All characters but Mr Morrison, Mrs Morrison, Mr Fitzgerald, Miss Fitzgerald and the Orthon, Williams and Parks firm belong to D.E.K.

R&R please !

Sam and Larry arrived at Jamie's place.

- Mom ? Sam shouted while entering the apartment.
- Yes, over here in the kitchen !

Larry and Sam went to the kitchen, Larry carrying Sam's bag over his shoulder. He put it on the floor, and once Sam had hugged his mother, he went to her and hugged her quickly too.

- So what is it you guys want to talk about ? You had me a bit worried.
- Sorry, Larry replied. It was not our aim at all.
- Dad and me are going to Chicago to see his mother and sister, Sam let out suddenly.
- What ?!
Larry stared at Sam who understood it might not have been the best way to break the news out.
- Well, said finally Larry looking at Jamie now, yes. Sam and I talked a lot today about deep and serious stuff, and it appeared that he wants to know my mother and sister.
- What kind of deep and serious stuff ?
- Stuff about the past. Our past. His past. My past.
- Our past ??? Jamie asked, visibly annoyed. What do you mean by our past ?
- How we met, why we broke up, why we're not together anymore. That's what I mean.
- Yes, Dad told me that I shouldn't keep on hoping for something that I know now won't happen.

Jamie looked at him, then she looked at Larry, she was furious, he could tell.

- What's wrong ? He asked.
- What's wrong ? Sam go to your bedroom, unpack your things and find yourself an occupation, please.
- No.
- I'm sorry, did you just say "no" ?
- I did.
- You're grounded mister.
- I don't care ! Why am I always sent to my room ?
- This is none of your business. Your dad and I are going to have a grown up conversation.

Sam gave a look to Larry meaning "See ? I told you."

- I won't go. I want to hear what you're about to say. And maybe if I'm in the room you will actually have a conversation and not yell at each other. You want me to go to my room ? Make me.
- Sam, you're getting of my nerves.
- I don't care. Go on, talk with dad. I'm not leaving.
Jamie looked at Larry :
- You're going to let him act like that ?
- Actually, I think he can handle that kind of grown up conversation. So yes, that's exactly what I'm going to do, Jamie. If I've learned one thing this week end, it's that our son is not a baby anymore, and that he is even exceptionally clever, smart and rational for his age. Plus, I really think that he already knows what you want to talk about.

Jamie's eyes went on Sam, then back on Larry, and on Sam again.

- Fine ! You think you're old enough to handle this. Fine. What the hell did you tell him, Larry ?
- Everything. How we met. How we fell in love. How we were young when you got pregnant. Why I left. And then he asked me about my parents. So I told him about that too.
- What exactly did you tell him ?
- I know that when I was born, you were still a student mom, and that Dad had just started to work, and that he fell out of love with you, and why, and that at first you went to a lot of parties, and that you stopped to take care of me when I was 3.

Jamie looked at him, not believing what she was hearing.

Sam looked at his father, and as Larry didn't't seem to be angry at him at all, he added :
- You know, I'm not disappointed mom. I'm happy you've decided to take care of me at all.

Jamie was furious, out of her mind. She couldn't decide who she was going to yell at first.

- Jamie, listen, if we wanna go to Chicago next week, I should book the tickets as soon as possible. So is it okay with you ?
This last remark of his made her even more angry.
- What do you think ? Oh, and why do you ask ? I thought we agreed to let the past where it is. I've asked you never to tell him all those things about us. And you went behind my back and reveal the... are you fucking kidding me ? And now you ask for my blessing to take him to Chicago ? You gotta be kidding here, right ?

Larry didn't't say or do anything.

- Well, apparently you're not. I want you out now. Get out ! He's 8 for god sake ! And your mother doesn't want to talk to you ever again if I remember her exact words. You want to mend what you've broken with her ? Fine. Just let my son out of this ! And now get out.
- Jamie, I never.. Larry started, but she cut him.
- I don't care. Leave.
- No ! Dad, stay here. Mom you wanted to talk with him, is that it ? That wasn't a conversation, you did all the talking.
- Sam, don't start again. You're already in big trouble here. Stay quiet. Glad to see your beloved dad gave you what you wanted, and that you're fine with our history, but don't you deliver me any lesson. You're a kid, just a kid. And right now I'm really mad.
- Why ? Because I've said I'm fine with you and dad not getting back together ?

On that Jamie left the kitchen.

- Well, I sure didn't't see that coming, Larry said to Sam.
- Me neither. Does that mean we won't go to Chicago ?
- I don't know buddy. I'm going to go and talk to her. She may be right on some points. And I did promise her that I would not tell you those things I told you earlier. Just go unpack your things, I'll let you know how it went.
- Fine.

Larry went to Jamie's bedroom, knocked at the door and received no answer. He did it again, telling her he wanted to talk with her.
- Go away. What is not clear there ? I want you to leave !

Larry entered the room, and saw Jamie on her bed, crying. When she realized he had entered the room, she threw a pillow at him.
- Get out !
- No. Jamie, you and I need to talk. What's wrong with you ? Why are you so mad ? I mean, isn't that a good thing that our son finally got rid of his foolish hopes ?
- Sure, now go.
- I'll go in a minute. Just to let you know I won't wait for your agreement to take him to Chicago with me. Your reaction is again the one a spoiled child would have.
- You won't take him there !
- Why not ? I'm his father. I don't need your consent.
- Are you trying to take him away from me ? What is this all about ?

Larry came closer to her, told her that he wasn't going to do that since he believed Sam was better with his mother.
- Okay, Jamie said, visibly relieved. But I still think you shouldn't have told him.
- Jamie, understand one thing. I've been away from him for a long time, and I need to share my life with him now. And he seemed so sad, so lost, I couldn't do anything else, and I will continue to answer his questions. I promised him I would, and you won't make me a liar. If I have the answers, he'll have them too. You can give him your point of view. It's not as difficult as I thought it would be. Now you've asked me to leave, so I'll go.
- You can stay, you know, I was just angry, and.. and Sam might need you now. Stay a little while. You could have dinner with us.
- I don't know about that, but I'm gonna go to his room and see if he's okay. Thanks.
- Come on, stay for dinner. He would like that, Jamie insisted.

She's insisting way too much, what's with her ? But, on the other side, I don't have anything home... And Sam won't think that we're fixing things up with her. How bad could it be ?

- Fine, Larry said, getting out of his thoughts, I'll stay and have dinner with you, thanks Jamie.

With that, he left the room, and went to Sam's.

- Hey buddy, what're you doing ?
- Stuff.
- Stuff ? What kind of stuff ?
- Generic stuff.
- Something's wrong ?
- You've put me aside again.
- What ? Hey, it's not because I've told you things today that I stopped being your father. Sometimes you want to talk to a person alone. It happens, and it's not a crime. And believe me, if it were a crime, I'd know. Don't act like a spoiled child, please.
- Okay, sorry.
- And even though I wasn't on her side, I really didn't't like the way you talked to your mother. So I'd like you too apologize.
- But if I do that, she will do it again !
- Find a way to apologize and make her understand you were serious then.
- Can it wait tomorrow ?
- I'd prefer it to happen tonight. I don't really want to have dinner in a room full of resentment.
- You're staying for dinner ?? Sam stood up, his face lighten up.
- Yes.

Sam came to his dad, hugged him and went out of the room to his mother's.

- Mom ?
- What is it ?
- I just wanted to say I'm sorry about the way I talked to you in the kitchen. But I'm not a baby anymore, and it's frustrating to be sent to my room every time something important happens. So I won't do it again if you stop treating me like a baby.
- You yelled at me, and you think that this is enough ?
- I hope so. I said I'm sorry.

With that he went out.
Jamie stayed in the room a little longer, and then went to the kitchen to fix dinner. She could hear Larry and Sam playing in her son's bedroom, and at that exact moment, she felt a little jealous of Larry.

20 minutes later, Larry and Sam entered the kitchen. The dinner was on the table. Jamie stared at them, and finally said :
- Sam, apology accepted. Wash your hands.
Sam hugged her, washed his hands, followed by Larry. And they all sat down and started to eat.

After dinner, Sam asked what they have decided about Chicago.

- Well, it seems that your father's mind is made, so what can I do ?
- Yes, but mom, why don't you want me to know his mom and sister ? I'd like you to be okay with me meeting them, or to give me a good reason not to, please ?
- Sam, your grand mother told your father some very mean things you can't imagine..
- Yes I know. She told him he was just like his father, Sam cut her.
- Oh, he told you, Jame replied as she started to be angry again. Well, then I don't understand what you don't get here. I'm afraid she might hurt you as bad as she hurt him, she said looking at Larry.

Larry, who had remained silent until now, lift his head up :
- Right, she hurt me, but what reason would she have to hurt him ? I mean, it's her grand son, and I didn't't put the idea in his mind. At least we will all know for sure if she really is cold hearted or not.
- So mom ? are you okay ? please ?
- Alright. Do what you think is best, but be careful... both of you.

Sam smiled, stood up and started to wash the dishes. Jamie stood up too, and set him free, saying she would do it. Sam asked his father to come and play a little piano with him, what they did.

- What was the song you used to sing when you came back in February ?
- Not this one, please.
- Why not ?
- I wrote it for..., Larry closed his eyes and bowed his head.
- Ally ?
- Yeah.
- Please Dad, it's a really beautiful song. Please ? You know I used to sing it to myself at night to fall asleep. What's the title again ?
- Chances Are.
- Yes, that's the one. Oh, please dad ?
- Alright, I'll give it a try, but I can't ensure you I'll be able to.

He started playing the song he wrote for Ally few months ago, just after he had kissed Jamie and infuriated Ally.
As the first notes went on, Larry felt a sudden pain in his chest. He took a long and deep breath, looked at his son, and the pain went away.
Sam.. I have to think about him only. Nothing else. It's just a song Larry, just a song. And he seems to love it. He sings well. Did I sing it that many times ? He knows it by heart ! God, it's good to be close to him again.

The song ended, Larry and Sam were both smiling, but for different reasons. Sam just enjoyed the song and the moment. Larry felt happy to be with his son again.

Jamie came in the room and sent him to bed. Larry entered his room to kiss him goodnight once he was in his pajamas, and turned off the light of the bedroom.
- Sweet dreams buddy.

He went in the living room, Jamie was there, on the sofa, a mug of hot chocolate in her hands, and another on the table.

- I made you one too, she said, referring to the second mug.
- Oh, thanks, but I'd rather get going, I've got an appointment tomorrow at 10.30 for a job.
- Already ? That's impressive ! But, she quickly added while looking at her watch, it's only 9.30.
- Well, I think I can stay a little longer then, Larry replied, a little embarrassed. He wasn't feeling well now that Sam was sleeping. The words of the songs where haunting him. I long to see you in the night. Those words were so true, and so painful to him.
- So, what did you two do today, I mean, beside telling him all about our past ?
- This morning we went to the park, played a little baseball, and we went to the restaurant, and we went back to my place, and, well.. talked.
- Nice day then ?
- Yeah, great day, but hard and painful day too. Look, he said, finishing his chocolate, I should really go now. I still have to get prepared for the appointment, and I have to finish unpacking.
- Okay. Jamie was really disappointed, he could tell, and that's exactly why he had to leave as soon as possible. When she looked that fragile, he knew she had a special power over him, and he didn't't want anything to happen again.
- So, I'll probably see you tomorrow. Do you want me to bring him here after school ?
- Yeah, actually could you take care of him an hour or two after school, you know, help him with his homeworks, because I'll probably be a little late.
- Yes, great, I can do that. Works for me.
- And then we could have dinner again.

Larry knew something was up in her mind, and understood she would be late in order to have a family dinner again.

- Well, I'll tell you tomorrow, but I don't know if I'll be able to stay for dinner. I might have a case already, and you know, first case, first impression. I have to win it. So I'll let you know. See you tomorrow anyway.
- 'Night.
- 'Night.

Back in his apartment, Larry found himself quite depressed thinking about that day. He went to his piano, and started singing his own version of Maryland, by Vonda Shepard.

I've been thinking
I've been thinking I've been thinking too much
I just want to live now for a little while
And cast my dreams to the wind
Don't wanna wonder
Don't wanna wonder what it's all about
I'm just working for a living singing with my friends
As I cast my dreams to the wind

Michigan, I'm coming home,
Never worry about what I did wrong,
And I'll never be what my mother wanted me to be.
And I'll never know what my father's dreams were.
But I will sing…

I wanna fly
I wanna fly down the highway to my home away from home
This funky funky club on Woodward Avenue to see you
I'll never give up
Because what is there to give up anyway
I'm just working for a living working for my pay
In Michigan it's raining somewhere in some cafe

Michigan, I'm coming home,
Never worry about what I did wrong,
And I'll never be what my mother wanted me to be.
And I'll never know what my father's dreams were.
But I can sing...

And being alone, he didn't't have to hide anything to anyone, so he sang again Chances are, looked up to a picture of Ally and him. God he missed her! But him leaving was better for both of them, he was certain of that.
Then why am I so totally sad ? It's better for her to be without me, I know that, and I'm with Sam now, so it's better for everybody, so why ?
He stood up and went to the table where he prepared a folder with his references for the appointment of the next day. He read the newspaper and thought he could try to find a client before meeting with Mr. Orthon. But for now, he really needed to sleep so he went to bed.

The next morning, after a quick shower, he went to the court of law and luck was apparently on his side when he heard an argument between two men :
- You don't agree with my defense ? That's just fine, you know, I really don't need that case ! I've a lot of other cases. You know what ? I quit. Find yourself another lawyer, good luck because I don't know any lawyer who would take a case on the very day it's going to court !
- I'll find one. I'm glad you quited, I would have fired you anyway. I'm not guilty, so why would I plead it ?
- I already told you, it's your only chance to be relaxed.
- There's no evidence against me !
- Oh, I wonder what I am still doing here ? Good by Mr Morrison. And I'm telling you, you'll have a hard time finding another lawyer. Murder cases are attractive, but no lawyer accept one when they don't have time to prepare.

Larry came closer. Murder case uh ? Might be good ! I don't have anything to lose, do I ?

- Er, actually, Mr Morrison is it ?
- What do you want ?
- Larry Paul, attorney at law, I'll be glad to represent you in court if you had a moment to talk about the case ? When is the trial starting ?
The other lawyer looked at Larry, surprise could be read on his face.
- You're willing to defend me ? Why ?
- Well, I just.. came back in Detroit, and I'm looking for a case. So ? Are you interested ?
- I don't know.. are you any good ?
- Here are my references. I'm quite well known in Boston where I come from. When is the trial starting ?
- This afternoon, at 1.30.

Larry looked at his watch : 9.30.
- Okay, works for me. I've an appointment at 10.30 at Orthon, Williams and Parks, a law firm.
- I know what's Orthon, Williams and Parks.
- How did you do that ? the other lawyer asked.
- Did what ?
- Managed to have a job appointment with them if you just came back ?
- I don't know. I called them, and next thing I know, Mr Othon was agreeing for us to meet this morning. Why ?
- I've tried for years to work in their firm.
- This just means that I should be glad you're not my lawyer anymore. If he could have an appointment with them when you couldn't, it obviously means he's a better lawyer than you are.
- I don't know about better, but different that's for sure. I would never drop a client at the last second, Larry replied.
- When could we meet about the case ?
- I've got time right now.
- Great, said Mr Morrison. He looked at his ex lawyer with contempt, and continued, let's go in there.
- After you Mr Morrison. It was nice meeting you, he said to the lawyer.

After the brief meeting with his new client, Larry was quite confident. Mr Morrison was right, the prosecutor didn't't have real evidence to prove that his client had murdered his father-in-law. Mrs Morrison-Fitzgerald, Mr Morrison's wife was on their side. And it was the sister of the late Mr Fitzgerald who had accused Mr Morrison of murdering her brother, though she "wasn't even close to the crime scene" to quote her exact words.
Larry had a feeling about her, but he didn't't want to share it with his client for the moment. He would exploit it during the trial if he had the opportunity.

He left his new client, glad to have a case to bring to Orthon, Willams and Parks in case they decided to hire him. The day really did start in the best way possible.
He arrived at 10.20 in the locals of the law firm and the secretary he had talked to the day before announced him to Mr. Orthon.
- He's already in his office, waiting for you.
- Really ? I had prepared myself to wait for at least 10 minutes, said Larry, really surprised.
- Well, he's here.
- Okay, great ! Which office is it ?
- The second one on your right, over there, she said, pointing a black door.
- Thanks a lot.

Larry went to the door, a little nervous, this meant a lot after all. He knocked at the door and waited for an answer.

- Come on in, said a voice inside the office.
- Hello sir, said Larry, Larry Paul, I'm really glad to meet you.
- It's just about the same over here. I'm Milton Orthon, one of the three senior partners here. How are you doing ?

Milton Orthon was a man of a certain age, who looked like the grand father in those advertisements where you could see a perfect family. He seemed nice, and wise.

- I'm fine thank you. I'm actually really disconcerted by the fact that I had an appointment with you on the very next day I called, not that I don't think I would fit in this firm, but more because I know how many great lawyers have tried to work with you and failed to even have the opportunity to meet you.
- It just means they were good lawyers, or at least not great enough for us. You see I've got a list of lawyer's names who I could think about hiring. Those people you're talking about weren't on it obviously.
- And I am ?
- Yes, actually.
- How come ?
- Relax son, Orthon said, in a calm voice. I've heard about you few years ago, and I've seen you in court last year in Boston.
- You've .. seen.. me ?
- I didn't't come to see you, do flatter yourself too much. I was there for a trial myself and I didn't't know how to spend my spare time.
- Oh, I see.
- So where are your references ? Anything else to tell me beside the fact that you're stunned to be here ?
- Uh, yes of course. Here. And I found myself a case this morning. Murder case.
- Well, I don't really need your references, but you've just told me something really interesting and quite impressive. A murder case ?
- Yes, the low point would be it's starting today. This afternoon to be precise.
- What ? And you took it ?
- I'm not afraid of challenges, and I met with the client, I think I'm ready.
- Fine. Last question if you don't have any objections ?
- Not at all.
- Why did you leave Boston ?
- Oh, that. Well, private stuff.
- More specifically ?
- Is that really important ?
- I like to know the person before hiring them.
- Well, I've got a son here.
- This only explains why you came in Detroit, not why you left Boston.
- Good point. Well, okay, I, it's still a little difficult to talk about it, but I've left Boston because of a woman I love, loved sorry, and well yeah that's the reason, Larry said, really embarrassed and grieved.
- You said love, Orthon looked at Larry intrigued.
- And I corrected with loved, he replied, feeling a little annoyed by the fact that Orthon raised the very point Larry he shouldn't have raised.
- I need you to be honest with me, Mr Paul.
- I am.
- I don't believe this. I'm not even sure you're honest with yourself. You won't leave this office until you told me the truth.
- With all due respect sir, this is none of your business.
- If I'm going to hire someone, as I said before, I need to know them first.
- What do you want me to tell you ? That I'm still totally in love with that woman, that I wanted to marry her and didn't't propose because I was too damn stupid ? Is that what you want to hear ? Well, there !
Larry was so furious it took him a moment to realize who he was talking to, and what he had just admitted.
- Yes, that's what I wanted to hear. This sounds more like the truth.
- I'm sorry sir, I shouldn't have yelled at you.
- I don't care if you yell at me son, yell as much as you need to yell, as long as you bring money in, you can yell.

Larry, still shocked by what he said out loud for the first time since he left Ally, didn't't hear Mr Orthon's last sentence.

- Do you want me to leave you alone with your thoughts ? or do you want to see your office right now and be alone with them in there ? Orthon asked, a smile on his face.

Larry was taken out of his thoughts when he heard the words "your office".

- What ? My office ? Do you mean you're actually hiring me ?
- Isn't that the purpose of this meeting ?
- Why, yes, but.. anyway, thank you Mr. Orthon, thank you so much. You won't regret this.
- I'm sure I won't. And don't forget. Yell as mush as you need to. But for now, I'm sure you'd like to be alone to sort some things out, am I right ?
- Uh, yes, I obviously can't hide anything from you.
- I have the ability to read people, you'll get used to it.

They went out of Mr. Orthon's office to the first door on the left, Orthon opened it and entered.

- Will this be okay for you ?

The room was impressive, two of the four walls were nothing but a huge picture window, the light of the sun was filling the room and giving it a real warmth. A huge desk, three chairs, two cupboards, and a sofa furnished the office. It looked very comfortable.

- Okay ? Are you kidding ? This is perfect.
- Well, I'll let you settle then. Oh, and by the way, call me Milton please.
- Thanks again, Mr. Or... sorry, Milton.

Milton went out the office, and Larry sat behind his desk, put the Morrison's case files on it and enjoyed the comfort of his new office for a little while. It was 11.15, he thought he would stop at his apartment to take all his law books and files on his way out to have lunch, come back in the office, finish to settle and go to the court of law.

The song Chances are belongs to its writer.

The song Maryland belongs to its writer. The words underlined symbolize the changes I've made for the song to fit the story.