So while Connie tries to juggle her personal and professional life, I thought it would be nice to check in to see what was happening with Mike Cutter! Please review to let me know what you think!

Chapter 3

That same night in another state, EADA Mike Cutter stood in front of the mirror of his room at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge Hotel in Boston. He was adjusting his tie for the faculty soiree tonight.

Damn, I hate these mandatory social functions, he thought. Now he knows how Jack felt when he said politics gets in the way of doing his job. Speaking of his job, Mike would give anything to be in New York trying another case instead of pushing a legal political agenda. But it's all part of the game.

He glanced over at the credenza where he had placed his cell phone. He had already spoken to Jack that morning and was told everything at the DA's office was running smoothly. He didn't specifically ask about Connie's case, although he wanted to. Maybe he should give her a call to see how the case was going. Yeah, the case. It's the case he's interested in. Mike gave a "humph" to himself. Who was he kidding? He just wanted to speak with her. He looked at his watch. Past seven. Maybe she was out. Maybe on a date. No! Not a date! Maybe an early night run to Baskin-Robbins for the chunky-monkey ice cream. He liked that idea better. But he really didn't know. They never talked about such things.

Being such late office hours, it would be awkward if he called her about work. After all, she made it clear that they are only colleagues.

But, he reasoned, there's always a first time for NOT talking about work. Maybe she might even consider him a friend. A good friend. Someone who could call her anytime. Mike thought of ways he might be able to casually call her without making it seem awkward. How would he casually greet her if he called her? He cleared his throat.

"Hi-ya, Connie," he practiced with a smile, looking at himself in the mirror. He rolled his eyes. Hi-ya? Really? That's the best he could do? Who was he… Mr. Nerd Reject from Geek University?

Try again, Cutter. This time he tried not to sound so perky, He lowered his voice. "Good Evening, Connie." Damn and double damn! Am I talking to Connie or the Queen of England?

Mike adjusted his tie and went downstairs to grab a taxi.

The Hotel Commonwealth stood elegantly above Kenmore Square in Boston. The gathering was already underway in one of the ornately rented rooms. Lawyers, faculty alumni and University faculty members with their spouses sat or wandered around the room as waiters refilled wine glasses or offered delectable appetizers.

Here we go, thought Mike as he straightened his suit collar.

"Mike! Mike Cutter! What a surprise seeing you here!"

Mike smiled as an attractive, older woman approached him. Defense lawyer Estelle Adams greeted him warmly. Of all the defense lawyers in New York, Mike admired and liked her the best. Besides being a smart and fair lawyer, she was a true friend, despite they're being on opposing sides in court. Recently they had worked in tandem as prosecutor and defense lawyers to prove Judge Malcolm Reynolds of being incompetent in performing his duties as a judge due to his dementia.

Estelle placed her arm through Mike's as she escorted him around the room.

"Finally, someone I can have a decent conversation with," Estelle said in a low voice, "I heard you were in town to head a seminar. I'm here as an alumni member. The things we have to do to keep our careers active!"

"You look great, Estelle," Mike said as he patted her arm reassuringly, "Where's Warren?" Warren was Estelle's husband.

"He's here somewhere," she answered, waving about the room, "—and what about you? Bring someone to share this exquisite experience of boring small talk?"

"No, didn't want someone thinking less of me."

Estelle tilted her head as she looked at Mike, "Still no one special? No one's got her hooks in you yet, Mike?"

"I didn't realize, Estelle, that birds were chasing after me," Mike replied dryly.

"Mike, Mike," Estelle shook her head, smiling "…if I was only 15 years younger…"

"…we'd be known as the Bickersons," Mike joked.

"Only if we were on opposite sides of a courtroom," Estelle said ,"which we are definitely not tonight. She lifted an appetizer as a server past by, "Mmm…these stuffed mushrooms are wonderful… In all seriousness, Mike, I think I could introduce you to some very charming, eligible women, some may even be here tonight."

Mike shook his head. "Estelle, you know how crazy it gets in the DA's office. There isn't time for any type of social life."

Estelle took another bite, "Well, so you say, but all work and no play makes a very grumpy lawyer." She paused before adding, "Wait…what about your assistant; what was her name? Miss Rubirosa, isn't it? I've heard some really impressive things about the work she's doing in the DA's office. She's attractive and brilliant, too. You two would make quite a stunning pair."

Mike tried to hide the wistfulness in his voice, "…if only…."

The next day Mike stood on the podium at the lecture hall at Boston University in the College of Arts and Science building. The room was huge and the 300 seats it could accommodate were filled to capacity.

"…so in summary," Mike ended, " the law of unintended consequences is an idiomatic warning that an intervention in a complex system always creates unanticipated and often undesirable results—or to put it in terms that even I can understand—it is simply "Murphy's Law', lawyer-style". A few smatterings of laughter could be heard throughout.

The Dean of Boston University School of Law stood up to shake Mike's hand as a standing ovation filled the room. Mike gestured a humble thanks. As the Dean thanked Mike, he also stated that they will break for now and panels will begin in the afternoon.

Later that day Mike met up with Dean Louis Lateef in his office. The Dean was an older white haired gentleman with a prominent chin.

"Mr. Cutter," said Dean Lateef began, "I must say I have been most impress with your lecture these last two days. Your presentation totally engaged the audience of future law students."

"I thank you, Dean Lateef," said Mike, "it has been an honor to lecture at such a prestigious University."

"Yes, Boston University law school has an outstanding academic reputation. I believe we are unmatched in intelligence, energy and success."

"Well stated," Mike agreed.

"However, that is not why I have asked you here, Mr. Cutter."

"Oh?"

Dean Lateef got up to sit on the corner of his large oak desk to be closer to Mike.

"I'd like to make you an offer, Mr. Cutter," Dean Lateef put his hand up in case Mike wanted to protest prematurely, "Now hear me out. Our law school could use a new, vibrant Law Professor such as yourself. Your reputation alone will bring prestige to this univerisity. So I'd like to offer you a position as a Law Professor at Boston University Law School."

"Dean Lateef, I am quite flattered that you would even consider me," Mike surprised and not sure how to respond "but I have to say, I am quite content as a New York Prosecutor."

"I see," noted the Dean. He got up and went and sat behind the oak desk again. "I was hoping you would come on board because of what we could offer you and what you could give to us. But I see that is not enough to convince you. I didn't want to have to strong- arm you but if that is what it takes, I will do it. I was made aware that in pursuit of attaining your law degree, certain standards were not met in receiving your BA degree. Of course, it was due to certain mishaps that were maybe beyond your control, but nevertheless you never received one. If you can pledge to become part of our faculty for two years, I can make the reprimand by the bar overseers, the entry in the law journal, well, everything…they can all go away…"

As Mike Cutter listened to Dean Lateef, he only had one thought. Connie.