Chapter 39
A/N Okay look this chapter got away from me. As I’ve said before I’m all about the relationships. The intention was to have some action, but they all started talking. Then Blah blah blah the next thing you know people are connecting, being people. So anyone for those of you who are looking for spy action you can skip this part. If you enjoy Charah as much as I do, Have fun.
Update: if you’ve read AHT already you are probably expecting a very long chapter. However in this rewrite I’ve decided to break it up into 4 chapters. Hopefully you will enjoy it just as much.
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 39
Target Acquired, The Plan (Part II)
Chuck looks around the room, he can see by their faces he has everyone’s rapt attention. Chuck nods, “Okay, here’s my plan. Tell me where I’m missing things. I’m not allowed to make mistakes either.”
During this entire briefing Sarah sits quietly thinking. How is it possible that I went from con woman Jenny Burton to sitting in a room filled with people who love me. People willing to lay their own lives on the line to protect mine. Tears well up in her eyes.
Chuck looks over and sees Sarah’s face. He smiles as he continues his briefing. He knows just what his wife is thinking. “Casey and Gretchen will be heading to the first posit. I have no way of knowing if he’s, our man. There are no pictures of him that I can find online. I’m not surprised. All of the suspects were tracked through the dark web. That means they’re all involved in less than legal behavior. The art pieces I used to track these guys were stolen and would have to be sold and bought on the black market. The way I work it out, two of these guys bought the stolen art. It’s the seller, the third one, we want.”
Chuck stands up and walks over to the couch where Sarah is sitting. He sits down and puts his arm around her shoulder and pulls her close. She looks up at his face and smiles. “Okay here’s the plan, tear into it. The search team will take the surveillance van and drive to San Francisco, that’s our first stop. If you need to leave the van, this is where the crutches come in, you’re a newlywed couple on honeymoon. The crutches make Gretchen look vulnerable and less spy-like. This is a look and report operation. Contact only, I repeat only, as a last resort. I need pictures that Sarah can see. However, there will be no transmissions. We’re going old school for this mission. Everything will be hand carried, photos, reports all of it. We have no way of knowing who he’s tapped into or what he’s monitoring.”
Alex raises her hand. “Chuck that’s going to take a lot of time. Getting the photos and driving them back adds at least a full day. That doesn’t consider how long it may take to get a good shot of his face.”
Sarah sits up and pats Chuck’s leg. “I have this one Hon. Alex, welcome to the spy world. The movies and TV shows glorify the gunfights and explosions. However, the real spy world is about waiting. Patience is what the job is built on. This guy has been in hiding for years. A few more days won’t matter to us. But if we rush and get discovered it could alert him.”
Alex nods, “I get it.”
Morgan interjects, “The van is set up for a local Burbank business. I’ll put the fabrication team on making it look like a business out of Oakland.
How should I bill this?”
Chuck laughs, “You heard Beckman, she’s hiring us to locate their rogue agent. Bill the government.” The rest of them join him in laughter.
Casey asks, “Weapons?”
Chuck shakes his head, “Casey which part of surveillance only don’t you get. You can carry what you’re licensed for. At some point you may have to go through airport security. Only what will fit under your jacket. Gretchen You’re not licensed yet, but maybe we can rig one of your crutches with a blade, in case of emergency. Casey, do I need to worry that your trigger finger is itchy?”
“Boss, what’s the difference how this guy is dealt with? The problem is over if he’s over.”
Chuck stands up and paces the office. “John this is not a hit. Beckman is going to take this guy into custody. Allow me to mention that we’re not even sure this is the guy we’re looking for. Until Sarah fingers Ryker, they’re all innocent bystanders.”
Sarah jumps up and puts her finger in Casey’s face, “John Casey if you kill this guy, you’ll get what I’ve been saving for him. I want him where I can lay hands on him. He needs to have a pulse when I get to him. Understood?”
Casey raises his hands in a defense posture. “Whoa, rein it in new Bartowski, we’re on the same side. I get it, you want him breathing.”
Chuck moves over to stand next to Sarah. “Okay, so we all get that this is an emotion laden operation. We need each other more than ever to make good decisions.” Chuck moves over and sits behind his desk. He writes something on a memo pad. Tearing it off he hands it to Casey. “This is the first address. Stay off the web, use paper maps to make your plans. It would be a simple thing to get an alert if someone Googles the address. Alex, would you mind supporting your Dad and Gretchen with the logistics?”
“Of course, Chuck, happy to be helpful.”
Morgan is confused, “But Chuck, haven’t you been using your computer to track him down?”
“Great question Pal. For someone to get any info from my work they would have to break through multiple layers of my defenses. Everything I do is encrypted, and bounced all over the world, in and out. The stuff I put out to the web looks like a mish mash of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Hmmm, maybe I could teach Casey how to do that.”
Casey gets up, “Let’s go Red, it’s getting thick in here. Now he wants to turn me into a nerd.”
The office clears as everyone heads out to get their assignments done. Sarah stays behind. Chuck knows what’s coming. He’s not looking forward to it, as he moves to sit behind his desk. “Sarah, something on your mind?”
She moves over and stands over him, “Chuck, I know you. You’re holding something back.”
Chuck pats his lap, “Come wife sit close to me so we can talk.” Sarah sits on his lap and rests her head on his shoulder. “You’re right, I did hold something back. You say you know me. Why would I do that?”
Sarah sighs, “To protect me.”
Chuck smiles, “That’s right. I purposely didn’t let you see the address. Baby, I’ve never seen you like this. You threatened our future children’s grandfather. You threatened family. Baby, I don’t want my wife killing anyone. Especially in cold-blooded murder. I’ve never told you what to do. I’m not going to start now. I would appreciate if you would trust me. You’ll get your moment with Ryker, I promise.”
Sarah’s head pops up, “Chuck, you know what this guy did to me, stole from me. How he betrayed me. I want…” She stops, looks in Chuck’s eyes and sighs. “…you to be proud of me. Fine. I promise not to shoot him.”
Chuck laughs, “That’s up to you Sweetheart. So, I guess stabbing, strangling and poison are still on the table?”
Sarah takes his face in his hands and kisses him sweetly. “I give my wonderful, loving husband my word, I won’t kill Ryker.”
“Sarah are you sure you want to make that promise? I would hate it if you broke your word to me.”
Sarah smiles, “I know that Baby, you have my word. You’re right. I don’t want our children to have a mother who’s a killer. Killing has never given me anything but bad feelings and nightmares. You have my word, and I trust you to keep your word.”
Chuck hugs her close, “Good, now, how about you work with Alex and Maggie when they’re available. Maybe you could give Maggie a little extra attention. She’s young and I could tell she was a little freaked out. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gretchen could use some support as well. Going into the field with Casey can be intimidating under the best of circumstances. I just hope he’s able to get past his memories.” Chuck lets go of a guffaw.
“I guess Casey was right, we are Mommy and Daddy.”
Sarah joins him in laughing, “I’m okay with that, we need the practice. Thanks for being so patient with me Chuck.” She stares into his eyes and runs her hand down his cheek. “I hope you can feel how much I love you, Thank you for loving me. I’ll let you get back to work. I also need to get on the phone with Joyce. By the way she said Frank was raving about Maggie.”
Chuck struggles to find words that reflect what he’s feeling. His mouth moves and nothing comes out. He pulls her in tight and hugs her hard. Kissing her cheek, he releases her. When she stands, she sees him wipe a tear from his eye. She smiles and heads off to work.
Twenty-four hours later
Chuck presses the intercom button. “Mrs. Sawyer would you please call Mr. Casey, and please use these exact words, let him know that the Boss is summoning him to his office.”
“Boss are you sure? That’s a pretty big bear you’re poking.”
Chuck laughs, “I know, but I’m bored. I have a feeling you won’t need to let me know when he gets here.”
Five minutes later the door to Chuck’s office flies open with a bang. “Who the hell do you think you’re summoning? You’re lucky my grandkids love you or I would be tearing you a new one right now.” He slams the door behind him.
Chuck is laughing so hard he can barely speak. “Wow, those brass balls sound like windchimes when you get them moving.”
Casey lets out with a growl. “Grrrrr, very funny. I’m busy getting ready to travel. What d’you want?”
Chuck is still laughing as he slides a piece of paper across his desk. “Here are the last two addresses. Don’t come back to the office until you have pictures of all three possibles. I don’t want Sarah involved until then. I’m going to need your help keeping her calm.”
Casey picks up the sheet of paper and reads it. “Can we use the company jet?”
Chuck shakes his head. “Negative. If he found a way to watch Sarah, he could tie the CI jet to her and he would know we’re coming for him. Fly commercial. Business class will fit your cover. Not first class, Beckman would have a hard time approving that.”
Casey folds the sheet of paper and puts it in his pocket. Pulling out a cigar, he rolls it in his mouth. “It’s not like you to keep secrets from me. What is it about this guy that has New Bartowski so fired up?”
Chuck sighs, “Sorry partner, it’s not my story to tell. I’m sure you’ll know everything as soon as possible. In the meantime, I need you to trust me.
This is important to Sarah. That makes it important to me.”
Casey nods, “That makes it important to me too. I’ll move as quickly as I can.”
Chuck smiles, “Thanks John. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you, and you doing this. Take your time. Flying under the radar is more important than speed.”
Casey stands up ready to leave, “I got this Boss, soft recon. Whatever Sarah needs, I’ll get it.” Chuck smiles. Casey heads out and closes the door behind him.
Chuck leans back and closes his eyes. Sarah is going to be tense until Casey gets back, She’s not going to like that I gave him all the addresses. Now she’s going to have to wait until they get back from reconning all the suspects. She won’t like it, but it’s better this way. It may take longer but we’ll have all the info, and we can act decisively instead of seeing things in dribs and drabs. Hopefully it will help me to keep her from going postal.
Chuck leans over and picks up an object from his desk. He absentmindedly turns it over and in his hand. Looking down he realizes it’s Maggie’s thumb drive. Hmmmm, I guess I have a minute, let’s take a look. Slipping the drive into his laptop he scans it to be sure it’s clean. Satisfied he opens the solitary file.
A bunch of symbols appear on the screen. Maggie was right, not much here, looks like garbage. Playing with his digital tools he applies various decryption apps. One seems to work the symbols seem to gain some sense of order. Smiling he applies a decryption key that exists only in one place, his mind. His smile grows wider when three bright spots appear in a row on a black background.
He quickly formats Maggie’s drive. Them he overwrites it and formats it again. He repeats the process seven times then snapping the drive in half he tosses it in the trash. Turning to his laptop he immediately erases all of his recent work. Defrags the drive and overwrites the blank sectors. He repeats this process seven times.
He picks up his phone and pushes the speed dial. The familiar female voice answers, “Hi Hon, what’s up?”
“Does something have to be up? Can’t I call my wife to say I love you. Also, Boris is having urge to suck Natasha’s toes.”
Alex’s voice comes through the speaker, “Hi Boris, did Natasha forget to mention you’re on speaker?” Chuck can hear the ladies laughing. “Maggie says hi too.” The laughing gets louder.
Chuck Laughs, “As I live and breathe, is that Lieutenant Uhura?”
Sarah is the only one laughing now. “Okay Hon. Maggie is confused, and Alex is a nice shade of red. Not as red as her uniform, but very red. I love you too.”
“Hi everyone, sorry if I embarrassed anyone. Hon do you remember what you told Alex about patience?”
Sarah is hesitant, “Yes… I do… why are you reminding me about that Chuck?”
Chuck hears Alex says, “Uh oh.”
“So, what have you ladies been up to this morning?”
Maggie is excited, “I got to talk to the First Lady, The President and the first Lady in one week. Me, Maggie Mae. Who are you people?”
Chuck laughs, “I’m glad, you’re having a good time, Maggie.”
“Charles Irving Bartowski!”
This time Chuck hears Maggie and Alex, “UH OH.”
“Chuck, I want an answer, what do I have to be patient about?”
“Sweetie, Love of my life, there’s nothing to get upset about. I just wanted to let you know that Casey and Gretchen are on their way to the first suspect’s location.”
“Chuck, do I have to come down there? I’m very aware that Gretchen left. What do I need to be patient for?
“Well, they may be gone for a while. Maybe a couple of weeks or so.”
“Hon, they went to San Francisco to take some pictures, why would it take that long?”
“Because they may be going to a couple of other places not as close.”
The phone is quiet, “Hello, hello. Sarah are you there?”
Chuck is staring at the phone when his private door opens. A very angry looking Sarah walks in and stands over him. “Talk.” “Sarah, stay calm. Everything’s fine.”
“Did you just tell me to stay calm?” She stands next to his chair her thighs pressed against the chair arms.
Chuck looks up at her, “What happened to ‘I trust you, Chuck?'”
“It’s a little hard for a wife to trust a husband who keeps secrets from her. A husband who promised and I quote ‘I won’t make any decisions without your input'”.
Chuck swallows hard, “Yes, well, you have a point. Perhaps I acted impetuously. I was only thinking of you. I didn’t want you to be upset.
Obviously, I did that wrong.”
Sarah smiles, “It’s okay Baby.” She slides into his lap. “Just tell me the truth.”
Chuck spits it out, “I gave Casey all three addresses. They won’t be back until they get pictures of all three of them.”
Sarah holds Chuck’s cheek in her left hand. “Okay, that makes sense. Take it slow and easy. Keep Sarah from going off half-cocked. Thanks Hon,
I appreciate you looking out for me. Keep secrets from me again and it will be a long stretch between toe-suckings. Do we have an understanding?”
Chuck nods, “Yes Hon, I should have known better.”
Sarah kisses him, “Thank you Chuck. I really do appreciate you looking out for me. I love you.”
Eleven days later, CI Industries, The Bartowski residence.
Chuck and Sarah are enjoying the last of their dinner, “Sarah, every meal you make is better than the last.”
Sarah smiles as she clears the table, “Thanks Hon, it’s nice to be appreciated for something other than being a good shot.”
Chuck gets up and stands behind his wife. Her hands are full as he hugs her tight and kisses her neck. “I appreciate you so much more than just for your cooking.” He kisses her neck again.
“I’ll bet. You like having a wife that wants to practice all the time.”
Chuck laughs softly, “I can’t argue, that’s a nice thing. However, I was referring to having a best friend that I can talk to and who supports me no matter what.”
Sarah sighs. She drops the dishes on the table and turns. “How do you always say just the right thing?” She pulls his head down and kisses him hard. Chuck responds and presses her down to the table. They’re engrossed in what they’re doing, and don’t hear the door open.
“SHEESH, don’t you two ever stop?” Casey is standing in the doorway. His face is covered with a short beard. In his hand is a metal case.
Gretchen steps in behind him, “Give them a break Johnny, they gave up their privacy to take me in. Sorry guys, I used my code to get in, I didn’t want to disturb you. I guess that didn’t work out so well.”
Chuck falls into the chair behind him. Sarah sits up. Hidden by Sarah he pulls a napkin off the table to place in his lap. Sarah stands up and pulls down and smooths her short skirt. She surreptitiously stuffs her panties into her pocket. Her voice catches as she responds, “Ahem, no that’s fine Gretchen, this is your home. Good to see you back. Anybody hungry?”
Chuck looks up and nods his head hidden by her body. Sarah giggles. “We just finished dinner. Can I fix you guys something?”
Casey grunts, “Sarah Walker, superspy-housewife huh? Coffee if you’ve got it.”
Gretchen puts her bag down and heads towards the kitchen using a cane, “Relax Sarah, I’ll get it for Mr. clueless. He likes it black and bitter just like his outlook on life.” Casey grunts.
Chuck looks at Sarah and can see that she’s biting at the bit. Speaking softly, “Hang in there Hon, it won’t be much longer.” Sarah smiles at Chuck and mouths the words I love you. Chuck smiles and throws her a kiss. “So, tell me John, how’d the trip go?”
Casey flops into a seat at the table across from Chuck. Sarah slides into the chair next to her husband. She takes his hand and watches impatiently as Casey unwraps a cigar and puts it in his mouth.
She squeezes Chuck’s hand so hard he yelps. “John please, Sarah is about to take one of my favorite hands off.”
Casey shrugs, “Sounds like a personal problem.” Gretchen comes back in, balancing two cups of coffee, and sits down next to Casey. “Things went well. Red was great. Totally professional.”
Gretchen smiles, “Thanks Johnny, I had fun too.”
Sarah stares at the two of them. “Did you get the damn pictures?”
Casey smiles and pulls the metal case onto the table. He pulls out a camera affixed with a long-range lens. He’s clearly taking his time enjoying Sarah’s anxiety. He opens it, presses on the edge of the data card and it pops into his hand. “Tsk, Tsk New Bartowski. What’s the rush?” He drops the small data card on the table.
Chuck screams, “OW! Sarah my hand. If you let me go, I’ll get my computer so we can look at the pics.”
Sarah lets go, “Hurry Hon. Hurry, we’re so close.”
Chuck jumps up, goes to his desk, and grabs his laptop. Returning to the table he turns it on and puts his arm around Sarah while they wait for it to boot up. The lock screen opens, and he waits while his face is scanned. Sarah jumps up and starts to pace the dining room. Leaning forward he allows the retinal scanner to read his eye. When prompted, he enters his password. “One more minute, I need to be sure I’m air-gapped.”
Chuck picks up the data card and slides it into the slot. “Okay Baby, here we go.” Sarah runs over and stands behind him wrapping her arms around his neck.
Sarah grabs him tight when the first image appears, “No, no. That’s not him.”
Chuck scans through the images until he comes to a new face. Sarah smacks his shoulder. “Damn.”
Chuck cries out, “Ouch.”
“Sorry Hon, I’m a little on edge. That’s not him either. Crap, I knew it this whole thing was a wild goose chase. I’ll never be safe from that asshole.”
Chuck moves through the images until he stops on a new face. Sarah stands straight up and gasps. “It’s him, Chuck that’s him. You found him.
You’re the best nerd ever.”
Tears streaming down her face She hurries around the table to hug Casey. She plants a kiss on his cheek. “John Casey, I love you.”
Casey pulls her arms off. “Damn it New Bartowski, you promised no hugging for a month. Original Bartowski Get your woman under control.”
Sarah laughs and grabs Gretchen pulling her out of her chair. “I’m so happy you’re here. I love you, Gretchen. I’m so lucky to have a friend like you.”
Gretchen hugs her back. “No, Sarah, I’m the lucky one. You saved my life.”
Sarah turns while still holding Gretchen. “Baby, can you make us safe? It’s time the rest of our family knows what’s going on.”
Chuck gets up and presses a hidden button under his desk in the adjoining area. The security protocols fall into place. “All set Baby. The stage is yours. Sarah, do you want to wait until Morgan and Alex are here?”
Casey pulls the cigar out of his mouth. “Not until I hear the story and decide if it will put them in danger.”
Sarah sits down next to Chuck, scooting her chair as close to him as she can get. She takes his hand. “Fair enough John. It starts at the beginning when I was recruited into the agency. After training I was assigned a handler; his name was Kiernan Ryker…” She tells the tale, “…so, after I figured out what he was up to I hid the baby, I named her Molly, with my Mom. She had fallen off the grid long before I was agency. He’s been trying to find Molly ever since. He considers her to be his retirement plan. I consider her to be my daughter…” She looks at Chuck “…our daughter. So, there it is. Now tell me where that bastard is. It’s been long enough. I want the rest of my family back.”
Casey nods, “I’m in, all the way, but let’s hold off on telling my kids until the threat is eliminated. He’s in Poland,in a suburb located on the west bank of the Vistula River. Lots of expats. Americans who want to live in a commie country, yechhh!”
Sarah sighs, tears roll down her cheeks. “I know the area. I did some work there… in another life. Thank you, all of you. I’m guessing I’m the luckiest girl ever, to have a family like you.”
Gretchen wipes the tears from her eyes, “Why didn’t you tell me. You didn’t have to carry this all alone. The CATS could have tracked him down.” Sarah smiles, “I’m glad I have you now, but you forget Amy. Someone got to her and then there was the…um…”
Gretchen finishes for her “… the fact that I couldn’t be trusted to act safely. I get it. But we’re here now. Boss, time to put that genius brain to use.
We need a plan.”
Chuck nods, “I’ll come up with something. Right now, you need to get some rest. Plus, unless my nose is lying to me, Casey needs a shower… or two. I need some cuddle time with my wife, and we all need some time to be sure we’re calm and thinking clearly.
Casey if you want to keep Morgan and Alex clear of this, it’s up to you to deal with it. Let them know that they’ll be running the company until further notice. Maggie will be in charge of Cyber Services. Okay folks let’s get some sleep. I’m going to want a full situational briefing first thing in the morning.”
Chuck stands, “Oh one more thing. Do I need to know anything about you two before we operate?”
Gretchen smiles, “Nothing to know. We’re good. Right Johnny?”
Casey snorts, “The guy who couldn’t keep his hands off his partner is questioning me about my sex life. We’re good. Red was a good partner out there. She doesn’t need me complicating her life right now.”
Gretchen smiles, “Johnny was a gentleman the entire trip. I’m starting to think Chuck may be a good influence on him.” Casey grunts
“Okay team, see you in the morning, maybe I can convince Sarah to make one of her gourmet breakfasts.”
Chuck is fast asleep when something wakes him up. He lifts his head to find Sarah’s back to him. As he wakes, he realizes the sound that woke him is Sarah sobbing. He places his hand on her shoulder. “Hon, what’s going on?”
Sarah quickly rolls over and buries her face in Chuck’s chest, “Baby, I’m so happy. I don’t know what to do. I’m terrified, I don’t deserve to be happy. I’m scared I’m going to lose it all. I can’t lose my family. Chuck, I can’t lose you.”
He holds her close, “I get it Sarah. Trust me I understand.” Chuck sighs. “Baby I need to say something, and I need you to hear all of it, okay?”
Sarah nods against his chest. “I know what you mean because I felt it. When we were apart…”
Sarah sobs louder, “Oh Baby, I’m so sorry I hurt you like that. I don’t know how you could ever forgive me.”
“Sarah, hush, listen. When we were apart, we had to live with A Heart Torn in two. It wasn’t easy. It hurt every single day. I think you experienced the same thing. I believed that we were meant to be together. I know that for sure now.
I refuse to live in the fear that I might lose you again. I prefer to push that aside so that I can put my energy into enjoying every moment we have together. I’m focused on the life we’re building.
So, here’s my offer. You hold on tight, and I’ll hold on even tighter and we’ll always be together. We’re going to spend holidays with our family. All of them. Ellie, Devon, Clara, Casey and the Grimes, the twins, your mom and mine, Molly, Gretchen.” You have my word we’ll all be together. Let’s not forget the new, new Bartowskis that aren’t here yet.
Baby you’ve done so much good, Saved so many people. Sarah it’s okay to believe that you deserve to be happy. The things you did aren’t on you. They’re on the people who used you and took advantage of you. That’s all over. You have so many people who love you. Not for what you do, but for who you are.”
Sarah buries her face in chuck’s neck. She whispers, “I’m so lucky to have you. Thank you for loving me Baby.”
Chuck pulls her in tight and kisses the top of her head. “Do you think you can get some sleep now? We have an important mission ahead of us.”
Sarah snuggles into his body, “Mmmm, smart, warm, and brave. I definitely married up. I’m gonna make you a delicious breakfast when we wake up.”
Chuck smiles, “I guess Momma is right, food is love.”
“Nope, she’s wrong. Chuck Bartowski is love. I get the honor of feeding him. Sleep well love.”
A/N Are you hooked yet? Look if you’re bored, I can stop here. I’m lying, It’s already written. You’ll see it here soon. Thanx for reading. I would love if you left me a short comment or maybe even a vote.