- What?
-FLORRICK'S PLACE-
Alicia is staring at Eli, she looks confused and tired. A glass of wine in her left hand a cookie on the other hand – She drinks her wine, absorbing it in.
- Would you like to run for State's Attorney, Alicia?
- Absolutely not!
She bites the cookie one more time and gets up from her chair, rolling up her sleeves and taking off the dishes from the table.
Eli follows her into the kitchen.
- it's not a bad idea Alicia! think about it!
- The only thing I have no time to do these days is thinking, Eli.
- Come on, Alicia...imagine...Imagine the power in your hands, getting freed from all this -Work.
Alicia places the dishes inside the sink and shakes her hair out of her face, staring at Eli quite - surprised of how insistent he looks at the moment. In the back of her mind, she is already considering.
It didn't sound that bad, after all.
- Eli.
She pauses and he looks up at her, she turns off the tap and holds onto the sink's edges.
- Today was a long- Stressful, surprising day, so please, all I need right now is a shower and my bed.
- I didn't demand you to answer ! - I just, think you should consider it. In less then 24 hours if possible.
Alicia smiled - she is tired indeed but Eli seems so engaged on making that happen, she cannot hold this quick smirk to roll out of her mouth.
- ok Eli, good night.
- you're not taking me to the door?
- you know the way out.
She glances at him before going to her bedroom- yelling from there.
- DON'T FORGET TO CLOSE THE DOOR ELI!
Eli is staring at nowhere with that scared face of his, eyes opened widely as he listens to Alicia's scream and closes the door, walking rapidly to the elevator, stumbling on someone who's getting out of it. Alicia shows up in the hallway, smiling and locking the door - walking around and shutting off the lights she thinks of random things.
Alicia sighs one more time before closing Zach's bedroom door.
It was a long day, a weird year...
Indeed.
Alicia takes a strand of hair out of her face, closes the door and lays down in bed. She would think about that offer - Tomorrow.
She just wanted to sleep for now.
FLORRICK/AGOS & ASSOCIATES
(next morning)
They've decided to talk- Cary, Clarke, Alicia and Carey.
They've proposed to Diane that if she doesn't get any other offer within the next two days they would have a meeting with the partners to discuss whether they would accept her or not.
She agreed - Nothing else that she could do though, maybe other firms would be already aware of the implosion at Lockhart/Gardner - Canning, and luckily they could be interested.
But Diane didn't want something new - She wouldn't admit that to anyone else than Justice, but she wanted the people who (in the golden days) were some kind of a family.
She was not willing to adaptation, all over again- she just wanted somewhere they would task her to hard work right away. Under the present circumstances, she would even tolerate a week or so of demanding from those who were under a long time ago.
She just wanted - To feel safe, with familiar faces around, she wasn't ready for another drastic change.
Not this soon.
- I think this is good to the firm- We have chumhum but we-
- Call her, tell her she starts tomorrow.
- Excuse me?
- What, Alicia? Now you don't want her?
- Can you just stop with this little self-loathed riot? You are not a child anymore. Diane is not your boss, and she won't be that here- We jumped out of Lockhart/Gardner to become this? So you'd better stop acting like some teenager and be the lawyer you graduated for.
- I don't need your moral lessons- Thanks a lot.
- Neither I need to stand your existential crisis because someone used you…Be smart Cary - Use it for good, break some jaws in court, make money.
- Alicia, it will be good for a month, but wait until she thinks we're not being fair...We have seen this before, Alicia- You know it.
- She just wants safety, Cary- She's scared and tired..
-I was tired when they fired me, and they didn't think if I had safety.
- Okay, you know what? Bring her in, do it- And when you're done avenging yourself, you tell me, so I can leave.
- So you what?
- You heard me well, Cary. As soon as our situation is solved, I'll leave.
-Where are you going? Alicia, you can't do-
- I don't need your advice, Cary, thanks.
Alicia half smiled before opening the conference room's door and leaving. Going straight to her office and swallowing a deep sigh.
Maybe they should have some walls, so she could stop swallowing her screams, neither keeping her straight posture on all day long.
- Mrs. Florrick?
- Yes.
- Your son, Zach...
Alicia stopped massaging her temples and stared at her secretary.
- What?
- He called you when you were with the partners-
- Did he leave a message or something?
- Yes, he asked you to call him...ASAP
Alicia and Kate both stared at each other confused and trying to find out what that could possibly mean.
- Asa- What?
- I think it has something to do with calling quickly, Ms. Florrick.
-Okay -
She smiled and gasped, picking up her cellphone.
- Thanks Kate- Tell Clarke I have to talk to him please.
- Yes, Ms. Florrick- Anything else?
- No, thanks.
Zach's phone was off, she left a voicemail, and after those fifteen minutes of almost a break, she realized it was time to go to court again.
- Hello?
- Yes- No, no...ok
- Thanks, Cary...
- COURTHOUSE -
(courtroom n* 305)
- I'm here not just to tell you my client is not guilty – I'm here to ask you to think about it, she didn't premeditatedly planned this crime and…As brutal as it may have happened, she is innocent. And you may wonder why, so I will tell you – She was scared. She feared for her own life, she was scared that the only solution to stay alive was taking someone else's life. I am not asking you to consent and accept a murder. I am asking you to put yourselves in her position, imagine being hijacked in your own house, by someone you thought it was the person you would spend the rest of your life with. Imagine having all your dreams destroyed because- You idealized something that was far from truthful. I am here today to ask you to think, and if you, the jury – Is as smart as I think you are, you will understand her. You will understand her reasons, and even though the prosecution may say she premeditated because he had money, think about what would you do, how would you act if you were in this situation? Sometimes money is nothing compared to lo-Compared to love.
Alicia nodded to the jury, jury number seven was crying, number two was groaning and number six was taking notes. The rest was quite serious, holding up those poker faces. Her case was strong, her evidence was clear and grounded and the testimonies were precise – But prosecution was hitting hard on the "premeditation" strategy.
First of all, thanks for being here – Thanks for coming back here every day to listen to our witnesses, to see our evidences. Thanks so much. But if I may, I would like to tell you something- My last "something", I promise. Don't…Don't believe in the defense, even if those pretty sparkling hypnotizing green eyes have taken you to the place where everything happened, forget everything she said- Let's think about the real, the pictures and the people who told not only to me, but to you, because you heard from them. They were not happy, they were not together – The defendant was out of a job, desperate for money and the divorce papers were not out yet, so why believe she loved him? Why not – Being honest to ourselves and realize that it was premeditated because the amount of money that was in the game would make any of us quite greedy – You know the amount, you know the financial issues and you certainly know that this couldn't have happened any other way. But thank you for listening to me this last time.
Finn turned on his heels and winked at Alicia, she gave him a smirk and rolled her eyes when he turned his back – She was already so tired and it still she had a long afternoon to come. The judge allowed the jury to retire to decide the verdict.
Now – We wait.
Alicia waited until Nancy went back inside and went out to find coffee – And call Robyn.
She had 3 voicemails that she didn't listen; His voicemail under all the others. She didn't have the strength to delete it. Alicia sighed and clicked on the first arrow – It was Zach.
"Hey mom – So,hm..I just called you to tell I'm good, job is awesome and yeah – How's everyone? Oh, and ASAP means as soon as possible. Love you mom."
She smiled at nowhere before tapping the screen again- The second voicemail was from Diane.
"Alicia, it's Diane, I just wanted to tell you first- I want to bring Kalinda with me, and I just wanted to know if you are okay with that. Call me when you get this message and- Thanks, Alicia. Bye."
Alicia was frozen, phone still in her ear and she didn't know if it was for the sudden feeling of being Diane's boss or the probability of more trouble ahead. She was exhausted and arguing with Cary in the end of the day was not something she was willing to do.
Dialing Diane's number she sighed and closed her eyes as if she knew this call would bring trouble- Kalinda always brings trouble with her.
- Diane, it's me- I have just listened to your message and I'm afraid the problem won't be me, I have nothing against Kalinda working with us.
- I know Diane, but this is not only up to me, you know? The other partners have to agree with this and if they do not, I am sorry but I can't just make them accept Kalinda.
- I know, I know- look, if you're up for it then talk to them and we'll discuss this later.
- No, I'm waiting for a jury's verdict.
- Murder, self-defense.
- Okay,bye Diane- I'll talk to them, don't worry I can't give you any hope because Kalinda tends to intimidate the partners and she is quite...Expensive, but I'll see what I can do- Bye.
She hung up quickly and walked fast to catch the officer coming out of the jury's room, asking him if it would take long. He nodded and had this agonized, bored expression that made she verbalize something, but he left her alone before she could've managed to open her mouth.
Walking out of the courthouse she climbed down the stairs and went straight to the café near the drugstore on the corner, just crossing the street away.
- A skinny mocha, please.
- $4,45
- Here.
-Thanks Ma'am, what's the name?
- Alicia.
She looked at her left side and found someone that she didn't see in a long, long time.
- Ryan Alprin.
- Alicia Florrick.
- Oh my god, how are you? I mean- What happened after you had to disappear from court?
- Here, ma'am- Your coffee.
- Oh, thanks.
- You're welcome.
He kept staring at her as she picked up the cup and looked back at him, they walked to the door and he opened it for her to pass, they walked silently back to the courthouse entrance and sat in a bench.
- Come on, you used to talk more.
- You look stunning...
- Well, thanks- You look the same, still riding that bike?
- Yes, I still ride that bike- What about you? Still working at Lockhart/Gardner?
- No, I left- I have my own firm now.
- Really? Congratulations- Oh, and about your ex-boss...
- Yes, you're sorry- Everyone is sorry, but thanks.
- Who said I was sorry? I was going to ask if you were there when it happened- But yes, I'm sorry too.
- No, I wasn't.
- I was worried that you could be there- When I saw the news and heard his name I thought you could be there, but they didn't say anything.
- So, do you still pretend you're a lawyer?
- No, I had to quit that – Some fancy attorney convinced me to – Alicia…
- Yes?
- I know this is really awkward and random, but if you need a friend – I like you, you're so tough and sarcastic, it's good to be like that.
- Yes... I tried this friends thing.. – It didn't work out well, but thanks for telling me.
- Here, I have a library now – If you ever feel like buying a book…
She laughed, honestly. It was a quick laugh but she truly felt like doing it, not because the situation requested or so.
Okay, I have to go back – I'm waiting for a verdict, but if I ever find a free time to read a book-
She pointed out to the card and he smiled.
I might drop by- Good to see you.
Same.
He was literally the same – Didn't change a single thing, she didn't turn around to confirm if he was still riding that bike, but she felt curious.
- FLORRICK/AGOS & ASSOCIATES -
(The Conference Room)
- Carey, do you have a minute?
- Yeah, Clarke- What's up?
- Do you have any idea of where Alicia might be going? Maybe she... –
Clarke made some facial and hands gestures, and it took a while for Carey to understand, so when he did – Clarke sighed.
-OH! No!No! I mean – Alicia always had this…I don't know, Canning was always very obsessed over her, but I don't think she would do that.
- But why would she wait until the problem is solved? You know what I mean?
- Clarke, no – If Alicia is leaving it can be for anything else but joining Canning – She hates that place too much to go back like this.
- Are you sure, Carey?
- No, I am not – But chill, she will have to tell us either way, so you're suffering unnecessarily.
- Oh god…Okay, thanks.
- No problem and hey-
Clarke was leaving, he stopped midway and politely turned around to face Carey again.
- If the problem is ChumHum, don't worry- She won't take him with her.
-How do yo-
Carey left Mr. Hayden there- Staring at the door and understanding nothing, he lifted his eyebrows and let out a long sigh.
If it wasn't for the money he would've left in the beginning.
-CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE-
(courtroom n* 305)
-ALL RISE.
Judge Gardner came inside and allowed people to sit down.
- Has the jury come to a verdict?
Jury nº 12 stood up and he was shaking a little- The paper in his hand showed that.
That was not a good sign – But also could be a good sign.
Oh she was confused and hungry already.
- Yes, Your Honor.
- Okay, you may tell us!
- On the charge of premeditated murder we, the jury, find the defendant, Nancy Rose Dermitt- Not guilty.
Alicia gasped out of relief, Finn sat down, took off his glasses and closed the files, staring at Alicia as Nancy stood up and hugged her.
After the final considerations they were released and Alicia waited for Nancy to come out, in a blue-pastel dress and flats, her tired face and dark circles under her bloated red eyes.
Nancy hugged her again, her wrists slightly red, she was smelling hotel shampoo and cologne- but her eyes were almost starting to sparkle again, and when they cut off the hug, Nancy had started crying.
- How are you?
- Free...
Nancy smiled and gasped quickly, contracting her shoulders- Alicia touched both of her arms, stroking them.
-Alicia, thanks so much yo- Thanks for keeping up, for not doing like everyone else.
- I am not everyone else.
- But everybody seemed to believe in that- But I loved him. I loved him with everything I had and he made me believe that, that someday we would make it work, he gave me this unconscious hope and I wrapped my fingers around that. I-I thought that letting him go, leaving him would make things easier but when I woke up that morning I- I missed him. So, when I called him, I did with that thing in my mind, thinking he would be ready to give up on everything...But he- He tied me up, and even when I managed to escape I didn't want to believe that he did that. I thought we would have a talk and he- I thought we would have more time...oh god! I'm sorry!..
- No, stop! Don't be sorry- I understand you- People are getting real good at fooling us all, and when you think they have nothing else, something happen and you are caught up unprepared. My guess is that life is something that gets bored very easily, so it is always playing tricks on us.
With one last smile, she left.
Alicia drove back to her office calmly, it was already 4pm and her last appointment had to be rescheduled because of the jury's lack of urgency on deciding.
So, tomorrow would be a busy day for her.
-FLORRICK/AGOS & ASSOCIATES-
(lobby)
-Mrs. Florrick-
Alicia jumped back and stared at Clarke, wondering where the hell was he and how did he pop up there.
- God,Clarke! Could've you just..- You scared me!
-I am sorry, I thought you'd seen me coming.
- No, I didn't.
- You wanted to talk to me?
- Yes, can we go to my office first?
- Oh, sure!
She walked in and the noise was so loud, people talking and talking and typing and talking more, her office seemed so far away, her head was aching and she needed a rest.
When they arrived, Clarke closed the door as Alicia threw her purse on the chair and walked to her own, sitting heavily down.
- Okay, Mr. Hayden- How profitable it is to have Diane on board?
- Very profitable.
- How long do you think she will accept to be just an associate?
- Well...As long as she plans to stay here, it is my guess.
- So, you think she won't ask to be a name partner after what? Hm- Five or six months?
- She, well- She can try to request that, but Cary will not allow...Nor the other name partner.I think.
Alicia half-smiled and squeezed her eyes, tilting her head to the left side. She understood what he meant; She would just play around a little bit more.
Okay, then – Thanks Clarke.
- That was..- That was all?
- I forgot what I had to tell you, I call you back when I get to remember- Can you ask Robyn to come here for a second?
She smiled at Clarke who confusedly nodded and left, he didn't close the door and that unstoppable storm of voices hit her eardrums and she just closed her eyes – Painfully listening to it. Robyn got inside and shut the door a little too strong, making that clashing sound.
- Hey there, need something?
- I do – I need you to check for evidences in this new case, the Alb-
- The old man's case? The kidnap thing? That one?
- Not ac-
- Ok, let me guess- You've got what? Like- Five or six new cases this week. Is that rape one?!
- I can actually tell you which one it is, it would save a lot of time in the guessing part.
- Oh, okay –
- Here, this one.
Alicia gave Robyn a file, and Robyn opened it read for two or three seconds, and all of a sudden she swallowed a high-pitched scream.
- OF COURSE! The Albert guy! How could I be so stupid – Oh god, okay, let me see what I can find for you.
- Thanks Robyn…
Alicia said, knowing that Robyn was not even there anymore – And when she lifted up her sight Cary, in that exact moment, arrived at the firm.
It was already time for that conversation.
- Kate, can you please ask the partners to go to the conference room? Tell them I have something to ask.
- Thanks.
Okay – One step after the other, and it will be done soon. Not that this mental motto would take her somewhere but she had to do that, not only for her. It would be good to have Kalinda – She was a good investigator, and Diane would feel safe with her leather boots around.
Getting inside the room, all the six people patiently waiting for her, Cary sort of groaned and swallowed when she closed the door- Carey was with that stupid, childish expression of his and Hayden was scared- He seemed worried and really scared- Alicia nodded at him.
As if it would make him feel better.
- Diane wants to bring Kalinda in.
- WHAT!?