Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, here's what happened previously: Jane Bentley is an award-winning documentary film maker who was doing a piece on Chuck Bartowski. It ended up being a piece about fighting for his life, his relationship, and the importance of family. So, what happens in this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when, why, how's? Who did Bentley focus on in regard to sharing their thoughts after the brutal attack? What happened that Chief Beckman agreed to letting someone else take over in regard to saving Chuck? Where specifically were Chuck's injuries located? When did Hartley and Vivian show up to see Chuck? Why was there a heated moment during the interview Bentley had with Hartley and Vivian? How was the detective assigned to Chuck case able to find a possible clue into the motives of his attacker? Read and find out! I hope you enjoyed 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!
Mayhem and Motives
XXX
Chuck sat there momentarily silently and rubbed his hands together after Bentley had him relive that horrifically traumatic event in the courtyard. It was clearly noticeable to Bentley that even though Chuck physically healed, it was the mental and emotional scars that unfortunately opened up once again for him. Of course, it wasn't just Chuck who was dealing with the scars of old wounds reopening as Sarah was doing her best in keeping her emotions in check. It had been 6 months since the incident happened, and despite that it felt like it happened yesterday for the both of them.
It wasn't just the married couple who felt that way. A number of individuals who voluntarily participated and agreed to do interviews for the documentary were a bit hesitant to share their thoughts, feelings and emotions because of how seemingly fresh the whole scary situation was for each one of them. Yet, they were able to muster through it knowing how mentally and emotionally painful it was to talk about nearly losing a family member. In any case, as much as Bentley wanted to find out what was going through Chuck's mind, she directed her question to the woman seated beside him.
"Sarah," Bentley took a brief pause before she continued on. "What do you mostly remember on that day when Chuck was attacked?"
"The look in Chuck's eyes." Sarah answered, glancing over her husband. Afterwards, she shook her head and reflected back on the moment before the most frightening moment of her life. "I remember he suddenly grabbed me and pulled me to the other side of where he was standing. The next thing I know, he stepped forward and hugged me," She slightly paused before continuing on. "Or so I thought. He ended up collapsing to the ground right in front of me."
"That's when you noticed the blood on your hands," Bentley noted.
Sarah nodded. Before she continued on, she couldn't help but look down at her hands. Although there was no sign of blood whatsoever, the mental image of it was forever stained not just in her mind, but in her heart as well. For her, it took some time and therapy with Dr. Dreyfus to finally be at a place where she was able to move on knowing her husband ended up surviving the incredibly scary ordeal.
"I stood there frozen. It took me a moment to realize what I was looking at. Chuck's blood." she added, looking over at her husband.
"What do you remember happened after that?"
After Bentley asked that question, Sarah took a moment and gathered her thoughts. As she gathered her thoughts Chuck looked over at his wife and could tell it was going to be emotionally difficult for her. Beforehand it was discussed and agreed upon that if at any point during the interview they're not able to handle it they'd both leave. So, he took that opportunity to check on her.
"Sarah, you okay?" he asked, leaning over towards her. Chuck reached over and softly placed his left hand on top of her right knee.
Fortunately for the nerdy business owner and YouTube host, his wife turned to her husband and expressed an appreciative smile. It wasn't long before she reached down with her right hand and intertwined it with his left. Afterwards, she nodded and proceeded to take a deep breath before she answered Bentley's question.
"I was in shock so everything around me sounded muffled. It wasn't until I heard a scream that I snapped out of it."
"Who screamed?"
After Sarah answered Bentley's question, it cut to Lester who leaned forward in his chair.
"Who told you I screamed like a girl," questioned Lester. "I want names," he demanded, repeatedly tapping his left palm with his right index finger. "Sister!" Bentley instantly arched her right brow towards the man who was seated across from her when she heard the word 'sister', which Lester quickly reacted to. "I didn't mean sister," The younger and much slender half of Jeffster slightly hesitated in raising his fist in the air as he tried to smooth things over. Unfortunately, he failed to do so. "What I meant was…what happened to Chuck was tragic," Lester knew trying to sound sympathetic wasn't working so he quickly turned to the man seated to his left. "Jeffrey, some help here."
"Are you single?"
Lester quickly interjected after that question was asked. "That's not what I meant by helping, Jeffrey."
At that point, a "discussion" between the two men occurred, which led to the interview itself to go completely off track. That's when the interview segment with Jeffster cut to Casey and Chief Beckman. However, it first started off with Bentley doing a voiceover as there was a brief moment of banter between them before the interview started.
In the midst of the mayhem that occurred during the aftermath, there was one person who can be accredited for keeping order in the courtyard. Head of Security, John Casey. He is also referred to by another name at Westside Medical Center.
"Colonel," Bentley paused before she continued on. "Were you the one who took down Chuck's assailant first before she was seen being held down on the ground by two of your security?"
"Negative," responded Casey, shaking his head. "It was the assailant's own clumsiness that helped gain the key advantage in not only her apprehension but was also able to easily disarm her as well." he added, recalling the events of the intense moment. "I was several feet behind her as she was backing away with the bloody knife still clutched in her right hand. She tripped on something and started falling backwards. That's when I took action."
"You'd be considered a hero." smiled Bentley.
"I was just doing my job, ma'am." grunted Casey.
After Casey said that Beckman chimed in. "The Colonel's actions were very commendable. He quickly assessed the situation and then ascertained how to de-escalate the mayhem that was happening within the courtyard. He did that all while keeping in mind that there was a life hanging in the balance. Mr. Bartowski's life." she proudly conveyed.
"I couldn't agree with you more, Chief Beckman," nodded Bentley. She took a moment and peered down at her notes before she continued on. "Just reading the damage that was done to Chuck by this woman, it's amazing that he's walking and talking." she uttered in disbelief. "There was a total of 4 stab wounds, which also meant the amount of blood Chuck lost was tremendous."
"That's why we needed to act fast." Beckman stated, as it cut back to 6 months ago.
"Move out the way!"
Those 4 words were screamed out repeatedly as a number of medical staff transported a safely secured Chuck as fast as they could from the courtyard into the first-floor area of the hospital. The sound of children and adults crying, as well as being comforted as they witnessed a beloved individual attacked. The fun and festive atmosphere that was well known for Bash At The Bench was suddenly replaced with a feeling of heartbreak and sadness. Time was of the essence as Chuck was wheeled into the Trenches of the emergency room to not only ascertain the number of stab wounds, but to also get the bleeding under control. Once they did, it was off to the operating room to gauge the extent of the damage. Chief Beckman led the way as she was a force to be reckoned with as they made their way to and finally reached the bank of elevators they needed to be at. It felt like forever as they waited for the elevator to open up and when it did, they fully expected to head in. Unfortunately, they were met with a major obstacle that unexpectedly stood in front of them.
***
The Present
"J.C. Sofer." shared Beckman, recalling that moment.
"The Viper," softly grunted Casey.
XXX
J.C. Short for Jane Catherine. Chief Surgeon for Westside Medical Center for the past 10 years. A member of the Board of Directors for 6 years. Although she's highly respected amongst her peers she wasn't on board with the Bash At The Bench and even voted against the show happening on hospital property. She didn't see the value in it and still doesn't. Fortunately, her fellow board members thought otherwise, and she was outvoted 7-1.
"Do you still stand by that risky move since every second counted for Chuck?" Bentley inquired.
"I felt," Chief Sofer took a momentary pause before she resumed speaking. "Someone who didn't have any emotional attachments and had to be 100% focused so there wouldn't be any costly mistakes. One wrong move and he ends up becoming permanently paralyzed." she explained. "So, I took over. There was no time to argue about it."
"That's a cold way of looking at the situation. Arrogant even."
"You have to be when it comes to being a surgeon. Cold blooded and coiled up before striking your target right in front of you," Sofer firmly responded.
"Like a viper." Bentley shared. "You've apparently garnered that reputation."
"I don't pay attention to it," shrugged Chief Sofer. "My focus is not only my department, but everything that happens in this hospital since I'm a member of the Board of Directors." she stated.
"Speaking of that," Bentley zeroed in on the latter part of what Chief Sofer said. "Who notified you of the stabbing?"
"Emmitt Milbarge."
After Chief Sofer said that it cut to Bentley's interview with Emmitt.
"That's right," nodded Emmitt. "I'm the eyes and ears of this hospital. I'm the one protecting its best interests for the Board of Directors. They need to realize that Chuck is actually a liability instead of someone who is providing positive publicity." he passionately pointed out.
"It's exhausting," Chief Sofer stated, cutting back to her interview. "On any given day I'm inundated with phone calls, voicemails and emails about what Chuck Bartowski supposedly did to him. How he is an absolute menace to the hospital. Yet, there is no definitive proof."
Bentley nodded and glanced down at her notes. Afterwards, she refocused the attention back on the matter at hand. "Two stab wounds to the left side of his lower back. He also suffered a stab wound to his L2. When it came to the 4th stab wound, he suffered, there was major cause for concern. A slight laceration of his L5 of his spinal cord. There was loss of spinal fluid as well due to the angle of the stab wound. That was according to the ER doctor that worked on him before he was moved up to surgery."
"Chuck's injury to his L5 would have been much more severe if it was fully lacerated," stated Chief Sofer. "There would have been limited to possibly no movement at all to his lower extremities. Also, his central nervous system would have been greatly affected as well." she further surmised.
"Is that what you shared with Sarah after you operated on him?" questioned Bentley. A nod was given in response by Sofer.
***
Sarah's 3rd Floor Office
Top Story. Popular YouTube host Charles Bartowski was attacked during a post celebration milestone that involved reaching 500 episodes. The show has widely been regarded as having a fanbase that not only has a nationwide reach, but an international one as well. Unfortunately, the attack on Mr. Bartowski overshadowed that. We heard from Chief Beckman earlier as she spoke in front of reporters about the status of his condition and…
Sarah's office television was turned off by the matriarch of the Wexler women. Emma's maternal instincts immediately kicked in wanting to protect and shield her oldest daughter from all the attention that was directed to her. Fortunately for her, Emma had her feisty teenage daughter by her side who was fully prepared to fight anyone if they talked badly not only about her older sister, but future brother-in-law as well. However, their main concern was Chuck's condition as they stood there and listened to Sarah asking Chief Softer one of the most important questions that involved his future.
"Is he going to be able to walk again?" asked Sarah, visibly shaken and concerned. "Also, when will I be able to see him?" she wondered, with considerable anxiousness.
Chuck's surgery lasted a total of 3 and half hours. Afterwards, Chief Sofer met with Sarah in her office. Speaking of Sarah, she wanted to sit in the waiting room area until the surgery was over. However, it was decided that it was better off that she waited in her office. It also gave her the opportunity to wash up and get changed into hospital scrubs in private. By that point, Emma and Molly arrived and joined Morgan, Ellie and Devon who made it their priority to be with family during a very harrowing time.
"It's too early to tell," answered Chief Softer, shaking her head. "What I do know is that he's in critical, but stable condition. When he eventually wakes up, he'll feel like hell from the pain and discomfort because of the significant amount of swelling that will likely develop." she further shared. "As for visitation, I'll make sure you'll be contacted to see him," Her focus on Sarah was directed to everyone else in the office. "For all of you."
"Thank you." breathed out Sarah. The sound of relief and appreciation expressed in her voice towards Chief Sofer.
That same sentiment was repeated by Chuck's family and Sarah's mother. However, when it came to Molly, she looked up at Chief Sofer and momentarily stared at her.
"Is there something on your mind, young lady?" wondered Chief Sofer.
"What do you have against Chuck?" stated the 14-year-old. "You're just a hater."
***
The Present
"What!?"
Molly sat there with her arms crossed expressing a look of innocence towards not only Bentley but at the camera as well. The camera then panned over to Emma who had her face buried in her hands and shaking her head.
"Molly!" called out Ellie.
"Molly Anastasia Walker!" responded Emma, with shocked embarrassment.
"Not awesome." Devon breathed out. Morgan quickly ducked behind Ellie's husband because he was actually terrified of the woman who many referred to as The Viper.
In response, Chief Sofer simply raised her left hand as if to say it's fine. Afterwards, the 14-year-old continued on.
"But I'll let it slide since you saved him, doc." she added, reaching out her right hand for a handshake.
The room stood silent as everyone in the office waited to see what Chief Sofer was going to do. Surprisingly, the Chief of Surgery grinned and reciprocated Molly's handshake. Afterwards, Chief Sofer took her leave, but not before 2 individuals arrived after they found out the horrifying news of Chuck's attack. Those two individuals were Hartley Winterbottom and his daughter, Vivian.
***
The Present
"When we return," uttered Bentley, standing in front of the glass desk. A few seconds later, footage from 6 months ago was show of a man and woman arriving at the hospital. They met and talked with Casey. "It was around 7pm when my cameraman caught the Colonel letting these two individuals in. Who are they? You'll meet them," she shared with her viewing audience. "Next."
XXX
"You're close to the Bartowski family," stated Bentley. All 3 individuals were seated in front of the blue courtyard bench. "As a matter of fact, you're considered a surrogate father and sister to Chuck and Ellie." added the award-winning documentarian. "Ever since their parents abandoned them…"
Hartley instantly chimed in. "Bullocks!" The experienced lawyer clearly took umbrage with the word 'abandoned'. "Where's your journalistic integrity?" he angrily added.
"Father!" Vivian responded. Her attention from her father was directed to Bentley. "Please excuse his outburst."
After he took a moment and composed himself, Hartley spoke up. "Apologies, Ms. Bentley," retorted Hartley, briefly holding up both hands. Afterwards, he shook his head and took a moment to compose himself before he continued on. "Just to clear this up for you," He motioned towards the viewing audience. "And your viewers. Charles and Eleanor were never abandoned. They've always been an extension of our family."
"Yet, the fact remains that it's been 20 years or so since Stephen and Mary Bartowski have been last seen." noted Bentley. "Don't you find that at all mysterious and suspicious?" she firmly inquired.
Before Hartley could respond, Vivian spoke up. "Excuse me, Ms. Bentley. We agreed to discuss the attack that happened to Chuck 6 months ago. There's no need to sully the names of Chuck and Ellie's parents who are not here to defend themselves." she calmly retorted. "So, I suggest we get back to properly discussing the matter at hand, shall we?"
Bentley was momentarily silent as a stare down was exchanged between both women. A few seconds later, the interview cut from the tense situation to a somewhat relaxed and seemingly discussion between all 3 individuals.
"The both of you were the prosecuting attorneys that worked closely with a detective from the LAPD assigned to Chuck's case against the woman who attacked him," Bentley briefly peered down at her notes before she resumed her interview. "Lizzie Shafai."
Hartley nodded. "Detective Lau Jalene."
"Through our mutual partnership," Vivian chimed in. "We discovered some disturbing and deeply unsettling information about the woman who was also referred to as Pita Girl.
At that point, the interview cut from Hartley and Vivian to Chuck and Morgan being interviewed together.
"The reason she was called Pita Girl was that whenever she came to Bash At The Bench she always gave a basket full of assorted pita bread related treats as a gift." Chuck shared. "She was a fan. A loyal and die-hard member of the Bartowski Brigade."
"Apparently, she was more than a die-hard fan. Actually, calling her a die-hard fan is putting it mildly." Bentley remarked, voicing her disbelief. "She was obsessed with Chuck to the point where she was deemed a stalker in the course of Detective Prince's investigation" she revealed.
"In hindsight, that was one of many red flags." Chuck reflected back.
After Bentley heard that, she further investigated the other red flags. "Could you elaborate?" she requested.
"The pita gift basket that was only meant for Chuck," pointed out Morgan. "Not the both of us. There were times I offered to give it to you, but she always refused." he added, looking over at Chuck. Afterwards he turned his focus back to Bentley "She had that whole Smeagol mixed with Glenn Close from the movie Fatal Attraction vibe going for her." Chuck's bearded best friend described. "Also, looking back at how you were stabbed," There was a momentary pause before he continued on. "It was like season 2 of Supernatural where Sam Winchester got stabbed in the back and died. In front of Dean and Bobby. Sam died in the arms of his brother, Dean."
Chuck nodded. "I remember that scene," he acknowledged. "He was stabbed by Aldis Hodge's character. Not well known at the time but blew up in Leverage. That series lasted 5 seasons. My favorite moments…"
That's when the interview suddenly muted, and the sound of Bentley's voice was heard.
Unfortunately, Chuck and Morgan were getting off track at this point in the interview. I now understand what Kathleen McHugh meant during her interview about how both men can get easily distracted. It didn't take long for me to get the interview back on track.
"Didn't it even occur to either of you to at least notify the police of Lizzie's behavior?"
"At the time, " Chuck paused. "No. I just chalked it up to the adrenaline rush of Bash At The Bench."
"Morgan interjected. "What about the notes that were left in the pita gift basket meant for 'your eyes only'." he added, with air quotes.
Bentley arched her right brow after she heard about the notes meant for Chuck's eyes only. "You read them?"
"Sure," responded Morgan. "Chuck showed them to us."
"So, those notes didn't alarm you?" questions Bentley.
"They were actually harmless and sweet." Chuck retorted.
A brief moment later, the interview with Chuck and Morgan cut to an interview conducted with Alex, Ellie, and Sarah who had different reactions.
"Are you kidding me?" Alex responded. "Not what I read." she added, raising both eyes.
"My little brother always gives people the benefit of the doubt," Ellie shook her head. "But at the same time can be totally clueless."
A soft smile was expressed by Sarah. "That's my Chuck." she softly breathed out.
XXX
Detective Lau Jalene. A 10-year veteran of the LAPD who garnered the nickname "Smooth" after her first arrest as a rookie. It stuck ever since. Plus, her background in martial arts and close quarter combat also helped. In any case, she was tasked in investigating the brutal attack that left an innocent man who was supposed to get married next weekend to his beautiful bride, Sarah Walker. Instead, Chuck Bartowski was laid up in a hospital bed recovering from lifesaving surgery and it was unclear if the damage that he suffered from slight laceration to his lower spine would end up leaving him paralyzed. It was Detective Prince's job to find out who Lizzie Shafai really was and help bring to justice someone who did an unspeakable act perpetrated on a person who was truly well beloved by the community.
"During your investigation, were you able to get anything out of Ms. Shafai?"
"She refused to cooperate," answered Lau, shaking her head. "Instead, she asked for a lawyer. So, I did some background investigation."
"And what did you find?"
"Parents are from India. Moved to the states when she was younger. She became a naturalized citizen at 14 with her parents. Graduated from USC. Accumulated a fair amount of student debt." listed off Lau. "Nothing out of the ordinary."
"So, you struck out there. Anything substantial you found that helped your case against the suspect?" inquired Bentley.
"I talked with witnesses, medical staff, and administration that were very familiar with the Ms. Shafai. She didn't actually start attending Bash At the Bench till the middle of 2005." revealed Lau. "According to witnesses, Ms. Shafai blended in with the crowd early on instead of being at the forefront."
"So, she was shy at first," noted Bentley. "I wonder what happened that led to that mysterious turnaround?" she queried.
"It was something that I was going to get to the bottom of."
Bentley nodded. "Anything else that helped build your case against her?" questioned the award-winning documentarian.
"Footage that was provided by Morgan Grimes. It helped gain a better understanding of the suspect." she added. "Fortunately, Mr. Grimes was able to compile footage that helped my job considerably easier than sifting through 6 and half years' worth of YouTube footage."
"By looking at the footage you believed it helped you find out her motives for the attack on Chuck?" Bentley posed.
Lau nodded. Afterwards, the interview with the lead detective for the investigation cut to a piece of footage from the compilation where Lizzie was briefly interviewed by Morgan.
What do you love about Bash At The Bench?
Everything. All thanks to Chuck who has a big heart. He's been the same down to earth guy even when he went for a haircut. I thought it was going to be a bad idea because he doesn't need to change. He looks perfect the way he is. When I saw how he looked walking out it took my breath away.
I think it took everyone's breath away. Hey, I see you brought another gift basket full of goodies for Chuck. I can take it over for him.
I want to give it to him myself.
Alrighty then. Hey Chuck! Guess who's here!?
At that point, Lau pointed out something concerning what Lizzie mentioned in the clip as it repeated 2 particular moments.
He's been the same down to earth guy even when he went for a haircut. When I saw how he looked walking out it took my breath away.
"Any significance?" wondered Bentley.
"According to Mr. Grimes or any of his family and friends, they didn't know he was going to get a haircut. They all found out at the Hospital Gala 2 years ago." Lau noted. "The audience found out 6 days later at Friday's Bash At The Bench. So how did the suspect know that he went for a haircut unless…"
"Unless," interjected Bentley. "She actually knew where Chuck was going to get his haircut. So, what I'm assuming is she was stalking him."
"Potentially," nodded Prince, "Also, if you noticed, Ms. Shafai's hair was a darker color in that footage. When she was apprehended by the hospital's security team 6 months ago her hair was lighter. Blonde." she firmly noted. "That's when I attained a search warrant for Ms. Shafai's place of residence."
"What did you find?"
"More than anyone could have bargained for." responded Lau, recalling that moment in time.
XXX
NOTE: INTRIGUED SO FAR? OF COURSE, THERE ARE 3 CHARACTERS FROM THE SERIES YOU KNOW. ONE FROM CHUCK VS. THE BEST FRIEND, CHUCK VS. THE MARLIN, AND THE OTHER FROM CHUCK VS THE BUSINESS TRIP. ANYWAYS, LEAVE A COMMENT AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AS THEY'RE CONSIDERED AN INCENTIVE TO WRITE MORE. ANWAYS, ANY GRAMMATICAL MISTAKES ARE MY OWN.
