Author Notes:-
AU. Multi Chapter Fic. Sequel to A Judge's Tale. You will need to read that one first. Harvey x OC
Summary:- With Celia back working in the firm she and everyone else face personal and professional challenges over the course of one year.
Disclaimer:- I wished I owned the character from Suits but I don't . They belong to Aaron Korsch and USA Network.
Prologue
(Flash forward)
"Moment of truth."
All the partners sat or stood around the conference room. The tension was palpable. Harvey glanced around the room. Donna gave him an encouraging smile. Samantha sat at the table with a face like thunder and Alex wouldn't look at him.
"As this is an open vote I encourage you to look at the evidence before you and vote to have Harvey Specter removed from his position as name partner and fired from the firm, "the man coned.
Harvey let out a deep breath as the partners said yes or no to his future with the firm.
"Looks like there is a tie which according to the bye laws reverts back to my vote... "
"This vote is against the bye laws, " a voice said.
All the partners turned to see Celia standing in the doorway. "You need a full partner representation for a vote to be valid. "
"Celia, my dear, I understand you are on leave at the moment. Your vote does not count. "
"Oh but it does Daniel," she said coming further into the room. " Check your bye laws more carefully. Section 17, sub section 5a. "
Daniel Hardman glanced at the woman to his right who flipped through the big missive that was the firm's bye laws. She nodded at him to affirm what Celia was saying was right.
"Ok Celia. What do you vote? Yes for Harvey to be removed or no?"
Everyone waited expectantly as she hesitated before glancing at Harvey. She cleared her throat. "I vote yes."
An audible gasp went around the room as Daniel looked taken aback at the development. He turned to Harvey who had no expression on his face. "It seems we have reached a decision Harvey. Effective immediately you are no longer name partner and your services are no longer required. "
Harvey stood and buttoned his jacket. "You haven't heard the end of this Daniel! " He pointed his finger at the other man as his jaw tensed. He looked around the room but no one would look at him. He brushed past Celia without looking at her and she followed him out of the room.
"Harvey!" Celia called after him as he headed towards his office. When he didn't answer she called him again.
Harvey stopped walking and turned around to face her. "How could you do that? After everything I have done for you! "
"I did it to protect the firm Harvey!" exclaimed Celia.
"Bullshit Celia. You did this to protect yourself! You betrayed me and you betrayed everyone else at this firm!"
" Harvey... " Celia started to say.
"Don't Harvey me. We're done! " Harvey shook his head and turned to walk back to his office.
She lifted her arm but let it drop at her side as she watched him walk away.
"How could you betray him like that?" A voice said behind her. She turned to see Donna standing behind her.
"I did what was good for the firm Donna," she replied walking towards the elevator.
"This wasn't for the good of the firm!" exclaimed Donna taking a step towards her.
"It was. Harvey is no longer effective in this position," Celia said pressing the button for the elevator.
"What did he promise you? Hardman? Your name on the wall? Because I promise you Celia. He will renege on that promise. "
Celia shifted on her foot. "He didn't promise me anything Donna. This was the right thing to do. It's nothing personal."
"A year ago you told me you wanted name partner. We stood in this very spot and I told you that Harvey and I would support you when the time comes. Is this how you repay both of us?"
The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Celia stepped inside and turned to look at the COO. "Like I sad Donna. It's nothing personal. "
Donna watched as the door closed.
"Donna. I need you to call maintenance to have them change the signage. "
She turned to see Daniel Hardman standing behind her. "And then I want you to send termination letters to the partners and associates. Including yours. I'm replacing everyone with my own people."
Donna stared at him in disgust . "Go to hell Daniel. And this isn't over! "
He sighed as he watcher walk back to her office.
Harvey stared out the window in his office. He picked up his phone and sent a text.
"Phase one of plan complete. Will update you when mission is message will self destruct in 10 seconds!"
Down in the lobby Celia's phoned beeped as she reached the escalator. She read the message from Harvey and sent a text back
"I hope for your sake that this works! "
One Year earlier
August in New York was always humid. People seemed more in a hurry to get out of the stifling heat into air conditioned buildings in order to cool down. Fans and air conditioners were on constantly. Those who weren't working hung out in Central Park or the beaches setting up picnics and to watch the world go by. Families got out of the city to vacation homes.
Life in Specter Litt Wheeler Williams carried on as normal. Robert Zane retired one week ago moving to his vineyard in upstate New York. The name of the firm reverted to Specter Litt Wheeler Williams with Louis as Managing partner. Harvey Specter, the self confessed best closer in the city, picked up a file and walked to the office of their newest senior partner, Celia Laurence. He stood at the door of her office as she spoke on the phone while looking out the window. She sensed his presence and turned to see him leaning against the door.
"Ok that's great. I'll be in touch," she said hanging up the phone.
"What can I do for you today Harvey?" she smiled.
"I heard you got yourself two new clients today, " he replied stepping in the office..
"I did," she grinned. " and all before you've had your morning latte. "
"You're on a roll Cece. I have one for you. " He dropped the file on her desk. She picked it up and read it.
Her head shot up in surprise. "Are you kidding me? Boylston Technologies? They're not going to want to know me. They probably won't even let me inside the building! "
"They're looking for new representation," replied Harvey.
"Yeah but after I nearly cost them the business.."
"That was 10 years ago Celia. They won't remember that. Besides it's worth $10 million in billable to firm. You can't turn away business like that. "
The blonde woman sighed. "It will be a challenge."
"And when have you ever backed down from a challenge?" smirked Harvey.
She let out a small laugh. "Ok. I'll set up an appointment.."
"You have one for 2pm. So we better get going. "
"We?"
" I'm coming too, " he replied.
"Harvey I don't need you to hold my hand on this. I'm a big girl, " she grinned.
Harvey smiled. "It will be fun. C'mon We haven't worked together for a while. "
"We worked together not so long ago," she replied .
"That was me working to save your ass from going to prison!"
Celia glanced at him and smiled. "And a great job you did there! "
"Damn right it was!"
" Although I think Samantha still resents me being here, " she whispered in a conspiratorial fashion.
"She'll get over it," replied Harvey rolling his eyes.
"Ok. So let's get going then, " Celia said picking up her briefcase.
/\\\\
Flashback - 1 week earlier
"Ok everyone I have an announcement to make," Louis said as all the partners sat at the conference room table. Different conversations were going on around the table. Harvey and Alex were discussing the latest sports results. Donna and Katrina were making arrangements to have a spa day and Samantha was sitting texting on her phone. They all ignored Louis.
"People. I have an important announcement before we move onto our weekly agenda, " Louis said again. He looked at Gretchen who nodded and took out a whistle. The shrill sound made everyone jump.
"Jesus are you trying to deafen us? " complained Samantha.
"Before we go through our agenda I just wanted to introduce our newest addition to the firm. Our newest senior partner, " Louis said proudly.
"I didn't know we were getting a new senior partner," Samantha replied. "Isn't something like this supposed to go through the HR committee?"
"It went through me and Louis Samantha," Harvey said knowing that she wasn't going to be happy with the news..
"Some of you know her already but without further ado let me introduce her, " Louis said loudly and on cue Celia came through the door. Donna and Alex clapped. Katrina smiled politely. Harvey looked over at Samantha who had a face like thunder. "You gotta be fucking kidding me," she said under her breath.
"Celia is going to be our trial consultant and will also be overseeing the new judicial mentorship program. She has also agreed to take over as head of the associates. I'm not going to have to have the time once the baby comes along so I am delighted to have Celia on board, " Louis said.
"And I am delighted to be here," Celia said looking around the table. "I'll be available if any of you need help on any case. "
Samantha cleared her throat. "With all due respect. How is it going to look to our clients when we announce that we have hired a disgraced former judge as a senior partner? "
"Samantha!" exclaimed Donna.
Celia exhaled sharply. "I was exonerated Samantha. And from what I hear you got your name on the wall by default!"
"And the gloves are off," Alex muttered under his breah.
"I would suggest that you two find a way to work in harmony together, " Harvey said looking at Samantha.
"So you want us all to sit around the camp fire toasting marshmallows and singing kombaya?" asked Samantha sarcastically.
"That's not a bad idea for the next firm retreat, " Louis said excitedly.
"Firm Retreat?" asked Alex.
"Jessica used to have them on a regular basis, " Donna said. "She called it a team building exercise. "
"I remember we all went camping in the Catskills one time, " grinned Celia. "Harvey and Louis went kayaking and ended up tipping over the boat. That was so funny. "
"For you maybe. I ended up half carrying Louis back to the campsite, " grumbled Harvey. Celia giggled when she caught his eye.
"So who is up for a firm team building retreat? " Louis asked.
When no one answered him Louis looked around the table. "Jeeze you are all so enthusiastic. Ok I have made an executive decision. "We're all going mudding!"
Harvey groaned while Alex rolled his eyes.
"You won't catch me going mudding!" exclaimed Samantha.
"So does anyone have any other suggestions then? Donna why don't you do some research into this and come back to us at our next meeting, " Louis said looking over at the COO.
"Ok will do that," replied Donna making a note of it.
/\\\
"Sit still, " whispered Harvey as they sat in the waiting room of Boylston Technologies. The office was situated on the 66th floor of a skyscraper in midtown Manhattan. It was completely surrounded by glass with views of the New York skyline.
"I can't," Celia whispered back. "I'm nervous!"
"If you show them that you are nervous then that's the game over, " Harvey said. "Go in there with confidence and remember - You know the greatest danger facing us is ourselves, an irrational fear of the unknown. But there's no such thing as the unknown..."
" I can't believe you are quoting Captain Kirk to me! " scoffed Celia with amusement.
"I can't believe you recognize the quote, " grinned Harvey.
"Oh please how many evenings did I have to endure episodes of Star Trek when we were together? " replied Celia rolling her eyes.
"Mr Franklyn will see you both now, "the receptionist said to both of them. "Last door on the right."
/\\\
"Harvey Specter!" Richard Franklyn, the CEO, greeted him as the two entered the room. "What can I do for you today? " He was in his early 50's with silver grey hair and a goatee to match. It was obvious that he kept himself in good shape from the way his lean body fit into his suit.
"It's not what he can do for you or what you can do for us. It's what I can do for you! " Celia interjected. Harvey sat down on a chair as she remained standing.
Franklyn furrowed his eyebrows as he looked between the two. "I'm sorry. Who are you?",
"Celia Laurence, Senior Partner at Specter Litt Wheeler Williams but as my name will soon be added to the letterhead you will be represented by one of the name partners of one of the most prestigious law firms in the city. "
"Celia Laurence? Weren't you responsible for us nearly going bankrupt a few years back?"
She glanced over at Harvey who kept his expression impassive but gave an imperceptible nod.
"I won't insult your intelligence and give you an excuse as to how that happened but I will say yes it did happen but that's in the past and from what I learned about your company then and what I know about your company now is that you are going places but you need that representation that will take you higher."
"And you are the person to do that?" Franklyn asked raising his eyebrows in amusement.
"Yes I am, " replied Celia. "Because I understand your company."
" With all due respect Ms Laurence as I understand it you haven't been a practicing attorney for a while now. You were a judge for several years before you stepped down."
"So I will be coming to you with fresh eyes and new ideas so don't let the fact that I haven't been in a corporate situation in a while put you off! "
Franklyn glanced at Harvey. "She's good."
Harvey nodded. "She is."
"Ms Laurence I need to run this by my board first."
"Richard. May I call you Richard? You can call me Celia. I know your board consists of you, Kenneth Cole, who doesn't have a vote in day to day matters of the company, and Andrea Dennis who is on personal leave at the moment for health issues. So it's your decision so let's cut the bullshit... "
"I'll be in touch Celia. Harvey, " Franklyn guided the two towards the door.
/\\\
"You were on fire back there!" exclaimed Harvey as they left the building and walked towards the black Lexus that was waiting for them
"I didn't close him. He made up every excuse not to sign me!" sighed Celia .
"He will," replied Harvey placing his hand on her shoulder. She turned to look at him and smiled at him.
"Thanks Harvey but I doubt it! " she turned to open the car door.
"Hey, about what you said in there about name partner, " Harvey said getting in to the car beside her.
"Louis already agreed to it. He wants to wait for a little while before making another name change to the firm, " replied Celia.
"Hey, I think that would be great Cece!"
"So when the time comes I will have your support? " She asked.
"A lot can happen between now and then..."
"That's such a bullshit answer Harvey! "
"Ok Cece. When the time comes you have my support," he said with a smile. "Specter Litt Wheeler Williams Laurence has a good ring to it!"
"And Laurence," replied Celia. " "And" It adds to the prestige. Like Samuel L Jackson always gets an "and" in every movie he's in. "
"You're crazy," chuckled Harvey as Celia's cellphone beeped. She grabbed her briefcase and pulled out her cellphone. Harvey noticed that the movement had made her her skirt rise up to above her knees giving him the briefest glimpse of the top of her lace edge stockings in her toned legs.
"He said yes!" She exclaimed replying to the text.
"I told you he would," smiled Harvey regrettably turning his attention away from her legs to look at her. "What do you say we go out tonight and celebrate your big signing?"
"Oh can we do that another night? Franklyn wants to meet to discuss terms, " she replied.
"Sure. But don't be his beck and call girl ."
" I have no intentions on being his beck and call girl Harvey! I'll be the one laying down the rules, " she said with a smirk.
"That's my girl," grinned Harvey .
/\\\\
"You know. Your name would look good up there."
Celia turned to see Donna standing behind her in the lobby of the 50th floor.
"I asked him," replied Celia. "Louis. "
"What did he say?"
"To wait a year. He doesn't want to change the name for a while. "
"Well when the time comes you have my support, " smiled Donna.
"Thanks Donna ." The elevator bell dinged and the door opened. Celia placed her hand on the button to keep the door open and turned around. "That just leaves Alex and Samantha. That's going to be hard!"
"Maybe, " replied Donna. "We need to have drinks soon. "
"We do," replied Celia. "You can tell me all about the handsome Thomas Kessler! "
"Oh there is lots to tell, " replied the red head with a wink and a smile.
"Really?" Celia asked. "I'm intrigued now. Tomorrow night? I've got a meeting with Richard Franklyn in 25 minutes. "
"That's a date! And don't let Mr Franklyn take advantage of you. I hear he has a reputation with the ladies."
"I have no intention of letting him hit on me Donna. Remember I am still a grieving widow!" Celia said with a wry grin as she stepped inside the elevator. All she saw was Donna's shocked expression when the elevator door closed.
"Are you going somewhere? " Donna turned to see Harvey standing behind her.
"I wish," replied Donna. "I still have a dozen contracts on my desk that need to be reviewed before I give them to Louis. It will be midnight at the latest before I leave here this evening .
"Not seeing Thomas tonight then?"
"He's out of town on business," replied Donna still not sure how Harvey was feeling about her seeing Thomas. He had said he was happy for her when she had told him when he got back from San Francisco but had said no more about it. "Hey did Cece say anything to you about name partner? "
"Yeah she said Louis wanted to wait a while before her name went up on the wall."
"I think she would be a great name partner but I have a feeling Samantha won't be too happy about it. There is no love lost between them, " replied Donna.
"I know," Harvey said. "Which is why we need to make it happen and have Samantha on board. "
"Hmm," replied Donna. "Well I need to get back to my contacts. Have a good night Harvey. "
Harvey nodded as he watched her walk back towards her office. Her high heels clicking lightly on the tiled floor.
/\\\
Celia entered the restaurant on Lexington Avenue. She was impressed by the choice that Franklyn had made for their meeting. It was a new upscale establishment that fused Brazillian and Italian food which had all the restaurant reviewers raving about it.
"Ms Laurence, " Franklyn stood up as the maitre'd brought her over to the table.
"Mr Franklyn. Nice place, " she replied as she removed her coat and sat glanced at the menu placed in front of her.
"Would you care for a drink? " a waiter asked.
"Water please," replied Celia.
He raised his eyebrows at the request. "Water?"
"Yes Mr Franklyn. This is a business meeting not a social event, " replied Celia. "I took the opportunity to draw up a terms of business contract. " She pulled a folder out of her briefcase and handed it to him.
"To the point. I like that," Franklyn said with a smirk.
"Let's get one thing clear. I am your company's lawyer. I am not at your beck and call. I won't be available after business hours which is why I am rescheduling this meeting for 9am tomorrow at your office. If you have any questions concerning the contract please feel free to ask them tomorrow. Have a good evening! " Celia smiled as she stood up from the table and took her coat from the chair. Franklyn stared in disbelief at her retreating back.
In a corner of the bar Harvey watched as she left the restaurant. He threw a $20 on the bar and left as well.
"Cece, " he called after her outside on the crowded street. Despite the humidity of the late evening people still bustled about at a brisk pace.
She turned in surprise at the sound of her name being called. "Harvey. What are you doing here? "
"Just having a drink before I went home. "
She looked at with amusement. "Really? Or was it that you wanted to see how I handled Franklyn? "
"From what I could see you handled him pretty well!"
"So you WERE spying on me?" She asked in mock horror.
"No! I just happened to be there!"
Celia glared at him for a moment. "I can fight my own battles Harvey!"
She turned to walk in the opposite direction but he grabbed her arm. "I know you can Cece but... "
"But what? You don't trust me? You think I could blow this... "
She saw a guilty look cross his face and let out a long deep breath. "You thought I would blow it. Wow! You bring me back to the firm and the minute I start to succeed you think you know better than me!"
"That's not true! "
Two womeshem to look at a map. They glanced over at the two people arguing and gave each other a grin. "Must be a lover's tiff," one whispered to the other.
"Yes it is Harvey. Maybe you won't admit it but it's true. Well let me tell you. You may have brought me back to the firm but I don't owe you anything! " Harvey and Celia were not aware of the the two people standing beside them.
Harvey stared at her incredulously. "You don't owe me anything? I gave you this job. I saved your ass from going to prison after your husband embezzled from his company and tried to implicate you! "
"And THAT right there. How dare you throw that back in my face! "
"I'm not throwing anything back in your face Cece. Look if you are pissed that I turned up tonight then I am sorry . You were right. I should have trusted you!"
Celia noticed the ladies standing beside them taking an interest in what was going on. One of them gave her a sympathetic smile. She pushed her lips together and sighed. "Yes you should have! How is it going to look to every client that I want to close if the name partner comes along to babysit me? "
Harvey sighed. "I get it. I won't do it again! "
"Good! " She glanced over at the the two women. "He's afraid that I might overtake him as the "best closer in the city"! "
Harvey looked at them. One of the ladies gave him a disapproving look and tutted. "I am not! ...I'm not Celia. But that will never happen! "
"Won't it? " she smirked at him. Smiling at the two ladies she turned on her heel and walked off down the street.
Harvey watched her and then broke into a little jog to catch up with her. "So you want to go for a drink? My way of making it up to you! "
Celia stopped and turned to look at him. "Maybe another time. I need to have my A game for this meeting tomorrow. "
"One drink Cece!"
"And one drink will turn to several drinks and the next thing you know we're... making out on your couch! " she replied.
"That won't happen," Harvey said with a smile. He stepped forward and stroked her cheek lightly. "Unless you want it to happen."
She stepped back and hit his arm lightly. "Harvey!"
"What?" Harvey asked with a puzzled look on his face.
"I'm not your consolation prize Harvey," she replied raising her hand to hail a cab. Two drove past without stopping.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"You know what I mean! " she exclaimed turning back to look at him.
"If you're talking about Donna. She's with Thomas now... " Harvey started to say before Celia interrupted him
"Yeah she's with Thomas. And anytime either of you have a relationship with someone else the other does their best to fuck it up! "
"That's not true Celia! " replied Harvey knowing she was right.
"Really? Who was the one who kissed you when you were in a relationship with Paula?
He shifted on to one foot and looked down to the ground.
"You can't even be honest with yourself Harvey! And what is it are you looking for with us? Sex, a relationship? "
"I was hoping for the former," smirked Harvey.
She stared at him for a few moments without saying anything. She shook her head and then she saw a cab with the lights on. "Taxi!"
"Wait! Aren't we even going to talk about this? "Harvey asked as the cab pulled over.
She opened the door without saying anything but then turned to look at him. "Nothing to talk about Harvey. See you tomorrow. "
Harvey watched as she gave the driver her address as she got into the car and it drove off.
To be continued