Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: Chuck and Sarah's non date continued. Sarah would end up the victor after their ping pong match and Chuck was a good sport about it. Afterwards, Sarah and Lou would get a chance to talk sharing a heart to heart. Lou would put things into perspective for her, which Sarah would be grateful for. The two would be gifted the ping pong paddles before leaving to go eat down at the food trucks outside. It's there the two would share another moment together. Plus, Chuck would inform Sarah he would take her on a tour of some place special. That place would be the Venice Canals in Santa Monica. Needless to say, it left Sarah absolutely speechless and when it was over she would find herself standing face to face with Chuck at her front door of her condo unit. The two would say their goodbyes but not before a moment between the two of them had Molly encouraging Chuck to kiss her sister from behind door. It didn't happen but it overall an exceptional night for her that Molly and Emma wanted to hear about. So what's in store for this chapter? What nickname does Chief Beckman's personal executive assistant go by? Who is Chuck's Dwight Schrute to his Jim Halpert? What prank does Chuck allegedly pull that he's accused of? Finally, why can't Jeff and Lester be terminated from Westside Medical Center? 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 Blonde In Charge
XXX
The following morning would be a big day for Sarah. Of course, she'd be experiencing a bundle of nerves, anxiety, fear, and overall sense of dread as the boss. Luckily, she would have Casey watching out for her knowing he put it out there that he would assist in keeping everybody in line in case things would get difficult. Beforehand, she would receive a call from her Chief Beckman's executive personal assistant Greg Schootinsky to be at her office at around 8:30 a.m. to meet with her boss before she officially left on some much needed vacation time.
When it comes to Greg Schootinky, he's a man who considers himself to be very efficient at his job and will remind you of that as well. However, around the hospital he's simply known as Scooter. Of course, the nickname stuck and from her understanding it's due to the fact that after every discussion with Beckman she would tell him scoot along to get what needed to be done in a timely manner...or else. A threat that he never took lightly and he got the job done with the efficiency of a robot that never seems to run out of energy. To Sarah, just thinking about all that's expected of him in regards to working at the side of a hardened but well respected taskmaster such as Diane Beckman can tests one's mental, physical, and most certainly emotional stability she thinks to herself.
Her first impression upon meeting Scooter is that he's considerably far less creepy than the Emmitt Milbarge. Yet, what he lacks in the overall creepiness factor is certainly made up for in overall attitude. Boy did he have tons of it since he's been the executive personal assistant for Chief Beckman for well over 10 years. If best described, he would be like a supervisor of a fast food restaurant who constantly fixated on not wasting any time and being absolutely efficient while on the clock but with more power, as well as a tremendous amount of responsibilities added on.
In her mind, it's those type of supervisors that just get under her skin to the point where you just want to punch the guy in the face, she thinks to herself. For Sarah, she can't even imagine a scenario where she works for a guy named Scooter let alone being subjected to constantly seeing that stupid bowtie around his neck. A bow tie you just want to grab, pull back and have it hit him his Adam's apple, which has properly happened to him in the past decade working here. There's also the fact that there's an uncanny resemblance to the kid named Lewis from the animated Disney movie Meet the Robinsons. A movie she thoroughly enjoyed watching with her little sister Molly and her mother Emma.
Thankfully, Beckman went over some last-minute details with him before she would officially hand over the reins of leadership to her. To her, Scooter is to put it bluntly a company "yes" man and that irritated her to no end. Why? For one thing, it brought up several bad experiences for her when it came to dealing with company yes men. One named came to mind. Kieren Ryker.
For her, just saying his name left a bad taste in his name and the man in question popping up in her mind hasn't been on her radar for a while since she fired him back in her days working for Langston Graham in D.C. The situation involving Ryker was considerably messy as it handled a sensitive matter involving a baby that shouldn't have gone to social services she recalled. Press got involved and not mention lawyers as well. In her mind, it was a complete nightmare and not to mention headache for her as she and Ryker butted heads many times before to where they had heated discussions that ended up with the both of them needing to be separated.
In any case, after talking with Scooter, the bow tie wearing personal assistant who resembles an animated Disney movie character is told to scoot along, leaving Sarah with not just Chief Beckman standing in her office. There would also be another individual in her office as well who was just sitting on Sarah's comfy office couch and now standing. Roan Montgomery.
Sarah attention is briefly on the silver haired man who seems to exude a semi mysterious presence about himself. At the same time, he has this sense of joie de vivre that somehow is able to catch anyone's attention she thinks to herself. As he makes his way and inevitably stands next to her red head boss, the woman who will soon take her leave for an unknown specific of time to enjoy a much needed vacation speaks up.
"Scooter will be there to assist if need be. Reminders for important meetings, going over management of the profits…" nodded Beckman. She pauses for a moment to recall anything else. "...and loss statements for the hospital's business, as well as the related resources associated with how the hospital itself operates. That's just the tip of the iceberg Sarah." In that instance, the Chief Administrator can clearly see the uncertainty in just her face, but body language as well. This leads to Beckman stepping forward. "You'll do great. Remember, trust in those that will have your back and you'll do just fine Sarah."
"Thanks Chief." she breathed out. "I'll do my best to make you proud. Just because you're leaving on vacation doesn't mean it's time to slack off. Our mission here is to still provide quality medical care, continually maintain the best overall performance that we can possibly achieve, keep our primary stockholders happy…" Sarah takes a moment to take a deep breath after saying all that. She then continues on. "…while ensuring we keep a watchful eye when it comes to balancing out the scales in supply and demand involving us as medical healthcare service providers." she shared with a sense of nervous determination. "Market Equilibrium, to be more specific in terms."
Beckman expressive a faint smirk. "See…" she said glancing at Roan. "…that's one of the reasons I hired her." added a firm nod to Sarah.
In that instance, the Account Executive and Corporate Medical Traveler of Westside Medical Center speaks up. "Beautiful and smart. A deadly combo of gorgeous, sophistication."
A flattered nod is given in response by Sarah upon hearing that."Mr. Montgomery." she stated extending her hand for a handshake.
"Please…" he smoothly responded. Instead of shaking Sarah's hand he caresses it then lower down to gently kiss the top of it. His attention never wavering as he gazes into her eyes. "…I prefer Roan." Roan added expressing a seemingly devilish smile towards her. "Feels less impersonal."
"Ok…Roan. I…"
The now temporary boss to Westside Medical Center would suddenly be interrupted by a knock on her door. It would lead the 3 individuals standing in her office to wonder who it leading Sarah and Beckman to speak up."
"Come in." the 2 women say in perfect unison. Afterwards, Sarah and Beckman would exchange humorous glances before directing their attention to the Chief Operating Officer's officer door.
The individual who knocked opens and steps through the door. "Hey Sar..." His attention is quickly averted to the two people standing by her in the office as well. "...Chief...Roan. Did I miss the invite to the party?" he added somewhat apprehensive.
"Mr. Bartowski." nodded Beckman.
"Ah Charles. It's been a while." greeted Roan extending his hand towards the nerdy young man. Then men shake hands then continue on with the conversation. "In a way it is. Heading off to enjoy ourselves on a much needed sabbatical?"
Beckman chimes in afterwards. "Just what the doctor ordered." she responded with a mixture of relief and eagerness. The irony in that saying since she is after all in a place full of physicians and not to mention other medical staff as well.
"Any place in particular?" he asked briefly glancing at Sarah. His attention back to Beckman and Roan. "I hear Colorado is the destination vacation spot to be at this time of year." he freely shared. "
"Europe." smiled Roan. A gradual mischievous smile growing on his face.
"Awesome." happily retorted Chuck. "Even better. Safe travels and whatever you do don't drink the water." he shared giving a heads up to the off and on again couple.
"They're heading to Europe Chuck..." chimed in Sarah. "...not Mexico." faintly chuckled Sarah. She playfully leans over to her left in order to shoulder bump him. It's something that doesn't go unnoticed by Beckman and Roan. This leads to Beckman to quirk her right brow towards Chuck.
"Mr. Bartowski, there's been some chatter going around as of late."
In that instance, the words considerable chatter causes Sarah's eyes to widen. She immediately reflects back on what Casey said to her by that Friday afternoon by the elevators. You'll learn that when it comes to this place, word will get out quick.
"What sort of chatter..." he asked apprehensively. "...Chief"
"From what I understand..." Beckman pauses somewhat eyeing the two young people in the room. "...you and Sarah here went on a date last night."
Instantly, Chuck and Sarah verbally react in unison. "It's wasn't a date."
Chuck and Sarah's simultaneous near perfect response cause Beckman and Roan to briefly turn to each other. Their attention would return back to their younger counterparts after hearing Sarah speak up.
"Anything wrong Chuck?"
"Nothing's wrong. Actually...I mean...sort of." he answer stumbling over his words. This leads him to stop and briefly point lift his right finger in the air. Chuck reaches behind in order to retrieve something. When he brings it forward, he continues speaking. "You forgot this in my car last night." A look of surprise on Sarah face upon seeing what Chuck has in his hand.
"Awww." responded Sarah. A soft, genuine smile on her face. She reaches over taking the ping pong paddle from him. Holding it to where she hugs it tightly against her chest. "I had so much fun playing ping pong and you taking me on the guided tour of the Venice Canals."
"No worries. I thought you might have been bummed out thinking you lost it." he surmised. Chuck then reaches up with his right hand to rub the back of his neck.
"I just totally forgot about it." Sarah responded shaking her head. In that moment, she mentally kicks herself all-the-while continuing to smile knowing she nearly lost a precious memento from a truly incredible night. "Thank you for coming all this way to bring it to me."
Chuck waves off the kind gesture not really wanting to be complimented for something that he believes he would do for anyone. Man or woman. Unfortunately, the attention they had on each would abruptly end when Chuck and Sarah hear the sound of 2 people clearing their throat. The source. Beckman and Roan.
"I thought the text I received was a bit much." Beckman said.
"What text?"
"Apparently..." chimed in Roan. "...you're exploits have become newsworthy. A tad pedestrian for my taste." he added with a slight shrug. His attention on Chuck then to Sarah.
"I'm sorry. I think Morgan...maybe Ellie." he blurted out. "We're..." Chuck glances at Sarah who interjects herself into the mix.
"Yes Chief, we're both sorry if our exploits are causing a distraction for the whole hospital."
As Beckman is about to respond back, she hears Roan talking to himself. "Nothing salacious, naughty, or at all juicy. Nothing. So disappointing." Roan's faint response also catches the attention of Chuck and Sarah. Chuck mainly as he quirks his right brow at Roan's unexpected response.
Her attention returns to Chuck and Sarah who are ready to verbally and maybe even physically grovel at the feet of the Chief Administer, but holds up her right hand for them to stop. "As much as I hate disruptions in my hospital..." she authoritatively began. "...I'm going to let it slide." Beckman announced. Her authoritative demeanor suddenly softening.
"You are." sounded off a surprised Chuck
"I don't understand?" Sarah questioned considerably perplexed.
"You'll be taking charge in my absence Sarah. I expect absolute professionalism at all times. However..." stated Beckman. "...as long it doesn't interfere with the overall effectiveness in your role as a leader of this institution then I need not worry. So..."
"Trust me Chief..." Chuck firmly chimed in. "...she'll do awesome running things while you're away."
It's at that point, Beckman takes a moment to look at Chuck. After briefly remaining silent she continues on. "How long have I known you Chuck?"
"It seems like forever Chief."
"We didn't start off on the right foot now did we?"
"No ma'am. Hacking into the Hospital's television feed set the initial tone..." he retorted with a shrug of regret. "...but I did apologize. Plus, it turned out for the best."
"Indeed, it did. However, you and I would eventually come to a mutual understanding of respect. Though I don't have any children of my own, I've come to see you and Eleanore as the kids that I never had. I'm proud of all that you've been able to accomplish thus far and what you've done for this hospital as it relates to your YouTube show. It took me a while to fully understand it because at first glance it seemed like a bunch of nonsense."
Chuck takes a moment to let Beckman's words sink in. Afterwards, he gives his rebuttal. "In an honesty Chief, it was all a bunch of nonsense in the beginning. A rip off or should I say paying homage to Wayne's World. The popular Saturday Night Live skit turned hit movies about 2 guys from Aurora Illinois with their own cable access show starring Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar."
"I know of it."
"You do?"
"There was a thing called the late 70's Chuck. John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase. The cast that started on Saturday Night Live."
"Oh right."
While Chuck and Beckman are having a seemingly heartfelt trip down memory road of their relationship that started off contentious, Sarah is standing there experiencing another emotional moment involving Chuck. A moment where she not only gets another perspective of how his influence has positively affected people, but affected the one person that she hasn't really thought of as having what Casey referred to as being in touch with her "lady feelings" she thinks to herself.
"Now..." Beckman takes a momentary deep breath before she keeps going. "...I see it for what it is."
"What is it?"
"A way to shine a light and champion the children in this hospital who've battled tirelessly to fight their way back as you did years ago. Though the circumstances are vastly different, they're in a way similar." One again Beckman, take a brief moment to compose herself knowing she doesn't do this often because it shows weakness being the authoritarian and all. In her mind, she has a reputation to uphold. Yet, she drops that persona to be genuinely real with the man standing in front of her. "I want to see you happy. I've seen it in your face when you're around those kids, and just now with...?" Beckman stops herself to quickly direct the conversation elsewhere. "Anyways, I just wanted to say keep doing what you're doing. Be a beacon that lights the way for others to follow your example young man."
"I will. Thanks. Is alright if I call you mom?" he jokingly remarked.
"Don't push it." she dryly answered and completely stone faced. Yet, a slow, but faint smirk appearing on her face.
"How about a hug?"
Beckman momentarily stares at Chuck. "Make it quick."
Once again, Sarah stands there just observing the interaction between Chuck and her boss. An interaction in which she notices Beckman whispering into Chuck's ear. Although she couldn't hear what was said, she knows it caused him to smile then give a nod acknowledging whatever she said to him. In any case, the moment between Chuck and Beckman would suddenly take a turn when Roan makes a startling request. "You need to kiss Sarah." It's a request that catches Beckman, but most all Chuck and Sara,h completely by surprise.
XXX
"Wait...what?" blurted out a clearly surprised Chuck.
"Ummm." sounded off Sarah.
In that instance, Roan directs his attention to Chuck. "If and when you ever go on a date with this ravishing woman..." He suddenly stops. "...you must ask her this time. Go old school."
A perplexed Chuck doesn't really know how to respond, so he goes with a simple answer. "Ok."
"Next. How would you go about breaking the ice with her? On a real date setting."
It's at the point, Chuck's brain and mouth gradually sync up to where he's able to form coherent sentence. "Well, I uh..." It's then Chuck's eyes go from fearful to relaxed in a matter of seconds. "...that's an excellent question. I would start with the bedroom eyes maybe." he shared arching his eyebrows up and down towards her. "The old Bartowski eyebrow dance maybe. I'm comin' at ya like this..." he playfully stated slowly leaning forward towards Sarah. "...and start firing the guns at ya." Chuck added. Both his fingers once again playfully towards her.
Speaking of Sarah, she's can't help but crack a smile and laugh by what's he's doing. Unfortunately, that doesn't sit well with Roan.
"Hey don't encourage him. This isn't happy hour at Chili's. What would you do on a real date?"
In that instance, Chuck briefly shrugs his shoulders as he momentarily contemplates what he could potentially do on a real date with Sarah. "I'd...I'd be myself like last time. I try to make her laugh a little bit, which I did. Find a common cultural interest. Music for instance."
"Has that worked?"
"Yes." blurted out Sarah. Attention that was on Chuck is now on Sarah. She's a bit thrown off but regains her footing, so to speak, and continues on. "What Chuck mentioned about him being himself, making me laugh, and finding a common cultural interest in music. He took a real caring interest in talking with me instead of at me. I appreciated that. Oh, that reminds me. Chuck."
"Yeah?"
"I listened to The Eels' song Fresh Feelings by the way. The one you highly recommended." Sarah smiled. "I like it."
"Awesome."
"Really?" Roan retorted sounding surprised. "Tall, dark and caring. What a combo."
"Also passionate, sweet and caring." interjected Sarah. A tinge of anger and annoyance in her voice. "You may not see it, but he has a lot to offer. He disguises it well."
"Yeah Roan. I'm like a Transformer. There's more to me than meets the eye." nodded Chuck with a smile. He turns his attention to Sarah who just shakes her head causing Chuck's smile to flatten.
"Fine." responded Roan.
"Fine." Chuck nodded turning his head to Sarah.
"Fine." acknowledged Beckman's second in command.
Speaking of Beckman, she has been standing there listening and watching this whole absurd interaction go down and decides to shut it down. Unfortunately, it's too late as Roan speaks up.
"Ok my boy. Then let me see this passion of yours..." stated Roan briefly directing his attention to Sarah. "...she so highly touts." The baritone-esque and light bass tone of voice that's seemingly smooth like a fine glass of whiskey. He crosses his arms as he locks his attention on Chuck. "Kiss her."
"Excuse me?" questioned Sarah standing next to Chuck. She looks directly at Roan standing in front of the two of them eyes the man she was just formally introduced to not moments ago.
Chief Beckman instantly chimed in. "Roan, this is…"
Beckman would be immediately cut off by Chuck as he gives a quick response. "I don't think that's necessary…" quickly protested Chuck briefly glancing at Sarah. As much as he would like to kiss to her given the right opportunity presenting itself, he, at the same time doesn't want to make things awkwardly uncomfortable not only for himself, for Sarah as well. In his mind, expressing his message within a message last night to Sarah, with the whole "a flash of genius" saying that his father use to say to him, would absolutely cause disruption with what they've already been able to mutually balance out in regards to "their thing." Yet, he's put on the spot and doesn't want to feel pressured into doing it, especially knowing she is probably feeling the same way he thinks to himself. "…at this particular juncture right now, Roan." he added noticeably flustered. "I'm solid as a rock in that department." said with reluctance from the nerdy business owner. To nail his point, Chuck emphatically hits the corner of Sarah's desk with his fist nearly missing it in the process.
"What's wrong?" asked Roan with a bit of concern. "Don't you find Ms. Walker here attractive?" he added with curiosity. The elder statesman taking a moment to all intents and purposes drink Sarah's radiant beauty up.
The question asked by Roan causes a tense awkwardness among not only Chuck but Sarah as well who is squirming a bit standing next to him. "Of course I find her attractive." he stated glancing at Sarah. The extremely attractive and not to mention beautiful blonde standing next to him. "It's just that I had a breakfast burrito earlier from Mickey D's and I want to be respectful."
Roan quickly chimes in giving his thoughts on the matter. "While I admire your sense of moral sensibility son, if you can't kiss her now what makes you think you're going to kiss Sonjia when you're on a real date with this exquisite woman?" he emphatically stated. Roan narrows his eyes at the man who he believes is not taking full of advantage of what's being suggested to him. Unfortunately, his efforts to live vicariously through someone who is by all accounts seemingly dragging his feet to seize the moment is quickly deflated by one simple 2-word question.
"Whose Sonjia?" questioned Chuck with a confusingly perplexed look on his face. A look that also is expressed on Sarah's face as well added with added surprise fully aware off–on again relationship between Chief Beckman and Roan Montgomery.
"Yes…" Beckman chimed in. A suspicious, somewhat accusatory tone in her voice. "…who is Sonjia, Roan?" the seemingly tiny read headed woman added. A steely gaze with a considerable arch to her right brow directed to Roan.
It's at that point, Beckman and Roan have a discussion leaving Chuck and Sarah thinking they may have narrowly avoided an intensely awkward situation between the two of them. A situation where they are at a truly comfortable place with and around each other without having to tread lightly, as well as walk on egg shells, metaphorically speaking of course. As Chuck and Sarah mutually make the decision to duck out of her office leaving Beckman and Roan there having a discussion, they give them a proper send off before they disappear out the door.
"Have fun on your trip Chief...Roan." waved Chuck.
"What he said." retorted Sarah. She then playfully pushes Chuck out the door then closes it behind her. The ping pong paddle given back to her in hand.
The doors to the second-floor elevator would open, leading Chuck and Sarah to step out. After turning right, they walk down the hallway towards the nurses' station. In doing so, both are in a heightened state of awareness. Suddenly nurses and staff are smiling at the two of them as they approach then pass them. Once they reach the nurses' station a gaggle of nurses are huddled up with one poking her head out like an ostrich who briefly stares then ducks her head back into the huddle. It's within that huddle that loud whispers can be heard leading to Sarah enact her first duty as the temporary boss of Westside Medical Center channeling her inner Chief Beckman.
"All right ladies..." stated Sarah quirking her right brow. Her arms crossed sternly. "...we still have a hospital to run. Get back to work. Now Scoot!"
The gaggle nurses quickly disperse with 1 or 2 staying behind since they are manning the nurses' station. Yet, faint giggles and snickers still being expressed on Chuck and Sarah's expense. Speaking of Chuck, he stands there a but amused by what just happened, especially the last word she said. "Scoot?"
Sarah simply shrugs in response. "It just came out." she said cracking a faint grin.
"Should I be worried that with your new found powers you'll be turning into Chief Beckman #2?" he wondered quirking his right brown. "A famous uncle to Peter Parker/Spiderman once said, "With great powers, comes great responsibility." he added with profound amusement.
In that instance, Sarah breathes out a faint laugh and is about to say something when her eyes widen looking over his left shoulder past Chuck. Chuck notices this and immediately turns around to see who is down the hallway. It doesn't take long for him to spot the man who he considers the Dwight Schrute to his Jim Halpert. Afterwards, Chuck turns back around. "It's just..." Sarah has apparently vanished causing Chuck to look around. As he does, he suddenly hears her voice. It's faint and close. "Sarah?"
"Pssttt! Down here!"
"Where?" he whispered out loud. He scans around looking down and around the outside of the nurses' station.
It's that point the nurse at the desk gets his attention. "Chuck!" Once he looks her way, the nurse in question nonchalantly tilts her head to her left and side eyes the location of the woman who suddenly vanished after standing beside him not a few moments ago. He's about to say something when he hears his name being said. "Chuck Bartowski."
It's at the point, Chuck slowly turns to his left. Once he does, he crosses his arms and locks eyes with the man who he's played countless pranks on all the years that he's worked at the hospital. Pranks that were meticulously well planned and though out in which, Morgan along with some staff were involved. Then there were pranks that were spur of the moment and resulted in some memorable moments just for him and nobody else. "Emmitt."
XXX
"Well...look who we have...here." greeted the Hospital's weasel faced attorney. "Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be at work fixing computers or wasting your time creating stupid computer games? Why bother? They'll end up just rotting kids' brains."
"They're also educational, Emmitt. Serves a purpose and aren't just considered a waste of time as you put it." He added briefly shrugging his shoulders. "To answer your question though, I'm here because I stopped by to drop something off for Sarah."
"What was it?"
"Nothing that concerns you. Plus, it's not really any your business."
In that instance, Emmitt is noticeably perturbed by Chuck's response causing him to suddenly unbutton his suit jacket. Afterwards, he flips back the bottom of his suit coat then places both hands against the side of his hips. "When it concerns hospital staff, I make it my business as it could very well lead to legal trouble for Sarah." he firmly stated leaning forward a bit. "Just looking out for that lovely woman since I've been hearing some unpleasant scuttlebutt."
Upon hearing that, Sarah nearly gags while continuing to hide from Emmitt, but intently listens in on what Chuck says next. Speaking of the nerd, he tilts his head, furrows his eyebrows a bit, and expresses a crooked grin. "Unpleasant scuttlebutt? Like what?"
"Interoffice relationships concerning office romances."
"There's an office romance going on that I should know about? Kudos to the happy couple." nodded Chuck. "Since I don't work here, it doesn't apply to me. Plus, my office is 30 minutes away from here in Santa Monica."
"You do shoot your YouTube show outside in the courtyard on hospital grounds. Approved by Chief Beckman. So, by a technicality..." Emmitt stated expressed slimy smile towards Chuck. "...you're considered an employee here."
Chuck shakes his head in response. "Technically, is the key word here. You would have to technically discuss this with Sarah and from what I hear she's got a full plate today. You really want to add on to what is really a whole lot of nothing?"
"Nothing could very well be something."
"Are you sure about that? You don't even know what I dropped off for her."
"Whatever it is...it could have been a comic book."
"Maybe..." he briefly paused then keeps going. "...it could have been the official flag of Courtyardia."
"Oh, that make-believe place that Mr. Grimes made up."
"It's real to him."
Chuck and Emmitt go back and forth exchanging verbal blows with one another. As this is happening, Sarah ever so discreetly pops her head up to see what's going on as she has been able to only hear the conversation between the two apparent rivals.
"Listen here Chuck..." Emmitt briefly duck his head while slightly crouching down and points at him. "...you may have gotten Chief Beckman and sweet, sweet Sarah Walker...the new Chief Operating Officer..."
"And your boss starting today."
Emmitt brushes off what he just said and continues on. "You've got both of them completely fooled into thinking you're some kind of saint. I know better." he added adamantly pointing to himself.
"Do you now?" His attention on Emmitt is briefly directed at the nurse sitting behind the desk. "Hear that? He knows better." he repeated back. His attention returning back to the man that has him going from perturbed to absolutely incredulous. As for Sarah, she quickly ducks her head back down behind the desk while continuing to listen to the heated banter between the 2 of them. Plus, the nurse, who helped Chuck signal where she was, apparently doesn't like Emmitt either evident by the way she's rolled her eyes whenever he tried to sound tough. "What do you know then?"
Instantly, Emmitt reaches up into his inner suit coat pocket and retrieves a small notepad and a pen. He flips a couple pages over to where he finds what he's looking for. "You..." he emphatically pointed at him with his pen. "...6 days ago..."
"So, on a Wednesday." Chuck chimed in. His arms are now crossed with his right hand underneath his chin. His finger placed just above his mouth. "Hmm. Go on."
"Yes, Wednesday." nodded Emmitt. He takes a moment to readjust his glasses then peers down at his notepad. Once he finds what's he's written down he speaks up. "I took a nap."
"Good for you, especially at your age Emmitt."
"I'm not finished." he angrily snapped back. "I took a nap and when I woke up, I was in my office."
"You were tired. The stress of the job of a man in your position." stated Chuck keeping himself stone faced.
"It turned out it wasn't my office."
"You must have been sleep walking then. Studies show getting more rest helps a better functioning brain."
"I know that."
"So, how did you know it wasn't your office?"
"A framed picture of an Asian family on the desk tipped me off for one thing." he answered once again shaking his head. "So, I left looking for my actual office."
"Did you find it?"
"No." answered Emmitt shaking his head. The irritated and annoyed tone in his voice increasingly grows. "Turns out, I was in another hospital! 17 miles away!" he angrily bellowed. "Valley Presbyterian."
"Wow. Up there in Van Nuys. That's roughly...24 minutes away." At this point, Sarah is trying not to bust out laughing behind the nurses' station. She wasn't the only one trying to not bust out laughing as the 2 other nurses that stay at the nurses' station did their very best to compose themselves. "How did you get back?
"I tried getting a ride back in one of their ambulances."
"How'd that go?"
"Those medics are unreasonable. Only for emergencies..." he firmly stated using air quotes. "...they said. I'll be writing a strongly worded email to their supervisors. That's what I'll be doing."
"Good luck with that."
"I know it was you Bartowski!" Emmitt shoots back. "I don't know how you pulled it off..." he added. The notepad in his hand suddenly crumpled tightly in his hand. The attorney for Westside Medical Center clearly frustrated and agitated as he makes his accusation known against the alleged prankster. "...but I'll figure it out. When I do."
"Is there proof I did it, Emmitt? If not, it's all just pure speculation. You know that." he said. Chuck suddenly breaks eye contact with Emmitt leading his eyeline to move slight up to where he focuses on his forehead.
"For now it's...what...what are you doing?" he asked waving his hand at Chuck.
Chuck continues to focus his eyeline on the area just above Emmitt's eyebrows. "Nothing." he answered. His attention on said area never wavering.
"Why are you looking at my forehead?"
"I'm not." he retorted back. His eyebrows suddenly furrowing.
"Stop doing that!" he responded quickly covering up his forehead. It's at that point, he lifts himself a bit using his toes. "Right here Bartowski. Lock into my eyeline. Stop acting so immature."
"All righty then." he acknowledge. His eyeline still not locked on Emmitt's.
It's at this point, Chuck has gotten Emmitt so flustered he just ends up spouting off incoherent words to the point where he just walks off in a huff. He continues to stand there and slowly lifts his right finger to his right to signal when the coast is clear. When Emmitt is completely out of sight, Chuck gives a thumbs up, signaling Sarah it's safe to come out. Afterwards, the eldest Walker sibling cautiously makes her away back to where she was originally standing. It's there where she sees Chuck exchanging fist taps with 2 nurses behind the desk. "Wow, you handled that like a pro."
"Yeah..." he said briefly glancing behind him. "...I've had years of experience dealing with him. I chalk this up as another win." Upon saying that, Chuck notices Sarah furrowing her eyebrows at him. "What?"
"Did you?"
"Did I..." retorted Chuck quirking his right bow. "...what?"
"Come on Chuck. We're friends remember. Plus, I am technically your boss, so you have to tell me. Stays between..." she said with assurance. Sarah then briefly turns to the other 2 nurses. "...us."
Chuck is silent for a moment as he glances over the 2 nurses behind the front desk. They are also curious as to whether or not the prank done to Emmitt was his doing. "Plausible deniability." It's the only 2 words that Chuck utters before turning around then making his way around to the other side of the nurses' station. He would turn left, disappearing out of sight leaving Sarah alone with the 2 other nurses at the nurses' station looking at each other. A trio of growing smiles would appear on their faces knowing that he never confirmed or denied his involvement in an incredibly hilarious prank.
XXX
It would be 2 hours and 2 meetings, one with the Chief Financial Officer the other with a primary stockholder who wanted to get the quintessential lay of the land in regards to their investment. Of course, Scooter reminded her of the schedule that she needed to maintain. Although she didn't like him personally, she understood he's a necessary means to carefully navigate, as well as being able to clearly see passed the oftentimes muddy waters that is in all intents and purposes Hospital politics. Fortunately, she's had enough experience doing just that, especially at a place where it's sometimes impossible see through the political muddy waters because of how dark it is.
In any case, after taking a much needed break for lunch she would find herself back in her office dealing with another meeting. This time, it would be a meeting involving 2 employees that Chief Beckman personally discussed with her along with Michael Tucker or Big Mike as he is known by many at Westside Medical Center. As she sits behind her desk, she's not alone as the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center is flanked by Scooter on her right and Head of Security John Casey to her left. On the other side of her desk, Jeff and Lester are seated with Big Mile standing behind them. For Sarah, it would be the first time meeting in person the 2 individuals who she believes should have been fired sooner than later.
Yet, she's willing to hear them out and try to understand how the hell they are still employed here with all the stuff they've pulled. As Sarah looks across at her desk, she can't help but be in disbelief of the two characters that are in front of her. At first glance Lester looks like a dark, skinny lesbian with hair from an 80's hair band. As for Jeff Barnes, he just looks stoned out of his mind and quite possibly drunk right now she thinks to herself. After retrieving both their files from Scooter, she opens the first file and takes a quick scan the peers up. "Lester Patel."
"Yes ma'am."
"It says here you're from Saskatchewan, Canada and a Hinjew? Could you elaborate?"
"I would happy to Chief or is this an informal meeting that I can call you Sarah?"
After saying that, Casey expresses a faint but clearly audible grunt. This leads Sarah to briefly glance over at her partner standing to her right as she gives her response. "I'd prefer Chief. Please continue."
"Yes Chief." In that instance, Lester comfortable sits back and shares provides Sarah with the 411. "You see, I am half Hindu..." he pointed out. "...and half Jewish. he added interlocking his hands together. "The best of both worlds. My family was thought to be part of a Canadian cult, but I'm here to assure you that we're not." he added interlocking his hands together. "The Hinjews of Sakatchewan."
"Ok..." breathed out Sarah. "...a Canadian cult would explain so much about you?" she faintly muttered to herself.
"What was that Chief?"
"Oh nothing. Just looking over your file here." She quirks her bow after reading another piece of information. "It also reads here that you have a degree from The El Segundo School of Finance. Yet, I don't see a diploma in your file." she shared flipping the individual pages.
"I nearly finished my degree before I took a break."
"How long ago was that?" inquired Sarah.
Lester takes a moment while sitting there to recall that bit of information in his head. "7 years ago."
Once again, Casey expresses another noteworthy grunt that Sarah interprets as "he's a moron" and that would most definitely ring true she thinks to herself. It's at that point, she decides to set Lester's file aside and focus on the older gentlemen sitting to Lester's right. "Jeffrey Barnes."
"So, you're the blonde in charge." he blurted out.
"Excuse me?"
Instantly, Casey steps forward with clear intentions on his mind, but Sarah stops him. The hulking head of security complies with his now boss and partner
Fortunately for the much older orderly, Big Mike steps in on his behalf. "Jeff..." Big Mike intervened. "...you're talking to Chief Walker."
"I thought Chief Beckman was Chief."
"She is, but she went on vacation. Chief Walker's in charge. She's the boss. So, focus."
After saying that, it would lead Lester to speak up. "I apologize for Jeffrey. He doesn't have a filter..." he stated briefly glancing at his co-worker and friend. "...plus he was dropped on his head as a child. Tragic." Lester added expressing a tone of quasi sympathy.
"Do you want to feel the bumps?"
At this point, Sarah has heard enough and gets straight to the point. "Gentlemen and I'm using that term very loosely right now. I've looked over a seemingly never-ending list of infractions that are just mind boggling. How are on earth were you able to go this long without ever being terminated?" questioned the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical.
"Just lucky, I guess." Lester nonchalantly responded. He continues to sit back in the chair without a care in the world.
"Or...." growled Casey. "...it's the fact that your family is one of the primary donors to this hospital. So, terminating you two morons..."
"Would terminate much of the revenue coming into the Hospital." chimed in Sarah. Her attention on the smug expression on Lester's face is then turned to Casey. "How did you know?"
"I make it my business to know Walker. You know that." he grunted back. "He's basically untouchable."
"And by association..." Jeff chimed in "...I'm untouched as well."
"Jeff, don't speak. Just sit there." Lester stated. He places his right hand on his partner in crime's left shoulder.
Sarah is momentary silent after finding out that piece of stunning information for Casey. After what seems like a long silence, she takes a deep breath and continues on. "Since I can't terminate you, I'm going to urge you to work harder."
"Work harder? A chimp could do our jobs. There's no challenge. What's our incentive to work harder? Let's grease the wheels here."
"Boys!" barked out Big Mike. He shakes his head with absolute disappointment.
"You're negotiating with me now? Seriously?" Her attention on Lester is then averted to Scooter standing to her left. "What are my options here?"
"You're the boss Chief. It's your decision on what to do with them."
"I suggest throwing the both of them in a deep, dark hole." threatened Casey glaring at both men.
After saying that, it's Jeff who speaks up directing his attention to Lester. "What time is our band practice again?"
"Later Jeff. I'll tell you later."
In that moment, an idea pops into her mind after peering down at the ping pong paddle sitting on her desk. This idea will not only potentially motivate Jeff and Lester, but at the same time give them an incentive to work harder. She hopes it will work out and it all comes down to the one person that hinges on it in actually making it happen. "Excuse me for a second while I make a call." she announced pushing herself into a standing position. After excusing herself, she steps outside her office and closes the door for privacy. While standing alone out in the hallways, she finds the name she's looking for and presses call. After waiting for a few moments, the other end picks up. "Hey Chuck, its Sarah. I need a favor."
XXX
NOTE: Once I again, I like to thank you all for your support for this support and how it's become a favorite story to read for so many. As always, leave your thoughts on what you thought of this particular chapter. Just a heads up, when it seems things are looking up something happens that will crash someone's world around them. It won't happen yet but soon. Also, much thanks and appreciation goes out to NEVR for being my BETA reader once again. You rock dude!