“I saw that tie every damn day. His favorite tie.”
“His ONLY tie, Rey.”
“Not true. My daughters pooled their money together every Christmas and got him a new one.”
“Really? I just got him Yankees tickets.”
“I got the Knicks but Van Buren got him jazz music.”
“That’s a woman’s gift.”
Both men let out a bark of laughter at Mike’s trademark humor, until their eyes settled once again on the framed picture of their good friend and partner, Lennie Briscoe. “Too many years gone, my friend,” Rey murmured. “Damn straight,” Mike agreed and they clinked their beers together before taking long drinks.
“So I heard you’re out of retirement?” Michael Logan broached. Rey Curtis nodded, “a friend of mine from the Academy, Alex, suggested I come to Port Charles and take the Lieutenant spot that opened up. They had big problems with their gang crime. It’s a nice city and after Deborah passed, the girls and I needed a change.”
Just then, a striking woman entered the pub/restaurant and scanned the room. Her eyes locked with Rey’s for a moment and his features warmed. She smiled and moved to the bar to order a drink. Mike took a glance, but the establishment was filling and he’s just missed the mocha skinned beauty as she passed by. “Seeing anyone?”
Rey took another drink and shrugged. “Nothing serious,” he said casually. Mike opened his mouth to offer a trademark Lennie remark, but was cut off by a warm hand snaking around his waist. Mike immediately forgot what he was going to say as his eyes descended on the only woman on his mind. “Hey,” he greeted her warmly, kissing her cheek. Turning to Rey, he introduced the third party.
“Lieutenant Rey Curtis of the PCPD, meet Evangeline Williamson, attorney extraordinaire and my fiancée.”
Across the room, a table had been commandeered by three older, weathered faces. Jack McCoy caught sight of the woman at the bar, now seated at a stool. A breathtaking woman never missed Jack’s eye, but it was who the woman was that made him down his scotch in short order. Captain Donald Cragen looked aghast. A recovering alcoholic, he never understood how anyone could just guzzle back 12 year old scotch. He would have spent hours nuzzling the liquid before taking a small, appreciative sip. Back in his darker days. Lennie had always understood those feelings. Adam Schiff, who sat on Cragen’s right, gave his head a small shake and a knowing smile played about his lips. “And he’s off,” he said in a bemused voice as Jack wordlessly headed to the bar. His seat was quickly filled by Joe Fontana. “I know that woman,” he said, nodding in her direction. “She’s very familiar, I just can’t place her.”
“Dara Jensen, she’s the A.D.A. in Port Charles county,” Adam supplied. “She cut her teeth in the Manhattan offices though. Jack was her mentor. She and Paul Robinette were the only worthy contenders for 2nd chair to Ben Stone. We chose Paul and a year later, she moved on. I know Ben was sad to see her leave.”
Joe’s mouth dropped open as the name matched to the face. Dara Jensen. His old partner, Ed Green’s cousin. And by what Ed had hinted at casually, Jack McCoy had been more than Dara’s mentor.
At the bar, the older man placed the glass down. “the same, and another for the lady to my left.”
Dara gave a small smile as the bartender went to work. “Hello, Jack.” Jack’s face broke into a wide grin. He’d never tire of the way her lips moved when she said his name. “Dara, it’s good to see you here.”
“I didn’t know Lennie that well, but Ed was very fond of him.” Her eyes moved up to meet his. “As were you.”
Jack’s smile faltered ever so slightly, his gaze resting on the frame at the far end of the pub and he gave a respectful nod. “Lennie was a good man.”
A moment of silence passed and both sipped their drinks. Dara waited patiently, knowing that Jack had more to say to her than just accolades about the dearly departed.
“I’m sorry,” he said suddenly in a hushed tone. Dara took in a sharp breath, unprepared. Jack was usually full of wry jokes and war stories of the courtroom. She’d expected another dance to that number, but not this.
Not this somber tune. Regret filled orbs gazed unflinchingly down at her when her quickened heart beat calmed sufficiently that she could meet his countenance with hers, she took in the sight of the first man she’d ever loved. His hair, more salt than pepper, was cut in the same old fashioned style and the dark brown pools still held the troubled look of a man who’d seen and done too much in his life to come away unscathed. It struck her hard and fast.
“Oh, Jack,” she finally said, her voice layered with emotion. “I never asked you to apologize. I never wanted that.”
“I know, but I was a fool. I came to you for a reason and then I was too much of a coward to stay.” He dropped his head, gripping his glass tightly. “I told Lennie about you one night. I lost a hard case, got drunk and called him up. He came and got me and took me home and I told him all about you.”
Dara finished her drink, her heart pounding against her chest. After all these years, he still had the power to move her. She’d let him go when she left but had always kept tabs on him, she’d heard about Claire Kincaid, the bright, young classic attorney with oodles of potential and talent and the rumblings of how she’d captured Jack’s heart and then died tragically. She had settled in Port Charles by then, just months prior to the murder trial of Damian Smith and nearly 10 months after Claire had died when Jack had shown on her front step one rainy night. He stayed for nearly a month.
They’d gotten into an easy pattern of behavior, as they had been years earlier. Constantly debating law and cases, passionately defending their choices in music and art, rigorously refusing to give up their drink of choice. Sharing dirty jokes and off color political commentary.
It was always about the passion, in law and food and entertainment.
And sex. And love.
“What did you tell him?” she finally asked.
He stole a glance at her. “I told him you were the one that got away.”
Out of the corner of her eye, a new guest arrived. “No Jack, that was you,” she said softly before moving from the bar towards an exuberant Anita Van Buren, followed quickly by Alexis Davis and Livia Frye. “That drive was something else!” Anita exclaimed as she shrugged out of her coat. “You drive like my oldest,” she accused Livia. The bright eyed attorney feigned a hurt expression while Alexis shook her head. “You want scary driving? Marry a cop. Every car trip is a potential police pursuit.”
When they saw Dara, all three tossed out happy greetings and exchanged hugs. Evangeline rushed over and joined in, dragging Mike with her. Behind him, Rey caught Dara’s eye once more and she gave him a small smile, still feeling a little fragile after her talk with Jack.
“Ladies, I’d love for you all to meet, save for you Anita, my fiancé, Michael Logan.”
Mike offered his best rascal grin to the group. “Ladies, I should arrest all of you right here and now for some of the stuff Van has spilled to me about you.”
They all cackled in delight as Mac Scorpio and Marcus Taggert entered the pub. Taggert made a fast move for Alexis, pulling her to him and bussing her gently on the cheek before whispering something in her ear that made her eyes widen and her cheeks flush. Mike shook both their hands. “Mac? What are you doing here?”
Mac nodded his head to the picture on the wall. “Lennie, of course. I helped him track down his youngest daughter when she fell off the radar just before he died. He’d already lost Cathy, he wanted to reconnect with Julia. I’m glad I was able to help him do that.”
Livia gave a smile as she looked at Lennie’s expression. “He was always like that. Willing to help anyone who needed it. You know, he and Derek were partners at one time? Took on a black partner at a time when it wasn’t such a popular thing to do. Cooked a mean omelet too.”
Anita narrowed her gaze. “Just how would you know the man could cook?” Livia feigned a look of perfect innocence. “I am NOT a nun, nor am I a suspect in your investigation,” she replied and the group roared with laughter. Anita shook her head, wiping the tears, “Lord, I need a drink.”
The group parted ways, Dara and Alexis gravitated towards Adam Schiff, while Mac, Marcus, Rey, Mike and Joe hovered near the bar to catch the last bit of the Yankees game, while Anita and Livia took seats with Donald Cragen. Soon others filtered in and the pub began to swell with cops, attorneys, friends and even those who’d heard of the legend of Lennie Briscoe, or had met him briefly. Bobby Goren and Alex Eames came, as did Mike’s partner, Megan Wheeler. Derek Frye came, as did Bo Buchanan and Alex Garcia. John McBain arrived and Mike visibly bristled as the handsome detective exchanged pleasantries with fellow officers. When McBain caught sight of Evangeline, he paused and simply looked at her. Mike knew the look well. He’d issued a few of his own in his life, the look at a woman who, if he’d not blown it, would have given him a life full of happiness and rewards. He’d been a fool a few times over, but no more. Evangeline Williamson was it and he felt like the luckiest man on the planet that she came into his life. There was no need to feel threatened by McBain, but he was a man who knew his Irish blood too well.
Evangeline knew it too and gave his hand a squeeze. Mike cleared his throat. “I need a drink. Angie?”
“Mike’s Hard Lemonade, please.” With a wink and a smile, he went off to the bar. John ambled over towards her. They exchanged smiles and simple pleasantries before John’s voice dropped to a husky tone. “I heard you got engaged.”
Evangeline beamed, she couldn’t help it. “The ceremony’s in November. Nora, Dara and Faith Ward helped me pick out the dress.”
John nodded to Mike. “You sure about him? I heard stories about his temper.”
Evangeline’s happiness deflated, replaced by a frank annoyance. “That’s your reason for talking to me? Telling me about business I already know?”
John held up his hand, realizing his mistake. “I was just concerned.”
“Did you know Lennie Briscoe?” came a sharp, dry voice from behind John. Soon an arm flung itself over John’s shoulder and steered him away. John Munsch gave Evangeline a smile as he led John McBain from her. “The man slept with my wife! Did you know that? It was before we got married and Lennie and I didn’t know each other at the time, but it still hurt. You ever felt pain like that John?” John glanced back at Evangeline, but obliged the older man, who was unwilling to release his grip on him. They faded into the sea of faces and laughter.
The door to the pub opened again and a nervous woman came in, followed by an equally uncertain man. They stood at the door for a moment before Mac rushed forward. “Julia! You came!” Mike and Rey also moved forward and Anita brought up the rear. The pretty woman, who’s eyes were unmistakably that of her Father’s, looked around the pub and her gaze instantly watered. “I’m so glad to be here,” she managed. Mike coughed and stuck out his hand, “Mike Logan, I was Lennie’s partner until I got my ass handed to me.” The man grinned and accepted the hand. “Dr. Chris Ramsey. It’s nice to meet you all, Julia talks a lot about you and her Dad.”
The gesture was repeated with Rey and Evangeline and other officers who came forward to meet the only living child of Lennie’s. Anita gave the emotional woman a hug and then beamed at her. “Pictures. Where are the pictures of that beautiful baby boy of yours?”
“Leo? Of course!” Julia sat down and began rifling through her purse.
Alexis Davis moved to the bar where Jack was still nursing his scotch. “Jack McCoy, you devilish bastard,” she breezed as she took the stool next to him.
Jack’s eyes twinkled. “Alexis Davidovitch. Beat me in court one too many times, don’t think I’ll be buying you a drink.”
Alexis laughed. “Not if you want my husband up in your face.” Jack turned to look at the handsome, imposing man currently engaged in a heated conversation with Abby Carmichael. “I’ve fended off angry husbands before,” he replied with amusement. “Psychotic matriarchs too.”
Alexis shook her head. “That? That was flirting for Helena. Even if I was just a worthless servant girl to her, you were still, horror of horrors, a working class Irish American with a bad haircut. Your stock was too poor.”
“Should have brought home Lennie. He was half Jewish.”
Alexis let out another laugh and Jack chuckled in return. Alexis’s laugh was one of her best features. That, her dangerous mind and her glorious legs. Naturally, his eyes went south and sure enough, they were on display and looking as beautiful as he remembered. Alexis let out a deliberate cough. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen those up close,” Jack said admiringly.
Alexis pursed her lips and shook her head. “Always the flirt, McCoy,” she said, amused.
Jack raised his eyebrows. “Always worked with you.”
Alexis smiled and leaned over, giving Jack a kiss on the cheek. “When are you going to settle down, Jack?”
“Never. Lennie will just have to come down and get me.” The twinkle emerged once more.
The pub door burst open and a statuesque beauty sauntered in. Clad in a ridiculously revealing D&G gown and Jimmy Choo heels, she clashed with the more casual attire everyone else was sport. Perhaps that was her intention as she gave the room an adoring look, blew a kiss at Lennie and then pointed in the direction where the parking lot stood. “There is a fine looking man out there with the tightest ass I’ve seen in a long time and I wanna know if any of you ladies are gonna fight me for him?”
Jack let out a delighted laugh. “Who is that?” he demanded. Half a dozen uniformed officers stumbled over themselves to get to the woman with caramel kissed skin and a dark mane of curls daring anyone to tame it.
Alexis sighed. “That, is my incorrigible half sister, Sabrina DeLane.” She gave another sigh, but a smile etched itself onto her visage regardless of their tumultuous history. Across the room, Sabrina had already bellowed for the music to be turned on. “The funeral was six years ago! Lennie would be jitterbugging right now!” Joe Fontana sidled up beside Sabrina and extended his hand. “Let’s go beautiful, show me what you got!”
The sentiment raced across the pub and soon most were either dancing, singing or laughing along, enjoying the sentiment.
The door opened again and in stepped Olivia Benson, Odafin Tuttuola and the man with the tight ass in question, Elliot Stabler. Sabrina caught sight of the intense and handsome detective and with astonishing grace, managed to ‘accidentally’ stumble from Joe’s grasp straight into Elliot, who immediately wrapped his arms around her to catch her fall.
“Good lord,” Dara muttered. “Girl, you’re gonna be 60 and pulling that move.”
“She knows what she wants and she’s going after it,” came a smooth voice from behind. Dara let out an involuntary shiver and goose bumps ran up her arm. “Can’t blame her for that.”
The man had a voice like butter. Warm, flawless, flavorful butter as it eased across her shoulder blade down to her fingertips. Despite her nerves jangling, she turned and gracefully took a seat at the stool. “Detective Curtis.”
Rey nodded to the packed pub and the jubilant vibe in the establishment. “Good turnout, Lennie would have dismissed it all, but I think he would have been happy to find six years later, people still love and miss him.”
Dara nodded. “You, Mike and Ed did a fantastic job. Julia being here and naming her son after him? Nothing would have made him happier.”
“Well, being here himself probably tops your list,” came a dry voice. Rey’s expression startled. “Rodgers?” he queried, hardly believing it was the same woman. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you out of your scrubs.”
A wry grin played about her lips. “It’s been known to happen from time to time.”
Wearing a very casual but classic one piece Donna Karan, her fiery red tresses falling softly around her face and with a touch of colour staining her lips,she looked nothing like the no nonsense senior medical examiner for the NYPD. “You look amazing, Elizabeth,” Dara greeted her with a warm hug. “How are you doing?”
Rodgers gave a half smile and glanced around the room. “It’s not easy, this time of year, but something like this makes me so glad I was a part of Lennie’s life.”
“He talked about you all the time,” Rey said. “Three things dominated our conversations, his girls, his cases and you. When he talked about you, he smiled more and was happy. You were more than just a part of his life.”
Rodgers gave a sad smile, clearly touched by Rey’s words. “Written in the stars I guess,” she managed. “Who would have thought his terrible flirting would have worked on a cynic like me?”
“No time like the present to go after what you want,” Rey added. “Lennie took that to heart. We should all be so fortunate.”
Dara lowered her gaze, knowing Rey’s eyes were on her, imploring her to heed his words.
“Rodgers!” Mike called from across the room. “Get over here!” he ordered good naturedly. Rodgers took her drink from the bar, nodded to both before heading in Mike’s direction.
“I’m not usually this forward,” Rey finally said, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen between the two.
“Rey,” Dara began before he cut in. “Dara, I can’t stop how I feel about you. I know you feel something for me. I see it, no matter how hard you try to stop yourself.” He took a step towards her and the air between them bristled with electricity.
“It’s complicated Rey.” She wanted it to be easy, she wanted to tell him everything, but it was impossible. To be in love with two men was selfish enough. To know how both felt for her was almost impossible to take.
“It doesn’t have to be!” he insisted feverishly. Impulsively he took her hand and the current rippled through them both so intensely that he nearly took her in his arms in that instance, but a panic set in Dara’s eyes and he halted before even moving forward. Dara’s mouth parted, wanting to confess herself to him. Confess the feelings in her than had been building, like their attraction, for months now.
She couldn’t. It would destroy everyone and everything involved. “I have to go,” she said brokenly, pulling her hand away and darting through the crowd and out the door. She heard friends call out to her, confused at her sudden departure, but she knew Rey would not follow. They weren’t a couple, they hadn’t shared one kiss. He would not expose what was between them until she was ready.
Blindly she hailed a cab and gave him directions, emotions swirling within her. Her phone began buzzing in her purse and she glanced at who it was. Sabrina, of course, with her eagle eyes, she would have seen everything and immediately wanted to offer a shoulder to cry on, or an offer to destroy. Dara shook her head, tears blurring her view and she clicked off the phone, absently wiping the tears that refused to stop. When the cab arrived at its destination, she gave the driver too much and bounced from the vehicle, hustling quickly down the nearly deserted night street. The doorman recognized her and discreetly brought the elevator, noting her demeanor but saying nothing.
It was late but he said he’d be awake if she wanted to come by. The guard for the evening raised his brow in surprise, but instantly opened the door after a quick knock.
Sonny Corinthos rose from his seat. He was alone with a drink, a roaring fire and his thoughts but moved to Dara like lightning when he saw her tear stained cheeks and distressed demeanor.
“Dara, baby, what’s wrong? What happened?” She threw herself into his warm embrace, taking in his scent and almost instantly calming. “Just emotional, I guess,” she finally said, determined to push all thoughts of Rey from her mind.
Dark chocolate orbs gazed at her lovingly. “I know Lennie meant a lot to your cousin. I guess you cared about him more than you realized.”
Dara nodded her heart aching at his words. “I guess I did.”
Sonny pulled her towards the kitchen. “Let me make you something to eat. You’ll feel better.”
Dara shook her head and looked to the stairs. “I just want to be with you, Michael.” She would not love two men. She hadn’t even shared a kiss with Rey! How could she possibly be in love with him? No, she decided firmly. She would take Lennie’s sage words to heart. She had what she wanted.
Didn’t she?
