Chapter 10: Smear Tactics

A/N: It occurred to me while writing this arc in the story, I haven't highlighted the fact that Chuck is a genius. So…what better way to reflect that than a crisis?

Special thanks to charahkids for serving as the Beta reader for this story.

Maison23, January 17, 2011

"Chuck, listen to me. I don't want you to come over here. The paparazzi is everywhere." Sarah said frantically.

Sarah, I don't care what the tabloids are saying about you. I need to see you. You're not alone in this. Chuck pleaded.

"No." Sarah said, a little more harshly than she intended. "Chuck…I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped. It's just…I don't want you to have to be subjected to all this. If you come here, they will be all over you. Just…trust me, okay? Stay at home until this blows over."

Chuck sighed. Okay. I'll respect your wishes. But Sarah…I don't give a damn about the tabloids. All I care about is you.

Sarah blinked away tears, replying softly. "I know. I just don't want you to have to deal with all this."

Chuck spoke solemnly. Sarah, anything that you're going through, I'm going through. Just…remember that I love you, okay? Nothing else matters.

Sarah choked back a sob. "I love you too, Chuck. Please tell me you didn't watch that video."

No, I haven't watched it. Sarah, I know it isn't you. We've talked about this already. Even if it was you, I don't care. That happened long before we met. Chuck said firmly.

Sarah smiled sadly. "I love you so much, Chuck. I'm sorry."

Chuck spoke reassuringly. I love you too, Sarah. You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm not going anywhere. When you're ready, I'll be here.

Entertainment Today

Nancy Odelle read through her questions for the third time. This was a big scoop, and she wanted this interview to go smoothly.

Sitting across from her, Cole Barker smiled at the assistant fitting him with a microphone.

As the interview began, Nancy fired off the most important question first. "Cole, are the allegations true? Did Sarah Walker cheat on you when the two of you were together?"

Cole answered calmly. "Absolutely."

"Do you have any way of proving it?" Odelle asked.

"Well, not really. I mean, she and I had busy schedules, but the fact that when we were together, our…love life was non-existent was the first sign there was a problem." Barker said in a suave tone.

Odelle narrowed her eyes. "What about the video? We can't see faces. Is Sarah in the video?"

Cole smiled. "It's hard to say. But, the allegations make perfect sense with the way we began to drift apart. It's sad, really."

Odelle blinked. "What about several of your co-stars saying you were sleeping with them?"

Cole shrugged. "It's true. But, only after Sarah and I started drifting away. I wasn't going to sit around and wait."

Odelle blinked rapidly. This guy is full of shit. "Cole, I have to ask. All of this surfaced just days after an altercation in a LA night club between Sarah Walker, Carina Miller, and Zondra Rizzo, not to mention an unknown brunette we haven't been able to identify. Do you think this is Carina or Zondra's doing in some sort of retaliation?"

"I don't know, Nancy. All I know is if someone has come forward and claimed to have a sex tape, I'm not surprised." Cole said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Zondra's Condo

Carina barged right in Zondra's condo, throwing her purse on a nearby table. "Zondra, what the fuck is going on? Are you behind this? You and I both know Sarah never cheated on Cole Barker."

Zondra shrugged. "What if I told you I am?"

"Why?" Carina said, her anger brewing. "What did Sarah ever do to you to deserve to be slandered like this?"

Zondra's smile turned wicked. "I'm tired of taking second place to her. First, it was Cole, and she knew I wanted him. So, now I want this guy she's dating. Nothing long term, I'll just use him up and toss him aside like every other guy I've ever been with."

Carina shook her head. "She's your friend, Zondra!"

"No, she's your friend, Carina." Zondra shot back. "Little Miss Goody Two Shoes Sarah can see what it feels like to live in the gutter for a while."

Carina shook her head angrily. "This is insane. You're insane. I won't let you do this to Sarah."

As Carina stormed out of the condo, Zondra laughed. "Then you can join her."

Shaw came out of the bedroom with a sinister smile, went to the bar, and poured two glasses of Bourbon on ice. He approached Zondra, handing her a glass.

"Well, that went well." Smiled Shaw.

"She's weak. She always had a soft spot for Sarah. I never really liked her. I only tolerate her because we make a good team when we're out looking to get laid and then dump these guys pathetic asses. I love a good conquest." Said Zondra with a devilish grin.

"You are a bad, bad girl." Taking another sip of his drink.

"Yeah, well, being bad gets the most attention, power, and money."

"My ratings are going to go through the roof." Laughed Shaw.

"And I'll get my sweet revenge on that Goody Two Shoes tramp, Sarah." Joining Shaw in his laugh.

With hunger in her eyes, Zondra crashed her lips into Shaw. She then growled and said. "Let's celebrate this wonderful plan, and I know the best way to do it."

Shaw smiled and said. "Like I said, you're a bad bad girl...I like it."

"You'll like me even more with what I'm about to do to you." Smiled Zondra.

Maison23

Sarah stared at her phone trying not to cry again. It had been 3 days since she last saw Chuck.

Sarah was now in a deep state of depression. She only corresponded by text to Alex and Verbanski, who agreed to temporarily run her businesses. It was now to the point she dreaded talking to Chuck. He tried to sound upbeat, but she could sense his sadness. He really didn't deserve to be subjected to all this, and Sarah cursed herself for allowing her past to catch up to her.

"Maybe it would be best if I left town for a while." Sarah mused out loud.

Sarah stared at the pictures from Paris on her cell phone through teary eyes. "We were going to start our life together. Everything felt so perfect, and then this had to happen."

Sarah choked back a sob. "I miss you, Chuck. I miss you so much."

Sarah took a cleansing breath, got dressed, and put on a ball cap. She snuck out of the side entrance of her apartment building, and walked briskly to her car. She slipped inside, and calmly exited the parking lot.

Headquarters, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, Camp Pendleton, California

Sergeant Major Davis knocked before entering Casey's Office. "Permission to enter, Colonel."

"Granted. Come in, Sergeant Major." Said Casey, dropping his pen.

Davis motioned for a television in the lounge. "Bartowski's dating that former model, Sarah Walker, right?"

"Yeah." Casey said, narrowing his eyes.

Davis stepped aside. "You'll want to see this, Sir."

Casey strolled into the lounge, and a number of officers and non-commissioned officers assigned to HQ were glued to the screen. They all knew Chuck, and served with him.

"A sex tape? No fucking way!" Bellowed Gunnery Sergeant Gonzales.

Staff Sergeant McClusky, who is alive today because of Chuck's actions at Fallujah, slammed his fist on a table. "Why do they even show stuff like this!?"

"Damn. Poor Chuck." Whispered Captain Pete Amos, who commanded Bravo Company, Chuck's Company in Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Washington shook his head in disbelief. "Cole Barker is full of shit. I'm never watching another one of his shitty movies."

Casey sighed, and spoke with authority. "Alright! Settle down, Devil Dogs!"

The room grew quiet, with everyone shaking their heads in disbelief.

"Sergeant Major!" Bellowed Casey.

Davis snapped to attention. "SIR!"

Casey replied in his command tone. "Clear this fucking room."

"Aye, aye, Sir! Alright you bastards, beat it! GO! GET THE HELL OUT OF MY LOUNGE!" Sergeant Major Davis bellowed.

After the room cleared, Casey glanced at Davis. "I'll check on Bartowski."

"I'll make sure everyone stands down, Colonel." Davis said, folding his arms.

Casey nodded. Davis called out to Casey's departing form. "Colonel?"

"Yes, Sergeant Major?"

"All you have to do is say the word, Sir." Said Davis.

Casey grunted solemnly. "Let's make sure Bartowski has things in hand before this entire Battalion invades Los Angeles."

The moment Casey sat back at his desk, his phone rang. "Colonel Casey."

Colonel Casey. Good morning. I have good news. The Chief of Naval Operations handed Chuck's citation to the President this morning. We are a go. Said Brigadier General Diane Beckman.

Casey sighed. "General, have you seen the news?"

Beckman sighed. Unfortunately. On our end, it doesn't matter. Bartowski hasn't been mentioned in the tabloids, so we're ignoring the situation with his girlfriend. Our concern is recognizing one of our own, not the dalliances of celebrity bimbos who can't keep their damn skirts on.

Casey grunted. "Understood, General."

Beckman's tone turned motherly. How is he, Colonel?

"He's a tough kid, General. He's moving around a lot better. Get this. Walker hired a former DI as Bartowski's physical therapist. Former Marine Gunner named Verbanski. Pushed boots at MCRD San Diego for a while." Casey said, signing an order, then placing it in the Sergeant Major's tray.

It sounds to me like Walker really cares about Bartowski. Beckman said. Alright. I'll call you once the President approves the citation. It will probably take a few days. Public Affairs has the story ready to go. Hopefully, the nonsense with this…Sarah Walker will be old news soon.

Beckman paused. Do your men know?

Casey grunted annoyed. "Yes, General. I have them on a leash. Nothing to worry about."

Beckman sighed. Make sure it's a short leash, Colonel. Especially when they find out Chuck will soon be a Medal of Honor recipient.

Casey grunted solemnly. "Roger that, General."

Echo Park

Sarah slipped into the Morgan Door, and quickly stripped herself down to her underwear and shirt. Chuck was sound asleep, and she almost cried at how troubled he looked.

Sarah knelt next to the bed, and ran her fingers through Chuck's hair. Chuck's eyes popped open, and he sat up.

"Sarah?"

Sarah lunged into Chuck's arms, sobbing. "Oh, Chuck…"

Chuck pulled Sarah into bed, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, sitting in his lap. Chuck ran his hands through Sarah's hair lovingly.

"Shhh. Sarah, I'm right here. Everything is going to be fine, I promise."

Sarah choked out through her sobs. "I…I thought I would lose you over this."

Chuck spoke reassuringly. "That will never happen. Do you understand me?"

Chuck took Sarah's face in his hands, and gently thumbed away her tears. "Sarah, I need to say something. After we last talked...I watched the video. Nothing about this feels right. It's a little too convenient this video was released not long after the incident at the club."

Sarah looked scared, but turned puzzled when Chuck smiled. "It's not you."

Sarah blinked. "How can you be certain?"

Chuck gently touched Sarah's ankle. "You have a small scar on your right ankle from a childhood accident. I took a screenshot, and enhanced the image. It's not you."

Chuck grabbed the photo from the night stand. "Aaaaaaand, ankle bracelets aren't your thing."

Sarah's eyes widened in shock. "Chuck, that's brilliant!"

Sarah took a steady breath, grabbed Chuck's face, and peppered his face with kisses, muttering "I love you" over and over. Chuck chuckled softly, and pulled Sarah into a hug.

"See? Never underestimate the power of the Nerd Herd." Chuck winked after the comment.

Sarah blinked, then let out a wet laugh. It felt great laughing for a change, instead of crying uncontrollably. "I never had a doubt."

Chuck held up a finger. "I got the video from Jeff and Lester. Lester is a lingerie buff…" Chuck trailed as Sarah narrowed her eyes.

"Uh…anyway, the individual is also wearing stockings from Frederick's of Hollywood. You, on the other hand, only wear stockings from Agent Provocateur." Chuck spoke the last sentence in a fake French accent.

Sarah smirked. "I don't know whether to be impressed, or disturbed. Lester is never to visit our place. Ever. He seems like the type who raids women's panties."

This time, Chuck let out a wet laugh. "Deal. No Jeff and Lester at our place. Ever. Denied. No admittance. Nada."

Sarah swatted Chuck's chest playfully. "I seem to recall, you like my choice in lingerie." Sarah leaned forward, and suckled Chuck's ear.

Chuck's eyes widened, and he yelped. "Yep. I'm a fan. A big, big fan, in fact. Is…is it hot in here to you?"

Sarah grinned devilishly. "Chuck. Sweetheart. It's about to get even hotter." Sarah slowly pulled her shirt off, leaving her in a corset and matching panties.

Chuck yelped. "Oh…zoiks!"

Sarah spoke breathless, as she gently pushed Chuck to his back. "I missed you so much."

Sarah began trailing kisses down Chuck's neck, and smiled at the dumbfounded look on his face.

Chuck babbled like an idiot. "I, I, I, missed you too. A lot, in fact. I was just thinking to myself...oh God…how great it would be to see you, and here you are! In the flesh! Sarah is in the house!"

Sarah lifted herself. "Chuck?"

"Yeah?" Chuck smiled sheepishly.

"Shut up, and kiss me." Sarah crashed her lips into Chuck's, kissing him hungrily.

Sarah gently lifted Chuck's shirt, and began trailing kisses down his chest, and abdomen.

"Sarah…Sarah…what are you…oooohhhhhhhhhh my loooooorrrrrrdddddddd."

One Hour Later…

Sarah rested her head in her hand, gently rubbing Chuck's chest, sighing in content. "Maybe we need to wait a few days between making love. That was intense."

Chuck stared at Sarah with wide eyes. "And let you act like a caged animal? Not that I'm complaining, but from what you just displayed, I think half a day is your vow of chastity."

Sarah laughed, and buried her face in Chuck's chest, then stared at him through her eyelashes. "I can't get enough of you. So what?"

Chuck winked. "Admitting you have an addiction is the first step to recovery. In this case, I don't think there's a cure."

"Oh, there's a cure alright." Sarah said, as she straddled her boyfriend, rubbing her hands on his chest. "Ready for round 2?"

Chuck's eyes widened in shock. "Sure! Sure…but…babe…Ellie and Awesome's shifts end soon."

Sarah leaned forward. "Then we'd better hurry."

The next morning, after Ellie and Sarah exchanged the usual 'I know what you did last night' looks, Chuck sat at the table with a look as though he was planning the Iraq invasion. When he spoke, he sounded almost like a General. Or in Chuck's case, an Admiral.

"Okay. We can assume Zondra, Carina, or both are behind this. I'm thinking retaliation for that bar room brawl." Chuck said in a confident tone.

Sarah nodded, and took a seat with a cup of coffee. "You know…Zondra and Carina both wear stockings from Frederick's of Hollywood."

Chuck and Sarah exchanged knowing looks. Ellie narrowed her eyes.

Sarah saw Ellie's look, and smiled sheepishly. "Uh…Chuck and his Nerd Herd guys figured out the person in the video is wearing stockings from Frederick's of Hollywood."

Ellie nodded. "Ah. And you wear Agent Provocateur."

Sarah blinked. "Seriously, Ellie. You are the most observant human being I've ever met."

Ellie shrugged. "No, not really. I mixed up our stockings in the last wash. We have similar tastes in undergarments, it seems."

Ellie glanced at Chuck, and leaned forward. "By the way, I love the corset you were wearing last night. Can I borrow it sometime?"

Chuck choked on his coffee. "Hot…hot coffee."

Sarah's jaws dropped. "Ellie!"

Ellie winked. "Devon and I got home early. Sorry."

Chuck narrowed his eyes. "Is that so, Peeping Jane? Did you get a good look at my ass while you were at it?"

Ellie laughed. "Guys, I'm sorry. I saw Sarah going to the restroom. I didn't peek, I promise."

Chuck shook his head, and took a sip of coffee. "Alright. Now that you have thoroughly embarrassed Sarah and I, let's get back on track. We have a motive, so, that just leaves evidence."

Sarah sighed. "I have pictures on a USB drive I took of Cole when I caught him cheating."

Chuck nodded in understanding. "Let's hand them over to the media. Sarah, that alone pokes some pretty big holes in Cole's credibility."

Ellie snapped her fingers. "Sarah, give them your itinerary for your modeling gigs. From what you told me, there wasn't much time for you to do anything except travel, sleep, photo shoots, or catwalks."

Sarah's eyes widened in realization. "Guys, this is perfect!"

Chuck folded his arms, and winked at Ellie. "What can we say? We Bartowskis are pretty slick."

Sarah stood up, hugged Ellie, kissed Chuck on the cheek, and ran to the shower. "I'll get dressed. Chuck, we're going downtown."

Ellie threw a napkin at Chuck. "Show-off."

Entertainment Today

"Nancy, you're not going to believe this." Said Rachel, Nancy Odelle's assistant.

"I'm listening." Nancy said, removing her glasses.

"Sarah Walker is here to see you." Rachel said with a smile.

"Oh, shit! Show her in!" Nancy said frantically.

Sarah strolled into the office. Nancy shook her hand. "Sarah, it's good to see you. How are you?"

Sarah took a seat, and crossed her legs. "Nancy, let's get down to business. I'm here to respond to these allegations."

Nancy nodded. "Absolutely. Listen, how about a live interview tonight?"

Sarah held up a hand. "I'll be glad to sit down with you and tell you my side of the story, under one condition."

Nancy furrowed her brow. "Sarah, you know I'm a reporter. I make my living giving scoops to the public."

"I understand that, and I can respect that." Sarah said, pausing to collect her thoughts. "I'm in a relationship with a wonderful guy. He's not a celebrity, but he is an Armed Forces Veteran, and he was severely wounded in Afghanistan. He's had a hard time readjusting to civilian life. My boyfriend and I talked about this, and I'll disclose his name, but I would appreciate keeping your distance from him." Sarah said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Nancy plopped down in her chair. "Sarah…I…"

Nancy looked away. "Wow. Sarah, I'm going to be honest. I've done some digging of my own, and I don't believe these allegations. I pride myself on reporting the facts, not hearsay. I didn't believe a word of Cole Barker's interview. He evaded my questions, and didn't produce the first solid fact. Not to mention this sex tape doesn't show faces."

Sarah leaned forward. "I don't wear ankle bracelets, and if you do your homework, the lady on her back is wearing stockings from Frederick's of Hollywood. I only shop at Agent Provocateur." Sarah smiled after the statement.

Nancy nodded, and began jotting down Sarah's facts. "That's brilliant. Who figured that out?"

Sarah smiled. "My amazing boyfriend."

Nancy paused, and made eye contact with Sarah. She closed her eyes, and dropped her pen. "That's what bothers me about this business. What we report effects people's lives."

Sarah leaned back, taking a steady breath. "If it were left up to me, I wouldn't give any of you an interview. Not after you, and every other tabloid turned my life upside down."

Nancy blinked. "Sarah, I'm sorry."

Sarah huffed in frustration. "I made it easy for you, so I can't blame the tabloids. I made a lot of mistakes back then, but I am simply trying to move on with my life. I own two businesses, I met someone very special, and I just want my life back."

Nancy nodded in understanding. "Okay. I'll report what you've given me tonight. How soon can we do an interview? Sarah…you deserve to tell your story."

Sarah stood up. "Soon. I promise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have two business to run, and I need to spend a little quality time with my boyfriend."

"Sarah, can I meet him? I'd love to interview the both of you." Nancy inquired.

I'm sure you'd "love" to meet him. Fat chance, lady. "We'll see." Sarah said, before exiting Nancy's office.

Maison23, That Night

Sarah sprang across the living room when she heard a knock on the door. She was expecting Chuck any minute, who was bringing dinner by. Worried that Sarah hadn't eaten much lately in her depressed state, he went out to get her a hot meal.

Sarah opened the door, hoping to thank her boyfriend properly with a searing kiss, but her smile turned to a scowl when she stared face-to-face with Carina.

"What are you doing here?" Sarah asked in an annoyed tone.

Carina fidgeted with her hands, unsure of herself. "I was wondering if we could talk."

Sarah sighed, crossing her arms. "Now is not a good time."

Carina took a steady breath. "Sarah…it's me in the video."

Sarah's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"I'm the one in the video. I…slept with Cole on a number of occasions. He gave me the video in exchange for sleeping with him again." Carina said sadly.

Sarah took a steady breath, and closed her eyes. "I trusted you."

"I know. I was an idiot. He came onto me while you were in Paris for Fashion Week a few years back. We ran into one another at an after-party for one of his premieres." Carina said in a soft tone.

Sarah huffed in frustration. "Come in."

Carina nodded, and stepped inside, stopping just inside the door. "Sarah, I'm sorry for what happened the other night. I was drunk, and stupid. I shouldn't have insulted your boyfriend, or his sister."

Sarah motioned for the sofa. "You need to stop hanging around with Zondra. She's a basket case."

Carina took a seat. "Have you heard?"

"Heard what?" Sarah asked in a confused tone.

"I went public about the video. The tabloids should have ran the story tonight." Carina said sadly. "There goes my career."

Sarah sighed. "You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did. Sarah, you were always there for me. I consider you a friend, and I feel terrible about sleeping with Cole. I betrayed your trust, and I'm sorry." Carina said pleadingly.

Sarah smiled sadly. "Carina, we were best friends. The truth is…I'm not angry about this. I knew Cole was sleeping around, that doesn't surprise me."

Sarah paused to collect her thoughts. "I forgive you. I'm not going to hide from my past anymore. It's time to move on with my life."

Carina studied Sarah. "You seem to be doing well. Sarah, I have never seen you so happy. You look like you're glowing. Part of my…idiotic attitude the other night is…I was jealous. I'm unhappy."

Sarah smiled. "I left modeling to start over. I started my businesses to stay busy because I was so unhappy with my life. I wasn't proud of the things I've done, and I simply wanted to disappear."

Carina spoke softly. "What made you happy?"

Sarah's glowing smile practically lit the room. "Chuck. Carina, I have never been so happy my entire life. He is a gift."

Carina smiled. "Tell me about him."

Sarah nodded. "In 2009, he was severely wounded serving in Afghanistan. He was a Navy medic. It…took a while for him to be able to walk again, and he has to use a cane."

Sarah glanced away smiling. "It was like any typical day. I was taking inventory at the Orange Orange, and this…guy who came in every day and harassed my employees was being a lot more obnoxious than normal. He was leaving, and ran into Chuck. He threatened Chuck, and that was all I could take. I went out there, the guy grabbed me, and Chuck took the guy down, hard. The guy left, and the moment I looked in Chuck's eyes…I was spellbound. He had literally kicked the bully's ass, but he was so humble about it. He apologized to me for causing a scene."

Wow, this is some guy. He's a national hero. Sarah's very lucky. Wonder if he has a brother.

Carina smiled and leaned forward, clearly interested. "What happened next?"

"We talked, and I practically gave him an open door to ask me out. He's not just adorably handsome, he's modest. He thought I was out of his league…so I asked him out. We officially started dating two months later, although we grew very close before we became a couple."

Sarah sighed. "Our first date was so magical. We went to dinner, saw a live band, then we spent hours at the Griffith Observatory just…talking and staring out over the city. We ended up at a beach in Malibu, and talked all night. Carina, he went out of his way to make that night all about me. He practically swept me off my feet."

Sarah blushed. "That night was our first kiss. He was so gentle, caring, and kind. I've never met anyone like him."

Sarah made eye contact with Carina. "I'm in love with him. After that night...I knew I was falling in love with him."

Carina winked. "That's what's different about you. You're in love."

Sarah smiled. "Yes. I'm in love."

Sarah reached out and took Carina by the hand. "Carina, please tell me the truth. Is Zondra behind this?"

Carina nodded. "I didn't realize how crazy she is. She was trying to smear you in the media, and cause Chuck to leave you."

There was a gentle knock at the door. Sarah smiled. "Well, she failed."

Sarah stood up. "I'd like for you to meet Chuck."

Sarah opened the door, and gave Chuck a quick kiss, helping him with the bags of take-out. "Wow. Chuck, you didn't have to buy the whole restaurant."

Chuck shrugged. "I'm embarrassed. I forgot to ask what you wanted to eat tonight, so I called an audible. Samples of the usual suspects."

Carina watched in amazement as Sarah grabbed her heart, smiled, gave an 'aw', and hugged Chuck close, before giving him a gentle kiss. "Chuck, that's so sweet of you."

Chuck replied softly. "I was worried about you, Sarah."

Sarah tightened her hold. "I know. I'm sorry I told you to stay away."

Chuck noticed Carina, and narrowed his eyes. "I see you have company."

Sarah broke the hug, and grabbed Chuck's hand. "Chuck, I would like you to meet Carina Miller. Carina, this is my boyfriend, Chuck."

Carina stood, and held out her hand. Sarah wasn't kidding…oh my God, he's cute! "It's a pleasure to meet you, Chuck."

Chuck smiled. "Likewise, Carina."

Chuck glanced at Sarah. "Sarah, I can leave if the two of you need to talk."

Sarah kissed Chuck on the cheek. "You're staying. You're part of this conversation too."

Chuck nodded. "Okay. Carina, there's plenty of food here. Dig in."

Sarah retrieved plates and silverware, and bottles of water.

Carina stared Chuck in the eyes. "Chuck…I owe you and your sister an apology for the other night. Alcohol makes people say and do some pretty dumb things."

Chuck glanced at Sarah, who gave him a smile, and a nod. "I understand. I appreciate your apology, Carina."

Chuck helped Sarah sat places. Carina blinked. "That's it? No…cussing me out, or giving me a hard time?"

Chuck looked confused. "Why would I do that? You apologized. I accept your apology. You also apologized to Sarah, otherwise you wouldn't be here. If you're expecting me to make you stand on your head, and recite the alphabet while touching your nose, I'm not that vindictive."

Sarah snorted. Carina blinked, and held her mouth to stifle her laughter. Carina glanced at Sarah. "He's a regular comedian, huh?"

"He has his moments." Sarah said, kissing Chuck on the cheek.

Chuck smirked. "Maybe I should make you stand on your head and recite the alphabet, missy."

Sarah replied playfully. "Make me."

Chuck grinned. "Did you know Sarah is ticklish?"

Chuck grabbed Sarah, pulled her to his waist, and tickled her. Sarah laughed, and squirmed in his lap. Sarah turned, and captured Chuck's lips, swatting him playfully after he stopped. Carina watched the playful exchange with a grin.

Chuck laughed, and passed Sarah one of the food trays. She thanked him with her eyes, and prepared her plate.

Carina took a breath. "Chuck…I'm sure the video caused you a great deal of pain. It wasn't Sarah. It was me, and Cole Barker."

Sarah smiled. "Carina, Chuck figured it out. You wear ankle bracelets."

Carina furrowed her brow. "Huh?"

Chuck shrugged. "Sarah doesn't wear ankle bracelets. You can clearly see an ankle bracelet in the video."

Carina glanced away. "Wow. That's very observant."

Sarah glanced at Chuck. "Should we tell her the rest of your findings?"

Chuck smiled. "Nah. I don't think that's important."

Chuck turned mischievous. "I do have one question for you though, Carina. Did you take gymnastics in your youth? That position you were in looked a little tricky to pull off."

Carina blinked, and let out a wet laugh. Sarah was already heaving in laughter.

Chuck grinned. "What? It's an honest question. I mean, any normal person would have ruptured a disk or something like that. Ending up in the ER for an hour of fun isn't how I want to end a date. Just sayin'."

Sarah heaved in laughter, mostly because Carina was taking Chuck's good-natured jabs in the manner it was intended. To end the tension in the room, and make her feel at ease. She knew Carina had a good sense of humor, and was being a good sport about it.

Carina shook her head amused. "This guy's sharp, Sarah. Not much gets past him, does it?"

Sarah winked. "That's my guy."

Chuck laughed, then turned serious. "Carina, Zondra was behind this, wasn't she?"

Carina nodded. "Yeah. She was trying to break up you and Sarah out of spite, and move in to use you."

Chuck leaned back in his seat. "Wow. She's a basket case, isn't she?"

"You have no idea." Carina said. "Zondra has a serious ego problem. She gets off on having guys fall for her, having her way with them, and tossing them aside. She's twisted."

Chuck nodded in understanding. "Well, I hate she wasted her time. A video tape isn't going to run me off. Besides, even if I was high on LSD and drunk off my ass, I still wouldn't find her attractive. She's a walking billboard for plastic surgery gone wrong."

Sarah and Carina laughed. After settling down, Sarah folded her arms.

"It's time to fight back." Sarah said in a determined tone.

Chuck made eye contact with Sarah. "What are you going to do?"

Sarah sighed. "I'm going public, and telling my side of the story. I'm through running from my past. It's time to face it, and move forward."

Chuck took Sarah by the hand. "Do you need me to do anything?"

Sarah smiled. "Sweetie, you're doing it. Just being here is all I need. Thank you."

Carina spoke calmly. "I think that's a wise move, Sarah. You deserve to have your say."

Entertainment Today, Next Day

"Good evening, everyone, thank you for joining us. We have a very special guest joining us for an exclusive interview. She left modeling to start over. Recently, she was back in the headlines for an altercation at a night club. Please welcome, Sarah Walker." Said Nancy Odelle, before glancing at Sarah.

"Sarah, thank you for joining us."

Sarah smiled. "It's a pleasure to be here, Nancy."

Nancy leaned forward. "Sarah, you've never spoken openly about what happened with Cole Barker, the time after that, and what's going on with you now. Would you like to share your story?"

Sarah spoke determined. "I would. It's time to set the record straight."

Sarah paused. "You know, I don't think I'll discuss Cole Barker. He's not worth talking about."

A/N: I intentionally change the names of media outlets, and known figures, such as reporters, for the purposes of a story.

Marine CWOs are affectionately called "Gunner."