Chapter 60: A Lovely DistractionIn the months that followed the LeRoi trial, Michael was busy with various cases, mostly smaller ones, a couple of larger ones, and of course, Jean-Luc's appeal. He found himself lacking the motivation to do even the smallest amount of research or preparation and was appreciative of Amy's practically OCD nature when it came to the details. The thought occurred to him that it might be time to find something else to do, but what that might be he couldn't imagine.He hadn't seen Maggie since that night at Pete's Tavern after the LeRoi verdict. She had expected an appeal, but Rance had handed the case to someone else, probably, Michael surmised, at her request. He didn't blame her; she'd never liked LeRoi and to top it off he'd attacked her in court that day.One night in late January, Michael attended a black-tie gala at the Met. His date Kimberley had canceled at the last minute, suddenly called out of town for an emergency photo shoot. She was repl
Chapter 61: Opportunity KnocksOn Monday morning, Michael went to work with a smile on his face. He'd very much enjoyed his night with Alexis. I think I've finally found someone to replace Veronica. She's classy and smart, and she's not clingy. He sailed through his day, joking and laughing with the others on the 50th floor.At about 4:30 his phone blipped to indicate a message. Michael looked at it and frowned. It was Alexis. "Meet me for drinks at Bemelman's after work today. I want to run something by you." He grimaced. Just when I thought this was a good thing, he thought to himself. Quickly he texted back. I'm not sure I'll have time today. I'm pretty swamped, and not positive when I'll be free.Minutes later, Alexis responded. "Make time. I have some business to discuss with you."Business, he puzzled. He wondered what it could be. He knew that Alexis was very influential in her circle. I'll meet you at about 6:30, he returned.It was exactly 6:37 when Michael
Chapter 62: A New AcquaintanceFollowing the LeRoi verdict, Maggie picked up a handful of new cases, mostly involving non-violent crimes. Rance relented, passing the LeRoi appeal to someone else, a fact for which Maggie was grateful. She'd hated having to deal with Jean-Luc again, and she'd hated going up against Michael.Occasionally her work took her to various police precincts to search files or interview arresting officers regarding her cases. On one afternoon, she paid a visit to the 19th precinct. A personal assistant to a clinical psychologist had embezzled funds to the tune of $100,000 over the course of about four years. Maggie had a meeting with the detectives who'd cracked the case."So, Detective Sanchez," she said, perusing the file he'd handed her, "you have receipts that prove Diane Jacobs was using her boss's identity to make these purchases?""Yeah, the receipts are included in the box. All the paperwork's in there. Lucky for us, Jacobs was meticulous with her a
Chapter 63: BetrayalBrian Murphy and Jim Metheny sat dumbfounded across the conference table from Michael and Alexis on the 47th floor at Murphy, Rannigan, and Metheny. They looked like men who'd just lost their livelihoods, which, in essence, they were."I don't understand, Michael," Jim said. "We can't buy you out for that kind of money. It's ludicrous.""Gentlemen, your own financial records show that over the last twelve years, Michael and the 50th floor have brought in three times more revenue than the other floors combined." Alexis presented her argument reasonably, it was simply a matter of fact. "Taking that into account, the truth is Michael owns this firm. He simply wants out to pursue other opportunities."Brian ignored Alexis. "Michael, are you really going to do this to us? We agreed years ago that we were all in this thing together."Michael looked vaguely apologetic. "What can I say, Murph? I busted my ass drumming up the high-paying clients that kept this wh
Chapter 64: The Legal Expert"Okay, Michael," the producer said into Michael's earpiece as the production assistant clipped the box to the back of his belt. "You're wired for sound. We're coming to you in thirty seconds."Michael glanced beyond the cameras to where Alexis stood watching him. She winked at him and he gave his signature grin. No way would he let on that for the first time in a long time he felt nervous. What if I fuck this up? he wondered. There was no going back to Murphy, Rannigan. Michael blinked hard. There was no Murphy, Rannigan. Not anymore."Ten seconds, Michael," he heard in his earpiece.He looked across the desk to the anchor, a pretty brunette with eyes that sparkled with intelligence. The floor director counted down the last five seconds and pointed to her. "Now we turn to the murder trial of Ronny Wayne Smith, the postal worker accused of gunning down five of his former co-workers after he was laid off. Joining us is our new legal analyst, Mich
Chapter 65: BlindsideMaggie checked her watch as she hurried home. She was supposed to meet Mike after work at Murphy's, but she'd called him to say that she wanted to go home to shower first. It had been an unusually steamy spring day and she knew she'd feel better with a cool rinse and a change of clothes. Thankfully, Mike had been understanding. "No worries, baby, take your time," he'd said.Things with Mike ran hot and cold and Maggie could never predict which Mike she'd get. He'd moved in with her a few months earlier, and she still wasn't used to sharing her space. Her mind drifted to thoughts of last Christmas when they'd had a huge blow-up. Mike had assumed they'd spend the holiday with his family on Long Island. When Maggie informed him that she would be hosting the Orphans and Misfits at her place, as usual, things got particularly heated. "You're welcome to join us at my apartment, or you can go be with your family. You won't hurt my feelings either way, but I
Chapter 66: EngagedMaggie stared at the engagement ring on her hand. Since that night three months earlier when Mike had ambushed her in front of his friends and family, she'd been in a fog. There were times when she was sure she was doing the right thing. Mike was a good man and a hard worker, plus he was crazy about her. There were other times when doubt consumed her. Could she really stand beside him and promise him forever?She considered the changes around her apartment since Mike had moved in. He wasn't exactly particular about where his clothes landed when he took them off after work. Maggie was forever picking up dirty socks and undershirts, tossing them into the hamper while Mike stalked into the kitchen to grab a beer. Their sex life hadn't improved at all. If anything, it had declined, as though now that Maggie had accepted his proposal, Mike didn't seem to feel the need to try to impress her anymore.The usual peaceful atmosphere of the apartment building was dis
Chapter 67: Nice Day for a WeddingMichael arrived fashionably late and found a place to stand behind the rows of white chairs trucked in for the occasion. With a seasoned eye, he scanned the friends and family gathered there, smiling when he spied her red hair shimmering in the sun. She always sticks out in a crowd.It was a sparkling June afternoon, the sky crystal blue. The ceremony took place in front of a vintage red barn, field flowers surrounding the seating area that hosted about a hundred guests. When the minister pronounced Rance and Jason married, the crowd clapped and cheered. Guests were invited to make their way to the reception tent while the wedding party posed for pictures. "I gotta find the can," Mike told Maggie and he left her standing by their seats. Maggie watched as Rance and John smiled for the camera."You're looking great, Mags."She whirled around to see Michael standing in the aisle beside her, grinning mischievously. "Michael!" she exclaimed. "Ho
Chapter 131: EpilogueIt was a crisp fall day as the new black Range Rover made its way carefully through the narrow lanes, coming to a stop at the base of a hill. The deep cerulean sky was accented by the vibrant scarlets, pumpkins, and golds of autumn leaves. Bobby shifted into 'Park' and looked over at Maggie.She chewed her lip anxiously. "I won't be long.""Take your time, cher." He smiled at her reassuringly. "We're not in any hurry."Maggie sighed deeply and unfastened her seat belt. She stepped out of the car and opened the door to the backseat, leaning in to retrieve a small bundle before closing the door again. "I won't be long," she repeated.Bobby watched as she carefully picked her way up the hill. "Daddy, can I go, too?" Savannah chirped from the back seat."No, June bug, let Mommy have a minute. Then we'll go to the country. Are you ready to pick some apples?""Yes! Apples!" she responded, and she began to sing a song about picking apples.At nearly the crest
Chapter 130: So Typically MichaelBrian smiled warmly as he welcomed Maggie and Bobby into his office. "I'm happy to have you here," he said, "I only wish it were under different circumstances."Maggie nodded mutely as she took in her surroundings. The law offices of Brian Murphy & Associates occupied a converted three-story building on W. 79th. The building had once been residential. The outer walls were exposed brick, and Maggie found that along with wood accents and details, everything worked together to create a comfortable, relaxed feel. Brian himself was casually dressed in khaki slacks and a white button-down shirt topped by a forest green V-neck cardigan. "This is a nice place," she murmured thoughtfully.Brian gave her a curious look and smiled again. "Well, it's not Murphy, Rannigan, but I think I actually like it better. We don't stand on formality around here. We're a small firm, and we like to think of ourselves as the friendly neighborhood lawyers. You know, whe
Chapter 129: HeartbrokenSean Michael Rannigan was buried on a cold morning in late March. The frozen ground was bare of snow, but flurries swirled through the air on a biting breeze. Maggie found the grey day fitting for a funeral. As she watched the assortment of mourners gathered around the grave, her thoughts went back four days earlier to the day Michael had died.There had been a blur of activity. Rosalie had made the necessary calls to the necessary parties. Attendants from the funeral home had come and discreetly ushered his body away. Maggie had been disconsolate. Bobby had held her until she'd run out of tears.By the time they'd left to pick up Savannah from school, the apartment had been restored to normal, the medical equipment packed up and hauled away. Maggie had sensed the emptiness of the place and insisted that they pack up their things and return to her apartment.She'd forced a smile when Savannah came running up to the two of them in front of the school. "
Chapter 128: Michael's JourneyMaggie clasped and unclasped her hands as she sat anxiously beside the hospital bed in Michael's bedroom. Michael lay propped up against a mountain of pillows, his grey t-shirt showing above the crisp white cotton blanket that covered the rest of him. He'd insisted that the bed be placed beside the window and the drapes be left open so he could look out over the city. He drifted off now and again, but he seemed determined to be awake.It had been a rough night. Maggie and Bobby, along with the overnight nurse, had tag-teamed sitting up with Michael, who had alternated between sleeping fitfully and waking to spells of deep coughing and ragged wheezing.Bobby went to shower and get Savannah ready for school while Maggie and Michael watched the sun come up over the city. The colors were extraordinary, washing the sky in shades of pink, orange, purple, and blue. Maggie couldn't recall the last time she'd watched the sunrise. Michael watched the scene a
Chapter 127: Michael's Family By ChoiceSavannah's clear blue eyes were huge as Bobby introduced her to Michael. "Savannah, you remember Mr. Michael. We met him at the airport that time. He's invited us to stay here with him for a while until we find our own house."When the doctor had released Michael from the hospital, he'd given him a timeline of a few weeks. Maggie had approached Michael, asking if she and Bobby could bring Savannah and stay with him for a while, and Michael had balked. "I don't want a bunch of people waiting around for me to die."She'd convinced him that he'd be doing them a favor, buying them time to find the right place. The truth was, she couldn't bear to think of being all the way in the East Village when he might need her.Now, the little girl regarded Michael solemnly, taking in his gaunt appearance, his grey sunken cheeks and his eyes with their dark circles. Her little brow wrinkled. "What's wrong with your face?" she asked."Savannah!" Bobby excl
Chapter 126: FamilymoonMaggie sat up on her beach blanket and hugged her knees, wriggling her toes and burying them in the cooler sand below the surface. Further down the beach, Bobby dutifully carried a small pink plastic pail as Savannah gathered shells. Maggie gazed past them to the sailboat anchored a few hundred yards offshore. It was their home for the week, and they'd sailed it to remote coves and empty beaches, relishing the quiet and the opportunity to bond as a family. Her gaze returned to Bobby and his daughter, and she smiled contentedly. It wasn't conventional, but it was just right.As if he felt her eyes on him, Bobby turned and smiled knowingly. He bent and said something to Savannah who looked to Maggie and waved. Maggie smiled and waved back as the pair returned to where she sat, Savannah scampering along while Bobby strolled purposefully, dropping his tall frame to the empty space beside her on the blanket."You've worn me out, June bug. Let me sit here by M
Chapter 125: Michael, Back in the SaddleMichael sat back in his chair at the large oak conference table and relished the feeling of being in control. It had been too long since he'd done real casework. He'd forgotten how it felt, the rush of knowing that he held all the right cards. His charcoal grey suit hung a little loose due to the weight he'd lost, but he still knew how to project a confident presence. Figuring it would negatively impact his intimidation factor, he'd left his oxygen in the rental car.Bobby sat quietly beside him, tension radiating from his body. Michael had thoroughly prepped him. "Don't say anything. If they speak to you, look at me. Above all, don't let them bait you."Across the table, Deanna, in her white blouse and navy-blue knee-length skirt with her honey blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, looked more the sad abandoned single mother than the scheming opportunistic gold-digger that she was. Her gaze flitted nervously between Michael and Bobb
Chapter 124: Custody IssuesThe deceptively bright sun and cloudless blue sky seemed at odds with the brisk cold day. But it made for a perfect afternoon spent skating at Wellman Rink in Central Park. Savannah squealed in delight as she struggled along on her ice skates. She was in no real danger of falling, safely tucked between her father and Maggie who each held a hand. She looked up, and Maggie could see the child's pink cheeks and sparkling eyes. "Are you having fun?" she asked the little girl."Yeah! This is awesome!"Bobby looked at Maggie over his daughter's head and winked, smiling. He was beyond grateful to Maggie for taking the unscheduled visit in stride. She'd even taken off work on Friday afternoon so that she could stay with Savannah when he'd had to leave for the studio. He'd arrived home late that night to find the little girl fast asleep in a makeshift tent constructed out of a blanket draped over a card table. "We decided to pretend we were camping," Mag
Chapter 123: EngagedBobby's eyes twinkled with mischief. "How's that?"Illuminated only by the handful of candles scattered about the room, Maggie pulled against the restraints that bound her wrists to the bars of her iron headboard and giggled softly. "It's fine.""No, you're fine," he murmured as his hand lightly traced along the side of her body. He continued down her leg to bind first one ankle then the other to the corners of the bed. He stood at the end gazing over her nude body spread out before him, candlelight bathing her skin in a soft glow. "Aiee, cher, how did I get so lucky?"Slowly, keeping his eyes on hers, he removed his shirt, jeans, and boxer briefs. His impressive erection stood at attention. "Where do I even start?" he whispered, and she giggled again.Bobby crawled onto the bed between her open legs, moving up over her body until he reached her face. Leaning down, he kissed her deeply. "Oh, Bobby," she whispered against his lips.He lightly nipped down t