ALL I WANT TO DO

by mssupertigz

Chuck's is trying to hide from his past and what occurred on his last mission when he meets a mysterious woman name Sarah. Their time together changes when Chuck is called back into the field and has to face to face his demons and the surprisingly twists that come along with it and his unexpected reunion with Sarah.

10. Chapter 10

All I want to do CH 10

Graham met her outside her hotel and escorted her to the airport. His tag along was also to speak with Sarah outside the walls of the CIA. When Sarah opened the car door, she saw General Beckman as well. Sliding into her seat as the door closed Beckman spoke. "Good morning, Agent Walker."

"Good Morning General. Mr. Langston." Beckman eyed the young agent. "Relax my dear, you're not in trouble. I've been watching you since the Gaez mission which we thank you for." Sarah looked at her. "It was a team effort."

"No, I would differ, Major Casey and Agent Carmichael's reports state otherwise. There are not many recruits that we take an interest in but we have seen a few recently that we want them to stick around. I have read your bio and when Langston came to me with your story and said that he wanted to recruit you I was a little skeptical. But when I saw what you brought to the program and how you invested yourself, I was convinced. Agent Carmichael." Sarah's blood pressure started to rise. She had to say something. "Agent Carmichael has been a wonderful teacher and I have learned a lot from him. He was just concerned about putting us out in the field so soon." Sarah hoped that her answer was enough. "Yes, I believe you're right. He did say that he wasn't sure that you all were ready." Did Sarah just dodge a bullet?

The car drove off. Beckman passed Sarah a file. "Langston informed me of what happened in Budapest." Sarah nodded then looked down at the file. "We have been looking into Ryker for some time and unfortunately, he has remained under the radar. But what we have heard from you this could be our chance of bringing him down." She saw all the reports and claims over the years. She looked up.
"So, what are your plans?" Beckman was impressed with her professionalism despite what he did to her.

"We agree with you that this baby is the key. We got word early this morning that there was a family that was murdered. And that a young woman was seen leaving the scene." Sarah sat up. "No word on her whereabouts but local police are still investigating along side Interpol."

"I didn't."

"We know and we have let Interpol know as well. I have a contact there that we are bringing into assist us. We believe that Ryker set this whole thing up to make you take the fall. The surveillance the photos."

Sarah asked if Laszlo Almassy was the target. Beckman looked at her. "He was. We believe that he and his men were murdered sometime after the party. Your notes were very helpful."

"I was taught to keep good notes."

"It must have been those teachers." Sarah's thought went to Chuck.

The car continued to push its way through traffic. "We want you to locate the grandmother and the baby. They are the only ones still alive. Ryker is probably looking for them as well. We also need Ryker to somehow confess to all of this. So somewhere between you finding the baby and you getting a confession that will be your priority for your new mission." The car stopped outside the airport arrivals. Sarah reached for the door. "Agent Walker." Sarah sat back. "He thinks you're dead so use that." Beckman slipped her a card. "This is your contact at Interpol. Keep us informed."

"Will do. Thankyou."

Sarah got out leaving the file on the seat. She closed the door. Beckman reached for the file. "She sure reminds me of someone else we know." Langston smiled. "And look how he turned out. A lanky graduate from Stanford to one of the best agents we havetoday."

Sarah sat waiting to board. She grabbed her coffee taking a sip. Her last American coffee for awhile anyways. She hated to think how long she'd be gone. How long it will be till she saw Chuck again. All of her missed him. In her 22 years did she ever think she'd feel this way about someone like she felt for him. She heard of people waiting for years, decades for this feeling. To have someone in their life that made them feel the way he makes her feel. She grabbed her phone and started to text him when he just finished sending her one.'Morning beautiful. I thought that I would beat you to a text. I have meetings all day so I wanted to send you a text as soon as I could. Just leaving the house now. Miss, you like crazy. Wherever you are I hope you're safe. Can't wait to see you again. Love you.'

Sarah typed back.'Good morning my love. lol. Miss you too. I am okay. Tired but okay. Got my new orders. I wished that I could tell you more. But I will honour your wishes not to know what is going on. But I will tell you that things look pretty good at putting an end to this. And I should be back home in your arms. I have to put my phone away. Will text you later. Have a good day. Will be thinking of you all day. Kisses and hugs. Love you.'

Sarah pressed send.

Chuck turned his phone over. He smiled. He'll respond later. He pulled out of his driveway heading into DC. Sarah slipped her phone and bag into the tray as it went through the scanner. She walked through grabbing her stuff and walking to her flight. Sitting in her seat she forced her eyes closed. She had to get in a routine of sleeping when she could. She was exhausted after the Gaez mission even though she was with Chuck she wasn't able to relax like she wished she could. Hours later she woke up giving her a few hours to figure out a plan. But she had to find that baby.

Hours later the crisp Budapest air caught her lungs. She was glad she donned her heavier coat. Even though it had gone for a swim in the Danube. She put her sunglasses on that she got from Chuck and tried to avoid the cameras and security. She hailed a cab and turned on her cell. She saw the texts from Chuck, random things he sent and a few pictures of him and a list of things they'll do when she came back. All PG 13. Except for a P.S. pièce de la résistance? 'You and me and nothing else.'

Then her other phone rang. She slipped it out of her pocket. There was no name just a number and some instructions. "Agent Walker, Agent Spiers, Beckman called me. I'll be in a Black SVU I'll blink my lights."

Sarah headed to the outside checking the feeds. She couldn't take any chances that Ryker would see her before she wanted him too. It had been less than 72 hours since she left here and 30 of those hours she was in the air. She quickly flew home spent some time with Chuck which was a few hours, then back here again. Sarah rolled her bag cross the road where a man stepped out showing his badge. Sarah took a look then nodded. He helped her with her bag putting it in the trunk and opening the door. Making it look like he was there picking up a friend or loved one. Sarah slid into the seat and looked at the man. Mid to late 50's decent looking. He reminded her of her dad but a lot taller and his hair was darker. "Desmond Spiers." "Sarah Walker."

"Yes, I was getting the 411 on you. Diane and I go way back as we were on a mission in Berlin in the late 80's. I was just starting my career and was introduced to her by another Agent named Roan Montgomery." Sarah looked at him. "I heard about him in training. Some say he was a legend."

"Still is, if you ever get the opportunity to work with him, please do."

"I will keep that in mind."

"So, we are looking for a baby?"

"To start."

"Any word from the grandmother?" Sarah looked at her phone. "Nothing." Sarah looked up in defeat. "Don't put too much pressure on you. In this job your instincts can only get you so far. So, if you believe that she was who she said she was then we wait. In the meantime, how do you want to trap a rat." Sarah laughed. It was a full belly laugh. She'd hadn't laughed like that since a conversation she had with Chuck, when he tried to tell her how the croissant was made.

Spiers drove off. Sarah watched as he checked his mirrors as often as Sarah was doing. "Well, he thinks I'm dead so I want to use that. Call him out maybe send him to a location and take him down there."

"Are you familiar with the magnet method."

"What would we use?"

"We need to find out what Ryker was looking for. He wouldn't have gone to all of this not to receive something in the end. And the baby is the key. We will start there."

As Spiers set up surveillance and hooked up feeds from the house, surrounding neighbourhood, airport, train stations. He set Sarah up in a hotel with all the equipment she needed. He had a room next door with adjoining rooms. "Get some rest as I set up. I got this covered." Sarah slipped into her side and unloaded her things. She slipped her boots off and crawled into bed. She grabbed her cell and texted Chuck.

'Hey, Miss you. Arrived at my hotel. Getting surveillance set up. Working with an agent pal of Beckman's. Going after a rat. That's all I am going to say. How were the meetings? Going to have a little nap hopefully going to think of you and I hope that it's not PG13. Talk soon. Love you.'

Sarah pressed send and closed her eyes.

Chuck heard his phone buzz as he turned his phone over seeing who it was, he smiled. He just wished that his meeting was over.

Sarah waited but no response. An hour later or so she walked back into the other room. "Good you're up. I think you might want to see this." Sarah sat down. "I was looking at the house feeds and I saw the homes security had been altered. Someone erased the feed but it had already done its backup." Spiers pressed play. Sarah watched as she saw the older lady and the baby walked down the hall and out the door. Then she saw herself walking not far behind. "I'll speed it up." Sarah watched as the men from the room came out and scattered. "That must have been when they noticed me."

"Probably." Then as the men scattered minutes later Sarah's eyes opened up wide. There coming into view was none other than Ryker. "He was in the room the whole time. How? He made it sound like he was miles from there. Telling me to go to the room and what I saw." Sarah went back to watching. "This must be after they chased me." They watched as the men walk into the room only to see seconds later flashes of light then Ryker walking out. "Thats probably when he shot them."

"Maybe. But watch this. Here is the feed that I came across." Sarah watched as the feed looked the same except when she left the floor after the baby. "It shows Sarah walking out just as the men entered. Making it look like she was the one who killed them. Sarah sat back in her chair. "He's some piece of work, isn't he?" Sarah got up and walked to the window. 'Did he hate me that much?' Sarah had a moment then walked back to the feed. "Do the cameras show where he went after this?" Spiers flipped feeds and caught Ryker walking a few blocks then tossing his gun. Then the CCTV feeds have him getting in a van and driving off then out of sight. "We need to find that gun."

Spiers and Sarah walked the spot where Ryker supposedly dropped the gun. They had checked a few garbage bins and finally the last ones Sarah dug into the bin and pulled out a gun. She slipped it into a bag that Spiers opened tossing everything in it including her gloves. "I'll have this sent to ballistics and hopefully it will be the gun he used."

Sarah was pleased that they had found the gun. But it felt a little too easy. Or was Ryker that stupid and careless to drop his gun. Either way Sarah was going to take it as a win. Spiers drove to the local police while Sarah stayed in the car. She looked at her phone and still nothing from Chuck. She put her phone on her lap when her phone rang. Sarah put it on speaker. "Hello?" (In broken English) "Is this the nice lady Sarah. This is Marta Almassy. Baby Hannah and I are safe. Just got time to call."

"I'm glad you did. Where are you?" Sarah could tell that Marta was hesitant to say where she was.

"As long as you are safe."

"My son." Sarah didn't know what to say. She paused. "I'm so sorry." It was quiet on the other end for some time. "But I am going to get the man who did it." Just then Spiers entered the car. "We need to make sure you and your granddaughter are safe. I can make sure of that."

"You make him pay. He is a bad man." Sarah looked up. "You know who killed your son."

"Yes, bad man. I told my son not to trust him. He will get him killed. Told him the night of the party. He told my son he'd take care of him. Wanted to work with him but I know he wanted the money."

"The money?"

"He thought your son had money?"

"Yes, but if anything happened to him his child would inherit his money." Spiers grabbed something to write on. He wrote down trust fund. "Is it a trust fund?"

"No. If anything happens to the child the money can be anyone's."

"Does this bad man know that you're alive?"

"Not sure."

"Do you know his name?"

"Mr. Rooker."

"Ryker?"

"Yes Ryker." Sarah muted the phone. He mouthed we need to go get her. Sarah unmuted the call. "Marta. Yes, we need you and Hannah to be safe. I can come and get you and Hannah." There was more silence on the other end. Sarah had little practice with negotiations. She had read a little bit on negotiations but actually doing it were totally two different things. "Okay." Sarah replied. "Marta?"

"Okay." Sarah felt some relief. Spiers had her mute the call. "We need a day or so to get a plan in place. And where do we take her?" Sarah unmuted the call. "Marta, we need to meet. Then we can take you somewhere far from here." Sarah continued to talk while Spiers drove.

Sarah plugged in her phone as she sat at the computer trying to find a place that Marta and Hannah could go to. They planned to meet in a few days so that gave Sarah 1/2 of that time to get a plan in order but before that she had to find Ryker. She grabbed her main phone and there was a text from Chuck. She sat back and read it.'Hey babe. Long day sorry for the lateness. Got some good news I guess but I wish you were here to share it with me. Heading home to LA for Thanksgiving. Would like to share the holidays with you. Our birthdays kind of took a backseat this year. But you're a lot like me. Birthdays are just another day. But Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years is where the party's at. Hoping to celebrate at least one of them with you. I should be back in DC in a few days. My sister goes all out and this year she caved and has invited my best friend Morgan which one day I will tell you about my friend Morgan. Miss, you like crazy. Honestly in so many ways. I hope that you find the baby. When young children are involved, it makes the job harder. My flight leaves in the morning. Are you sleeping? Love you.'

Sarah read the text and her heart ached. He missed her and now he was going to be even farther away from her. But she could tell by the pictures in his office he was close to his sister. Sarah started to text back.'Yes, we have located the baby. Making arrangements for a safe move. Baby is with her grandmother. I wish that I could tell you more. Yes, I have slept. Thanksgiving sounds like fun. Didn't do a whole lot of that while growing up. Should tell you about our annual Salvation Army Christmas cons with my dad. Miss you too. Have a good flight and I look forward to meeting your sister and your friend Morgan. Love you.'Sarah pressed send and slipped her phone into her back pocket. She sat beside Spiers as he was checking the feeds to see if Ryker had resurfaced. Ryker had her planted there to make it look like she was casing the joint. Premeditated- planning to kill the family. When no one came to relieve her.

Spiers and Sarah met with Beckman via video. Beckman apologized to Sarah for what Ryker had put her through and it helped that they had proof. It would have been too easy to frame a rookie. "So where are we at now Agent Walker?"

"We are trying to make arrangements to meet with Marta. But we need to take care of Ryker. So, I was thinking we get word out there that the baby is alive. Maybe set up a recording of the baby then get Ryker to show up and then, we take him down." Beckman thought for a bit. "It should work. Where would we do this?" "The house." Spiers added. "It's familiar and he wouldn't think it was out of the ordinary. We can set up in the nursery and our team can be in the next room. Ryker hears from Sarah also making him interested and a loose end to get rid of."

Beckman nods. "Make it work."

Spiers went straight to work setting up the nursery with the fake baby and the recording. Sarah dialed Ryker. Her fingers could barely press the numbers in the screen. Spiers whispered. "You got this!" She smiled. Words she had heard from Chuck. Her thoughts instantly think of him. She figured that he'd be flying home to LA. She refocused and tried again. It rang and the recording playing. Ryker answered. "Who is this?" He heard the baby crying. Sarah hung up. Ryker stared at his phone. He dialled another number. "Any word on the whereabouts of the baby or even Agent Walker." A slight pause. "No sir no police report on them either." Ryker started to sweat under his collar.

Chuck stepped out of the plane and walked towards the gate. He could see his sister waiting with other family members. Chuck gets her attention making her do a little dance. Chuck walked towards her and stood his suitcase up. Embracing his older sister. He hadn't been home for some time and his sister had wanted him to come home for some time now. She didn't know what he did for a living, well the spy stuff. The engineer side she knew. He had told her when he disappeared that work was keeping him busy. And that communication and correspondence would be hit and miss. He wished he could tell her that his friends had died and that he was a spy for the CIA and that he found a girl that had changed his life. Chuck broke the embrace. "Air Elle I need air."

"Oh, sorry little brother. I'm so happy your home."

"It's good to be home." She pulled him back. "Let me take a look at you." She checked him out. "You look a bit more muscular than usual. You're taking your vitamins, right?"

"Yes Elle. I'm fine so save all the doctor order/sister inquiries." Ellie smiled. They started walking out the door. Chuck turned his phone on. It buzzed and which meant that there was a text from Sarah. He looked at it and smiled. He didn't want to reply with his sister sitting there. And there she was. "Who's that?"

"Ah, nobody." Chuck slipped his phone into his jeans. Ellie drove him to Echo Park. Chuck stared out the window and the years he had been gone. He did see his sister and Devon in Chicago when one of his missions after Graduation led him there and his sister called. But he hadn't been home for some time. Ellie drove up in the back as Chuck got out and stretched then grabbed his bags. He was going to be home for a good week and a bit. Ellie saw it as two weeks if you didn't count the weekends. Chuck walked the path to the door and as Ellie entered, Chuck was zapped back to his years living there. He recalled Ellie getting a job quickly after becoming a doctor which allowed them to live there before rent got out of control elsewhere so they decided to stay. Then he was given a scholarship to attend Stanford and when he was at home, he worked at the Buy More. The ideal job. Computer and electronics. The downtime he studied forensics and created a how-to manual for the Nerd Herders due to the fact he'd get calls when he got back to school on how to fix simple computer problems. Now with the binder anyone could work at the Nerd Herder desk.

Chuck rolled his bag into his old room seeing all his posters especially the Tron poster his dad gave him. He stood staring when Ellie walked in rubbing his upper arm. "Lots of memories, huh?"

"Sure is. So why is my room still my room?" Ellie looked at him. "Truth." Chuck turned around. "Yeah."

"I like having you around." Chuck smiled then brought his sister into a little brother big sister hug. "You know you could rent it out to Morgan." Ellie broke the hug and slapped his arm. "No way. I see him enough." They walked out. "You do?"
"Yeah, once a month if I am lucky and I don't have to go to the Buy More." Ellie walked into the kitchen grabbing a couple of beers. "No shifttoday?"

"No, I have onetomorrowthen nothing till after Thanksgiving."

"That's good. And Devon?"

"Working just before as well. We took on extra shifts so we could have this weekend off."

"And for Christmas."

Ellie passed Chuck a bottle. "Speaking of Christmas. Do you have any plans?" Chuck thought about what he said to Sarah. Hoping to have one holiday with her. Then he looked up. "Why?"

"Well, the Woodcombs have Christmas this year and Devon's brothers and their families are flying in. So, we are going there. You're welcome to come." Honey sent an invite. Chuck twisted the cap. "No thanks. I'll be fine. Have some plans hoping they will work out."

"Good." Chuck walked outside and sat down by the fountain. Ellie sat beside him. "So, you seeing anyone?"

"My work keeps me busy."

"Liar." Chuck took a swig and thought of her.

Sarah dialed Ryker again as Spiers replayed the audio. "Who is this?" Sarah hung up. "That should get him moving. Let's go find out." Sarah grabbed her jacket and followed Spiers. They drove to the house to see by chance if Ryker would show.

They decided on setting up the room with the recording and a fake baby. They already got Ryker on alert and were waiting to see if he'd show. Sarah had to put aside her dislike of the man and what he did to her. Spiers reminded her that there will be people out there that were never meant to be agents and then there are others who were destined to be agents. At that moment Chuck crossed her mind and what Chuck had to deal with. He trusted Gaez and he ended up murdering his team and injuring others. Now it was her turn, which wasn't fair. So, the sooner she'd could end this the happier she'd be and she would be able to head home and see Chuck.

Sarah switched seats as Spiers entered the van after placing the fake baby and the recording. "Okay kiddo, last call."

Sarah smiled and called Ryker again. She put the call on speaker and waited. Ryker answered only to hear the cry of a baby. "Who is this?"
The cry continued. "You have some nerve." Ryker hung up.

Ryker squeezed his phone and looked over to his left. "Do we know where the call is coming from?"

The man at the table looked up. "Yeah, but your not going to like it."

Ryker walked over to the table. He leaned in seeing the tracker with its red ring hovering over the mansion. "It can't be."

Sarah knew that he would be tracking the call so she waited and got her gun ready. She had fired a gun many times and hit her target in practice. Here and now in her own defence, and for the safety of others she killed a man and wasn't ready, but this time she'd be ready.

Sarah slipped upstairs as Spiers hid in an adjacent room. Sarah watched the front door as well as the stairwell. There was only one way up to the second floor so Sarah chose the spot carefully. Spiers watched the street side. An hour later a car drove up shutting its lights off. He whistled then whispered. "A car is approaching." Then three men showed up. One stayed outside as two entered. Sarah took a quick peek and saw Ryker heading upstairs as the second man checked the main floor. Sarah watched as he slipped on a silencer to the end of his gun pointing it forward. Spiers played the recording getting Ryker's attention hurrying his steps. He drew his gun out again passing the first room where he had Sarah come hoping to finish off the men. He walked inside then back out still pointing his gun. He headed down the hall passing Sarah. Spiers came out of the room that Ryker was just in surprised that he wasn't seen. He got Sarah's attention pointing to downstairs. Sarah acknowledged as Spiers headed downstairs. Sarah heard a pop then a thud. Sarah could see through the pickets that Spiers had taken out the second gunman and was dragging his body out of sight. Then heading to the door to take care of the third guy.

Ryker reached the far room where the cries of the baby lured him there. He pointed his gun, then pushed the door open with his gun. Sarah crept in behind him and watched as Ryker walked over to the crib and extended his hand reaching for the baby. He pulled the blanket back exposing the trap. He turned around just as Sarah entered behind him. Unfortunately, he saw her coming through the reflection of the window. As he turned, he swung his arm making Sarah lose her grip on her gun. She saw the gun fall and went to grab it as Ryker grabbed the back of her hair and pulled her back. "You thought you could trap me, your supposed to be dead." Sarah looked back at him and glared. "And who's fault is that?"

That angered Ryker pulling her back onto her knees. "I should have known that you would be behind this. Always the good one, always doing what she was told. That's not how this game works sweetheart." Ryker slapped her across the face. Sarah fell to the side seeing that he was coming towards her. She threw a punch into his gut, allowing her to get up. Ryker caught his breath. "So where is the baby?"

"Wouldn't you like to know."

He charged Sarah as she threw a punch, right in his face causing some pain and discomfort. He yelled in pain then charged her again hitting her hard then throwing her against the crib. The crib broke her fall but also broke in half. Ryker charged her again, grabbing her by the jacket and tossing her again. This time she went through a wall. She landed hard, feeling her body contort into an uncomfortable position. She was hurting. She looked at her options and there weren't many. She did see her gun but that was on the other side of the wall. Ryker stepped through the hole in the wall as Sarah stood up and grabbed a broken board and swung hitting him in the face. He fell back hitting his head. Sarah crawled back to the other side grabbing her gun. Ryker slowly got up and moved towards the hole in the wall. "You never learn. This job would have made you millions, that baby is worth millions to the right people. But you had to mess it up."

"I did what was right."

"Wrong, you disobeyed an order from your handler, then I had to clean it up. Too bad you didn't drown; it would have been so much simpler." "For whom? So, you could use that baby, murder her family, all for the money." He yelled. "Yeah, more money than you will ever see in your lifetime." He charged her. Sarah fired. The first shot hit him in the lower abdomen. "You will never hurt that child again and she will grow up to be whatever she wants to be and she will know that the person who killed her parents will never hurt her again." Ryker stepped forward. Sarah fired another. This time he went down. He fell on his knees looking up at her. He tried to say something but only a small escape of air left his lungs as he fell forward. Sarah stepped back as Spiers came running in. He called it in grabbing Sarah and helping her out.

Sarah took a deep breath and her hands shaking. Her thoughts were on him and if only he was here. Then as reassurance to her safety Spiers took her hands and released her from the grip she had on the gun. "It's over." His voice was soft and caring like Chucks. She looked at him her heart torn. This was the second man she has aimed a gun at. Chucks words were her only solace. 'It's either you or them.'

Agents and other police officials entered the room carrying away Ryker's body as Sarah stood in the hallway giving her statement and handing over the recorded confession of Keiran Ryker. "Make sure General Beckman gets a copy." The agent took the recording and walked away as Sarah looked up seeing his body disappear down the stairs when her phone rang. It was an unknown number. She took a deep breath and answered. "Hello. Sarah here."

"Yes, it's Marta." Sarah snapped her fingers getting Spiers attention. They both looked at each other as if she knew her threat to her granddaughter was taken care of. "We need your help."

"Oh yes. We can do that." Sarah continued to get some info and they agreed to meet. Sarah looked forward to some happiness in all of this.

Sarah made her report to Beckman and Graham as well as other local police. As the meeting was coming to an end, Sarah piped up.

"One more thing General the topic of moving Marta and the baby safely out of here. Their lives are still at risk. If people know that there is money involved Ryker won't be the last to come looking for it."

"I agree. I will wait to hear from you after you meet. Maybe she can tell you if she has family near by or what would be the safest alternative to go with." Sarah nodded. Sarah was about to reach to disconnect. "Agent Walker. Great job. Another tough mission but you showed great strength." Sarah smiled but she didn't feel proud or anything. She really didn't know what to feel. Would she have to debrief on this one as well or was this it? They said their goodbyes as she got ready to meet with Marta.

Burbank

Chuck leaned back in his chair trying to stay awake. The bustle of work and the noise of DC was nothing to the quiet residential ambience he was now hearing. His eyes were getting heavy. He wasn't a napper but times like these his body was telling him something. But before he could cave in, he had to send Sarah a text. He grabbed his phone and started texting; 'Hey babe miss you love you. Ready for a nap. I know, me nap way too funny. But it is going to happen. I hope that things are going alright. Is this mission wrapping up? Have you thought about Christmas? I know that it is a month away but with our schedules I would want to plan now just in case. I really want to see you. Ellie and Devon are heading to his side of the family for the holidays so I don't need to be back here. Wondering what your doing? Are you safe? I hope so. Talk soon, eyes heavy. Turkey tomorrow. Love you miss you. Chuck pressed send and leaned back in his recliner letting the warm sunshine cover his face. At least he'd go back looking less pasty.

Sarah hugged her cup of coffee which helped lessen the shakiness she was still feeling. She sat at a local spot a little out of the way from the hustle and bustle of downtown Budapest. Spiers sat across from her reading a newspaper. He was a pro with things like this, so Sarah figured that he was so immune to it that it never phased him. Sarah looked up as she heard the door open and the bell overhead chimed. An older lady pushing a stroller came in. Marta looked around till she looked Sarah's way. Sarah stood up slightly as Marta came closer. She was looking around still worried of being seen. Sarah motioned to the chair as Marta sat down pulling the stroller closer. Sarah could hear Hannah cooing, almost sounding happy. Marta smiled at Sarah when she told her that the bad man was taken care of. She grabbed Sarah's hand and squeezed it repeating how happy she was and how thankful she was for what she did.

An hour into the meeting Marta leaned over and lifted Hannah out from the confines of the stroller. Sarah never really got a close look at the baby she saved. Sarah smiled as the baby cooed and made baby sounds. Marta passed Hannah to Sarah. Sarah had never really held a baby before. She wasn't sure which was scarier, being a spy or caring for a baby. Marta propped her head just so as Sarah held her close. Marta looked up. "She looks like her dad. My son. God rest his soul."

"And her mom?" Sarah couldn't recall if her mom was still around or was part of Ryker's plan. Marta looked up. "Her mom died during childbirth. It broke my son's heart. So, he has been taking care of her for three months. That is when he got involved with the American." Sarah stared at Hannah; she was still on the clock. "Marta, we need to get you two out of here and put you somewhere safe. Do you have family, that you can go to or a place far from here?"

Marta looked up. "I have family outside of Lille France, near the Belgium border."

"Would you want to go there?"

Marta stared at her granddaughter. Then back at Sarah. "Anywhere that keeps this one safe." They both look down at Hannah.

Sarah headed back to her hotel and grabbed her things. She was on her way to France to make sure Marta and baby Hannah arrived safe. Sarah always wanted to take a train ride through Europe and this was her chance. She grabbed what she had which wasn't much and followed Spiers out the door. They drove to pick up Marta and Hannah and headed to the train station.

Sarah turns to Spiers. She extended her hand and he extended his. "Thanks for everything, I mean everything. This is all new to me and it has happened so quickly." He looked at her like a father would look at his daughter. "In all honesty when they told me that I would be helping out and what I saw I assumed that you had been doing this for some time. And when I inquired, I found out that you just graduated. You must have had some really good teachers." She smiled. She had to thank her dad for in a way preparing her for this and the life they led but also a huge thanks to Chuck who guided her and introduced her to people like Casey and Mitchel. Sarah smiled; "It was a joint effort."

"Well, some people are meant to be agents and others are not."

"All the best and thanks.

Sarah grabbed her carry on and boarded the train behind Marta. They found a seat facing each other. They had 15 hours to go with a few changes along the way.

Sarah leaned back as the train started to head west. She turned to stare out the window grabbing her phone. She saw a text from Chuck. She smiled. She quickly read it. It was getting harder not to miss him on a train like this. She read it again just to soak in his words. She slipped her phone back in her pocket just to be polite but as soon as Marta dozed off Sarah pulled out her phone and texted Chuck. It could have been the train and the romantic thoughts she was having and most of them were of him and the last time they were together, her text started off not so PG-13. I'm sitting here watching it get dark outside and I am thinking of you, your hands caressing my arm, your lips touching mine ever so gently. Your body's heat heating up mine. Beats the cold temperatures outside. Your fingers slowly unbuttoning my shirt as you kiss my bare shoulder, your hands kneading my skin. I'm aching for your touch; I need you to touch me. I want you; I miss you. Your hands caress my breasts, your lips press against mine. I reach for your shirt and slowly and slowly unbutton your shirt as I place kisses on your chest. I reach the bottom button as I linger there longer than I should listening to you breathe. I draw out the last button and toss your shirt as I stare at you, all of you.' Sarah continues texting leaving a sad face. 'I miss you so so much, and Christmas sounds wonderful, It would be wonderful if it happens, I am hoping it will happen. Our first Christmas, our first of many.

Yes, this mission is wrapping up. Have to do a detail for a bit, I think that's what you call it, I call it babysitting but in a good way. Just making sure that the baby is going to be safe. The other stuff not so good. Taking it a bit hard, a lot has happened. Not sure how you do this job as long as you have been. Anyways I hope that this text keeps you thinking of me as I am thinking of you.' Sarah pressed send and heard it swoosh. She leaned back and slid her feet onto the empty seat in front of her. She closed her eyes; she figured that he'd just be getting up.

Chuck rolled over, hearing his phone. He sat up and read her text, holding the phone to his chest, then looking at the text again. 'Oh babe, this is killing me. It is literally killing me.' Chuck slipped into the shower cause nothing was going to cool him off. He let the spray cascade over him and his thoughts were on her and the words in her text. His body still reacting to all of it. He turned the faucet to the right and let the cold water cool him off. But he was human, he was male and his girlfriend just sent him a very descriptive text. His mind was on her hoping to experience her text in person.

He dried off and got dressed in sweats and a t–shirt. He decided to go for a run. Maybe a run would help, the shower just doused the flames so to speak. He grabbed his runners and slipped outside, Ellie had just returned from her shift a few hours before and Devon was off at seven. He figured he go for a run, grab a coffee at the shop down the street then come home and put the turkey on. That had been the tradition. Start cooking the turkey early to mid morning and then focus on all the fixings.

Chuck ran his old familiar route then ran to the coffee shop grabbing his usual and finding a spot. He wiped the sweat off his face then grabbing his phone to return her text.

Okay babe, I have had a cold shower, just went for a run and I still crave you, need you, want you. Forget the unbuttoning of the shirt rip it off, toss it lol. I MISS YOU TOO! And not the physical stuff the sexy stuff but your smile, your laugh, your touch. Our last time was way to short and I hate it. I hate this, this missing you and what it brings. I am so glad to hear that the mission is over well almost, which means you can come home, but I am concerned about the other stuff. Are you hurt?

Chuck pressed send and waited just in case she was able to chat.

He sipped his coffee and waited.

Lille France

Sarah came back from meeting with her contact as they drove them to Marta's family home. Sarah took a room that was given to her as Marta and Hannah had their reunion with their family. Sarah walked outside as Marta's sister let her know that there was a tray of cheese and meat and a bottle of wine in her room. Sarah thanked her and went for a walk. She found a lovely spot and grabbed her phone. She saw at text from Chuck and read it. She laughed at what he wrote and that he took a shower and went for a run. Then she saw what he wrote. Are you hurt? Sarah started to text but what could she say. She looked out at the sun as it was setting over the horizon and dialed Chuck. She was breaking their rule but she had to hear his voice.

Chuck came in from the street side hearing his phone. He looked at the number and quickly swiped. "Sarah!"

"Chuck."

His voice instantly making her feel safe.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry for calling and breaking our rule about calling."

"Screw the rules, it's so nice to hear your voice."

"Yeah, it is. I miss you."

"I miss you too. What's wrong?"

Sarah paused, not sure what to say, especially when it came to mission stuff.

"Did something go wrong?"

"I don't know. I guess? This is all so new."

"It is and I'm so sorry. Are you physically hurt?"

"Some."

"Oh babe."

"Nothing that can't heal, no broken bones."

"That's good. I wish that I could hold you."

"I would love that."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I do but where do I start? There are so many things going on here, my head is spinning. I had to use my gun again."

Chuck cursed under his breath, which was now two lives in such a short time, he knew she was hurting.

"Remember what I said."

"Yes, that is the only thing that is keeping me sane. You, you have been here with me this whole time, I wish that I could cry or even scream."

"But it would be better if I was there in person."

"Yeah, it would."
"Soon, I promise. Plus, I have you booked for Christmas; I promise that you will be heart warmed."

"Heart warmed?" Sarah loved that Chuck was able to get her mind on something else.

"Yeah, heart warmed. I promise feet rubs, back rubs, plenty of kisses and lots of hot chocolate. And lots of the other stuff."

"The other stuff?"

"Yeah, it looks like I will be busy filling up my time with a very special lady. And she is very hot, I mean she is beyond a ten, better than Bo Derek. Better than all my dreams but tonight my dreams are going to played out scene by scene thanks for your text."

"About that."

"Too late, your payment will be received or actually paid in full the moment I see you."

"Will it?"

"It will, so you better rest up, cause I am a coming."

Sarah laughed.

"I look forward to it. So, when is supper?"

"I will put the turkey on in a few then start the fixings then Ellie will take over. It's tradition. She just got home a few hours ago and Devon will be home shortly so they will sleep for a little while then when she wakes up, she will take over."

"Sounds like fun."

"But Christmas is you and me."

"I can't wait."

"So now what? You coming home?"

"I wish. Not sure how long this detail will take and when I do, I will be on the nearest flight home. It's after eight here."

"Yeah, it's almost seven here. I better let you go but we can stay talking."

"I would love to, but you have a date with a turkey. I will see you soon. LOVE YOU!"

"Love you too."

Sarah ended the call and wiped a tear away.

Three days later

Sarah walked with Marta and Hannah down the walkway to the train. Sarah bent down to take one last look at Hannah as she placed a blessing on her. Though Sarah wasn't a spiritual person she felt the need to say something to make sure that the powers at be would take extra pity on her and her grandmother. That one day she'd become whatever she wanted to be. Sarah stood up as Marta gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She slipped her a small token as Sarah looked down at it. It was a hand stitched embroidery swatch with the name Hannah on it. Sarah tried not to react but thanked her the best she could. Sarah slipped back on the train. The train roared with the sound of a whistle. Sarah waved goodbye seeing Marta wave for Hannah. Through the steam Sarah waved goodbye.

Sarah looked at her phone. It had been three days since she talked to Chuck. He had sent several pictures of his cooked turkey and of everything else he made. He also sent pictures of supper that looked delicious and a picture of his friend Morgan. She knew he was heading back to DC in two days so she didn't want to bother him too much.

She looked at her other phone and replayed the message from Beckman. With all that was going on, she had to hear the message again. She was planning to be on a flight back home but a mission came up in Paris. Beckman called it a in and out type mission. She was not familiar with that term so she truly believed that it was your in and your out literally, allowing her to be home in no time.

Three weeks later DC

"I'm not going?"

"And why not? We need to pay our respects."

"I can do that from here."

"No, you were on your death bed and couldn't do it in person leaving me to deal with all the details and because if that, we need to go back there and settle the rest."

"Their dead and they are buried."

"Casey, it is the anniversary of their deaths and I am not a fan either of going, but we need to go there to close that chapter and to sign the papers. Don't blame me that Bryce made you and me guardians of his affairs and that Jill's family are unable to do it themselves so that leave us."

Casey grunted.

"France huh?"

"Well technically yes, more like."

"I don't care, let's just go and get it over with so I can come back to the mainland."

Chuck smiled then as Casey left his office Chuck ran and jumped on his back. "Marche de l'avant."

Paris

Sarah sat facing her mark. She lost faith in the 'in and out' type mission. It was nothing compared to what it said it was. This mission was now a courier type mission. She had been posing as the acquaintance of a man named Gilles who was being 'watched' so he could be safely 'traded' for another criminal that the US Government wanted. The exchange was going to happen in two days. And those two days couldn't happen soon enough. Sarah called Beckman voicing her opinion of the whole mission and how it was going and felt that there had to be a better way to make this exchange that didn't take up her time like this one was doing. She wanted to go home and Beckman's words were less than reassuring but her tone was even harsher when she added 'Do your job and don't complain.'

Sarah watched Gilles, eye her like candy, and it made her skin crawl. She had no idea what he did to deserve the attention and why the Government wanted him to be traded for another. It was way above her paid grade. All she could do is look the part till it was all over.

Two days later

Chuck walked out of the small law office in Versailles and wondered why they didn't have an office in Paris. Casey followed grunting the whole time. The lawyer walked to his car as Chuck and Casey struggled to get into the small European car. The lawyer drove them to a small cemetery where Chuck had made arrangements for Bryce and Jill to be buried there. The lawyer pulled up and parked, heading to a small hill overlooking Versailles. Chuck stood at the spot that now had a tree growing there and a small brass emblem on it with the initials B. L. and J.R. etched on it and a plaque with the words 'Never good at saying goodbye.' Chuck laughed nervously as those were Bryce's famous words. Even when Gaez had a gun to his head. Chuck remembered looking up and Bryce knowing his fate, looked him right in the eyes. 'Never good at saying goodbye.' Then Chuck shivered hearing the gun go off. Chuck snapped out of his thoughts as he continued paying his respects. He walked away leaving Casey to have his moment and Chuck was surprised at how long he did stay there. Chuck watched him as he lit a cigar and took a few puffs then saluted his team and walked back towards Chuck. They waited till Casey was done his cigar.

Paris

Sarah entered the small café; a good cup of coffee would hit the spot and give Sarah some other eyes on her being in a public place. Gilles was none the wiser grabbing a seat near the window. But Sarah convinced him to find a place not near a window. Sarah ordered and sat down while Gilles read the local paper. It wasn't the worst gig but she wished she was on a plane home.

Chuck stepped out of the cab as Casey rolled down the window. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here in lovely Paris?"

"No, I have been here long enough and I look forward to being back on American soil. You enjoy your time. But what about Christmas?"

Chuck sighed. "Haven't heard from her so I don't know. I should be back in time either way. Thanks for coming and doing this with me."

"My pleasure. Enjoy your visit, see you when you get back."

Chuck grabbed his bag and waved as the taxi drove off. Chuck looked up to see where he was. He looked up seeing the tower. He wasn't far from his favourite café.

Chuck rounded the corner and there it was the Eiffel Café. He had fallen in love with it on one of his first missions with the team. And he felt that it was fitting that he start his quick trip to Paris with a strong cup of coffee. He entered the café and the smells and aromas waffled in his sinuses. He grabbed a seat by the bar and waited to be served. He grabbed a menu and started to browse.

Sarah reached for her cup as the waitress came around to refill her cup. She looked up to scan the café when at the end of the room she swore her eyes were playing tricks on her. But his actions and the way he sat there, there was no mistaking who he was. Sarah happy to see him but knew he had to be there because of what she said to Beckman. She walked up to the front.

"I love Paris." As he looked at the menu, "Chocolate, strawberry, caramel (all in a French accent) Chuck looked up, eyes wide open seeing the love of his life walking towards him. He turned to stand up but as he approached her, she spoke. "What are you doing here Chuck?"

"Sarah, I could say the same to you, man have I missed you. What are you doing here. Weren't you in Budapest?
"Did Beckman send you?"

"Beckman, no, why?"

Sarah looked over her shoulder seeing Gilles. She turned to face Chuck. Chuck looking so dreamy with his brown eyes and his lips. Sarah glanced once more behind here. How was she going to explain this?

She looked back at Chuck. "Kiss me!"

Chuck not sure if he heard right.

"What?"

"Kiss me!"

"I am getting mixed signals here."

Sarah grabbed his jacket. "Kiss me now!"

Chuck didn't want to argue when it came to kissing Sarah, he had been wanting to do that for a long time. He leaned in and passionately kissed her. Their lips moulded as one. All the passion and love they had for each other. Sarah's agent brain kicked in with heavy deprivation, she had to stop this. She could easily take him there. She pushed him back then looked at him with those eyes. She whispered the words "I'm sorry." As Chuck saw her hand come straight across his face. Chuck fell back. Then saw her walk away. He looked up seeing the room looking at him then he looked down the café seeing Sarah grabbing her coat and a man helping her with it as he grabbed his coat. "Who was that?"

Sarah looked at Chuck as he was rubbing his face. "An ex-boyfriend who is having a hard time letting go."

Gilles turned to walk out as Sarah bent down and quickly wrote something down on a napkin and walked past Chuck, tossing it his way. Chuck saw the napkin fall to the ground as a waitress was just about to pick it up. Chuck bent over and grabbed it. He looked up and out the window as Sarah slipped her collar up around her neck and walked away. Chuck ordered a stiff drink and unwrapped the napkin. "I'm so sorry had to act fast. Meet me at my hotel, I am staying at the Eiffel Rive Gauche room 12. I will try to be there as soon as I can."