| Downward Spiral Episode 48 |
| ** Harvey walked slowly to the door, he wasn't expecting anyone to come by. He eyed Jerry asleep on the couch before opening the door. He thought if it was Anna, she certainly wouldn't have knocked. Comfortably dressed in a tie-dye and worn out jeans, he hoped it wasn't anyone important. Reaching for the door, Harvey took a deep breath and opened, surpised by who he found. "Rachel?" Rachel smiled, "I know I should've called first, I just wanted to come by and drop off Jerry's things from the house. I meant to do it earlier in the week, but I've been busy." Harvey was relieved to see it was her, even she wasn't dressed up for the weekend. Her attire indicated it was a casual visit, maybe she wasn't there to present him with divorce papers after all. Yet, this was the moment he had dreaded, it was official. She had taken her things from his house and now she was giving him back his. Harvey took the box from her arms and set it down inside, "you didn't have to do this." Rachel turned back toward him on her way out the door, "I knew there was a few things Jerry likes to have around. I've got some more out in the car." Harvey followed her out to the porch and saw her open trunk filled with boxes, it all seemed so final. He never realized how much they had accumlulated at her house. Rachel approached him with another box, "some of your stuff is in here as well, I figured you'd want to simplify things." Harvey didn't think there was anyway to simplify the break-up of a marriage that had barely begun. Harvey took the box inside and waited for her there, as he looked at his clothing and Dead memoribilia from her house, it didn't seem right. He thought that he should be taking his things there instead of getting them back. Harvey looked at Jerry sleeping peacefully on the couch, if he knew what was going on, he'd be crushed. Rachel placed another box in front of him, he wondered why he didn't see this coming. Harvey pointed towards Jerry, and remarked, "the little guy will be sorry he missed your visit." Not seeing or hearing Anna, Rachel looked lovingly towards Jerry, "I'm sure someone else won't be." Harvey wasn't sure how much Rachel had heard, he knew that gossip had a way of working its way though the SFPD. He hoped she knew about Sonny, but he wasn't as sure about Anna and Steve, especially since she hadn't been around the SIU lately. Harvey pointed towards the back door, "why don't you come around back, so we can talk?" Feeling guilty with how they left things the last time they spoke, Rachel checked her watch, "I don't have much time, but okay." Harvey flashed a hopeful smile, "I'll meet you out there, I've got to make a quick call." Harvey watched as Rachel walked back outside and breathed a sigh of relief, there was still a chance. Harvey picked up the phone and dialed, after a series of rings --- there was still no answer. "Antwon, its me, I've got a change of plans for tonight. Call me later." Harvey grabbed two cold beers from the refridgerator and headed outside. He sat down next to Rachel on the cool cement stairs. "Beer?" Rachel shook her head, "no thanks, I still have to make it back home." Chuckling, Harvey commented, "it's not like you live that far." Feeling her eyes heavily upon him, Harvey turned toward Rachel, "I'm sorry that I haven't gotten the chance to apologize about the check. I had no right to accuse you of doing that. As much as you and Anna don't get along, I know you'd never try and hurt Jerry." Rachel gently touched his cheek with the palm of her hand, "it's okay, you've had a lot to worry about lately." Harvey denied it, "that's no excuse, Rachel, I shouldn't have blamed you for what Anna was doing. I was wrong and I am sorry." Rachel hadn't come over for an apology, if anything, that would make her problems worse, "what's important is that Jerry is okay, and that he's safe with you." Harvey could see that she was holding her ground, they were as over last week as they were that day, "I've spoken with Louis about the custody case against Anna, and I can have them change..." Rachel didn't want to make things any worse and interrupted, "don't worry about it, I told you that I'd do anything to help Jerry." Rachel paused a moment, "that's if you want me to." Pulling together all his will, Harvey made his announcement, "I kicked Anna out last week, I haven't heard from her since. I can't say that she's gone for good, but for now she is." ** Nash had been thinking about the right thing to say all week. He couldn't just come right out and say that he didn't want Cassidy to leave, he wanted her to do what she thought was best. The time had finally come. Nash sat down across from Cassidy at the table, "your mother says you're thinking of moving to France with her?" Cassidy looked up and smiled, "hi, Daddy." She set her menu aside and focused on Nash, "do you think it's a bad idea?" Nash didn't know how to respond, he knew how he felt. "I can't answer that question for you, sweetie, that's something you have to find out for yourself." Cassidy had always relied heavily upon her father's guidance, now would be no exception. "I really don't think I have a reason to stay, I mean, besides you being here. And I was thinking I might take a few classes, something to keep me busy." Nash hated to be negative, but he felt that she was forgetting some key points. "You're going to be a mother, your child has got to be your first priority no matter what you do or where you go." Cassidy sighed loudly, she didn't need to be reminded about her impending motherhood. "You still think that I should give the baby up?" Nash hated when people jumped to conclusions, and his own daughter was no exception. "Did I say that? What I am trying to get across is that once you have this baby, you're going to need some stability in your life. It's going to be difficult as a single parent." Cassidy added, "but I'll have you and Mom to help me out?" Nash shook his head, "that's just it. If you leave, you have your mother. If you stay, you get me. I can't ask your mother to pick up and leave Paris, her life is there now." Nash was convinced that part of Cassidy still believed he and Lisa would be getting back together, "your mother and I get along, but we're on different tracks." Cassidy wouldn't give up hope just yet, she waited a moment before posing her next question. Seeing him out with Kat so much had her thinking that something might be going on. "Daddy, can I ask you a question?" Nash glanced up from his menu, "sure?" Without any hesitation, she asked, "are you seeing anyone?" Chuckling, Nash responded with a question of his own, "like who?" ** The closeness was almost too much. The silence between them was growing. Rachel was distant, but he couldn't blame her. Her mind seemed at least a million miles away. Harvey smiled, "I stopped by last night." Rachel knew Harvey would find out one way or another, and now was just as good a time as any. "I had some work to finish up at Bayside, then I went to see Ryan." The thought of the happy little boy made his eyes light up, he needed to hear some good news for a change. "How is he? You get custody of him in a couple weeks, right?" Rachel reluctantly replied, "not necessarily." She hadn't intended to tell Harvey about Ryan just yet, but she knew he'd find out sooner or later. Harvey knew he hadn't been around much lately, but with something so important he assumed she'd tell him. Harvey suddenly got a feeling of great disappointment, "what? Don't tell me that Connie changed her mind now?" Almost defensively Rachel said, "no, she didn't." Rachel cleared her throat and continued, "actually, it's because Ryan is not my son. There was a mix-up at the lab, and, uh, he's not mine. He's not Connie's either, someone had gotten the samples switched and..." Rachel was lost for words, nothing made sense, "and, that's that." There was no sense in elaborating or boring him with the details. Harvey couldn't believe what he was hearing, it was almost like a bad dream. All the while he had been tied up with Anna and Jerry, this had been going on. He felt miserable and was almost afraid to ask for details, "how did you find out?" "Ryan got sick last week, well, he's been sick and Marla brought him into the hospital. When the situation didn't get any better, Louis called me. They think he's got some type of malady with the blood. I'm not really too sure... I went in to be tested and the results were pretty evident." At that moment, Harvey wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and hold her there. He knew he couldn't tell her that everything was going to work out, he knew there was no way. Harvey had to settle for the tense moment that they had. "So what are you going to do now?" Rachel shrugged, "what can I do? He's not my son. For now, it appears as if they've found a donor for a transfusion --- but that's just a temporary solution to a more permanent problem. It doesn't change the fact that the lab screwed up." Harvey could see that just talking about Ryan wore her out, but she continued, "I owe it to him to try and find his real parents. It's a long shot, but its something I have to do.'' Harvey knew she was a good detective, but this was crossing the line. No one should have to take a job so closely tied to a personal situation, his bout with Johnson was different, Ryan was her son. Harvey wondered why she'd put herself through that pain if he wasn't her responsibility, "does it have to be you?" Defensively, Rachel answered, "I'm not just going to walk away, if that's what you're thinking." After she said it, Rachel knew it was a bit harsh. She didn't think Harvey would remember what he said, much less the context in which he said it. For some odd reason, the words seemed awfully familiar, but Harvey couldn't remember why. "That's not what I meant to imply." Harvey searched her eyes for some sign of hope, "what I was trying to ask is why someone else doesn't look for his parents. I was just thinking of the conflict of interest." "Like how hard I would be willing to look?" Rachel knew going in that her involvement would be questioned, she just didn't expect that Harvey would have his doubts as well. "Exactly, if you don't find his parents --- you'd get to keep him right?" Harvey couldn't bare to think what he would do in her position, his ongoing war with Anna over Jerry was bad enough. He knew Rachel had it in her to do the right thing, but giving him up wouldn't be easy. Rachel knew she could be honest with Harvey without penalty, "believe me, the thought has crossed my mind, but I couldn't do that to him. He just deserves the best I can do for him. Right now, that's with someone else." Harvey couldn't help but see the negative, putting off the inevitable and prolonging her torture, "can't they just match up numbers, or dates, or..." "It's not as easy as it sounds. The company we used is going under, their records aren't exactly easy access. It might be weeks before I can do anything, and if I find them, its a matter as to whether or not they want him back." Harvey truly felt miserable, "God, Rache, I'm so sorry." "It's not your fault, my luck had to run out sooner or later." Harvey tried to rationalize his absences, "but I should've been there, with you..." Rachel didn't want Harvey taking the blame, "you had Jerry and Anna, the case...not to mention the ultimatum I gave you." "That wouldn't have stopped me, had I known...Rachel, don't shut me out." Harvey leaned in and lightly kissed her lips. Having triggered the slightest response, he kissed her again. This time, she kissed him back, caught up in the moment. Feeling his hands as they slid against her back, her body tightened. Now wasn't the time. Unexpectedly, she pulled away. Rachel couldn't lead him on. "I really should get going." ** Nash yelled into the phone, "what are you calling me at home for?" It was well after ten and Deputy Chief Martin never called to be social. Martin cackled, "don't tell me you haven't found a reason to bring Johnson in yet --- even I could handle that." "So why don't you?" Nash fired back, already in a fury, "you and I both know I can't go in there without a warrant." Martin sighed, ready to egg him on, "I don't think that Inspector Leek feels the same way about him." Nash eagerly added, "Harvey isn't getting any special treatment on my end of things." Martin knew where to hit Nash, "I bet you could sure use that man power now, couldn't you?" Not wanting to give Martin the pleasure of being right, he covered, "we're getting by just fine." Lie. Lie. Lie, Martin was sure of it. He had seen how the SIU was running before, more functional with more bodies. Duh, Nash. "Make sure you catch him, Bridges," Martin threatened, "or else." Nash was assured, "I'll get him before you do." Martin had one more zinger to throw, "I see your daughter has put in her two weeks notice." "What?" Nash hadn't seen that coming, Cassidy had been speaking with him only hours before. "I knew she wouldn't be back for long," Martin concluded. ** Lisa nudged Kat in the arm while sitting at the bar and whispered, "you know, I think Nash likes you." Kat scoffed at the idea, "what?" "I used to not like the idea, pairing him with someone else, but I think you'd be surprisingly good for him," Lisa honestly admitted, as if her barside chats with Kat had become a confessional. Kat looked down the bar, for a trail of empty bottles or glasses and pointed to Lisa's drink, "how many of those have you had?" Lisa smirked, "don't be so modest, I've seen him look at you. You've told me how often he asks you out." "You're seeing something alright," Kat added --- with just the slightest twinge of sarcasm. Lisa was perplexed by Kat's reaction, "you wouldn't be at all interested?" Kat turned the question, "would you?" Then she remembered who she was talking to, "don't answer that." Taking on a more serious tone, Lisa asked her, "have you dated anyone since your split with David?" "No." Even Kat couldn't lie and say her social life didn't suck, Lisa knew better. "Not even the lawyer?" Lisa hadn't heard about him in a while. "Louis has commitments, and so do I," Kat said in her own defense. Not easily defeated, Lisa suggested, "you used to like Harvey?" Chuckling, Kat smiled, "and he used to be single? I'm a day late, dollar short with him." "Open your eyes, Kat, there's a great big world out there," Lisa advised, knowing from experience after her own divorce. ** The next morning, Antwon whistled when Rachel entered the room, distracting Deputy Chief Martin who was busily working at his desk. "Damn girl, you clean up well." Feeling a bit self-conscious, Rachel reconsidered her outfit. Maybe it was a bit too much, but she had to be effective. Rachel concluded, "if Mitchell doesn't make his move soon, I don't think he will." Martin was concerned, "are you safe in there? If this guy was such a beast with the last secretary, maybe we need to get someone else inside before he does anything to you.You being there is kind of like sticking a hand in a lion's cage." Rachel wasn't about to demonstrate her fear, "he didn't kill Clive Roberts, someone else did, but I have a feeling he knows who it was. If I can get him to talk, we'll have our answer." Martin didn't want to endanger her, especially since he didn't have her or Antwon on contract and because they were still with the SIU. "If we're wrong, there's no telling what this creep can do. What about you, Babcock? Are you finished there?" Antwon took a moment to consider all possibilities, "the alarm is done, unless it needs repairs --- I'm out." Trying to incorporate what information they had, Martin questioned Rachel as to what was going on. "Has the former secretary been in lately?" Rachel hadn't noticed anything overly suspicious, "not lately, but two days at the end of last week she had been waiting outside the firm. Parked car, dark glasses." Martin was intrigued, "really?" "His wife stopped by the office on Saturday as well," Rachel added. Antwon wasn't sure whose wife Rachel was referring to, "Clark's or Robert's?" Rachel presented her information, "Robert's, Mitchell is the only single one of the three partners, or maybe he's seperated. Robert's wife came by to get his things from his office. She'll talk if we need her." Martin smiled, "nice work you two, let's see if we can get this wrapped by week's end." ** Harvey watched as Jerry slowly ate his breakfast, he hated the thought that their days together could be numbered. He hadn't even gone in to work that morning, wanting to get in all the extra time he could with him. Anna was now more of a threat than an ally, he knew she could take him away. The more Anna popped into his mind, the more infuriated he became. "Almost done, little guy?" Jerry looked up and smiled, as cereal and milk dripped from his mouth, "why Daddy?" Harvey had a special surprise for Jerry, "so we can go to the park and ride the swings." His big blue eyes filled with excitement, "really? no work?" Harvey always made an extra effort to spend time with Jerry, but this was extraordinary. It seemed as if they had the whole day to play. "No work, for now." Harvey had already warned Nash that he might not be in that afternoon, depeding on how things went in court. It was a long shot, but he was hoping that the judge would approve his motion for sole custody. Jerry looked at him inquisitively, "where's Mom?" Harvey hated that he didn't have an answer for him, but the truth was he really didn't know where Anna had gone. Jerry might never know the difference, so Harvey replied, "I think she went back to Seattle for a while." "Oh." Jerry swallowed hard, it wasn't so much that he missed his terribly, but that he didn't understand why she left. Harvey went for a refill on his coffee, it had been a long night and it was already set out to be an even longer day. As he watched Jerry slurping up his milk, he smiled. It was moments like this that he lived for, when nothing else seemed to matter. "Maybe after the park, we can get lunch at McDonald's?" "With balls?" Jerry hurried his dawdling, he now had motivation to get going. "Sure." Harvey simply couldn't refuse him. He tried to shove the court appearance to the back of his mind, at least for now. As he stared at the phone across the kitchen, he thought of calling Rachel. He knew she had enough problems of her own. ** Eyeing Rachel across the room, Bruce Mitchell slowly made his way toward her desk. She was more than qualified for the job, and they certainly needed someone to fill the position. Her looks didn't hurt either. She came in early and stayed late when she could, her work was efficient and precise. Something about her baffled Bruce --- she seemed interested in the firm, if not him as well. Yet, he was beginning to think she could be trusted. He leaned forward onto the desk, "you came in rather early this morning?" Rachel smiled, trying not to think of what a creep Bruce Mitchell could turn out to be, "I have to leave around noon for a while." Bruce nodded, "I think Brad mentioned that to me earlier." He needed to talk to her, but it had to be when they were alone, "will you be returning later afternoon or this evening?" "Of course." Rachel tried to act as if she was diligently working and focused on the computer screen before her. Bruce had to know more, before he wasted his time. "Rachel?" "Yes?" Rachel tried not to look back at him, she could feel him staring at her. He was an attractive man, but there was something unsettling about him. "Can I ask you a personal question?" Bruce wasn't usually so forward, but with Rachel, it was different. "Okay." Rachel knew wasn't in a position to refuse information, if anything, she could make something up if she really needed to. Bruce looked at her hand, there were no lines from a wedding band and there was no ring on her finger, he thought she might leave it at home. "Are you married?" "No," Rachel considered what would be most believable and thought of her current situation with Harvey, "divorced." Bruce smiled, there was hope. "Dating?" Rachel laughed, there was no stopping this man once he got started. "From time to time, why do you ask?" "Curiousity." Single. Not bad. That led to his next question, "any kids?" She replied back with a grin, "five, all by different fathers and in control of the state. Any more questions?" Bruce couldn't help but laugh at her sharp reply, and tried to cover his interest, "I was just wondering." Bruce walked away from her desk, but turned back towards her, "thanks for the coffee this morning, you're wonderful." Rachel thought to herself that Harvey might be able to argue that point. ** Noticing that someone had been missing lately, Jerry stopped dead in his tracks --- causing Harvey to nearly trip on the sidewalk. "Where's Rachie, Dad?" he asked cheerfully. "I guess she's at work." Or maybe she was with Ryan, gulp, who is not her son. Harvey really didn't know. "I miss her," reminded Jerry. Tugging on Harvey's sleeve, he posed his next request, "can I call her?" "I don't think that's such a good idea." Harvey knew Rachel would never take out her anger against him on Jerry, but he was just playing on the safe side. "Where did she go?" In Jerry's mind, Rachel had simply vanished without a trace when Anna had come to stay with his father. "What?" Harvey was beginning to think his son might know too much for his young age. "We don't see her no more," Jerry complained, as if Rachel had become a requesite when visiting with his dad. Harvey considered his options, there weren't many. He didn't want to bombard Rachel with a surprise attack, his own call to her would have to be made "Maybe later, okay?" "Why?" Even Jerry could see that his dad was avoiding an explanation. "She's busy." Okay, partial lie, Harvey knew she'd make time for Jerry if he had asked. Jerry was still hopeful, "can we see Lili and Ryan?" "I don't think so, Jerry." Especially with Ryan being sick, Harvey didn't think it would be such a good idea to bring his own rambunctious son over. He realized he didn't even ask about Lili the last time he spoke with Rachel. In typical preeschooler fashion, he asked again, "but why?" Harvey didn't want to fuel the fire any further, "because, son." "But I miss her," Jerry pleaded. Harvey smiled in return, h e missed her too. ** Bruce was reclined in his chair, but sat up immediately when he saw Rachel pass by his door. Now was his chance, he knew they were there alone. Brad left early for court and he was ready to seize the moment. "Rachel, can you come in here?" Rachel cautiously stood in the doorwat, knowing that they were alone in the building. She didn't think he'd be that direct, but she didn't want to find out the hard way. "What do you need, Bruce?" Bruce could see she was nervous and tense, "can I speak to you a minute before you leave?" Rachel looked at the clock, she had a little time to spare. ''Certainly." Bruce motioned to her, "come in, and shut the door behind you." Standing before him, and not knowing what would be expected, Rachel asked, "what's up?" Bruce smiled, "I'm not going to beat around the bush, you're a smart woman and you'd be onto me. Brad and Clive were never in favor of this, but I've always had an eye for the some of the pretty girls we've got working around the firm. You're no exception." Flashing a mischevious grin, Rachel added, "well, Brad and Clive are married." Bruce chuckled, "so am I, but I don't have a problem overlooking that if you don't." He got up from his chair and accompanied her to the door, "I guess I'll see you when you get back then." Rachel tried not to show repulsion as Bruce ran his hand over the front of her jacket, knowing she had to keep up her act. "Would you like to go out with me this evening, just for a drink?" Bruce blushed, she had beaten him at his own game. "I like a woman who takes control." * "Is the wire working?" Martin asked before taking a seat at the table next to Antwon. Antwon smiled, maybe he and Rachel were a decent team after all. "Oh yeah, girl has got it going on. They're going out tonight for drinks." "He finally asked?" Martin knew Mitchell would come around sooner or later, he needed some type of alliance at the firm. "She picked up on the clues he was dropping and beat him to it." Antwon knew just as well as anyone else that Rachel could be insistent when she wanted to. "Rachel will have him talking in no time." ** "Should I be flattered?" Nash smiled as Lisa walked upstairs and toward his desk. "I got your message, you said you 'wanted to talk, and pronto.'' Lisa already had in incling as to what he was going to say, Cassidy had already briefed her on their conversation from the night before. Nash cut right to the chase, "you're taking Cassidy back with you?" Lisa was ready to defend her decision, "she needs a change of pace, Nash." While that may be true, Nash also knew how likely Cassidy was to change her mind later on, "what she needs is some stability in her life." "I'm trying to be reasonable," Lisa argued. Nash nodded in agreement, "I'd like to think we've been good partents, but she needs to start planning for the future." "I'll help her out," Lisa offered, knowing that Nash had taken care of her the past couple years since she had left. "We always do." There was no question of Nash loving Cassidy, but he was begining to wonder if maybe he was enabling her too much. "She's our daughter." Frustrated, Nash continued, "we've got to, she has to take some responsibility for herself --- we can't keep bailing her out." Lisa wondered what had sparked his sudden change in attitude towards Cassidy, "the baby's father is out of the picture, she needs someone." "Do we even know its him?" The uncertainty of the matter had already given Nash quite a few sleepless nights. "Nash," Lisa scolded. "I just worry about her, you know that, and I worry about you, " Nash said apologetically. ** Rachel filed into the courtroom and sat down next to Harvey. He was silent and his mind was wandering. Rachel knew the look well, he wouldn't have a sane moment until he heard what the judge had to say. Harvey looked up as he saw her walk by, "Louis thought that I should be here today." Harvey smiled, he was glad she was there. "I didn't think, I didn't want to bother you with all that you have..." Rachel sat down next to him, "it's okay, the world's not going to stop on my behalf." Needing to distract himself, Harvey wanted to put Rachel's mind at ease. "Anna said that it was Steve who gave her your check." Rachel nodded, "I figured as much, I had 'Twon print the broken glass." Harvey was shocked, "he was there? at your house?" Rachel thought for a moment, so much had gone on since then Steve's visit was merely a vague memory. "About two weeks ago, give or take a couple days." Harvey couldn't believe she wouldn't tell him something so important, "what else did he do?" Rachel knew he was angry, and wished she hadn't brought up t he subject. She felt him tense up next to her, she had to think fast. Rachel replied, "there wasn't much damage, he struck gold with the check." Harvey still wondered how she came across that much cash, but now wasn't the time or place to ask. "Why didn't you tell me about any of this?" Rachel took his hand into her own, "you had enough to worry about with Jerry." Looking back at her, his eyes filled with anger and hurt, Harvey demanded, "don't protect me from this Rachel." A few minutes later, Louis joined them in the courtroom. Just before sitting down, he said, "the judge is on her way in, be ready." ** Desperately needing to talk to him, Joe ran to catch up with Antwon before he could get in his car, "hey, 'Twon!" Antwon turned around, he could recognize that voice anywhere, "Joe, what can I do for you?" Joe took a moment to catch his breath, it had been quite a while since he had such a work out, "you're not thinking of taking that job at Bayside are you?" Antwon was reluctant to say anything, he was really liking the offer Martin had made, "I'm still deciding." "He's going to screw you over," Joe was speaking from experience, not bias. "I've got to be where the money is at." Antwon had his priorities, and a mountain of bills left to be paid. This wasn't the Antwon that Joe had gotten to know, "come on, does it make that much difference? You said you loved working at the SIU?" "It does when I am struggling to make ends meet and I come up just a little to short to pay my child support," Antwon blurted without thinking. Joe didn't think he heard him right, "what?" "I got a kid, okay?" Antwon realized his mistake in telling Joe, now everyone would find out he was a deadbeat father. Still in shock, Joe mentioned, "well, you never said anything --- you're the mysterious one." Antwon painfully explained, "I don't get to see him much, he was born while I was in the Gulf and by that time --- he had a new Daddy." "Oh." Joe was truly at a loss for words. ** The judge entered the courtroom silently, and before sitting down she took a moment to confer with the lawyers. The look on Louis' face as he returned to his chair wasn't reassuring. Harvey knew already that the news wasn't going to be good. "I'm sorry for the delay, I had been given some new information that I thought needed to be taken into consideration before I made my decision." The judge looked around and asked, "where is Ms. Paxton?" Anna's lawyer spoke up on her behalf, "I'm sorry, your Honor, she hasn't returned any of my calls. She left San Fransisco some time last week." The judge nodded and continued, "note that the defendent is not present. Shall we begin with today's procedings?" She looked up at Harvey and back towards the file on her desk, "This was a very difficult decision for me to make; as a judge of the court, my first priority is the welfare of the child in question. Due to recent events and the absence of Ms. Paxton, I feel that it is only fair to delay my final decision until a further date. For right now, I am recommending that Jerry Leek be placed with a foster family until the situation can be resolved and a stable home can be established. Therefor, the Leek's motion for sole custody has been temporarily denied. The case will be up for review again in a month's time." Devastation immediately set in upon Harvey's face, he turned to Louis and asked, "can't we fight this?" Louis stood up and rested his hand upon Harvey's shoulder, "not right now, Harvey, we've got to wait. If Anna keeps screwing up, the judge won't look kindly upon that. It's up to you to be on good terms with the foster family." Once Louis sat down, the judge started again. "Visitation will be regulated by the foster family at their discretion. I trust that the Leeks will be able to work out an arrangement suitable to both families. A week or so before the next court date, I will be sending a social worker to the Leek home to confirm that a safe and loving environment has been established. If Ms. Paxton has yet to make her wishes known by this time, I will consider a termination of her parental rights. Mr. and Mrs. Leek, a social worker will be by to pick Jerry up this afternoon." ** |
| ** Joe approached Nash for their now regular morning briefing at the coffee pot. Joe asked Nash casually, "what's Martin offering Babcock and McCabe?" Nash knew Martin was offering them more annually, but they'd fall short when it came to retirement. "Babcock's got a year or two on her with the force, but I'm not sure of amounts. Why?" Joe knew the SIU was barely staying a float, but they had to try and keep the team they had. "Maybe that's what we should do?" Nash had considered that before, "we can't make them stay, just by offering a raise. We can't make promises that will be broken." Joe sighed heavily, he was tired of them having to take Martin's crap. "Isn't that what he's doing? It would get them back here, at least for now." Nash didn't want temporary employees, he wanted dependable people he could trust. "We can't match his offer, Joe, not on the benefits end." Joe was hesitant to ask, "is this really about them?" Nash had to be honest with Joe and admitted, "Martin hasn't liked me for years, this Johnson case brought it all to the surface." Joe was intrigued, like something from the mobster days, "like a vendetta?" Nash recalled their arguments over the years, Martin was once again up to no good. "He wanted my job originally, but look where he is now --- up on top. It's my job to blow the whistle." ** Steve Johnson walked into the gun shop and pounded hard on the glass counter to alert Sonny he was there. When Sonny came out from the back, Steve smiled, "Sonny, long time, no see --- where ya been?" Sonny wasn't happy to see him, "when did you get back?" Nash had kept Sonny locked up for over forty-eight hours before he finally set him free --- Sonny had a bone to pick with Steve Johnson. Steve wasn't going to let Sonny's bad mood ruin his day, "Let's just say I've been around." Sonny waved his hands wildly in front of him as he walked away from Steve, "I ain't helping you any more, you got that? I've been locked up for days and the cops are watching me like a hawk." Steve pulled Sonny back towards him by yanking on his shirt, "but you didn't talk, did you?" Sonny broke himself from Steve's harsh embrace, "hell no, I didn't know where you were or your plans." "What's Mr. Leek been up tp?" Steve hadn't been able to watch him himself, but he knew Sonny had probably seen him in passing at the SIU. "How should I know? I was spending all my hours in a cell." Sonny reached under the counter and pressed the police call button, afraid that Steve might be armed. Steve had been let down, "you got nothing is what you're saying?" Sonny shrugged, he hadn't heard much talk amongst the inspectors. "I know he's got today off, for court or something." Steve nodded and aimed his gun, it was the perfect shot. He pulled the trigger, "you should've have called the cops, Sonny." Once Sonny dropped to the floor, Steve threw the gun on his way out. ** Anna was alarmed as she heard the front door opening, she was certain she had locked it. Steve walked in and set his bag down, without even saying hello. Acting offended, she asked, "how did you find me?" Leave it to Anna, Steve thought. Only she would forget that he lived there too, for the brief duration of their marriage. "It's our house, Anna, I figured you'd be back sooner or later. Aren't you supposed to be somewhere?" Anna admitted reluctantly, "I missed my court date today." "And?" Steve now remembered her mentioning something about court a few weeks ago, he thought he should've gone as well. "My lawyer said Jerry's going to stay in foster care for a while," Anna thought that was a far better alternative to letting him stay with Harvey, at least while he was involved with Rachel. Steve really didn't care at this point what happened to Anna, it was Jerry that he worried about, "so your just going to let them take your kid?" Anna scoffed, not knowing how to reply, "what do you suppose I do? Kidnap him?" For Steve, it wasn't such a bad idea, "why not? He's your kid --- they ain't got no good reason to take him away.'' "I can't do that, Steve, if I try it and get caught --- he'll go with Harvey for good." Anna at least knew there was a chance she could get Jerry back, as small as it might be. ** Harvey stopped packing long enough to look across the room toward the phone. "I keep thinking that the judge is going to call and say that she changed her mind, you know, and say that Jerry can stay here." Rachel tried to be optimistic, she knew that the outlook for Harvey was far better than her own with Ryan. Harvey just needed a little reassurance."Jerry will be back here with you and King in no time." Harvey didn't want to get his hopes up, nor Jerry's. "There aren't any guarantees." "Maybe Anna will be out of the picture for good this time" Rachel suggested. Harvey argued,"Jerry deserves to have his mother in his life." "I know that, and I didn't mean to imply otherwise, but...," disgusted by Anna's behavior, Rachel ranted, "maybe if she was a little more consistent, instead of her convenient parenting or when she wants something from you." Without thinking, Harvey mumbled "you're a fine one to talk." Unfortunately for him, the look on Rachel's face told him she felt every word. He couldn't bare to raise his eyes and look back at her again. He muttered,"I didn't mean..." but it was useless, Rachel walked out of the room without saying another word. ** Kat looked around the gun shop, the case was spattered with blood and they had already covered the body with a sheet. "What the hell happened here?" Nash shrugged, there wasn't much to tell. "Steve Johnson aparently got a hold of Sonny." Nash was merely reinstating the obvious, Kat smiled and said sarcastically, "no joke." But, Steve's motive for killing Sonny didn't add up, "Sonny never did talk, right?" Nash considered that himself, "Johnson didn't know what went down, he's just clearing the trail." Kat knew why, "to get back at Harvey for the thing with his son?" Nash wasn't so sure that's what Johnson was after, "I think that Johnson's got more of a problem with me than with Harvey. Somehow, the pieces of the puzzle weren't fitting. Other than being in charge, Kat didn't see how Nash would be liable to take the blame. "Wasn't Cortez with Harvey when Johnson's kid was shot?" Nash watched as the team removed the body, almost sad to see Sonny dead. He had been an ally of sorts for the SIU, "Johnson's been on my list for years." Kat smiled, "like Tony B?" Nash couldn't help but chuckle, "at least he knows when the game is over, Johnson thinks its just begun." Morbid thoughts took over, "the question is --- who will be next?" Nash looked at her, everyone who touched the case had the probability. He knew as well as she did what Johnson was capable of, "I hope that we don't have to find out. ** Anna busted through the door, anxious to see if Steve had heard anything that might help her case. She found Steve sulking around the barely furnished living room, apparently upset. "Well, do you know yet? Is she knocked up?" Anna's blunt nature never came as a suprise to Steve, maybe her life working the streets had made her bitter. He found her to be unusually cruel to a seemingly nice woman. "I already told you all that I know." "I thought you said we'd help eachother," Anna whined. Steve thought back a minute, there wasn't much to tell. If it would shut Anna up for a while, he'd give her what she wanted. "I found a pregnancy test at her house, the box was open. I can assume she took it." Anna slammed her fists against the table in disgust, "and?" Steve walked away from her, she was taking her vendetta way too far in his opinion. "I didn't dig through her trash, Anna." He could see why she'd feel threatened, but Harvey wasn't exactly hers for the taking, "calm down, she might not even be pregnant." Anna argued, "if she's having his kid, it will be over for me. Harvey will stay with her and take Jerry." As the reality began to set in, she added, "I could die tomarrow and it still wouldn't matter to him." The thought of her death intrigued Steve, and it would be a sick way to get to Harvey. He knew that deep down, Harvey cared for her. He was too much of a sucker not to. Steve had another thought, "he might not even be around to see this kid." Anna was appalled, "you wouldn't kill him?" Obviously, Anna understood nothing. Steve explained, "he killed my son, Anna, my flesh and blood. He deserves to pay for his crime." The custody battle plagued Anna's thoughts. If Harvey and Rachel won Jerry and Harvey died, Jerry would stay with Rachel. Anna wouldn't have it. "I won't let you hurt him, I don't want Rachel raising my son. She'd probably abandon him just like she did her own children." For Steve, it was easy. He had a plan. "So, you'll get him back and I'll finally get justice." Anna was immediately suspicious, "why do you want to help me?" Steve laughed, ''why not?" There had to be a catch, "what do you want in return?" Steve smiled, the sick perverse smile she had grown to hate, "I think we can work something out, a little trade." ** Rachel walked quietly down the hallway, back towards Jerry's room. She knocked lightly on the partially closed door, she knew Harvey was still inside getting everything ready. "May I come in?" Harvey nodded, half-surprised she was still there. Rachel walked into the room and stood near the door, not sure if she should come in any closer. "Where's Jerry?" Rachel watched as Harvey nervously paced before her, the day seemed to go on forever. "He's asleep, on the couch. He ate half of his sandwich and some animal crackers before I put in his movie." "Thank you," Harvey didn't think she'd be able to forget about the comment he made earlier, but he'd try his hardest to apologize. Harvey walked up to her, and gently brushed the hair back from her cheek, "about earlier...I uh..." Rachel cut him off, she knew where this was headed. "I think that for the time being, we should keep things simple between us." That wasn't the response he was hoping for, he needed a chance to rationalize his anger and his pain, he needed her to listen. "I don't know how or why I..." Somehow, Rachel understood the message Harvey was trying to convey. "You don't have to explain anything, Harvey. Right now, I think that we've both got more than enough to deal with. We both need to figure things out for ourselves before anything between us can work." Harvey stepped away, "we should go our seperate ways is what you're saying?" Rachel tried to clearly articulate her feelings, "that's not it. I just don't think that its beneficial to either one of us to be at eachother's throats. Maybe the space will do us good, and the time apart." "Space?" Harvey found the concept odd coming from Rachel, after trying to insist that they move in together. Rachel faced a hard realization, "you said it yourself, we might have come too far too fast. I think that this might be for the best. I don't want to walk away, but I really don't have a choice." "You don't have a choice?" Harvey couldn't see how the decision had become so one sided. "I can't help you unless you let me, Harvey, no one can." The saddened look on Harvey's face made her feel guilty, but she had to get her point across. "Daddddddddy..." Jerry's weary voice echoed down the hall. "I should go," Harvey walked back into the hall and stopped before they hit the living room, "you don't have to stay for this." "Rachie!" Jerry bolted from the couch and ran toward Rachel, nearly knocking her down with the force of his hug. "You're here." Harvey gathered the rest of Jerry's things while Rachel sat with him on the couch. Jerry turned to Harvey and smiled, "do I gotta go?" Harvey couldn't get over how well Jerry was handling everything, he barely asked for Anna anymore. Harvey considered that things might work out better in the long run,"I'm afraid so, son." Jerry asked curiously,"do I stay there?" In the back of his mind, Harvey was busy envisioning all the terrible things that could happen, if Anna came back or for some reason the judge didn't allow him to get Jerry again. "I hope not - I'd miss you too much." "I'll come back to you?" Jerry was far too young to fully understand the logistics and legalities of what w as going on. "In a few weeks." Harvey hoped it wouldn't be any longer, he couldn't bare it. Jerry was his life now, he couldn't imagine getting through day after day without him. "And Rachie?" "We'll see." Harvey wasn't willing to make any promises that he wasn't certain he could keep. "Rachie?" Jerry tugged on the bottom of her jacket, the way he usually did whenever he demanded immediate attention. Rachel couldn't evade the power of Jerry's expressive eyes, just like Harvey's, they completely melted her, "yes?" "You'll be here too?" Jerry looked at Harvey and Rachel, wondering why they both looked so sad. Rachel knew all too well that nothing was certain at that point, and she didn't want to hurt him with a lie, "I'm going to try." Seeing King asleep in the other room made Jerry remember something else, "and Doc?" "Doc too." Rachel immediately recalled the day when Harvey and Jerry first brought Doc by her house, that was also one of her first official encounters with Jerry. Rachel and Harvey both saw the woman on the porch, and heard the inevitable knock signifying that their time with Jerry was up. "Mr. and Mrs. Leek? I'm here from social services to..." Harvey let the woman in and she stood silently near the door. Harvey carefully wiped his cheek to prevent Jerry from seeing the tears, "I guess its time, lets get you ready to go." Jerry got up from the couch and retrieved his bear and blanket from the coffee table, "okay, Daddy." Rachel did a quick scan of the room, hopefully they had remembered everything that he would need, "got all of your stuff?" Jerry happily nodded and pointed towards his bags by the door, "uh huh." The social worker approached Jerry and extended her hand, "are you ready to go, Jerry?" "Nope." Jerry had something left to say. He walked up to Harvey and gave one of his signature hugs around the legs, "I love you, Daddy." Harvey tried his hardest not to break down then and there, "I love you too, son." Jerry stood next to Harvey for a moment longer, "Rachie?" Seeing him now, Rachel knew there was no way she could've left earlier, "yeah, Jer?" Jerry flashed her his cheesiest grin, "I love you." Rachel simply couldn't resist his sweet smile and brilliant eyes and replied, "I love you too, little guy." "Give your dad and mom one last hug." Jerry did as he was instructed and happily hugged both Harvey and Rachel again. Harvey saw no point in correcting the social worker's reference to Rachel as Jerry's mom. While Harvey fought to hold back his tears, Jerry eagerly took the hand of the social worker. "Bye!" Jerry happily waved back at Rachel and Harvey as the social worker took him down to her car. Harvey looked at Rachel and forced a smile, "you've got to get back to work." Harvey watched as the social worker loaded Jerry's stuff into her car and strapped Jerry into his seat. As they pulled away, Harvey walked back from the open window. Harvey sat down on the stairs and rested his head in his hands, just having Rachel there next to him was a small comfort. Rachel could feel Harvey shaking, and knew he was trying to muffle his tears. Harvey painfully spoke up, "I've really screwed up lately, between you and the kid, I'm 0 for 2." In a moment of weakness, Harvey uttered, "I've got nothing." ** |
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