Augustus, "Gus" Hogan, Director of Newman Halfway House, was expecting a new resident today; one that required some careful thought in placement.

Two beds were available. But in each case, the new resident-John James McCoy-would have to share the room with men he had come into contact with before, back when he had been Executive Assistant DA for Adam Schiff.

One was James Smith. The other was Willard Tappan. Hogan had sounded out both men carefully, to see what their personal thoughts on McCoy were.

Apparently, James Smith felt nothing but gratitude for McCoy.

He saved my life, the man had said.

So…at least there was one man here who felt no ill will for an ex-DA…

…..

Jack McCoy looked at the building that was to be his home for the next few years…

Sally Bell was by his side, as were Dr. Emil Skoda, and Claire Kincaid; and it felt…good…to know he was so loved.

It frightened him too.

Everyone met in Gus Hogan's office; including a surprise.

James Smith…

"Hello, Jack."

McCoy stared at the man.

"Only two rooms are free, Mr. McCoy," Hogan said. "You had a choice of bunking with Mr. Smith or Willard Tappan. I reviewed your history and figured you would prefer bunking with Mr. Smith."

McCoy blinked. His memory of that particular time was kind of hazy. He'd had his breakdown around then.

Willard Tappan…

McCoy dimly remembered the Kapinski Case.

He had convinced John Curren to plead guilty so the case against Tappan could proceed.

Then, I had the breakdown…

So Curren went to prison, and Tappan hadn't.

Tappan was still here, at the halfway house, doing community service for the embezzlement, but free and clear of Kapinski's murder.

"Yeah…" he looked over to Smith. "I would prefer the company of James Smith over Willard Tappan any day."

"All right," Hogan nodded. "James, take Mr. McCoy down to Admissions, get him acclimated to his new surroundings. I'll be along after I've spoken with Dr. Skoda and Miss Kincaid."

McCoy let Smith guide him down to Admissions, stayed with him while he got a new ankle bracelet. Then, he was given pillows and blankets, and followed James Smith down to the bedroom.

All in all, it was nicer than he expected it would be; the beds were comfortable, and apparently inmates were allowed to add personal touches to their living spaces. There was a colorful quilt on Smith's bed.

McCoy quickly made his bed, then sat down on it. He felt just a little lost.

Smith apparently caught that.

"Lunch will be in an hour or so," he said. "We'll introduce you to everyone then."

McCoy nodded.

"Frightened?" Smith asked.

That brought McCoy up short.

Frightened?

"Yeah…I guess…" he finally admitted.

He felt Smith lay a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry…Jack. You'll be fine."

…..

Gus Hogan listened as Dr. Emil Skoda described Jack McCoy's mental health issues; the nightmares, the panic attacks, and the migraines….

"We'll see that he takes his meds," Hogan assured him.

"No need to worry on that score, Director," Skoda said. "Jack's very compliant when it comes to taking his meds. Apart from that, what will he be doing for Community Service?"

"Working at Central Park mostly," Hogan shrugged. "It will be good for him to get outside."

"Picking up trash…" Claire Kincaid grumbled.

"I know, Claire," Skoda patted her shoulder. "But this will be good for him. Easy work as he tries to pull himself together."

"Also," Hogan spoke up. "Weekly sessions with Dr. Skoda have been arranged for. The emphasis will be on recovery and rehabilitation; not punishment. Eventually, it is hoped Mr. McCoy will make a complete recovery, and be able to rejoin the community he was originally part of."

Hogan certainly hoped so. Before his illness, before his faked death, Jack McCoy had become a legend in the legal community.

This was a terrible waste of a great mind and soul…