Chuck vs The Courtyard Bench

by shortpinoyguy

Sarah Walker is the new Chief Operating Officer hired by Chief Administrator of Westside Medical Center Diane Beckman. What's in store for the newest member of the Westside family. What's in store for Sarah as she meets new friends along the way while old friends in her past potentially make an appearance as well. What about Chuck? Patience. There will be Charah.

29. Private Eyes

Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: Chuck, Ellie, Hartley along with Vali sift through the boxes that Stephen Bartowski left after disappearing completely out of sight. Beforehand, Chuck would contact Hartley to for a favor and that favor came in the from of a private investigator named Conway. He would be hired to by Chuck to follow and find out the true reason why Jack is in town unbeknown to Sarah. It would also have Hartley realize why Chuck wanted to use Conway, but didn't say a word about it much to Chuck's appreciation. In any case, while the Hartley and the 2 Bartwoski siblings were sifting through the contents of the boxes, Ellie finds a tape recorder. Inside of it, would be the last tape used by Stephen before leaving to accomplish his objective, which was find their mom using irrational instead of rational numbers. Mary Bartowksi. A shocking surprise for all 3 individuals. So, what's in store for this chapter? Who do Jeffster pay homage to when it comes to their performance? How long does Sarah give Jack when he shows up to talk to her again? What song does Chuck choose that ends up relating to the latest Rockstar Rebel? Where does Sarah end up confronting Jack that Beckman needs to intervenes? Finally, why does Chuck think he needs a secret code word after getting a call? 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.

Private Eyes

XXX

Bash At The Bench would start off differently. Instead of Chuck coming out to do his normal introductions to the oftentimes overly raucous crowd, it would begin with a song from Jeffster. The duo would take the stage wearing fedoras on their heads along with sporting white and green coats to not only honor the iconic 80's singing duo, but liven up the crowd with their cover rendition of Hall and Oates' song Private Eyes as well. Also, they encouraged the crowd beforehand to clap as loud as they possibly can whenever that part of the song happens. The crowd participation did not disappoint as they all clapped as one making a thunderous echo within the courtyard of Westside Medical Center. It's the thunderous echo that causes the windows to reverberate, whereby making the small concert experience feel like being in a large stadium arena as the next set of lyrics are being sung.

You play with words
You play with love
You can twist it around, baby
That ain't enough
'Cos girl
I'm gonna know
If you're letting me in
Or letting me go
Don't lie
When you're hurting inside
'Cos you can't escape my

Private Eyes
They're watching you
They see your every move
Private Eyes
They're watching you
Private Eyes
They're watching you
Watching you
Watching you
Watching you

Jeff and Lester would reach the break in the song performance where Jeff riffs the solo electric guitar part with Lester briefly playing the drums. Once his part is done, he gets up belting out the song again with his own unique Lester-esque flair while maneuvering his way to the front of the stage. This would lead everybody including Chuck, Sarah, Big Mike, Ellie, Devon, Alex, and even Chief Beckman getting into the feel, as well as the groove of the song itself. The only exception are Casey and Scooter who opted out in any kind of physical participation whatsoever as the songs comes close to reaching its crescendo.

Why you try to put up a front for me
I'm a spy but on your side, you see
Slip on into any disguise
I'll still know you
Look into my Private Eyes
They're watching you
They see your every move
Oh, babe, Private Eyes
They're watching you
Private Eyes
They're watching you, yeah
They see your every move
They see it
Ooooh, they're watching you
Private Eyes
They're watching you...

Private eyes
Woooooo
(Watching you)
They watch your every move girl
(Every move)

Private Eyes
They're watching you
They see your every move
Private Eyes
They're watching you
Private Eyes
They're watching you
Watching you
Watching you
Watching you

Once the song/music fades off and a huge round of applause given for another excellent performance, Chuck appears on stage to speak with not only the crowd, but the singing duo too. It would take a while for the crowd to settle down since the musically talented orderlies, who were known as total slackers, began working their asses to get on the stage to perform. It's considered a total 180 that Chief Beckman couldn't quite believe, but all reports from Big Mike concerning their job performance have been absolutely positive with a few minor mistakes here and there. It wouldn't have happened if Sarah hadn't lit a fire under both of their asses with help from the nerd she's currently dating. Speaking of the nerd, he is standing center stage with the unconventional dynamic duo ready to speak to them, but quickly addresses the crowd first.

"Jeffster everybody!" bellowed Chuck, gesturing towards the two men who are giving a celebratory bow and kisses to the crowd. "They did awesome as usual." he added, without any hint of sarcasm in his voice whatsoever. His attention on the crowd is then directed to Jeff and Lester. "So guys, are you up for one more performance at the end of the show?"

It's that particular announcement that catches Jeff and Lester completely by surprise. Of course, it's not just them that are surprised as Sarah, Big Mike, Ellie, Devon, Alex, Casey, Scooter, and most certainly Chief Beckman are caught by surprise as well. Before any of them could verbalize what just happened, the fairly slender Canadian Hinjew responds to the man who partly made their dream a reality.

"Seriously? Are you for real?" Lester stammered out, speaking into his mic.

"I don't normally kiss dudes, but I'll make an exception. Just this once." Jeff suddenly announced into his headset microphone. He then takes a step towards Chuck.

A faint but visible look of horror washes over Chuck's face witnessing a man, very much older than himself, opening his arms wide and puckering his lips together. Luckily, he's saved from the trauma of having Jeff's lips attached anywhere on his face by Lester sticking his right arm out to the side. In doing so, he stops his cohort, and not to mention song partner in crime, from potentially ruining their chances of continuing on with their dream.

"Now is not the time Jeffrey. Besides..." he stated, glancing back at Jeff. "...do you know where those lips have been?" Lester added, expressing a noteworthy cringe briefly peering at the older orderly's mouth.

"Today or this past week?" questioned Jeff, with genuine seriousness expressed on his face.

The older orderly is about to continue on when Lester holds up a finger in front of his face without even looking at him. "Never mind. I think it's best we all not know."

"Guys..." Chuck interjected, taking a moment to scratch the back of his head. "...I really didn't get an answer. A chance to close out the show again? Don't pass this offer up." he added, waiting for them to respond.

In that instance, Jeff and Lester look at each other then suddenly drop to their knees bowing. "Thank you!" they repeatedly cried out in unison together.

This would lead Chuck to immediately stick out his right hand holding the microphone, turn his head and close his eyes like a decadent Lord. Of course, he takes a cue from what Alice Cooper did in the "We're Not Worthy" scene from the movie Wayne's World. The scene where Wayne and Garth, starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, meet the rock icon backstage in his dressing room and he ask them to hang out. Amused laughter is expressed from the crowd afterwards leading Chuck to take it from there.

"Jeffster ladies and gentlemen! Thanks fellas." he announced, as the Wayne and Garth of Westside Medical scooted over on their knees towards him in order to try to hug Chuck's legs. Unfortunately, their efforts fail to where both men end up just helping each other up to their feet. As they do, Chuck continues on. "They'll be back with the final performance to end Friday's livestream. So, don't leave just yet Bartowski Brigade." The nerdy host of Nerdy Nerfherder and Fuzzball gestures to the duo to head off stage. He then returns his attention to the crowd and to the camera manned by his bearded best friend. "Coming up, I'll be speaking with another Rockstar Rebel that Mr. Morgan Grimes and I have chosen for today, which is just in a few minutes. Right now, here's a quick rundown of last week's show and then a list of announcements concerning what will be going on next week involving Westside Medical Center. As Chuck begins doing his usual rundown, Sarah is standing next to Chief Beckman with a proud smile on her face while her eyes tell a whole different story, which the Chief Administrator has noticed. She's about to say something, when a voice behind her gets her attention.

"Chief Walker."

"Yes?" responded Sarah turning around.

The Chief Operating Officer and 2nd in command to Chief Beckman sees that it's one of the nurses from the 1st floor nurses station named Iris. Unfortunately, her attention is suddenly directed behind her causing the beautiful blonde smile to fall flat with her eyebrows furrowing. This would lead the auburn-haired woman in charge of the entire hospital to immediately turn around as well.

"Jack. What do you want now?"

"To speak with you. Can we go somewhere private?" After saying that, Jack hears a threatening grunt coming from the man suddenly appearing right behind his daughter. The head of security shoots another icy glare right at the salt and pepper haired individual. In that instance, Jack exudes his trademark arrogant, smug smile as if Casey's attempts to intimidate are all for naught. "I come in peace, Copface. I promise."

At this point, the attention on Chuck is now on Sarah as Big Mike, Ellie, Devon, Alex, Scooter, and even Morgan turn their support towards their friend/colleague even though Morgan is busy manning the camera. It's clearly evident to Jack standing there how protective these people are for his daughter, which includes the restaurant owner Mr. Colt he ingratiated himself with 2 night ago. As for Beckman, she steps in front of Sarah and speaks to her 2nd in command's father. "Hello, we haven't been formally introduced. My name is Diane Beckman. Chief Administrator to this hospital." she greeted the man with a tight-lipped smile.

"Jack Burton. I'm Sarah's father." he said, extending his hand for a handshake. "Pleasure to meet you."

Beckman doesn't even acknowledge Jack's hand. Instead, she crosses her arms and continues on. "I would say the same..." Beckman retorted, glanncing at Sarah standing to her left. "...but I would be lying. I've heard all about you."

"What have you heard?" grinned the professional political spin doctor, briefly eying his daughter.

As much as Beckman wants to give this man standing a few feet away from her a verbal tongue lashing, she knows from talking with Sarah that it's something he wants to have happen. A master manipulator who pulls a target in mentally and then gives in for the emotional attack. So, she takes a deep breath then gives her response. "So, you're here for Sarah? Unfortunately..." stated Beckman. "...my Chief Operating Officer is quite busy. As you can plainly see."

Jack scans the area of what is presently going on. As he does, he suddenly notices and makes eye contact with Chuck on stage. They momentarily lock eyes and despite being thrown off a bit by the appearance of Sarah's father, chuck forges on like a professional. Afterwards, Jack returns his attention back to the woman he greeted him with a not so warm welcome. He expresses a soft chuckle then gives his response. "10 minutes and I'll leave."

In that moment, Beckman wants nothing more than to unleash Casey on the man standing in front of her. Unfortunately, she doesn't get that chances when Sarah steps forward much to the Chief Administrator's surprise. "10 minutes."

After saying that, a voice speaks from behind her. "We got your back, Sarah."

It's those words that bring about a mutual agreement amongst those standing behind the Chief Operating Officer as a united front against a man who they have come to learn is a vile individual who doesn't deserve being called father, or dad for that matter. In response, she glances behind her and then to Beckman standing just off her right acknowledging them with a silent nod. For Sarah, it's something that she truly appreciates as the people who she considers not just her colleagues, but close friends/family are rallying around right now in order to protect her in every sense of the word. Yet, even though Chuck is on stage right now she can feel his presence as if he's right by her side. Her thoughts concerning the people who matter most in her life are set aside leading the blonde woman to step forward and look Jack dead in the eyes.

"Thanks, but I got this."

"Are you sure?" wondered Beckman with great concern for her 2nd in command.

A simple nod is given as Sarah turns her head and reaches over to place her right hand on Beckman's left arm that currently crossed. Her attention on her boss is then directed back to Jack. She steps forward and is about to walk past him when she glances back at the stage where she momentarily locks eyes with Chuck as if to relay a message that she'll be okay. A look of concern is what she receives back in return. In her mind, she knows that Chuck would drop everything to be right by her side when it comes to her father. As noble as that may be, she has to do this alone and get everything she needs to tell him off her chest. It's with that decision she turns her head to locks eyes with her father.

"Follow me to my office." Sarah coldly stated. Afterwards, she heads towards the entrance leading out of the courtyard into the 1st floor of the hospital with Jack Burton following right behind her.

XXX

"Your 10 minutes starts once I get out of the bathroom." she states, entering inside and closing the door behind her.

Jack stands there in the middle of Sarah's office for a moment then nods his head seemingly impressed. "Nice digs, darlin'." he hollered somewhat, heading towards the window. When he reaches it, he looks down and notices the large crowd gathered below in the seemingly lively, as well as festive courtyard. "I knew you'd move on to bigger and better things."

After saying that, his attention is then directed to the stage where Chuck was standing, but he's no longer there. It's not long before he spots him sitting on a blue bench and presumably talking to someone in a wheelchair. He doesn't have a clue what they're saying, but suddenly recalls that when he arrived, he was stopped in his tracks by the mere fact everyone in the hospital were glued to every television. When he asked what was going on, he was in absolute disbelief to the point of momentarily standing there watching what was unfolding right before his very eyes. In that moment, he turns around in order to scan Sarah's office for a remote control and inevitably finds it sitting on the coffee table in the lounge area. He grabs it and turns on the flatscreen television via remote to where it shows Chuck in the middle of talking to a young girl who is in a wheelchair.

"So Grace, as a 16 year old who is dealing with Chondrosarcoma Grade 2 you're unable to walk is that right?" questioned Chuck, holding up a microphone towards her.

"Yes sir."

"Way to make me feel old." he retorted, with amusement into the microphone.

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. It shows your parents raised you right." chuckled the nerdy host. "Please continue."

"Oh ok. The areas I feel the most pain are my hips and pelvis. There are days where it just hurts too much to walk or even try to stand. So, I end up just using a wheelchair. I know you've heard this before but I have my good days and my bad days." she shared, peering down looking somewhat embarrassed. She then peers back up expressing a smile towards Chuck. "Every Tuesday and Thursday I got to physical therapy with Ms. Hannah."

"Awesome. I know Hannah. Say hi for me the next time you see her. I know she's traveling a lot with her job."

"I will. Anyways, like I said I have my good days and bad days. Today is a good day. I haven't felt any pain since I found out I'm Friday's Rockstar Rebel. Thanks Chuck! You rock!"

"No, you rock Grace." retorted Chuck, pointing at her. "You've gone through and endured so many surgeries to remove possible tumors even though the risk factor of spreading to other areas of your organs and bones is considered low to intermediate. Add to that the amounts of radiation and chemotherapy you have had to deal with in order to get better. Sometimes it's just for precautionary reasons. In other words, better safe that sorry. Anyways, you are one awesome young woman." His attention on her is then directed off camera. "You must be very proud of her, dad...mom."

It's at that point, Jack sees the young girl's father appear on screen with his wife right there with him. "She's my little trooper. Not once has she really ever complained, even though she has every right to. Why did it have to happen to her? She didn't ask for it."

"Yet.." Grace's mom chimes in. "...she focuses on the positive knowing we and her friends from school are sticking by her. Plus, organizations like Make A Wish Foundation have given her the opportunity to have a wish fulfilled."

"That's pretty awesome." smiled Chuck. "Speaking of Make A Wish Foundation, they'll be sponsoring this year's Hospital Gala next weekend. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I got to meet Mark Hamill and that's huge. I'm a huge Star Wars nerd and I'm not afraid to admit that. "

"Cool. I think you said that earlier in the announcements. Are you taking Chief Walker as your date?" A giggling smile expressed his way from the 16 year old.

Without missing a beat, Chuck answers. "Why? You asking me? I'm sure Chief Walker wouldn't mind." He then changes the subject knowing the spotlight is now on him, which he feels it shouldn't be right now. "Anyways, that's next weekend and today is all about you, Ms. Rockstar Rebel. Tell me, mom..." Chuck turns his attention to Grace's mom standing right alongside her. "...what goals or achievements has your daughter set her sights on?" he asked, with genuine curiosity.

Grace's mom briefly peers down at her daughter who momentarily locks eyes with her. Afterwards, she returns her attention back to man who has been so kind, courteous and gracious to not only their daughter, but to her and her husband a well. "I know she wants to achieve so many things once she's able to finally be cancer free."

"That's awesome. Like what?" he inquired, turning his attention from Grace's father to the 16 year old.

"Well..." she started shrugging her shoulders briefly. "...IF I get married..."

Chuck immediately interjects. "When...not if Grace. When." he insisted, flashing a smile towards the young woman.

"Ok. Right. When...I get married...I want to walk down the aisle arm in arm with my father instead of having him wheel me down in a wheelchair. I won't let it stop me from achieving my dream." she passionately shared with Chuck.

Jack hears the sound of awes combined with cheers and clapping from the crowd. Afterwards, Chuck continues on, with Sarah's father glued to the television screen located on the wall in the living area of her office.

"I hope that dream comes true for you Grace. We all do." he said, briefly turning his attention to the crowd who voice their agreement. "As I've always said, it's pure coincidence whenever I choose a song to sing in honor of a Rockstar Rebel such as yourself. It's a song by Bob Carlisle entitled Butterfly Kisses so here goes. Hit it Fuzzball!"

"You got it, Nerdy Nerfherder!" yelled back Morgan, off camera.

In that moment, Jack watches with curious wonder as Chuck scoots closer to the young girl named Grace at the end of the blue bench. He also notices that he lowers the mic so that he can have a quick and not to mention private conversation with the teenager. It's a conversation that causes her to laugh and express a smile causing her to be considerably more comfortable evident by the softening of her body language knowing full well that there is a large crowd watching her as she's been given the spotlight for a positive reason. He should know because his entire career has been about reading people's body language and working it to his advantage. In any case, after a few seconds of the intro the nerdy individual, who he considers so out of his daughter's league, begins singing.

There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven
And she's daddy's little girl
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus, and I close my eyes.
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all, for

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk beside the pony
Daddy, it's my first ride"
"I know the cake looks funny
Daddy, but I sure tried"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning
And butterfly kisses at night

While standing there in front of the television in absolute shocked surprise at Chuck's singing ability, his mind starts to suddenly drift back to the past in regards to the early days when things were actually good between his ex, Emma, and Sarah. Of course, he's heard the song before on the radio during long business road trips, but mainly used as a way to keep him alert and not to mention active behind the wheel back then. Now, it's stirring something inside of him that's absolutely foreign and doesn't know what to make of it. He shakes whatever he's feeling or even thinking to refocus back on the song to which he wasn't fully paying attention and now listening to another sets of lyrics.

Sweet sixteen today
She's looking like her mamma
A little more every day
One part woman, the other part girl
To perfume and makeup
From ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great
Big world but I remember

It's during the break in that part of the song, he sees Chuck get up from his spot on the blue bench then motioning for the young 16 year old's father to have a seat right next to her. The mother taking her place and inevitably standing right behind the blue bench proudly shifting her attention back and forth from her husband to the teenager named Grace. As for Chuck, he doesn't see him on camera at all, but still hears him though as the camera focused solely on Grace and her parents. In his mind, her name is considered to be suitable for her because she is most definitely dealing with what she has and moving through her young life so far with as much simple elegance, as well as refinement. The total opposite of how he has moved through life throughout the past years because everybody has an expiration date, he thinks to himself. It's because of that thought, the song itself takes on a whole new meaning causing him to pay closer attention to the lyrics of the songs itself.

She'll change her name today
She'll make a promise
And I'll give her away
Standing in the bride room
Just staring at her
She asked me what I'm thinking
And I said "I'm not sure
I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl"
Then she leaned over, gave me

Butterfly kisses, with her mama there
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle daddy, it's just
About time"
"Does my wedding gown look pretty Daddy?"
"Daddy don't cry"
Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right

For Jack Burton, a slew of emotions wash all over his face after intently listening to the lyrics that Chuck just sang. It's then he gets lost in thought with what he's seemingly conflicted over, so much so he's no longer paying attention at all to the television, or listening to the song for that matter. Instead, he's pacing back and forth in what looks to a mixture of anger, frustration, and confusion. After a few moments of pacing, he stops and turns to face the bathroom door which Sarah has been in since she entered her office. He stares intently at it and after a few seconds of visible emotion all over his face, he makes his move. A few seconds later, the sound of flushing is heard from behind the bathroom door and then it opens.

"Okay Jack..." The Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center cuts herself off in mid walk out stepping into her empty office with the flatscreen television left on. Chuck on screen finishing the song he's dedicated to the latest Rockstar Rebel. Jack Burton is nowhere in sight.

XXX

*In the same time frame - Sarah's point of view*

"Your 10 minutes starts once I get out of the bathroom." she stated, entering inside and closing the door behind her.

Afterwards, she leans back against the bathroom door and lets her head fall back a bit to where she peers up at the ceiling. In doing so, she hears the muffled sound of her father's voice on the other side of the door. "Nice digs, darlin'." She shakes her head after hearing that knowing he's just saying in order to have an "in" with her as a starting point to speak with her. Her thoughts concerning his use of tactics abruptly break up when Jack's muffled voice is heard once again. "I knew you'd move on to bigger and better things."

It's those muffled words heard from the other side of the door that cause her to roll her eyes after hearing it. In that instance, she pushes herself off the bathroom door and moves toward the bathroom sink. Once she reaches it, she leans over planting both her hands against the front edge of it and briefly lowers her head. A few seconds later, she shakes her noggin' and faintly breathes out a grunted sigh that her own partner Casey would be proud of. With her head lowered, she rocks back and forth a bit faintly repeating the following words. "You can get through this. Take deep breaths."

She does this about 4 times and on the 5th time, she suddenly hears Chuck's voice causing her to stand up straight. In doing so, she creeps cautiously to the bathroom door and quietly opens it all-the-while making sure it doesn't make a sound. She's successful in doing that then looks through the slit just small enough to at least know what's going on out there. What she sees is her father standing with his back to her facing the flatscreen television and watching something, which she quickly surmises is the hacked feed to Bash At The Bench currently going on down in the courtyard. From her concealed viewpoint, she notices that Jack is glued to what is going on causing her to react in her own head. Make yourself at home why don't you.

Sarah expresses another faint growled grunt that fortunately doesn't alert Jack to turn around to see that she's has been watching him. Instead of heading out of her bathroom and giving him a well-deserved verbal tongue lashing with what's been pent up inside of her for so long that she's ready to explode, she takes a deep breath then quietly closes the bathroom door. Before she does, her attention is directed to the screen of her flatscreen television showing Chuck interviewing the latest Rockstar Rebel Grace Thompkins. She was fortunate enough to get the inside scoop from the nerdy host and bearded camera man. Much to her surprise, she was the young girl in the wheel chair who called out and sort of saved him when she accused Chuck and Morgan of trespassing.

So, in a way, she is partly responsible for bringing her and Chuck together and it's a comforting thought that brings a faint smile to her lips. It also calms her down just a bit just thinking about it. However, the faint smile and comforting thoughts quickly fade as her attention falls on Jack once again. In any case, after the bathroom door is closed, Beckman's 2nd in command backs up a bit briefly glancing behind her in order to put the toilet seat cover down in order to sit on top of it. For her, there's so much that she wants to say and yet all of it is jumbled up mess within her head that it's considerably difficult for her to know where to actually start, which frustrates the hell out of her.

In that instance, she bends over dropping and inevitably covering her face close to her knees. When she does, she expresses a muffled growling grunt to the point where her hands slide forward and up into her hair. It's then she rakes through her blonde locks with her fingers and momentarily grips her golden tendrils in an attempt to further curl herself into a ball like cocoon. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the desired effect she wanted leading to her sit straight up. Once she does, she pops herself up into a standing position and faces her bathroom mirror once again. This time she slumps heavily down, planting the top of her fists down on either side of the sink. Her head is no longer lowered as her focus is on her reflection on the bathroom mirror.

While staring at herself in the mirror, building and working up everything she wants to get off her chest that she's been harboring for so many years, she can hear the sound of Chuck coming from her flatscreen television. A television that Jack turned on, and by simply doing that, he's achieving what he does best, which is pushing her mental buttons. He pushes those buttons just hard enough that he knows when to back off as if he's thumbing his nose at the fact he can get away with it because that's who he is. A man who has caused her to totally miss out on her nerd's performance evident the muffle sound of music and the unmistakable dulcet tones of Chuck Bartowski singing a song that she had the privilege of watching/listening to him practice earlier in the week.

A song that even though it doesn't have the same meaning for her now unlike back then when she considered herself daddy's little girl. Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. As a young girl she dreams of her dad walking her down the aisle with the possibility of this song playing as her father-daughter wedding dance. However, that dream was crashed and burned with Cole Barker, along so many other dreams involving the man who failed her as a father, protector, provider, and not to mention husband to her mom. A truly sobering thought that she wasn't able to have the strength to break away from for good until, now thanks to one adorably nerdy individual who she's fallen deeply for. Who knows...maybe Casey or possibly even Hartley have her walk her down the aisle because of his close connection with Chuck, she thinks to herself.

She quickly shakes those thoughts from her head knowing it's too soon to think about marriage. She made a huge mistake in her almost marriage with Cole and doesn't want to ruin a tremendously awesome thing she has with Chuck. He's worth taking the time for. Speaking of Chuck, the thought of missing out on Chuck's song dedication to this week's chosen Rockstar Rebel is not just a highlight for her, but for many of those who are fortunate enough to watch it. It wasn't just the practices, but the "Wizard of Oz look behind the curtain process" itself that was intriguing to her. Yet, it's not so much watching it as it is more of a euphoric experience that touches the soul and taps all of her senses, which always brings a warm, comforting smile outwardly, as well as inwardly. What matters to her right now is that she's happier than she's ever been and it's one of several positive bright spots when it comes to her very own future.

Although it brings about a smile, the disappointingly sad reality is that Jack Burton will never change. For her, it will be a shocking surprise to her if he actually does, which she doesn't bet on ever happening. After taking a very long deep breath to bring her confidence. she straightens up and locks on to one thought on her mind while staring at her own reflection. Listen, say what needs to said, and be done with it. After taking another deep breath to ready herself, she gives a nod to herself in the mirror then reaches blinding leaning over to her right for the bathroom door handle. However, before that happens she flushes the toilet to make it seems like she used it, but didn't. Sarah then opens the bathroom door and steps out.

"Okay Jack..." The Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center cuts herself off in mid walk out stepping into her empty office with the flatscreen television left on. Chuck on screen finishing the song he's dedicated to the latest Rockstar Rebel. Jack Burton nowhere in sight. It's in that moment, she's had enough causing her to become pissed off. When she's pissed off, The Wildcard Enforcer emerges and has one thing in mind. You've just pissed off the wrong person, Jack.

XXX

"Hey! I thought you wanted to talk!" Sarah belted out in anger, emerging outside from the Hospital's 1st floor front entrance. "Jack, I'm talking to you!" she belted out once again, causing Jack to stop. A number of people walking past in both directions, but somewhat slowly like a traffic accident in order to witness the scene unfolding before them. "What the hell is your problem!?"

Jack just stands there with his back facing the emotional blonde woman who has so much pent up aggression within her. Years of unresolved issues stewing inside of her that his leaving her office to not only abandon the 10 minute talk, but disappear out of her life once again hits her. It's that last act that truly breaks the straw causing her to become truly enraged. "You step back into my life after so many years and want to reconnect!? Check up on me!? As you can see, I'm fine. Molly is fine! Mom is fine! If you actually cared about her that is..." she said, stepping forward then stopping. "...which you don't!" she states, emphatically pointing at him. "Why come all this way to say you want to talk to me only to bail? Why!? WHY!? she yelled out a bit louder.

It's at this point, people are just standing there just confused, bewildered, and shocked at what is going on. For Sarah, she doesn't care if she's making a scene because she releases all that's she's been harboring against her father, which he needs to hear whether he likes it or not. Unbeknownst to her, Beckman appears in the entryway of the 1st floor entrance after being alerted at the nurses' station by an individual who quickly reported what's happening. Fortunately for her, she didn't come alone as her head of security John Casey is behind her along with Ellie and Head Nurse Alex Forrest who are standing back and waiting for the Chief Administrator to step in when the time is right. All 4 watch as Sarah continues on with her pissed off barrage of verbal bullets directed at the man who hasn't treated her like a father in the way daughter should be treated.

"You're a piece of shit! You always have been!" At this point, tears form in Sarah's eyes then begin to slide down either side of her cheeks. This moment has been a long time coming for her and if truth be told it's much needed. Sarah steps forward then stops again. "I don't care why you're here. Just stay away from me, Molly, and Mom. You got that?" The Chief Operating Officer is now standing 2 feet away from Jack who still has his back facing her, which pisses her off even more. "You don't have the decency to face me when all you've ever done was turn your back on your family. If you were thinking about having a relationship again. Think again!"

It takes everything in Sarah's power to not completely lose control. After shaking her head, she continues on. "You...don't...deserve it!" she screamed, with tears streaming down her cheeks. "You know what. I've done well for myself without you in my life. A real father is there for his kids. A real father tries to be there for their kids in anything and everything they do in life. A real father is there when her life falls apart. A real father doesn't brainwash or manipulate their kids. YOU..." she angrily shakes her head. "...were never a real father!" Sarah added, with spite in the tone of her voice. "You know what you are? You're a coward." she calmly said. "You're a coward. A COWARD! COWARD!" Tears continuing to stream down her cheeks.

While standing there visibly out of breath after screaming with every fiber of her being, Jack gives his response without even turning around. "Are you done?"

It's those 3 words that triggers Sarah to the point of pouncing on him, but she's suddenly grabbed and held back from doing something she'll probably regret. Although, Sarah's blinded by her intense anger, she does notice that it's Ellie and Alex pulling her back for own well being. Yet, it doesn't stop her from directing her attention back to Jack. "Let me go! LET ME GO!"

In that instance, Beckman appears, directing Ellie and Alex with Sarah mostly subdued in their clutches. "Take her inside." She watches as Ellie and Alex forcefully pull a defiant Sarah away and into the hospital while Chief Beckman deals with her father. She turns around noticing a number of people standing around leading the Hospital's Chief Administrator to clap her hands. "Move along people. Show's over." she announced, in a stern manner. It's an order that Casey also expresses by simply growling and grunting, which is equally as effective. Once said individuals disperse, her attention is directed to the man still standing there with his back towards her and hasn't turned around since. She approaches Jack Burton with Casey right behind her who has a look on his face as if he wants to be unleashed. "Turn around. I will not ask twice."

Jack stands there and a second later, he slowly turns around. The smug, arrogant smile that he exuded earlier in the courtyard is still plastered on his face. "Chief Beckman. We meet again."

"Under unfortunate circumstances, as you can now see." she replied, with her arms crossed. Her right brow quirked towards him.

"It is what it is." he retorted, shrugging his shoulders. His head gave a slight tilt to the right at the same time.

For Beckman, she thinks he's either that much of an arrogant bastard to stand there not affected at all by what his own daughter just unleashed on him, or he has a great poker face. In her mind, whatever face he has on right now, her main concern is the safety and well being of her 2nd in command. "You are no longer to step foot on this premises. Do I make myself clear." she ordered, peering up at Jack Burton. Her eyebrows furrowing with intensity towards him. "Casey."

"Chief." growled Casey. His eyes completely locked on Jack.

"Have your people escort Mr. Burton to his car." ordered the Chief Administrator.

"Copy that." complied Casey, giving a nod. A nod that has Tang and Greta suddenly appearing behind Jack seemingly out of nowhere.

"Mr. Burton, thank you for visiting. Never come back again." she declared, standing there. Afterwards, she turns around heading back into the hospital with Casey in tow.

As for Jack, he stands there still expressing the smug, arrogant smile and now adds a faint chuckle of amusement. He then glances back on either side of him. "So, you're Copface's 2 trained guard hounds? Scary."

Tang or Greta don't say a word. Instead, they turn to the side with Tang motioning for him to lead the way to his car. As for Greta, she's eyeing the man closely and ready for anything, which she has been trained to do. Unfortunately, nothing happens as Jack abides by Beckman's orders as he turns around and walks off and away from the Hospital's premises with Casey's "2 trained guard hounds" escorting him to his car. Meanwhile, Sarah has been given the rest of the day off to go home, not by her choice as Beckman made a judgement call. She did however let Sarah calm down in the 1st floor breakroom after being taken there by Ellie and Head Nurse Alex Forrest. The Chief Administrator would send Casey to inform Chuck of what went down involving Sarah and her father.

Chuck didn't hesitate one bit as he left the duties of hosting the rest of show to Morgan while he would drive Sarah back to her place. Although he didn't have the presence that his nerdy best friend has, he would do his best to not let Chuck down knowing he did the right thing in focusing on Sarah. Fortunately, he would have help in manning the cameras as Lazlo was contacted by his nerdy business partner beforehand. Granted, there was some complaining on Lazlo's part but he was promised a favor from Chuck with no questions asked and that sealed the deal for the Hospital's head IT specialist. As for Jeff and Lester, for their final performance of the show in which they would be singing another Hall and Oates' classic Maneater, which Chuck and hopefully Sarah would watch back again later.

2 and Half Hours Later...

Chuck is standing and somewhat pacing in the middle of Sarah's living at her Condo with Molly sitting on the couch. Her eyes transfixed on Chuck walking back and forth in front of her. She's about to say something when Emma emerges down from the stairway. The matriarch of the Walker women walks towards Chuck with her arms crossed with concern on her face, which is the same concern that the man standing in front of her is showing on his face. After taking a quick breath, she peers up at him with an appreciative smile.

"It took a while, but she's finally asleep. Thank you for driving her home."

"It's no problem, Emma." nodded Chuck. His attention is then turned upstairs where Sarah is now resting. "Sarah, really let her dad have it. Ellie told me she didn't hold back."

"I wish I was there." she said, popping up from where she was sitting. "I would have added my two cents to that assbutt." Molly chimed in.

"Molly!" responded Emma, shaking her head.

"Well..." the 13 year old retorted. throwing up her hands. "...it's true. You know it, Mom..." she then points up to the man standing of her "...and so does Chuck." added the seemingly fired up teenager.

Chuck shrugs his shoulders in response. "She's not wrong."

"Assbutt or not..." Emma shakes her head for actually saying the word itself. "...Jack finally pushed the wrong buttons with Sarah. It sent her over the edge."

"Ellie said she nearly attacked Jack, but she and Alex Forrest were able to pull her back. Thankfully, Chief Beckman was there to handle things. Casey too." Chuck revealed, raising both eyebrows. "On the way here, she kept apologizing to me about missing out on me performing the dedication song to Grace. I told her she didn't have anything to apologize for. I told her I would stop by sometime tomorrow so we could watch my performance together, along with both of Jeff and Lester's performance of Hall and Oates' songs." he shared, expressing a soft grin.

"You did great from what I saw." said Emma, giving a nod of assurance. "So did Jeff and Lester with both their performances. Morgan did well taking over as host. He did look a bit scared and nervous."

"Yeah, he called me. He said he was totally out of his comfort zone. He likes being behind the camera and doing the technical aspect of the show. Yet, he did it because Sarah was in need so he didn't give it a second thought."

"That's sweet of him."

"He'll get major sweet points from Alex that's for sure."

Molly interjects herself into the conversation after briefly listening to her mother and Chuck talk. "I haven't seen it yet." Molly said, shaking her head. "I'll watch it later. Plus, it's Friday so I can stay up late."

"Not too late, young lady."

Molly rolls her eyes after hearing. "Yeah, yeah." Her attention on her mother is then directed back to the man who her older sister refers to as her nerd. "I'm sure you did awesome, Chuckles." she added, giving a thumbs up towards the tall, lanky man standing next to her.

"Thank Mol." His attention is then directed to Emma. "Let Sarah know, I'll call her later, ok?" he said, stepping towards the door of the condo unit.

"I will. Thank you, Chuck. I'm truly glad you're in Sarah's life." Emma thankfully said, opening the door for him. "Oh, make sure to thank Chief Beckman for looking out for my daughter."

"I will." Before Chuck leaves, he turns his attention to Sarah's little sister." Molly." he said, extending his hand then balling into a fist.

"Chuck." she responded, giving Chuck a fist tap. Afterwards, both of them do the explosion move and sound, much to the amusement of Emma.

After exiting, he gives a quick wave to Emma and Molly who wave back then close the door. It's at that point he makes his way down the hall and just as he's about to reach the elevator, the sound of a ring tone alerts him to a phone call he's now receiving. When he looks at the name on screen it reads Conway. He answers it.

"Conway? What's up?"

"Are you busy? It is possible to have a meeting?"

"Sure. Santa Monica Beach ok with you?"

"It will do. Parking lot. 7 p.m."

Chuck checks his watch and sees that it's 5:35 pm. In his mind, it takes at least 30 minutes to get back to Santa Monica, which gives him time to grab something to eat before the meet up. "7 p.m. it is. How will I find you? How will I know who to look for? Do we need to go over a secret code of some kind?"

"Don't worry about it. Just be there."

"Awesome." he breathed out, a bit confused.

With that, the phone call ends leaving Chuck standing in the hallway for a moment somewhat confused and bewildered by the phone call from Hartley's go to private investigator. Unfortunately, his thoughts concerning Conway would be interrupted by another sound. A growling stomach. "I hear ya." he whispered, patting his stomach. Afterwards, he walks the remaining few feet and leans over a bit to press the down button for the elevator. It's not a long wait as a ding sounds off then the elevator doors open. After stepping inside, he turns around in order to press the 1st floor. He then leans comfortably back against the back part of the elevator with his arms crossed. As the door closes, he hopes his suspicions are correct as to the real reason Jack Burton is in Los Angeles.

XXX

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NOTE: Pretty intense chapter wouldn't you say? It started off lighthearted with Jeff and Lester then...BAM...socks you right stomach. Gut wrenching as you feel for Sarah concerning her father. She let him have it and then some. All the pent up unresolved issues and unloaded on Jack Burton. So, what did you think of this chapter. Share your thoughts and stay tuned for the next chapter where Chuck and Conway meet up to discuss what the private investigator found out. Then maybe a face to face with Jack himself. As always, a tip of the hat to NEVR for doing the BETA for this chapter.