A/N: We're back for season 2!

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck

Sarah Walker's voice over:

"Last season, on Private Eyes." (Various scenes of Chuck and Sarah begin to play.)

"I mean, first, the man bun," Chuck began.

"Listen, I liked it, okay? You can like Nickelback, and I can like a man bun," Sarah retorted.

"I have so many questions about your judgment," Chuck replied.

"As do I," Sarah agreed. "I did pick you to be my partner."

"I'm not going back to the CIA," she told him. "And, when you officially get your paperwork, I hope you will become my partner in the agency, in every way.

"Sarah?"

"Yeah, Chuck?"

"You wanna blow things up?"

"Chuck."

"Yes, Sarah?"

"Shut up and kiss me."

(Scene switches to Stephanie and Bernie from the episode Sweat Equity.)

"Anything trace back to you?" Bernie asked Stephanie.

"No," Stephanie told him. "I do hope your niece doesn't have another screw up like this ever again."

"Listen, she was trying to make the steroids better," Bernie said, defending his long-time family friend. "When Volkoff asks you to do something, you do your best to make it happen. Besides, one of the batches worked."

(Scene switches to Teddy Roark.)

"Last thing I need is another Bartowski fucking things up for me."

End voiceover and season review

}o{

"I WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO THE FLORIST TODAY FOR THE WEDDING!" Chuck yelled. He started grabbing his stuff and putting it in his bag. "Crap, my coffee…I'll just have to leave it. In fact, take it to your girlfriend."

"Here, take mine," Mark said, thrusting it at Chuck. Chuck saw over Mark's shoulder the look of terror in Amy's face.

"You sure?" Chuck asked, slinging the backpack over his shoulder, taking the drink.

"Yeah, no problem," Mark said.

"Thanks, man!" Chuck said, and hurried to the door. He paused and turned back. "Who knows, maybe MJ will show back up some day."

"Maybe," Mark told him. They both waved and Chuck took off, he ran down the side walk, turned the corner, and slowed to a walk, chuckling. A car pulled up beside him, the brakes screeching. He slowly turned his head to see Sarah glaring at him.

"Get in!" she barked. He did, shut the door, and they took off.

}o{

That, that was later, this…this is now.

Two months after Flying the Friendly Skies

Sarah walked over to the door. She and Chuck had been enjoying breakfast… sort of. Chuck knew she was irritated but knew better to say anything. There was every chance what little part he played in said irritation could be redirected at him, and he had been told by many he was a smart man. He intended to prove that today.

"I wonder who this could be," Sarah said dryly, and opened the door. She saw Carina, Dan, Casey, and Zondra. She turned and walked away.

"Sarah," Zondra said, walking through the door, still being ignored by Sarah.

"Told you that it was a bad idea," Casey muttered, as the group followed Zondra into the room.

"She agreed to it," Zondra protested.

"She may have agreed to it, but she doesn't like it," Carina pointed out.

"But we all agreed it was necessary," Zondra tried again.

"It was," Dan agreed. He walked over to the coffee pot and took a whiff of the aroma. "Charles, you must tell me your secret."

"Before what happened… I couldn't," Chuck told him. "Now…" Chuck glanced at Sarah. "Even if I didn't agree with Sarah about what happened – which I do – I'm smarter than that, given what just happened."

"Thank you, Chuck," Sarah told him.

"See, necessary," Dan said to Zondra. "However, it was demeaning."

"Demeaning?" Zondra replied.

Sarah slapped her hand on the table, making everyone jump. "Yes! Demeaning!"

Zondra gulped. She had just repaired her relationship with Sarah, and she didn't want to see it ripped apart now. "Sarah," Zondra began.

"Zondra, I get it. The commercial… it was necessary," Sarah said. "However, Chuck and I… we've worked for a long time to build up our name, and that commercial…"

"Was it me?" Chuck asked. Sarah gave him a look. "It was, wasn't it."

"Sarah, that commercial is testing very well, and has a high Q rating," Zondra replied. Sarah grabbed the remote, hit a button, and the commercial pulled up on YouTube, making everyone's eyes go wide. "You have it ready to go?"

"It's all she's watched," Chuck told Zondra. Zondra blew out a breath.

The commercial began. The camera panned to the door of the Agency. Castle Security was stenciled on the door in its arch. Underneath read Licensed Private Investigators Sarah Walker and Chuck Bartowski.

"You know I do love that door," Carina pointed out.

"Thank you," Sarah said.

The commercial continued as the door opened. The camera went into the office as if someone was walking, showing Chuck and Sarah. Chuck had his hands planted on the conference table behind him, , looking relaxed. Sarah was standing there, a confident, friendly look on her face.

"Are you in need of a private investigator, and don't know who to call?" asked the Sarah on the screen. "Well, don't call Ghostbusters," Chuck said, grinning. The TV cut off. Everyone turned to see Sarah, remote in hand, irritation on her face.

"It was me," Chuck said, in a sad voice.

Over the past few days as they had waited for Chuck to heal up, Zondra had approached them with an idea. She and Beckman were concerned about Roark. They had come up with a solution to make Chuck look exactly like who Roark had thought he was.

"Baby," Sarah told him, "you did exactly what you were told to do."

"Look like a cheesy fool," Dan said. Everyone gave Dan a look. "It is what we wanted," he reminded everyone. "It was all done with the goal of making Theodore believe that Charles is nothing more than a nerd."

"I am," Chuck said with a shrug.

"And it's worked," Zondra pointed out.

"At the cost of clients," Sarah retorted.

"Sarah, between the NSA, CIA, and all the people Teddy has wronged, you'll have plenty of work," Zondra pointed out.

"But, that's not how Sarah and I wanted this to work," Chuck told Zondra. "We built Castle Securities. We want to make it because we're good."

Zondra blew out a breath. "I'm sorry."

"I know," Sarah said. "And, I get it. I get why you pushed this and why Beckman thought it was important."

"How do I make this right?" Zondra asked. Sarah smiled… a little evilly. "Oh, God," Zondra said, remembering that look.

"You and Dan want to make it right?" Sarah asked.

"Why me?" Dan asked.

"Because she can't get Diane back for this," Chuck told Dan. "I mean, you knew that was the reason, but I appreciate you trying to get out of it."

Dan sighed, and waved his hand. "Fine, what do we have to do?"

"I want you and Zondra to drive Chuck over to the office," Sarah said.

"I mean, that's not the worst punishment," Dan muttered.

"Oh, there's more," Sarah said. She turned to Chuck. "Chuck."

"Zondra will drive, and you, Dan, will take out your phone and dial a number," Chuck told him. Dan pulled out his phone. "Make sure and put it on speaker." Dan rolled his eyes, but complied. "Dial, 719-266-2837."

"Now?" Dan asked. Chuck nodded. Dan dialed the number.

A recorded British female voice came over the phone. Thank you for Callin' Oates. Welcome to your emergency Hall & Oates helpline. Dan's eyes went wide.

"Press four," Chuck told him.

Over the speaker began the song, Private Eyes.

"You will take Chuck to work, and each time the song ends, you will repeat it, or select the song he tells you," Sarah continued.

"The quality is horrible," Zondra said. Her eyes went wide after they sang, Private Eyes, and Chuck clapped twice. "Is he going to do that the whole time?" Sarah's grin grew more evil. "Oh, God," Zondra moaned.

"It sounds like it's on an AM car radio from the '80s," Casey said. "My God, Bartowski's gonna kill 'em."

Chuck double clapped again. "Ready?" he asked.

"Sarah," Zondra said. Sarah gave her a look. "It was to protect you."

"You don't have to do this," Sarah told her.

"Then I would like to be excluded from this horror show," Dan said.

"Oh, you have to," Sarah told Dan. Dan shook his head. "Let's go." Chuck, Zondra, and Dan left.

"Did the commercial really bother you all that much?" Carina asked.

"Oh, God, no," Sarah said. "I just wanted those two to understand exactly who they were dealing with."

"Walker, you scare the shit out of me some days," Casey admitted.

"John, that's the nicest thing you ever said to me," Sarah replied.

}o{

Sarah walked into the office a little while later. She didn't see Chuck, Dan or Casey. "Anna, did we lose some people?" Sarah asked. She walked over to the coffee pot, smelled the coffee, and knew her boyfriend-slash-fiancé had been here.

And that's still all they were. They had wanted to run off and get married, but it was her dad, of all people, that told her they should get married how they wanted. If they wanted a Vegas wedding, fine. Or even one at city hall. Sarah admitted to him she had wanted a wedding on the beach, and by damn, that's what Ellie and Jack told her she should do.

It had been a minor mistake to tell Ellie. Poor Chuck had thought they were simply going to get married, and now a whole wedding was being planned. Chuck kept saying, "a whole-ass wedding", but it wasn't. It was just a few friends and family, on their beach. It was going to happen, but Sarah wanted his wounds fully healed before it did. Ellie had told them he was healed now, but Sarah knew Chuck, and wanted to give him a few extra days.

"Chuck and Dan are in his office, discussing a pretty serious subject," Anna told her. "Casey got called in. There's been another murder."

Sarah stopped in her tracks and turned to Anna. "The Eyes Out Killer?" Sarah asked. Anna nodded. Sarah grimaced. The Eyes Out Killer had been murdering for over nine months now, but the police had been slow to respond. The real reason for their hesitancy was the men being killed were members of organized crime.

The bodies were found, their eyes removed and sunglasses on, covering the empty sockets. With as many crimes that were committed, the deaths of members of organized crime was not considered a priority.

The lead detective on the case was Rafe Gruber. Sarah had dealt with Rafe in the past and something about him… well, to use Chuck's words… felt hinky. Rafe had a lengthy and confidential military background. Casey would only say that Rafe was the one person Casey thought could rival his sniper skills. Casey also said Rafe was amazing in hand-to-hand combat.

One of the things that lead to the widening of the gulf between Casey and Carina had been Carina finding out about the serial killer. Carina had begun publishing articles about the killer, and the public reaction had forced Gruber to work harder on the case. Apparently, Gruber had told Casey to work with him toappease his girlfriend. Casey wasn't sure if Gruber knew he and Carina were now married, but he wasn't about to tell Gruber.

"How are things on that front?" Sarah asked Carina, walking over to the table where Carina and Zondra sat.

"It's fine," Carina said with a grin. "You know, when Casey found out about the article back then, he was pissed as hell. But I knew… I knew he was also proud of me."

"Not taking any shit, and doing your job, no matter the consequences?" Sarah asked. "That's a very Casey thing.

"Casey's told me that he understands Gruber's attitude and opinion," Carina admitted. "Casey's worry is that one day a civilian will catch the killer's wrath, because the killer couldn't hit one of their targets."

"Lash out, needing that high or fix," Sarah said, nodding. "Although, as methodical as this guy seems, maybe that won't happen."

"Doubt it," Zondra said. They both turned towards her. "Someone that kills that many… there's something in there that's dark… that has to be fed… you can't just stick that monster in a hole." She was quiet a second. "You know that what people found so fascinating about Dexter, the book/TV character? His 'dad' knew he had to kill, so the dad only had him kill bad guys."

"Never watched it," Sarah said. Carina gave her a look, and Sarah shrugged.

"He had this weird girlfriend who would poison people. They literally got it on, just as he was going to kill her," Carina said.

"Huh, weird," Sarah said, shaking her head. "Anyway, where's Chuck and Dan?"

"Chuck is being Chuck," Zondra said. Sarah's eyes went wide, and she stood. Carina's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. "Not about Dan and Diane," Zondra clarified. Sarah let out the breath she only now realized she'd been holding, and sat back down.

"That is something he doesn't want to step into," Sarah said. The other two women nodded. "So, can you tell me what's going on?"

"Yeah," Zondra replied. "So, Dan had this protege that took a case a few years back. He defended a man named Yuri Lowenthal. Yuri worked as someone who collected laundry from an assisted living home and research lab."

"Is that the LAAC… the Los Angeles Aging Center?" Sarah asked. "Aren't they the ones working on an Alzheimer's cure?"

"Yes, the AZ-9 drug as it's known in laymen's terms," Carina said.

"So, Yuri was doing his runs, when he claimed he found a dead body in his truck under all the dirty laundry," Zondra continued.

"Oh, shit," Sarah muttered.

"Yuri had a record," Zondra explained. "He was an alcoholic and had several charges against him, including assault. But they were all during times he was drunk. So, instead of contacting the authorities as most people would, Yuri freaked out."

"I mean, I have known people without a police record that would freak out," Sarah said, thinking about Brad and his reaction to finding a body in a vat of wine.

"True," Zondra said. "But they didn't go bury the body in the mountains somewhere." Sarah let out a low whistle.

"Yeah, that's not good," Sarah agreed. "That makes you look guilty."

"Yep," Zondra agreed. She paused for a moment. "Dan's protege, Greg Chun, defended Yuri at trial."

"Seems I remember something about this," Sarah said. "But at the time I was busy with…" she looked around, thrusting out her hand, "setting all of this up."

"Yes, you were," Carina said, grinning.

"Greg raised enough reasonable doubt to get Yuri acquitted," Zondra continued. "Part of that was because of testimony by his not-then-but-soon-to-be girlfriend, Emi Walker… I'm assuming no relation?"

"I am as well, but I'd have to ask," Sarah said.

"So, everything seemed okay until a few weeks later, a fire broke out at Yuri's apartment," Zondra continued with the story. "He was found drunk."

"Oh, no," Sarah said, afraid what she was about to hear.

"They found Emi's body," Zondra said. "She was already dead before the fire started. She had been stabbed fifteen times in the chest."

"Jesus," Carina muttered. "I mean, I knew the details, but just hearing it…" Carina shuddered.

Zondra nodded. "Yuri proclaimed his innocence over and over, but again, he was drunk as could be and no other evidence could be found other than his fingerprints. He also claimed he didn't remember drinking."

"How did Greg take it?" Sarah asked.

Zondra was quiet for a moment. "Not well," she said softly, glancing at Chuck's office. She looked back at Sarah. "He killed himself."

"Damn," Sarah swore softly. "I'm assuming Dan is taking this hard?"

"Today's the anniversary of Greg's death," Zondra told her.

"I never should have made him accept that punishment," Sarah said, looking guilty.

"Actually, it cheered him up, and let him begin to talk to Chuck about what was bothering him," Zondra admitted. "Dan is going to the prison later to visit Yuri."

"Why?" Carina asked. "That's the part I don't understand."

"Dan said no one was better at reading people than Greg was," Zondra explained. "Chuck reminds Dan of Greg. Dan thinks maybe Greg was right, or at the very least, a pair of fresh eyes couldn't hurt." Zondra looked at Sarah. "Not Chuck's," she assured Sarah. "We don't want Chuck involved in any more insanity than necessary."

"Listen, he's his own man," Sarah said. Zondra and Carina shared a look. "And if he sets his mind to it, honestly, how can I stop him?"

"He was pretty set about going to Las Vegas to get married," Carina pointed out.

Sarah grinned. "I might have negotiated that," Sarah replied, shrugging one shoulder.

"She used Ellie," Zondra said.

"Exactly," Sarah agreed, laughing.

}o{

Sarah sat at her desk working when she heard a knock on the door frame. She looked up to find Anna standing there with a strange look on her face. Sarah motioned for her to come in and Anna did, shutting the door behind her.

"Uh, Sarah, we have a walk-in," Anna said.

"I mean, it's unusual, but we have had them," Sarah assured Anna. "What's wrong?"

"She said she only wanted to see you," Anna said.

"Okay, maybe it's sensitive and she doesn't want a man to hear what the case is about," Sarah replied. "It happens. At some point, if we take her case, we can bring Chuck in."

"Well, it's not that, it's… she says she thinks she knew you," Anna replied.

"Okay, now my curiosity is piqued," Sarah admitted.

"Want me to call Carina or Zondra?" Anna asked. "You know, in case it's a baddie and they wanna start something?" Anna paused. "Although… that's not the vibe I get of her at all."

"And what vibe do you get?" Sarah asked.

"Regret, sorrow," Anna said. "You know, you don't need them, she's a little thing." Sarah grinned. "What?"

"You're not exactly a towering giant," Sarah pointed out.

"Pbbth," Anna replied. "Trust me, I can take her out with one arm tied behind my back."

"Send her in," Sarah said. Anna nodded, walked out, and Sarah heard some muffled talking. A second later, a woman appeared in Sarah's doorway. She was attractive, and Sarah thought she recognized the woman, but couldn't place her. "Hi," Sarah said, standing, and coming around the desk. She extended her hand. "Sarah Walker."

The woman shook her hand, and Sarah offered her a seat. Sarah walked back around her desk and sat as the woman did. "Heather Chandler," the woman replied. Sarah knew the name but couldn't place it.

"Anna said you thought you knew me?" Sarah asked.

"Yes," Heather replied. "We went to high school together… in San Diego." Sarah tried to steel her face, but she was sure it was too late. "You do remember. Although that wasn't the name you used then, and you certainty didn't look like this."

"I'm afraid you have me confused-" Sarah began.

"Jenny Burton," Heather said. "I'm guessing you don't use that name anymore because of…" She shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

Sarah had started to respond when Heather's words gave her pause. Heather had been horrible to Sarah during high school. She had helped make Sarah's life a living hell while she was there.

Heather looked up at Sarah, and Sarah saw tears in Heather's eyes. "I guess this is karma coming back to get me."

"I don't understand," Sarah said.

"You remember Mark Ratner?" Heather asked. Sarah didn't respond. "He was a nerdy guy, someone that looked up to me…" She trailed off. "He and I dated after high school. I… I fell in love with him."

"I really don't understand," Sarah insisted.

"It's why I'm here," Heather said. "I'm here because I'm in love with him… and he's… he needs to be put in jail."

"In jail?" Sarah asked.

Heather nodded. "He's already killed one woman, tried to kill three others, and I'm afraid he will kill the woman he's with," Heather admitted. "He's a male version of a black widow."

"I think that's called actually a bluebeard," Sarah blurted out, taken aback by what she had just heard. She just spouted one of Chuck's random facts. Sarah tried to gather herself, but it was obvious this had rocked her.

"I need your help," Heather said. "Sarah Walker, will you please help me?"

A/N: Probably should have gone with, Help me Sarah Walker, you're my only hope…what? Oh…

Next time:

"I just find it weird about this woman warning people about him, when there seems to be no real proof that he's the cause of these issues but her."

"I meant what about Amy following Mark to the football game?" Sarah asked.

"Are you trying to show me off to your former classmates?" Chuck teased.

"I do not give one shit about my former classmates," Sarah said. "But, I do like to show you off."

"I knew it, nothing but a prop," Chuck said, shaking his head. They were both silent for a moment. "The chances of it being Amy from the CAT Squad days are very low."

"But not zero," Sarah said. The two stood there, staring at each other.

"Don't mind me, I'm just watching the show," Anna said, making both of them laugh.

Aren't we all Anna? Aren't we all? Come on back next time, for part 2 of Let's Go Cougars? And if you have time to leave a review, that would be swell of you.