Disclaimer: The L&O universe is all Dick Wolf's.
The Choices We Make
Chapter One
She'd never quite enjoyed the fanfare of formal occasions. Dressing up in ball gowns and talking to people who had more money than God held no interest, intellectually or emotionally. Sighing she grasped her champagne glass tightly focusing on the man in front of her, trying to look remotely interested in some conversation about how much money his film company had recently made. Even after growing up here, the narcissism in this town still astounded her.
Nodding periodically she found her thoughts drifting to New York and the formal events she'd been obligated to attend there. While the conversations were slightly more entertaining than L.A., the dryness and droning had at times nearly been enough to put her to sleep. Mentally sighing she thought of the ways she used to cope with such evenings, unfortunately all ways involved a certain former, fellow prosecutor.
While such evenings were not her favourite thing in the world, she did tend to enjoy herself once there. But Mike he'd battle every invitation that was extended, with Jack finally enforcing that his appearance was mandatory. He'd sulk and whine like a child, making her wonder if he was indeed a fully grown man or a little child. Ultimately however, albeit begrudgingly, he'd concede that such hand shaking and smooth talking was a necessary evil of the job and make an appearance. What amazed her however, was the person he would become once there. Charismatic, charming, confident. She knew this shouldn't really surprise her considering the person he became in court, but it still did. They were each other's support at these events, saving one other from monotonous dialogue or from equally boring people. What she'd give to have Mike standing next to her right now.
Mentally shaking her head, she noticed the man had stopped speaking and was staring at her expectedly. Realising he'd ask her if she'd like another drink, she politely declined and was relieved to spot Detectives Jaruszalski and Morales standing in the corner. Walking over to them, she noticed that their facial expressions mirrored exactly how she felt, uncomfortable and tired.
"Good evening Counsellor" said Morales.
"Detectives" She nodded at them. "Enjoying your evening?"
"I guess" TJ said tugging on his tie. "It's a mystery why two lowly detectives are required to attend such a high society event but I'm not about to start arguing with the Lieutenant right now."
Laughing, Connie inquired about any further developments regarding their latest case.
"Nothing new yet. Still waiting to hear back from the M.E. Hopefully they will have something soon. Otherwise we're still stuck with a John Doe. Where's Dekker?"
"Over there talking to some politician. I think he's getting his head chewed out for 'disrespecting party lines' over the Webber case. I don't think Joe could care less about politics but Hardin dragooned him into making peace. So..." she shrugged.
The three stood in comfortable silence, surveying the scene surrounding them. In their line of work, such nights seemed trivial and insignificant in comparison to the horrors and hardships they saw and experienced each day. But each took comfort in seeing people enjoying themselves and knew that what they each did for a living was worth it.
Digging in her purse, Connie cursed aloud, ignoring the twin smirks on the detective's faces. She'd left her cell phone on her desk at work. She hoped her mother did not need her urgently for anything tonight. While her mother had improved significantly these past few months and was beginning to show signs of her old self, there were still moments of doubt.
Looking up she saw Joe walking towards them. His face while passive held a hint of sadness and concern.
"That bad huh? Never thought I'd see the day where you bowed down to a politician Joe."
Quickly glancing at Morales, Dekker instead turned towards Connie. "You don't have your phone on you?"
"No I must have left it at work. Why?" She started to panic. "Has something happened? Is it my mother? Is she all right?"
"Your mother? No," Dekker said shaking his head, "Connie, I just got off the phone from New York."