Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: Sarah meets with Chuck at his placed of business Kessel Run Technologies. It's there she meets Kathleen, the mother of Alex McHugh and Casey's ex. She informs Sarah chuck has see a change in him and it's a good change. Afterwards, Chuck and Sarah discuss the situation with Lester being presumable untouchable and why he hasn't been fired. The discussion would then turn to Sarah's favor and asks Chuck to have Jeffster perform at the end of their YouTube Show. Of course, Chuck freaks out but would eventually comes to his senses to where he calls in a favor to a on old family friend. The following afternoon, the old family friend arrives and is introduced by Chuck. The family friend's name...Hartley Winterbottom. Plus, she knows that Casey has a girlfriend. So what's in store for this chapter? What happens in the contract signing that takes everybody by surprise? Who gets excited for a possible stand off that happens between two individuals? Why does Lester suddenly sound off a high pitched squeal? How does Sarah react when someone else from Chuck's past makes an appearance as well? Read and find out! Anyways, hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.
Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.
I don't own Chuck.
The Bottom Line
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"Charles, so good to see you my boy." excitedly greeted Hartley with warm smile. He extends his right hand for a handshake while holding his dark brown leather satchel in his left. "How are you? Eleanor?"
The youngest Bartowski sibling reciprocates the handshake leading to a quick hug between the two men. Afterwards, he gives his response. "I'm awesome. Both of us are actually, Hartley. Listen, as much as I want to catch up on so much with you..." nodded Chuck. He glances over at Jeff, Lester, and Emmitt then returns his attention back to the man he considers as a family friend. "...there's business to attend to." he added with a serious expression on his face.
In that instance, Hartley nods his head acknowledging what Chuck shared with him. "Yes, of course. I'm delighted to meet all of you." he stated with heartfelt admiration for the individuals standing with Chuck.
Afterwards, as he turns around the bright smile and glowing demeanor that he exuded upon entering into Sarah's office suddenly changes within an instant. A seemingly intense and somewhat glower expression is directed toward Jeff, Lester and Emmitt causing all three men to lean back due to being highly intimidated. This leads to Emmitt to momentarily swallow thickly and clear his throat before speaking up.
"You..ru...run a prestigious law firm here in Los Angeles." she stated stumbling over his words. "Winterbottom, McArthur, & Associates. I'm honored to meet you." Emmitt said in a groveling tone of voice. A quick bow of his head given to Hartley. Afterwards, he leans in just continue on in whisper. "I don't know if you know this, but I once tried getting my foot in the door at your firm."
"Why? Did you see power in it? In it for the money? What was your primary goal to be part of my firm?" Hartley growled. The intensity in his glaringly icy stare down of Emmitt.
Emmitt is visibly taken aback all-the-while having trouble keeping eye contact with man who agreed to be Chuck's council. "I hit the big time. It means...I... I've made it...instead of being stuck here." he stammered out. Afterwards, he clears his throat and then straightens himself by fixing his tie as if to show he's not phased one bit by Hartley. "Plus, the money and power are just an added bonus."
Upon hearing that, Hartley takes a step forward practically hovering over in a tremendously menacing way Lester as he locks eyes with Emmitt. "Do you know what I value most? It's none of those three."
"What?" Emmitt faintly breathed out.
In that instance, Hartley furrows his eyebrow with such intensity towards Emmitt that it nearly causes Lester to slide completely off his chair. "Family and friends are everything. Money, power, and even greed, are a dance with Satan. And he looks...like...me." snarled the experienced attorney.
At this point, the whole office is in stunned silence as everyone is transfixed on Hartley Winterbottom, with the exception of Chuck, Sarah and Casey. Chuck and Sarah are thoroughly amused by how Emmitt is reacting. As for Casey, he just smirks after watching the fear of God being put into Lester who is being helped up to his feet by Jeff after ending up on the floor. Scooter, on the other hand, is just in awe of the man's immense presence. A few seconds later, Hartley's demeanor switches within seconds to where the scary intensity that poured out of him would suddenly soften into warm, bright shining smile.
"So..." he announced straightening up to his full height. "...where did you leave you off Charles before my arrival?" he inquired turning around. His back to Jeff, Lester, and Emmitt along with Big Mike whose mouth has been agape the entire time. Hartley takes a step forward and stops just a foot away from the nerdy young man.
"The contract."
It's at that point, Hartley raises his right finger. "Ah yes!" Hartley turns towards the end of Sarah's desk where he places his dark brown satchel on it. After unlatching the two straps securing said satchel, he flips them back then unzips a side compartment to retrieve a contract that's not too thin or too think for that matter. He hands one copy to Chuck and the other to Emmitt who is about to look it over when Lester snatches it from him. Afterwards, Hartley speaks up once again as both parties take a moment to look over the contract itself.. "If you'll notice, I put on page 3 an addendum that in likelihood of a postponement due inclement weather conditions like rain for instance, the event itself can be made up and be resumed on that following Friday. "
"Way to look out Hartley! I like the cut of your British jib. You are British, aren't you?" questioned Lester. He and Jeff along with Emmitt brief's attention on Hartley is directed to the contract that's in Lester's hand.
"Lester! Would you shut your yap!" barked Big Mike once again.
"There is also a clause in the contract that it automatically becomes null and void if the performers..." Hartley pauses to turn his attention to the 2 men standing to his right. "...didn't disclose any sort of pertinent information that should have been revealed before the contracts have been signed."
"Hey, thing 1 and thing 2..." growled Casey. "...anything to fess up? Do it now." he added glaring at Jeff and Lester once again.
Instantly, Emmitt places himself in front of his clients as he proceeds to speak up. "My clients don't have anything to hide. They have been forthright and completely transparent throughout. I assure..."
Emmitt doesn't get to finish what he's saying when Lester slams the contract on the table. "Signed it."
"What the..." Emmitt responded in disbelief. "...we needed to discuss and look over in more detail between the 3 of us." he added placing his hand against his waist.
"No need Milbarge." smugly waved off Lester "I like what I see."
"We both do." chimed in Jeff. Big Mike shaking his head behind both of them.
"Their contract has been signed. That's yours to keep by the way." he stated. Hartley retrieves Lester and Jeff's contract to give to Emmitt. Afterwards, his attention is then directed to Chuck with Sarah standing beside him scanning the last page of the contract. "Charles, is it to your liking?"
In that moment, Chuck briefly glances at Sarah who gives a reassuring nod. She then hands him her pen to sign it. He looks back at Casey who simply expresses a grunt off support. As for Scooter who now has his arms crossed, simply gives a two finger wave signaling the go ahead. "Looks awesome." he announced. Chuck retrieves a pen from Sarah, then lays the contract on her desk to sign it.
"Now..." announced Hartley. "...I have my copy here for all three of you to sign." He places the 3rd copy on the table allowing Chuck, Jeff, and Lester to sign their names at the bottom of the last page of the contract. After both parties do, He picks it up and makes sure the signatures are complete. "Okay. It's been finalized. Thank you, gentlemen." After saying that, Chuck gives Sarah her pen back.
"So, we're done here?" asked Lester. The pen that signed the contract with still held in his right hand. He then turns around heading to the door with Jeff following suit.
Unfortunately, he doesn't get far when Sarah chimes in. "If I may." she announced looking around at the individuals standing near/around her.
"Sarah? What's up?" wondered Chuck.
Sarah locks her eyes on both men who are not only standing in front of her office door across the room, but are also set to perform on Chuck's live YouTube show. "Jeff and Lester..." she firmly said. "...your services are no longer needed here at Westside Medical Center. You're fired."
XXX
"What! You can't do that blondie!" Lester points the pen that he's been holding defiantly at Sarah.
"I can..." Sarah shoots back pointing her pen towards Lester . "...and I just did." the blonde in charge emphatically stated.
At this point, Big Mike and Jeff are holding Lester back or it seems like it since Lester doesn't look the type to be overly threatening at all.
As for Hartley, his eyes grow wide with a hint of surprised excitement. "Oh my! An office pen stand off." he said out loud while taking a step back.
In doing so, Casey immediately steps forward but is stopped by the Chief Operating Officer holding up left hand towards him. "Stand down Casey."
"You sure, boss?" grunted Westside Medical Center Head of Security.
"Yeah..." nodded Sarah with reassurance on her part. "...I got this. He's not a threat."
"He..." whispered Hartley leaning over to Casey. "...I thought that was a woman?" he added looking pleasantly surprised. Casey gives an amused grunt in response whereas Chuck who gives a slight amused smirk after hearing what his father's close friend just whispered. Speaking of Chuck, he leans his head forward a bit noticing Morgan documenting the entire encounter on his phone.
For Chuck, in all the years he's been a part of and practically grown up in Westside Medical Center, there has never been a situation he recalls that caused this much of a kafuffle. True, there have been situations where doctors, nurses, and/or the hospital administration have been served in order to be summoned to court due to mistake made resulting in injury or worse...wrongful death. Of course, those were dealt with in the courtroom instead on hospital grounds. Then there are the situations involving office romance relationship that start out great turn ugly to the point where the department of human resources has to step in before it gets completely out of hand.
In his mind, Sarah is a very profoundly intelligent and tremendously capable woman. She has the grit, as well as moxie to stand behind the decisions that she's implements, has already implemented thus far, or will implement in the near future, he thinks to himself. It's truly an admirable character trait that shows how much of a determined, headstrong woman he's been privileged enough to be friends with, as well as get to know. Unfortunately, if anyone would be passing by right now and sees what's unfolding between Sarah and Lester, it would look like they're about to have a duel. Granted, he would place all his money on her to win every time.
In any case, he has to trust that Sarah knows what she doing because once she starts down this path there's no turning back from it, he thinks to himself. Chuck once again glances back at his bearded best friend who has put away his phone and is now just watching with everyone else what's unfolding in from of him.
"Sarah..." Upon Emmitt calling out her name, she shoots back him a look that completely startles the hospital's attorney and not to mention Jeffster's hired counsel. "...Chief. I implore you to reconsider your decision. Think about what you're doing. Scooter, talk to her." he pleaded with immense urgency.
"If there is a definite just cause..." Scooter stated briefly glancing at the aforementioned men. "...it does therefore make the contract null and void as Mr. Winterbottom thoroughly explained. She just needs to provide valid proof that terminating both men is rightfully justified."
"Yeah! Where's the proof!?" Lester fired back, visibly emotional by the decision.
In that instance, Sarah remains momentarily silent. After taking a deep breath, she slowly backs up while at the same time placing the pen in her hand down on her desk. Once she reaches the chair, she pushes it forward then stands behind it. Afterwards, she rests her forearms on top of her chair and interlocks her hands, all-the-while leaning forward a bit. She briefly lowers her head and takes that moment to unlock her hands to rub them. It's wouldn't be long before she lifts her head exuding the same look that startled Emmitt a few moments ago.
"I knew there would be moments where I would be tested when I accepted the position Chief Beckman offered to me. What I didn't know was how I would end up being the temporary boss and all that comes with it. It's a lot to handle..." nodded Sarah. "...but she trusted me to go with my instincts. To trust the people who I know have my back." she added glancing at those to her right. Her focus briefly on Chuck, who gives a firm nod towards her. Afterwards, she returns her attention back to Lester and Jeff. She's about to speak up, when Emmitt starts speaking.
After composing himself enough to where he's able to look Sarah in the eyes without flinching, he gives his response. "Is there a point to this? I would hate to have to go above your head to the board of directors." he added raising both eyebrows. A slight tilt down to the left of his head for emphasis. "Inform them of your unconscionable display of conduct I've witnessed her today."
"We've witnessed. Jeff and I."
"Don't forget Big Mike." Jeff chimed in. His brief attention to the man in charge of all the orderlies in the hospital.
Instantly, Big Mike makes his presence known. He immediately backs off from "holding back" Lester. "I gave my word to Chief Beckman that I'd have Sarah's back." he said backing up to his left. Both hands raised up.
"And?" inquired Emmitt.
"I stand by my word. Chief Walker has my support." he firmly stated. A nod given to Sarah who expresses a smile of appreciation back to him.
In response, Emmitt shakes his head sounds off tsk sounds from his mouth. "Michael, you will be missed when you no longer have a job here as well."
Chuck is incensed at this point after standing back and hearing all this from Emmitt. "You don't have the authority Emmitt." he called out stepping forward. However, he's stopped by Casey who looks direct at him.
"Walker's got this handled." he grunted in a whisper. Casey then eyes the nerdy business owner who momentarily locks his attention on him. "Trust her."
The momentary stare down between Chuck and Casey abruptly ends when the man who at one point had a lot riding on his Live YouTube show, turns his attention towards Sarah once again. "Here's the bottom line Lester..." the Chief Operating Officer stated. "...you're sniveling weasel of an attorney over there thinks he's got my number. He would love nothing more than to see me fall. See those who support me fall. Guest what?"
"What?" responded Emmitt rolling his eyes.
'You made a big mistake, because now..." She paused staring directly into the eyes of Emmitt. "...you've just woke up The Wildcard Enforcer in me." she revealed.
XXX
"This is like watching Holby City on the BBC Channel." whispered Hartley out loud.
His faint response causes Morgan, Casey and Scooter to give oddly weird looks to the high-profile attorney, as well as family friend to Chuck Bartowski. Chuck, on the other hand, remembers the considerably quirky "uncle" of his extended family. He's familiar with Hartley's dual personality in regards to the fun loving, happy go lucky Brit and the no nonsense, incredibly intimidating veteran attorney. For some people, it can most definitely be an awkwardly uncomfortable experience, but when you're so used to the switch in demeanor/emotions like he and Ellie have grown up seeing, it makes you appreciate having family. Family that's not blood related but family nonetheless he thinks to himself.
"Wildcard Enforcer?" scoffed Emmitt. "What? Is that supposed to mean something to me?"
Sarah once again takes a deep breath then rubs her hands together once again before interlocking them. "Back in D.C. I was considered very unpredictable when it came to being the right hand to my former boss, Langston Graham. No excuses with him. Either succeed or fail. No in between." Sarah pauses then continues on. "Whatever he ordered me to do, I would come back with results. By any means necessary. You see, I enforced rules and policies that tended to be ignored. The staff hated me but I didn't care. I did my job in a very cold and calculating robotic like way. Emotionally distant. Emmitt, you've awakened in me what I've tried to let go of for my own well-being, but you just had to go and push me."
Sarah's office is so silent that a pin being dropped could be heard as all eyes and ears are totally transfixed on a seemingly calm Chief Operating Officer. Her attention on Emmitt never wavers as she has sights fully locked on him right now.
"I enjoyed my job. Maybe a bit too much. It was one of the reasons I needed a change in scenery. The old me would have used action to seriously get my point across." It's at that point Sarah peers down at a letter opener right next to the pen that was in her hands not too long ago in a stand-off of sorts. She picks it up by the handle then flips it to where she catches the dagger end. Afterwards, she suddenly rears back and flings it past Emmitt's head then across the room to where it's embedded in her office door located in the area between Jeff and Lester's head. The letter opener itself still vibrating after hitting its target. Emmitt, Jeff, and Lester are utterly speechless as they slowly turn back to Sarah who continues on. "Now, the new me is using her words and, thanks to Chuck, I was able to find out something."
Chuck, Morgan, Hartley, Scooter, and Big Mike by this point are utterly speechless as well. Casey simply expresses a proud noteworthy grunt for what his partner/boss just did. Speaking of Casey's partner, she continues on.
"Chuck mentioned to me that it's considered career suicide to even remotely think about talking to any primary donors to the hospital. Beckman thought about it, according to a discussion I had with him yesterday." she explained briefly glancing at her nerdy friend. "However, she reconsidered it because it would have jeopardized the money coming into the hospital, especially Lester's family, who donate huge amounts. Primarily your mom and dad."
In that instance, Sarah could clearly see Lester's eyes widen. So, she continues on directing her full attention from Emmitt to Lester. "I personally wanted to thank them, so I made a call."
"You're bluffing."
"Aadarsh and Vishal Patel. Your parent's names, am I correct?"
It's at that point, an indescribable hitch pitched squeal is sounded off by Lester. "How?" It's the only word that he could muster up saying.
"Casey was so gracious enough to provide me with their phone number." A smirk is expressed by the Head of Security of Westside Medical Center. "I'm glad I called because I learned so much. One thing I learned is that they were so disappointed that you and Jinsana didn't work out. They don't know why. It was an arranged marriage, only Jinsana broke it off. Needless to say..." Sarah takes moment to pause just to liven up the suspense and to mainly torture Lester for her own twisted pleasure. "...you singing a cover of Whitesnake's Is This Love was the most uncomfortable 5 minutes of her life."
Upon revealing that a mixture of contained chuckles, snickers, and faint laughter is expressed leading Sarah to continue on again. "I say that..." stated the beautiful blonde. "...to say this. You are by no means untouchable Mr. Patel because your parents don't have any idea...any clue...what you're work ethic is like. Only what you tell them. So, my decision to fire the both you..." The older daughter to Emma Walker pauses again to stand straight up. Her focus never wavering off of Lester. "...has been rescinded."
The sudden 180 regarding no longer firing Jeff and Lester completely baffles everybody, with the possible exception of Casey. This leads to Lester to suddenly respond. "Wait...what!? Why?" he inquired slowly stepping forward.
Sarah makes her way around her desk and towards Lester. The two stand face to face in front of one another with Jeff and Emmitt standing behind him. "You now know what I'm capable of. You slack off and I make a call. You mess up. I make a call. You at any point, think of suing myself, Chuck, or anyone associated with this Hospital for harassment or being in an unsafe work environment, what do you think I'll do?"
"Make a call." Lester stammered out.
"You and Mr. Barnes have now been given a wake up call. You've hidden behind this sort of diplomatic immunity tactic for far too long. Time to earn your paycheck and not to mention your spot at the end of the Live YouTube show. Rider included."
"Hold on..." chimed in Emmitt. "...that's still happening?" he added shaking his head.
Sarah is silent for a moment as she briefly stares at Emmitt then returns his attention to Lester who she peers down at in a very intimidating way. "I'm curious to see how you'll perform knowing what I know. Big Mike."
"Yes Chief!"
"Give these two starting right now, the next 2 days off so they can prepare. Like I said, no excuses."
"On it Chief."
"Finally, I suggest the both of you put your full effort into it and make sure it's a performance that kids, as well as adults will enjoy. Not what you think they'll enjoy. Nothing adult oriented like Push It by Salt N' Pepa. If I sense, you're not taking this whole thing seriously then I'm making a call or just fire you on the spot. Do...I...make...myself...clear?"
"Yes!" Lester blurted out.
"Mr. Barnes..." Sarah turns her attention to Jeff. She shakes her head and then continues on. "...just nod yes."
Jeff complies and after doing so, Sarah's attention falls on Emmitt. "As for you, Chief Beckman put me in charge. So, if you have a problem with that, tough shit. You don't need to know my business or who I hang out with during or after office work hours. You got that!?"
"Yes ma'am." he stammered out as well.
"If you ever question my authority or even think about going above my head to the Board of Directors, I'll have no problem using that letter opener to turn you into a eunuch. Who knows, you probably are..." stated Sarah with smirk. "...at least that's what I've been told." she added suddenly peering down.
In that moment, Emmitt peers down to the location of his manhood then snaps his head up suddenly realizing he's just been thoroughly embarrassed. It leads to him storming off out the door with Jeff and Lester following suit as well. Afterwards, Sarah takes a deep breath and briefly shakes her head knowing that a part of her felt good doing that while at the same time going back to her old ways was considerably risky. Yet, it was so worth it just to see the looks on Jeff and Lester's face but mostly on Emmitt's. Her thoughts while standing there lost in thought are abruptly broken by the sound of clapping from those still remaining the room. She turns around to see Chuck, Scooter, Big Mike and Hartley giving her a congratulatory props while Casey merely just smirks at her. For Sarah, she knows that in the back of her mind that this quite possibly is a turning point in her career as Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center.
XXX
It was a sight to behold for those in Sarah's office that witnessed something absolutely extraordinary. After filing out one by one into the hallway, Scooter takes his leave to take care of some prior obligations. Big Mike heads off to track down Jeff and Lester. Emmitt, nowhere in sight. As for Chuck and Sarah, they would be the last two to exit to where the aforementioned nerd turns around to face her.
"So, you just going to leave your letter opener sticking there on your door?" Chuck asked with immense curiosity.
Sarah glances over her right shoulder at her office door. "I'll take it down sooner or later. I just want to have it as a reminder of the moment that I believe showed me I have the confidence in being not just a leader, but a decision maker as well."
"Well then..." grinned the youngest Bartowski sibling. "...we'll follow your lead Captain." he added giving a quick salute. She then notices everyone else doing it with the exception of Hartley who is just smiling from ear to ear.
"That was exciting." Hartley stated. He steps forward placing one hand on Chuck's left shoulder and the other hand on Sarah's right. "If you ever want to become an associate at my law firm, you'd be more than welcome to join. I'm sure there's a suitable spot that best employs your unique skill set." he firmly nodded.
"I appreciate that Mr. Winterbottom..." but I'm happy where I am."
Hartley interjects. "Please, call me Hartley. Plus, any friend of Charles, is my friend as well."
"Ok, Hartley. Like I said before, I appreciate the offer, but I'm happy where I am. It feels like I'm finally able to get some solid footing after what happened in there."
"You took control of that situation." Hartley proudly responded. A raised fist in the air. "The whole room to be exact, Ms. Walker."
Now, it's Sarah turn to interject. Please, call me Sarah."
"Indeed I will...Sarah."
His attention on the Chief Operating Officer would suddenly be directed forward by someone calling out his name. "Father!"
"Ah, Vivian my dear. Did you get lost?" he retorted as she approached her father's location.
"Tough to find a parking spot. It took me forever, it seems." she answered back a bit exhausted.
"Vi.." Her attention on her father Hartley is then directed to the man standing to her left. "...is that you?"
It takes a while for Vivian to recognize the man who called her just the two letters of her first name. In her mind, there's only a select few who have done that. Her late mother, friends from school and..."
"Chuck Bartowski!?"
"Vivian McArthur. As I live and breathe." happily smiled Chuck. "How long has it been? Man, you've changed."
"And your hair hasn't, I see." jokingly remarked Vivian.
"Touché." he responded. Chuck reaches up to rub the top of his head with his right hand.
"14 years roughly. Have I changed in a bad or good way?"
"In an awesome way. I bet you were knocking back all the boys with a stick."
"Still the dorky charmer I see."
The reunion between Chuck and Vivian would be interrupted by the sound of a clearing throat. The source of the sound...Sarah. This leads to Morgan and Casey taking notice of what is unfolding before their very eyes. "Are you going to introduce me to your friend?"
"Oh sorry...yeah...duh!" Chuck said briefly hitting the side of his head with the palm of his right hand. "Sarah Walker, this is Vivian McArthur. We practically grew up together."
"Pleasure to meet you." greeted Sarah, extending her hand for a handshake.
"And you as well." Vivian responded reciprocating the handshake offered. A gracious, smile expressed towards Sarah. The daughter of Hartley Winterbottom's attention on Sarah returns back to Chuck. "Yeah, until I went to high school aboard in the UK. Somerset to be more precise. I was fortunate to have lived with my father's mother, Granny Millicent."
"Hey, has Ellie seen or talked to either of you yet?" Vivian and Hartley look at each other then turn to face Chuck shaking their head. "She'll definitely be surprised to see you guys. Come on. It's going to be awesome." His attention on Hartley and Vivian is then turned back to Sarah. "Hey, Sarah I'll see ya later." he wave back over his left shoulder.
As Sarah watches Chuck down the hallway with jubilance, escorting Hartley and Vivian to find Ellie, Morgan and Casey appear on either side of her. For Morgan, he can tell by the look on Sarah's face things are about to get considerably interesting now that a childhood friend, who happens to be female has stepped back into Chuck's life. For Casey, he knows one thing for sure and that is someone's going to be sharing their lady feelings and he hopes it's not with him.
XXX
NOTE: So what do you think? Surprised that Vivian showed up? It asks the question what will happen now that she's coming into the picture along with her father Hartley Winterbottom. Once again, I hope you've been enjoying this story so far even there are some readers who refuse to read any further until Charah get together. Hey, some people are just nitpicky but I'm just going to do my thing. As always, thanks to my BETA reader NEVR for continuing to make the chapters I send to him error free. Leave a comment and share your thoughts of this chapter Chuck reader peeps!
