5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 22
It was a little more than two hours later when Xavier emerged from his scheduled meeting, and made his way into a nearby office, directed there by Melissa. Upon making his way into the room, Mr. Jones rose to his feet to greet him. "Morning Carter, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."
"Not at all, Xavier." Carter said in response. "Even if you had kept me waiting, I would've had no grounds to object given the impromptu nature of this meeting. I hope this isn't going to throw your schedule off."
"If it would've, Thomas never would've told you to come as he undoubtedly checked my schedule for the day with my assistant." Xavier replied as he took a seat across from him, setting his file on the table. "Shouldn't you be back in New York by now as there have already been multiple flights back."
"I should've, yet once I called one of the senior lawyers at the firm, she felt it best I stay and handle this situation in person." Carter told him as he sat back down, before handing him a folder. "I take it you're aware Blaine had a few special guests join him on stage last night." Xavier couldn't help but smile. "Silly question."
"No, it wasn't as I'm not always aware of what's going on in their lives, regardless of the fact we're discussing my son and son-in-law." Xavier said to him. "Particularly when it comes to what Blaine does during a performance. More often than not, I learn about these things either as they happen or shortly thereafter." Carter nodded. "I should've asked this earlier, but does Kurt know you're here speaking with me?"
"He does, and while he's not pleased about it given how he feels about you, but Burt essentially told him he needed to trust I'd act in his best interest."
"His reaction doesn't surprise me as he's had no issue stating how he feels regarding my presence in this case." Xavier said to him. "Now the big question, how did your client find out about this given the premiere part was invitation only?"
"The very question that came to my mind after receiving the call I did." Carter replied. "Mind you, Burt insisted he stay at their home last night in hopes of making sure he didn't shoot himself in the foot again."
"Well, he didn't vent on social media, so it's a start."
"That's only because Burt and Carole intervened." Carter told him.
"You've yet to answer my question Carter."
"Let's just say the program didn't account for everything."
"What didn't it account for?"
"The term of endearment Blaine's fans use when discussing Blaine and Sebastian as a couple."
"Seblaine." Xavier said, which clearly surprised Carter, yet he confirmed he was correct. "I might be older, but I'm not out of the loop on certain aspects of pop culture." He promptly added. "I should've made sure that term was on the list."
"No, I should've made sure it was, yet when I see the two of them it's not the first term that comes to mind."
"How did Burt find out about all this?"
"Heard Kurt throwing a fit, went to investigate and heard Blaine's voice when he entered the room. He then looked at the monitor and saw Blaine and Sebastian sitting next to one another on stage singing. Needless to say, Kurt didn't handle it well."
"So much for self-control."
"My sentiments exactly, as he had to clearly be searching the term."
"Now, what brings you here as I can't help but believe you have a purpose for wanting to meet with me?" Xavier said while making some notes to ensure he didn't forget little details when speaking with Sebastian and Blaine later.
"Before you ask, I already informed Miss Strauss as well as Judge Watkins office about what occurred as it would undoubtedly be in his therapist's report given he had to make a house call." Carter told him. "What I'm here to ask, is, do you think you can back me when I ask Judge Watkins not to throw him in lock up?"
It took quite a bit of control on Xavier's part not to laugh, as this was a moment his closeness to the case came into play. "That's a rather big request given what he's done, not to mention Julia will have a say in things as well."
"I know, but he needs help Xavier, help he won't get in jail."
"He has daily therapy, and it's not helping." Xavier stated causing Carter to rake his fingers through his hair in frustration since he knew it was true. "He's not taking it seriously as he feels there is nothing wrong with his behavior, feels…"
"Blaine's overreacting, I know." Carter said, before apologizing for interrupting. "I just firmly believe sending him to jail is simply going to further this feeling of unfairness he can't let go of."
"While I understand where you're coming from, the final call on that would-be Blaine's and Sebastian's, and, I highly doubt they'd be inclined to show him any leniency given what he's done."
"I get that, but, Blaine's already stated he wants to talk with him, try and settle this once and for all." Carter reminded him.
"That's an entirely different situation." Xavier told him. "This is an instance where he didn't go after Blaine and/or Sebastian publicly, he blatantly ignored what Judge Watkins told him. While they could make a statement, it's still Judge Watkins decision and he made it clear he has little patience left for Kurt's antics. Lest we forget the video from early yesterday of the tantrum he threw.
"That's precisely why I thought you could maybe get them to say something, as I feel they're the only two people's opinions Miss Strauss or Judge Watkins would even consider. I mean, at this point I…"
"You feel in over your head." When Carter merely looked at him, Xavier leaned back in his seat. "We've all been there, yet in these moments is when you have to dig deep, especially when your client is sabotaging himself."
"Miss Strauss told me something similar, last thing I expected, yet…"
"While I'm probably the last person you expected to hear that from, I don't hold you responsible for his actions. Kurt has proven time and again, he doesn't care what anyone has to say. It's why this issue isn't only being reviewed yearly since being put in place."
"Because he's been incapable of behaving since it was put in place." Carter said to him. "Just as this probably wouldn't have happened as quickly if he hadn't violated the terms of his divorce." He added. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel it was my last option Xavier, no matter how insane it sounds."
"You mean that the ex who he's essentially tormented is his only hope of staying out of jail."
"Essentially."
"Have you heard back from either office yet, as I have a feeling neither is not going to want to wait until next month to deal with this."
"No, but I know it's only a matter of time for the reason you stated." Carter replied. "Initially I wasn't even going to call his office, yet I was advised to get ahead of the situation on all fronts, even if it seems I'm betraying my client."
"Wise decision, particularly given how this has played out since its inception." Xavier told him. "Are you heading to the airport after this?"
"That's the plan, unless Kurt doesn't handle the news well and requests my presence. If that's the case, I'll be rescheduling my flight once again."
"For your sake, I hope you're heading straight to the airport from here. He should realize at this point, most of this situation is out of your control. You're basically doing damage control."
"I don't think that will ever be the case, as he feels I should be able to make this all go away."
"The closest this is going to get to going away, is when he learns Blaine wants nothing to do with him and stops obsessing over every little thing he does. Only then will we not find ourselves constantly in court."
"Something he's been told ample times, yet here we are." Carter said as he began to pack up his things. "Should they agree to help, do you think it would be possible for them to make their statements in person?"
"That would depend on when the hearing is, they are going away shortly after Sebastian graduates."
"I shouldn't be surprised given I did the same thing after I graduated, needed to decompress before one starts studying again." Carter told him as he rose from his seat. "Thank you again for agreeing to meet with me, or thank your partner for me for setting this up. I truly felt it was best we have this conversation in person."
"You are quite welcome, and I will let Thomas know you appreciate what he did." Xavier said once he was standing. "Just remember, not all cases are going to be like this one."
"I know, though it's something I have to constantly remind myself of." Carter replied. "Do you believe you'll be at the next court hearing or will Mr. Douglass be there?"
"Depends on when it is, along with what Blaine and Sebastian may have to say."
"Understood, again, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today." Carter said as he extended his hand, which Xavier took and shook.
"Not a problem." Xavier told him as they headed towards the door as he was going to walk him out. "Just remind your client, this is all his own doing, we're merely reacting."
"That's something I've had to say more than I care to admit." Carter replied. "Should anything else come up that I feel you need to know, I'll be in touch."
"Very well. Have a safe flight Carter."
"Thank you."
Once he was gone, Xavier turned to look at Melissa. "Call Julia Strauss at the New York District Attorney's office regarding the case against Kurt Hummel."
"Yes Mr. Smythe, I'll transfer the call to your office once I reach her." Melissa replied before tilting her head. "Are Sebastian and Blaine going to be alright?"
"Yes, though that's not a call I'm looking forward to making."
"Would you like me to call them after Miss Strauss?"
"No, that's a call I'll handle personally since right now Patrick and Kate are visiting with them. This isn't necessarily a call I want to make while they're there."
"Understandable." Melissa said in response. "Is there anything else you need me to do right now Mr. Smythe?"
"When you have a chance, go to the records room and bring me the file on Blaine's divorce. There are some issues I want to refresh my memory regarding."
"Yes Mr. Smythe."
While this was happening inside the office, Mr. Jones was making his way out to his rental car from where he'd make his call to Kurt. After getting situated, he took out his phone to make the call, one he hoped would end with him making the short drive to the airport to head home. He was preparing to leave a message when Kurt finally answered. "I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."
"You're not as my Dad felt it best I stay home today." Kurt told him. "Felt I wasn't in the best state to be dealing with people all day."
"Probably a good idea." Mr. Jones replied. "Mind if I ask what you're doing today?"
"Nothing until my scheduled therapist's appointment, and then onto community service. No different from any other day besides going to work. But mind you, I have to work an extended shift tomorrow to help make up for it since others had to cover for me today."
"Given how you were when I left you, I'd say it's a small price to pay. How are you feeling?"
"Fear not, I'm not yelling or throwing things any longer."
"Kurt, that's not what I meant."
"I think you all overreacted to my outburst last night. You all act as though I'm not supposed to be fazed by things they do. Last night they basically admitted everything I ever accused Blaine of."
"Just because they sang a song which lyrically implied they were been destined for each other, doesn't mean Blaine had an affair with Sebastian while the two of you were married." Mr. Jones told him, hiding his frustration as he did so. "The most it implied, was the connection between the two."
"One Blaine said didn't exist!" No sooner did Kurt respond, did Carter regret giving his opinion. "So, what did that bastard's father have to say?"
"Kurt!"
"I'd apologize, but we both know it would be a lie, so what did he have to say?"
"He'll talk to them, but promised no guarantees, much as I told you. Neither Blaine nor Sebastian have any reason to ask the court for leniency regarding your behavior."
"But I didn't post about them."
"Kurt, you do realize that little tantrum you threw Thursday morning which made it online, went viral, counts as talking badly about them, therefore violating the terms of your divorce." Carter reminded him. "It's simply a matter to what extent it's viewed by Miss Strauss and Judge Watkins. Much as I hate saying this, you should probably be prepared to be called to stand before Judge Watkins relatively soon."
"No, as I'm not due back there for a month."
"That was if you behaved. Judge Watkins made it clear, in no uncertain terms he was going to be watching you closely due to the attention the premiere would gather." He told Kurt. "Kurt, behaving during this last week would've been seen as you making strides in their eyes given the spotlight on Blaine this week."
"Maybe someone should've told Blaine not to act like a total jack-ass then! His attitude yesterday morning was no better than when he tried to make a point back in high school after he accused me of cheating on him." Kurt told him. "When what I was doing, was no different than what he was doing with his constant texting with Sebastian."
"Yet, you married him in the end."
"My mistake." Kurt replied as he flipped channels in hopes of finding something to watch.
"You fought the divorce Kurt."
"Why do you keep throwing this all back at me, I didn't do anything…"
"Don't alright, as I know more than enough of the dirty details related to this case. So, don't try and claim innocence with me." Carter stated rather firmly. "That attitude right there, is what got you in this situation. Did you even care what Blaine was doing with his life until you heard he was starting to make his name around town?"
"I don't see why that matters."
"You just proved my point for me." He said, and then heard Kurt gasp as he was clearly surprised by what was said to him. "I won't even get into how you reacted upon seeing him with Sebastian the first time."
"Smythe provoked me."
"Not according to the witness accounts. Again, I know what happened Kurt, you can't spin this on me. Now, for the foreseeable future, stay away from anything online or television related to Blaine, and/or Blaine and Sebastian."
"So, nothing new."
"No, I'm stressing this as all eyes are on you now and the last thing you can afford is to screw up again."
"So, you're saying, I'm not entitled to an opinion then."
"No, you're entitled to an opinion, just not a public one pertaining to the Anderson-Smythes." Carter paused for only a moment before continuing. "Also, if you had thoughts of going to see Hidden Agendas, change them as it's the last thing you should be seeing on it's opening weekend."
"You can't be serious, now I can't do what I want?"
"Kurt, you need to stay away from anything that might possibly set you off. Going to a movie starring Blaine's brother, with music by Blaine, is high risk for setting you off."
"How would you know, have you seen it?"
"No, but I've read enough reviews to know you need to stay away from it for now."
"Fine." Kurt replied. "How long before I know if I'm going to be summoned back to New York?"
"Honestly, I don't know. A lot of it depends on how busy Judge Watkins and Miss Strauss are today. It could be before days end, or it might not be until early next week."
"That's not fair."
"There's not much more I can say on the matter Kurt, it's all in their hands now. We simply have to be prepared either way." Carter told him. "Kurt, take this time to try and figure out why you reacted the way you did, honestly."
"Don't you think I'm trying?"
"Depends on the moment, as sometimes you seem to understand the seriousness of what's going on, others, not so much. Now, is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No, just go back to New York." Kurt replied. "Will you be calling me if I have to go back or will I be hearing from my probation officer?"
"They'll most likely contact me, but it's possible they contact him. I'll get in touch with the ADA once I get back to New York, and continue to follow-up till a decision has been made. Until then…"
"Stay out of trouble, I know."
"Make a conscious effort Kurt, please."
"I'll try."
"That's all I can ask. I'll be in touch."
"Alright." No sooner did the call end, did Kurt toss his phone onto the couch beside him. It was already bad enough he'd gotten a lecture from his Dad, he didn't need the mini one he'd just received from his lawyer. Regardless of what the others had said to him, he felt he was justified in getting pissed about Blaine's actions throughout the week. He knew as well as anyone, how Blaine expressed himself through his music, and his music choices spoke volumes, volumes which he didn't want to hear.
