A/N I have nothing to say.
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 35
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Carmichael Industries, Burbank, CA
Casey picks up his coffee cup, "Is anyone going to tell me what the hell is going on? Mei-Ling why are you here?"
Chuck smears cream cheese on his bagel, "Well partner, this is what you missed…"
Sarah interrupts him. "Chuck you're being rude, again. Mei-Ling, you've had a long flight. Why are you here? Beckman could have E-mailed or overnighted these letters."
Mei-Ling smiles, "Yes Sarah, you're right. General Beckman wanted to be sure you knew how important it was, to her, that you get those letters. I was briefing her in DC. I grabbed a red eye and arrived in L.A. this morning. I'm also here to fill you in on the prowler you captured."
Casey sits back and munches on a bagel, "Okay, don't worry about us. Gretchen and I will just talk amongst ourselves."
Chuck laughs, "Casey stow those lady feelings, let the grownups talk."
Casey growls. "We told you about the prowler. Gretchen, we'll catch you up later. Right now, I want to hear from Mei-Ling so she can grab a nap."
"I'm fine Chuck, I slept on the plane, thank you for considering me. I have good news. The prowler was a Chinese national. However, he is a graduate student attempting to steal your sister's research. When you caught him, he was looking for a way to break in and steal her notes as well. That would explain the amateur bugs. He bought them at a spy shop in the mall.
He was at some point able to break in and plant those bugs, but for some reason he didn't grab the notes. He claims he was interrupted when the family returned home. General Beckman has sent people from the NSA Chicago office to find out how he broke in and to beef up your family's physical security. She considers your family to be valuable national assets and the government will absorb all the cost."
Sarah interrupts, "Chuck you'd better let Ellie and Devon know they're coming. She's already freaked out. If strangers show up and want to mess with her home, who knows where her brain will go."
Chuck pulls out his phone, "Good call Hon. Mei-Ling do you mind if I interrupt you for a moment?" She nods. "Ellie, hi Sis, we're fine everything is fine. I just wanted to give you a heads up. Some government people will be coming by to make sure your house is secure. No, they're not from Mom, they're from General Beckman. The good news is they know who the prowler was. You and the family are safe. I'm in the middle of something right now, I'll give you a call later."
Sarah takes the phone, "Hi Sis, I'll call you later too. We have a guest right now. Okay be good. Love you, love to Clara and Devon, bye." She hands the phone back to Chuck. "Sorry for the interruption Mei-Ling, please go on."
Mei-Ling shrugs and smiles, "The prowler is still in custody. He won't be released until we're sure there were no government ties. That may take a while. I was told to make sure you know that he is not comfortable. Chuck, I believe you would say he's freaked out.
He did not expect to be dealing with the government. When we're confident that he is what he says he is, he will be deported. Do you have any questions? I'll do my best to answer. I was instructed that you're to have unrestricted access to anything I know."
Chuck holds up a steamed bun, "I have a question. This is yummy. What's in the middle?"
Mei-Ling laughs, "There is sweet red bean curd inside. Anything else?"
Chuck raises his hand as he eats his bun. He points to his mouth and raises a finger. When he's done chewing, "Do you have a picture of Yabo?"
Mei-Lings puts on a big smile and digs in her bag. "Here he is. He looks a lot like his father."
Everyone crowds around her to look at the picture all "Awwwing". Sarah touches it, "May I?" Mei-Ling nods and releases the picture. Sarah walks around the table to show Gretchen.
Gretchen looks at the picture, "What is with you people, surrounding me with all these gorgeous kids. Are you trying to hint at something?"
Sarah pats her shoulder, "Me first." She returns the picture. "Mei-Ling, assuming his story holds up I find it hard to believe he was working alone."
Mei-Ling nods, "Your instincts are correct Sarah. He has given us the names of others involved. The General has chosen to investigate them before they're aware that we know of them. Once we are sure we have the whole story, those individuals will also be incarcerated. Since Dr. Woodcomb's research is closely connected to national security, a connection I was not made privy to. There is the possibility there may be charges of espionage."
Chuck stands up and hugs Mei-Ling. "Yabo is gorgeous. I have to get back to work. Hon I'll leave word with Mrs. S. to transfer all important calls to you, John, and Morgan. Mei-Ling will you be able to visit with us for a while?"
"I wish I could Chuck, but the General wants me back ASAP. Chuck… she must think highly of you. She pulled me off of an important assignment to send me out here." Mei-Ling smiles, "Of course I can see why she would."
Chuck hugs her again, "You have to come visit, bring the family, and stay with us. We'll take the kids to Disneyland, and Universal Studios…"
Sarah interrupts, "…And to Medieval Times, there's one near here in Buena Park. It's the best. So much fun. When is your flight out? Do we have a little time?"
Mei-Ling looks at her watch, "I would enjoy spending an hour or so with you and your friend over a cup of coffee. To be honest, the Lox and Bagels were for me. My husband has made me a fan. I call it Jewish sushi."
Chuck reaches for the door. "Sarah, call Clifford, have him drive Mei-Ling to the airport. Feel free to ride with her. I'll bet Gretchen wouldn't mind getting some fresh air. Invite Alex, I'd love for her to meet our friend. That will give you a little more time. John, you ready to go? I need you covering for me. I should be done today, I hope."
Sarah gets up and runs towards the door, where she hugs and kisses him.
"You can relax now. You've already proven you're the best husband and boss." She whispers in his ear blowing her warm breath on it. "Thank you for loving me, Chuck."
Chuck shivers, "How the hell am I supposed to concentrate on coding now?"
Sarah walks away wiggling her short, robed butt. "I guess you have a reason to finish up and come home."
Casey makes a face like he just ate the worst thing in the world. "Oh God, what have you done to her. Walker, you need to kill someone quick." Casey runs out the door while everyone else laughs.
After the guys leave Gretchen asks, "Sarah, what has he done to you? I hardly recognize you."
Mei-Ling adds her voice. "I have to be honest Sarah, you're quite different than I remember."
Sarah laughs, "Ladies, he taught me that it's okay to have fun. To tease, to flirt, to be surprised. I'm allowed to be a woman who enjoys her life and her sexuality. He's shown me that sex is not a means to an end. It's a reflection of commitment and love for my partner. My husband is totally committed to me and madly in love with me. I am one lucky ex-spy. Ladies my husband has made me into a real girl. I'm happy.Sarah is dancing as she speaks, seemingly floating. The two women stare at her shocked. Suddenly the three of them laugh uproariously.
Mei-Ling smiles, "I know exactly what you mean Sarah. I'm very happy for you as well."
Gretchen sticks her tongue out at her, "Not me, I'm jealous as hell."
Sarah hugs Gretchen, "Give yourself some time. You'll have your shot. Now I have to get Alex up here. Gretchen we also need to get ready to head out."
Gretchen gets up and makes her way to her room. Sarah picks up her phone, "Alex you have to come up to meet my friend Mei-Ling. We're taking her to the airport. No, it's fine, it was Chuck's idea."
Sarah dials again, "Hi Clifford, it's Ms. Walker. Are you available to take us to the airport and back? Great we'll see you in the garage in about an hour. Hmmm, do we need anything? Is it possible to stock the limo with some champagne and orange juice? Excellent see you soon Clifford."
There's a knock at the door, "Mei-Ling, that's probably Alex, would you let her in please? I'm going to change." She announces loud enough for Gretchen to hear. "Ladies, we have Mimosas."
Mei-Ling opens the door. Alex walks in and smiles offering her hand. "Hi, I'm Alex Grimes, Morgan's wife. I handle marketing for the firm."
Mei-ling takes her hand, "Hello, I'm Mei-Ling Cohen. I don't think I've met Morgan."
"Maybe you know my dad, John Casey."
"I do know him. I know him well. He left moments ago. It's a pleasure to meet you, Alex."
Carmichael Industries, Chicago Il
It took all night, but I got it. Damn he's sexy as hell. He hid the return address in the encryption by making it the encryption. Holy shit! This guy is incredible. It's me, Margret Mae going head-to-head with The Piranha. "HOLY SHIT!" Okay I'm up and running. All I need to do now is get these files open then figure out what he wants me to do with them. But first, a little victory dance.
Maggie starts an E Mail.
To: TP (address deleted to protect The Piranha's identity)
Subj: Showing you
TP
It's so nice to meet you. I'm blown away by your coding. I'm freaking out. I'm facing a challenge by The Piranha. Ms. Walker says she knows you and you're super-hot. Well, get ready to show me. I accept your challenge. Barracuda is coming for you.
Carmichael Industries, Burbank, Ca
Entering the elevator Casey stares up at the ceiling. Chuck looks at him, "Something on your mind partner?" Casey grunts. "A number seven huh? Wanna talk about it?"
Casey turns and faces Chuck. He pokes him in the chest. "You're a lucky man, if you screw it up, I'll kick your ass. You find that asshole you're looking for. My trigger finger is itchy, I need to scratch it. Now shut up nerd."
Chuck mock salutes, "Aye, aye General. Casey keep an eye on Mrs. S., Beckman gave her a really hard time yesterday." Casey nods and grunts.
The elevator door opens Casey walks out without turning around. "I got your six, partner. Find him, make our girl safe."
Chuck watches as he walks away towards the outside corridor. He's right I am a lucky man. Great woman, and the best friends a man could have. I'd better not screw it up.
Chuck punches in the code to enter his office. I can't help but smile every time I punch that in.
Walking through his office he opens the outer door into Mrs. Sawyer's office. His eyes go wide. "Wow that's some bouquet. Does my Office Manger have a secret admirer?"
Mrs. Sawyer touches one of the mums in the arrangement, "You mean besides you? Nope, they're an apology from General Beckman."
Chuck nods and smiles, "Glad to hear it, and let's keep that admirer thing just between us. The Mrs. has been known to get jealous. I'm going into lockdown again today. Hopefully, I'll be done soon. Mr. Casey is in charge. Mr. Grimes will back him up. Our wives will be gone this morning, they should be back around lunchtime. Mrs. Sawyer, I'm sorry you caught so much flak yesterday."
Mrs. Sawyer swivels her chair to look at Chuck. "It's okay Boss, it's why I'm here."
Chuck takes a deep breath, "You know Mrs. S.…Beatrice, this is a family business."
Mrs. Sawyer smiles wide, "Yes Boss, I know. Have a good day. I'll keep my eyes and ears open."
Chuck nods and goes into his office. Chuck is a happy man as he sits behind his desk and opens his laptop. Turning it on he leans back while he waits for it to boot up. Yep, a lucky man, that's what I am.
The lock screen comes up and he types in his password. The machine dings away alerting him to messages and Emails. He scans the headings, "That can wait, that can wait, whoa General Beckman. Okay Diane let's see what you have to say."
Chuck,
I know my note to you was short. I'm hoping that our understanding will fill in for the words I didn't use. I'm sorry. Your instincts have never failed us, I should have remembered that. I know that right now you're focused on making your family safe. Find Ryker, and when you have the time maybe you could help secure our servers. I know we haven't completed our contracts yet, but I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. DB
Chuck hits reply.
Diane, I appreciate your apology, as do Sarah and Mrs. Sawyer. You're right I have to protect Sarah first. You have my word I will make myself available to you as soon as possible. Chuck
Chuck continues to look through his messages, "Hmmm what's this?"
TP
It's so nice to meet you. I'm blown away by your coding. I'm freaking out. I'm facing a challenge by The Piranha, Holy cow! Ms. Walker says she knows you and you're super-hot. Well, get ready to show me. I accept your challenge.
Barracuda is coming for you.
Chuck laughs aloud, "Alright Maggie." He hits reply.
OH! Barracuda,
Don't be so cocky. One step does not a journey make. Don't get all worked up over this. If it doesn't work out. You could collect your books and get on back to school. Or maybe steal your daddy's cue and make a living out of playin' pool. Or find yourself a rock and roll band that needs a helpin' hand.
All kidding aside. Have Heart, Barracuda. I'm impressed. So far so good. Send me your files, do not execute.
Ms. Walker is biased, we're old friends, and very, very close. Don't believe everything she says. TP
Chuck hits send and sits back smiling. I had a feeling she could do it, but that was the easy part. Let's see what else she has to offer before I get too excited.
Chuck claps his hands together, "Okay that other stuff can wait, time to get back to work." Chuck hits the button to lockdown his office. He puts on his headset and pulls up the work he's done so far. He reads the code he's written, he shakes his head, "Something's not right." He leans back and closes his eyes. Suddenly he sits up, "AH HA." He jumps up and crosses the room, opening a drawer he pulls out a bottle of Chardonnay. I knew something wasn't right.
Sitting back down he takes a swig then begins to review his work once again. He smiles, ah ha, yep that's nice, oops that's wrong. No biggie just a simple fix, oh yeah there you are baby. Oh! Sweetheart you are going to fly out and bring me back Ryker. You hear me Ryker? You don't have a prayer. My wife will be safe from you. She will have her family back or my name isn't Piranha.
Chuck's mind and fingers are working at a feverish pace. Anyone seeing him would instantly be reminded of the mad scientists from the movies and cartoons.
The brief bursts of laughter, when he hits a bit of coding he likes, only strengthens the simile. Wow this is it, this is where I live, I'll bet this is how Casey felt when we landed on that ship. Home.
Woodcomb Home, Chicago Il.
There's a knock at the door. Ellie approaches cautiously, "Who is it?" April Dancer, gun concealed, joins her.
"Dr. Woodcomb we were sent by General Beckmann to make sure your property is secure."
April looks through the peephole, "May I see your credentials please?"
The tech holds up his I.D.. April nods and stands to the side, hand on gun.
Ellie opens the door. "Sorry but we've had some issues lately."
The tech, wearing white coveralls, enters the house continuing to hold his credentials out for viewing. "Yes Ma'am, that's why we're here. Our director got orders from The White House to ensure that your home is safe. We'll also be looking for indications of where your break in occurred. You have my word Ma'am when we leave your home will be safer."
"Thank you." Ellie looks at the credentials. "Agent Robinson."
"Please Ma'am call me Will. I'm not an agent. I'm a tech." As he speaks a smaller person, also clad in white coveralls, enters behind him through the still open door. She's carrying two cases. "Dr. Woodcomb, this is my assistant Penny. Our job is to warn you of danger when we see it. Then we make sure it's corrected."
Limo headed to the airport, L.A. Ca
Gretchen sips her mimosa, "I just can't get over this. Sarah, I've seen you party. Your bachelorette party comes to mind. Mikhail Gorbachev is probably still recovering. But sitting in a limousine sipping Mimosas. Nope, could never have seen this coming. Maybe if you were playing a mark but married to a nerd no less. No way."
Sarah lifts her glass towards Gretchen. "You mean my gorgeous, genius, millionaire nerd husband?"
Gretchen sticks her tongue out and blows a Bronx cheer, "Screw you, Walker."
The limo erupts in laughter.
When the laughter dies down, "Sarah how did you and Mei-Ling meet, were you both CIA?"
Mei-Ling laughs, "Not quite Alex. I was with the MSS, Chinese Ministry of State Security, the equivalent of your CIA. We met when I threatened to kill Chuck."
Alex's eyes go wide, "Seriously?"
Sarah nods, "She sure did, and if she had done it, I would have shot her on the spot."
Mei-Ling laughs, "Yes, it's true. It would have been an awful occurrence had it happened that way. Chuck Bartowski changed my life. Thanks to him I have a wonderful family and I work with people I respect and who respect me. The spy life will never be perfect, but I've found a way to be happy."
Gretchen takes a sip of her drink, "Yep That man has a habit of doing that. I'm starting to think he's my fairy godfather."
Alex waves her hands, "Wait, wait, I never got to be a spy. Tell me the story. I want to live through you vicariously."
Sarah laughs, "Alex, this is a true case of the grass is always greener. Until recently I would have gladly switched lives with you. I guess we all need to go through what we have to, in order to get where we need to be. It started, as usual, with Chuck screwing up. That was early in his spy training. Back then he screwed up more than not."
Mei-ling jumps in, "My brother had been taken hostage by Ben Lo Pan. A very bad man, the head of the Chinese Mafia here in the states. I wanted to grab him, to make him release my brother. Chuck helped Ben Lo Pan, that evil man, escape me."
Sarah adds, "To his credit, Ben Lo Pan was in a wheelchair, and Chuck thought you were here to kill him."
"That's true, but Chuck had screwed up my plan. He helped Ben Lo Pan escape me. That was when I threatened to kill him. I was going to shoot him if his team didn't help me rescue my brother. We reached a bargain. He convinced me that my government had abandoned me and my bother. He promised that Sarah and Casey would help me if I would defect. I agreed and we all went to free my brother. He made a great personal sacrifice to make things up to me.
We were all taken hostage when we attempted to extricate my brother. We were being held prisoner in the freezer of a Chinese restaurant. Chuck rescued us and captured Ben Lo Pan. Not bad for an untrained spy."
"Yeah, well he's trained up pretty good now, totally kicked my ass."
"Sarah I'm confused, why would a gentle man like your husband harm your old partner?"
Alex gets excited, "I was there for that. Oops, sorry Gretchen didn't mean to be happy about your pain."
Gretchen laughs, "No sweat Alex, getting my ass kicked by Chuck, it's probably the best thing that ever happened to me. Go ahead finish the story. Don't hold back."
"Gretchen wasn't always my friend. She had a cover name, Carina Miller. Carina was, for lack of a better word, a bitch. She almost got Chuck and Sarah killed. She tried to break me and Morgan up. And she played my dad for a fool…more than once.
Well, Carina had some trouble with her job at the DEA and decided the best way to get a job at our company was to break in. She got caught. All of us, except for Sarah, wanted to give her over to the police. Chuck wasn't willing to hurt Sarah by doing that. He gave her an out. Beat him in a fair fight and she gets a job. Lose and he could do what he wants with her. She agreed." She looks at Gretchen, "True so far?"
Gretchen nods, "You're doing fine, but let me tell the rest. You see Mei-Ling Chuck gave me a choice, I could fight him or Sarah. I picked him, figuring it would be an easy win. Boy! Was I surprised. We danced around, for like an hour. I couldn't touch him, he had moves that made Bruce Lee look slow. At this point, he hadn't touched me either. I figured it was because I was too fast for him. Guess again.
He was being kind, he finally accepted that I wasn't going to give up. With one blow, he put my leg out of commission. I tried to trip him, and he sprained my other ankle. I was limping in pain. He begged me to stop, Sarah begged me to stop. I wouldn't stop.
That's when he broke my nose. Believe or not I still tried to hit him. When I fell, he caught me and held me. He asked me to let them love me. I was done, he had broken me, stolen all my pride. But he wasn't done with me yet.
Sarah and Alex helped me clean up. I was a mess. They got me up to his office. Still prideful, I stood in pain and said go ahead call the police. He shook his head and offered me a job. He did it for Sarah. I would kill for a man to love me like he loves her. He also made her responsible for my behavior.
But that wasn't bad enough, these two conspired and set the most adorable, loving little boys on me. Alex's twin boys. They didn't see Carina Miller. All they saw was Aunt Gretchen who had boo boos that they wanted to heal. Gretchen wipes a tear from her cheek. So that's how Chuck Bartowski beat the crap out of me and finally got my attention."
"Sarah, this is also a different Chuck then I met in the past."
"He is Mei-Ling, very different. He…we have been through a lot in the last few years. We were separated for a while. Chuck used the time to hone his fighting skills. He's calmer more confident. He…again, we have grown."
Alex jumps in, "Mei-Ling, I watched Chuck when Sarah was gone. He was destroyed. My husband is his best friend, they've been together for over 25 years. He ignored him, he avoided everyone. The only thing that made him smile was playing with the kids. When Sarah left, she took half his heart with her. He spent all of his spare time in the gym, training with my Dad. Yeah, he's a different guy, but that's not necessarily bad. When Sarah came back so did the old Chuck. Only now he's confident, strong, no more doubt. He believes in himself.
Sarah fills every one's glasses, "A toast to the future, to our lives, to old friends and to new beginnings." The four glasses clink in the middle of the limos rear compartment. By the way Mei-Ling how's your clearance?"
"I have provisional Top Secret. That's a strange question. Why do you ask?"
"I want to invite you and your family to our wedding."
Mei-ling shows her confusion on her face. "Since when is government clearance required to attend a wedding?"
Alex squeals with glee, "When the couple is getting married in The White House, by The President."
Mei-Ling stares at Sarah. "Sarah you and your people never cease to surprise me. Am I allowed to know how that happened?"
Sarah puts on a sly smile. "Chuck and I did the President a favor, this is his thank you. Our families have started to become quite close. My mother-in-law works for him."
"I heard about the new Director of Central Intelligence. I wondered if the Bartowski name was a relation. I'm very happy for you and Chuck, Sarah. We would be honored to attend your wedding."
The limo pulls up to the curb at LAX. The partition rolls down. "Ms. Walker we've arrived."
"Thank you, Clifford. Just saying our goodbyes."
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm coming around to open the door."
Mei-Ling leans over to hug Gretchen, "Please don't get out. It was nice to meet you. I hope to see you soon at the wedding." The door opens and the three ladies climb out. Hugs and tears all around. "It was good to see you again my friend, I'm glad that you're surrounded by good people."
Sarah hugs Mei-Ling hard again, "If you should ever decide to leave government service, we have a place for you."
"Thank you, Sarah. At present I feel that I still owe General Beckman a debt of gratitude. Perhaps at some future time."
Sarah nods, "I get it. Have a safe flight. Stay safe, Yabo needs you. We need you."
Mei-Ling picks up her small bag and heads into the airport terminal door.
Woodcomb Home, Chicago Il.
"Dr. Woodcomb I have good news for you. The prowler got in by simply busting the lock on one of your windows. We've replaced all your window locks with stronger ones. We've placed wireless sensors on all your downstairs windows and doors. They're controlled by this panel. If any access is opened while the alarm is armed there will be a loud screeching siren, screaming DANGER, DANGER. Will Robinson, guarantees it will attract attention. The system is local. However, it will alert the neighbors. Be sure to let them know that if it sounds for more than a minute to call the police." He smiles and winks, "The minute gives you a little leeway in case you forget to disarm when you open something."
"Thank you Will, I feel much better. I'll be sure to let your people know how professional you are. Thank you, Will Robinson, thank you Penny." Ellie waves as the techs leave her home and walk down the driveway to climb in their van. Turning back inside, "Thank you, April. You, being here was comforting."
"Glad I could help Ma'am. It's time to pick up Clara."
"I think I'll join you. I could use the fresh air."
Carmichael Industries, Burbank, Ca
I'm almost there just a little more coding then some debugging. A little compiling, a couple of test runs, and Ryker time to count your free days. God this is liberating. This has been hanging over my head for too long. Hang in there Chuck, you're almost there. Just a little more and you can set your baby loose to hunt. You can't hide from me Ryker. Tears come to Chuck's eyes. I won't let you hurt Sarah. I won't let you hurt Molly. Not gonna happen Ryker, not gonna happen. I'm gonna find you. Then I'm going to marry the love of my life. Her mother is going to walk her down the aisle. Then we're going to have our family. The voice in Chuck's head screams. I'M COMING FOR YOU RYKER. I'm coming for you.
Limo headed to Carmichael Industries, Burbank, CA
The ladies kick back, enjoying their mimosas. Sarah is somewhat sad. Mei-Ling was her, someone she could really relate to as a friend. Alex interrupts her reverie. "You know I never knew Chuck back then. You talk about him like he was someone I wouldn't recognize."
Gretchen laughs hard, "That Alex, is an understatement. The first day I met Chuck, all I could think was, is it possible for someone to be a bigger nerd? Then I met your husband, and I realized I was in a world new to me. They were both so naïve and… I don't know…gentle. Did I appreciate them? Nah, I played with them. Screwed with their egos and emotions.
Sarah told me that Chuck was an analyst, not an agent. He didn't do anything to prove she was lying. I pulled him into a mission with us that he was wholly unprepared for. I played him hard and put him in big time danger." Gretchen sighs, "I almost got them killed, then I blew it off like it was no big deal. WHEW! This changing shit sucks. I'm having nightmares about all the good people I've hurt.
Okay, back to your question. Chuck has always been the guy who wants to help. Even at his own risk. That time I almost got them killed. They escaped thanks to Casey. Later on, Sarah was being held hostage. The bad guys wanted me to turn over something I had, or they would kill her. I shrugged my shoulders and was walking out.
Chuck reminded me that Sarah had saved my life. He thought maybe I owed her. I didn't think so. He guilted me good. That guy walked into a room full of killers, unarmed, unskilled to save that woman." She stops and points at Sarah. "He was in love with her from the get-go. Sarah was in love with him too, but she wouldn't admit it. She didn't even understand how she felt.
I kept reminding her that spies don't fall in love. God, I was an asshole. I hit on that kid so hard. I didn't have a shot. She wouldn't give him the time of day, but boy he was loyal to her." Sarah smiles and blushes. "Chuck Bartowski is the only man who has ever turned down sex with me. I got naked in front of him. I could see it in his eyes. All he could think about was Sarah Walker."
Gretchen sighs, "Walker you screw this up, you hurt that guy, and I will kick your ass."
Sarah nods and lifts her glass in a toast to Gretchen. "Alex thanks for asking about that. I just learned stuff I didn't know. It's true, I treated Chuck like an object, an asset, I manipulated him and toyed with his emotions. I was a spy, a good one. Spies don't fall in love, but then most spies don't run into Chuck Bartowskis.
I swear I'll do everything in my power, take on any risk. I can be as scared as a woman can be. I will never hurt my husband again. I've already hurt him enough for three lifetimes." Sarah smiles a sad smile, "You were right Gretchen, Spies don't fall in love, but nobody says I have to be a spy.
By the time you met Chuck, Alex, he had learned a lot. He learned to fight, to be quick on his feet. His mind was already sharp, but he learned how to put it to use on missions. He grew confident and strong.
Then I pulled the rug out from under him." Sarah wipes tears from her eyes. "God, I hurt him so bad. There is no man alive who would have forgiven me. But Chuck Bartowski is not just any man. He loves with such a great heart.
He pulled himself together and built a company from scratch. It was the company we were supposed to build together. It was our plan for the future. He didn't have to keep me on as a partner, but he did." Sarah laughs ironically, "He offered to buy me out of a company I had no stake in." She laughs again, "I said no. I walked away from him, but I wouldn't let go of him."
Sarah sniffs and wipes her eyes. "I think maybe I've had one Mimosa too many. Gretchen you're not the only one who regrets her past decisions. Chuck taught me it's okay to forgive those that have harmed me. Most importantly he, and Alex, taught me that's okay to forgive myself. I never want to forget the harm I've done. I don't want to repeat that behavior. If Chuck can forgive me…and you…then we can forgive ourselves."
A/N Hello readers, sorry to leave you hanging in a couple of places. The story tells itself to me as it wants. Once again CliffM saved the day, I got blocked and he played muse. I hope you enjoy where our characters are heading. Let me know. LR
