5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 76
After his conversation with ADA Strauss, Carter prepared himself for what he was about to read, yet given what she'd said, he wasn't sure if it was possible. With the amount of time he'd been given, he was grateful ADA Strauss recommended where to focus in the transcripts to get the best handle on the situation. Although he knew he was taking a chance trusting her, she was aware of the situation he was in, and had no reason to mislead him. While Hunter had alluded to how volatile the divorce had been, as had Blaine on the stand, he wasn't prepared for what he was reading. No wonder Kurt's divorce lawyer no longer wanted anything to do with him, he'd made his job nearly impossible. From what he was seeing, ADA Strauss hit all the pertinent details, as this divorce should've been rather straight to the point. Yet Kurt fought Blaine at every possible turn, and most fervently when it came to his trust fund, which he had no right to because of the pre-nuptial agreement. Even with that fact presented to him, it didn't stop Kurt from demanding he was entitled to part of it.
From the transcripts, it was becoming evident Kurt's behavior was wearing on Blaine, yet his lawyer made certain to protect him, given the state of mind Blaine was in. Much as had been shown in previous court hearings, Kurt attempted to manipulate Blaine's feelings, for his own benefit. Even with the emotional toll the relationship had taken on Blaine, he still had a bit of fight in him, when push came to shove, where his lawyer didn't need to fight his battle. By the time he was gathering his things to head back to the courtroom, he couldn't help but glance at his watch, before breathing a sigh of relief, as it wasn't as late as he thought.
Upon making his way back into the courtroom, Carter was met by ADA Strauss, who ended a conversation with Xavier to speak to him. "While I don't have to apologize, I'm sorry for dropping all that on you, it's a lot to process."
"That's a bit of an understatement but thank you." Carter replied. "Everything you gave me; merely reinforced things Blaine had said on the stand. Things Kurt had said Blaine had blown out of proportion, were unequivocally true. I simply wish I knew what was fueling this, because he won't give me a straight answer."
"A question everyone involved in this has, and I believe his diagnosis is merely the tip of the iceberg." ADA Strauss told him. "Which is why there isn't a simple fix." When he looked at his watch again, she tilted her head slightly. "Unless things go off-track, you should make your flight."
"I hope so, because while Hannah will forgive me, I don't know if I'd be able to forgive myself." Carter said in response. "I know there will be other appointments, but…"
"You don't need to explain yourself, I understand."
"Understand what?" Burt asked as he approached the two of them. "Something we should know?"
"Mr. Hummel, our conversation doesn't pertain to you, or your son." ADA Strauss replied. "Mr. Jones and I were merely talking, passing the time till court resumes."
"She's correct Mr. Hummel, there's nothing for you to worry about." Carter reiterated, before making sure Kurt was in the courtroom as well.
"After what she pulled, I…" Burt didn't get to finish, as Carole pulled him away, before he could make matters worse, if that was possible. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I should be asking you that, as attacking the ADA is not going to help matters." Carole said to him. "Like it or not, she was doing her job."
"Kurt said…"
"I'm sick of hearing, what Kurt said, he lied to us Burt, over and over throughout the entire divorce proceedings." Carole sternly, yet quietly said to him. "The sooner you wrap your head around it, the better it's going to be for everyone, especially Kurt."
"What do you expect me to do, sit back and let it happen?"
"Yes, because this isn't your battle, it's Kurt's." Carole told him. "All this would end, if he just left Blaine and Sebastian alone."
"You know that's not going to happen, he…"
"The fact he's making this about him, after what he did to Blaine, is disgusting." When he made another excuse, Carole turned and walked out of the courtroom, as she couldn't bear listening to any more excuses. As she rounded the corner, she unfortunately walked right into Patrick. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright, but aren't you going the wrong way." Patrick said in response. "The courtroom is behind you."
"I can't, I can't sit there and listen to Kurt lie anymore." Carole told him. "Or listen to Burt make excuses for him. I, I don't know how you and Kate have managed to get through all this."
"It hasn't been easy, particularly early on, but now that Blaine's happy, and in a good place, it's easier." Patrick replied. "But I'd be lying if I said, we don't have our moments. I'm truly sorry you got dragged into this, more so than being Kurt's step-mother."
"Thank you, but once again, there is only one person to blame for it, Kurt." She was just finishing her sentence, when Xavier appeared in the doorway.
"Excuse me, but court is about the resume." Xavier said to Patrick, as it was obvious Carole had no intention of coming back.
"I'll be right there." Patrick replied, before looking at Carole. "Are you going to be alright?"
"I should be, but thank you for asking." Carole then looked at Xavier. "Tell Sebastian, thank you."
"For?" Xavier said in response.
"He'll know. And again, I'm sorry your families are having to go through this." Carole replied, before saying her goodbyes and walking away, as an officer was about to close the doors so court could resume.
"What was Carole referring to?" Patrick asked as they headed back to their seats behind the prosecution. "Or is it better I don't know?" Yet Xavier didn't get the chance to answer, as soon the bailiff was entering and announcing Judge Conners arrival.
"Mr. Jones, have you familiarized yourself with the evidence the prosecution submitted." Judge Conners asked.
"Yes, your honor, I have."
"Very well. Mr. Hummel, please take the stand once more, and remember, you are still under oath." Judge Conners told him. "ADA Strauss, you may resume your cross of Mr. Hummel."
"Thank you, your honor." ADA Strauss replied as Kurt took his seat on the witness stand. "Mr. Hummel, I only have few more questions for you. Would you say your biggest issue with your ex-husband is his success, or the fact he's successfully moved on in his personal life, unlike yourself?"
"I told you, my issues with Blaine are complicated."
"Yet, benchmarks in his career and personal life, are what seem to be triggers for your behavior." ADA Strauss replied. "So again, which is it Mr. Hummel?" When he didn't answer, she looked over her shoulder at Patrick and Xavier, before focusing back on Kurt. "Question within drawn, as Mr. Hummel's silence speaks volumes on the matter." She clasped her hands before her. "You believe the Anderson-Smythes are responsible for the predicament you're in, yes or no?"
"Yes." Kurt replied.
"How are they responsible for your inability to control yourself, after all, it's that inability which got you in this situation to begin with?" ADA Strauss said to him. "Or do you need a reminder of all the times you've violated the order of protection?" Kurt merely glared at her in response. "Those violations are what cost you, your job at Vogue, wasn't it?"
"You b…"
"Your honor, may I have a word with my client?" Mr. Jones blurted out, before Kurt found himself in contempt.
"I think that would be an excellent idea, Mr. Jones. ADA Strauss, do you have a problem with that?"
"Not at all your honor." She replied. "And for the record, I'm done with the defendant, he's made my point." As she walked back to her table, Carter made his way to the stand, which had it's microphone turned off.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Carter angrily asked.
"I'm not going to let her talk to me that way."
"Everything she said was the truth, something you're obviously not familiar with. Just because you disagree with a fact, doesn't make it false." Carter told him before taking a deep breath. "Furthermore, your attacks on everyone, reinforced why you have a permanent restraining order against you. Now, do you think you can behave like an adult during my cross?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Keep the catty comments to yourself, and don't attempt to turn this mess onto the Anderson-Smythes, understood?"
"I'll try."
"Kurt, you have to, because you're treading in dangerous territory."
"It's your job to…"
"Mr. Jones, time's up." Judge Conners said to him. "Are you prepared to continue?"
"I have no further questions for my client."
"Very well, Mr. Hummel, you're dismissed." The look of disgust on Kurt's face as he walked off the stand, didn't go unnoticed by anyone in the courtroom, making them wonder what was said between the two. Once he was seated, Kurt crossed his arms as Carter sat quietly beside him. "I must say, this case unfolded in a manner which I wasn't expecting. Typically, now I'd call for closing arguments, but each side presented a clear view on their thoughts regarding the charge against Mr. Hummel. Being aware of the diagnosis given to Mr. Hummel, it doesn't exclude him from responsibility for his actions, something I hope the defendant understands.
Mr. Hummel, your behavior in this courtroom today, was inexcusable. Any time you were presented a position, opposite of yours, you attacked, even when based off fact." Judge Conners stated. "I can only wonder what your behavior may have been like had the Anderson-Smythes been in attendance, if you acted in this manner without them present. Based off the evidence presented to this court, along with your actions, the ADA was correct to hold you accountable for your outburst last Sunday. Mr. Hummel, will you please rise." Once Kurt was standing, along with Carter, Judge Conners continued. "Taking your current situation into account, along with the precedent Judge Watkins has established, I fine you five thousand dollars, which will be added to the amount you already owe the Anderson-Smythes, which is directed to the charities of their choice."
"I don't have that kind of money." Kurt blurted out, much to Carter, and Burt's dismay.
"You should keep that in mind, next time you're tempted to speak out against either Blaine or Sebastian Anderson-Smythe." Judge Conner said to him. "Mr. Hummel, I'm truly saddened that a young man such as yourself, is throwing his life away, simply because he feels others aren't entitled to the life they are living. If you focused that same energy on yourself, I believe your life will take a turn for the better. For only you, can turn your life around. Do you understand Mr. Hummel?"
"Yes, your honor." When he was about to continue, Carter shook his head, and surprisingly Kurt refrained.
"ADA Strauss, I will have my clerk send a copy of my ruling to Judge Watkins and your office, along with a transcript of this hearing."
"Thank you, your honor."
"Mr. Hummel, I say this with no malice, but I hope this is the last time you are brought before me." Kurt nodded. "Unless there is anything else that needs to be brought to my attention, court is dismissed."
Once the gavel was sounded, ADA Strauss turned towards Patrick and Xavier, each whom were smiling. "I take it you'll inform your sons how things played out today."
"You would be correct." Patrick said in response. "Thank you, as we were afraid this latest outburst wouldn't be acknowledged because of how minor it was."
"Understandable, but you can be reassured, we're not going to let anything slide, no matter how minor." She replied. "It's the only way to remind him, som…"
"I bet you're happy with yourself, aren't you?" Kurt blurted out, interrupting their conversation.
"I am, as I held you accountable for your actions once again." ADA Strauss replied surprisingly calmly. "Mr. Jones, I'll make sure a copy of the transcript is sent to you."
"I appreciate that." Carter replied while packing his bag up. "I will set up an appointment with you once we get back to New York, to discuss the payment perimeters due to the bump in amount owed."
"Why didn't you argue the ruling?" Kurt said as he looked at Carter in frustration.
"Because the only other viable option, was more jail time, and I doubted you'd want to stay locked up longer."
"Why not community service?" Burt chimed in.
"Because previous judgments which included community service, have failed to change his behavior." Carter said before slipping his bag over his shoulder. "Mr. Hummel, your son's behavior has left the courts with little recourse for his actions, fines or additional jail time are their only options." He then looked at Kurt. "Hopefully, you're able to behave yourself till your release, and due back before Judge Watkins."
"Why, was coming to Ohio too low class for you?" Kurt replied.
"No, I have other clients who don't deserve me being taken from them when they count on me as well." Carter told him. "Now before I say something I shouldn't, I'm going to go. Try and stay out of trouble Kurt, for everyone's sake."
Once he walked out, Xavier looked at Patrick, as Kurt looked stunned by the way he was spoken to, yet one couldn't necessarily say Carter said anything wrong. He'd barely made his way out the doors, when the others followed, as those involved in the next case began making their way into the courtroom. Shortly after they exited, Burt began to look around. "She left." Patrick told him. "As I'm presuming, you're looking for Carole."
"Why?"
"I think you know why." Patrick replied. "Just as I believe it's time you realize, Kurt's actions don't only impact Blaine's and Sebastian's lives." Before Burt, or Kurt for that matter could respond, Patrick and Xavier were on their way.
"Why'd you say that if you don't mind me asking, given how he's behaved?"
"I didn't do it for him, I did it for Carole whose feelings seem to be an afterthought in all this." Patrick said to him. "Because she won't blindly defend Kurt, her thoughts on the situation are being dismissed."
"You got all that from your brief conversation with her?"
"No, it's based off things Kate's told me." Xavier nodded. "I don't envy her position."
"Neither do I." Xavier replied as they exited the courthouse, only to catch the tailend of Carter's phone call with his wife. "I hear congratulations are in order."
"Excuse me?" Carter said in response.
"Sebastian mention, your wife is expecting and is…"
"Only due a couple weeks before Kim." Xavier nodded. "Yea, our family is a bit amused by how it's all playing out. Now not to be rude, I need to get going as I have a flight to catch, which will hopefully take-off on time, so I don't miss Hannah's appointment."
"Then you better get a move on it." Patrick told him. "Good luck and, congratulations."
"Thank you!"
Once Carter disappeared down the steps, Patrick looked over at Xavier. "Talk about not being in an enviable position."
"Based off the conversation I had with Sebastian, he's not heading home for just any appointment."
"Ultrasound." Xavier nodded. "No wonder he was in no mood for Kurt's BS. This must be the last place he wanted to be today. Here's hoping he can end his day on a positive note."
"What's wrong, Blaine find out what a real bastard his…"
"You're never going to learn, are you?" Xavier chimed in. "You're going disparage my son, outside the courthouse of all places."
"He's upset, what did you expect." Burt said in response.
"That Judge Conners words, might've impacted him a bit longer." Patrick replied. "He couldn't even make it twenty minutes. And that Kurt, is why you're in this mess in the first place."
"No, I'm in this mess because Bla…"
"You are not going to blame my son, for your mess, do you understand! You have no place in his life and haven't for more than five years. It's time you wrap your head around the fact, you don't matter to him! You are a part of his life, he wished never happened!"
"Don't you think that's a bit much Patrick." Burt replied.
"Blaine said as much in court, numerous times as ADA Strauss reminded us of in court today." Xavier reiterated. "It's not something Patrick wishes, it's fact. And regardless of your belief you know better than everyone else, no one wants to listen to you, lastly my son-in-law."
"Blaine's not the person you think he is."
"You have no clue who I believe my son-in-law is as a person." Xavier then took a deep breath. "You know what, I'm not even going to bother saying anything else, as you've proven you don't listen. So, I'm not going to waste my breath on you any further. Because much as Judge Conners hopes, I highly doubt you're going to make it to your hearing before Judge Watkins at the end of your time served."
"You'd love that, wouldn't you?" Burt replied.
"Actually, I would love nothing more than to be wrong, because it would mean our sons would have a little more than two months of not having to deal with his nonsense." Xavier said in response, as Patrick excused himself to take a call. Once Patrick pointed towards the parking lot, Xavier excused himself as they needed to be on their way, as each needed to get back to their respective offices.
After the two vanished into the parking lot, Burt and Kurt started to make their way towards the truck. "Did you find out where Carole went?" Kurt asked after seeing his Dad check his phone.
"She had Maribel come and pick her up."
"I can't believe she's friends with…"
"Kurt, just stop." Burt said to him. "I can't take you insulting anymore people today."
"What makes you think I was going to do that?"
"I don't know, maybe because you almost called the ADA a bitch on the stand." Burt replied. "What were you thinking?"
"I made a mistake."
"Kurt, if Mr. Jones didn't interrupt, you would've found yourself in contempt after what you said about Sebastian. When are you going to get it through your head, you just can't say whatever you're thinking."
"What's gotten into you?" Kurt replied, which stopped Burt from pulling out of the parking spot.
"That's something you should be asking yourself, because you don't seem to grasp how serious all of this is." Burt told him. "While I don't like how ADA Strauss spoke to you, she was right in saying only you are capable of helping yourself."
"They expect them impossible Dad."
"Do they, really?"
"Great, now you're against me too." Kurt replied, crossing his arms against his chest as he did so.
"I'm not against you, but you didn't help yourself today."
"My so-called lawyer should've…"
"Your lawyer, can only do so much Kurt."
"He should've objected more."
"Much as I'm not a fan of how he handled things, you didn't help matters. You made the ADA's case for her when you called Sebastian, you know." Burt told him. "Of all places to show self-control, you didn't."
"I'm sorry, but…."
"Enough! You know I don't approve of how Blaine's handled this situation, but you can't keep doing this Kurt." The next sound Kurt heard, was Burt sigh. "How much money do you now owe them?"
"It's got to be close to thirty thousand dollars."
"Thirty thousand dollars, all because you can't keep your comments to yourself." Burt said to him. "I get that you don't like Sebastian, and your feelings for Blaine are, what did you say, complicated, but you can't keep doing this, as you're only hurting yourself."
"Don't you think I want to stop?"
"Honestly, I don't know anymore." Burt replied. "I want to believe it, but, I just don't know. If you can't behave in a courtroom, before a judge, why should anyone believe you're going to behave elsewhere."
"So, you agree with…"
"Xavier, yes. But like him, I want you to prove me wrong, because it'll be a step in the right direction. Do you remember what Isabelle said to you, about why people don't want to hire you?"
"Of course, I do."
"Then do something about it and get your life back on track." Burt said to him. "You have to show people you've changed."
"They won't care."
"Until you try, you won't know. So focus on that, instead of what Blaine and Sebastian, because that's done you no favors."
"I will try,"
"Good, because nothing would make me happier, than you showing them, you've learned your lesson and that order of protection isn't necessary."
