Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: Sarah is meets Roan Montgomery before he and Chief Beckman head off to a vacation. A vacation to Europe. It wouldn't be long before Chuck would make a surprising appearance to drop off her ping pong paddle that she left in Chuck's car. This would lead to a surprisingly awkward request by Roan, which was for Chuck to kiss Sarah in front of him. Fortunately, they would be spared the awkwardness thanks to Roan's slip of the tongue of saying another woman's name. It leads to Sarah and Chuck ducking out only find the two of them or in this Chuck encountering his rival...Emmitt. After being able to drive him nuts, Sarah find herself in a meeting with Jeff, Lester, and Big Mike. Information would be revealed by Casey that Lester is unable to be terminated due to his family being a primary donor to the hospital. Sarah would get an idea that would have her to call Chuck. So what's in store for this chapter? Who does Sarah meet that has a connection with Casey and Alex? What movie scene does Chuck compare Lester's untouchable situation to that needs to be handled. Finally, why is everybody looking at Chuck after he mentions he sought council from an old family friend? 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.
Licence To Kill
XXX
Sarah would make a pit stop the following morning at Chuck's place of business Kessel Run Technologies. After speaking with him briefly yesterday about the situation involving Jeff and Lester, they would meet there since he has be in a bit early to finish up paperwork involving a new computer game. A computer game that he and Morgan have been developing for months and just now are in the final stages of production. To Sarah, it would be a whole new area of Los Angeles that she would be introduced to and she was pleasantly surprised that would only take a 10 minute drive to get there. After receiving a text of the exact address of his business' location, she would find herself reaching her intended destination. After find a parking spot with relative ease, she got out of her red 2007 BMW series 1 Coupe(E82) and headed toward and inevitably reaching the front entrance of Kessel Run Technologies.
It's a place situated between a business called Orange Orange, selling frozen yogurt and a virtual-augmented reality entertainment store named Intersect 2.0. The following words underneath: "Download - Upload - Let Your Brain Do The Rest." Once she reaches the front entrance door, she opens it and steps inside to where she sees an older woman similar to her own mother's age sitting behind the counter at her desk. "Good morning..." greeted the older woman. A welcoming smile given as she stands then makes her way to the front counter. "...how may I help you today ma'am?"
"I'm here to see Chuck Bartowski." she answered. Afterwards, she takes a momentary scan of the interior of Chuck's place of business. From what she could tell of the layout of the place, its seemingly had a movie set feeling/vibe to it. Yet, she couldn't place it, but it had something to do with Chuck being a Star Wars fan that she is certain of, she thinks to herself.
"You must be Sarah Walker. He said I should be expecting you to arrive this morning."
"Awesome." As she momentarily stands there exchanging smiles with Chuck's secretary or office manager to put it in better terms, she glances at the woman's name tag. Kathleen McHugh. In that instance, her right brow arches ever so slightly causing her to immediately investigate. "McHugh. You wouldn't happen to be related to an Alex McHugh by any chance?" she inquired with a bit of hesitance on her part. "Works at Westside Medical Center in the Children's Wing?"
Kathleen smile grows even wider after that. "As a matter of fact, yes. She's my daughter."
This leads to Sarah to suddenly realize a connection between Alex and Casey. "So that means you're married to John Casey."
"Divorced..." Kathleen softly responded back. "...actually." she added expressing a brief tight lipped smile.
A very noticeable look of unfortunate regret is seen all over her face leading her to quickly apologize. "I'm so sorry. I just assumed..."
Instantly, Kathleen waves off her accidental faux pass and responds. "It's ok. John and I are on good terms. He's always there for Alex and not to mention an outstanding father to our daughter. We've both moved on. I've remarried and I hear he has a girlfriend..."
Sarah's eyes immediately widen after hearing the word "girlfriend" causing her to react. "My partner has a girlfriend?" she blurted out.
"Partner?" A somewhat perplexed expression is given off on the face of Kathleen McHugh. "Did I hear you right?"
Before answering, Sarah knew she would have to put another mental pin when it came to receiving that piece of juicy information to save for later and simmer on. Information that she would most definitely talk over with regarding her hulking right-hand enforcer. "Oh yeah. We've kind of bonded and in way..." Sarah shared expressing a soft smile of her own. "...he's been like a big brother to me during my short time there at the hospital. Watching out and being there to watch my back even when I don't ask him to. Not just mine, but everyone else's as well. It's as if he knows something and will show up before it all goes down." she added shaking her head in disbelief.
A soft expressive chuckle is let out by Kathleen. "That's the Colonel for you. He once told me the choice he made to protect something bigger than himself is the right choice."
"That's so profound coming from him." stated Sarah with surprised disbelief. "He's not much of a talker or..."
"Into his lady feelings?" A slow visible grin expressed on Kathleen's face. "Yeah, he changed after heading to boot camp. He actually proposed to me at a Buffalo bus station before shipping out. We were young and he was clearly stupid. So was I. It was all a mess." she freely shared thinking back on that moment. "Our plans to go to Niagara Falls didn't happen. Plus, it wasn't really how I ideally imagined myself being proposed to, but it's a memory I'll truly cherish."
"That's so sweet."
There is a momentary silence from Kathleen causing Sarah to wonder why. She notices her partner's ex thinking by the look on her face. It's a bit off-putting due to the fact she's staring at her while doing it. However, it would quickly stop as the older woman speaks up. "He's a much happier guy because of you?"
"Who? Chuck?"
"No, the Michelin Man. Yes Chuck." she sarcastically retorted. Kathleen briefly glances over her right shoulder and then leans over the counter. "I've heard him whistling, there's a noticeable kick in his step, and he's been singing/humming to himself."
Sarah is taken aback by what she said leading her to be in considerable denial as to possible reason Chuck is happier, according to her. "Nah. Chuck has always been that way. It's who he is..." The beautiful blonde pauses briefly. "...isn't he?" she added in a questionable manner.
This time a softer, but bright smile is expressed by Kathleen as she looks at the woman standing on the other side of the counter. "Not like this. Morgan and I have noticed an immense change in him. He may not even know he's doing it himself." She takes a moment to shakes her head then continues on. "A parent, more importantly a mother, knows when their child is happy, happy. It's clear as day when I see Alex talking about Morgan or vice versa. You..." she stated pointing at Sarah. "...are that reason young lady. Sure, the energy in this place has always been lively, especially with those two working here. Never a dull moment." she added shaking her head. "Yet, it's somehow doubled since you entered into his life."
The Chief Operating Officer and temporary boss of Westside Medical Center is left speechless not really knowing what to say. In her mind, this is the second time, she been told a parent knows when they're child is truly happy and the parent in question is her own mother. True, she and Chuck have an unmistakable chemistry between the two of them that can not only be felt, but seen as well by practically everybody who has seen them interacting together. In her mind, there's no denying that fact, but there's also the fact they've mutually agreed to be just friends because the timing of it is just so off, she thinks to herself. Chuck knows that as well and for them to act on it may be what everyone else wants to have happen, but they are doing what's best for the both of them.
As painful as it is, Chuck first and foremost needs a friend and building up a much stronger bond is the best thing, which takes precedent over her own heart. In that instance, she heeds Casey's words uttered by Kathleen earlier about the choice she's making to protect something bigger than herself is the right choice. After repeatedly blinking and shaking her head to get herself refocused, Sarah has every intention to respond but doesn't get the chance to. Why? Chuck walking out and making his way to the front entrance counter.
"Sarah!? I thought I heard you out here." he happily called out flashing a welcoming smile.
"Hey..." she happily hollered, in a brief high-pitched tone of voice. "...you. I...uh...was just chatting with Alex's mom here."
"Yes, we were. Sorry if I didn't inform you."
"No problem Mrs. M." waved Chuck motioning Sarah in.
"It was a pleasure talking with you."
"The pleasure was all mine." softly smiled Kathleen. The mother of Alex McHugh returns to her desk as she watches Chuck and Sarah disappear out of sight heading towards Chuck's office.
XXX
"How did Alex's mom end up working here?" inquired Sarah stepping into Chuck's office.
The nerd in question following in behind then passed her and making his way towards his desk. Before he steps behind said desk, he stops to offer one of the chairs that placed in front of it and take a brief moment to get her seated. "The company she worked for went through some unfortunate downsizing. Employees were either let go or furloughed. Kathleen was unfortunately one of the employees let go." Chuck shared taking a seat in the chair behind his desk.
"So, you hired her?"
"Not right away. Alex talked to Morgan who talked to me about her mom's unfortunate situation. Luckily, we were actually in need of someone of her skill set."
"As an office manager."
"An awesome one at that." Chuck grinned. "Plus, interior decorator, organizer, scheduler, supervisor, and den mother. I'm fairly certain if I ask her to turn into Wonder Woman, she'll do it. I actually checked to see if her invisible jet is parked outside." he added. A good-humored smile expressed by the sarcasm in that what he said concerning Kathleen being a badass Amazonian warrior superheroine. "How'd that go?" inquired Sarah with amusement.
"I'll let you know when I find it." Chuck responded with a half shrug. ""Anyways, you want to discuss something involving Jeff and Lester? What did those two Tenacious D wannabes do now that you called me to ask for a favor? I could say no."
"Since we're friends..." reiterated Sarah quirking her right brow. "...you'll say yes. Besides, what those 2 have been able to get away with needs be to stop." she added shaking her head in disbelief.
"I know. It's been ongoing headache for Chief Beckman for years all because Lester's family is one of the primary donors to the hospital."
"Wait. You knew."
"Lester tends to brag about it. Flaunts it proudly like a badge. You hear things practically being part of and growing up in that hospital." responded Chuck shrugging shoulders. "It's like how the South African villain Arjen Rudd claims diplomatic immunity all throughout the 2nd Lethal Weapon movie all-the-while killing the friends/fellow cops of Murtaugh and Riggs. He had an unofficial licence to kill. Rudd tries to defiantly claim it at the end of the movie but receives a shot to the head by Murtaugh instead." he shared. The nerdy business owner using a popular pop culture movie reference scene to compare the Lester's apathetic ethic and family donor influence to a sequel that ended up spawning 2 more films.
"I remember that scene you're talking about Chuck. Rudd was all arrogantly smug about it. Daring Murtaugh to just try it. The seemingly same arrogant smug Lester had on his face yesterday sitting in my office." shared Sarah. A mixture of annoyed, irritation on her face at that particular thought entering her mind.
"And you want that just been revoked moment..." firmly nodded Chuck. "...but not have Lester receive a bullet to the head."
In that instance, Sarah tilts her head slightly to the right and raises both eyebrows. "Sarah." he responded furrowing his eyebrows at her.
"I'm kidding." grinned the beautiful blonde. She's briefly quiet then continues on. "All I want is for his version of diplomatic immunity to go away and urge him to work harder."
"That's going to be a challenge in itself. Jeff and Lester aren't that motivated. Hell, their lack of motivation needs motivating."
Sarah can't help but laugh a bit knowing how true he is. The two men who have no desire whatsoever to earn a paycheck by way of blood, sweat, and tears which is a work ethic that has been instilled in her by her parents, mainly by her father. Unfortunately, she retained an unhealthy mindset because of it and it led her to get out of the situation that she was in order to regain a sense of self-renewal starting by moving to another state. Her unintentional thoughts pertaining to her father are quickly set aside to once again refocus on the situation at hand. This leads to possible idea that may be risky, she thinks to herself.
"Has anyone actually talked with his family? His parents?" In her mind, she has a gut feeling and with what Beckman said to her, she needs to trust her instincts. Instincts that will possibly gain confidence as a solid leader for Westside Medical Center. Her thoughts concerning her possible suggestion leads her to notice Chuck's eyes widening.
Speaking of Chuck and his eyes widening, his eyes eyebrows raised high as well to the point of nearly flying off his face. He quickly leans forward shooting a look of great concern towards her. "That's considered career suicide to even think of doing that. Chief Beckman almost did it, but then thought better of it because it would seriously jeopardize the hospital." warned the nerdy business owner.
"I want some legal advice but I'm not going to Emmitt with this." Sarah stated with great concern. "Something has to be done."
"You shouldn't. Trust me...something will be done. Emmitt will completely botch this in a very unawesome way. I'm sure of it." he emphatically stated shaking his head.
"What do I do then?"
Chuck is momentary silence as he shakes his head thinking of what to do. It's not before a slight smirk is expressed. "I got your back. I have an ace up my sleeve. Let me handle it."
Upon saying that, Sarah quirks her right brow. "An ace you say." expressing a curiously sly grin towards her nerdy friend. "What else do you have up there Chuck Bartowski?"
Chuck quickly lifts his right finger and waves it front of him towards Sarah. "I'm not going to reveal all my secrets."
A faint but soft smile is expressed on Sarah's face. "You're seemingly a man of many hidden talents."
The youngest Bartowski sibling gives a slight shrug in response. "Like I said yesterday in your office to Roan, I'm like a Transformer. There's more to me than meets the eye."
"I truly believe that." she breathed out. A somewhat angelic looking smile expressed on her face. Once again, another moment is shared between the two, but it would abruptly end by her own doing. "I almost forgot the favor."
"Like I said, I'll handle it."
"I know you will."
"This is about Friday."
"What about Friday?" wondered Chuck.
"You're still doing Bash at the Bench right?"
A reaffirming nod is given by Chuck. "Morgan and I are in the early stages of prepping for it. We have a set list put together. It's a rough draft right now."
"How rough?"
"What are you getting at Sarah?"
"Jeff and Lester seem to be only be motivated by one thing. Their band. Their music." Sarah watches as the Chuck has a slow but gradual realization of what the favor she is referring to. Chuck mouths the word "noooooo" while Sarah just nods at him. "Yes. Have them perform on your YouTube show."
XXX
"You realize what you're asking me to do?" stated Chuck shaking his head. For the past 5 minutes Chuck has been pacing back and forth behind his desk from one side of his office to the other. The pace he's been walking was a fairly steady but quick, to where it looks as if speed walking. Both his mind and his mouth speeding out of control at the thought of Jeff and Lester performing on his YouTube show. In his mind, there are consequences to every action made and the circumstances leading up to the decision he's being asked to take part. iI will most definitely change the course of the journey he's been on so far. A journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that would find himself meeting an extraordinary woman.
"Chuck..."
Sarah Walker. A woman who unexpectedly showed up in his life and made her presence known in a big way. Since then, his seemingly boring, mundane life has been kicked up a notch in a more positive way. Her arrival, and the subsequent friendship that he's been able to establish with her, flipped his life then turned it upside down. Now, as much as his pop cultured mind wants to finish the rest of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air lyrics, he does his best to keep his focus on the matter at hand despite how it has shaken him to his very core. He would find himself having a renewed sense of vigor too. In addition, he's actually changing his longstanding mindset that his life is seemingly boring and mundane. Far from it now that she's in it. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? That's the million dollar question right there, he thinks to himself.
"Chuck..."
The youngest Bartowski sibling knows the potential fallout that happens afterwards to where everything he's been able to accomplish thus far gone in an instant, he thinks to self. His integrity, ambition, high morals, ethics, loyalty, action, the respect given and received, compassion, resilience, stick-to-itiveness, centeredness, and all the support he was able to build up over the years, severely fractured. However, what he worries about the most is how the kids will be affected because of what may happen as a result of agreeing to an idea. An idea that may very end up putting an unintentional, and not to mention negative, spotlight on what an utter embarrassment he's become as a quasi public figure and influencer on social media.
"CHUCK!" This time that gets Chuck's attention to where Sarah approaching and stands in front of him. "You're spiraling! Don't freak out Chuck."
"Too late." he said breathing heavily." I have a lot riding on this if I have Jeff and Lester perform on Friday. There are so many, many, many bad things that could happen. Just thinking about it is giving me anxiety right now."
"Calm down. Look at me." There is a bit of difficulty for Sarah to get him to focus on her. So, she takes matters into her own hand by reaching up with her right hand and cupping him tightly underneath his chin. Chuck's mouth protruding out like a fish. His eyes bulging out nearly out of its sockets. "Look at me."
"I'm looking."
The adorably, goofy look on Chuck's face right now in the tight grip of her right hand has Sarah trying her best not to break a smile. "No need to work yourself up into a frenzy."
"You would too, knowing what I know about Jeffster."
"Jeffster?" questioned Sarah. She releases the tight grip that she has underneath his chin.
"Their band name even though there's only two of them." he explained. "They combined their names like couples in Hollywood do."
"I'm well aware." she nodded, briefly rolling her eyes at that stupid thought. "Have you heard their music?"
"Worse."
"How worse?" an overly concerned Sarah asked.
Chuck doesn't say anything. Instead, he motions over for Sarah to join him on the other side of his desk. "You're gonna want to pull up chair for this."
The way Chuck said that caused Sarah to become incredibly worried because Jeff and Lester as is makes you want to punch them in the face. Afterwards, throw them in the deep, dark hole per Casey's suggestion. As Sarah positions her chair beside Chuck's the best she could, she watches as he gets on his computer and brings up YouTube. It wouldn't be long before he types one word: Jeffster. After hitting enter, what Sarah sees next causes her to express a blended mix of surprised disbelief with tremendous amounts of horrified fear she never knew existed. A ton of videos posted by the duo presumably singing cover songs of popular hit songs evident by the titles underneath each video.
The first video that Chuck randomly clicks on is titled Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. The two watch in stunned silence as they see Lester in a shiny red jacket dancing badly to a 2009 hit song of last year. Although he's not singing, his dancing can best be described as a psychedelic acid trip fever dream where he's moving around like a drunk, robotic Pterodactyl. What makes the video even more of an utter trainwreck that it already is, is the fact that Jeff is seen circling around him with a portable wind machine in one hand and colorful lights in the other. The quintessential roadie and hype man to his partner in crime.
Once that video is over, they risk their own sanity and watch one more randomly chosen video by Chuck. A video titled Toto by Africa. After clicking on it, Sarah would find herself thinking that if the Lady Gaga video was considered to be a psychedelic acid trip fever dream then their performance of Toto's Africa would be an all-out nightmare, where it felt like you needed a priest to throw holy water while repeatedly screaming out the power of Christ compels you. What stood out the most about the video was Lester's eyes. Eyes that seemingly burn right through you with such intensity behind them you can't look away no matter how hard you try.
After an excruciating 5:05 minutes of their lives they will never get back, it's over, leaving Chuck and Sarah sitting there. Both in absolute silence. After a while, the blonde in the charge of Westside Medical Center speaks up. "I think I need a shower..." Sarah slowly announced. "...and have what I just saw erased from my memory."
"If I had a Men In Black neuralizer in my possession, I would help you with that. Do it to myself right after."
Sarah walks off to the middle of Chuck's office then stops. She stands there for a moment, then turns around looking straight at Chuck. "Still. There's great risk involved in what I'm proposing."
"Chuck nods. "Whatever it is.." he said pushing himself into a standing position. He makes his way around his desk making his way to Sarah. Once he reaches her, he stops 2 feet away from her. His eyes locked with her. "...I'll back your play."
"Thank you." she softly responded back. "It means a lot that you're on board. All things considering." Sarah added. An encouraging smile directed towards Chuck.
"The problem is they haven't been taking their music seriously, as you saw." he stated shaking her head. "What makes you think they'll take their performance seriously?" Chuck added with tremendous concern in his voice.
"You forget Mr. Bartowski..." she retorted stepping forward. She stands a foot away from Chuck. Her eyes still locked on his. "...I worked in D.C. where I can play hardball with the best of them. Plus, I wasn't nicknamed The Wildcard Enforcer by my former boss Langston Graham for nothing. Trust me. I got this on my end."
"As I on mine Ms. Walker."
Both exchanging appreciative smiles with one another. The shared moment of silence with each other is subsequently broken when Sarah breaks eye contact with Chuck. Before she heads out his office door, she glances over her right shoulder and speaks up. "I'll let myself out."
After disappearing out of sight, backs up towards his desk and reaches blindly for something. He finally has it in possession. His iPhone. He scrolls through his contact list. It doesn't take long before he finds the name he's searching for. He presses the phone icon and waits for the other end of the line to pick up. Once it does, he speaks up. "Hey, it's Chuck. I know it's been a while since we last talked. I was hoping you could do me a favor."
XXX
It's 1:00 on a Tuesday afternoon where the individuals that last stood and sat in Sarah's office would return once again. This time an additional person would be added into the mix making Chief of Operating Officer's office a bit crowded but not enough since it's rather spacious. In any case, that one additional person is the hospital's attorney Emmitt Milbarge. According to Jeff and Lester, they would hire him for his services after Lester promised him to make it worth his while, which he immediately hopped on board as their counsel. Sarah just needed one more person to show up and that person finally stepped through her office door and positioned himself next to Casey. Once he was set, the blonde in charge started the meeting.
"First off, it's come to my attention you have hired Mr. Milbarge as your attorney. Is that right Mr. Patel?"
Lester is about to respond when Emmitt places his left hand on his right shoulder. "Anything you have to say Chief, will be directed to me." A squinty eyed and weaselly, tight lipped smile expressed towards Sarah.
In that moment, Sarah tries to hid the cringe worthy expression that she's experiencing from the way Emmitt is looking at her. Despite that, she steels herself and channels her Wildcard Enforcer persona in order to put it good use. "I've had some time to mull over the best possible option regarding what's best for this hospital. And after speaking with Chuck...Mr. Bartowski yesterday..." she said. Sarah taking a moment to look over at him. It's an exchange that Emmitt clearly takes notice of causing his face to scrunch up tightly. "...I've made a decision that I have his backing on."
"Oh. You and Chuck have you." firmly nodded Emmitt. "What have you two mutually decided on...together?"
In that moment, she places both her hands in front of her on her desk. They're interlocked as she exudes laser like focus on the 2 men sitting across from her with Big Mike and Emmitt standing behind Jeff and Lester. "In order to challenge Mr. Patel and Mr. Barnes, because a chimp could do your job..." stated Sarah directing her attention to Lester. "...as you put it. I'm offering you an incentive. Actually Chuck is, to be exact."
"Guys..." Chuck said stepping forward. "...I'm offering you the final performance at the end of my YouTube live show this Friday. You'll potentially gain exposure with your band since I have a tremendous following on my channel and on social media. If the performance itself does well, there is an opportunity for more in the near future. It's all up to you if you want to accept or decline."
It's at the point, Jeff and Lester along with their hired counsel huddle up with Big Mike having no idea what their whispering about. It wouldn't be long before the break out of the huddle with Emmitt speak up for his clients. "They accept..." firmly nodded Emmitt. "...as long as their demands are met."
"What demands?" Chuck and Sarah say in seemingly perfect unison.
In response, Lester retrieves a folded-up piece of paper and hands off to Emmitt who hands off to Chuck. After he takes it, he along with Casey, Sarah, and Scooter take a look at what is written on it after unfolding it. After a brief scan, Chuck's head snaps up. "You've got to be kidding me. A rider?"
"How long have you had this in your possession?" inquired Sarah.
Instead of Emmitt responding, it's Jeff who blurts out the answer. "We've been working on it since we've formed Jeffster."
"What the hell is Jeffster?" grunted Casey.
"Quiet Jeffrey." admonished the Hospital's attorney. Once Jeff complies, Emmitt's attention returns to the now standing group. "Well, what say you, Chuck and Sarah?" he shot back with a tone of disdain.
This time, a huddle happens between Chuck, Sarah, Casey and Scooter. After a few moments, the huddle breaks leading Chuck to speak up. "Agreed."
A celebration of sorts occurs between Jeff, Lester, and Emmitt leaving Big Mike just shaking his head off to the side. The celebration would be short lived when the sound of cell phone ringtone alerts but it's such a distinct ringtone that it could only belong to one person. "Mine." announced Chuck. He checks the screen and after a brief smirk, he answers it. "What's up Morgan? Awesome. Bring him up to Sarah's office. 3rd floor. Thanks buddy."
After hanging up and tucking his phone back into his right front pocket of his jeans, Emmitt speaks up. "What was that all about Chuck? Who is Mr. Grimes bringing up here?"
"Well Emmitt..." smirked Chuck once again. "...I mentioned to Sarah I had an ace up my sleeve. So I called in a favor to an old family friend. You mentioned to me that I technically work here. So, since I'm technically an employee here I'm just covering my bases. I have a whole lot riding on this so, I sought his counsel." he added crossing his arms.
"Who?" Jeff, Lester and Emmitt say in unison.
The attention on Chuck by everyone would suddenly be broken by the sound of a knock on Sarah's office door. Then it opens with Morgan entering in. The person in question that Chuck sought his counsel, following behind then stepping passed him. "Everyone..." nodded Chuck in the man's direction. "...I would like to introduce you all to Mr. Winterbottom. Mr. Hartley Winterbottom. My family attorney."
XXX
NOTE: Did I grab your attention on that cliffhanger right there? Do you believe I actually had the idea of Hartley appearing before this whole story actually written out. Hartley seemed perfect in the role of a lawyer/attorney since he is considered a friend to Stephen Bartowski aka Orion. Anyways, what do you think? Hope you enjoyed this chapter. As always, leave a review and share your thoughts!