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Episode 38 Scene 1: Jude held Cynthia's arm and led her through the church to the first row with Derek's family. His first wife shot Cynthia an evil look and turned her face away. Derek had been lucky to free himself of that monster, Jude thought settling into the pew behind Cynthia. The press had been relentless, doing remote feeds from the Mitchell's front yard and giving Cyn no peace at all. He had served as her bodyguard and go between for the last few days and he was ready for it to be over. Once the funeral was done, he was leaving for Conlan's Glen. Washington had been his town once, but since his return he had felt like a stranger in a strange land. The intrigue of the town made his stomach turn and the sight of the monstrous appetite of the media gave him chills. He was part of the machine with his job at ME but he was glad he wasn't part of the frenzy over sensationalism like the poor bastards who were, even now, gathering outside the church for a glimpse at the mourners. As the short service drew to a close and the people in attendance began to file out the church, Jude caught up to Cynthia and pulled her aside into the cloak room. She hadn't cried once during the service and she looked as fresh as she had that morning. "What is it Jude?" She asked looking at him with questioning eyes. "I'm leaving now, Cynthia," he said quietly watching her face crumble. "What? you can't leave me now! I need you still. Jude, please, stay." "No," he replied firmly shaking his head. "I don't belong here anymore. I've got a job in Conlan's Glen that is very important to me and my family." "You're going back to her aren't you?" Cynthia's lips trembled as if she were going to begin sobbing at any moment. "If you mean Maura, yes, I'm going back to her too. Being here just isn't right. Please understand," he pleaded. "I don't understand why you would leave me when I need you so much!" She cried stamping her foot. "Don't go! I need you." "No you don't. You're steel, Cyn. Look, you have my cell phone number and my office number. If anything should happen. Anything at all, call me." "Jude don't do this! I can't face those vultures without you. Do you want me to apologize for everything I ever did to hurt you? I will! Just don't leave," she begged. "Don't be so dramatic, it isn't becoming. Cynthia I am an hour away if you need me," he told her calmly. She glared at him, all pretense of sorrow gone. "I won't be calling you! Ever. Don't expect me to," she snapped, turning on her heel and marching out of the vestibule. She had said that before and held true to her word, Jude thought. Still...he had a feeling she wasn't going to let it go that easily now. Scene 2: Maura hummed to herself happily as she worked on payroll. Jude had called that morning and told her he would be home that evening and wanted to see her. She hadn't been happy to think about a man in ages. In the years after she ended her engagement to Rick, she hadn't allowed herself to think of another man, let alone date one. But now, with Rick in town and seemingly interested in her sister, Maura had reasoned with herself that she deserved to find another love. And Jude was a perfect choice. A soft knock on the door followed by Noah's head popping into the office broke her out of her reverie. She smiled and waved him into the room, laying her pen down. "Hi Noah. Isn't today you're day off?" She asked out of curiosity. Noah nodded making himself comfortable on the sofa that was opposite her desk. "Yeah, I'm going to a movie with Dinah tonight," he explained. Maura raised her eyebrows in surprise but remained silent. "I know what you're thinking Maura." "I'm not thinking anything, Noah. Is it a date?" "Kind of," he answered, wincing a little. "Well, Dinah is a very nice girl, don't be embarrassed," Maura said with a smile. "She might be a little irresponsible, but she's doing well here. Dusty told me Dinah even handled Danny McKeown in a bad mood the other day." "I'm not embarrassed to go out with Dinah," Noah said in defense of himself. "It's just that...well, I haven't seen Piper in a while..." "Oh." Maura knew as well as anyone within range of Piper that she had a major crush on Noah and had since meeting him. As for Noah's feelings on Piper, he may have just answered that. Too bad Piper had met a nice boy and was having the time of her life with him. "She's been really busy with the play." "Yeah. She doesn't even have time to talk to me after her rehearsals and I'm there, Maura." "Noah, she's busy. And besides you're just friends right? Friends make time for each other. Just give her a chance to settle into her play. Now what does Piper have to do with your date with Dinah?" "Nothing. I just thought she should know. I mean she and Dinah were the first friends I had in this town...after you," Noah added with a smile. "That's sweet. You know what I think? I think you're nervous about this date. Want some advice? Have a good time and be nice to her." "Thanks 'Mom'. I'll remember that." Maura stuck her tongue out at him. "Go on, get out of here. She's probably waiting for you already," Maura told him. Noah nodded and stood to go. "Thanks Maura...and if you see Piper tonight? Tell her I said hello, okay?" "I will," Maura answered as he left. Poor kid, she thought shaking her head. He has no idea what he's getting himself into. Scene 3: "Would you please explain why we have lunch here every time we go out?" Phoebe asked crossly as the hostess sat them in a booth at the back of Connie's. Rick smiled politely but ignored her mood and her question, staring at the menu that he knew by heart. "Rick are you going to answer me?" "No, Phoebe, I'm not. Besides, I didn't request this restaurant this time," he said looking up. "Dane did." "Wonderful," Phoebe muttered. She had had quite enough of Dane Lennox to fill her days for the rest of her life. Lunch was the one time she could get away from him and think about herself and not how annoying the man was. Not that she wanted to think of herself. Anytime her mind was still, even for a moment, she heard Ryan's voice echoing through her apartment as the answering machine played. She had spent a few days in bed, feeling sorry for herself, knowing with an absolute certainty that Ryan Corday would be in Conlan's Glen soon to claim his wife. Ex-wife, she reminded herself. Ex...they were divorced and he had no right to her anymore. She only prayed he would remember that and behave. "Sorry I'm late," Dane said sliding into the booth next to Phoebe. Phoebe ignored him and went back to her menu. She didn't know what it was about Dane that bothered her so, but whenever he appeared she felt immediately on guard. "Have we decided what we're having for lunch?" He continued turning to Phoebe. Phoebe tried ignoring him, but a solid kick on her ankle from Rick made her jump. "Ow...I don't know," she replied through gritted teeth, staring daggers at Rick. Rick ignored her as his eyes caught Maura leaving her office. He watched her as she approached her father and then return to her office. Laying down his menu, he excused himself. "I just saw someone I need to talk to," he added heading towards the office. Phoebe watched him for a minute, hating men in general. "Why don't you like me Phoebe?" Dane asked suddenly, interrupting her thoughts. "What?" She asked surprised. "I like you fine." "No you don't. You can't stand me. It's obvious. I'm not used to being ignored or disliked. So tell me what I'm doing wrong." "I don't know what you're talking about," Phoebe replied looking away. "Yes you do. Please tell me, Phoebe. I want you to like me. I like you, even if you are a little on the cold side." Phoebe jerked her head up and stared at him, a look of disgust plain on her face. "You want to know why? Why don't you think before you talk! I am not cold. And even if you think I am, you shouldn't say it out loud!" "Out of all the women I've known Phoebe, you are the only one that doesn't like me. And I apologize for calling you cold," Dane offered. "Can't we start over? Be friends?" Phoebe opened her mouth to reply but a familiar voice made her stop in shock. It was Ryan and he was in the Glen now. The color ran out of her face as she listened to him ask for directions to the Observer. Trembling, she slid down in the booth just a little, hoping that Dane would block her if Ryan looked around. "What is it Phoebe?" He asked. She met Dane's questioning gaze and shook her head. Leaning forward a little, she saw Ryan turn his head at Phoebe's name. Instinctively, she drew Dane closer to her to hide. "You want to be my friend?" She whispered. "Don't let that man see me!" Scene 4: Maura expected to see Noah again when she opened the door to her office following the soft knock. In fact, after opening the door, she wished it were Noah. Instead, Rick was there. Sighing softly, she smiled. Her day had been going well, she thought, opening the door just a little to let him into the room. She motioned to the couch and went back to her desk without a word. She took her seat at her desk and waited for him to say something...anything. "How are you Maura?" He asked after a moment of them staring at each other. "I'm fine Rick," she answered. "And you?" "Pretty good. I just wanted to come in and say hello," he added leaning forward. Maura rolled her eyes. "Why? Haven't we said everything we need to say?" "I want to be friends...can't we do that at the very least?" "Sure. you're dating my sister after all. I suppose we should be nice to each other in case that should lead anywhere...though since it's Jillie, I doubt very much that it will. She has a tendency to ruin relationships." "You know Maura," Rick said standing, "I had my own doubts about Jillie because of you, but there is one thing that she has over you." "Oh?" Maura said arching her eyebrows . "And what is that?" "She hasn't grown into a bitter old maid now has she?" He remarked as he turned on his heel, leaving Maura to stare after him. |
