Chapter 30

“Why are we going to trial against this woman, anyway?” Branch asked, rounding his desk and taking a seat. “I thought she confessed.”

“She did,” McCoy agreed, dropping onto the sofa across from him. “And she’s willing to suffer whatever consequences we impose. But her family has other ideas. They feel that since she’s mentally ill she should walk. They’ve hired a lawyer and are insisting only on probation with mandatory psychiatric care.”

“Maybe that should be enough,” Southerlyn offered, sitting down beside McCoy. “Is she really going to be a further threat to society with proper medication and monitoring?”

“It doesn’t matter,” McCoy argued. “If for no other reason than as a deterrent to the next person, she needs to face some consequences for her actions.”

“But you know her doctor is partly responsible. You read the information his nurse gave me. Dr. Schwartz assured Paula Howard that going off her medication would do her no harm. How could she have known what the affects would be?”

“She didn’t have to know,” Branch interjected. “Whatever her exact mental state, she still knew that killing someone was wrong, even as she was stabbing Mrs. Ortiz. She admitted as much to our shrink. That, to me, implies at least a certain level of mental competency. She deserves some punishment, even if we decide to go easy on her.”

“I just think there should be some room for compassion in this particular case,” Southerlyn noted.

“I’m not saying there isn’t room for leniency, but I’ll save my compassion for Mrs. Ortiz’ six grandchildren,” McCoy commented. “Her oldest was just about to graduate from college, the first in their family to do so. Mrs. Ortiz was addressing the invitations when she was attacked.”

“Not to change the subject, but when you said ‘invitations’ it reminded me of something,” Branch said as he began riffling through papers. “I just received one to the local Bar Association’s recognition get-together coming up in a couple of months. As much as I’d like to attend, I have a previous engagement scheduled for that very night. I was wondering if I could count on my E.A.D.A. to attend in my stead.”

McCoy shook his head. “I’ve attended in the past and can think of a hundred better ways to kill an evening.”

“It’s important for someone from this office to put in an appearance,” Branch insisted. “It’s our annual opportunity to remind those on the other side of the courtroom that we’re human, just like them, and that technically we’re all on the same team. Attending makes good business sense.”

Motioning to Southerlyn, McCoy suggested, “Why not send Serena? It’s a good way to introduce her to the world of public relations.”

“Although she’s welcome to attend on her own invitation or as your guest, Serena isn’t my lead prosecutor. In case you’ve forgotten, you’re the one with the extra letter of the alphabet in the title printed on your business card,” Branch pointed out cheerfully. “Besides, Executive Assistant District Attorney will sound so much more impressive when you’re introduced.”

“Introduced?” McCoy responded warily.

“Did I forget to mention that? I was asked to launch the whole shindig this year with a few words and then introduce the master of ceremonies. I was sure you wouldn’t mind filling in for me.”

McCoy groaned and leaned his head back. “This just gets worse and worse!”

Branch grinned broadly. “Pull your tux out of the mothballs, Jack. You’ll want to give it plenty of time to air out.”

***“Look what the cat dragged in,” McCoy said by way of greeting as he held open the front door of Morgan’s building.

“Are we playing doorman today?” Carmichael asked with a smile.

“I have to find some way of amusing myself while I wait,” he countered good-naturedly. Giving Morgan a mock-stern look he added, “You’re late. And you know how much it concerns me for the two of you to run in the dark.”

“I’m sorry,” Morgan offered sincerely. “I got tied up at the office. Abbie was nice enough to drive me home after our run or I would’ve been even later.”

“Well, I suppose I can let it slide just this once,” he acquiesced teasingly. Taking note of the fact that Carmichael was accompanying them to the elevator he asked, “Have you finally given in and decided to join us for dinner tonight?”

“I can’t,” Carmichael answered as the elevator opened. “I have other plans tonight. I’m only coming up to borrow a book from Calea.”

McCoy looked at Morgan questioningly. “Star Trek?”

Giving him a warning look she replied, “No, not Star Trek. I do have other books, you know.”

“Well, I thought you might be trying to convert Abbie, here. I think she’d make a good Trekkie, by the way.”

“You are so full of it,” Carmichael maintained, shaking her head. Addressing Morgan she asked, “Why do you even put up with him?”

“I often ask myself the same thing,” Morgan acknowledged, eyeing McCoy in amusement. “Some days more than others.”

McCoy sidled closer to her and slipped his arm around her waist. “Come on, now, admit it. You put up with me because of my matchless charm and intelligence, not to mention my incredible sense of humor.”

Seeming embarrassed by the small gesture of affection, Morgan nodded. “That must be it.”

Once they had emerged from the second elevator into Morgan’s apartment, she made her way to the bookcase and pulled a paperback from one of the shelves. “There’s no rush getting it back to me,” she informed Carmichael, handing it to her. “Keep it as long as you like.”

“Thanks.” Carmichael thumbed through the pages. “What? No dog-ears at the good parts?”

Giving her a smile Morgan advised, “I guess you’ll just have to read the whole thing, like I did.” Glancing at McCoy she added, “I’m going to go jump in the shower. I’m sure Jack is starving by now. See you on Monday, Abbie.”

“Regular time,” Carmichael reminded her.

“Would you like something to drink?” McCoy asked as Morgan headed to the bathroom.

Turning toward the kitchen Carmichael responded, “No, thanks.”

“How are things in your neck of the woods?”

“Things are great.”

“Working on anything interesting?”

“Do you remember hearing about the illegal aliens that died while being transported across Texas in the back of a semi-truck a while back?”

“Yes, I do. What was it? Nineteen that died? It was tragic.”

“Even though the truck driver was convicted, he wasn’t the mastermind behind it. We think we’ve found the ringleaders of the smuggling operation. A couple of them are based here in New York, believe it or not. We’re almost ready to bust the whole operation wide open.”

“Sounds interesting. I hope you’re able to put the lot of them in prison.”

Watching as he finished helping himself to tea from Morgan’s refrigerator, Carmichael noted, “I don’t have to ask how things are going with you.”

“Oh? Why is that?” he asked curiously.

She gave him an affectionate smile. “Because it’s written all over your face. I can’t remember ever seeing you so happy.”

McCoy looked away sheepishly. “I guess things have been going pretty well for me lately.”

“That wouldn’t have something to do with a certain running partner of mine, would it?”

“Maybe,” he shrugged noncommittally, his eyes twinkling.

“‘Maybe’,” she repeated, rolling her eyes. “As if the rest of your life was filled with nothing but roses and sunshine.”

He leaned back against the counter and grinned. “Okay, okay – so you’ve got me. What’s your point, anyway?”

Carmichael took the few steps that separated them and reached to give him an unexpected hug. “My point is I couldn’t be happier for you.”

As she stepped back, McCoy gave her a surprised smile. “Thanks, Abbie. I’m glad you approve.”

“Oh, you know I’ve approved from day one. I think it’s great that the two of you have finally gotten together.”

“We celebrated an anniversary of sorts last weekend. It’s been a year since I first suggested to Calea that we begin spending time together.”

“Has it been that long? Calea didn’t mention anything about that.” Placing her hands on her hips she declared, “And I didn’t see her wearing any new jewelry, either.”

McCoy shook his head and smiled. “She’s not quite to the jewelry stage, yet. I did send flowers to her office but even that made her uncomfortable. She’s a little shy about those kinds of things.” After a short pause he added more seriously, “I’m trying to take the advice you gave me a long time ago, when we first found out about her past. I’m taking things slow, trying not to overwhelm her. I want her to feel comfortable in this relationship.”

Carmichael studied him briefly before saying quietly, “You’re good for her, Jack. She needs someone like you.” Giving him a bright smile she added, “And taking a wild guess, I’d say she’s good for you, too.”

He shrugged again nonchalantly. “If you say so.”

With a chuckle Carmichael headed for the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the building project. Tell Calea I might be a little late. I have an errand to run in the morning.”

“I’ll tell her,” he promised. “Have a good evening, Abbie.”

“You, too,” Carmichael said as she stepped into the elevator. “Don’t stay out too late. Both of you need to be well-rested for the job tomorrow.”

“Yes, Mother,” McCoy said teasingly before the door closed.

***“Abbie said to tell you she might be a little late in the morning,” McCoy informed Morgan from his usual spot at the bar as she took a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

“It’s going to take a while to get set up tomorrow anyway. She probably won’t miss anything.” After taking a drink she asked, “Where are we going this evening?”

“How does seafood sound? Someone at work recommended the Blue Water Grill. It’s supposed to have a great jazz lounge. I called a few minutes ago and changed our reservation from 7:00 to 8:00 since it looked like we might not make it in time.”

“That sounds good to me,” she agreed, leaning back against the cabinet across from him. “One of my clients mentioned the same place.”

“While I was making the call, I saw an invitation in your desk to the Bar Association dinner that’s coming up. Are you planning to attend?”

“Yes, I am. Our volunteer group is one of several being recognized. Rumor has it we may even be up for an award from the city.”

“Good. We can go together, then.”

Morgan’s expression turned slightly wary. “Together?”

“Arthur was asked to say a few words and introduce the master of ceremonies. He can’t make it and wants me to go in his place. Although I’ve been trying to talk my way out of it for the past three weeks, unfortunately, it looks like I’m stuck. At least it won’t be so bad now that I know you’re going, too. It kind of slipped my mind or I would’ve already asked you to go with me.”

She turned around and topped off her bottle with filtered water from the tap. “I appreciate the thought but I sort of already have plans.”

Giving her a slightly surprised look he asked slowly, “You mean you’re going with someone else?”

“No, of course not. I was planning to attend alone. But I am meeting several others from our group there. We’re all assigned to the same table.”

“We can sit at your table instead of the one I’m assigned to. It doesn’t matter to me,” he assured her.

“The thing is, this isn’t going to be an entirely social occasion for me,” she explained. “I’m hoping that some of those attending will have questions about what our group does. I’m not looking at the occasion as a recruiting session but it would be nice to get more people interested in joining us. It’s a worthy cause and we can use all the help we can get.”

McCoy studied her thoughtfully, taking note of the way her eyes avoided his and how she seemed suddenly uncomfortable. “So what you’re saying is that you’d prefer for me to sit across the room from you.”

Shaking her head she said, “I just meant that I’m going to be really busy. The evening is going to be more work than socializing.”

He gave her a wounded look. “I see. I’m good enough to work alongside you and your group when it comes to painting walls or carrying sheetrock, but when it comes to sitting down to dinner I’d just be in your way.”

“I didn’t say that,” Morgan quickly replied. “We’re both going to be there. I’m sure we’ll see each other at some point. But you’ll have your obligations at this event and I’ll have mine.”

Arching his eyebrows he noted, “So the problem isn’t that I’d be in your way, it’s that you don’t want to be seen with me.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth, Jack. That isn’t what I’m saying at all.”

“It sure sounds like it to me,” he insisted pointedly.

She shook her head again. “Why are you taking everything I say so personally?”

“Because I’m personally involved with you, Calea!” he declared. “And unlike you, I don’t care who knows about it!”

“I never said I was going to pretend I don’t know you. You’re taking the whole thing way too seriously.”

“I’m not supposed to take it seriously when the woman I’m involved with doesn’t want to be seen with me? I didn’t know I was such an embarrassment to you,” he retorted angrily.

“When have I ever said I was embarrassed by you? That’s ridiculous!”

“Then what is it? Are you afraid that being seen with a prosecutor will ruin your reputation as a defense attorney?” he demanded. “There has to be some good explanation as to why you don’t want to be seen with me in public!”

“We go out together all the time. If I was concerned about being seen with you, it would be a little too late to worry about that now,” Morgan pointed out with annoyance. “You’re just being childish.”

McCoy glared at her, his eyes intense. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t want to subject you to any more of my childish behavior.” He got up and brushed past her to set his glass in the sink, then headed to the elevator.

Morgan took a few steps toward him as he punched the call button irately. “Jack…”

As he stomped his shoes back on he added, “And I wouldn’t want to force you to spend time with someone you’d rather not be seen with.”

Without so much as a glance in her direction, he stepped through the opened door, then pushed the ‘close’ button in order to separate himself from her more quickly.

***McCoy tossed his helmet onto the sofa before picking up his ringing telephone. “Hello,” he answered simply.

“You’re finally home,” a soft voice said.

“Yes, I am,” he responded curtly. Although he had tried to shake his anger, he hadn’t entirely succeeded and it showed plainly in his tone.

“I called several times. I was beginning to be concerned.”

“I took my bike out for a while. I just got back home,” he explained brusquely, slumping into his favorite chair.

“Look, Jack, I called to apologize for the way I acted earlier,” Morgan admitted hesitantly.

“I’m listening.”

She sighed into the phone. “I didn’t mean to make you feel as though I don’t want to be seen with you. When you suggested we go to the dinner together, you caught me off guard and I reacted badly. It’s just that I’m having a difficult time handling our relationship with only the two of us involved. Thinking about complicating the situation by adding other people to the mix and having to deal with their questions or comments scares me to death. And I’m not very comfortable with social gatherings. I guess maybe I’m worried about saying or doing something that will embarrass you.”

McCoy’s tone and expression instantly softened. “Now who’s being ridiculous? That isn’t even possible.”

“Well, I was wrong to say the things I did. If the invitation is still open, I’d love to go with you.”

“Since I haven’t had time to dust off my little black book yet, I suppose it still is,” he answered teasingly.

He clearly heard a note of relief in her voice as she said, “Good. And we can sit wherever you like – you decide.”

After contemplating silently for a moment, he replied, “We’ll sit at your table. I’ve met the other people in your group. I probably won’t know anyone at the table I’m assigned to.”

“Several members of our group have told me how much they enjoyed working with you when you helped us out, so I’m sure they’ll be glad to have you join us.” She then added, “If you haven’t eaten yet, would you like to meet somewhere and have dinner? Or I could come by and pick you up.”

“I don’t think so,” he responded, allowing a stern note back into his voice.

“So you are still upset with me.”

“No,” he answered slowly. “I just think you should suffer a little for the way you treated me. I certainly don’t want to seem like a push-over.”

“But you are a push-over. All men are,” she stated matter-of-factly.

“When it comes to you, maybe I am,” he acknowledged. “But that doesn’t mean I want to seem like one.”

“There’s a difference?” Morgan queried in amusement.

“A huge difference,” he insisted. “One allows me to keep my ego intact.”

“Oh, well, that’s all that really matters.” With a smile still in her voice she asked, “Will you and your ego be sufficiently recovered to help us out tomorrow morning?”

“I’ll be there,” he assured her. “I’ll come by and pick you up at 9:00.”

“Okay. See you then, Jack.”

“Good-night, Calea. Sweet dreams.”

Chapter 31