A/N Okay look this chapter got away from me. As I've said before I'm all about the relationships. The intention was to have some action, but they all started talking. Then Blah blah blah the next thing you know people are connecting, being people. So for those of you who are looking for spy action you can skip this part. If you enjoy Charah as much as I do, Have fun.

Update: if you've read AHT already you are probably expecting a very long chapter. However in this rewrite I've decided to break it up into 3 chapters. Hopefully you will enjoy it just as much.

A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale

By Lord Rapier

Edited and guided by CliffM

Chapter 38

Target Acquired,

The Plan (part 1)

Chuck leans forward. "I have full faith in…" The occupants of the room are startled when Chuck's computer starts blaring with a loud Klaxon Horn blast. Ahooga, Ahooga.

The group are all watching him as he pushes a button to silence the alarm and his eyes scan the screen. "Well folks, looks like things will be on hold for a couple of days. Get ready to operate; TARGET ACQUIRED."

Sarah jumps up, "You found him?"

Casey stands up, "Walker, we have company."

Chuck leans back and rubs his eyes. When he opens them again, he sees Maggie staring at him gripping the arms of her chair hard. "Okay Maggie, time for a little catch-up. You can relax. Clearly you can feel the tension in the room. It has nothing to do with you."

Chuck walks around his desk and kisses Sarah, then hugs her hard. "It's okay, it's just a start, there's still work to be done. We're not ready to move just yet."

He sits in the chair Sarah vacated next to Maggie. "You may have figured out that we've been working together for a while. We all got our start in security, working for the government. Some years ago, a government employee went rogue and put Sarah in danger.

That coding I asked you to work on initially was a mirror of my own. It was, as you figured out, a search for that man. The parameters I sent you were clues, data that I was using to find that guy. You did a great job coding that program, by the way, genuinely nice work. I had already launched my version when I received yours. The raw data just came in. I need to sift through it and see what I actually have.

Bottomline, relax. This is not for you. On the other hand, it may tie my team up a little." Chuck leans forward in the chair and grasps one fist over the other, He rests his lips against his hand and his nose on top of the knot of flesh. He takes a deep breath.

"Okay, Casey, pack a go bag. Clean, you may be crossing borders. I have a thought on how this may go." He sits up and looks at Maggie. "You see Maggie, it's all Boolean Algebra, If-Then, And, Nand, Or, Nor. Running the company, it's just programming. Let's get you started on your paperwork. Go over it carefully, I want you to be happy with your compensation package."

Maggie shakes her head, "No need Chuck, I would work for you for free. How can I help?"

Chuck smiles, "That's quite the compliment. However, I think we can afford to pay you. I promise if I can use your help, you'll be the first to know. Morgan, would you get Maggie to HR, see to her needs? Alex, you, and Sarah will get Maggie with Gretchen and start her on the training program. You can work on that in case travel becomes necessary."

Chuck stands up. "Okay, I'm going into lockdown, I need to concentrate. Everyone out."

Sarah is staring daggers at Chuck, hands on her hips. Casey catches the look, "Um Boss…" He points at Sarah.

Chuck turns towards her, "Is there a problem Baby?"

Sarah still hands on hips, "No problem! I'm not going anywhere."

Maggie flashes back to Beckman's words, 'By the way, if you harm him, piss off his wife, you won't live out the night.' Oh yeah, I see it now.

Casey heads towards the door, "Come on people, we don't want Mommy and Daddy fighting in front of the kids. You have your assignments, get on with it. Maggie you're with Morgan. Alex get Gretchen ready for Maggie. When she's done with Morgan, he'll bring her up to the residence so you can get to work." They leave the office.

Chuck watches as the door closes behind the team. Then he turns his attention to his wife. He smiles and waves, "Hi Hon, what's up?"

Sarah walks up to Chuck and softly kisses his cheek. "Chuck tell me what's happening."

Chuck shivers as she plants another kiss on his neck, "Um, Baby, you heard. I need to sort through the data."

Sarah takes his earlobe between her lips. "Mmmm, that sounds exciting. You won't mind if I stay and watch." She breathes into his ear.

A shiver runs down the length of his body. "Hmmmm, no Baby, whatever you want. But it's getting really hard to concentrate."

Sarah puts her hands behind his head and pulls him in for a long passionate kiss. Her tongue dances in his mouth. Releasing his head, "I love you Baby, be my hero. You find him. Make our family safe, and I will make you an incredibly happy man."

Chuck's eyes are glazed over, "But Baby, I'm already a happy man."

Her voice is breathless as she whispers in his ear, "I can make you much… much… happier. Until you find him and give Ryker to me, you're not leaving my sight. He's, my problem. I will deal with him. Any questions original Bartowski?"

Chuck plants soft kisses on Sarah's lips, "No Mrs. Bartowski, no questions. Whatever you want. I really want to be your hero."

Sarah smiles, "You already are Baby, you already are. Now get to work."

Chuck grins, "Uh, uh. Not just yet." He reaches over and sets lockdown on his office. "I think maybe you need to remind me what happier feels like. I don't think there's any blood left in my brain."

Sarah smiles and sits on the edge of the desk. She spreads her legs causing her short skirt to ride up. She pulls him in tight and wraps her legs around him. "We'll need to fix that. A nerd with no brain blood is not going to get the job done." She pulls his head down and whispers in his ear. "Thank you for loving me husband, you make me very happy."

A short time later… (It wasn't that short)

Sarah has paperwork spread out on the couch. She's going over her training plans, making notes to get to Alex and Gretchen later. She's also adding some ideas for Maggie. Chuck is working away on two screens, mumbling loudly.

There's no way he can hear himself over the music in his headphones. A swig of wine, a bite of protein bar and more mumbling. Sarah laughs quietly. I'm glad I got to see this again, I'd forgotten how he works. No one could describe it. I just hope the computer isn't sensitive… such language.

Sarah is startled when Chuck throws off his headset and yells out, "BABY, BABY you have to see this, come here."

Sarah jumps up and runs to stand behind Chuck, "What is it Hon? Show me." She stares at the screen he's pointing at. All she sees are meaningless letters and symbols. The whole thing is total nonsense to her.

Chuck's agitation betrays his excitement. "LOOK, LOOK. You see these data points, those represent the images you showed me, these numbers here are the location of the house you went into." Chuck grows more excited. "This right here is where those images showed up on the dark web. They were sold. See, here, here, and here. Those are people. I have three. Three solid points of intersection. They lead back to data I can follow."

Chuck jumps up and grabs Sarah, he kisses her hard. "Sarah Bartowski, your husband loves you. The very same nerd husband who just narrowed a needle in a global haystack down to three, count them; one needle, two straws. WOO HOO!"

Sarah smiles and strokes his hair. "How did I get so lucky? The world's smartest, bravest, kindest man is my husband. You take such good care of me." Tears are running down her cheeks. "I don't deserve you, not even a little bit."

Chuck gently brushes the tears from her cheeks. "Stop it. I hate it when you talk that way. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. You inspire me, make me stronger, better. We belong together, always have, always will."

Sara hugs him and lays her head on his chest, whispering. "I love you so much. Of all the things I've learned from you, the best one is how to love. Until you, I had no idea how wonderful it could feel. I actually enjoy the adrenalin rush, the fear of loving you so much. It's like charging into a room full of bad guys, but so much better."

Chuck sighs, "We are lucky, aren't we?"

"Hon, it's late. I'll bet everyone's gone home. Gretchen's probably fast asleep. Can we go upstairs, have a light bite, climb into bed and cuddle? I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. I know now, you're going to find him and all of us are going to be safe. I want to hold you close and relax. I want to take a quiet moment to be alone with the man I love before things get heavy."

Chuck leans over keeping his arms around Sarah and shuts down his computer. "Baby you had me at Hon. Let's go cuddle." Putting his arm around her shoulders, walking her to their private entrance. "Sarah Walker wants to cuddle, have quiet time… things have changed."

Sarah sticks her elbow into his ribs, "The name is Bartowski, don't you forget it."

"Ouch! No, my love, I won't forget it."

After a bite to eat, Chuck and Sarah are under the covers in the darkened room. Chuck is holding his wife tight as she lays her head on his chest. He kisses the top of her head. "Sarah, are you sure about Gretchen? Would you go into the field with her?"

Sarah snuggles in tight, "Is my husband thinking of another woman while lying in bed with his wife?"

"I'm serious Hon, with this Ryker thing coming to a head I'm going to have to make some serious decisions. I don't want to put anyone in a bad position."

Sarah kisses his chest, "I know Hon. You have a lot on your mind. The answer is yes, I would go into the field with her. I really think you got through to her. I believe she wants to do things right. More importantly, she wants what you've offered her. However, I have to be honest, I would have a small concern that Carina Miller could show up at the worst possible moment. A very small concern."

Chuck sighs, "Thanks for being honest. I'm going to have to think on this one."

"Chuck, I'm sorry I've been putting so much pressure on you. I'm sure whatever you decide, you'll be sure everyone stays safe."

Chuck takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Baby, we both know there's no way I can guarantee that. Whatever decision I make holds the possibility of injury or worse. I wish I were back at Buy More where the worst thing that could happen was Jeff getting drunk and throwing up on a customer."

Sarah pulls herself in tight to him. "You mean before you met me. Before I brought all the lies and danger into your life."

Chuck smiles and kisses the top of her head. "First of all, you didn't do that, Bryce Larkin did. Second, I'm firmly convinced that my heart was only half finished. We proved that when my heart was torn during our time apart. I was fated to meet you so you could make me whole.

One way or another we were meant to be together. I love you Sarah, I would have found you if you were on the other side of the universe." Chuck snorts a laugh. "I guess in some ways we were. I mean a computer nerd and a spy, very different ends of the universe."

Sarah rubs her face into Chuck's chest and kisses his bare skin. "Funny you should put it that way, cause this is my very favorite spot in the universe. Right here next to my husband the computer nerd."

"Mmmm, you're in my favorite spot too."

"Baby, you know it's not all heavy seas and bad weather ahead. Soon Ellie, Devon and Clara will be living close to us. You'll get to work with your family right here when they open your new medical clinic. You'll get to spend time with Ellie, working with her, on her research.

Good things are coming Baby. Soon we'll have our family wedding and start our own family. We'll all… all of us, be a family.

You're right Sweetheart, we were meant to be. Let's get some sleep. I'm sure you'll come up with the right plan. That's the reason you're our leader. Your wonderful heart guides us." Sarah leans up and kisses Chuck. "Goodnight, Baby. Sleep well."

"Goodnight Sarah, thank you for loving me."

The early morning light fills the room. Chuck groans and rubs his eyes. Sarah stretches and throws her arm across his chest and her leg over his. "Good morning, Sweetheart. Not a great night?"

Chuck stretches his arms over his head and brings them down around his woman. "How'd you know?"

Sarah laughs, "I don't know. I think the biggest clue is the many bruises on my body from being kicked all night."

Chuck is clearly perturbed. "Oh Baby, I'm so sorry."

Sarah laughs, "Relax, I'm just teasing you. But you were restless. Hon would it be better if we let this whole Ryker thing go? Maybe turn over what we have to Beckman and let her handle it? I don't like what this situation is doing to you."

Chuck pulls Sarah to lie on top of him. She sighs as he holds her, resting her head on his chest. "Good idea, because we both know that Chuck Bartowski would leave his wife's safety to someone else. I wonder how Casey would react to me not covering a member of the team's six. Yep, great idea. The good news is all that tossing and turning resulted in a plan that I think will work. I believe we can find him and keep the team safe. I'll know better as things develop."

Sarah kisses him, and then starts to plant soft kisses all over his face and neck. "That's…" kiss, "Good to hear…" Kiss. "I hope…" ear nibble, "we have…" neck kiss, "A little time…" She kisses him hard, filling his mouth with her moans. "Before we have to go to work." She slowly kisses her way down his chest, across his belly.

Chuck groans, "I think we have a little time." Sarah nods her approval.

After a leisurely shower, Sarah fixes them a nice breakfast. A veggie frittata, turkey bacon, home fries, and fresh fruit salad. "Thank you, Baby. I appreciate how you're pampering me. I'm feeling calmer."

"Damn Walker, I had no idea you could cook like this. Chuck you are gonna get so fat."

Sarah laughs, "Thank you Gretchen. Hon don't listen to her; you will not get fat. I'm going to help you work off those calories personally."

"Chuck I gotta say, I like that new VP you hired. Maggie's sharp for a young one. She had some great ideas for the new training program. Sarah, we missed you at the last brainstorming session. Why do I get the feeling that something is up?"

"There go those spy instincts kicking up." Chuck talks as he helps Sarah clear the dishes. "Tell me Gretchen, how's that ankle doing?"

Gretchen leans forward and gives him a look that suggests impatience. "Still tender but mending. Look Chuck, I thought we were past this. You did what you had to do. I'll be back to kicking ass in no time."

Sarah leans over with the pot and warms Gretchen's coffee. "That's not where he's going partner. Beckman cleared you. He wants to put you back into the field."

Gretchen leans back into her chair. "You mean it?" Chuck smiles and nods.

Sarah's not done. She takes a seat across from the redhead. Her hands are wrapped around her cup enjoying the warmth. "Pay attention, focus. Chuck is not willing to put you, or anyone else, in harm's way. You have to agree to follow orders and stay within the parameters laid out."

Gretchen's face breaks out in a huge smile, nodding. "I get it, no improvising. Teamwork makes the dream work. Chuck, I owe you big time. I'll be good. I'll get the job done for you. Am I really going to get out of here? Where? Where am I going?"

Chuck does his best John Wayne impression (which is none too good), "Whoa, slow down there little lady. There's things gonna need doin' before we can saddle that horse."

Sarah laughs, "Hon that was awful. Stick to computers, leave the impressions to the comedians. What he's trying to say is right now, it's a plan in process."

Chuck nods, "Uh huh. The person I want to partner you with also has to sign off on the plan."

Gretchen looks at Sarah, "Come on Sarah, you know we work great together. I promise, I'll have your back."

Chuck shakes his head, "Nope, can't be Sarah. The mark knows her."

Gretchen looks at him, "Then who?"

Chuck shrugs, "Casey."

Gretchen's face gets gloomy, "Crap, there's no way he'll go for it."

Chuck stands up, "Ladies I have a little work to catch up on." He looks at his watch. "Let's say my office, one hour." He heads for the door.

Sarah rushes to catch him. "I could have sworn I told you, I'm attached to your hip until he's dealt with."

Chuck strokes her hair. Speaking softly, "Baby, there's no need for that. I promise I'll tell you everything I find. I won't make any decisions without your input. I'm just going to my office to get ready for a meeting with you and all the others. No secrets. I'm not going after him myself. That's what you're worried about, right?"

Sarah takes a deep breath, "You know me so well. I know you too Chuck Bartowski. I know you'll do whatever it takes to keep your family safe. He's dangerous. Don't you dare go after him yourself. I can't lose you."

Chuck holds her close. "Baby, I love you. I'm not going anywhere. You have my word; I won't do anything without my partner. Nobody watches my six like New Bartowski."

"Fine, just remember your promise. I'll see you soon." She kisses him and watches as he leaves.

Sarah returns to the table and holds her coffee mug tightly. Her concern is apparent. Gretchen's eyebrows go up. What the hell is going on? "Sarah when did you get so clingy? It's not like you to hold on so tight."

Sarah sighs, "I know. It's just this case. The guy we're going after. He scares me. He has no reservations about hurting people. You couldn't imagine what he's willing to do. You know how miserable I was when I was separated from Chuck. Gretchen, I can't lose him again. I know him, he would go after him alone to keep me safe. I can't let another asshole destroy the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Gretchen reaches over and takes her hand. "Sarah take a breath. That man is not going anywhere. He would fight the devil himself to get to your side." She laughs. "And there is no doubt in my mind that he would win."

Sarah joins her in laughing. "He has fought the devil, and he did win. You're right, he can handle himself. Plus, if he does something stupid, I'll kick his ass myself."

Gretchen in a mocking voice. "Careful Walker, that nerd hits women now."

Sarah winks, "Yeah, I know. Somehow, I think he may not hit this woman." Looking into Gretchen's eyes. "I'm glad you're here."

Sarah jumps when her phone chimes. "Damn why am I so jumpy?" She answers the phone, "Walker."

"Oops sorry, guess I got the wrong number I was looking for Mrs. Bartowski."

Sarah Screams, "ZONDRA? Z, I can't believe it's you. Wait, wait I need to put you on speaker."

Gretchen shouts out, "Hello little pussy cat."

"Carina? Is that Carina Miller?"

Carina laughs, "Not anymore, that cover got blown when a certain nerd kicked my ass. I go by Gretchen now."

Zondra sounds shocked, "You too. Damn Walker, is he beating up all your friends?"

Sarah laughs, "Hey don't blame him. You two picked the fight. He just finished it. What's up? Everything okay at the office?"

"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine except for the constant bitching about how the last chief was better. So, Gretchen, is it? What are you up to?"

"I'm officially out of government service. Chuck and Sarah are my bosses now."

"Oh yeah, what about Casey? How's my favorite general doing?"

"He's still a big pill. But he's kinda growing on me. I think being a grandpa has mellowed him some."

Sarah could hear the smile in Zondra's voice, "Yeah, he grew on me too. Tell him I said hi, and Julie sends her regards. I guess Sarah told you she turned her office over to me. I gotta tell you I've learned to respect you more than ever Sarah. This job is a ball buster. It's like herding cats. Cats with all kinds of secrets and deadly weapons."

The three of them laugh. "Look, I have to go. I just had a quick minute to check in. I've been missing my partner. Gretchen you being there is a real treat. Are you taking good care of our girl?"

"Doing my best. When are you going to join us and get the squad back together?"

"Sarah made the offer. Not quite there yet. But never, say never. Miss you both, be good. Remember to duck. See you at the wedding. Bye."

Sarah takes a deep breath, "Boy just when I need it the universe is there for me. It was nice to hear her voice."

Chuck goes into his office and crosses to the outer office. "Good morning, Mrs. S. How are you this morning?"

"Doing well Boss. How about you?"

"I'm good, Looks like we may have a busy day today. Let's contact the execs and have them here in an hour. Also contact General Beckman see if she can be free for a phone conference this morning. Let me know when we can slide into her schedule."

"On it Boss."

Chuck sits in the chair next to his Office Manager/Admin Assistant's desk. "Mrs. S., my wife may be a little tense for the next few days. We have an important operation in play. Please don't take anything too personal."

Mrs. Sawyer smiles, "I can see you're worried Boss. Is she okay?"

Chuck nods, "She's fine. She just has a lot on her mind. We all do right now. I may need to rely heavily on you, more than usual."

Mrs. Sawyer reaches out and puts her hand on his. "I'll be here. You let me know what you need. You tell Ms. Walker that as well."

"Thanks Mrs. S., I knew we could count on you. I'll leave the door open. Tell everyone to come in as they arrive."

Chuck sits behind his desk. Booting up his computer he lets the scanner read his face, then leans in to scan his retina, finally typing in his password. Okay need to focus, can't let my emotions get in the way. I need to filter this noise out, trace the signal to its origin. YES, that's where the money came from. Now a little looksee at the bank records. Oh Boy! I just broke like four federal laws. Feeling a little black hatish. Need to make sure I don't leave any trace. That reminds me I have to look at Maggie's thumb drive. Almost there…

Casey walks in, "Morning Boss."

"Shhhh, shhhh, sit, be quiet." Chuck's fingers are flying across the keyboard his eyes going back and forth between the two screens. He starts to talk out loud, "Okay, it was a phone transfer, need to hack into the cell company."

Casey laughs at Chuck's mad scientist routine. "Shhhh, quiet. Almost there, just a little more. Got it. Got his IMEI. Now to ping that phone." Chuck jumps up, BINGO. Casey, I got it, I got it!"

Sarah and Gretchen walk in at bingo, "What Chuck? Got what?

Chuck smiles wide, "I found our first possible suspect. Time to operate."

Morgan, Alex, and Maggie walk in, "Operate on what Pal?

Casey interrupts as Chuck is about to answer. "Chuck, I see no need to drag Maggie into our drama."

"Good point. Maggie please don't take offense. I think you know by now that you're trusted. However, there is no reason to expose you to any danger that you don't need to be involved in. At least not before you're trained. Did you get your laptop from IT yet?"

Maggie's clearly nervous. "I understand Sir, but I want to help. No, I haven't gotten my laptop yet."

Chuck comes around his desk. He looks Maggie in the face, "You, Maggie are about to be incredibly helpful. You are about to take my place, do my job. Come with me."

He walks Maggie out to Mrs. Sawyer. "Mrs. S. I believe you've met Maggie. Would you please call IT. Ask them to send someone up to escort her down so she can select and configure her new computer.

Maggie, this department will be rolled into Cyber Services, you'll be their supervisor. Let's not let on to that just yet. Get your feel, let them get to know you.

Once you have your laptop, set it up. Then I want you to attack CI. Don't cause any damage. I want you to test us. Make sure we're secure. By the way, I wrote our defenses myself."

"Sir, Chuck, are you sure I can't help?

"Maggie this is helping. I can't be in two places at once. You're going to be me. This is why I hired you, created this position. I have a whole company to run. I need you to take over my cyber work. I know you can handle this responsibility. Maggie don't hold back. I want you to kick my ass.

I won't be totally tied up. If you need me let Mrs. Sawyer know. She'll let me know. Maggie, I have one question for you…" Chuck imitates an echoing voice. "…ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE?"

Maggie laughs, "Okay Chuck, prepare to get your butt kicked. Maggie Mae is coming for you."

Chuck smiles, "That's what I want to hear. Mrs. S. take good care of her. Have you heard from Beckman yet?"

"Not yet Boss. I'll let you know as soon as I do."

"Thanks Mrs. S. My door will be closed but you can buzz me. See you in a little while Maggie. If you need anything let Mrs. Sawyer know." Chuck walks into his office and closes the door.

Chuck reenters his office and sits on the edge of his desk facing everyone. "Good morning loved ones." He takes a deep breath. "It's time to play Whack-A-Mole. The only difference is the mole can't know you're trying to whack him. I've narrowed our search for Ryker down to three possible locations." The intercom buzzes. Chuck leans over and presses the talk button. "Yes Mrs. S?"

"I have General Beckman on line one, she says she can give you some time right now."

"Thank you, I'll take it." He presses the speaker button. "Good morning, Diane, I hope we're not taking you away from anything important."

Beckman is facetious, "Don't be silly Chuck, you're much more important than national security."

The room laughs. "In case you haven't figured it out, you're on speaker with all the partners and Gretchen Fager. Although I think in this instance you can call us Team Bartowski. I have a possible line on Ryker."

There's a moment of silence. "Go on. I'm listening."

"I've narrowed that worldwide haystack down to three possibilities. I have the first location pinned. I'm still working on the other two, they look very promising. I'm going to send two of the team out to identify the target. While they're confirming or eliminating the first, I'll zero in on the other two. Once we have photos, Sarah can tell us if we have our man."

"Good for you Chuck, I'll let the President know that I'm late for our briefing on the Russian situation so I could give you a pat on the back." The room is filled with laughter again. "Chuck, How can I help you?"

"Diane, we may have to cross international borders to catch your rogue agent."

Beckman leans back and smiles in her office. "Well played Bartowski. I'll have the paperwork drawn up. I'm hiring CI to track down and bring to justice a rogue CIA agent connected to the murder of multiple foreign nationals. I'm sure the President will sign off on this. People be careful, you're the only family I've got.

By the way the contracts to hire you for cyber defense have passed final review. Grimes should have the hardcopies shortly."

Morgan is excited, "Excellent, my legal and financial teams are standing by to review them."

Beckman asks, "Purely out of curiosity, which team is going hunting?"

Chuck looks hard at Casey, "I'm sending, Casey and Gretchen Fager."

Casey jumps up, "What the hell? I never okayed that."

Chuck smiles at Casey, "Diane, thank you for your time. I know you have more important things to do than listen to a two-star general whine at orders he doesn't like." Casey grunts loudly and falls back into his seat, punishing his cigar with his teeth.

Beckman is laughing hard, "Thank you Chuck. You just made my day. Keep me in the loop. Let me know how I can support my team." Beckman ends the call.

The office is quiet, all eyes on Casey chewing his cigar. "WHAT? You heard the boss. Me and the cripple are going hunting." He mumbles under his breath, "Whether I like it or not."

Chuck relaxes against his desk. "Having fun with Beckman is one thing, John. But you know that's not how we do things. What's on your mind?"

Casey sighs, "I know. I felt like you were shoving something down my throat." He sighs, exasperated. "Gretchen no offense. I know we've come a long way. Damn it, you left my team on a beach to get shot. Not to mention you're on crutches."

Chuck stands quietly, allowing his team to process what he announced and Casey's words.

Alex is the first to break the quiet. "Dad, you know how much I love you. I would never want you to be in danger. I trust Gretchen to keep you safe."

Morgan nods fervently. "Dad, the kids love her. That's good enough for me."

Casey grunts, "The kids have never had to outrun automatic gunfire."

Sarah has been patiently listening. "John, was it Gretchen's fault you let her cuff you to a bed, or was that your choice?"

Casey growls, "Hey, my kid's in the room."

Everyone laughs except Gretchen. Alex smiles, "Yep, I'm here, tell me more. By the way Dad, I'm not a kid anymore. I have two kids of my own I know how the magic works."

Casey is not happy, "Grrrrr, enough. TMI. I'm your father, not a friend at a teen girl sleepover. Okay, so maybe it wasn't all on her."

Sarah walks over and kneels to look Casey in the eye. "John, you're my partner, next to Chuck the best partner I've ever had. I would go into the field with her. I would be doing it this time if Ryker didn't know me."

Chuck helps Sarah up and kisses her cheek, "Thanks Hon. Anyone else?"

Gretchen is the only one who hasn't spoken. Her head is down as he She's stares at her hands in her lap.

Chuck walks around and sits behind his desk. "Gretchen?"

Her head jerks up. Her eyes are full of tears. She shrugs. "What do you want me to say. He's right. I put you all in danger, I was selfish and didn't care about anyone but me." She lifts her arm and points at Chuck. "He was the first one to get through to me. I was ready to walk away and let that horrible, hairy little man take Sarah out. He was a nerd, untrained, terrified. Yet he was ready to walk into fire to save his team.

Okay he didn't fully get my attention until he kicked my ass. But I saw him. I saw someone brave, loyal, stupid as hell." The room laughs. "But he shamed me. He got me to go in, do something for someone else. For the longest time what he did stayed in the back of my mind. Hell, I'll admit it, his love for Sarah made me jealous as hell. Every time I said spies don't fall in love, I was trying to convince myself that it was the job, not me. What can I say? Casey's right, and I am on crutches."

Chuck sits quietly behind his desk cleaning under his fingernails, dusting the accumulating dirt off his chest on to the floor.

All eyes are on Casey. He stares back. "Damn you people and your lady feelings. What about you Bartowski? Would you go into the field with her?"

Chuck smiles at Gretchen. "She just told you. I already have. She was great. Plus, she put her life on the line against Decker. She helped save the love of my life. Who could ask for more?" Gretchen smiles. "By the way this is a surveillance only operation. I took the crutches into account. It's part of your cover."

"Okay. I'm in. Listen up red, you pull any crap, I'll be coming back alone."

Gretchen takes a deep breath. "Casey, you have my word. I will watch your back as if it were my own. I will not improvise. You're my field supervisor. I will follow your orders to the letter. I want to make you, all of you, proud to work with me. I will not let you down." Casey grunts.

"I'm glad we could talk through that. Okay team here's what I know. There are three possibles. One of them, I'm hoping, is the man we're looking for. This guy, Kiernan Ryker, trained Sarah. We all know she's the best the CIA had to offer…"

Casey mumbles, "CIA, hah."

Chuck gives Casey a dirty look, … "and this is the guy that trained her for field work. He knows all of our protocols and tricks. We have to think outside the spy box. If he sniffs the air and smells us coming, he'll disappear again. If that happens, I'll probably never find him again. If that happens, he could pop up anywhere at any time and hurt us. Let me be clear. Sarah's life hangs in the balance. Mistakes are not acceptable. He cannot know we're coming for him."

A/N To my readers who are rereading, I hope this chapter breakdown works for you. For my new readers. I hope you are looking forward to how all this shakes out. Chuck is working hard to make CI a success and keep Sarah and his team safe. See you next week, Same Bat day, Same Bat time. (If you don't get that last bit you are very young)