falls open and just stays there. It looks like she's about to say something, but she just keeps looking back and forth between Sarah and Chuck. She finally finds the ability to speak, "Chief, you're kidding me? You married the nerd? You escaped him once. Why would you go back?"
Sarah flashes yet another angry look, "Careful Z. That's my husband, and my new boss you're talking about."
Zondra screams, "New boss? What the hell are you talking about? Sarah, have you gone insane?"
Zondra turns around to face Chuck in the backseat, "That's it. You, nerd, out of the car. I'm gonna kick your ass, once and for all. I should have done this years ago." Zondra opens the door and gets out moving to the shoulder, pacing, and cursing.
Chuck shrugs, "I told you she wouldn't take it well. What am I supposed to do?"
Sarah smiles, "Hon, I know Zondra, this is the only way to earn her respect. Just go easy on her. Try not to hurt her."
Chuck and Sarah get out of the vehicle. Zondra is fuming, "Let's go nerd. It's time to learn your lesson."
Sarah kisses Chuck, "Remember, go easy on her Baby. She's just trying to be there for me."
Zondra stares at Sarah, "Go easy on me? I'm gonna make your nerd bleed." With that she takes a swing at Chuck. He easily deflects the blow and steps to the side tripping her. It causes her to stumble as her momentum carries her forward.
Chuck pleads, "Come on Zondra, can't we talk about this? I really need to pee." Sarah laughs.
Zondra lifts her leg and thrusts it out toward Chucks head. Chuck drops under the kick and swings his leg around knocking her other leg out from under her. Zondra hits the dirt on her back, with a loud "OOOF."
Chuck reaches his hand out, in an offer to help her up. She grabs his hand and uses it for leverage to bring her legs around trying to knock him off his feet. Chuck nimbly, leaps over her legs and twists her arm to land behind her, with his knee on her back. Zondra is lying face down in the dirt.
Sarah squats near her face, "Zondra, please don't make him hurt you. It'll make him miserable for weeks. As it is, he'll feel bad for getting you dirty."
Zondra looks up at Sarah, spitting dirt out of her mouth. "Fine, I give, but how the hell…?"
Sarah shrugs, and offers her hand to help Zondra up, "He's Batman," Sarah puts on a big smile, "And I'm Mrs. Batman."
Zondra gets up and Sarah helps to dust the dirt off her clothes, "What'd you mean he's your new boss?"
As they walk towards the car she explains, "Z, I put my papers in. I'm going home to work at our company. I'm only here for three days to pack up my apartment and have a little honeymoon."
Chuck disappears behind some bushes as the ladies talk. He resurfaces with a smile on his face, "Much better. Are you okay Agent Rizzo? I did my best not to injure you."
Zondra stares at him, I'm fine ne…, Colonel… Chuck, sorry I lost my cool."
Zondra reaches her hand out. Chuck shakes it and says, "I get it. I love her too."
Sarah walks over and hugs him, "Thanks for being nice."
Chuck smiles and kisses her, "Anything for wifey, so she'll do wifely duties."
Sarah gives him a dirty look, "Chuck, you behave, or you'll be practicing all by yourself."
Zondra does her best Casey grunt, "Ugh! Sarah, what the hell happened to you?"
Sarah smiles at Chuck, "Turns out, my heart was torn in two. I found the missing half and got it back. By the way Z, our marriage is a secret for now. Keep it to yourself."
The remaining ride to the Agency Office is animated, "Sarah, what the hell happened out there? I mean other than your new husband."
Sarah looks back at Chuck, he shakes his head. Sarah takes a deep breath. "Z, I'll tell you what I can, once we're in the SCIF. I'm limited in what I can tell you. Please don't take offense, you know how the game works, need to know." Sarah gets excited, "What I can tell you is that the guy who hit you from behind, will never do that to anyone again."
Zondra shrugs as she pulls into the CIA garage, "Well that's something."
The guard at the gate looks into the passenger window, "Chief Walker, Agent Rizzo, welcome back," as Sarah and Zondra hand over their ID's, an agent walks around the vehicle, using a mirror on a stick to check under the car. The guard looks into the back seat, "Your ID Sir." Chuck hands him his ID. The guard looks at the document and pops tall. "Colonel Carmichael, sorry for the delay Sir, we'll get you on your way." He hands the ID's back to Zondra and waves them through.
Zondra starts the car forward, sarcastically she says, "Just some computer stuff, huh?"
Sarah shrugs and smiles, "Like you always say, he's just a geek."
Chuck laughs, "That's nerd Honey. I'm a nerd."
Once in the office Sarah is immediately greeted by an agent, "Ma'am you have a priority one call waiting. You were requested to have the Colonel with you."
Sarah sighs, "I'm sorry Z, you know I have to take this. I'll get with you as soon as I can."
Zondra nods and gives Sarah a hug, "Congratulations Sarah I wasn't sure what you saw in him, but I think I'm beginning to understand. I'm glad you're happy. I'll be standing by when you're ready."
Sarah turns to Chuck, "Colonel, please join me, it would appear we have a phone call."
She walks down a corridor and stops in front of an unmarked door, leaning her face into an opening, a light scans her eye. She stands and enters a code into a keypad. There's a sound like a lock opening and the door pops open. Sarah pushes the door and waves Chuck to follow. Chuck looks around the office as Sarah walks around behind her desk, she pushes a button, "Jenkins put that call through, please."
The phone rings, "This is Walker, you're on speaker."
The familiar voice on the other end sounds happy, "Sarah, it's so good to hear your voice. How are you and the Colonel doing?"
Sarah and Chuck instantly recognize Beckman's voice, "We're doing well General, how are you?"
"I'm doing fantastic. You and your team earned me another star, and a position as advisor to the President. Thank you for your usual good work."
Sarah smiles at Chuck, "Congratulations General. Glad we could help out."
Beckman hesitates, "I did get a briefing from General Casey, but when I asked about you and the Colonel, he got evasive. Would you know of any reason for that?"
Sarah looks at Chuck, and puts her hands up to ask what should I do? Chuck speaks up,
"I'm fine General, congrats on your promotion." He silently mouths to Sarah, "Should we tell her?" Sarah shrugs.
Chuck walks over and puts his arm around his wife's shoulders. Coming around the desk he sees a picture of them together, "General, can you keep a secret?"
Beckman sounds incredulous, "Mr. Bartowski, did you just ask the former Director of the NSA and present Confidential Advisor to the President of the United States if she can keep a secret?" She laughs, "Maybe, why? Do you have a secret you want to share?"
Chuck looks at Sarah and she nods, "General, I'm happy to tell you Sarah Walker did not return to Naples with me."
Beckman asks sarcastically, "Really, and who was that woman I was just speaking with?"
Chuck takes in a deep breath and pulls Sarah close, "That was Sarah Bartowski."
The line goes quiet for ten, fifteen, twenty seconds all of a sudden there's a shout, "Are you shitting me? You know it's not nice to lie to a two-star General."
Sarah laughs, "No General he's not lying. We're married, but his family can't know, they'd be very hurt. We'll be inviting you to the family wedding in Burbank, but we refused to wait any longer."
Beckman let's out a huge breath, "So that's what Casey was holding back on me. Congratulations you two. I'm happy for you. I mean this in the nicest possible way, you two truly deserve each other. I can't think of two people who belong together more."
Beckman pauses, "Sarah, Chuck, I'm sorry. I have to put aside the congratulations for another time. I have a small problem, actually the President has a problem."
Sarah sits down in her chair, Chuck rests his hand on her shoulder. "I'm listening General."
Beckman continues tentatively, "It seems the last three days have wreaked havoc on our intelligence community. We're in need of new leadership in the Agency." Beckman pauses to let it sink in, "We want to offer you and the Colonel positions, as interim Director and Assistant Director of the CIA. When this decision was made, we weren't aware of the possible nepotism involved. I believe we can work around that."
Chuck's hand squeezes hard on Sarah's shoulder and he starts to shake, tears form in his eyes. With no hesitation Sarah answers, "I'm sorry General, our Agency days are over. We've already given way too much to our country. We have our own company that needs our attention."
Sarah stands and takes Chuck in her arms, she whispers in his ear, "There's nothing to be afraid of. You're all I want in this world. I would rather clean toilets for you, then be a spy, or anything else."
Chuck lets the tears flow as he hugs Sarah tightly, he whispers, "I'm sorry, I'm such a baby. I got really scared."
Sarah speaks softly as she holds him, "I understand Sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere. I'm never going to leave you, not ever again. I'm so sorry I hurt you that way."
As the couple hug, Beckman is still on the phone, "Hello, is anyone there, hello…"
Sarah doesn't let go of Chuck as she answers, "We're here General, you have our answer. Three days to brief my replacement, do some sightseeing, and a final debrief. Then I'm done and so is Chuck."
Beckman sounds desperate, "Sarah, I need you. I need both of you. Is there anything I can say or do to convince you? Just one last mission."
Chuck and Sarah laugh through the tears when they hear the one last mission line. Both of them knowing how that works out. Sarah speaks firmly, "Yes General there is something you can do to get us back." Chuck looks at her shocked. Sarah puts her finger to his lips in a sign to be quiet.
Beckman sounds excited, "You name it. If I can do it, It's yours."
Sarah smiles and softly kisses Chuck, "You can have Decker's head on a silver platter, on my desk, in the next 24 hours. And you can give us back the two years that Shaw stole from us. Let us know when you have that."
Chuck kisses Sarah hard with relief and all the love he has for her. In the background Beckman is yelling, "Come on, you know I can't do that. Decker maybe, but… never mind. I get it, you're out. We'll talk later." There's a click when Beckman hangs up, but the couple didn't hear it, they were busy.
Sarah soothingly runs her hand down the side of Chuck's face, "You know what Husband, it's time for you to see where I cried my eyes out every night. The place where I was missing you and wanting to be in your arms so, so much. It's time for you to see my apartment, my bed, the pillow that held so many of my tears, when I should have been holding you. Then maybe you'll believe me when I say I'm yours forever."
Chuck nods, "But Sarah, Zondra is waiting, and you have to debrief…." Sarah interrupts him by shoving her tongue in his mouth. When she pulls back, "Fuck these spies. I want to make love to my husband. Don't you dare argue with your superior spouse."
Chuck smiles as he looks into her eyes, "No Ma'am. You have the Colonel's attention and obedience. I am prepared to perform my husbandly duties. Ma'am, no disrespect intended but… I love you so much. It's my honor to serve under you… on top of you… behind you…"
Sarah laughs, "Yes Colonel, I get the gist, let's go," She takes his hand and heads for the door.
Stepping into the central office area, "Jenkins, is my relief here yet?"
The agent at the desk looks up, "Negative Chief, not due till tomorrow, 0900 hours."
Sarah continues to walk past him, "Fine I'll be back then. No calls, no messages, do not disturb me under any circumstances. If the President calls tell him I said to… never mind, just take a message. Call Rizzo, tell her to meet me in the garage with my car."
Jenkins picks up the phone, "On it Chief."
Sarah grabs Chuck's hand and leads him back through the maze they came through on the way in. When they arrive at the garage in the two minutes before Rizzo pulls up, in the Escalade, Sarah turns to Chuck. "Baby, we need to warn her about Decker."
Chuck shakes his head, "I'm not sure you can do that without telling her what happened."
Sarah shares her concern, "Chuck, she went up against Decker too. I can at least let her know to watch out for herself."
Chuck is frustrated, "Okay Sarah, but you need to do it with no witnesses, plausible deniability. You cannot in any way refer to me, nor what I can do."
Sarah nods, "I know Baby. I'll be careful."
Chuck sighs, "Sarah you need to be more than careful. Remember that cell you used to threaten me with? That's where Zondra will wind up if there's any hint that she knows about me. Baby, if anyone finds out, it puts your life, and our families' lives in jeopardy."
The car pulls up, "Honey why don't you stretch your legs for five minutes, I'm sure you're stiff from our chopper ride. I promise I'll be extra cautious."
Chuck bends to kiss his wife, "See you in five."
Sarah climbs into the car as Chuck walks down into the parking garage thinking, she was right about one thing, I am stiff. Those ships and aircraft are not designed for tall people. Just another reason I wish I were an average person. Chuck's thoughts are interrupted when he hears a barely audible, scuffing sound behind him. He turns quickly behind a van on his right and moves around it. As quickly, and as quietly, as he can. He moves hidden behind the cars, going back in the direction he came from. Damn these military shoes and their leather soles. I wish I had my Chucks on. Reaching down he pulls the shoes off and carries them. He lies down on the concrete floor and watches the space under the car he's behind. He smiles when he sees the feet, they're turning around as if the person were looking for something.
Chuck sneaks around behind the man and throws his shoe in front of him and to the right. The moment the man turns his attention towards the sound of the landing shoe Chuck runs up and hits the guy square in the back with a disabling kick. As soon as the guy goes down Chuck is on top of him, he grabs his arm, pulls it up hard towards his shoulders and prepares to strike with a crippling blow, "You have ten seconds to convince me that I should let you live."
The man strains to answer his head forced into the concrete, he groans, "General Casey assigned me to protect you."
Chuck lightens the hold, "Prove it."
The guy groans, "He said when you catch me, I should tell you that he's sexy in four leaf clovers."
Chuck releases the man's arm, "Stand up, very slowly."
As the man stands Chuck hears feet running towards him from behind. He quickly grabs the man in a choke hold and turns both of them towards the sound. He sees Sarah and Zondra running towards him. He growls into the man's ear, "Make a move I don't like, and I'll snap your neck."
In response the man raises his hands and spreads them. Sarah is shouting, "Chuck it's okay, he's one of ours, it's okay."
Chuck doesn't make out what she's saying. He says into his ear, "Slowly reach in and bring out your ID, slowly. Your life depends on it."
The man leaves one hand in the air and with the other he reaches into his inside pocket and holds up his ID, just as Sarah reaches them. Chuck looks at the ID and releases the agent.
Zondra is amazed, "Sarah, that agent is the best we have. How the hell did Chuck get the drop on him?"
Sarah laughs shaking her head, "Chuck has been doing a lot of training, or he's Batman, you choose. By the way Z, you're the best we have."
Zondra grins, "Maybe, but he took me down and didn't even break a sweat. Who the hell is this guy?"
Sarah smiles, "He's my husband, the man I've been in love with for so very long, but I was too dumb to know what I was passing on." She turns to the agent, who's looking sheepish, considering he just got compromised in front of his boss. "Don't sweat it, he would have caught me too, double the team. We'll be going to my residence. Send a team ahead to clear it, and make sure the perimeter is secure. Tell the teams, that the password, if the Colonel happens on them, is Robin the Boy Wonder." The agent walks off to carry out his orders.
As Sarah is giving her orders, Chuck is pacing around and turns, glowering at her. Sarah catches his look and smiles, shrugs, and mouths, "Too bad."
Chuck is clearly angry as he closes in on Sarah and Zondra, "Sarah, can we step over here and have a word?"
Sarah shakes her head, "No, but we can discuss whatever you like, at my residence."
Zondra stares at them, wondering how this is going to end.
Chuck takes a deep breath and gently, calmly says, "Sarah Bartowski, I would like a moment of your time please. Now."
Not realizing she was doing it, Zondra exclaims aloud, "Holy shit!"
Sarah looks at her, then back at Chuck, "Okay Baby, if it's that important to you. Z would you give us a minute? How about you go back for the car and pick us up here."
Zondra's eyes go wide, not believing what she's seeing and hearing. She turns and walks back to the car.
Sarah speaks sarcastically, "Is Husband angry with Wifey. Angry enough to embarrass her in front of her coworker?"
Chuck steps up to Sarah lifts her chin and kisses her. "That was not my intent. I'm sorry that happened. I was concerned that blowing up at you, in front of her, would have been worse. Why the hell do I have a security detail that was kept secret from me? How do we know which of these agency people Decker has gotten to. Do you realize how close I came to killing a man because I thought he was here to hurt you? Sarah, you are not my handler, no more secrets, no more lies. Be my wife, please."
Sarah looks shocked, "Oh Baby, I'm the one who should be sorry. I didn't think of all that. I just wanted you to be safe. Casey set this up before we left the ship. I assumed that he and Beckman vetted these agents. He told me not to tell you because he didn't want you to be worried. It didn't occur to me that you would be worried about my safety." Sarah hugs Chuck just as Zondra pulls up with the car. She kisses him, "I'm sorry Baby. Forgive me. I promise, no more secrets."
Chuck opens the front door, Sarah leans in, "Z, do you mind playing chauffer?"
Zondra smiles, "No problem, Chief. Hop in."
Sarah closes the front door and climbs into the back seat scooting over. Chuck follows her. Sarah speaks to Zondra over the seat, "Care to join us for dinner tomorrow night? We'll be going to La Tovaglia A Scacchi."
Zondra shakes her head, "Come on Sarah, you're on your honeymoon. You don't need a tagalong. How about I sit at another table and keep an eye on you two?"
Sarah smiles as she leans her head against Chuck's shoulder. "That's fine, but dinner's on us. You're the best Z. I'm really going to miss you. He was right you know. He nearly hurt someone because I kept a secret from him. He had every right to be angry."
Zondra looks into the rear view mirror and catches Chuck's eye, "Chuck, I had you all wrong. I'm sorry for how disrespectful I've been. I can see now. You make my friend happy. Thanks."
Chuck shrugs his shoulders and smiles into the mirror, "We're cool. Sorry I was a little short back there. When I get worried about Sarah, I kinda freak out a little."
Zondra lets out a short laugh, "That was the calmest freak out I've ever seen. I wouldn't mind you having my back in a firefight."
Sarah laughs, "Yes you would, the Colonel doesn't use guns. You would be doing all the shooting, while he tries to talk the bad guy into a better life choice." Sarah snorts, " And knowing my man, he would get them to listen."
Chuck laughs and wraps his arm around his wife's shoulders, "It's not nice to make fun of your husband."
Sarah snuggles into his shoulder, "Honey, I wasn't making fun of you. I was bragging about you. I'm very proud of your gentle heart."
Zondra drives the car to Sarah's residence and stops. Chuck becomes apprehensive, Sarah tries to soothe him, "Hon, I swear there's nothing to be upset about. There's nothing up there to be concerned about."
Zondra turns placing her arm over the seat next to hers and looks at Chuck. "Look, I didn't know why until today, but this lady has lived like a nun. She works, she eats, she sleeps. She's been acting like she was alive, but It wasn't until today, wait, no it was when Batman arrived on that carrier, that Sarah came alive. Somehow, she knew it was you, and her energy was totally focused on getting to you. The mission became secondary. That is very unlike Station Chief Walker. Now if you think my girl did anything that would make you unhappy, let me tell you right here, right now, you're dead wrong. You're as wrong about her, as I've been about you all these years. Now the two of you get up to that apartment, you cuddle, you make love, you make that woman happy. I'll be by in the morning with breakfast and to take you sightseeing. You will have a honeymoon, or I'll make you kick my ass, any questions Colonel?"
Sarah smiles wide, Chuck is shocked at Zondra's words, "Crap, do I have two superior spouses? I do have one question, can we sleep in Ma'am? Would ten o'clock be okay?"
Sarah interupts, "Chuck, I have to be at my office by 0900 hours, to meet with my replacement."
Zondra shakes her head and laughs, "Fine, coffee and pastries at eight. Now get the hell out of my car, before you piss me off."
Sarah laughs as Chuck slides out of the car, she leans over the seat and kisses Zondra on the cheek. "Z, have you ever considered quitting the agency and working for a private security firm? Think about it. We'll talk later. And thanks."
Sarah slides out of the armored vehicle and puts her arm around Chuck's waist, as Zondra pulls away. "Come on Baby, let me show you how much I've missed you." She leads him to a hallway and up a flight of stairs. She spots all the agents in the right places to protect her and the Colonel. Arriving at a door she pulls out a key and unlocks it. Turning the knob she pushes the door open and starts to walk forward.
Chuck grabs her arm, "Uh uh Mrs. Bartowski," He sweeps her up in his arms. Sarah throws her arms around him and buries her face into his neck. Chuck carries her across the threshold, kicking the door closed behind him.
