Chapter 1

It was the week before Paris and Miranda knew she needed Andrea there with her.

Emily, although brilliant at her job, did just that, no more, no less. Miranda needed someone who saw her and who could anticipate her needs, as well as being brilliant and that was most definitely Andrea.

Miranda was her usual self when she told Andrea the news and overrode her objections in her usual blunt way.

When Miranda entered the outer office the next morning she saw Andrea was printing out her daily schedule. The rest of the office was quiet, showing they were the only ones in. Glancing at the brunette she offered her usual appraisal and approved the outfit before throwing her coat and purse on Emily's desk.

"Oh and Andrea…Don't forget to tell Emily. Do it now." Miranda could see the young woman was scared out of her mind as she stalked into her inner sanctum. This would be the ultimate test.

Andy swallowed audibly and picked up the phone. "Don't pick up, don't pick up, don't pick…Emily, hey...hi...um..."

Emily started to ramble about why she was late, that she had forgotten the Hermès scarves Miranda asked for.

"Emily, Emily, I...I need to talk to you." Andy closed her eyes and sighed as the redhead prattled on and on. "Okay. Um...wh...When you come in...There's something I have to talk to you about

"Well, I hope it's not a Miranda problem..." Emily hissed.

"No...Not exactly," Andy stated

"Well, good, because I've got so much to deal with before I go. I swear to God."

Suddenly, Andy heard a loud crash and screeching tyres as horns honked. A loud scream and silence as the phone cut out.

"Em...Emily?" Andy already felt like shit and now this.

She moved to Miranda's office quickly and explained to the Editor what had happened. Miranda issued the command for her to go to the hospital with some flowers from Runway.

As Andy expected Emily was furious. "...You don't deserve to go to Paris, you eat carbs for crying out loud."

"I'm so sorry Emily I didn't have a choice…"

"Just get out."

"Emily?"

"GET OUT!"

Andy left the hospital feeling horrible. She just didn't understand why Miranda wanted her in Paris. Taking a cab back to Elias Clarke Andy went back to work. When she sat down she overheard Miranda on the phone.

"Yes, I will be home on time Stephen. Yes, I will. I'm sorry, it won't happen again. I promise." Miranda sounded like she was close to crying. It was nothing like the Miranda she knew.

Andy didn't know what was going on today. She wished she would just wake up from this nightmare.

"...Stephen, please...no, I cancelled my evening so I'll definitely be home and the twins are at the sleepover." Miranda stated quietly

Andy kept on working, organising and arranging things for Paris and the final few days in the city.

"Andrea?" She heard Miranda's voice float from her office.

Andy picked up her notepad and went to Miranda. "Yes, Miranda?"

"Cancel everything after 5 pm today. I won't be in tomorrow until 9 am tomorrow. Ensure the art department deliver the book electronically. That's all."

"Yes, Miranda." Andy looked up and saw Miranda's eyes were red-rimmed." Is, um, everything else alright?"

"Whatever do you mean? If it wasn't you wouldn't hear the end of it, Andrea." Miranda glared at Andy.

"Of course, right," Andy whispered. Turning on her heel she moved quickly to her desk.

Andy organised everything as Miranda requested and the day flew by rather quickly. She was glad to have the evening to herself without waiting for the book.

Andy decided she would use the time to look for a new apartment since she and Nate had split up. For now, she was still in their apartment but she wouldn't be able to afford it alone. Thankfully, they split up on good terms and Nate had even helped her cover rent for the rest of the month.

Miranda was long gone for the day when Nigel came by. "Bad news, Six. You need to wait for the book. The program used for the electronic version isn't working so we had to finish it up manually instead of electronically as she wanted. The IT guys will fix it tomorrow."

"Oh, that's just great. That fits in perfectly with the day I've had." Andy said, smiling sadly at Nigel.

Nigel knew it wasn't always easy for Andy. "I tried to call her so you wouldn't have to tell her the bad news, but, believe it or not, her phone is off." He stated. "And you know how she feels about voicemail."

"It's okay. I'll message her and then just leave it in its usual spot. She never hears me when I deliver the book anyway." Andy tried to sound reassuring.

"Good, it'll be ready in an hour or so," Nigel said.

"Thanks, Nigel." Andy smiled at him while she was fired a text to Miranda.

She spent the time looking online for apartments and had actually found two. She contacted the people immediately and was organising viewings when she was notified that the book was ready.

Moving down to the art department Andy picked up the book and decided to grab the dry cleaning as well.

She called Roy and they travelled to the Upper East Side in comfortable silence. Upon reaching the townhouse, Andy told him not to wait. She waved as he pulled into traffic, making his way home.

Moving quietly, Andy entered the house and hung the dry cleaning up in its usual closet before placing the book down in its usual spot. Her head popped up when she heard a loud voice coming from upstairs.

"...You're a filthy whore." Andy heard a loud crack and knew it could only be the sound of a slap. She caught the small whimper as Miranda stifled a scream.

"Please…Stop…Please, Stephen." Miranda was obviously crying. Andy realised something was terribly wrong.

Stephen continued yelling. "You will spread your legs now and let me fuck you and you will like it." Stephen's voice was slurred, clearly intoxicated.

She heard another loud smack and a crash. Miranda must have fallen down.

Andy called 911 and told them there was a domestic violence incident occurring at the Priestly residence. She asked for police discretion. She quickly typed a quick email to Miranda's P.R, Lesley, to let her know what was happening so she could get a handle on the press. Hurrying up the stairs, Andy saw Stephen towering over Miranda, who was clearly petrified, in the hallway.

Miranda saw her and glanced briefly at the statue standing next to her.

Andy got the hint and took it in her hands. She crept closer slowly without Stephen noticing.

"You belong to me, Miranda, and I finally have you where I want you…" Stephen growled.

Andy was disgusted by him. When she was close enough she smashed the statue over his head, so hard he fell to his knees. Dropping it, she helped Miranda up onto her feet.

Stephen was groaning as he rolled on the floor holding his head.

"Come on Miranda let's go downstairs, the police will be here any minute," Andy whispered pulling the older woman downstairs with her. She opened the front door and could hear the sirens coming closer. Glancing up, she saw Stephen on top of the stairs.

"You fucking whore...I will kill you and your little slut." Stephen roared

"Miranda, let's go." Andy pulled her to the bathroom and locked them in. "I will protect you. The police will be here soon and he won't be able to get in here."

Andy looked at Miranda. Her lip was bruised, her nightgown was ripped and she had several bruises forming on her neck and face.

Tears formed in Andy's eyes. "Oh, my God!" She husked. "What did that bastard do to you?" She stepped closer and cupped Miranda's face.

Andy realised Miranda hadn't said a word. She released her face and gently hugged her and to her surprise Miranda allowed it.

"He's coming," Miranda whispered as they heard heavy footsteps approaching. Her voice was shaky and she dug her nails on Andy's shoulders.

"Shh, he won't be able to come in." Andy held onto Miranda as fists pounded against the door.

"Come out with your little slut, right now. She should watch me while I fuck you. How would you like that?" Stephen kept hammering against the door as Miranda started sobbing once again.

TBC