All I want to do Ch 9
Chuck closed the door and suggested that Sarah go and change. She nervously nodded then headed down the hall. Chuck stared at the package. Flashbacks of his delivery of his package when it arrived came when he was packing up his dorm room and moving into his present office, came flashing to his present memory. It was late and there was a knock at the door and a female officer knocked, giving her name, and showing her badge. Stating her reasons for being there she then handed over the package. Turning on her heels she left.
He looked up not finishing the thought as Sarah came out. Wearing sweats and a sweatshirt. She walked up to Chuck as he was still staring at the package. They moved to the kitchen table and sat down. Sarah looked at the package then at Chuck. "This is…" Chuck struggled.
He looked up. He had to be the agent now not the boyfriend. But it was going to be tough. This is your mission package." "Mission package?"
"Yes, all agents receive this type of package or a phone call either from a director or handler. This being your first, it's a package. " Sarah looking unsure. "Sweetheart. Inside this package is your first assignment, your first solo mission."
Sarah dragged her hand over the package. "Whatever is inside this it's going to tell you where you are going and what you will be doing. It might even tell you who you are going to work with." Sarah looked at him assuming that she'd be working with him again. Chuck slid the package closer to her. "Go and take a look. I'll wait here."
Sarah got up and slipped into her bedroom. Chuck got up walking into the kitchen. He made some coffee and poured a cup and sat down in the living room. Chuck heard the door open. It had been an hour. He knew she was taking some time to process. He got up grabbing her a cup then sat down beside her. He sat with his leg bent facing her dangling the other. She did the same. She took the cup and took a sip then another then put the cup down. "So?"
"I got my mission."
"Good, well kind of."
"I'm heading to …"
Chuck placed his hand on her knee. "I don't need to know. Makes you going away harder than it already is. And it's better that I don't know on every account. You understand."
Sarah nodded. "I do."
"Do you have any questions? When do you leave?"
Sarah looked up with sad eyes. "I leave earlytomorrowmorning. They will bring a car and take me to the airport." Chuck grabbed her hand, Sarah looked up at him. "What do I bring?"
"We'll get that ready don't worry."
"What about my stuff I have to be out of here."
Chuck looked around. "I'll take care of it for you. I will take your stuff to my house. Then when you come back you can grab it."
Sarah grabbed her coffee when she finished it, she got up. She reached for Chuck's hand. She looked at him. Chuck got up. They headed to her room. "Make love to me?" Chuck looked at her. "You're coming home you know." She fell into his arms. "I need to be close to you." Chuck slipped his shirt off then his pants facing her. He lifted her sweatshirt off as she slipped out of her sweats. She was just wearing underwear. Sarah walked over to the bed holding Chuck's hand. She opened her bed lying down. Chuck crawled in beside her and kissed her. Chuck focussed on her and what she needed. She guided his hand over her body as she melted and got lost in everything, he did to her. He eventually crawled on top of her and as they became one, he whispered 'I love you.' She wrapped her legs around the back of his and let him do what he did best.
Sarah hated to leave him but she had to get ready. She slipped out grabbing a bag from the hall. Carina and Zondra were already gone by the looks of things. Sarah came back seeing Chuck getting dressed. "Did I wake, you?"
Chuck walked over to her as he did the last button on his shirt. "No, and I said we would do this together."
Sarah wiped a tear away. Chuck grabbed her bag and placed it on the bed. "You will need at least two weeks of clothes. I'm assuming that you'll get a clothing allowance or they will provide some of the clothing attire based on what type of mission you are going to be on and where you're heading too." Sarah recalled what the assignment entailed. 'You will head to Budapest Hungary and will be working with Keiren Ryker. He will be your handler. Once you arrive you will locate one Laszlo Almassy and his associates...' Chuck was still talking when she snapped out of her thoughts. "Weapons and such. You'll have to claim them. Show them your badge and they'll take care of that for you. Anything else you need should be there. Did they give you a cell?" Sarah looked up. "Sarah?"
"Yes, a cell phone." Sarah walked over to the dresser and grabbed the phone. "Good."
Sarah came out of her closet carrying two weeks worth of clothes, grabbing some more items from her dresser. Chuck packed them into her bag. Sarah walked over to the bathroom grabbing her items and slipping them inside another bag. "I think I have too many bags?"
"No two are perfectly fine."
Sarah looked around her room. The last six months had been a whirlwind of experiences, training, meeting Chuck then almost losing him. It was too much for such a short period of time. But would she change it?
Chuck carried her bags to the door as they sat on the couch. There wouldn't be any sleep tonight. Sarah snuggled inside Chuck's hold. "Anything else you want to know?"
Sarah didn't want to ask the question that she knew Chuck was thinking about. He had too, he was human and his girlfriend was going on her first mission and he asked not to know the details. "What about if this mission is a seductive mission what then. I don't want to." Chuck sighed. "You have the right not to. There are other ways to do your job. Play the part but things get uncomfortable you let your handler know. Alcohol and drugs work. So always have some type of sedative on you. I used to hide it inside my jeans. You know that small pocket." "Yeah."
"You protect yourself at all costs. You stick to your morals and if something doesn't feel right go with your gut. You're good at that." He kissed the top of her head. "You'll be back home in no time. And when you come back, we'll go to Ala's."
"I'd like that. Something to look forward too."
Chuck looked at Sarah, she had fallen asleep. He decided to close his eyes but what seemed like seconds to him had been hours and now there was a knock at the door. Chuck got up and answered it. It was Fitzroy. "Good morning, sir." That was the third time he had been looking at Chuck. Chuck kept it official not dwelling upon the fact that the agent in question was his girlfriend. Sarah came to the door and acknowledged Fitzroy. Chuck passed her bags to Fitzroy. "Give her a few minutes." "Yes sir."
Chuck found her in the bathroom. He waited in the hall and as she came out, he passed her coat to her. She slipped it on fixing her hair. Chuck tugged on it bringing her into an embrace and a deep kiss. "I love you." "I love you too." "Be safe. You got this. You had a good teacher. " Sarah laughed. "I did." He kissed her once more then grabbed his jacket and followed her outside. They held hands till they came into view of the SUV. Fitzroy opened the door as Sarah climbed in. Chuck mouthed 'I love you' as he closed the door. Sarah rolled down the window. "Me too."
Chuck stepped back onto the sidewalk. They rolled away and out of sight. He whispered. 'Be safe.' Then walked back inside.
Sarah's flight took her to Budapest. She rolled her bag behind her and walked off the flight, walking down the corridor. She looked up seeing a man acknowledging her with a slight wave and as slight glance towards her. She walked up to him "Sarah Walker."
"Yes Ryker, Kieran." He didn't offer to take her bag and she didn't expect him too. But at least he could have offered. She could decline. They slipped into a town car and drove off. Ryker passed her a file so she would be prepared for the next step. Chuck had gone through it several times but he always stated that things change in the fly and she should be ready for that. She flipped open the file seeing the objectives and their target. She quickly read the file getting the jist then when she had more time, she'd read it through in its entirely. 'Wealthy family husband wife possible child has information to bring down a mob family. Retrieval mission to extract a "package" from a mansion in Budapest that had been infiltrated by gangsters. Locate one Laszlo Almassy.'
Days later
Chuck carried the last box of five that Sarah had. He got busy with office things and just got around picking up Sarah's items. The cleaning crew arrived to do a final clean before the next set of recruits moved in. Chuck closed the back of his truck. He hadn't had a whole lot of time to drive his truck so this was a treat. It felt kind of cool to be taking her things to his house. It meant that they were at a new chapter in their relationship. Though still a secret it allowed them to shed some light on the fact that they were a couple. Who happen to be spies and or half of this relationship was now on her second mission but on her own. Yes, Chuck knew she had a handler but he knew that there were good and decent handlers who had your back and there were others who didn't care if you were new to the job or not. 'You were a spy and that was all that counted. You were basically putting your life into your own hands.' He just hoped Sarah stayed safe. She was a good spy, the best he had seen in a long time.
Sarah approached her handler as her first impression of him wasn't what she assume they would be. He was less than thrilled, to have a rookie. But Sarah being Sarah she just had to get through the next little while and hopefully show the CIA that she could do this on her own and wouldn't need a handler.
They drove for a while reaching a very large house. It was a pretty Victorian era style home for sure with its large brick and iron gates. Ryker had the driver slow down. He didn't say anything but admired the house as they drove one way then back so he could see the other side. "That's what I call a house." Sarah lowered her head to see the house a little better out the window. "It sure is." Sarah looked out the front window to see the driver was pulling up to a parked car down the street. Their driver slowed down then stopped as Ryker got out and slipped inside the parked car. Sarah looked back to see what was happening. 'Do I go with him? Or do I stay?' As Sarah debated Ryker opened the door stuffing something into his inside jacket pocket. He looked at me. "Good you stayed put. You'll move when I tell you to." Sarah gave him a look. "Sorry, he quickly changed his tone. You'll be informed when the time comes. We'll go grab something to eat then I will take you to your hotel."
She got in late listening to him spiel and him regurgitating his resume and what he had accomplished. Sarah felt that watching paint dry would be a lot more interesting. She had let him talk as she didn't know if she should contribute to the one-sided conversation. Sarah slid her key card into the slot and heard it click. She opened the door to a decent room with a queen size bed that made her thoughts go to Chuck. Then she looked at the time. It was past 11 here so it had to be after five back home. She wondered what he was doing and so wanted to call him. And what if she did, what harm would it bring. She grabbed her cell but Chuck's words were that he didn't want to know where she was. She wanted to talk to him but he didn't say anything about texting. So as far as she was concerned that we still on the table. Sarah changed and sat looking out the window grabbing her phone. She started texting. 'Miss you. I know you said not to call but texting is not calling. I wanted to hear from you before I went to sleep. But I'm not tired really but if I don't at least lay down morning will come too early. The flight was long but I arrived. Met my H barrel of laughs. Very stuffy. Not like you who's very cuddly. Are you missing me?' Sarah took a photo and attached it to the text and waited.
She pressed send and awaited.
Meanwhile
Chuck struggled grabbing his phone out of his pocket as he put the last of Sarah's things into a spare room. He saw that it was her number and walked into the living room. He read her text then he saw her picture. He ran his hand across it then texted back. 'Yes, I miss you terribly and I know that it has been only 15 hours since I saw you and I am guessing you're somewhere that it's that late. Europe maybe? Just got back from being at the office and unloading your things. They are safe and sound in the spare room upstairs. Sarah saw that he was writing back. And when her phone chirped, she giggled like a schoolgirl.
Sarah read his response. She really missed him.
Sarah typed her last text. It's after midnight here now. I wish that I could hear your voice. I will text soon. Love you.' She pressed send. Chuck saw her response and his heart ached. He didn't want to start calling because if they got started and didn't call, they would then go into panic mode. Then rash out wondering why they didn't call. Plus. calling could put her into danger. 'Sleep well my love be safe sweet dreams.' He took a photo and sent that. Then he recorded his voice saying the same thing. Then pressed sent. Sarah looked at the photo and smiled running her hand over it. Then saw that there was an audio. She pressed play. "Hey babe. Miss you terribly. My lips are on yours and my arms are holding you tight. Sweet dreams. You got this. Love you love love you." Sarah replayed the audio a half dozen more times then plugged in her phone. She slid under the covers turning off the lights.
The next morning, Ryker was waiting in the lobby and as he saw her, he gave her an envelope. It had a pile of Hungarian Forint in it. Sarah took the envelope. Then she saw a card. Ryker looked up at her. "Head to this place and pick out some clothing. I assume you only brought the basics. Probably just enough for a few weeks. I will pick you up at noon. We have a meeting to go to later. Then a formal party tonight. So, see if you can find a dress as well. Not one of those black evening dresses. Fairly formal." Sarah nodded. Ryker slipped his sunglasses on and exited the lobby. Sarah went to the desk showing them the card and asking for directions. "Yes. I will have a taxi to take you there."
Sarah arrived and walked inside. She felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman as she looked around. A clerk walked up to her. "Jó reggelt." Sarah had studied Polish but her Hungarian was very limited. She responded with a variation of hellos in Hungarian then settled with "Good Morning." The woman switched to English. "What can I do for you. And how did you her about us?"
"I need a few things and Mr. Ryker sent me."
"Awe American Keiran. Yes, we can help you out."
Sarah sat down with a morning mimosa and watched as they brought her clothes to try on. The first item were black pants with knee high boots. She also sought out a black leather jacket to go with the pants and boots. Then they showed her some evening gowns. She settled on an off-white lace outfit fit for any formal event. The lady had heard about the event that was happening tonight. And felt a bit jealous. Sarah knew then that it had to be a big deal but what did it have to do with this mission. Sarah looked at the items and wondered what else she needed. "Maybe a warm coat?" She had no idea how much money she had. The lady brought her a black 3/4 length black coat. Sarah slipped it on and it fit perfectly. "I'll take it. Hopefully, I have enough." The total made no sense to her. She passed the envelope to lady as she took what she needed. Still leaving a nice handful still in the envelope.
Sarah grabbed her bags and boxes and hailed a cab return back to the hotel.
Sarah followed Ryker to this so-called meeting. She kept her distance as they walked. Not to look too eager nor to look like she was falling behind. Ryker entered as the room full of six men all looked up as Sarah walked in. A few whistled and one commented "Where did you find this goddess?" Ryker ignored the man but when he went to grab Sarah he turned to face him. "She's not to be touched." Sarah didn't know how to take that comment. The man sat back getting some jeers from the others. Sarah kept her face forward and followed Ryker.
Ryker entered the back room grabbing a chair then pulling one out for Sarah. Sarah sat down wondering what was going to happen. She did a scan of the room. There were four men inside the room and the men outside this office she had already counted, that gave her a total of ten men. She then started to look for ways out. Possible threats and what she could use as a weapon. There was a vent on the wall and the door she walked in, as possible escapes. Then there was a coffee pot she could use the hot coffee, or the pot itself. Ryker looked at her, stopping her assessment of the situation. "This is my associate. Cassidy." The men in the room acknowledged her and she them.
Sarah, who was now had the alias Cassidy sat back in her chair not exactly knowing what her role was. All she knew was she was his associate which could be many things.
The older man started to talk first. She assumed the way they were talking they knew each other and this meeting was just one of many that they had together and were picking up where they left off the last time. Sarah was getting bits and pieces. Her guess was that this man was in charge or the overseer of something big. Was looking into receiving something big or waiting for something big to happen. But wanted to keep his hands clean. Sarah wasn't sure how this meeting had to do with anything that was in that file that she had read.
Ryker leaned over. "Can you give us a few minutes." Sarah pushed herself out from her chair and got up and slipped out. A half hour later Ryker stepped out and they headed back. As Sarah slipped out of the car Ryker passed her another envelope. "Memorize then burn. This is our focus tonight." Sarah grabbed the envelope. "I'll pick you up at seven."
He closed the door himself as Sarah stepped back. The driver set her bags on the sidewalk and got back into the car and drove off. Sarah grabbed her bags and headed to her room. She looked at the clock it was around nine back home. 'Maybe he was up or was on his way to his office.' She started texting. 'Good Morning.' She added a kissy smile. 'Been shopping spent a fortune but have no clue how much I did spend. Got an evening gown for tonight. Some big party. Miss you.' She pressed sent. Chuck grabbed his coffee from the cafeteria hearing his phone. He put his coffee down on the table and looked to see who it was. He smiled when he saw who it was. He quickly replied. 'Sounds like you have been busy. Can't wait to see you in your dress. Sunny here but chillier than it has been. Did you sleep well? Probably not. Miss you.' Chuck pressed sent. Sarah hit the elevator button and waited for the doors to open. She heard her phone and waited till she got to her room to reply. She sat down by the window and looked at her phone. Sarah replied. 'No, I didn't sleep, maybe when I come back home.' She pressed sent. Chuck replied. 'We will sleep when you come back. Now onto what else are you going to wear? Please describe in detail." Chuck pressed sent. Sarah blushed slightly. 'Granny panties and a long slip.' She pressed sent. Chuck laughed. Sarah continued to type. 'I have a decent ensemble that I'll wear under the dress.' Sarah took a picture of the dress and sent it to him. 'Nice. You have good taste. And what else?' 'You'll have to wait. I will send you something later. Going to try and have a nap. Miss you. Have a good day.'
'Miss you and have a good nap. Set your alarm. Talk soon.' Sarah sent back a heart emoji then replied, 'Love you too.'
Sarah walked the room in the arms of Ryker. Sarah reported what she observed. "I see two cameras facing east and west and one by the front door as we came in." "Good, what else?" "Our hostess's entourage are packing." "Keep your eye on them. Our objective is coming down the stairs." Sarah looks up and sees the hostess. He looked like one of those Italian mob bosses who was stuck in the 80's. He smiled at his guests as he reached the bottom steps his eyes darted towards Sarah. He stepped towards her as Ryker introduced them to him. "Kieran Ryker and my associate." "Cassidy, right." Sarah wondered how he knew her name. And Ryker didn't say anything either, it was like he expected it to happen. He extended his hand as Sarah extended hers. He grabbed it and kissed the back of it. Sarah smiled. Removing her hand with the voice in her head. 'Just do the job. Fake it if you have to.'
"And you are?"
"So. Sorry for my lack of introductions and the fact that I know who you are."
It did cross Sarah's mind as to how he knew about her.
"My name is Laszlo Almassy."
Sarah now had a face to the name. 'So, if he is the guy where is this so-called package?'
Sarah mingled and kept herself visible while Ryker led the entire night. Where he went, she went. They approached their table and sat down. Ryker slid a narrow compact rectangular case into her hands. Then leaned over as to start up a conversation. "I need you to go and take this camera and get some photos of the upstairs." Sarah looked up towards the second floor. Sarah looked down at the rectangular case. To her it looked like a lipstick holder so to others they would assume she was holding her lipstick. "I will have you excuse yourself and you will slip upstairs and get photos. I need photos of the exits and especially the far room to the right of the stairs." Sarah wondered why he was so specific in his details. Sarah got the nod from Ryker and slipped upstairs taking photos.
Two nights later
Sarah got a text from Ryker letting her know that he had to tend to another matter and would be back in a few days. He gave her orders to do some surveillance on the house that they had driven by nights before. She was given the address and rented a car. When she got there, she saw that it was the house that held the party. She wasn't sure about all the weird coincidences and started to jot things down.
early meeting, secret meeting lasting for 30 mins
Laszlo Almassy hostess and now being surveyed – what is his connection to all of this and what is the package in question
Does L.A. have the package on him or is he the package
K.R left for ? back in a few days – why leave now? Was this normal?
Sarah jotted a few more things then slipped the pad of paper inside her boot just in case. Sarah watched the house till she got a text from Ryker. "You can head back now; I have another car coming to relieve you. Great job."
Sarah texted back. "Okay. Will head back now. DO you want a report?"
Sarah waited and he didn't reply for a good five minutes. "No, I trust that everything is just fine."
Sarah started the car and drove down the street then parked. She got out and walked the length of the street back to the corner and looked down the street. She saw no car in the vicinity nor did she see a car coming in either direction. She walked back to her car and let it be. She was the rookie, what did she know. She headed back to the hotel and slipped upstairs.
She put her ringer back on and heard her phone go off. She knew that it had to be from Chuck. She read the text. 'Hope you had a good day, have meetings all day so I won't be around to talk when you head off to bed. Sweet dreams, loved you.' Sarah texted back. 'Busy day, crazy as well. Things are going, okay? I guess, I'm still figuring this whole rookie agent thing out. Have a good day, maybe chat tomorrow. Love you.'
Week later
Chuck flipped through the photos on his camera of Sarah and ached to see her in person. She did look so beautiful in her evening gown. He looked at his phone and still no text. Not since the last one she sent. He didn't want his mind wander and go there. That was the main reason he didn't want to hear from her. He flipped his phone over and got back to work.
Budapest
Ryker was on his way, or that's what he said forcing Sarah to walk the stone steps into the same house that she had watched a few more times and each time was told that someone was going to take over surveillance when she was done and each time no one showed up. Sarah relied on what she could only hear in her ear, telling her where to go. Sarah slipped through the doors and walked the main foyer up the stairs. Sarah whispered back. "I am heading up the stairs reaching the right side. I heard voices."
"Go towards the voices and let me know what you see?"
Sarah crept down the hallway leading to a room, she took a peek. "I see eight men."
"Eight men. Yes, I repeat."
"Do you see anything else?"
"Like what?"
"Something that doesn't seem to belong there?"
Sarah couldn't see much where she was standing. And if she moved any closer, she'd be seen. She stepped back with her back against the wall. "I can't go any further without letting them know that I am here. What am I supposed to be looking at?"
Ryker still telling her that he was a few blocks away and wondered if this rookie could pull it off. "Walker, I need you to take care of the situation."
"Take care of the situation? In what regards?"
"Take them out?"
Sarah whispered into her comps. "You want me to kill them?"
"I need you to do what you have to so that we can continue with this mission. Those men are very dangerous, they have killed the owners of the house your in and we need them eliminated."
Sarah wondered if Almassy was the owner and now, he was dead. Sarah took a deep breath. She had only killed one man before this and it was his life or Chucks. She had a very good reason to kill Gaez and what he did, she had the proof. These men she had no proof, just the words from a man she had a hard time trusting and believing.
"Walker!"
"Yes."
"Do it."
Sarah took a step and heard what sounded like a baby. But why would there be a baby here.
Sarah spoke back. "What is this package? Maybe we just grab the package and forget those men."
"Walker your orders are to eliminate those men and I will deal with the package. When the men are taken care of, I will retrieve the package. I am almost there.
Sarah followed the sound of the baby. She pushed the door open and saw a crib with a baby cooing inside it. Sarah walked over to the baby. Then when she turned, she saw an older lady. Sarah froze. The older lady looked like she had taken a beating. She looked at the baby, with such emotion. She spoke but Sarah didn't understand. Sarah picked up the baby and gave it to the older woman. She spoke again in broken English. "Family gone. Baby not safe."
"Are you, her grandma?"
The older lady nodded. Sarah looked at the door to see if anyone was coming. "Those men?"
"Bad men, I hid. Son gone."
"Laszlo?"
The lady half shook half nodded her head.
Sarah had no time to wonder if what the lady was saying was true or not but this baby had to get out of there. Sarah grabbed her pad of paper and jotted down her number and grabbed a bit of money and gave it to the older lady. "You two run. Do you have somewhere you two can go too?" The lady nodded.
"When you are safe call me. My name is Sarah."
Sarah grabbed a blanket and passed it to the woman and walked her out and followed her to the stairs. The older lady slipped down the stairs and out the door. Sarah slipped back upstairs. She now had to get proof. She slid her hand inside her pocket and grabbed her cell and flipped to video. She crouched down and started filming. She took a few stills just in case. She sent them to an email then started to head back down the stairs. If Ryker wanted them dead, he could do it himself. As she reached the last step, she looked up seeing two of the men. They shouted. "We have company." The rest came out and the last person to walk out was Ryker himself.
Sarah ran out of the house and down an alley. All she heard was "Get her." She leaned against the wall catching her breath. She leaned forward somehow being spotted. She took off still hearing voices. She ran for a few blocks still being chased. She reached the edge of the cobblestone sidewalk facing the Danube. She couldn't go back up. They were still coming. She started to run parallel along the Danube. She ran down another set of steps loosing her balance slipping into the Danube. She went under then resubmerged gasping for air clinging to the edge as those who were looking for her, stood hanging over the railing looking down over the edge. "Do you see her?" One man said. The voice repeated. "Do you see her?" Sarah held on as she was losing her grip. Her fingers were frozen.
Ryker came running looking into the Danube. "Has she come up yet?"
"No, don't think so."
Sarah heard mumbling from where she was clinging on to then she heard silence. Sarah moved downstream to where she could pull herself out. She pulled her leg up onto the ledge pulling herself out of the water. She laid on her back catching her breath. It took a few seconds before her mind and instincts kicked in and she knew she had to keep moving. She kept her head low as she headed up the stairs. She had no weapon no phone nothing. 'What did she get herself into.'
Sarah reached her hotel room and got on the phone and used her lifeline. This was the second time she had to use it but she knew she wouldn't be hearing Chuck's voice this time. "This is Agent Sarah Walker Santorini."
"Please confirm."
"Agent Sarah Walker. Santorini."
Sarah could hear buttons being pressed. She grabbed a towel and took off her wet clothes. "It's urgent."
Painful minutes went by.
"Langston Graham speaking."
"Mr. Graham. Agent Sarah Walker. I'm not sure of protocol or who and what I am supposed to do."
"Is your life in danger?"
"Yes, I believe so."
"I see that you are in Budapest?"
"That's correct."
"And your handler?"
"Honestly, I don't know."
"He left you?"
"Truth."
"It does help if we are to help you?"
Sarah gave Graham the quick version. Then he made arrangements to have her fly back to DC. She didn't have time to change her clothes but did grab her to go bag and not leaving a trace that she came back there.
Ryker headed back to the house and as the men settled thinking that their intrusion had drowned and were in the clear. He turned and as they all drank, he shot them. He headed down the hall and entered the room walking towards the crib. He approached the crib seeing that it was empty.
Sarah sat in her seat trying to relax. She caught the last flight back to DC that night. She'd be back home by noon tomorrow. She slipped into the bathroom removing her wet clothes the best she could. She took her boots off and saw that her notes were still there but were very wet. She tossed her wet things into her carry on and walked back to her seat in her socks. She was so happy for Chuck putting her to go bag together. At least she had some dry clothes to wear. She doubled checked to see that she had some cash and that her passport was tucked nicely away inside the seam of her bag. She tipped her boots upside down to air them out and hopefully they'll be dry enough when she arrived back in DC. She sat back closing her eyes closed as her body was able to relax. 'Sarah approached the floor getting a strange feeling. She reminded herself of what Chuck told her. 'If it doesn't feel right then walk away.'
Sarah woke up not sure where she was. She looked around seeing that she was on a plane. 'Was she doing the right thing.' She wouldn't know till she got back to DC. She might have had the shortest career within the CIA. She closed her eyes again.
Meanwhile
Ryker walked down the hall to Sarah's hotel room and busted down the door. He did a quick search. He found nothing that would help him. And it looked like she hadn't come back here. 'Maybe, she doesn't have the baby.' He slipped out. He had to find that baby.
Somewhere over the Atlantic
Sarah went over the last few weeks and she still didn't have any proof that the family was dead. She did know that the baby was safe, she hoped. Either way the baby was out of there. Sarah remembered seeing those men eating and drinking in a room. She saw no bodies. She hesitated. She was no killer. She chose not to kill them and save a baby. She wondered what Ryker was thinking. And where was he in all of this.
DC
Graham had a car waiting for her as she exited the airport. She was driven to a hotel to wait for further instructions. She was to receive a call within the next few hours. But she had to see Chuck. She grabbed a cab and headed to his office, hoping that he was there. Sarah walked down the hall of the CIA building walking past the cafeteria. She smiled remembering meeting up with Chuck that first week and trying not to react to seeing him. But this time she did see him and he saw her. He was talking to a few people when they made eye contact. Chuck looked up seeing Sarah walk towards the cafeteria. She was wearing black pants nicely fitting her body and knee-high boots, which were dry by the way, a white blouse, and a black leather jacket. Her hair seemed to be longer or maybe it was the way she wore it. He smiled at her as she stopped to look at him. He politely excused himself from the group and walked over to her. She reached for his hand. "Hi."
"Hi."
"You look amazing…."
"Can we go somewhere?"
"Sure."
They held hands as they walked to the elevator to his office. Chuck barely got the door open when he said how long do, we have. "Hours, days?"
He barely had the door closed when Sarah pushed him back over the couch. Their lips met and it didn't take them long to undress. Sarah straddled Chuck as she looked down at him embracing their reunion. She knew he wanted to talk but she kept him busy with kisses and other things that made talking less of a priority. Being together in his office brought back so many memories. Chuck leaned into her bringing her to a high that she had craved for a long time. It had been almost three weeks since they were together but it felt like years.
Chuck looked at her caressing her face still not comprehending that she's actually there with him. She touched his face. "It's real."
"I know it is but."
"No buts. Let's just appreciate the time we do have." Chuck rolled to his side, ready for round two. He lifted her leg holding it under her knee as they started up again. His couch was sure getting its moneys worth. Sarah pushed him onto his back as she laid over him. Never missing a beat. Their caresses, kisses, motions had, with them was wrapped up in so many emotions that they couldn't be describe in a few words. The room was full of love of two people that meant the world to each other.
Chuck slid Sarah to her side as he nestled inside her neck then backed off. He looked at her. "I have to go."
"No stay." He looked at her again this time with more desperation. "I have to go."
"Can it wait?"
Chuck shakes his head. "No."
"Don't go." He kissed her. " I'll be right back." He kissed her again and getting up frantically getting dress much to her dismay. He runs out of the office and closes the door. Sarah rolls onto her back disappointed that he left. But smiles at how she is feeling, how he made her feel. She really missed him and not just physically. She watched the door waiting for him when she hears her phone. She grabbed it and saw a text. 'We can meet in my office as soon as you can get here. Graham.'
She is torn at leaving him but she also wants answers. At that moment she's not Sarah the girlfriend, who had a wonderful time with the man she loves but the agent. She grabbed her clothes and gets dressed and as she slips on her boots Chuck walks in mid conversation. "How long are you here?" He looks up. "Oh hours."
Sarah stands up. "I have to go."
"You just got here."
"I know. But things (slight pause) something has come up and I got to go." She walked towards him. "I love you." Then holds him close. He holds her tight. "I love you too." She takes in his scent. Something she did miss and not the smell of what they just did but the smell she first experienced in Santorini. "I'll text you when things get a little calmer." She walked to the door then ran back into his arms. She hated to leave him. She kissed him once more then reached for the doorknob. She walked through and closed the door leaning her back against it. Chuck watched the camera as Sarah obviously wiped her face. Sarah composed herself and headed down the hall. He watched her till he no longer could see her in the frame.
Sarah grabbed a cab and had it drive her to the DNI. It wasn't far but far enough away from Chuck that she ached for him. She was just with him but it wasn't long enough. She walked up to the desk and reported in. "Yes, Agent Walker, to see Mr. Graham."
"One moment. Please have a seat." Sarah was too nervous to sit so she stood looking at the framed pictures on the wall. This was where the big officials resided. Men and women in formal attire and variations of the United States Military and CIA.
"Agent Walker." Sarah turned around. "Please follow me." Sarah turned on her heels and followed the lady. She was ushered into the office of one Langston Graham. She had not seen him since early January and now she was coming to him mid November with this. She sat down and minutes later he walked in. She stood and shook his hand as he looked like he was happy to see her. He sat down facing her with only a desk between them. He leaned back. "Ms. Walker. Oh, sorry Agent Walker. Congratulations."
"Thankyou."
"You doing well?"
"I am. I was till this mission. And you?"
"I am fine. It is always good to see Agents after they have completed the training."
He flipped open a file. "Very impressive. You did well. I knew you would. You were a good fit."
"Thank you. I learned a lot."
"I bet you did. That is why I was concerned when you called in." Sarah sat straighter in her chair and gripped the arms. "I don't know protocol but I was told that if things didn't feel right get out. So, I got out. Maybe I wasn't to call so soon or even at all."
"No Sarah. That was fine but we need to know why. So please tell me what happened."
"About three weeks ago I arrived in Budapest."
"Yes, that's what your file says."
"When I arrived, I met with my handler Keiren Ryker. Our objective was to locate a package and one Laszlo Almassy. Which we did, but the package, I felt was not a package like a box or letter. I believe that it was a baby."
"A baby? I don't have proof but I want to find it. I did surveillance on a house at random times to end up being asked to take out of room of men that Ryker told me to get rid of."
"He wanted you to kill these men?"
"Yes. He said that they had killed the owners of the house left everyone dead."
"And where was he?"
"He said he was coming."
"He wasn't with you?"
"No. He wasn't with me a lot of the time." Graham sat up. "So, this baby where is it?"
"I found an older lady that was obviously hurt and I am guessing from what I got out of her she was the grandmother. I asked her if she had somewhere to go and she nodded. I gave her some money and my number and told her to call when she was safe."
"Have you heard from her? No not yet." Sarah looked at Graham probably wondering if this was a rookie mistake, assuming that the lady was who she said she was. As far as Graham was concerned, she could have been on it. Sarah looked at him with confidence. "I am very good at reading people; it might be the only talent I got. I learned it from my dad. The knack of wondering if people are who they say they are. And if she said she was who she said she was I believe her. If the baby was the package, I'd rather have her safe with her than in the arms of people like Ryker."
"You think Ryker is behind this?" Sarah shook her head. "Not sure but where was he? Then when I let the lady go with the child, I was spotted getting proof and was chased. I ran and ended up falling into the Danube. I got to safety and ran to the hotel and called it in."
"Did you call Ryker?"
"No." Just then Graham's office phone rang. "Graham here. Yes Agent Ryker." Sarah shook her head. He put the call on speaker. "What can I do for you?" "I'm sorry to phone with bad news but, Agent Walker is missing presumably dead."
"What?"
"Yes, (his voice calm, too calm) I arrived chasing a lead to find the house that we were doing surveillance on and it's owners dead. All of them."
"Oh my."
"Yes, and there were no signs of Walker but when I exited the place. I saw her running from the killers along the Danube. As I approached the stairs she fell in and didn't resurface. I just got back as I had local police do a water search. They found no body."
Graham looked up at Sarah. She was just thrown under the bridge by her own handler. "I'm so sorry. I will make the arrangements at my end. Do you need assistance where you are?"
"No!" (Sarah noticed how quick he was to answer.) "No, (he paused) I will work with the local police here and fill out the necessary paperwork when I return. I better go. I see that the police want to talk." Ryker hung up as Graham waited a few seconds then hung up at his end. Sarah still stunned, still processing what she just heard.
Minutes later Sarah looked at Graham. "Do you believe me now?"
"I do."
Meanwhile
Ryker slipped his phone into his pocket. 'One bullet dodged.' He said to himself.
Ryker looked around the house looking for the baby. A man approached him from the back room. "No sign of the baby or Walker."
Ryker faced the man. "We have time, I just called it in that she didn't resurface. The paperwork alone will take some time. We need to find that baby or all of us are dead." Ryker's phone rang. It was the man from the first meeting. Ryker said hello. The man spoke with anger in his tone. "I didn't ask for them to be killed. And then you kill my men? Where is the baby?"
"Not sure?"
"What do you mean you're not sure?"
"Then where is she, she can't move on her own, she's a baby. And this Cassidy chick, where is she?"
"She's not a concern anymore."
"Good, I didn't like her. She seemed to be one of those types that would have a conscious and report you." That was Ryker's fear as well, but with no body and her falling into the Danube and her room still left as it was. He assumed she drowned. She wasn't a threat.
DC
Langston brought in some coffee and something to eat. Sarah thanked him but wished she was with Chuck. She hated leaving him and now that she really needed him through all of this, she couldn't. Graham sat down. "So, we have confirmation that Ryker is involved somehow but to what degree. It was brazened of him to call and say you're dead. When obviously you're not." Sarah looked at him. "Are there any reports from Budapest stating that someone drowned in the Danube?" Graham turned on his tv and brought up another feed on his computer. "There are no reports anywhere nor any police reports or calls to that location."
Sarah leaned into the desk. "Ryker would have to assume that the CIA would be checking, wouldn't he?"
"We try to keep our presence out of the news as much as possible. And being as late as it was maybe there were no other witnesses." Graham got up and sat beside Sarah. "You did the right thing. Ryker is not who he says he is. But there's more to this and by the looks of things, you're the best person to find out what they are." Sarah turned to face him. "I am." Graham padded her shoulder then returned to his desk passing a file to her. "Read this then we will talk. Also, if you can jot down everything you have on Ryker."
Sarah looked up. "I have most of it already. I sent my files to a secure email."
"I bet you did."
Sarah reached over and grabbed a sandwich.
Graham left Sarah to read the file. It was Ryker's file that Sarah had opened. It looked like the CIA had been looking into him for some time. His file stated that he was not an active agent and would therefore not fulfill the duties of an agent. Sarah thought to herself. 'Then how did he get me?'
Half hour later Graham returned. "How?" That's all Sarah said.
Graham sat down. Sarah tossed the file at him.
"How?"
"Not sure how he was able to be your handler."
"And of course he didn't say no. He used me to do his dirty work. Doing surveillance and killing. Make it look like the rookie did it. The wild card."
"It's looking like that. So, what do you want to do?"
"Me?"
"I am giving you full reign on this. But whatever you do it has to be enough for him to be taken down. Nothing we have tried has stuck."
"Didn't you think of taking his badge away?"
"He hasn't come in for months. He's been flying under the radar."
"But he chooses to call now? He had to have known that the CIA was done with him."
"Maybe or maybe not, he didn't care. If he has the contacts which I think he, does he could work under the radar for a long time without resurfacing. Making anyone still think he's CIA. Who's going to question him?"
"So why didn't you come for him when I got assigned?"
Graham looked at her. "It was on the list."
"It was on the list. I'm so glad that the CIA has their priorities in order."
"We were dealing with other matters and where Agents were assigned was not a priority. Ryker is not and will not be the last CIA agents in question, unfortunately. And you should know that with your last mission and bringing down Augusto Gaez. You were lucky that you were not put on a REDTEST mission. So that opened up the list of available handlers. The committee just sees the names and places them where they think they'll be a good fit. Our goal is to find that baby and make sure it's safe. Also why is the child so important that she wasn't killed but the rest were."
Sarah headed back to her hotel picking up a few items to carry her over. She looked at the time. It was after seven. She quickly ordered some take out and grabbed her other phone that was in her bag and texted Chuck. She would have to get another burner phone, to replace the one she lost. 'Sorry for the lateness of this text. Finally, just getting some time alone. Things are a little crazy but I am working them out. I miss you and wish that I was with you now. Will be heading out shortly.' (It was a lie but she couldn't tell him that she was still in DC, though she so wanted too) 'Not sure why the changes in the mission but I am going back to Budapest. Have to look into finding a missing baby.' (Sarah felt that giving him something would take the pressure off for her reasons to leave when she did) Sarah pressed send.
Chuck flipped the lights on in the kitchen and tossed his bag on the chair by the counter. He placed his Chinese on the counter and grabbed a beer. His shirt was still hanging out and he looked down and saw that he didn't have any socks on. He twisted the cap taking a swig hearing his phone. He read the text. He saw that she was writing. 'I know you're hurt and I am so sorry. It broke my heart; it still breaks my heart to have left you like I did. You mean the world to me. I wasn't supposed to see you but I had to and because I did, I got called away. I love you. Do you know how much?'
Chuck read and quickly replied. 'Yes, I know how much you love me as much as I love you. This job has no heart or what it does to relationships. I have to be thankful for the time we do have together. To appreciate the little things. And yes, missions do change on the fly so don't get to comfortable. I hope that this missing baby has nothing to do with what you were doing before. Chuck pressed sent.
Sarah's eye filled with tears at his response. She wiped her face. 'Yes, unfortunately it does. An innocent. So, I don't know when I will be back. I will text you later when I arrive. Love you.'
Sarah waited to press send. She fought back the tears as best she could but lost. She pressed sent hoping his words would bring her some comfort.
Chuck was not a crier but he was one who could take things way too personable. And now his girlfriend was, who knows where, fighting a battle alone. He didn't have all the details but he had been doing this job long enough to see the signs. He wished he could be there for her but that wouldn't help her to become the spy that he knew she could become. He chose his words carefully.
'You got this, even if you think you don't. Changes will come but what you do with those changes count. No one can do this job for you, though others will try to bring you down, you stick to your guns. You are a strong beautiful woman that I have the privilege of calling my girlfriend. You are the woman I love. I am kissing you now, holding you close and making love to you. Well, a man can dream can't he. Earlier was wonderful even though it was short. We will have our time again. Be safe. Love you.
Chuck pressed send.
Sarah read his text and sunk into her pillows. She sent an emoji of a heart then held her phone close to her chest.