Chapter 7: The Other Guy – Joss' POV, Part 3

A/N: During an elegant luncheon, Joss receives an intriguing offer and discovers that she and Steven have a mutual acquaintance.

The usual disclaimers: nothing you recognize belongs to me.

April

There. Joss paused at the entrance to the park. Clouds had obscured the afternoon sun and the temperature was rapidly dropping. She was shivering, but she knew it wasn't with the cold. For a moment, she thought about turning back, but she squared her shoulders, smoothed her hair and walked into the park, her bare feet silent on the hard packed earth.

March

Matthew Shetler's midnight epiphany occurred when he had a heart attack while sweating over a 19 year old pop tart on a houseboat in Seattle. With three ex-wives, ten children and so many grandchildren that he was once famously quoted during a 60 Minutes Interview that he didn't know the names of his grandchildren, but he could tell to the penny the opening and closing stock prices of his competitors, the founder and head of global conglomerate Shetler Pharmaceuticals realized as he was being wheeled away, that perhaps there was more to life than making money, crushing his enemies and chasing women.

His trip to the hospital, endless rounds of interviews of his teenaged 'friend' and whispers of a divorce from wife number four - Matthew Shetler was an early Easter basket to the 24 hour news cycle.

He wasn't worried about the dispensation of his wealth to his heirs – he was a billionaire and there was plenty to go around. What he was worried about now was his legacy and he wanted the talents of Steven Piascik to craft that legacy for him – trusts, foundations, endowments, stadiums. Like a jealous lover, he wanted all of Steven's attention, begrudging even the time that the lawyer spent with his daughter, whom the billionaire flew out on his private jet to Seattle on the weekends that Steven had custody. Throw in a week that Joss spent with Fusco in Atlanta, following up on a previously closed case and March and the first half of April was spent as a series of phone calls and texts between Joss and Steven.

When Steven tried to apologize, Joss told him not to – she thought with the ghost of a smile that she was used to late night phone calls from men.

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April

Cursing herself for going into the precinct that morning, Joss rushed into her apartment to shower and change. Steven was taking her to a luncheon at the former public library next to the park. She hadn't seen him since that night at his apartment and readily agreed when he suggested that he come to her place and they walk the few blocks to the event. The temperature was at least twenty degrees higher than normal for this time of year and Joss relished the opportunity to spend some time outdoors in the sunshine.

As Joss got out of the shower, she could hear Taylor welcoming Steven into the apartment – her son had plans with Reese that day, but Reese had been delayed, Joss knew, completing some cleanup work on the latest number. Joss listened to the soft murmur of their conversation as she got ready, pausing for a moment when she heard John's voice.

Over time, Joss' relationship with Reese had settled back into the usual barbs and flirty innuendos, the events of February seemingly forgotten. Suddenly putting away the pale blue dress she had selected that morning, she pulled a dark red dress out the closet. Finishing her preparations, Joss walked into the living room, giving Steven a hug, "Sorry I'm late – hey, John."

Her living room seemed to have shrunk in size – John and Steven were each powerful in their own way and she sensed that they had been quietly assessing each other, their masculinity filling the space. Appearance wise, they couldn't be more different, Steven's sturdy frame and bright, wavy hair contrasted sharply with John's leanness and short raven locks. Both were dressed in beautifully tailored suits - Steven's tie was perfect, his jacket buttoned up, while John's open collar and jacket hinted at his sleek physicality.

When Steven greeted her and kissed her, she could see John's eyes narrow just slightly, then his face settled back into that smooth, detached mask she was so familiar with. Giving her son and Reese her usual admonition and Taylor a quick kiss, Joss left the apartment with Steven.

As they walked down the stairs, Steven remarked, "Your son and Mr. Reese seem to get on well together."

Joss laughed, "Judging by the way they insult each other, yeah." As they stepped out onto the sidewalk, Steven put his arms around her, "I missed you, Jocelyn," he whispered, kissing her deeply.

"It's nice to have you back," Joss said, touching his cheek. As they headed towards the event, Steven explained that the luncheon was the kickoff for a two day symposium on critical thinking. Several speakers would present different scenarios during the meal – the attendees would break off into small groups, responding to each scenario in turn for the rest of the day and evening, then on Sunday they would meet and review their conclusions. One goal was for the attendees to improve their ability to quickly assess a situation, but Steven noted wryly, the fact that this luncheon was going to last long into the afternoon didn't bode well for the symposium.

Joss quirked an eyebrow, smiling "Leave it to lawyers to take a two hour event and turn it into four."

Steven laughed. "Just remember, I know that you used to be one of us, Jocelyn."

As they approached the event site, Joss' experienced eye noted the subtle signs that a dignitary was expected – extra surveillance cameras, construction signs that conveniently blocked off a cross street and banners along the steps directing entrants to a central door. Her first watch commander had referred to it as a 'scarf and scram', where a politician would swoop down to an event for a few minutes, scarfing down a few bites of food, but really looking for publicity, money and ultimately votes. She whispered, "Who's the biggie?"

"My lips are sealed, Jocelyn," Steven said, his hand at the small of her back, guiding her up the steps.

The cavernous old public library had become a labor of love for a rap artist now turned media mogul. Working with the city and local entrepreneurs, the space now contained stores, restaurants, a boutique hotel, and now a small convention center, where the luncheon was being held. Sunlight streamed into the former East Reading Room, its three story-high windows overlooking the park where a kaleidoscope of spring flowers bloomed. The spiral staircases and walkways that used to lead patrons to the upper bookshelves had been restored and the reading alcoves had been turned into small meeting rooms. Wait staff were putting the finishing touches on elegantly appointed tables and a quartet played mellow jazz.

Steven touched her arm, "I need to step away for a moment," he said, nodding to a frantically beckoning staffer.

"No problem," Joss smiled. She made a circuit of the room, admiring the restoration. Taylor had a budding interest in architecture and she made a note to bring him over to the site. As she was about to mount one of the spiral staircases, she heard her name called.

Michelle Hayward moved towards her, a wide smile on her face. Tall and slender, her short blonde cap of curls highlighted her high cheekbones and swan-like neck. She was the kind of woman who expected all eyes to be upon her, and they were – men's eyes widened as she went by, and women's eyes narrowed.

Suddenly frowning, Michelle said in a stage whisper, "Oh, I'm sorry – are you on duty…I heard that the Mayor may make an appearance."

Joss smiled politely. The only thing she had in common with Michelle was they had worked at the same law firm and they had a mutual friend in Candace Braithwaite, another former colleague. "Nope, just here for the free food."

"Well, it's nice that the city can afford to expose its employees to an event like this."

"Actually, I was invited by a friend."

"Really? Anyone I know?"

"Hello, Michelle." Steven walked over to Joss, his hand briefly touching her sleeve. A look passed between Steven and Michelle, and Joss knew that they had been involved, it had been recent and judging by the slight flush on Michelle's cheeks, she had not ended the relationship.

"Steven…I'm surprised to see you here…I heard you were spending a lot of time in Seattle." Michelle's eyes flickered over Steven and then cast a long appraising look at Joss.

"My firm is one of the sponsors. It's nice to see you, Michelle." Turning to Joss, he said, "We should sit down."

They both nodded to Michelle and as they walked away, Steven said in a low voice, "We dat-," he grimaced, "- I slept with her, last year. It was a mistake."

"You don't owe me an explanation, Steven."

He stopped walking, facing her. "No, but I want you to understand…she did me a favor. After I told her that we wouldn't be seeing each other anymore, I sat down and made a list of qualities I wanted in a person. Six weeks later, you walked into my life."

Joss opened her mouth to speak, when a commotion at the entrance caught their attention. The Mayor swept in, accompanied by one of the new bright lights on the political spectrum, a Super Bowl MVP rumored to be seeking a US Senate seat. Moving with grace and determination, his voice ringing across the room, the former athlete took command, directing everyone to their seats and then presenting a fascinating scenario. The symposium was underway.

True to the scarf and scram theory, the Mayor and the future Senator left after twenty minutes and while the following speakers had a tough act to the follow, the scenarios were challenging, each one catching Joss' attention as the luncheon progressed. Their luncheon companions were engaging, especially Russell Jones, a hawk-faced, white haired man, whose comments between speakers were insightful, if sharp-edged. Joss challenged him on several of his statements and during the long break between the main courses and dessert, Jones fired several questions at her. After several minutes of a spirited debate, Joss realized that Jones' questions had a definite goal and direction – he was assessing her.

She held up her hand before Jones could ask his next question. "Why do I feel like I'm being interviewed, Mr. Jones?"

Jones' eyes bored into hers. "Because you are, – and you're passing with flying colors." He outlined a position on his corporate security team and Joss tried not to react to the salary mentioned. "I don't like to fool around with long drawn out processes, Ms. Carter – if you're interested call me. I'll introduce you to the team and we can talk specifics." Almost on cue, a chime called everyone back to the tables and dessert was served. Steven took his seat across from hers, and while his eyes met Joss', his expression was calm and unreadable.

After lunch, there was an hour break before the group sessions started. Joss held her tongue until she and Steven were well out of sight of the library. "Don't ever do that again, Steven."

"Jocelyn, Russell Jones chose to speak to you on his own."

Her heels were pounding the pavement so hard, she thought they'd shatter. "And you had nothing with the seating arrangements? Does he have a list of my credentials? Does he know we've been seeing each other?"

"The only thing I did was facilitate your being at that table. There were three other people sitting with us, Jocelyn, that he could have approached –their credentials were clearly listed on the attendee list and you can bet that they were well aware that Jones has been looking for additions to his team. All Jones knew was that you were a late addition to the luncheon. He's not a friend of mine and if you recall, you and I didn't sit next to each other."

"You tried to manipulate me, Steven."

"I thought –"

"Steven, I'm sure you can come up with a dozen reasons why you did what you did." They were standing in front of her apartment building. "You were wrong."

Steven studied her for a long moment, and then he nodded, similar to the first night they met. "You would think that after spending six weeks at the beck and call of a megalomaniac, I'd know better." He raised his hand as if he was going to touch her, then pulled it back. "I apologize, Jocelyn."

Joss was silent as they entered her apartment. She sat down on the couch, indicating that Steven sit down next to her. Taking a deep breath, she looked him straight in the eye. "I'm not interested, Steven. I told you, I like being a cop."

Steven had that challenging gleam in his eyes again. "Are you going to tell me that Jones' offer wasn't intriguing? I'm sure the salary was a lot more than what you're making now."

Joss looked down on the coffee table, gathering her thoughts – Jones had mentioned a salary almost 50% more than what she was making now, but she knew the job wasn't for her – sitting in an office all day would make her crazy. "I make my own decisions, Steven, and it's not always about money. If it was, you'd be sitting on a beach somewhere, sucking down frozen daiquiris."

She picked up a flyer from Taylor's favorite pizza place, smiling softly at the scrawl, 'Mom, pizza 4 3 2nite!' Tilting her head, she challenged him back, "You knew I was a cop when we met. Why did you ask me out?"

"You're beautiful and the way you moved as you walked through the store -," he shook his head, smiling, "– the fact that you were a cop meant you were strong, a hard worker and that you didn't put up with any crap - " he laughed suddenly, ruefully, " - today proves it."

Pulling the flyer out of her hands, Steven took both of them in his. "I've had the pretty little girls, Jocelyn, I was married to one. I want a strong beautiful woman. I want you." He kissed her, whispering, "Come away with me next weekend. No late night phone calls, no crazy billionaires - just us," he put his arms around her, kissing her throat. "I want to wake up with you, Jocelyn."

Joss sighed. It had been a long time since she'd woken up in a man's arms. If she went away with Steven, away from everything and everyone…kissing him, she murmured, "I'd have to make a few arrangements."

Steven's fingers traced the neckline of her dress, his voice thick with desire. "Understood. Call me when you know." Clearing his throat, he stood up, pulling her to her feet. "I need to get back."

As Joss walked him to the door, Steven suddenly said, "You know, you look incredible in red. You should wear it more often."

Joss laughed. "Come on, you've seen me in red before."

"No – pale yellow, light blue, gray. You always look great, but this color…wow." Smiling, he touched her sleeve and left.

Minutes later, Taylor bounded into the apartment, "Hey, Mom."

"Hey, yourself. How was your afternoon?"

"Physical – 'kay that we have pizza tonight?"

"Hmmmm…yeah, sure… John isn't with you?"

Taylor walked into the kitchen, "Nope, he had something to do. I'm going to call now – starving."

"Okay," Joss smoothed the sleeve on her dress, "I'm going to change."

A/N: A few years ago, my former boss invited me to lunch at his new place of employment. It wasn't until I got there that he revealed lunch was with him and his VP – a month later I had a new job.

Next: John takes Taylor's suggestion (from way back in chapter 3) and pays Joss a visit while she is alone at her apartment.