Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: Sarah and Jack have a not so warm reunion as she immediately questions her father's motives. As for Chuck, he finally meets in person Roark's head IT specialist who is able to quite possibly provide him with so many unanswered question involving his father Stephen Bartowski. Those answers come in the form of a number of boxes that hold so much information for the nerdy young man. However, it would be set aside for the time being as he focuses on helping Sarah by being there for her when they have dinner with her father. So what will happen in this chapter? What secret does Sarah finally reveal to Chuck? How does Doctor Who episode and relate to the situation? When Jack remembers something from Sarah's past what's her initial reaction? Where does Chuck find himself that he knows something about Jack Burton? 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.

Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey

XXX

The news of Jack Burton's arrival in Los Angeles didn't sit well with Sarah. As a matter of fact, it didn't sit too well with Emma Walker either after Sarah told her he's in town as one of Mayor Garretty's campaign staffers. Of course, the matriarch of the Walker women had to restrain herself from letting out a number of expletives in front of her younger daughter even though she quite possibly knows those particular words that were going to be uttered. Much like her oldest daughter, she questioned her ex-husband's arrival in Los Angeles knowing that Jack Burton doesn't just show up without having an ulterior motive behind it. Molly, on the other hand, wanted to just meet the man after not seeing him after so many years so that she just gives him the middle finger after her mother and her big sister shared with her the abuse that they both experienced. For Sarah, she was abused through mental manipulation whereas Emma suffered emotionally from the marriage itself, which greatly pissed off the 13 year old teenager.

Of course, she was far too young to remember, which is why Emma and Sarah would try to protect her from ever seeing or hearing the abuse happening. In any case, Emma would inform Sarah and Chuck to be greatly cautious when it comes to meeting with him for dinner knowing full well he'll do everything in his power to get a rise out of not just her first born child, but the man she's dating as well. It's that particular request that is taken very seriously as the two nerdy individuals make their way to C3 with Chuck behind the wheel of his 2006 white Ford Falcon 2 door XR6 Turbo with Sarah riding shotgun. While sitting in the respective seats, Chuck's left hand is on the steering wheel with his right hand comfortably intertwined with Sarah's left. Both are in the middle of a conversation concerning what Chuck is going to do when it comes to letting Ellie know about the boxes belonging to their father and what was found in them.

"So, Ellie's going with you tomorrow to check out the boxes that belonged to your dad?" questioned Sarah.

Chuck briefly glances at Sarah then gives a quick nod. "Yeah, since she has the day off. I just told her that there were boxes that were left for me. It shocked and surprised me, which isn't far from the truth." he stated, raising both eyebrows for a moment. "Plus, after contacting Hartley he said he's going to be there since he's been wondering along with Ellie and myself on what he's been up to leading up to him seemingly disappearing off the face of the earth. He became considerably reclusive and not in a mysterious hiding being a superhero kind of way either."

In that instance, Sarah could see the mental and possible emotional toll on Chuck's face telling her that all the issues of the past that he probably pushed down years ago have resurfaced once again. She then takes that moment to squeeze his right hand and gently rubs her thumb against the top side of it. After noticing a faint smile is expressed, she knows it has given him some semblance of comfort that he's not alone in shouldering a past that was thought to be completely forgotten. For her, the issues he has with the absence of his father ,and mother for that matter, far exceed her issues with her father, who is actually present much to her dismay.

"I'm sure Hartley wants to get answers just as much as you and Ellie do." Sarah said.

"I know he wants answers." Chuck pauses for a moment then continues on. "The thing is, my dad wasn't just considered a close friend to Hartley..." he added, somewhat exasperated by the mere thought of it all. "...he considered...still considers him more of a brother knowing he didn't have siblings of his own." The nerd with so much on his mind suddenly shakes his head then turns his attention, and not to mention focus, over to the blonde woman sitting in the passenger seat of his car. "Sorry. I come with all this baggage and dumping it all on you."

Sarah doesn't miss a beat and gives her retort. "Hey, I can be your very own baggage handler." It's that response that elicits a surprised open mouthed smile by Chuck towards her who is sort of embarrassed by what she says, briefly turning her head to face the other way. "Now, I'm sorry."

"Don't be." replied Chuck. This time he squeezes her hand in a comforting manner leading the nerdy individual currently dating the beautiful blonde to continue on. "I thought it was…cute."

In that moment, Sarah turns to Chuck who is flashing his trademark toothy smile that just melts her heart as he returns his attention back to the road. It causes her to suddenly blush because she knows and feels that for the first time, she's with a guy who is accepting her for who she is instead of someone who he thinks she should be. It's something she didn't have with Cole or any of her past relationships, she thinks to herself. In her mind, Chuck is letting her be herself and by doing that all the things that truly make her awesome are coming to light without it being forced out of her. In a way, it's like he has some type of amazing super power in which he brings out the best in people by simply just being himself. It's that particular thought that causes her to express a soft smile towards him. She then takes a comforting deep breath to where her smile suddenly fades when her thoughts turn to her father.

"I wish we weren't going to have dinner with my dad."

"Like I said..." Chuck once again squeezes her right hand with reassurance. "...I got your back. Let him have his say on why he's here. If he has a reason."

"Oh, there's a reason. I'm sure of it." Sarah quickly replied back. A tinge of anger expressed within her voice. "Just a heads up. You should be on guard as well."

"Me? Why me?"

"Jack Burton is known for being sly and crafty when it comes to reading people. I should know. If he finds a way in, he'll use it to get on your good side."

"Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure to be on red alert and have shields up."

"I'm serious, Chuck." she firmly insisted, squeezing her nerd's hand considerably harder than the usual comforting squeeze. "Jack's a shark. Once he smells blood in the water, he'll go into attack mode. Promise me that you won't play into any of his games." urged Sarah with a sense of worried anxiety.

Chuck is momentarily silent as he glances at Sarah sitting next to him. As much as he wants to make a Jaws reference right now, he knows that what's at stake here and even though he can't see her eyes or facial expressions because of how dark it is in the car right now, he knows it matters to her. That's all he really needs to know.

"I promise." he softly responded back.

"Thank you." she softly replied back. After the promise is made the two finally arrive at C3 and before the both of them get out of the car to let the valet take over the blonde beauty gets Chuck's attention. "Oh, one more thing."

"What? What is it?" questioned Sarah's nerdy dinner date.

"This isn't my first time here?"

Chuck instantly quirks his right brow. "You've been here before?" In that instance, Sarah holds up her fingers on her right hand informing her the number of times she's been at C3. "Twice? When?"

"Well..."

XXX

"I thought you would be mad."

The walk from the valet area to the inside entrance of C3 would be truly enlightening for Chuck as Sarah gave the Clift notes version of both times she's been at C3. Fortunately for her, Chuck took it surprisingly well even going so far as comparing what she did to that of a Doctor Who episode called "Don't Blink." All he ended up saying to her that best summed up what she shared with him were the following 4 words. "Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey." Thankfully, she knew exactly what he meant by those 4 words in regards to trying to know things before getting the answers involving their non date 3 months ago because it's one of her favorite episodes of Doctor Who. It would be something else they would certainly share in common as fellow Whovians in the long running British Sci Fi series and not to mention belong to a fandom that spans space, as well as time.

"Mad? I'm actually impressed, going all Wibbly Timey Wimey on me. Granted you weren't stuck in the 1969 like David Tenant's 10th Doctor and Martha Jones. Still though." he shared, expressing a faint chuckle. "Anyways, I gravitate more towards classic Doctor Who with the 1st Doctor, William Hartnell and the 4th Doctor, Tom Baker."

"Tom Baker is THE doctor in my opinion. Plus, nothing beats the classics..." nodded Sarah, flashing a grin. "...even though there are 1 or 2 Doctors that I dislike of all 10 iterations."

Marry me! Once again, Chuck restrains himself from saying that out loud to Sarah. Instead, he responds with something else. "Awesome to hear. When it comes to the new series starring David Tennant who took over after Christopher Eccleston I'm still on the fence..." Chuck added, shrugging his shoulders. "...but I'm giving it a chance."

After Chuck opens the door to let Sarah in, she steps through and enters in, but before she does briefly turns her head to give her response. "As a fan of Doctor Who should." she firmly nodded, with an exuberant smile to her dinner date.

Chuck acknowledges Sarah's response briefly standing there holding the door open. A second later, his eyes widen suddenly. "Wait, your dad isn't The Master is he?" he inquired, turning then entering quickly inside with the front entrance door closing behind him.

"Don't be ridiculous." retorted Sarah to the all out absurdity of the question. "Trust me, he isn't but Lord knows it would explain so much about him." she added, shaking her head, as both of them stand in line waiting to talk to the hostess.

For Chuck, the mere thought of Sarah's father actually being one of the most revered and iconic characters of Doctor Who is laughable. Yet, from what Sarah shared about him, he does have some of the qualities and characteristics that make him an unlikable villain in this story. A deeply cold, merciless and egotistical megalomaniac who shows signs of psychopathic behavior, which is quite a fitting description of the type of person Jack Burton is, he thinks to himself. His thoughts concerning one of the many characters of Doctor Who is broken when the female hostess standing behind the podium greets the two of them.

"Good evening, welcome to C3."

"Hi..." responded Sarah, handing over the card that she's used before giving to her by Mr. Colt. "...could you tell me if a man by the name of Jack Burton is here? We're meeting him for dinner."

"Actually, yes he is." smiled the female hostess. "He arrived before you. About 30 minutes ago. He's sitting with Mr. Colt at his private table."

In that moment, Sarah lets out a sigh while shaking her head. "I'm actually not surprised by that."

"Wow. He's good." uttered Chuck out loud in absolute disbelief. "If only I had a sonic screwdriver, just in case Jack Burton actually is The Master." he faintly breathes on.

"Please..." The female hostess requested motioning for them to follow her. "...right this way." she added leading the way, with Chuck and Sarah following.

Speaking of the private table where Jack and Mr. Colt are currently seated, the two men are engaged in conversation and sharing a laugh when all three individuals finally arrive. When they do, it's Mr. Colt who first takes notice and greets his guests with a wide smile then gets up from his seat leading the hostess to take her leave after escorting them to the private table.

"Sarah. It's great to see you again." Colt bellowed giving a faint belly laugh. He then steps forward and envelopes her into a hug that she seemingly disappears into. The hug itself is brief and his attention is then directed to the man standing to her left. "Charles Carmichael." the restaurant owner chuckled heartedly

"Kingpin." Chuck responded, cracking a smile. Both exchanging handshakes afterwards.

As Colt and Chuck engage in a conversation, Sarah steps forward directing her attention to her father who is now standing because of their arrival. "You never cease to amaze." After saying that, Jack expresses his usual arrogant, smug mile. "It's not a compliment." she added, crossing her arms.

"Well, nice to see you too, darlin."

"How were you able to get in without a reservation or a card for special access for that matter?"

"I got in by using my natural charm." he retorted.

"So, you bullshitted your way in. How Jack Burton of you."

It's at that point the conversation between Colt and Chuck has stopped due to the fact they're transfixed on the icy interaction between Sarah and Jack. He then leans back over to Chuck and whispers over to him. "That's an interesting way to say hello to her father."

"It's a long story. Let's just say, they have an estranged relationship, big guy." Chuck whispered back.

"Ah..." nodded Colt. "...say no more." In that instance, he steps forward making his presence known. "This is where I take my leave. Enjoy your meals on my tab."

"Colt you don't..."

Colt holds up his right hand cutting off Sarah mid sentence. "Please, you're family." insisted the hulking owner of C3, with a soft smile. Afterwards, he turns his head and raises his right hand in order to do a quick gesture of his finger. In a matter of seconds, a team of wait staff appear seemingly out of nowhere ready to prepare and serve their meal. While doing so, the man truly enjoys bringing smiles to faces knowing they've filled their bellies with his deliciously, fine cuisine.

"I feel honored." Jack responded flashing a smile towards Colt.

The soft smile slowly fades as Colt's expression turns completely stone faced. "They're family..." he firmly stated with a lighter tone to his voce, motioning over to Chuck and Sarah. "...you're just lucky that I'm feeling generous tonight.." he added, with a more gravelly tone to his voice.

Afterwards, he furrows his eyebrows and momentarily glares at the man that he previously shared a laugh with. It's not long before Colt walks off leaving Jack standing briefly looking behind him expressing a faint smirk at the mammoth individual to where he shakes his head. He then turns his attention to his daughter who he notices trying to hide her smile while standing next to the man who accompanied her.

"You must be Chuck."

"I was expecting Schnook." he replied, quirking his right brow.

"It's still early and we've just met." retorted Jack. "I take it she told you about me."

"She told me enough."

In response, Jack nods. His attention is then suddenly averted to the food being prepared causing him to take a deep whiff of the delectable aroma. "Let's eat." he urged, clapping his hands together.

The professional political spin doctor then removes his suit coat, hangs it on the back of his chair, and takes his seat. As for Sarah and Chuck, they briefly turn to each other exchanging expressions of reluctance, more so on Sarah's face than her nerdy dinner date. Yet, it's Chuck who gives a nod of reassurance non verbally telling her that he's got her back then motions for the both of them to sit down, which they do.

XXX

"So..." began Jack after eating most of his cuisine. He proceeds to retrieve his napkin that's placed on his lap in order to wipe his lips. Afterwards, he returns it back to his lap and then reaches for his glass of red wine, swirls it in a counter clockwise fashion, leans comfortably back, and then briefly sniffs it. "...how long have you 2 been dating?" he added, shifting his eyeline back and forth from Chuck to Sarah.

Sarah is tight lipped as she not only doesn't want to reveal that piece of information because it gives an "in" to her father prodding into their personal life. Also, the fact that she stuck food in her mouth in the exact moment he asked that particular question. Unfortunately, Chuck isn't so tight lipped as he blurts out the answer, much to his blonde dinner date's chagrin.

"3 months."

"I see. It's a fairly new relationship then." nodded Jack, purses his lips together and furrowing his eyebrows. He then takes another seemingly slow and pleasurable sip as if he's savoring every bit of it. Once he's done, he continues on. "How did you two meet?"

For Sarah, that look is one she knows all too well, so much so that she can actually see the wheels and gears turning in her father's head. In her mind, it's as if he's calculating what moves to make and then anticipates a contingency question in case the first one fails. In doing so, he readies himself ahead of time to potentially savor every sip of juicy and not to mention meaty morsel of information that he's going to attempt to pry out of the two of them to chew on. More importantly, he'll attempt to pry it out of Chuck, which she unfortunately couldn't stop him from doing just now. It's a mistake that she won't have happen again. That's how the mind of the great Jack Burton works, she thinks to himself. After swallowing the last remaining remnants of food in her mouth, she quickly retrieves her glass of red wine and washes it down then dabs her mouth with the napkin that was on her lap. She then directs her question to the man who she knows tried to raise her to be him.

"How about you dispense with the 20 questions. Huh, Jack? What's your angle? There's always an angle with you." questioned Sarah, with a tone of annoyed agitation in her voice. "It sure as hell not wanting to get closer to me, Molly, or mom. That ship sailed years ago when you focused more on raising your bank account than helping raise your family. You far better excelled at being THE best spin doctor in all of D.C. that money can buy than being a husband and father." she quickly spit, with pent up resentment and anger.

Fortunately for all 3 individuals, Mr. Colt's private table is elevated and somewhat secluded enough from the other restaurant patrons that all eyes, or ears for that matter, would be directed on the scene that's unfolding right now. It's those pent up and unresolved issues that Chuck can clearly see, as well as hear rising up to the point of full on exploding, he thinks to himself. Of course, he has his own unresolved issues to deal with in regards to not only his father, but his mother as well. Issues that have been left unanswered for more 20 years and just a few days ago was completely shocked at what he found out, thanks to a meeting with a man who he has idolized since he was a kid. Software tech mogul Ted Roark. Of course, the answers would actually be provided by his go to guy and head IT specialist Vali Chandrekaren.

As much as he wants to dig into anything and everything in the boxes that his new friend and former hacking opponent provided him, he's setting that aside for the time being. It's considered a selfless act in order to help a woman who is dealing with a tremendous amount of emotional turmoil, to where she's gradually letting her emotions take control, so much so they may end up getting kicked out of C3 because of it. It's that particular thought in which he reacts the best way he knows how. He reaches over and intertwines his left hand with Sarah's right. It's that simple act that breaks her concentration on her father to help calm her down, which helps evident by the slight nod given to thank him for easing the tension that's been building within her. After exchanging a smile of reassurance with Sarah, it's the concerned nerd that turns his attention to Jack and takes in a breath before speaking.

"Mr. Burton."

"Please..." chimed in the salt and pepper haired individual sitting across from them. "...call me Jack." he added, flashing a smile.

In that instance, Chuck feels Sarah squeeze his hand nonverbally informing him to tread very carefully. "Like you mentioned before, we've just met. So, I'll just stick with Mr. Burton." he firmly insisted. Afterwards, Chuck feels another squeeze from Sarah's hand telling him he's doing awesome.

"Fine with me. So, Chuck, what is that you do?"

"I run a computer software and gaming company with my best friend."

"Good for you. Having a business partner can be a blessing, but can certainly be more trouble than it's worth." Jack pauses to take another sip of his red wine. "Do you trust your best friend? There are times where one person's mistake can cause the demise of a business. I've witnessed it countless times in my line of work."

Once again, Chuck can feel Sarah squeeze his hand again telling him to be careful in how he responds. After taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he gives Jack his answer. "It's a team effort between the two of us Mr. Burton. We've built Kessel Run Technologies as a team. So, if we fail or succeed, we do it as a team. The blame rests on both of us..." he reiterated. "...not just on one person."

Jack nods mulling over what he said to him. It's not long before he proceeds with another line of questioning. "Interesting name. Is your company widely known? Would I be able to buy stock in it?" wondered Jack.

"We do well for ourselves. We're still a local company with room for growth. We're hopeful to one day branch out." he proudly responded, briefly glancing at Sarah expressing an equally as proud smile of his own towards her. A proud smile that is returned back by the blonde beauty sitting next to him. His attention on Sarah would return back to Jack. "As for stock, not likely. Someday, I'm hoping. Maybe down the road with help from...HI YO!"

Chuck suddenly feels a sudden rush of pain in his left hand resulting from Sarah squeezing very hard causing him to slightly duck his head. This would lead Jack to slightly furrow his eyebrows as he shifts his gaze to Sarah for a brief moment. Speaking of Sarah, she knows she may have tipped her hand in discreetly helping Chuck in handling her father. So, she prepares herself for what is potentially coming her way, knowing that Jack Burton can be truly devious and down right underhanded when it comes to the line of questions aimed at her. Fortunately for her, they would be interrupted by the appearance of someone walking up to the table. That someone would be Mr. Colt's business partner Brad White.

"So sorry to interrupt. Sarah...Chuck. Good to see you both again. Always a welcome sight here at C3."

"No apologies necessary Brad. Just call it good timing." Sarah retorted, expressing a relieved smile towards the slightly hefty man.

"Awesome to see you." nodded Chuck. "What's up?"

"It seems the cypher in The Chamber is acting up. Nothing major. Chuck, would it be possible to steal you away for a moment to check it out. You did help design it. Colt is there now and sent me to request your assistance." he explained.

Jack's eyebrows rise up significantly after hearing that and he's about to say something when Chuck suddenly springs up out of his chair. His left hand still intertwined with Sarah's right. "Sure. No problem at all." He leans down to kiss the back of Sarah's hand and then moves over to whisper something in her left ear. "I'll try to be back as soon as I can."

"I'll hold you to that." she turns her head whispering back in his left ear.

With that, Chuck heads off with Brad to check on the cypher that runs the kitchen otherwise known as The Chamber. Unfortunately, it leaves Jack and Sarah alone together at the private table. Speaking of father and daughter, they are sitting across from each other in awkward silence when Jack clears his throat and speaks up.

"I'm up for dessert. I believe they serve ice cream here. Do you still like Rocky Road? I know it was your favorite." he asked, to confirm his query. In doing so, he gets the attention of a waiter who makes his way towards him. While he's making an inquiry about a particular ice cream flavor, Sarah, sitting there across from her father, is a bit surprised that he actually remembers what flavor or ice cream she likes.

XXX

"How's your Rocky Road ice cream?" wondered Jack, expressing a faint smile towards his daughter.

For Sarah, when it comes to faking interest in anything that Jack Burton has to say she's able to become a master at it. However, there are just some things that you aren't able to fake like enjoying a bowl of just 2 scoops of Rocky Road ice cream that she always enjoyed as a little girl. It's something that was considered an experience that they both enjoyed doing together back then before it all went wibbly wobbly timey wimey between the two of them. In any case, after realizing she's licking the spoon like she did when she was a little girl, she immediately puts it in the empty bowl.

"It's fine." There's a momentary silence as she briefly sits there looking anywhere but at the man sitting across from her. It's then that she turns to the empty bowl of what used to be 2 scoops of Rocky Road. "You remembered." she added, peering up at him.

Jack is somewhat bemused by her reaction. "Of course I remembered." he smiled, expressing a faint chuckle. "A father never forgets their kid's favorite ice cream." he added, briefly shrugging his shoulders.

A faint smile starts to form in the left corner of her lips leading her face to somewhat soften. Unfortunately, it's another thought, or in this case a set of thoughts, that causes her face to become serious leading to the smile that was forming to suddenly fall flat. "Then what about birthdays? Graduations? Anniversaries?" Sarah listed off.

"I was busy. I lived most of my life out of my suitcase. Part of my job."

"That was your choice." she emphatically responded back and points at him out of spite. You chose that life and look where it's gotten you." she responded back, seething with anger. "So, what hotel are you at this time?"

"The Westin Bonaventure Hotel. It's close to the campaign headquarters for Mayor Garretty."

Sarah immediately shakes her head after hearing that. "You really believe with your help he's going to win re-election? He's up against a war hero. A decorated and honored soldier by the name of Jim Rye."

"The truth?"

After hearing that, Sarah scoffs at the word. "Do you even know the actual meaning of the word?"

In that moment, Jack reaches up in order to point at Sarah and is about to say something when he suddenly stops himself. He instantly closes his eyes and then clinches his right hand into a fist that was just pointing at her a while ago. From Sarah's point of view, she's unable to tell if he was experiencing some discomfort causing him to faintly wince or just restraining himself from bursting out in anger. She wouldn't be able to have that answer question as he gets up from the table and excuses himself.

"Men's room. I guess the food I ate isn't agreeing with me."

After saying that he walks off leaving Sarah alone sitting at Colt's private table. As for Jack, he enters the bathroom and makes his way to the sink. He stands there for a moment breathing in and out deeply. He then proceeds to pace back and forth in front of the mirror that he was just standing at. While doing so, he faintly repeats the following words over to himself.

"You can do this, Jack."

He does this for a few seconds and then stops in front in the same mirror he was just staring at moments ago. After a while, he seems to be okay and reaches down to turn on the water. As he lets the stream of cold water steadily descend down from out of the faucet down into the granite sink, the cold water flows down into the drain in a clockwise manner but would be interrupted by Jack cupping his hands in order to fill it with water. He then leans down closer to the sink to splash his face and then returns looking back into the mirror once again as the water slides down his face dripping off from both his nose and chin. While staring at his reflection in the mirror, he suddenly reaches into his right front pants pocket to retrieve something. Once he gets it out, he seemingly has some trouble opening one of the items with both of them looking like small plastic bottles that he took out from his right front pants pocket. All of sudden he blindly places whatever he's holding on the fairly long sink counter behind him. He then rushes into the open stall behind him and not only slams it closed, but locks it as well.

The next thing that happens within the confines of the bathroom stall is the sound of heavy puking going on. As for the 2 small plastic bottles placed on the sink counter, one of them rolls towards and ends up falling off the edge hitting the tile floor of the men's bathroom. It ends up rolling into one of the bathroom stalls. A few moments later, two feet suddenly appear from the bottom of that bathroom stall opens with someone stepping outside with his head slowly poking out first. That someone is Chuck. He's careful to not make any noise whatsoever as he's holding one of the small plastic bottles in his hand and then reaches over to pick up the other one. After closer inspection, he notices that both of them are prescription pill bottles with one bottle labeled "Keytruda" with the other bottle labeled "Axitinib".

Chuck stands there wondering why Jack is taking these pills and is about to retrieve his phone in order to google information about both names on the labels. Unfortunately, he doesn't have time because he no longer hears the sound of heavy puking. Instead, he hears shuffling going on mixed with some pained moaning then the sound of a flush in the bathroom stall that Jack rushed into. It causes the freaked out nerd to take quick action by placing both bottles on the sink counter where they presumably were sitting before without making a sound. Afterwards, he carefully and quietly makes his way out of the men's bathroom on his tip toes. Seconds later, Jack unlocks the bathroom stall he's on, opens the doors then shuffles out of the stall, but not before taking a moment to lean against the bathroom stall wall looking completely drained after hugging the porcelain God.

He heads straight for and leans against the sink with his forearms resting on either side. After splashing more cold water on his face, he grabs a number of paper towels from the dispenser and wipes his face. Afterwards, he takes several deep breaths once again then reaches for and inevitably popping open both pill bottles that were placed there on the sink counter by Chuck unbeknownst to him. He takes a couple from both bottles and leans his head back to swallow them. Jack then leans down in order to cup his right hand gathering some water and then slurps it into his mouth. What happens next is that he takes some time to make himself presentable knowing he looked half dead a few moments ago. Both prescription bottles placed back in the right front pocket of his pants. When he's done, he repeats the same 5 words he previous uttered when entered earlier.

"You can do this, Jack."

A moment later, he leaves the bathroom and makes his way back to the private table where Chuck is sitting next to Sarah. They're not alone as Colt is standing there and conversing with them. He heads straight for his suit coat, grabs it from the back of the chair, and slips it on in one fell swoop.

"I'm heading out. Busy day tomorrow if I'm going to get Mayor Garretty re-elected. Sarah, you know where I'm staying."

"The Westin Bonaventure Hotel." Sarah clearly said, with Chuck sitting next to her. Unbeknownst to her, her nerdy dinner date he inadvertently stumbled on something that is so wibbly wobbly timey wimey. Yet, he's sitting there next to Sarah somewhat exuding a poker face on the outside but freaking out on the inside.

"You got it darlin'. Penthouse suite." he retorted, giving a quick wink over to both individuals.

"Typical." breathes out Sarah.

Jack's attention goes from Chuck and Sarah to the owner of C3. "Thanks for the hospitality and for picking up the tab." he added, flashing the same arrogantly smug smile from earlier in the dinner. He then sticks his hand out for a handshake.

"One time deal..." he responded. "...and Jim Rye is my guy for mayor." Colt added, sticking both hands in his pockets. It's something he wouldn't ordinally do being a public figure in the food industry, but he's making an exception after getting the 411 of Jack Burton from his friend/family Sarah Walker.

In response, Jack simply nods and expresses a grin, acknowledging the not so warm departure. He takes his leave and thus the awkward dinner date is over, much to the relief of Sarah, even though nothing was actually resolved. Unfortunately, it provided more questions than answers, especially for Chuck who will do some much needed investigating when it comes to the prescription pill bottles that he held in his hands. In his mind, Jack Burton is hiding a secret and it's quite possibly the real reason he's here in Los Angeles, he thinks to himself.

XXX

NOTE: Ah a twist when it comes to the health of Jack Burton! So, what will Chuck do and will he try to be the mediator that finally resolves the unresolved issues between father and daughter? How will Sarah react? Will she even want to reconcile? All good questions. Anyways, so what are you thoughts of this chapter? Leave a comment and once again thank you for you unwavering support for this story. Plus, to NEVR, I tip my hat to you once again dude for doing the beta.