5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 73

Once the logistics of the situation were taken into consideration, word was relayed to the parties which it pertained. Carter was returning from the courthouse, when one of the assistants told him one of the partners wanted to speak with him. Knowing it was best to head directly there, Carter re-entered the elevator and headed up two floors where the senior partners' offices were. No sooner did he approach one of the assistants, he was directed into the main conference room. Upon making his way in, he was surprised to find two of the partners waiting for him. "Before you start to worry, you're not in trouble Carter, please take a seat." One of the partners stated, as the assistant closed the door. "How'd things going in court?"

"We came to terms, neither side choose to proceed any further." Carter replied.

"Much as you suspected would occur."

"Correct. Now, what do you need?"

"What can you tell us about the Hummel case?" The other asked, causing Carter to take a deep breathe, before responding.

"Do you mind if I'm blunt?"

"Not at all."

"Very well, it's a nightmare, as he refuses to listen to any advice I give." Carter told them. "His actions in the courtroom give me little to work with, as he's not only antagonized ADA Strauss, but Judge Watkins."

"Judge Watkins?"

"Yes, and I know, it goes against everything said about him." Carter replied.

"I've tried numerous cases before him, and while he's certainly no-nonsense, he comes off as indifferent. Rarely reacts to what's happening."

"That should give you an idea of what I've had to deal with." Carter said in response. "Mr. Hummel has no only verbally attacked Blaine Anderson-Smythe in court, but he's also gone after Sebastian Anderson-Smythe, and Xavier Smythe." His response clearly piqued their curiosity. "He's also had verbal outbursts at numerous witnesses."

"Anything else?"

"Yes, but you'd be better off reading my brief of the case, as there's plenty. Why are you asking about the Hummel case, as I don't have to go before Judge Watkins again for another nine weeks or so?" When the partners looked at one another, Carter shook his head. "No."

"He violated the court order Carter, and ADA Strauss doesn't want to wait to address it till his next courtdate."

"Wait, so they're transferring him to New York."

"No, you're going to Ohio to represent him." One of the partners stated. "Given the complexities of the case it's best he has someone familiar with the case representing him."

"I didn't take the bar for Ohio."

"We know, which is why we filed with the court to allow you to represent Mr. Hummel."

"Not to speak out of turn, but my presence isn't going to change the outcome, since Mr. Hummel doesn't listen."

"Carter, you are…"

"I know, I'm to defend Mr. Hummel to the best of my ability, but, you can't defend someone who doesn't want to be helped." Carter replied. "In Mr. Hummel's mind, he's done nothing wrong, and this is nothing more than a witch hunt, happening because his ex-husband is famous."

"I take it you don't agree."

"Not at all, as the evidence against him is rather iron-clad."

"So, the ADA isn't looking at this case as a trophy?"

"Not at all. According to my sources, the reasons she was assigned the case, is because they knew there would be a spotlight on it, due to Blaine Anderson-Smythe's fame. Essentially, the DA's office wanted to ensure it…"

"Wasn't mishandled."

"Yes, and she's had her hands full, because as I stated, Mr. Hummel doesn't listen. If he simply followed the guidelines of the order of protection, as well as the gag order, he wouldn't be in the situation he's in. Instead, his behavior has forced not only ADA Strauss, but Judge Watkins to give him little to no leeway."

"Do you feel he's being mistreated?"

"Not at all. If I felt either the ADA or judge were overstepping, I would've filed a grievance, but they're acting within the letter of the law." Carter told them.

"Why do you feel Mr. Hummel is incapable of leaving the Anderson-Smythes alone?"

"At first, I believed he was still in love with Blaine, yet the longer the case has gone on, I'm not sure if he's still in love with him, or he resents him due to his success. Regarding Sebastian, there is no love loss between them, they hate one another. The difference, Sebastian chooses to simply not engage him, unless provoked."

"No wonder you've asked to be relieved of your responsibilities."

"If given the choice, I never would've taken Mr. Hummel on as a client, and not only due to my cousin's friendship with the Anderson-Smythes." Carter reiterated. "How am I expected to do my job, when he sabotages his own case at every turn? Essentially, I'm only there to stop him for making matters even worse for himself."

"Isn't he on a work release program though?"

"Yes, and he was put into it due to the amount of money he owes the Anderson-Smythes from fines leveled by the court." Carter replied. "If it wasn't for the fact he owes them over twenty-five thousand dollars, he wouldn't be. And before you think it's excessive, it falls in line with the guidelines set-forth in the divorce."

"Let me guess, the fines increased with each repeat offense."

"Correct." Carter said in response. "Now, I have two questions. One, when do I have to go to Ohio? Second, anything I need to do beforehand?"

"Thursday, in regard to your first question." One of the partners stated. "Pertaining to your second, due to the nature of this case, submit your bar score to the Ohio bar."

"May I ask why?"

"While the petition gives you permission to represent Mr. Hummel this time, it's a one-time occurrence, even with a sponsor. So, with Ohio being part of the reciprocal program, you may be submitted to their bar, if your score is high enough, and Carter, your score will qualify you." The partners watched as Carter sighed, before raking his fingers through his hair. "Clearly you were looking forward to not dealing with Mr. Hummel during his sentence."

"You would be correct." Carter replied. "As I feel my time is being wasted since he doesn't listen. I'd rather be spending time with clients who want my help."

"Unfortunately, Carter, clients are often their own worst enemy, which Mr. Hummel clearly is in this case." One of the partners told him. "Do you have any schedule issues?"

"I do, one work related, the other personal."

"What's the work related one, first?"

"I have depositions scheduled for Thursday."

"We'll handle them for you. And the personal one?"

"My wife has an obstetrician's appointment, and…" When he stopped, his expression said it all. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, as we each remember those moments well." One of the partners told him. "What time is her appointment?"

"Three o'clock, which is why I requested a half-day, so I could take her to the appointment, not only meet her there."

"Carter, we didn't know you'd done so." One of them stated as he looked at his tablet. "And I see here, it was granted. We should be apologizing to you. We should've looked more closely, yet we simply looked at your court schedule." He then leaned over to speak to the other partner. "We will call the ADA and see if she can have the case move to the morning, while it will still be cutting it close…"

"It's not necessary, but thank you."

"No, it is since this date was approved on our error." One of them said before standing. "I won't make any promises, but we'll try." Carter proceeded to thank them before standing as well. "The new information is on your desk. You should have your itinerary by the end of the day." Carter nodded, before being excused so he could prepare. "For a young man that shows such passion usually, this case brings out the exact opposite in him."

"Based on what he said, are you surprised?" The other partner replied, earning a shake of the head. "Hopefully, Miss Strauss will be able to accommodate a time change, it's the least we can do for him given the situation, and our mistake."

"I'll give her a call, explain the situation."

By the time Carter got home that evening, he was in such a daze from the day's events, he was shocked to see Hunter and Kimberly in his living room, along with his wife. "Long day?" Hunter responded upon seeing the look on Carter's face. "Want to talk about it?" Hunter followed up, as their wives looked on in concern.

"While I would love to, I can't." Carter told him as he set his bag on a nearby chair. "Just as us having dinner tonight, isn't a good idea anymore."

"Well, you just told me what put you in this mood, I should've known." Hunter replied as he got up to walk towards him. "I'm sorry man, but you had to know the chance was high he'd screw-up considering what happened on Saturday."

"Speaking of, how was it?"

"It was wonderful." Kimberly said in response as Carter went to fix himself a drink. "Their foundation is doing wonderful work. Victoria, Sebastian's mom, said they are considering having an event here in the city next year, along with the one in Westerville. Yet it depends on Blaine's schedule, as they don't want to plan anything before knowing when he's going back on tour."

"Understandable." Carter stated before taking a sip of his drink, rubbing his neck with his other hand at the same time. "I just want to put this out there now, I might not be the best company tonight." The timing of his statement, coincided with a kitchen timer going off. Once their wives left the room, Hunter stepped closer.

"Why do I feel there is more to this than you're saying?"

"Because we're wired the same way." Carter replied. "If you had some not so great news, how would you tell Kim?"

"Depends on the nature of the news, why, what's wrong?"

"I may not make it to our "big" ultrasound appointment." When Hunter responded by taking a sip of his drink, Carter knew he was in trouble. "I'm a dead man."

"Depends, what's the reason?"

"I have to go to Ohio to represent Kurt due to his latest outburst."

"That's not going to go over well." Hunter told him, while refilling his glass. "She hates that your name is associated with him, even if it's not by choice."

"I know, but there's nothing I can do about it, and I've tried, trust me."

"Oh, I do." Hunter replied. "While I know it takes less to frustrate you, I've seen the toll this case has taken on you. Don't take it personally, he doesn't listen to anyone, otherwise he wouldn't be in this position."

"Hunter."

"I'm merely saying this, so you don't take his behavior personally. Hence, my vague statement."

"Thank you." Carter said in response. "I know, this isn't easy for you either."

"The only thing about this situation that frustrates me, is knowing there's nothing I can do to protect my friends from what's happening to them." Hunter replied. "All they want is to live their life."

"Something I'm fully aware of based on statements they've made in court." Carter told him. "Do you think Kim might be able to go with her on Thursday?"

"You should be asking her."

"I intend to, I worded that poorly. What I wanted to know was what her schedule is for Thursday." He watched as Hunter took his phone out of his pocket to look at her schedule. "So?"

"Ask her, because unless something has changed, she only has meetings schedule for the morning." Hunter then leaned back against the wall. "While she's going to be upset, she'll know it's not your fault."

"I know, but it doesn't make it any easier." Carter proceeded to put his glass down. "You just came back from Ohio, how was the airport situation?"

"Efficient. Why?"

"Wondering if I should even get my hopes up, that I'd get back in time."

"If your hearing is early enough, there's always a chance, but you know there could be a delay…"

"At the airport, I know. I just don't want to miss this moment Hunter."

"Trust me, I understand, all too well." Hunter told him. "I think that's another reason this whole thing bothers me the way it does." Carter cocked his eyebrow in response. "Seeing how helpless the Andersons and Smythes look in all this, there's nothing they can do either. And I'm already starting to…"

"Feel overly protective of you're yet to be born child." Carter finished for him, to which he nodded. "Shitty as this sounds, is why one has to trust the system, frustrating as it may be."

"I think Xavier's trust of the system, is the only thing keeping them all in check. So far, the courts have followed through, yet…"

"You're waiting for the day they don't." Again, Hunter nodded. "I understand your concern, I do, yet you need to have the same faith in it, your friends do."

"I don't know how they do it, especially Sebastian."

"From what I've seen, it's because he's his father's son, and that's a good thing." Carter told him. "Why did you decide to go into entertainment law, I mean, you'd be one hell of a litigator?"

"Because I know myself, and I don't handle stupidity well. One of the reasons I admire you and Sebastian, because I know you."

"Don't sell yourself short Hunter."

"I'm not, I'm being realistic. Plus, it's not as boring as you may think."

"Right because contract negotiations are so fun." They each laughed. "You know I'm right."

"Agree to disagree, but in that setting, my tenacity will work in my favor."

"Good point." Just as Carter answered, Hunter's phone went off.

"I need to take this, I'll be right back as we're not done." Carter nodded, before taking a sip of his drink. And before he could even wonder what could be so important, he heard Hunter say Sebastian's name, which was all he needed to hear. "What are you doing calling me, aren't you supposed to be in a meeting?"

"It doesn't start for another thirty minutes, and B's on the phone with my Dad."

"About Kurt's hearing."

"How do you know?"

"We're actually having dinner with Carter and his wife tonight, and he told me as the hearing fucks with his day." Hunter replied. "Are you guys okay?"

"For the most part, though B's worried about the little visit we paid them, and the gift I left with Carole."

"Understandable, but you didn't do anything wrong."

"That's what I told him, as we kept the more vulgar proof. Essentially, all we did was let them know he wasn't the little angel he proclaimed himself to be." Sebastian told him while keeping an eye on Blaine. "The timing of this sucks Hunter, as I can tell he's questioning everything right now."

"Then be his husband, and reassure him. If anyone can get through to him, it's you. His concern is justified, yet it shouldn't make him question what he wants, what you each want. I know circumstances aren't ideal, but you're not alone in all this."

"I know, as does he, it's just…how does one put an innocent life into this mess."

"Sounds like Blaine's not the only one unsure."

"Fine, I'm feeling a bit selfish right now, as I want this with B, yet…"

"Sebastian, if you two have shown those around you anything, it's that together, you two can overcome anything, cliché as that may sound."

"You're right, it does sound cliché, but you're right, even if it doesn't make me feel better right now." Sebastian told him. "I hate seeing him doubt himself, particularly regarding something I know he wants, it's a bad case of déjà vu for me. And once again, Hummel's to blame."

"Today is a preliminary meeting right?"

"Yes, as Mr. Douglass referred us, and before you ask, my Dad already ran his references. He's more than capable to handle our needs."

"I wouldn't have expected anything less." Hunter replied. "While this is something you'd normally hear from Thad or even Jeff, you and Blaine need to trust not only in one another, but the love you share."

"How so?"

"Sebastian, think of how fiercely protective you are of Blaine, and he of you. I dare anyone to mess with any child or children the two of you have, as they'll have one hell of a fight on their hands if they mess with them."

"I said something similar to B, but regarding our parents."

"Even as an adult, I wouldn't want to mess with either set of parents." Hunter said, which drew a chuckle from Sebastian. "What I'm trying to say, remind Blaine you're not alone in all this, and focus on what matters to you guys."

"Easier said than done right now."

"I know, but I have a feeling his doubts are all based on the shitty timing of this. It's not as though you two are starting the process tonight."

"You're probably right, I just needed a reminder."

"Not a problem, you know I've got your back."

"And I've got yours." Sebastian said as Blaine ended his call with Xavier. "B's done, so I've got to go but, want to try and at least grab coffee tomorrow."

"Sounds good, just give me a call in the morning as my schedule is a bit more flexible than yours. Everything's going to be okay, Sebastian, just give Blaine the reassurance he needs."

"Will do, and, thanks again."

"Don't mention it." Hunter replied, before the two said their goodbyes. Once he ended the call, Hunter went back over to Carter for a drink refill. "Remember what we were talking about before I stepped away." Carter nodded. "That call right there, just reinforced why I would never be able to do what you do, and what Sebastian's going to do. I don't think I'd be able to keep my emotions in check."

"Is everything alright?"

"Let's just say your life isn't the only one been thrown for a loop due to Hummel's upcoming hearing."

"Not surprised, should I even bother to ask?"

"Probably not, just make sure Hummel's held accountable."

"Hunter."

"I'm serious. I know it's your job to defend him, but.." Hunter then slammed what was in his glass. "He's fucking with peoples lives Carter, this needs to end."

"I know, but until he accepts the severity of the situation, I..."

"That's not what I want to hear."

"Hunter."

"I want my friends to be able to live their life the way they want, and not have to keep looking over their shoulders, that's all." Carter proceeded to put his hand on Hunter's shoulder. "Sorry."

"Don't be, as whatever is going on, obviously strikes a chord with you. I know it's asking a lot, but have a little faith."

"Easier said than done."

"True, yet expecting the worse doesn't do us any favors. You can get lost in that head space."

"Something I'm aware of, yet when you keep having to see those you care about, have their lives upended, it's difficult."

"What's difficult?" Kimberly asked as she walked out into the room. "Am I interrupting?"

"No, you're timing is perfect." Hunter replied, as he pulled her into a hug, then kissed her. "Are you sure you didn't hear anything?"

"All we heard were some raised voices, which we presumed to be about Blaine and Sebastian." She said, and Hunter confirmed. "Let me guess, his outburst at the shop garnered him another trip to before Judge Watkins."

"Let's just say, he earned himself a trip before a judge."

"Not surprised, though I've heard him say worse things about Sebastian."

"I don't need to hear that." Carter replied.

"I was simply comparing what he said, to what he has said in the past." Kimberly said to them. "Are you two going to be alright?"

"Depends, do you think you could do me a favor on Thursday?"

"You're kidding me, right." She replied, fully aware of what Thursday was.

"I wish I was, but that's when his hearing has been scheduled." Carter told her. "The hearing is in the morning, and, per my flight, I should be back in time, but…"

"You want to make sure someone is there." He nodded. "It shouldn't be a problem, but, I can't say for certain till I get into the office tomorrow, is that a problem?"

"Not at all. I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't need to, as I know this isn't your choice." Kim told him. "He doesn't deserve you."

"I appreciate that." Carter then leaned forward, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Now if the two of you will excuse me, I'm going to go gauge my wife's mood, as I have no clue how I'm going to tell her."

"Be honest, while she'll be upset, she'll understand, even if it's not right away."

"Carter, you might want to wait after dinner, so things don't get awkward." Hunter chimed in.

"Oh, I intend to, simply want to gauge her mood, give myself some time to think." He was about to walk away, when he stopped. "Hunter, whatever got you upset, I hope it's going to work out."

"I hope so too."