Ch 13 All I want to do
Sarah dragged her foot up Chuck's leg, feeling his skin on hers. It was instinctive on her part as she was still feeling the effects of their love making the night before. They had come back from their walk and barely made it to the bed. The only good thing was the bed wasn't made.
She opened her eyes briefly but knew a few more hours of sleep wouldn't hurt. They had no plans which made it less of a burden on them. She grabbed a t-shirt and slipped it on then pulled the sheet up and covered them both. Chuck never missed a beat as he wrapped his arms around her bringing her close.
They sat at restaurant looking at the menu deciding on what to eat. Hotel room service had its perks but it also deprived you of fresh air and people. Not that they needed to see people, they were fine with just each other. They ordered and enjoyed their meal settling for a walk around the tourist sections of Paris. Chuck bought a few Eiffel Towers to remind them of their trip and Sarah eyed a snow globe with the tower in the center. They paid for their items and headed out enjoying their time together window shopping. Sarah focussed on where she was walking and didn't hear her phone till they stopped to let people by. She slid her hand into her pocket and saw an unknown number with a specific prefix. She knew what that meant but she looked at Chuck and couldn't see herself leaving him now. She looked at him. "You find us a spot up there and grab some coffees, I think that I am going to grab that other item that I had my eye on." "I'll come with you." "No, that's fine." Her response sharper than usual startled him slightly. She kissed him to better the mood. "I'll be right back." Sarah slipped through the crowd and disappeared. She looked behind her to see if Chuck was coming and when she didn't see him, she called the number back.
Chuck grabbed a seat looking at the door for Sarah. He heard his phone thinking it was her and she needed his help. He smiled then his smile vanished as he recognized the number. Though the name of the caller made him laugh he knew it wasn't. He named this caller specifically Jester after two of his co workers at the Buy More, where he worked on and off during high school and University. These two, were people only someone a mother could love. And it fit with the missions he had been on so he just kept it. He answered it. The voice on the other end. "Agent Carmichael." "Yes." "Code word." "Jester." "We have an agent out there that needs some assistance. We have Intel on a pair of assassins making their way through a list of prominent well known individuals. Your assignment is to assist the lead agent in this apprehension of these assassins. You are to meet this agent at…." Chuck listened as he received further instructions. "Code word North Pole."
Sarah looked up again making sure Chuck wasn't near by. She listened as the phone rang on the other end hearing a voice. "Name." "Walker, Sarah." "We have a mission that requires your skills. We have intel on a pair of assassins making their way to Paris looking for information and eliminating those who are in their way. We have another agent in the area who will be there to assist you. You are to take the lead on this. Further information will be given once you meet with your contact. You will meet them at." Sarah listened furthered to her instructions "Once contact is made their phrase is " I hear it costs a few candy canes to fly to….your response the North Pole. You will then receive your details."
Sarah put her phone away and headed out. She knew that her meeting was time sensitive. She learned that much but this was her first mission of this kind and she didn't want to be late. She just hoped that it wouldn't take too long.
Sarah slid onto a bar stool in a local watering hole. It kind of reminded her of PJ's. She ordered a water looking around to see who her contact could be. Several people walked in alerting her, looking the part but none walked up to her. Sarah thought maybe they were waiting for her to come to them. She got up and started greeting people and adding the code phrase as she spoke but no one had the right answer. She walked back to her stool and sat down with her back facing the entrance so she couldn't see who was walking or seeing who came in.
Sarah could feel someone sitting down beside her. They had walked in moving towards the most obvious person in the place. Sarah turned slowly as she heard a male voice alerting her. As he spoke "I heard it costs a few candy canes to fly to" Sarah not recognizing the voice turned around and replied. "The North Pole." Then she realized who it was. She was shocked as she was the day she arrived for registration. If he was surprised, he didn't show it. He was that good. She pulled on his arm making him sit down. "What are you doing here?" "I would say the same thing about you. I thought you were going back to the store." Sarah felt awful for lying but she was new to this so she went on instinct and what she knew. Chuck ordered some brandy and slid the glass to her. "Drink this, it will calm your nerves." He had to calm her down as she was escalating which would hinder whatever this meeting was about. Sarah took a sip and almost lost her breath. "You followed me?"
Chuck laughed. "How could I have followed you to this exact spot and tell you the code phrase? I got a call and I assume you did too if you are here with the answer." "But how?"
"They just called me and told me that there was an agent that would need assistance on a mission but they didn't tell me who the agent was, just the usual phrase exchange. I had no idea it was you or thought that it could be you. There could be a half a dozen agents in the area as we speak." Chuck made her take another sip as it seemed to calm her down. He looked at her then drew back a loose hair. "Do you know what this mission is about?" Sarah looked at him. "Something to do with finding some assassins. They have intel on some prominent people and are making their way through this list. We just need to find out what they are looking for and why they are taking out the competition."
"That's if they are the competition." Sarah looked at him. "Why wouldn't they be if they were being killed off."
"They maybe just loose ends they may get what they want from them then take them out. They maybe looking for the same thing."
Sarah finished her drink as Chuck had ordered one. He downed it quickly then leaned in. "Did they give you any other information?" Sarah shook her head. She knew that Chuck didn't want to spend too much time discussing this in public. He kept their conversation short. He leaned in as he got up. "Meet you back at the hotel." Chuck stood up. "Have a nice day." And then he was gone. Sarah left shortly after that and headed back to the store. She resumed her activities as if she just left after having a drink then resumed her shopping. She also kept her eye on anyone that might linger near her too long at least till she got back to the hotel. She ended up buying the other snow globe and headed back to the hotel. As she entered the room her phone rang. Chuck looked up and motioned for her to put it on speaker. He leaned against the window as Sarah sat on the bed. "Agent Walker. Constable Lavoie Interpol."
"Yes."
"I assume you have been briefed." Sarah looked up at Chuck as he shook his head. "No, I haven't. Just met my contact but nothing further."
"No, worries I will have a file sent to you. Where are you staying?" Sarah gave the Constable her room number. "Ok once you have read the file, I will be available if you need any resources." Sarah thanked him and hung up. Sarah started to pace the floor. Chuck grabbed her arm as she came close to him. He brought her close. "Talk to me? What's going on in this head of yours?"
Sarah held onto his embrace as his arms calmed her. "I don't know where to start. In theory yeah, read tonnes of examples but this." Chuck pushed her back to look at her. "Babe don't over think. Go with what you know." Sarah knew Chuck was trying to give her the reins but she would have liked it if he took over. He was better at this than she was.
The knock on the door startled Sarah. She got up and opened it signing for the envelope. She gave a tip then closed the door. Chuck sat up and put his phone down as Sarah joined him at the table. Sarah opened the file and pulled out a USB. Chuck grabbed his laptop and scanned the USB just taking some precautions. When the USB was safe, he opened the file. There were four files. The first file had a list of possible targets. The second file were photos, Third file was a map and the fourth file Chuck wasn't sure what it was. Sarah noticed that he stopped clicking at the screen. "What's wrong?" Chuck leaned back and raised her arms over his head. Then sat up. "Not sure. There's no file."
"Great." Sarah got up from the table. "Honey, it doesn't mean that there isn't anything there it's just I can't open it at the moment."
Sarah came back as he opened his arms for her to sit on his lap. "It needs to be decoded but I think that it can be opened in notebook. I just have to upload a program." All that computer stuff was mumble jumble to her. He grabbed her face and kissed her lips. She rested her head on his shoulder. "You wanna take the lead." Chuck laughed. "This is all you. I am here for advice and guidance."
"Anything else?"
"Not that I know of." Sarah opened a button on his shirt and slid her hand inside feeling his skin. She let her hand roam undoing buttons as she continued. Chuck turned his head to embrace her lips. She spoke into his lips. "I think we need to debrief." Sarah shifted her body to straddle his legs as he kissed her neck and removed her shirt. He slipped her bra off exposing her chest as he kissed every inch of her. Sarah slid his shirt off feeling his warm skin against hers. He stood up and his strength amazed her as he walked back towards the bed. He laid her down as he took her boots off then slid her jeans off and socks placing kisses at her ankles as he held her legs in the air.
He laid her leg down as he slipped out of his jeans and kissed his way up to her lips. His hands doing marvellous things to her. She took a deep sigh as he slowly took her panties off. Slipping between her legs as she slid her hand under his waist band catching the hem with her toes and pulling them down to his feet. Their initial response made them both take a deep breath that only escalated as they made love.
Sarah's smile clearly expressed, how she was feeling as Chuck rolled to his side. He smile back at her then snuggled inside her neck placing kisses on her heated skin. She held him close as they shared looks, grins, and more kisses. He finally felt defeat as he laid his head on her chest. Sarah held him close; this was one of their favourite things to do after they made love. Just holding each other close as long as they could.
Chuck finally rolled onto his back turning his head. He knew Sarah was thinking about the mission. He rolled to his side and waited. He had his ideas and approach to how this mission should go but he wanted her to feel the rush and gain the confidence as her last mission took a lot out of her and her very first mission it could have gone either way. She sat up with her knees bent close to her. Chuck waited as her mind was already six steps ahead. "We have to find out where they have been and who they were after and see if there is a connection. We also need to decipher that file. Maybe it will lead us to whom is the next target." Sarah leaned forward. "We will need a car and some guns and such and …." Chuck rolled over placing kisses on her back then moving his lips to her bare shoulder. He brushed her hair back exposing her neck as he kissed her neck. He let her continue talking then seemed to get distracted. She gathered her thoughts as she forgot what she was talking about. But Chuck didn't help. He continued to kiss her. He grabbed her face to reach her lips which finally made Sarah stop talking. He laid her back. "We have to get started." Chuck looked at her. "I agreed, get started." She held his face kissing him back. "Did you hear me?" Chuck mumbled then kissed her intensely. He slid his arms around her bringing her close. Chuck whispered in her ear. "You got this." Sarah appreciated the words as she figured a few more minutes with Chuck wouldn't hurt. But it was more than she anticipated.
Sarah slipped out of bed and grabbed her robe. The lights of Paris were still sparkling outside. She ordered supper to be delivered in a couple of hours and sat at the table looking at the files on Chuck's laptop. She jotted down what she remembered saying earlier. She looked up as Chuck was still sleeping. She would grant him that luxury after what he did to her. She smiled at him grabbing a pen. Maybe writing things down might be a bad idea but Sarah decided to write down jot notes anyways, not to put down anything important.
Chuck woke up when he heard the door open and saw Sarah carrying a tray. She slid the laptop on the bed placing the tray on the table. Chuck grabbed his shorts and his shirt and stole a kiss from Sarah as she slid a French fry into his mouth. "Love you."
"Love you too. Sorry I fell asleep."
"No worries. I ordered."
"I see that, thanks." Chuck could see that Sarah had been busy. He ate and looked at her notes. Sarah stopped breathing for a short second as he looked over her notes. He put the pages down then looked up. "Looks solid. Are you you're not a rookie?" She was glad he was there. He leaned over and gave her a kiss. "It looks great. It's a great start."
Sarah stood up. "Good, now get dressed. We have places to go." Chuck finished his last bite and got dressed. They grabbed their coats and headed outside and grabbed a taxi. Sarah gave the driver an address and they took off. Chuck wondered where they were going but she was taking the lead. When the taxi stopped outside a Laundry mat he didn't have to wonder. Sarah paid for the fare and headed inside. They walked to the back reaching a back door. Sarah opened the door and slipped inside. Chuck stepped inside and as the door closed the room went dark and the floor gave way, like a reversed elevator. The door opened into a large glassed enclosed area. Security met them at the door. Sarah showed her badge and Chuck showed his. "This way." The man replied. Chuck and Sarah followed the man to a glass room and asked them to wait there. Chuck was used to these introductions but Sarah wasn't. She paced the floor. Chuck looked up. "Babe, they can see you." Sarah stopped and realized that the room could indeed see them. She sat down. "You got this. I assume the reason we are here is you read through the files."
"I did, then I called and was told to come here."
"Well, they will send someone maybe even Constable Lavoie. This will probably be like every other meeting you had." She looked up. This was her third.
They waited for an hour sipping coffee. When two people walked in. The male introduced himself as Constable Lavoie and the female was an Interpol Agent named Marcel. Marcel walked directly to Chuck extending her hand. "Agent Walker." Chuck smiled. "No Agent Carmichael." Chuck extended his hand to motion towards Sarah. "Agent Walker. Oh sorry."
"Agent Walker." As Sarah gave her a strong handshake. Agent Marcel felt a bit foolish assuming. Chuck laughed. "No worries we get it all the time." He gave Sarah a look making her feel better. "Carmichael. Walker. Nice to meet you. Please have a seat." Agent Marcel trying to move things along. Sarah and Chuck sat down. "We're pleased to hear that there were Agents in the area and this is time sensitive. We got word last week that a gun man had shot a prominent diplomat in Brussels. That's why I was late." He brought up photos of the diplomat. Chuck and Sarah turned their chairs. "We were checking into his affairs and we found a list that was left at the scene. Since then, three more have been taken out."
"Also, from the list." Sarah inquired.
"Yes Agent Walker. That is why we need to get ahead of this." Lavoie brought up another slide. Sarah and Chuck looked at the list. Lavoie circled three names. "These people are in the area we believe." Chuck quickly jotted down the names. He circled the next name. This person is already being located by another agency and they are following a lead that there might be another assassin. Sarah looked up. "Same person or are they making you think that there are two." Chuck watched Lavoie and Marcel's body language. They both adjusted their stance. Sarah hit a nerve. Chuck was ready to say something but waited to see what Sarah was going to say. "I mean if there were two and I'm not saying that there is but wouldn't there be something that connects these two people. But why would two different people go after the same list of people unless they were working together. Or they are in competition with each other both working towards a common goal." Chuck did an inner happy dance as he was going to say the same thing. Lavoie and Marcel looked at each other. Marcel excused herself as Lavoie continued. "She'll be back." Chuck smirked and tried not to laugh. He figured that Marcel would try to intimidate this agent but Sarah stood her ground.
They met for an hour getting a plan in place. Chuck and Sarah would go and find the assassin and figure out who they were and some how correspond with the other agency that are supposedly going after another lead. Lavoie and Marcel who returned gave them weapons and set up legal safeguards and mechanisms where they would monitor the use of information collected by the police and pass it onto them out in the field. Interpol also would provide Sarah and Chuck with access to databases, and coordinate networks. They also would provide a vehicle which Chuck and Sarah were heading to next.
Sarah followed Chuck into a basement warehouse. This was new to Sarah but Chuck was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. When Lavoie turned the lights on the room lit to what Sarah could only describe as a car lot. Chuck did a little skip as he walked around the cars. Sarah followed looking at the cars. Chuck walked the room and came back. He stopped and faced her. He wanted to touch her and she wanted him to but they had to refrain. Chuck looked at her. "So, which one do you want?" Sarah looked up. "Me?"
"Yeah, you're the lead so you get to pick. But I would suggest something if I could and that is whatever car you pick make sure it can take a lot of stuff."
"And why?" Sarah wondering. Chuck smiled. "This." As he flung his hand. "This is only part of it." Lavoie led them to the storage bay where Chuck opened the door to the armoury. He watched Sarah's eyes open wide like they did when he gave her the engagement ring. Lavoie spoke up. "Take what you need and we will get you whatever we don't have." Chuck grabbed a few pistols, magazines and a holster and a few rifles. Burner phones and scanning devices. Sarah dragged her fingers across the large selection. She still had her gun hidden in the rad along side her bed back at the hotel. She found a wrapped up case of knives and grabbed them along with a few pistols and magazines. Lavoie entered again holding a case and two duffle bags. He put the case down motioning to Chuck. Chuck walked up to him. "Here is some cash and a laptop that will allow you to keep in contact with us. Also, I see that you grabbed a few burner phones. I tossed a few inside with our number already entered."
"Thanks."
They looked up watching Sarah. "I heard good things about this agent."
"That's good."
"Your General Beckman thinks highly of her." Chuck totally agreed.
"She also mentioned that you were her mentor?" Chuck swallowed deeply with a slight cough. If this guy only knew. "I wouldn't say that she had several mentors, not only me."
"Either way I am pleased with what I have heard."
Sarah filled the duffle bags as Chuck walked towards her. "You know your guns."
"I had a good teacher."
"Casey would be proud." They both laughed knowing that Casey wasn't a man who showed much emotion.
Chuck carried their bags as Sarah decided on a black Range Rover. Lavoie gave her the keys and acknowledged her choice with a nod. Chuck opened the back door and laid the bags inside. Sarah turned to face Lavoie as Chuck closed the door. "All the best and we will get you online shortly."
Chuck shook Lavoie's hand and slipped into the passenger side. Sarah opened the driver's side and slipped in. It still had that fresh new car smell. Sarah looked around the dash looking for the starter and she could see that Chuck was being very patient with her. He subtly pointed not to say a word. He could tell that she was starting to get anxious. He had seen that look before. She backed up and headed out. Chuck punched in the hotel's address and they headed there.
Sarah pulled up to the front as Chuck got out and grabbed a luggage cart and placed the duffle bags on there and headed to their room. Sarah took her coat off and started back where she left off. Chuck ran downstairs with the cart and slipped across the street and grabbed some salads and munchies and some mission items such as tape, recipe cards, markers and a map and string. He also wanted to grab something to eat that would not sit heavy in their stomachs. He also grabbed a few coffees. It was going to be a long night. He just hoped that Sarah wouldn't lose her focus.
Chuck returned and they ate as Sarah looked at the stash on the bed. As she was doing that, Chuck laid out everything that they grabbed from the basement. He had Sarah make a list of what they got. She wondered why, then she realized that it was for two things; One to keep her busy but also so that she knew what she had and could grab what she would need of the time arose. Chuck then grabbed the back of one of the pictures hanging on the wall and turned it around. He grabbed the USB drive then gave Sarah a kiss. "I'll be right back. Going to print some of this stuff." Sarah looked at him. "You can start writing down a timeline on the recipe cards." Chuck slipped out as Sarah looked at the bed and all the weapons and items. She was freaking out but this was her mission and she wasn't alone on this one. She had Chuck and with him she could do anything.
Chuck returned finishing his coffee as he had Sarah talk her way through the next steps. She appreciated that he didn't take over or use his years of experience in a dominant role. Chuck listened and was impressed at her strategic approach to the details and he wouldn't change anything. Sarah looked at him. "I think that we start with clubs or organizations. See if the people on this list belong to a club. Maybe a men's club."
"Maybe he's targeting people with money. I see that Baptiste in Germany belonged to a men's club. And was shot outside his mistresses place, a Sophia Hedwig. Chuck grabbing the list. Sarah nodded. This was their first lead thus far, so Chuck figured it would be a good place to start and see where it led them.
They put the weapons and such back into the duffle bags and loaded magazines into the smaller guns. Chuck opened the bag of nacho chips as they munched on a few others as well.
"We better get some sleep then we can head out." Sarah slipped her boots off as she crawled into bed. Chuck closed the curtain despite liking the view they needed to be dark. He slipped in beside her as she grabbed his arm holding her close.
Chuck got up and took a photo of their plan then placed the picture back up on the wall. Sarah woke up and took note. She would definitely use that trick next time.
They brought the car around as Chuck loaded the duffle bags. He hoped not to use them but he didn't want to keep them in the room. Sarah wanted to seek out the next person on the list. They still didn't have a connection with the other victim and Sarah wanted to figure that out as soon as possible. Sarah parked outside a Paris gentleman's club. It was early so she figured there wouldn't be anyone there. They entered at the back where Sarah finally was able to use her lock picking skills. Chuck kept his hand on his gun and his eyes on the street. Sarah was inside in no time as Chuck disarmed the security system. "One good thing about Europe is their security sure lacks."
They walked the room finding out that they weren't alone. The room was full of men. Chuck went ahead as Sarah stayed hidden. Chuck slipped a comp into his ear as Sarah did the same. Chuck started walking. "Now what?"
Sarah watched him from where she was hiding. "See if there is a sign in sheet and if there are any of the men on the list that might have been here and how many times." Chuck walked the room coming up to a young lady who eyed him from head to toe. He eyed the sign in book seeing other men walk in. He was surprised well not really at the clientele at the hour it was. Chuck noticed that they didn't sign in the old fashion way with a signature but some kind of key card. Chuck raised his wrist to his face. "Looks like they use some kind of key card to sign in and the name and photo are brought up on a screen." Sarah peeked out from where she was. Chuck eyed her. "I guess we need a key card." Chuck watched as the gal at the front typed in a few pins and then slid one of her cards bring in up a list. He watched the lady, waiting for the opportunity and the spy angels must have been on his side. An argument erupted causing the young gal to leave and forgetting to take her card. He motioned to Sarah who could fit the part to come over and get what she could off the computer. Sarah quickly scanned the list taking pictures. She didn't have time to see their photos but she figured if she gave the names to Lavoie he could get some information to her. Chuck snapped his fingers as Sarah took the last snapshot then slid to the back as Chuck waited. The young gal came back. Chuck smiled. "Could I have a cigar please." She smiled then grabbed the cigar tray. "What do you recommend or what is popular." The young gal looked at him then the tray. "Most like the bolder ones which are these and the milder ones depending on which ones don't leave an after taste." Chuck eyed a few then grabbed her recommendation as she walked away. As he walked away, he grabbed a handful of mints and walked out. He met Sarah in the car as she was uploading the photos she took. She sent them off to Lavoie. Chuck placed the cigars on the dash. Sarah looked at him. "You don't smoke do you?"
"No but Carmichael dabbles in them once and while."
He placed the hand full of mints with the clubs name on them inside one of the cup holders. Sarah reached for her notes from the back seat. She scanned her notes and looked at the screen. She circled two names. She passed the list to Chuck. Chuck called Lavoie. "Lavoie." "Yes, Agents Walker and Carmichael." "We just sent you a file of names that we would like you to check them out. We were only able to get their names but would like to have visuals."
"Certainly, anything else?" Sarah added. "We have two specific names Claude Baptiste and Christoph Friedrich they are on the list you gave us and also, we might have a connection with these men attending gentlemen clubs.
Sarah continued. "Was the first person, Claude Baptiste a member or anyone of his family members, members of a men's club?" Sarah and Chuck could hear Lavoie typing on his laptop. "Well, there is a club in Berlin that only caters to the well to do. The Berghain is infamous for being the most exclusive, hard-to-get-into nightclub in the world."
"And Baptiste?"
"His credit cards have him there." Sarah smiled. "Okay we will wait for your call on the facials. We have a few more leads to check out. We will be in touch." Sarah hung up. Chuck grabbed the laptop and started searching for gentleman clubs in Paris. He turned the screen showing the name Birmingham at La Station.
"What's this?"
"They say it's the equivalent to the Berghain in Berlin. It doesn't open till eight tonight." It was noon. Sarah looked at Chuck. "I guess we have time for a nap."
Sarah rolled over raising her arms over her head, trying to catch her breath. Chuck wiped his face from sweat, also trying to catch his breath. "Well Mrs. W.B. that was more than I figured we would do." Sarah rolled onto her side facing him. "Just making good use of our time." Sarah lowered her head and kissed his chest, then moved her lips along his neck and towards his lips capturing him in a passionate kiss. Chuck slid his hand behind her head bringing her closer. Sarah moved her body over his. They continued being close catching a few hours of sleep.
Sarah pulled out a pair of black leggings and a flashy blouse getting ready to head out. Chuck looked good in anything settling on jeans and a white long sleeved shirt.
They entered the doors feeling the music. The bass line rattled Chuck's chest. He pressed his comp further into his ear just to hear Sarah over the music. Lavoie had sent over photos of the men. Sarah sent them to their phones. Chuck took a quick look as he grabbed some drinks. As they looked around Sarah held onto Chuck's hand. They were taking a chance, seeing any of the men at this place but Chuck was behind her and supported her quest to search the leads. They walked the room then found two seats. They sat down and ordered another drink. Sarah watched Chuck move to the music and remembered their wedding night dance and how perfect it was. She wondered how he would dance to this type of music. They ordered some food to absorbed the alcohol then Sarah grabbed Chuck's hand as they headed to the dance floor. Sarah's moves made Chuck react as her closeness were provocative even sexy in nature. She was dancing for her man and he just tried to keep up. Sarah dragged her body down his leg then coming up behind him squeezing his backside making him take note.
As Sarah continued to seduce her man, on the dance floor, Chuck pulled her up then leaned in hoping to deter the noise. "I see Friedrich at your three o'clock." Sarah subtly looked over Chuck's shoulder. He looked taller than she thought he'd look from the photos. Chuck swung her around so she could get a better look. She grabbed his hand and they walked around making there way towards Friedrich. Chuck scanned the room to see if there was anyone looking out of place. But in this place, everyone seemed out of place. They walked the room just coming close to the man in question when Chuck caught his eye on a person holding a gun. He motioned to Sarah by forming a gun with his hand then pointing. Sarah looked up. "I'll go around and you can." Chuck read her mind. She took off as Chuck headed directly in front of the man purposely bumping into him, distracting the person with the gun. Sarah made eye contact with the man in question making him run. "Chuck he's running." Sarah yelled into her comps. Chuck followed as they ran out of the club. They reached the alley and started chasing him. They weren't sure if this guy was the assassin but if someone runs, they're usually guilty of something.
Chuck followed Sarah keeping up with the presumed assassin. Chuck called it in to take Friedrich into custody just in case he was the target. The two split taking the advantage as Chuck dove and tackled the presumed assassin. He punched them hard but got a hard punch in the ribs. He focused seeing that they were wearing a balaclava. They pushed him standing up but Chuck flipped forward landing on his feet. The alley was dark making it hard to see but he felt the punch. Every bone in his face felt it. He reacted throwing another punch and was about to throw another when Sarah glanced over seeing a strand of red hair that had fallen out of the balaclava. Sarah yelled "Chuck No!" Chuck looked at Sarah as he received another punch right in the middle of the face. Sarah moved in and torn the balaclava off. Sarah froze then screamed. "Carina!"
The person stopped finally seeing Sarah come into the light. "Walker!" Chuck spitting blood looks up as Sarah pulls off the balaclava and sure enough it was Carina. Then she looked at Chuck. "Chuck?" Chuck showed a thumbs up as she walked towards him checking on his face. Carina stood up feeling the effects of her bout with Chuck. "You still sleeping with the teacher I see." Then Carina got a glimpse of the ring as Sarah tried to spin it around. Sarah walked back to Carina. "What the hell are you doing here and why are you after Friedrich."
"I would say the same thing, but I'm not after this Friedrich, I am after the assassin." Chuck joined the conversation. "Miller."
"Carmichael."
"Call me Chuck."
"Sorry about hitting you. I didn't know."
"It's okay. I can see why your physical combat tests were high." Carina smiled and Sarah attempted to caress his arm.
Chuck tried to walk off his discomfort, as Sarah got info from Carina. Their evening was a bust so they ended back at the hotel. Chuck poured drinks then sat with an ice pack on his face by the window as Carina sat with one with Sarah on the bed. Sarah started asking Carina questions. Carina was hesitant to answer but she had nothing to lose as she figured that they were looking for the same person. "I was looking into a few deaths in Germany of two high profile lawyers." Carina gave Sarah their names as she nodded to Chuck. "So, I got a lead that the shooter might have gotten on a flight to Paris." Chuck who was sitting with his feet up placed them on the floor. "So, the bar?"
"Had a hunch that they would maybe show up there as one of the men who was also on the list was attending." "Friedrich?" "Yes."
"Well, that's who we were looking into, then Chuck saw a gun and we went after them. Chuck called it in so Interpol hopefully came and got him."
"Yeah, I saw it too. So, I headed out the front."
"Do you know who this person is?"
"No and I haven't been able to get an ID. But I figured follow the people on the list and see who shows up." Both Chuck and Sarah agreed. Chuck pushed the chair closer. Allowing Sarah to see his face. She caressed his face instantly getting a response. "The ring Walker?" Chuck took her hand and kissed it. "I'll give you a few minutes."
Chuck got up grabbing the ice bucket and left the room. Carina turned Sarah's hand over. "When? What?"
"Recently. Recently."
"That's vague."
"Okay. Christmas Eve. And two days before that."
"What Walker?"
"Chuck asked me two days before Christmas Eve and we got married Christmas Eve afternoon." Sarah grabbed her phone and showed her the few pictures that Chuck took. "Wow congrats. But weren't you on a mission in Budapest."
"I was." Sarah got up, grabbing her notes. "It was not what I expected and I ended up here and Chuck showed up by accident. He was here with John Casey finalizing some funeral arrangements for Bryce Larkin and Jill Roberts."
"His team."
"Yes. Then Chuck decided to stay, I hadn't heard from him and I was on another mission and he happened to show up at the same cafe. That was a week ago. And then one moment we're talking and he asks me. He goes and gets a ring and sets up this wonderful ceremony, horse ride." Sarah smiled just thinking about what she just told Carina. Carina had to smile to herself. "I'm happy for you." They talked for a little while as Chuck walked in, the ice bucket half full. Sarah got up as Carina got settled in the bed. Sarah met Chuck near the bathroom as he was grabbing a drink of water. Sarah checked his face. Chuck placed his hand over hers. "Why do they always go for the face."
"Well, she could have kicked you in between the legs."
"Touché."
"Well, we better get some sleep."
"I got a call from Lavoie."
"And?"
"He wants us to talk to Friedrich in the morning."
"Okay." Sarah looked at her watch. "Well, that will give us a few hours." They walked around seeing Carina sleeping in the bed. Sarah placed her hand on his chest. As she pointed to the couch. "It's just a few hours." She kissed him and he returned the kiss. They turned the lights off as Chuck headed to the couch. He slid it closer to Sarah's side then resumed his bedtime kissing ritual. They just started kissing when Carina spoke up. "It's just a few hours. You two need a break. Say good night." Sarah kissed Chuck then held him close. "Just a few hours." Sarah slid into the bed as Chuck grabbed a blanket and sat on the couch. He slid to his side and stretched his leg towards the bed as Sarah grabbed it just below the knee weaving her leg around it. He stretched his arm out meeting hers. It wasn't how they wanted it but it would have to do.
The three met with Lavoie as he got Carina's papers in order and her reasons to be there. They had planned to speak to Friedrich but he left without being questioned. He didn't know how big this whole thing was till Carina told him what she knew. "Friedrich was a person of interest in Germany which led me here. He was involved we think with Baptiste but he was found outside, Marissa Levesque his mistress's house."
Chuck wasn't convinced that this guy they chased hours earlier was the same person. Sarah could see that he was thinking and she knew he had something to say. Not to say that Agent Miller's lead is not important but is there any connection other than a possible love triangle or intended romance on his part and not the coincidence that he ended up here in Paris."
Carina continued. "We know so far these men, have a connection with gentlemen clubs and maybe not specific gentlemen clubs."
"So, this list, Baptiste and Friedrich were on the list that Sarah and I got the other day." Chuck looking at Carina.
"And as far as we know, Friedrich hasn't been to the one in Berlin."
Sarah took her turn. "What do we know about the mistress?" Carina brought up her photo. Marissa Levesque a well know call girl. Been in a relationship with Baptiste for some time. Upon investigation we believe that she was trying to break it off and move on and Baptiste wouldn't have it."
Chuck adds. "So, someone kills him to take him out of the equation."
"Maybe." Carina turns around. Carina goes through her photos bringing them up on the screen. "Her online presence has her at various luncheons and social events. Her circle of friends have been her greatest supporters." Carina zipped through the photos when one caught Chuck's eye. "Carina go back." This got Sarah's attention. Carina went back a few photos. "There stop. Can you enhance it please." Sarah moved in beside Chuck. "What do you see?"
"Not sure." Carina expanded the photo. "Stop. Her." Sarah looked. "Is that?"
"Yes. The girl from the men's club we saw her the other day." Chuck moved in. "May I?" Carina stepped to the side. He highlighted her face then copied it into the scanner. In seconds, her picture and rap sheet was brought up. Isabella Sophia Hedwig." Sarah read her wrap sheet. "Break and enters, trespassing, misadeamours, and charge of shooting at police. I wondered how she got a job with this wrap sheet."
"She's full of surprises." Lavoie looking at the list.
Chuck clicked and scrolled but some of her files were blocked. Chuck didn't ask for permission. He figured asking for forgiveness was easier. He opened her file and saw that she was on the Interpol's alert list. She wasn't considered a threat but a person of interest. Just then Marcel stormed through the door. "Who accessed Interpol's files."
She looked at Chuck. "You!"
"Yes." Chuck stood straight. "And I'm glad I did." Marcel looked at the screen. "We have been watching her for some time."
"Did you know that she is an acquaintance of one Marissa Levesque who happened to be the mistress of Claude Baptiste and by the looks of these photos, she and Marissa are more than friends. She's also trained in weapons and was recruited; drum roll please. (Chuck making a drum sound) Into the Radikale's, a group of mercenaries. Gun for hire." Marcel went quiet. Chuck continued. "I'm not saying she is our assassin but so far a lot of dots are connecting." Chuck figuratively pushing the knife deeper into the cold heart of Marcel. Lavoie got on the phone. "I would like the whereabouts of one Isabella Sophia Hedwig and Marissa Levesque, thank you." Half hour later the phone rang. Lavoie answered putting the call on speaker. "She's not at her residence or place of work. Levesque's house maid said that she left the house an hour ago. She figured that he was heading to work. And Friedrich, where is he and where is his detail?" Chuck looked up when they didn't have an answer. Chuck and Sarah ran out of the room as Carina followed and Lavoie on the walkie talkie. "We need eyes on Friedrich. Call Berlin and have Marissa Levesque located and apprehended."
Chuck and the girls drove through Paris looking for Isabella. Sarah listened to the comps of other agents looking for Friedrich. "We found his car near the Nature trail, the old Petite Ceinture Railway." Chuck did a U-turn and headed back three blocks. They drove up seeing his car. Chuck got out and looked around. He wondered which way he went and why would he make himself a target. Chuck rounded the car looking down seeing a wrapper. He picked it up. It was the same wrapper he found at the men's club. Sarah came into view. "She's here." Sarah looked up into the hills. "She could be anywhere."
Chuck looked up then went and grabbed some weapons. Sarah followed. "You go up high and see if you see her. Carina, you head right with Lavoie and I'll go left. You see anything call out. I'd rather her lose focus and have to regroup than not." Chuck gave Sarah that look and she smiled then grabbed her gun and headed up hill. Chuck made good strides finally seeing Friedrich. He reached him telling him that his life was in danger and that a target was on his back. He didn't want to listen and Chuck had no patience. He put him in a choke hold making him pass out. He spoke to Sarah. "I found Friedrich and I knocked him out cause he was willing to listen. I have him hidden under a tree. I am going to try something." Chuck looked around and found a medium log and grabbed it and leaned it against the railing of the deck overlooking a creek. He took Friedrich's jacket and ball cap off making it look like he was standing leaning over the railing. Sarah got settled and laid out the gun and adjusted the scope. She looked through the scope and located Chuck. She saw Chuck leave with an unconscious Friedrich then disappeared. Chuck eventually passed Friedrich off to another agent then headed to find Sarah. He had read her reports and knew where she would go. He let her know then stood near by but not too close to be seen. He grabbed a pair of binoculars and scanned the area looking for her. Sarah was laid out on the ground adjusting her shoulders and getting ready. She had done this a hundredth of times and remembered the test well. She scanned the area not seeing anything and was losing light as the clouds were coming in. Chuck watched his makeshift dummy then scanned possible angles. Sarah followed the same idea and settled on a low lying area with tall bushes. Sarah kept her eye on that spot seeing Carina and Lavoie. Sarah slowed down her breath then told Carina to stop. Carina stopped and backed up against a tree. Her heart pounding. Chuck scanned the area. He whispered into his comps. "Carina and Lavoie shut your comps off for 15 minutes." He didn't need Isabella picking up on their location. Sarah kept her eye on the spot hoping for some movement.
Sarah looked through the scope calming her breaths. Casey's voice was in her head and Chuck's presence filled her heart. She eyed Isabella knowing it was along shot literally. But she was taught by the best. She pulled back releasing the bullet and took one last look as her target lined up. She pulled back on the trigger and felt the pull as the gun went off. Chuck watched through the binoculars as Isabella fell backwards. Chuck watched as Carina and the other officers headed up the hill. It was exactly 14 minutes and Carina turned her comps back on. Carina reached the body and checked for any life. She grabbed the walkie talkie. "She's dead. Perfect shot." Sarah could barely hear over the ringing in her ears. She put the safety on and stood up as Chuck took the gun from her. Sarah took a deep breath trying to keep it together. Her hands were shaking. Chuck slipped the gun over his shoulder as he grabbed her hands. He wanted to kiss her and hold her but he had to keep it professional till they got back to the hotel. Sarah semi smiled then released his hold.
Chuck sat in the corner of Marcel's office waiting for his turn. Lavoie took the lead with Sarah adding her questions. "Let's go over this again." Marcel using her authority. Chuck ran his hands through his hair. "Do we have to!" Chuck had enough. He eventually grabbed a chair and sat down. "Yes." Marcel showing who's boss. Marcel trying to justify that she didn't think of disclosing the fact that Isabella was on their watchlist. Chuck didn't care. "The fact that you failed to disclose that you were already looking into Isabella the girlfriend of the girlfriend who was secretly seeing Baptiste who was shot outside her place. Doesn't require an explanation. That she almost got away with assassinating a long list of well known men both in Berlin and here in Paris, just because, what? She was in love with Sophia or the fact that she was a mercenary." Sarah coughed slightly. Chuck backed off but she was on his side. Sarah stood looking at the room. "It is possible she wasn't working alone as she had to get the names of these people or had to have someone introduce them to her." Lavoie answered. "That, we are still working on."
They met with Friedrich who didn't have a choice this time not to talk to the team. Chuck was already fired up with the lack of professionalism on Marcel's part and now he had to sit in on interrogating Friedrich. Sarah was trying to play the good cop but knew when to release Chuck into getting some answers. Chuck walked the small room, making Friedrich uncomfortable. Chuck starts mid thought. "Christoph." This was the first time Chuck used his first name. "Christoph, you know what gets me is why Isabella would want you dead."
"You knocked me unconscious."
Chuck reached into the evidence bag pulling out his jacket. He tossed the jacket at him. Christoph looked at it. "If I didn't you would have a hole this big and wouldn't be breathing, so you're welcome." Christoph was about to throw up. Chuck waited a few seconds. "So are you ready to talk." Chuck could see Marcel standing outside as Lavoie left leaving Sarah and Chuck alone to finish asking questions. "When did you meet Marissa?"
"I met her at a party two years ago when I attended a gathering in Berlin. I was there with Claude Baptiste who I was also seeing at the time and he was seeing her. There were others at this gathering."
"Isabella?"
"Maybe, there were lots of women, men, drugs, whatever you wanted you could get it. There were also off shoot business meetings and dealings being made in the back rooms. Claude and I were talking and Marissa walked in. Claude was obviously taken aback and smitten by her. I didn't know of their affair till a year later. And for Isabella I didn't know anything about her till recently, well after you told me. I eventually hooked up with Marissa when Claude asked me to join them. He wanted both of us and I didn't want to lose him. But I didn't know that she was also seeing Isabella. Claude wanted to talk to me but I took the train to Paris. Maybe he wanted to tell me about her. And now I don't know, what he wanted."
Chuck turned down his tone. "Do you think Isabella was jealous and the people she was associated with added to her jealousy?"
Chuck and Sarah waited for a response. When they didn't get one, they stepped out giving him some time. Carina came towards them. Chuck looked at Sarah then Carina. "What was Isabella looking for? What did they want?"
Carina spoke up. "The only thing I can think of is they wanted names. Once they got the names they would give the names to the highest bidder."
Sarah replied. "So, what did she get for killing these people and the last one was the lover of her girlfriend."
Chuck looked at her. "So, Claude and Marrisa hook up, share secrets post sex. The she goes back to Isabella and Isabella allows her those extra curricular activities as long as she continues giving her the information. Isabella then goes and spills the beans to her groupies…." Sarah watched her man do what he did best. Get information no matter what. The three walked back inside while Christoph wanted to be somewhere else. Sarah was experiencing one of Chuck's lectures in real life and it excited her. Chuck leaned on the table and continued.
"When you were together, I am guessing that you two hooked up without Claude."
The three watched. "A few times."
"Two, three, a dozen?"
Christoph's facial expression gave way at a dozen. Chuck continued. "So, what did you two talk about? I mean it wasn't always the sex, or was it? Did she make you feel special, told you that you two could have a life together?"
Christoph shifted in his seat. "I may have told her about oil and stocks."
"And?"
"She wasn't too thrilled about those things but when I started talking about transporting cash she started asking more questions."
"At once or over time."
"Over time and she would ask more specific questions like drop offs and locations." "Did she ever want to know about amounts?"
"Well sort of, but she wanted to know who else."
"Who else what?" Sarah leaning in. "Who else knew about the transporting of the money." Sarah got up and leaned over as Chuck bent down to listen. "That would explain the list." Chuck winked at her. He let Sarah continue. Sarah grabbed a chair and sat beside him. She smiled. Chuck watched. He knew that Sarah was the right person to bring it in. "Did you meet with anyone, who maybe was interested in your line or work? Maybe over drinks? Someone who was always around besides Isabella. Christoph thought for a moment. "There was one guy who was always around. It was like he needed to be around."
"Did you get a name?" He shook his head. Sarah got up. "Excuse me." Chuck looked up as Sarah left. Ten minutes later she returned. She laid a pile of photos on the table. "Is he in one of these pictures?" Sarah had a hunch that the guy that they had chased days before might be the guy they he was talking about. Christoph took a look at the pictures as Chuck and Sarah kept their eye on who they thought it was. Marcel, Lavoie, and Miller watched from the other side of the glass. Minutes later he tapped the person in one of the photos. Sarah looked up at Chuck, grabbed the photos and looked up at the window. Carina slipped away taking Lavoie with her leaving Marcel looking speechless. Carina and Marcel followed Chuck and Sarah. Lavoie radioed a team. "Teams we are looking for and have warrant out for one Benjamin Kellerman. German born radical member of the Radikale. He is responsible for the murder of Claude Baptiste and four others that we know of." Lavoie read the names on the list. He continued. "Team one search all residences and apprehend anyone and everything. "Team two head to the train station and the other half head to the airport. Team three your with us. We are going to raid the Birmingham at La Station. Each team will enter at the same time not to alarm any member of this group. Once your team has arrived, we will go on my count."
Lavoie and the rest including Chuck, Sarah and Carina waited till all three teams had arrived. Lavoie spoke into his walkie talkie. "Acknowledge Team one."
"Acknowledge."
"Team two acknowledge."
"Acknowledged." Lavoie's driver drove up to the bar and half the team went to the front and half to the back. "Teams ready." Lavoie could hear the team getting set up. "Ok on my account. In 3-2-1 Go go go go." All you could hear over the comps were people screaming, Agents giving out orders over the comps. All three locations reporting progress as Chuck and Sarah walked through the club quickly.
"Anyone have eyes on Kellerman." Carina's voice could be heard. "On foot, have a visual." Marcel who was listening from the office got on the call. "We need him alive."
Carina didn't respond for some time. "Agent Miller, do you copy." "Yes." Sounding sarcastic. Chuck and Sarah trying not to react to Carina's reaction.
Carina walked in with a limping Kellerman. Marcel was furious. "Why is he limping? I told you we needed him alive." Carina pushed him into a chair. "He's alive just wounded. too bad." Chuck and Sarah laid their weapons down on the table. Watching as the events unfolded. Carina eventually walked over to Chuck and Sarah. "This should be fun." The three leaned against the table as Marcel took over and of course taking the credit.
The three debriefed with Lavoie then Beckman. "Well done the three of you. Agent Miller." Carina looked up. "Your request to join the DEA has come through." Carina smiled. "You will need to fly out and head to Texas. Where your new assignment will be given to you."
"Thank you General." Sarah looked over to her friend and saw how happy she was. But she was going to miss her. It was a real treat to have her here for a few days. Carina, Zondra and especially Chuck were her family now and she was going to miss her.
"Agent Carmichael and Walker, I will expect you back in DC on Monday. Agent Walker you will report to the fourth floor where further instructions will be given. Take the next few days to rest and enjoy the sights. I hear a walk along the Seine is very nice this time of year." Both Chuck and Sarah remembered the horse ride after they got married. "That is all."
"Thank you General." The three responded. Beckman exited the call allowing Sarah to go see Carina. Carina turned to hug Sarah. "Well, this was fun." Sarah laughed. "It was a surprise."
"Chuckles isn't still mad at me." They both look over at Chuck. "No, but next time he won't be so forgiving." Sarah walked Carina to the door as Chuck came to say goodbye. "Agent Miller." Chuck extended his hand, but this was Carina. She gave him a hug instead and whispered in his ear. "You take good care of our girl." Chuck stood up straight. "I will. Be safe." Sarah hugged Carina then watched her get into a cab as the cab drove off.
They headed back to the hotel where Chuck was finally able to hold her and kiss her. The longer he held her, that feeling she had disappeared. Chuck held her tight till she backed away and gave him a long overdue kiss. She slipped out of their embrace grabbing a few things heading to the bathroom.
Chuck saw her as she inhaled the smell of coffee. The shower took the edge off but she was still chilled. Chuck made her climb into bed as he gave her a cup of coffee for it was either late or very early when they got back. "It's decaf." Sarah leaned back exhausted, mentally, and physically. Chuck sat down beside her grabbing her hand. She took another sip then put her cup down, grabbing his face. "Thankyou." Chuck surprised by her comment. "It was all you." Sarah looked up at Chuck and circled her finger around his wedding ring. "Can we go home now?" Chuck smiled then gave her a kiss. He climbed over her propping up the pillows as she snuggled in beside him both staring out the window at lady Eiffel. "Yeah, it's time."
They had spent two weeks in Paris together as husband and wife and as partners. It was time to go home. They shared one last day and night in Paris bringing in the New Year. They didn't go outside, they just listened to the celebrations on the street. It was just the two of them and the lights of Paris as they made love saying goodbye to a very busy year and the unknowns of a new one.