A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 31: Chicago:
Taking Care of Family Part IV
Chuck's phone chimes. It's a text message from Jeffrey. "I'll be there at 2 as scheduled sir. The child seat is ready to go."
Chuck responds. "Thank you, Jeffrey see you soon."
"Okay guys, Jeffrey will be here at 2 with the limo. I have a couple of calls I have to make."
Chuck heads upstairs to have some quiet. Pushing the speed dial labeled Casey. The phone rings twice. Chuck immediately hears, "What Bartowski? You're not my Boss on Sundays."
Chuck laughs, "Hi John. Is that anyway to greet your best friend?"
Casey grunts, "I knew I would regret telling you that. What's up?"
"You only confirmed what I already knew. Would you mind watching the shop with Morgan tomorrow? Something came up. Involving old friends. I need a day to set up some security for the Awesomes." Casey is quiet. He grunts.
"Thanks Partner. I'll fill you in when we get home. Actually, there's a lot to tell. Our hope is to be there tomorrow evening. I'll call Morgan and tell him he's in charge, to keep an eye on you."
Casey grunts.
Chuck is surprised, "That's it? No threats? No demeaning remarks. Just an okay grunt."
Casey speaks softly, "Take care of your family kid, we've got you covered. How's new Bartowski doing with previously Bartowski?"
Chuck takes in a deep breath, "It went better than I'd hoped. It was rough for a minute but Awesome really helped out. The fact that Clara fell immediately in love with Sarah helped a lot too. There was a moment when I thought Sarah was going to put Ellie in her place, physically. However, she kept her cool and it all worked out. Frank called. Best not to discuss it over the phone. I'll text you when we get in, you can come over for a nightcap."
Casey grunts, "Let me guess. It had something to do with Mama Bartowski?"
"See you tomorrow. I have to call Morgan and we have a show to get to. Miss ya John."
Casey spits out, "Bah, I miss you like I miss a hemorrhoid. See you tomorrow. Send my love to all the folks. Clara gets a hug, the rest don't."
Chuck laughs, "Okay, tomorrow partner." He ends the call.
Chuck dials again, the phone rings. "Hey Buddy, how's it going?"
"Hey Morgan, things are pretty good. How's the family? How's your house guest doing?"
"Things are great here. She's fine. The kids have gotten over her boo boos and they love her. Who knew Carina Miller would be good with kids? I think she sees them as marks and tries to figure out how to play them. It's amazing none of these spies have seen the classics. She actually didn't know who Darth Vader is."
"I'm glad things are working out. Any chance you could handle things for one more day?"
"Sure. Something going on? Anything I can help with?"
"A minor security breech, nothing to worry about. I want to make sure everything is secure before I leave. You'll be getting a file from Remy on a Jeffrey Kozlowski. I'd appreciate a rush on his clearance. I'll fill you in when we get home. Hey, what's up with Casey? I told him you were in charge. He didn't bitch at all."
"Can't say. He's been pretty mellow. I think it has something to do with Gretchen. It's like he's trying to out-mellow her."
Chuck's eyebrows go up. "Weird. Okay I'll see it for myself tomorrow night. If we get in early enough, he's coming over to catch up. Should I call you?"
"Nah, I'll see you in the office, Tuesday. Unless you think it important that I be there."
"Right now, there's no reason. If that changes, I'll let you know. Have a good evening. Love to you all. Make sure the boys get a hug from Uncle Chuck and Aunt Sarah."
Downstairs the Woodcombs are getting things ready to go to the show. Ellie is packing an extra set of clothes for Clara. A storybook in case she gets bored and a light jacket in case it's chilly in the theater. Devon takes Sarah aside while Ellie is occupied in Clara's room. "Sarah are you sure it's safe to go to this show?"
Sarah shrugs, "Sure. Why would you think otherwise?"
"Well, you know the prowler and the bugs. I mean is there a chance someone might do something?"
Sarah sighs, "Devon, I get it. You're worried about your family. Let me remind you the prowler and the bugs were after information not people. Now, if you think it's unsafe to go to a show because it's Chicago, that I get. I will also remind you that no human alive can get to you while you're with me and Chuck." Sarah giggles, "Chuck would remind you that our aura of protection will not stop a runaway bus, or even a charging rhinoceros, and an alien tractor beam could also be a problem. But humans… we've got you covered."
Devon smiles and hugs her, "Good to know. So, any recommendations on that alien thing?"
Sarah laughs. "Devon we're going to have a good time this evening. I think my husband may be more excited than your daughter."
Upstairs Chuck is on the phone with Murdock. "HM any problem with having the hangar for one more night?"
"Shouldn't be an issue Boss. Even if it is I can roll my baby outside. She can handle one night in the wild."
"What about you HM? I'm not ruining any plans you have, am I?"
"Boss this is why you pay me the big bucks. Any idea when we might be leaving? A flight plan does need to be filed."
Chuck nods to himself. "Good point. Let's say sixteen hundred. Should give me plenty of time to take care of business."
"Sounds good Boss. See you here at the airport at 1600 for a 1630 takeoff. Have fun."
"See you tomorrow HM. Stay safe. Keep an eye out. No visitors on or around the plane. If anyone tells you they have permission to be there, I want to know ASAP."
Murdock sounds concerned, "Is there a problem Boss?"
"Probably not. Just keep your eyes open. See you tomorrow." Chuck ends the call.
He heads down the stairs where he's immediately accosted by Clara, "Uncle Chuck, where were you? You missed the tea party."
Chuck picks her up and kisses her, "Darn, I had to make some phone calls so we could stay another day."
Clara hugs his neck tight, "YAY! Uncle Chuck, don't leave. You could come and live with us. I would share my room with Auntie Sarah."
Sarah comes up behind Clara and hugs them both. "Clara, that's the best offer I've had in a long time. It's really hard to say no to that, but Uncle Chuck needs to go back to work. Maybe someday soon we can live closer together. Would you like that?" Clara nods her head still holding Chuck tightly. "Maybe you could live close enough to play with MJ and LJ. You keep asking Beauty to work her magic, and maybe… just maybe, it could happen. In the meantime, Uncle Chuck and I will talk to you on the phone lots, okay?" Clara nods.
Chuck puts aside his sadness at the upcoming separation from the family he loves. He takes a deep breath and holds Clara close. "Right now, I want to head outside, get into Jeffrey's magic coach, and go see the knights fight for truth, justice, and the um… round table way. Anybody want to come with me?"
Ellie, Devon, Sarah, and Clara all yell out, "I do, I do."
Chuck carries Clara to the door, galloping horse like. "Then let's be off, the evil knights must be defeated. The good knights can't win without the cheers of the ladies, Clara, Sarah, and Ellie."
They all head out the door. Jeffrey is standing holding open the door, he bows as they approach. "Lady Clara, it makes my heart sing to see you yet again. But where is the majestic Beauty?"
Clara still in Chuck's arms, "Hi Jeffrey. It's nice to see you too. Beauty was very tired. She used a lot of magic to make Auntie Sarah feel better so she's resting. Also, Mommy was worried I might lose her cause she hates to wear a leash."
Devon and Ellie climb into the limo Chuck puts Clara down so she can climb in and be buckled safely into her seat. While they're waiting Sarah leans up and kisses Chuck's cheek. She whispers, "If you ever grow up, I won't leave you, but I'll be plenty pissed. Our children will need you just the way you are."
Chuck smiles, "Yes, my love, I will endeavor to remain as immature as possible. I don't need a pissed off assassin in my bed while I'm sleeping." Sarah laughs.
The ride to Medieval Times is filled with laughter and lots of good conversation. Chuck notices that the car is making a lot more turns than necessary to get to their destination. Jeffrey pulls into the parking lot and stops in front of the entrance. The dividing screen goes down. "We're here sir. I wonder if I could speak to you for a moment?"
Chuck looks at Sarah and shrugs. "Guys wait here for a minute; I'll be right back." Sarah gives him a quizzical look as she touches the Colt Pocket lite 380 secured to her thigh. Chuck gets out of the car and the divider goes back up.
Climbing into the front seat he looks at Jeffrey. "What's up?"
Jeffrey seems worried. "Sir, I hope I'm not out of line, but I think we may have been followed. There's a black SUV. It was parked outside your family's home. It may be following us. I took all kinds of different streets to get here. But I'm pretty sure it stayed with me."
Chuck gets concerned, "No problem, Jeffrey. What made you suspicious about this car?"
Jeffrey shakes his head, "I don't know Sir, something just bugged me about it."
Chuck nods, "Okay, lower the screen." The screen goes down. "Sarah, do you have your Bluetooth with you?"
Sarah reaches into her small purse, "Right here Baby." She fits it into her ear. Chuck calls her on his phone. She answers, "What's up Hon?"
"Jeffrey thinks we picked up a tail. Stay with the family. After I get out, Jeffrey will circle around and drop you at the entrance. Get them inside, I'll leave your tickets up here with Jeffrey."
Sarah smiles, "Okay Baby. We'll meet you inside."
"Jeffrey, go ahead and close the divider. See that tour bus up there? I want you to drive really slowly and pull in front of it. I want my door to be covered by the bus. Do you understand?"
Jeffrey nods, "I get it Boss. You want to step out unseen."
Chuck smiles and punches his shoulder, "Good man. I knew I was right about you. I'll step out while the car is still moving. Don't stop. After I get out, you just keep going. Circle the parking lot and drop the family off in front of the entrance. You do whatever Ms. Walker tells you, no matter how strange it may seem. As soon as I'm out lower the screen. Stay calm we don't want to scare Clara. Did you copy Sarah?"
"I got you Baby. Chuck, we have a wedding to get to. Be careful."
"Always Baby. Nothing can keep me from your arms. Okay Jeffrey, let's go."
Jeffrey slowly moves the limo forward. The crowd unloading for the show makes it easy to creep forward slowly. Chuck flashes his acrobatic skills, he doesn't want to stumble. Jeffrey guides the limo in front of the tour bus and Chuck steps out nimbly, closing the door behind him. He dashes around to hide behind the bus.
Ellie hears the car door slam even though the vehicle is still moving. As the divider comes down, she says with concern, "Sarah what's going on?"
Sarah smiles and tickles Clara under the chin. "Nothing to worry about, Chuck just wants to check something out. He wouldn't want Clara to be worried that we don't have the best seats in the house. After all, the knights need the Lady Clara close so they can hear her cheers."
He watches as the SUV passes his position to follow the limo. "Sarah the windows are tinted but I made out two figures in the front seat."
"Okay Hon, what's the plan?"
"Unload, get into the arena The crowd will give you some cover. I want them out of the car and in front of me. Let's see if they follow you into the show. I won't know what to do, until I see what they do."
Sarah laughs, "So the Charles Carmichael special. Hang on tight and pray."
Chuck laughs, "Sounds about right. Remember, you're not government and you aren't licensed."
Sarah smiles, "I hear you. Stay in touch."
Once again Ellie asks, "Sarah what's going on?" This time her voice is slightly raised and insistent.
Sarah looks at her then at Clara. "Nothing special Ellie. We're about to go in and get our seats. We can talk later when we have a moment alone. The only thing important is that you're all safe and Clara is happy. This is the time for trust, not arguing."
Clara claps her hands, "Oh boy, time to see the horses."
Ellie sighs, "Fine, we'll talk later."
As the SUV drives away following his family Chuck looks around, he realizes he only has a couple of minutes to come up with a plan. "Good job Sarah. Keep them calm. I'm working the problem."
Chuck looks around, the crowd is growing by the minute. Clearly gunplay has to be avoided. Too many civilians, lots of kids. The VIP entrance is not as crowded. Good. Sarah will be able to get them inside quickly. I can't believe I'm about to use my family as bait. This! This is why I left the spy life. Let's see. The tour buses provide cover from the curb, good. He shakes his head. But the crowd, that's not so good. I need a way to get close to them if they get out of their car.
Chuck sees a guy walking by wearing a baseball cap, Cubs of course. He walks over to the man, "Sir, that's a great cap, I'm visiting from California I would love to bring one like that, home for my nephew." He pulls out his money. "I'll give you thirty dollars for the cap." The guy looks at Chuck like he's crazy. Chuck peels off another ten, "Forty for the cap." The guy hands the cap to Chuck and grabs the money. He walks away shaking his head, counting his money laughing, "Tourists!"
Chuck puts the cap on and pulls it low over his eyes. He takes his black sports jacket off and turns it inside out. The blue satin lining showing. Chuck now looks like a local millennial. He blends in the with the crowd watching for the limo to pull in again. "Sarah I'm wearing my suit jacket blue satin lining showing and I have a Cubs cap on. Please don't freak and shoot me."
Sarah laughs, "Okay Hon, I'll do my best to avoid that. We're about to pull in. Baby, this place is packed. No room for mistakes."
Chuck sighs, "Yeah, I'm aware. Tell Jeffrey to lead the SUV away after he drops you off. He's not to make contact. If they don't follow him, tell him to try and get behind it and keep an eye on them. He has my number if he needs to text me. Okay I see you pulling over. Here we go. Above all else, you have to keep Ellie calm."
Sarah laughs, "So once again you get the easy part and I get the hard part."
Sarah looks at Ellie and Devon. "Okay folks, time to head inside, Chuck will join us shortly. Ellie, Devon," she smiles, "I really need you to work with me. We want to make sure Clara gets inside safely to see the show. Right?"
Devon nods. Ellie flashes her a dirty look then nods. Sarah smiles, "Good. When we stop, I need you to wait one minute while I go upfront grab the tickets and give Jeffrey some instructions."
Jeffrey pulls the limo over. Sarah climbs out and closes the door behind her. She casually looks around taking in the surroundings. She sees the SUV a few cars back and Chuck standing beyond them. She smiles, If he hadn't told me what to look for, I may have missed him. That man was born to be a spy. I'm really glad he's not one.
She climbs into the front seat. "Hi Jeffrey. You're doing a great job. Chuck is really looking forward to you working with us. After we get out, lead the SUV away. You are not to make contact. You're untrained and we don't want you or anyone else getting hurt. We don't know who these guys are, or if they're armed. If they don't follow you, try and get behind the SUV and keep an eye on them. You have Chuck's number if you need to text him. Don't be shy, so far, your instincts are dead on. You let him know if you see anything."
Jeffrey nods, "I understand Ma'am. Should I maybe call the police?"
Sarah smiles, "And tell them what? That a black SUV is on the road. Just follow Chuck's instructions. Mr. Bartowski and I will handle the rest."
Jeffrey nods, "Yes Ma'am."
Sarah gets out and pushes the tickets into her back pocket. I hope my skirt isn't too short. Things could get interesting. She opens the backdoor and the Awesomes climb out. Clara puts her arms out, "Auntie Sarah will you carry me?"
Sarah smiles, "Why don't we let Daddy carry you right now, I'll need my hands free to give the people our tickets. Hey! I have a great idea. You can sit on my lap for the show."
Clara claps, "Yay! But where's Uncle Chuck?"
Devon picks her up, "Don't worry baby girl. There's no way your uncle would miss watching this show with you."
Sarah pushes three tickets into Ellie's hand, she can see the worry in her eyes. "Nothing to worry about, Chuck is handling things. I'll be right behind you. If we get separated, go to your seats. We'll meet you inside."
Ellie hugs Sarah, "I just got you back. Please be careful."
Hugging Ellie back hard, "I've got the best partner in the world watching out for me. We'll see you inside. Okay guys let's get on the line, I'm excited to see some knights and horses."
Sarah hears Chuck's voice in her ear. "Baby, we're on. One got out of the car. The SUV is on the move. Hold on." Chuck let's out a big breath. Okay I'm about 3 paces behind him. There is a definite bulge in the small of his back. His gait seems okay, but I can't promise there isn't an ankle holster. Are you up for a bump and grab?"
Sarah presses her lips together in worry. "Baby, are you sure about this?"
Chuck hesitates, "I wish I were. Are you ready?"
Sarah sighs, "I trust you Hon. Describe the mark."
"Caucasian, Thin, six feet, short haircut, clean shaven, cheap grey suit. I swear this guy looks like a cliché character in a spy novel."
Sarah is standing behind the family in the VIP line. "Devon, keep moving, get inside." She turns to talk to the woman behind her. She sees Chuck and the man he described right in front of him. "Excuse me Ma'am I seem to have lost my ticket, have you seen it?"
Chuck flashes to refresh his pickpocketing skills.
The woman shakes her head. Sarah continues to move back through the line, looking at the ground. She lets the ticket fall to the sidewalk in front of the mark. "There it is." Bending to pick it up she bumps him. In that instant Chuck bumps into the guy from behind and grabs the gun from the guy's holster and stuffs in his own pants. He quickly covers it with his jacket. While Sarah is bent over, she cautiously touches the guy's ankles, no gun.
When Sarah stands up Chuck smiles and nods. He taps the guy on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir, I wonder if you wouldn't mind stepping over here to have a short discussion?"
The guy acts surprised, "What the hell is going on?"
Sarah smiles, "Nothing to get worried about sir, but my partner does have your gun."
The man reaches behind his back, "SHIT, I'm gonna get reamed for this."
Sarah continues to smile, "Please let's step over here. We don't want anyone getting hurt." He precedes Sarah to a bench she pointed at. Chuck walks around behind the bench. "Please sir, have a seat, get comfortable." The man sits. He stares up at Sarah. She continues to come across friendly and non-threatening. "Perhaps you'd like to explain why you're following my family?"
The guy puts his hands up, showing they're empty. "May I reach into my pocket and get my credentials?"
Sarah nods, "Two fingers, and remember my partner is standing behind you with your gun."
The man nods and slowly reaches into his inside pocket. "Yes, I'm aware that Mr. Bartowski is behind me. Any chance we can keep this little incident between us?"
He hands his wallet to Sarah. She opens it and starts to laugh. She shows the I.D. to Chuck. He reads it aloud, "Alexander Waverly, CIA." He laughs along with Sarah.
He steps around and sits next to the man. "Hi Alex, I'm Chuck, this is Sarah. Why are you following us? Wait before you answer." He pulls out his phone and texts. "Jeffrey all clear, have a good afternoon I'll text you for pickup. Good job."
Chuck's phone chimes, Chuck reads the text. "Good to hear. C U soon."
Chuck texts back, "Make reservations for 6 people at your folks for after the show say around 7."
The phone chimes again, "Got it."
Chuck turns his attention back to Waverly. "Okay Alex, where were we? Oh yes you were about to explain why I had to worry that my family was in danger. Who assigned you to follow us?"
Waverly sighs, "It came from the new Director herself. We're supposed to be a covert protection detail." He shakes his head, "This will not make for a good first impression."
Chuck and Sarah laugh. Chuck stealthily hands the gun back. "Let me guess, you're to report directly to the Director no one else?"
Waverly nods, "How did you…?" He reholsters his gun.
Chuck smiles, "Call her, put her on speaker. Please."
Waverly pulls out his phone touches the icon to speed dial, then puts it on speaker. The phone rings once. A female voice comes out of the phone, "Director's office."
"It's Waverly, put me through."
A Female voice comes out of the speaker, she's pissed, "Waverly, what the hell are you doing calling me so soon. If something happened to them, I'll skin you alive."
Chuck laughs, "Hi Mom, we're fine. Say hi Sarah."
Sarah laughs, "Hi Mom, long time no see."
The phone is silent, Finally Mary speaks, "I got word through the grapevine that you were having an insect problem. I figured I would watch out for you. I should have known better. Waverly get your ass back to the office. Chuck we'll talk later, hug Clara for me." The call ends.
Waverly calls his partner to come pick him up. Chuck pats him on the shoulder, "Sorry Bud, but my Mom needed to be put on notice. Please tell her we appreciate the concern. Tell her, next time to let us know, so we don't shoot one of the good guys."
Waverly sighs, "No sweat, I should be alright. I hear there's an opening in the Agency office in Outer Mongolia. How the hell did you get the drop on me? I did not see it coming."
Chuck shrugs. "Easy, that hot blond right there promised she would sleep with me if I caught you. How could I disappoint her?"
Sarah laughs, "Keep talking Husband and I may change my mind. Bye Alex. Be good."
Chuck wraps his arm around Sarah's shoulders, she holds his waist as they walk towards the gate. "Chuck that was fun, but I didn't like worrying that you might get hurt."
"I get it Sweetheart, I had fun, but only because I knew you had my back. I wouldn't do this with anyone else. I love you. Now let's go have some family time."
Sarah pulls him in tight, "Thank you for loving me, Chuck. By the way I promised Clara she could sit on my lap."
Chuck is upset as he hands their tickets to the woman at the door. "Hey that's my job. Are you trying to steal my niece?"
Sarah turns and kisses his cheek as they pass the exhibits leading into the arena. "First of all, Husband, she's, our niece. Second, I'm not trying anything, it's a done deal. You do know, girl power is on my side?"
When they arrive at their seats Clara jumps up, "Uncle Chuck, Auntie Sarah YAY!"
Ellie looks at Sarah. "Everything is fine Ellie, just a misunderstanding. It seems that Grandma Mimi was worried about her Clara and didn't bother telling us."
Chuck picks Clara up and kisses her. "Boy Clara, Grandma really loves you a lot, she sent you a big hug."
Devon shakes his head and smiles at Chuck. "Clara, you listen to Daddy. You are the luckiest little girl in the world. You have so many people who love you."
Clara shrugs and responds as a matter of fact, "I know Daddy. I love all of you too."
Chuck puts her down and offers his hand, "Clara we have some time before the show starts. Would you like to go see the horses in the front?"
Clara takes Chuck's hand, "That sounds like fun Uncle Chuck."
As Chuck walks away, Sarah starts to explain to Ellie and Devon what happened.
When Chuck returns with Clara, Ellie gets up and pulls her brother aside. She hugs him hard, "Chuck, Sarah explained everything. Thank you for being there for us. I'm glad it was nothing terrible. I admit I'm down on the whole spy thing but it's nice to know our family is there to protect us."
Chuck smiles, "Not a spy, just a businessman. I'm glad it was nothing also. I'll always be there for you Sis, like you've always been there for me. Mom was a little overly protective. Let me know later what you and Devon decide. Do you want my operative in the house or Mom's people outside. You could have both, but I would recommend against it. Crossed communication can cause issues."
Ellie looks Chuck in the eye. "Chuck, did you flash?"
Chuck smiles, "Yes Doc! I did. I'm fine no ill effects. Let me know later what you decide. Right now, I want to enjoy watching the show with my niece. By the way Sarah has never seen anything like this before. I can't wait to watch her face." Chuck hesitates and looks at his sister. "Ellie, I'm happy. Happier than I can ever remember. Thank you for opening yourself up to Sarah. I know what she did hurt you… and me, But I get it. I really do."
Ellie smiles and strokes Chuck's cheek. "It's okay, I get it too. What woman could possibly think she's good enough for my little brother?"
Chuck smiles, "Come on. I want to watch Clara teach Sarah how to be a little girl."
Returning to their seats they join the rest of the family watching the performances in the arena. The "Serving Wenches" bring out the food and drink, things start to happen. There are no utensils. One can see the joy on Clara's face as she feeds herself with her hands. Chuck looks over and laughs seeing barbeque sauce all over Clara's face. Then he looks at Sarah, her face is in a similar condition, and he laughs even harder.
The falconer comes out and demonstrates her skills. Flying her hawks, owls, and falcons around the arena. Clara's eyes are wide in amazement, but no wider than Sarah's. Chuck can't stop smiling, watching the love of his life as she enjoys the wonderment of the little girl inside of her. Clara bounces on Sarah's lap in joy when the hawk flies right over head and into the crowd. Sarah squeezes Chuck's hand hard and turns to glance at her husband. He's staring at her, his love apparent. It fills her with warmth, and it reminds her of why she loves this man so much. A tear comes to her eye, and she lifts his hand to kiss it.
She turns back to the arena the Andalusian horses are brought out for the dressage demonstration. "Oh, Clara look, they're beautiful. Look how they dance. They really seem to be happy. Proud of their beauty and grace."
Clara's head is nodding rapidly, "Auntie Sarah, you're right. They're so beautiful." Clara leans over and pulls herself into Chuck's lap. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him over and over. "Thank you, Uncle Chuck, this is so good. I love seeing this with you and Auntie Sarah and Mommy and Daddy. I'll remember this forever."
Chuck smiles and hugs Clara tight, "Look. You're missing stuff."
Clara turns around to watch the action in the arena.
Sarah leans over and gently turns Chuck's face so she can kiss him. "Baby, I'll remember this forever too. I can't wait to share this with our kids." She Puts her arm through Chuck's and leans her head on his shoulder to watch the show close to him. She doesn't stay there long as the knights are introduced and parade out onto the arena. The crowd cheers as the knights ride out to assemble in the middle of the arena.
The family is sitting in the Red-Yellow section and their knight comes up close to the seats. He gives his horse a silent signal and the steed bends his knee and bows his head. Sarah and Clara throw their hands in the air as a cheer goes up in the entire place. All of the knights are in front of the section reflecting their colors.
The announcer speaks to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, the knights will now pick, their patrons. The ladies, whose honor they will be fighting for. Clara's eyes grow as she watches the rose arc through the air right towards her. Chuck helps her to catch it. The knight calls out. "Tell me my Lady, who do I have the privilege, the honor, to champion this eve." Clara is speechless, she sits there staring at the rose in her hands. Devon and Ellie are watching as it happens, they couldn't be smiling wider. Ellie has her phone turned towards the threesome and is taking loads of pictures. She's able to capture the moment.
Chuck calls out. "She's the fair Lady Clara, protector of the magic unicorn called Beauty."
The knight calls back, "It is a noble duty to protect such a creature. I will honor you with fierce battle. I am grateful for the support of such a lovely Lady." The knight turns his horse and gallops away to prepare for battle. Clara is gripping her rose as if it were gold.
Her voice is full of awe, "Uncle Chuck I have another knight, just like you and Daddy." Chuck smiles and hugs her tight. Sarah looks at Chuck, more love, more tears show on her face. Chuck puts his left arm around Sarah's shoulder and pulls her tight to him. He kisses the top of her head.
The joust begins and one by one the knights are knocked off their mounts and carried out of the arena. There are only two left: the Red-Yellow Knight (Clara's champion) and the Black Knight. They face off against each other from opposite ends of the arena the cheers are deafening as they close on each other their jousting lances leading their charge. The two knights ride right towards each other at breakneck speed.
As they close their lances raise up, aimed at their opponent's heart. The wood meets human, and the wood explodes into pieces as both knights are knocked off their mounts to the dirt. The Black knight gets up and draws his sword. He runs at his opponent his sword raised over his head in preparation for the killing blow. The Red-Yellow Knight is on one knee still dazed from the blow he took. The crowd screams in unison, "Watch out! Behind you!"
Just in time the fallen knight pulls out his sword. Rolling to his back he blocks the downswing of the Black Knight's sword, narrowly surviving the cowardly attack. Kicking out he forces the Black Knight back giving him time to get to his feet. The Black night stumbles back and holds his sword out in challenge. He screams "For victory."
The Red-Yellow Knight races towards him his sword held up he shouts, "I will defeat you evil one, for the honor of the Lady Clara. You shall fall." The crowd screams, "Red-Yellow, Red-Yellow, Red-Yellow, over and over." Sarah and Clara screaming loudest of all. As the knights come together their swords meet the sound of metal striking metal fills the space and sparks fly into the air. The knights are exhausted, yet they battle on. Each having their moment. Finally, the Black knight swings and Red-Yellow's parry sends his sword flying from his hand. The Black Knight falls to his knees, Red-Yellow's sword at his neck. The crowd screams, "End him, end him."
The victorious knight waves his hand, and the crowd is silenced. He looks to the crowd, "My Lady Clara would look upon me with disfavor were I to do such a cowardly act. To kill an unarmed man has no honor, no matter how evil he may be. Yield to me Black Knight and live another day."
The Black knight throws his hands up in surrender, "I yield to you Sir Knight. Spare my life."
The Red-Yellow knight puts his sword into its' scabbard as he walks towards the stands of cheering fans in his section. He waves at Clara. She's clapping her hands wildly, bouncing on Chuck's knees. Sarah leans over and whispers, "Throw him a kiss." Clara puts her hand to her mouth and throws a kiss. The knight makes as if he caught it and presses it to his heart, He bows and walks away head high.
As Red-Yellow walks to the end of the arena to disappear behind the curtain the other knights ride out to show that no one was hurt, and it was all a show. Clara's knight reappears on his steed and rides around waving at the crowd taking his victory lap. The announcer thanks everyone for coming and reminds them that souvenirs are available in the lobby.
Clara jumps down and runs to Devon and Ellie, "Mommy, Daddy did you see? My knight won."
Devon picks her up, Ellie leans over and kisses her, "We did sweetheart, we saw."
Chuck stands and Sarah stands with him, she pulls his head down for a kiss. "Thank you, Baby that was the second most exciting thing I've ever experienced."
Chuck looks at her puzzled, "Second most? What's the first?"
Sarah winks and smiles, "I'll show you later."
Chuck laughs and does a fist pump, "Yes! This calls for souvenirs for everyone."
The evening is not over as the family gathers at the souvenir stand. Chuck informs them, "Next stop, the best Polish food you've ever eaten."
Clara looks over from Devon's arms. He's holding on to her to keep her safe from the exiting crowd. She looks at Chuck, "Uncle Chuck, What's Polish?"
Chuck explains, "It's what you call people from the country Poland."
Clara nods, "Uncle Chuck can I have that toy horse to keep Beauty company? The one with my knight's colors on it."
Chuck nods, "Clara Doll, you can have anything you want, as long say Mommy and Daddy say it's okay."
Devon interjects, "One, you can have one souvenir, your uncle spoils you too much."
Sarah speaks out, "Hey doesn't an Auntie get to do a little spoiling too?"
Devon shakes his head and laughs, "Fine, you can pick two souvenirs, one from your uncle and one from your auntie."
While this is going on Chuck has been up to something. He returns to Sarah's side carrying a bag. Sarah asks, "What's that?"
Chuck shrugs, "You'll see. I texted Jeffrey he's on his way to pick us up." He offers his credit card to pay for Clara's horse and a cup with the Medieval Times logo and knights on it. "Time to go."
A/N I hope you're enjoying this family visit. I know Clara is. There's more coming. Almost time to get back to Burbank. Just a couple more things that need to be taken care of.
