Blackout

by thegoodmarble

Diane Lockhart and the rest of the cast as well as a slew of original characters.

10. Chapter 10: Give a Little More

Blackout
by: raileht

Summary: It was over. The fight in her was almost completely out and she was nearing total exhaustion. She was about to die.
Disclaimer: The ones you don't know are mine, the ones you do aren't.
Rating: T, to be safeSpoilers/Timeline: post-finale but I've omitted some facts and scenes to better fit the story and you'll figure out which ones I hadn't included along the way. But if you have questions, just ask.

Warning: Bad words and a lot of violence right from the start. Will be a somewhat dark story so people will be in pain—physical and emotional. Maybe not for the faint hearted.
Warning#2: The more I write each chapter, the clearer it becomes just who the guy for Diane in this story may be. Unintentional, I swear…it just happened. I hope you people reading this are pleased with this…realization of sorts.

Chapter Title taken from:
Maroon 5, Give a Little More

-o0oo0oo0o-

Chapter Ten: Give a Little More

Kurt McVeigh was sure he was going to get shot that day.

Then again, he was pretty sure he hadn't done anything wrong, except move a few floors down from where he'd been instructed to stay. Besides, he was a grown man with a mind of his own, it was his right to choose where or where not to wait. De Luca was going to bitch about things, but he'd just have to get over it. Kurt wanted to get out.

It was bad enough he'd been caught reading a woman's magazine by the last person he'd ever thought to share chat with—he hadn't even known he existed—Kurt wasn't going to wait around for something worst to take place. And that was why he'd gotten out the moment he noticed Diane's brother had been denied access to his sister's room. He knew De Luca wouldn't do a thing like that, but he could definitely imagine Diane doing it so, as quietly as he could, Kurt left.

He'd taken the stairs, in a sudden fit of paranoia to avoid bumping into anyone. Granted, he didn't really know anyone in the city other than people in the business, Kurt preferred to make his way down alone. He liked being alone, it gave him time to think and boy, he needed to do a lot of thinking. Plus, the exercise wouldn't hurt. People who didn't like stairs, in his mind, probably had more chances of dying faster, earlier.

So, here he was, standing outside the hospital, under the sun. It wasn't too hot that people would scurry for the shadows and was, as a matter of fact, a rather pleasant day to be outside. There was a slight breeze in the air, enough to not make one perspire. With his hands in his pockets and breathing in and out, Kurt found that the air outside was already slowly helping clear his mind.

He would have preferred to be back in his farm, breathing in the cleaner air, but who was he kidding? He couldn't go back, even if he tried. Kurt wouldn't admit it to anyone—especially not to a certain suddenly nosy detective—but even if he did manage to get back to his place, he'd be driving back to the city before the day was even done.

Now, with that truth silently admitted though not entirely accepted, the lone cowboy wondered what to do. De Luca was still with Diane, a given since he hadn't heard a bellow or a sliding of a gun safety. He couldn't wait out of her room with her brother and Will Gardner just around the corner. Pathetic as it was, he really just wanted to be alone. It wasn't that he disliked the other men, it was more on the grounds that he needed to think.

Even if he wanted to, Kurt couldn't just walk into Diane's room as if nothing happened. They hadn't remained in contact for a reason and though he wasn't sure where exactly their relationship—if one could even call it that—stood, he was sure he wanted be with her. He didn't need to talk not because he had nothing to say, but rather because, knowing the two of them, it would only lead to some sort of argument. They were both headstrong, opinionated and clearly in opposing sides of a lot of things—not the best combination for a conventional relationship.

Plus, the fact that their last encounter hadn't gone so well, he was sure she had some things to say too. Diane wasn't cruel, at least not intentionally so, but he could still imagine getting kicked out of her room and he wouldn't blame her. He was pretty sure dropping off the face of the earth was not something she took lightly. He had let work affect what they were only starting to build and he knew that made everything else look less promising. They'd started out great, flirting, laughing and drinking, but since the last case they were both involved in, everything had gone straight downhill.

Then again, a part of him wondered maybe that was a sign. Clearly, politics wasn't the only area in their lives where they could strongly disagree. Work itself was a potential minefield.

Kurt walked away from cases if the client was guilty, whereas Diane's job was to stay even if her client was guilty. Of course, it didn't mean she was a bad person, but still, people didn't make jokes about lawyers for nothing. He couldn't see the future, but he was sure, at some point, should he and Diane manage to get past the things between them now, she was bound to get clients he would greatly disapprove of. Then what?

Nobody wanted a relationship that could extend both at work and at home. The pitfalls were enough in one area, to mix both was practically a death sentence to a relationship, especially to one as conflicted and shaky as theirs.

Still, in the short time they'd spent together, she'd managed to separate work, politics and her personal life when dealing with whatever they had. That gave him a small hope that maybe if managed to work things out, their relationship might have a chance.

Then again, he couldn't help but fear that if she did give him a chance to say his piece, she might end up thinking he was only saying those things because of what happened to her. It wasn't true, not really. He'd been meaning to call, but somehow, something always held him back.

She intimidated him, plain and simple, but that was also one reason why he wanted to comeback to her. Kurt liked the challenge, liked the fact that she wouldn't back down from him just because and, as long as he was being honest, he actually enjoyed their verbal sparring. It was fun rousing her passion for her beliefs because every time she started fighting for something, no matter how small or insignificant the topic, she fought with everything.

Diane, to him, was beautiful even when angry and, in fact, became more attractive in those moments. It was quite alluring when she let go like that. He hadn't told her and realized that, maybe he should have.

There were a lot of things Kurt should have said to Diane.

Kurt wouldn't even try denying hearing that dreadful news from the television that she was gone hadn't given him one hell of a wake up call because it did. He would be lying if he said it didn't. It was only then when he realized he didn't like waking up to a world without her even if they weren't together or speaking at all.

Damn, he thought, shaking his head slightly. She'd made him go soft. What a sad case he was turning into. Yes, every man's fall was a woman, he could attest greatly to that.

Catching sight of a bench on the grassy front of the hospital, Kurt found himself gravitating towards it.

It really was a lovely day.

-o0o-

"Are you seeing anyone at the moment, Miss Lockhart?"

Diane stopped, looking away slightly as she mulled over the question. She'd been about to say yes, but out of the blue, her mind had gone to Kurt. She hadn't seen him in a while and though they hadn't truly put a name on the status of their relationship, Diane could admit to herself that it still meant something to her. He'd been the first man she'd truly let herself begin to somewhat connect with in a long time, not counting her last encounter with Malcolm Overby—a mistake she preferred not to discuss or even think about.

Still, as she considered how Kurt might feel about her, she didn't dare think he would still be willing to continue something with her. Diane knew what she'd done had been shameless and underhanded, something a lawyer would do, but certainly not a woman who cared for a man would, right? The job and her personal life were two things, but with Kurt—a man she still could not believe she was seriously attracted to—the lines had really been blurred when they'd last seen each other.

Of course, she was big enough a person to admit that had happened mostly through her own machinations and she wouldn't blame the man if he never forgave her. She'd seen an opportunity and taken it, that was the lawyer part of her, something she could not suppress and she wasn't sorry, at least, not really. The fact that she'd lost someone she could almost begin to accept to care about in the process was something she was sorry for though.

Diane was sure the man wouldn't care to see her again after what she did so she looked at the detective and said a firm, "No."

"Broke up with anyone recently?"

"Anyone who would do this to me?" Diane quirked an eyebrow, "No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I don't pick men out of the gutter, detective."

De Luca nodded, "Of course…I'm sorry I'm taking up so much of your time, I know you need your rest. We can stop for now and—"

Diane managed to shake her head, "To be honest, detective, I'd love nothing more to get out of here. I think I've rested enough." She shrugged, "I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed past nine in the morning."

De Luca nodded, "I understand. Lawyer's life and all."

"Mhm," she nodded. "Is there anything else?"

"Unfortunately," De Luca nodded, sitting on the edge of the seat where she'd delegated him. "Prior to finding Mark Jackson, our investigators searched your home, for evidence."

Diane nodded, "I imagine you found…some."

"Yes," he nodded, "But there were also other things we found."

"Like?"

"Letters," he answered, steeling himself for an outburst. "We found a stack of letters in your home office. I think you know which ones I'm talking about."

Diane swallowed slightly, "I see."

"Now, we know we have Jackson and we can tie him to the attack, but honestly, I can't tie him to the letters," De Luca admitted, "I can see a thug like him dealing, but I can't see him writing letters like that. They were too educated for a guy who didn't even finish high school."

"They're not from him," she said. "I don't even know who he is."

"Who? The one who wrote the letters or Jackson?"

"Both."

"You don't know who has been writing you letters, Miss Lockhart?"

"No," she admitted. "If I did, don't you think I would have done something about it?"

"Of course, I'm sorry, please, go on."

"The one who wrote those letters…" she continued, closing her eyes briefly. "He seems to think he knows me. They started coming a few months ago, delivered to my house. I'm never there when it comes, but when it does…it's always there, waiting for me."

"You have no idea who would write those letters? Anyone at all? Someone with a grudge, former business associate or some you might have been acquainted with at one point?"

"I honestly don't know."

"You've had some lay-offs in your firm," De Luca began, "Was there anyone who reacted violently? Can you think of anyone?"

"If you worked for the same firm and devoted the best years of your life and got fired unexpectedly, wouldn't you react violently?" she raised an eyebrow. "We had to let a lot of people go, not all of them young and I don't have to tell you that ageism is poison to people in our profession."

"So, if I started a list—"

"On who might be angry with the firm?" she raised an eyebrow, "I'm afraid it's going to be quite a long list."

De Luca nodded before continuing, "We're also looking in on Jeffrey Spellman," he added and he saw her flinch slightly.

The fact alone that he saw her react told him she was wearing down. De Luca didn't like putting her through this, not so soon after everything, but it had to be done. He wanted to help her and this was the only way to go. "He was a client of yours, got sent away for a decade."

She nodded, "Yes. He was paroled…a few months ago."

"He threatened you, in open court after he was sentenced," De Luca said slowly. "He tried to grab you when the judge gave the final verdict. It took three bailiffs to get him down."

"Yes, I know," her eyes met his and he saw them hardening. In his very eyes, he could see her defenses coming up, fast. It was going to make his job harder, but he didn't mind. It meant she still had some fight in her. That was a good sign. "I was there."

"Yes, you were," he nodded. "Did he threaten you, after he got locked up?"

She nodded, "He sent letters…detailing what he'd do to me when he gets out."

"So—"

"But he didn't write those letters," Diane said, shaking her head slightly.

"How do you know?"

"Spellman's letters were crude and vicious, he wanted to strike the fear of god in me," she breathed in deeply, "The letters that started coming however…they were different."

"How?"

"The words…the way whoever sent it to me wrote them…" Diane paused, "It's just different."

"Has Spellman sent you any letters after he got out?"

"No," she shook her head, "The last time I saw him…it was when I testified against his release."

"He threatened you during his trial?"

"In his own subtle way," she nodded, "He was very angry with me and time hadn't diminished that feeling, unfortunately."

De Luca nodded, "And they let him out."

The corners of her lips turned up though there wasn't any sign of humor, "Yes, they did."

"Has Spellman contacted you since his release?"

"No, he hasn't," she shook her head.

"The letters, you never told anyone? Never reported it?"

She shook her head, "I was going to, but with everything happening in the firm, I'm afraid it kept slipping my mind."

"Someone is dropping threatening letters in your home and it slips your mind?" he gave her a look that showed just how ridiculous the whole thing sounded.

"I have priorities, detective," Diane said, steeling her voice. "The economy hasn't exactly been very kind to everyone—the last thing my firm needed was a bunch of uniforms knocking on doors, asking for information. I might as well close shop if I took that route."

"Miss Lockhart, not reporting the letters put your in a very vulnerable—"

"Spare me the lecture, detective," she cut him off. "Much as I respect your profession, what could you have done then? What, you'd have posted officers outside my home, put the area under surveillance, see who drops it off?" she said incredulously, "Then, of course, catch a hapless messenger, right? Some guy who was paid a few bucks to drop off a letter, an innocent. Then, as if that's not enough, send the community into a panic because they saw said messenger being tackled to the ground, cuffed and dragged away."

"It would have helped you."

"And put everything else in jeopardy," she reasoned, "It may not sound logical to you, detective, but I have a job to do, a responsibility not only to my clients, but my people as well. The whole debacle would bring in much unwanted attention to me and, in effect, my firm." She brushed her hair back from her face, "I know how it works, detective. I've been in this job long enough. The most my reporting would have done was have it on record and while that would have given your people more papers to file, it would have done little good for me."

"Then what was your original plan?" De Luca asked, "Catch the person yourself?"

"I don't think what I planned extends to the parameter of your investigation, detective," she said, her voice turning formal and cold.

"It doesn't, but I do want to help you, Miss Lockhart," he made sure not to be defensive. He was doing his job and it included not having someone he was investigating killed. "Someone attacked you, but prior to that you had at least two people threatening your life. That's a volatile situation and not something you just brush aside."

Diane bristled, "Detective, honestly, I—"

"People thought you were dead," the detective said, his voice growing a little harsh. "Now, that may not be much to you, Miss Lockhart, but believe me, with everything you have been so keenly hiding in hopes of dealing with them by yourself, you're not just putting yourself at risk. People around you could get hurt—friends, family and even people you work with."

De Luca stopped, letting the words sink in as she silently sat on the bed. He could see her mind working, see her absorb the weight of the words spoken so purposefully. He needed her to understand what she was facing and also needed her to see that no matter how tough she was, how much she preferred dealing with things by herself, this time it wouldn't do. She needed protection, needed to let important people know about her situation.

She was stubborn, very stubborn and she reminded him of someone specific. It was no surprise to him now how the two gravitated towards each other despite their glaring differences. But that was not a matter De Luca was willing to even acknowledge at the moment. He had come in for a statement, but it seemed he was walking into an altogether separate investigation.

"I read the letters, Miss Lockhart," he said, easing gently into her consciousness, knowing how she'd managed to get herself lost in her thoughts, "And I am telling you, this person, whoever it may be, is capable of hurting you. It may not have been Jackson, but that doesn't make it any better and, in fact, makes it worst. Do you realize how many people stand as a threat to you right now? For a woman, you have a lot of enemies, and honestly, that says a whole lot about you."

"That I don't play well with others?" she said, her tone sounding a little harsh.

"Yeah, among other things," De Luca nodded, "Look, I can't force you to file a formal complaint, you know your rights, but I am advising you, Miss Lockhart, to take what happened to you as a warning and start taking precautions. An alarm just won't cut it anymore, not even where you live because it happened there."

He shook his head, "If we prove this was Jackson and Jackson alone, then the case will be closed—the letters will be admitted into evidence, yes, but if they're not connected, then we're going to have to let it go. File a complaint, Miss Lockhart, before anything else happens. I won't promise anything, but I can promise that I will head up the investigation myself if that's what it'll take."

"Practicing beyond due diligence, detective," Diane managed to say, looking away from him. "Though I honestly don't see how this can go beyond your business."

"Just doing my job," he said. "Miss Lockhart, please, consider."

"Detective, I know you mean—"

"Spellman is in the wind," De Luca threw in, hoping this would at least get some sense into her. He remembered her reaction, or at least, the one she tried to hide, when he'd mentioned the name. The woman was tough and brave, but Jeffrey Spellman had managed to get under her skin. De Luca was more than interested about what exactly she'd gone through with the bastard, somehow, he knew she was more than just afraid of him.

"Wh-what?" she let out a slight gasp, her eyes widening slightly.

"When we were given the information that you had a history with Spellman, we checked him out," De Luca shook his head, "Nobody has seen him since yesterday morning."

"That-that's…impossible," Diane swallowed slightly. "It wasn't him, last-last night, it wasn't him…I'm sure of it."

"I know, but the fact that he disappeared on the same day you were attacked," De Luca began, "It raises a few questions. We're hoping to bring him in, see what he knows, check where he's been. Technically, he just violated his parole."

"I…" Diane breathed in, exhaling slowly.

A part of him had known Spellman was the quickest was to break through the woman but he had been reluctant to go that way. He'd saved it for last, just when he knew he was feeling desperate. She wasn't taking him seriously then, now she was going to have to. Whether or not Spellman had something to do with what happened, she was still in fear of him, maybe more so than she currently did the man who had put her in the hospital.

That man, Jackson, was dead and was therefore not a threat anymore, it should alleviate her fear of him, but Spellman was another story. He was an altogether different animal to her.

The bastard had done a number on the woman and it bothered De Luca not knowing just how the man did it when Diane Lockhart was practically untouchable. She was well-known for being a woman who seemed to have no weaknesses, having taken on all sorts of opponents no matter who, what or where. She was both famous and infamous in the law district, unflappable and with a stellar reputation and an impressive career. A real ball-breaker, De Luca remembered describing her at one point.

And yet, it only took one bastard of a drug dealer to change her, though she hid it well. Spellman had done a good job, immersing himself into her psyche, transforming himself into her Achilles heel. He was the weakness nobody knew about, the dark, ominous cloud in Diane's world.

"Miss Lockhart?" De Luca said, careful not to startle her. The woman looked almost lost for a moment, a part of him actually felt bad for doing this to her even though it had to be done.

She looked at him, her eyes appearing almost haunted for a moment. Diane did not know what to say. From all corners, it seemed her enemies were rising. She didn't know who she had fought, but somehow, in the horizon, the threat she had been expecting loomed yet had not come. But the fact that Spellman had somehow broken free of his newer, freer cage, it struck a chord of fear within her. She was afraid of him, she truly was. She'd been in his mind, witnessed just how cruel he could be, how sadistic he was.

He had stopped being human to her a long time ago, which could have also been a contribution to how his case had ended. Spellman was as close to evil as Diane had ever witnessed. He was a good actor, charming even, but behind those gray eyes had been an angry creature. He'd bludgeoned two people after a drug deal gone wrong, but managed to make it look like self-defense. He lost the case, but got the possibility of parole in the deal.

Diane had never, in her entire life, been more relieved when he'd been taken away, screaming about his injustice and promising there would be hell to pay.

And they had let him go, now, he was really gone, out of the police's reach. God only knew where he was, knew what was going on in his head. He had promised he would kill her, make her suffer. Diane was terrified, knowing how intent he was still on fulfilling those promises.

"Consider taking protection, Miss Lockhart," De Luca said, his voice rough yet almost comforting, certainly not a norm in his profession, but he could see how the latest news was affecting the woman. She was only human, he would have been more concerned if she managed to brush off this as well. "You can start by filing a complaint, think about it. I promise, I will help in any way I can."

She nodded mutely, though she wasn't entirely sure why.

"Say you'll think about it, Miss Lockhart."

Diane turned to face him, her eyes hooded. Nobody had ever given her a lecture like that since her father. She wasn't one to bow to authority easy, especially when she didn't have to. He'd been forceful with her, making her face facts she had long been pushing aside. She knew it should infuriate her, but even then, watching his dark eyes survey her, observing her, something inside her couldn't help but believe that somehow, this man wasn't just pretending to care.

If there was one thing she wasn't, it was gullible. She didn't fall for acts or theatrics easy and was pretty good at seeing through people, but as the detective's voice echoed in her head, much the same way her father's lectures did, she found a part of herself actually willing to trust the man that was, essentially, a stranger to her.

He knew about Spellman, maybe could even guess what a nightmare it had been handling his case. Diane was strangely comforted that someone like him knew. It was different, always different with people who only saw crime on the television. Police officers lived through it, every day of their lives and De Luca had been on the job long enough.

Seemingly beyond her control, Diane found herself nodding slowly, "I will."

And, to her surprise, she meant it.

-o0o-

"I'll see you soon. Thank you."

Will looked up, catching sight of Daniel as he made his way back to where they were sitting. He'd been left alone for the last few minutes, waiting for the detective to come out. He wasn't sure if he was speaking to Diane again, considering he'd been out of his office for the better part of the morning but he at least wanted to let her know he'd be back again when he could.

He was sure he'd left a lot of things hanging in the office, he was sure Kate had once again done a masterful job of moving things around and possibly placating some curious or irate clients. He made a note to do something nice for her soon, he owed her that for today.

"Well, at least that one's not going to be a problem anymore," Daniel said as he sat down in his previous seat. "I've ordered lunch and some things the nurses were sure Danni would be allowed to eat. Will you be joining us?"

"Uh, I'm not sure," Will replied, "I have things to take care of at the office. I'm sure they've been piling up since I left."

"Of course," Daniel nodded, "Are you leaving soon? Because I can tell Danni—"

"No," Will shook his head, "I can wait until they're done, just in case she has some things for me to do or cases to make note of." He shifted slightly in his seat, "So, what did you say won't be a problem anymore?"

It was interesting to the lawyer how it seemed so easy talking to his partner's brother, granted they'd really been acquainted that morning. Still, there was something about the man that made it easy to talk to him. Maybe it was because they could relate about a few things they had in common—Diane had kept Will in the dark, just as she had with her brother. It was ridiculous to find comfort in that, but Will did anyway. He was glad he wasn't the only one.

"Oh, I've arranged for my things to be brought to the house," Daniel explained. "I was speaking with our old caretaker, Gloria, poor old bird, she's tough but she just about lost her mind when she heard the news…thank god it didn't kill her."

"Gloria?" he wondered if he'd heard that name from Diane before. Probably not.

Daniel leaned back in his seat, "She used to take care of us when we were children. She was, quite literally, the only woman who did not run away screaming from us—not once."

Will grinned, "You used to terrorize nannies?"

That was an image he'd never quite imagined to put on Diane, but somehow, it was amusing enough to fit.

"Oh, yes," Daniel grinned, "We were quite good at it. One nanny used to call us the Satan's Twins…of course, she barely lasted a month, that one. Danni was especially fixated on her."

Will snorted as he laughed, "Why?"

"Don't really know," Daniel shrugged, "She just rubbed Danni the wrong way. She was quite nasty, trying to raise us like we were in the military, the crazy woman."

"And what about Gloria?" Will asked, curious that if a military-type nanny couldn't tackle down Diane and her twin, what else could? He'd always imagined Diane was raised in a strict household so a military-inspired nanny would have been the first idea in his mind.

Daniel smiled, a real one. "She was different, right from the beginning. She knew just how to handle us. Right off the bat she seemed to know something none of the other nannies could figure out—while we were twins, Danni and I were two separate beings. Gloria somehow knew to treat us like that so…we didn't mind having her around. She's family now, really. She watched us grow up and everything."

"Sounds like a great woman," Will said, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Yes, she is," Daniel nodded, "After mother…" he paused, swallowing slightly. "She died when we were ten and our father tried to make it work, but eventually realized he needed help so the parade of nannies came. It wasn't until Gloria that things began to feel…okay again."

Will remained quiet, wondering just how hard it must have been for the two children to lose a parent so young. He was thankful his parents were still alive, even if they were quite far, but it helped knowing they were there. He could only imagine how painful it was for them, especially for Diane, being a girl, to lose a mother.

"She wasn't mother, of course, and Gloria told us she never will be," Daniel continued, "She was honest and she cared so we took comfort in that…it was like finding something else to hold on to, after feeling like we'd lost everything. Even with father around, we still felt like orphans at times…" he shook his head, "But enough of that. If you come by the house, you'll meet Gloria. She's quite lovely and an excellent baker—keeps trying to fatten me up every time I come by!"

Will nodded, understanding the man's need to veer away from the topic. Diane never talked about their mother and, as far as Will knew, she never talked to anyone about her, not even with Stern. Most of the things they'd known about the family were the ones that were public knowledge, just the basic political background and very few personal information.

Of course, he could understand Diane not wanting to talk about her parents, her mother especially. Losing a parent was a wound he knew not even the great Diane Lockhart could just brush aside, something time would never truly heal. In some way, Will could imagine it was something that still brought her pain and he was sorry for that.

"Danni and I will be staying there while she recuperates so it'll be easier for her," Daniel added, "Having Gloria around will surely help—I think she'll be the only one who'll be able to order Danni around effectively."

"So, Gloria's been the one occupying the house?" Will asked. "Your family home here in the city…The Lockhart House?"

"That one," Daniel nodded, "But don't call it that…Danni hates it. She thinks it sounds ostentatious. We basically just call it 'the house' with a lowercase H so she doesn't feel too much like a schmuck."

Will blinked, "Why would…?"

"It's her personal pet-neurosis," Daniel waved his hand dismissively, "One of many, as you can imagine so my best advice would be not to question it and just…go with the flow. It's easier that way, trust me."

"Oh, right," Will nodded, "So…the house."

Daniel smiled, satisfied, "It was passed on to Danni, but of course, nobody except Gloria lives there although from time to time, Danni stays there when it's too late to go to the lake. Gloria keeps the place perfect just in case we need it at the last minute."

"Gloria stays alone in the house?" Will hadn't been to the house, but he'd seen it before. It was one of the oldest in Chicago and it was large. The beautiful Victorian brownstone was part of the city's history, having been built around the same time as the Nickerson House that was now known as the Richard H. Driehaus Museum in River North.

"Hm, yes," Daniel answered, "Danni keeps asking her to stay with her by the lake, but the stubborn old bird won't leave the house—it's home for her and we always suspected that somehow, she knows we'll be back someday so she keeps the home perfect…it's like an insane version of loyalty."

"That's interesting," Will smirked.

"Have you ever been to the house?"

"No," Will shook his head. "Diane likes having her parties by the lake."

"Not surprised," Daniel smirked, "The house is…well, it's like a time machine for us. Danni redecorated a few areas, but most of it looks the way it did when we were children. I imagine, basing on what you seem to not know about my dear sister, that it's a sort of private dwelling for her." He chuckled slightly, "Huh, my third wife was right…she is weird."

Will chose not to comment on the last added thought as he too was beginning to find some oddities in his partner. Sure, Diane had always been somewhat private, but the way Daniel was talking about his sister, Will could barely reconcile her from the woman he worked with practically every day of his life. If it didn't sound too stupid in his head, Will was almost willing to accuse her of living a double life—separating Diane Lockhart the lawyer and Danni Lockhart, sister, daughter and god knew what else.

He'd always known she liked keeping sides of her personality from the world, a sort of coping mechanism in such a tough business, but as he learned more—in only a day, at that—he was beginning to wonder what exactly he knew about the woman. She'd always been private, but as the day wore on he was drawing closer and closer into labeling her as a sort of enigma. It was almost disconcerting, this woman. Will wanted to ask, 'Who are you?'

"So, you talked Diane into staying at the house?" Will asked, "I mean, her house is a crime scene right now…"

"We'll discuss it later," Daniel answered, frowning. "But I don't see any other choice considering, er, the state of her home." He raked a hand through his hair, "She won't like it, but she'll see reason…hopefully."

"She loves her house," Will reminded, "She loves being by the lake."

"Yes, if anything, that's one more thing that son of a bitch—whoever he may be—will be paying for," Daniel growled slightly.

Will nodded, "I spoke with Kalinda."

"Ah, your Bond girl," Daniel wiggled his eyebrows, "Amazing woman."

Will ignored that comment as well, "She's been investigating the case…under the radar."

"Sounds thrilling," the older man grinned happily, "God, that woman…"

"—the police found a body this morning," Will continued as if he wasn't being interrupted. "It's an ongoing case and I know the perils of telling family, but this information seems safe…considering that the man they found is dead."

The grin faded from Daniel's face, "What man?"

"They think they have the man who attacked Diane," Will said, his face serious and his hands lacing together in front of him, "He's dead."

Daniel's face hardened, his hands curled into tight fists and his eyes grew dark, "Dead?"

Will nodded, "Yes."

Daniel gritted his teeth, "Lucky son of a bitch."

-o0o-

"…yes, I appreciate that. Thank you."

Alicia hung up, leaning back against her seat as she eyed the papers on her desk. She'd spent the last few minutes speaking with George Howard's assistant. Her new client, Erica Howard, was the daughter of one of the richest families of Chicago. Her father was a well known business tycoon who mainly known for buying out companies and remaking them, usually tearing them down and rebuilding them into a newer, better and more profitable venture.

Howard Industries had begun with hotels back in the nineties until they branched out into corporate takeovers. Their first venture had been the Tolliver Publishing House and they'd torn it down after buying, remade it, changed the name to The Script House and turned it into one of the biggest publishing houses it was today. From then, Howard Industries only continued to grow and George Howard had been the genius behind it all.

And that was how Alicia knew Diane's reason for taking the case. It wasn't hard to imagine, represent the daughter, get her the best possible deal and possibly impress the father. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the senior partner of Lockhart & Gardner had definitely found a way into bagging a big, big client and, in effect, save the firm.

Alicia didn't know exactly how Diane managed to get the daughter as a client, but she was willing to acknowledge that the plan was good. They already had a few batches of layoffs, getting Howard Industries' attention was definitely a good way to start regaining their loss after Stern's departure and avoid doing any more cuts. With the economy it was these days, everyone was desperate for something and the firm was desperate for a client like Howard.

With a renewed goal that definitely gave her a lot to look forward to, Alicia set to work. She was going to work round the clock to get Erica the best possible defense she could get—they were suing for police brutality and illegal arrest, after all so it wouldn't be too hard, but still, she needed to make sure everything would be done with excellent results. If this was going to take them one step closer to reviving the firm, then Alicia was willing to do everything she could do make sure it happened.

In the back of her mind, a voice taunted her once again that she was becoming a real lawyer. This case, it wasn't just the client anymore, now it was the money the client could bring. She ignored those thoughts, mainly because the more they taunted her, the more she was tempted to grab her things, leave and never come back. She liked doing her job, she liked doing a good job, but what Alicia did not like about the whole thing was the process of losing her humanity.

It made her feel terrible, feel like she was selling her soul to the devil. She was a good person, had been raised to be one but with the job, what it was doing to her, Alicia didn't want to be that person—it wasn't her. In her mind, she could hear the taunting, pulling at her, mocking her. How could she love doing something that was ultimately changing her? She was smart with a lot of potential and she could do anything, but Alicia liked being a lawyer and she was good at it. Also, despite the evil and the bad hours, the money was good and she had a family to keep up.

Shaking her head slightly, Alicia ignored the doubts and the second-third-tenth thoughts. She had a case to do and with everything that was possibly hanging on to it, she needed to focus. Who cares if her soul was turning black? She was a lawyer, basically, the moment you get your degree and your first job, you just turn black, especially if you work for the 'bad people'.

Either way, there was a no win in sight except keeping her family fed, comfortable and together and to Alicia, that was all that really mattered.

The rest was just baggage.

-o0o-

"Lucky?"

"Yes, because otherwise, he would have had me to deal with," Daniel snarled.

Will nodded, "You'd have killed him?"

"Kill? No," Daniel smirked, "Did I mention I have…friends overseas?"

"What…kind of friends?" Will asked, his curiosity getting the best of him. The look on the man's face was enough to tell him his friends were better off not knowing about, but Will was too interested to pass. They were siblings, but Will was starting to see the differences between Daniel and Diane, despite the glaring similarities they shared.

Diane already had trouble accepting a drug lord for a client, but the look on Daniel's face told Will he wouldn't have a problem with it if he was in the same position. The man, like Diane, was an enigma, thought an entirely different kind. Will decided it must have been some eerie genetic family trait.

"Friends who will do me favors," Daniel shrugged, "I can be very persuasive. Women in general call it charm, my ex-wives call it manipulation."

"Diane can be persuasive as well," Will nodded, "Must be a family trait."

"Yes, it must be," Daniel nodded, "Oh, if I had that bastard I could have had him castrated and sent back with a bow tied around him like a present in a day or two."

Will raised his eyebrows, "Really."

"I'm good at picking my friends," Daniel shrugged, "They offered before, but I turned it down. This would have been a great way to test loyalties."

"Sounds illegal," Will mused.

"Not in the country where the favor will be coming from," Daniel smiled devilishly. "I mean, it's practically a ritual of sorts down there."

Will blinked once, trying to gauge whether the man was serious or not. The twinkle in his eyes suggested he may be pulling his leg, but the set of his jaw and the overall dark look that appeared on his face said otherwise. He's been so caught up trying to figure out the man, he jumped when his phone began to vibrate in his pocket, "Uh," he looked at Daniel, "Work…I-excuse me."

Daniel smiled, "Sure."

He'd been amused watching the lawyer figure out whether he was some sort of hitman-hiring whackjob who happened to be related to his partner. It was fun playing with minds like Will Gardner's. He was the perfect blend of a man with a dark side who wanted to do good and yet was tempted to do bad if it would benefit him—a conflicted piece of human being, for sure and really quite fitting for some games Daniel liked to play.

Not that he did it for fun, he also liked studying human behavior. He just happened to learn a few ways to make it more fun. Yes, he liked Will very much. Diane had been so sure he wouldn't, but he did. Granted, she probably didn't expect him to like Will that way and would, most probably, be very displeased at what he was doing, but who cares? What his sister didn't know couldn't make her want to kill him. He was safe, for now.

Daniel smiled like a kid on Christmas.

Thankful for the interruption, Will stood up, answering his phone as he headed down the hall, passing Diane's door as he went. He nodded at the guards who had denied him access, choosing not to vent out his frustrations at being kept outside, knowing they weren't the ones to be blamed. They were doing their job, a job he had insisted someone do to keep Diane safe. He really hadn't count on being the one to be kept away from her, that's all.

"What's up?" he asked, leaning against the wall when he was far enough.

"I just got off the phone with Diane's new client, sort of," Alicia's voice came through. "A date has been set on the 15th next month."

"That's good," Will nodded, "Anything else?"

"Uh, yeah, the reason I called…" she paused, "Her client is Erica Howard."

"Yes, I know," Will replied, "I read the file…at least, a small part of it."

"Did you know she's Erica Howard as in Howard Industries?"

"What?"

"Her father is George Howard."

"…you're kidding," Will said, eyes wide as he glanced back at Diane's door, "You're saying Diane's activist client is the daughter of one of the richest men in Chicago and soon to be the rest of the country?"

"Yes, I am," Alicia answered. "You didn't know?"

"I-I didn't," Will said, running his hand through his hair. "Diane never…she never said a thing."

"Maybe she wanted to make sure she got the case before—"

"We argued about it last night," Will inserted, "I was reaming her down for taking the case, for-for putting things with Wentworth & Lennox in jeopardy. The size of Howard Industries has to be nine times bigger than them!"

"Will—"

"And she never said a thing."

"Maybe she—"

"I mean, I was right there!"

"Will, stop it."

"What?" Will rumbled, clenching one fist tightly while the other one held on to his phone tighter, "What, Alicia? She didn't say a thing. She just…let me yell

Alicia didn't say anything for a moment, "I know you're feeling guilty and this probably didn't help, but I merely called to let you know that, well, somehow, Diane has found some way to help the firm. I was updating you, Will, nothing more. I didn't call to add to your guilt."

"Well, whether intentional or not, it's there," Will mumbled, "God…I'm an ass."

"Yes, you are."

"Hey."

"Sometimes," she rolled her eyes. "Will, just…Diane did her job, that's it. You did yours—you thought one of the firm's biggest clients was being threatened, you reacted and she accepted and retaliated. Nothing else, okay? It's all just…a misunderstanding."

"You're feeding me the same lines as De Luca."

"No, I'm not," she disagreed, "I fed him lines and they were lines because it was my job and I couldn't let my boss go to jail. Right now, I'm just pointing out the truth to you. It was a misunderstanding, Will, a real one."

"Somehow, that's not making me feel better."

"Have you talked to Diane?"

"A bit," he slipped his hand in his pocket, feeling the hand he'd clenched tightly beginning to throb against the soft lining of his pants.

"Was she angry?" her voice turned soft, ready to provide solace if she had to.

"No, quite the opposite, actually," he sighed, "I apologized, but she rejected it. She said I had nothing to be sorry for."

"See?"

"No," Will shook his head, "It doesn't make it better, Alicia."

Alicia sighed deeply, "Well…you know what, Will? Right now, I don't think there's anything that will make this better."

"Yeah," Will paused, nodding slightly. "I have to go. Daniel was talking about having that dead guy castrated if he'd been picked up a live and we're waiting for De Luca to finish with Diane."

"You let Diane talk to Detective De Luca alone?" Alicia asked, surprised. Not that she didn't trust the detective as he'd been surprisingly pleasant at the station, but she had expected Will to be all over things, especially regarding things directly involved with Diane.

"No, she let herself talk to De Luca alone," he answered, "She barred us from her room."

"Oh," was all Alicia could say, then her mind reminded her of something that had caught her attention prior, "Wait. Did you say 'castrated'?"

"Mhm," Will glanced at Daniel who was, once again, on the phone. "Apparently, he knows people…from other countries who'll do him a favor."

"Sounds like a fun guy," Alicia said dryly. "This is Diane's brother, right?"

"Yeah," Will nodded, "He's quite a character."

Alicia chuckled, "Is he anything like Diane?"

"It varies," Will shrugged, "He's open to hiring a hitman thought."

Alicia paused, "…okay. He sounds interesting."

Will chuckled, "He kind of is and one thing is for sure though, he's definitely not as for the family cause as Diane is with gun control."

"I bet that makes one happy Thanksgiving," Alicia said wryly, "Okay, I'll update you later if I can manage to get in contact with Erica Howard or anyone from her family directly."

"Yeah. Good luck."

"You too. Don't pick a fight with Diane."

Will frowned, "Did you talk to Kalinda?"

It couldn't be a coincidence.

"Not recently, why?"

"She said the same thing," he pointed out, "She told you to say that, didn't she?"

"No," Alicia drawled out, sounding a little confused, "It's just…"

"Just what?"

"Something you do," Alicia finished, "You do that, Will, and it's not good. Especially not right now."

Will rolled his eyes slightly, "Alicia…"

"I'm serious. You pick fights when you're upset. You do it with Diane all the time."

He frowned, "Not all the time."

"Fine," she said. "Most of the time."

"Oh, come on," he rolled his eyes, unable to believe even this woman was telling him something that was totally ridiculous.

"Will, I'm sorry, it's true," she smiled, "But you make up for it…in your own way so you're fine."

"Gee, thanks."

"You're welcome, now, I have to go," she said, chuckling slightly. "I've got a case, I've updated you and…if you are going to talk to Diane about this, don't pick a fight. Okay, that's it."

"That's it?"

"Yeah. Later."

"Later," he deflated further. This was ridiculous and unfair yet she chuckled anyway, most likely she was laughing at him.

"Bye," she said then hung up, leaving Will leaning against the wall, wondering if the two women had been right. He hadn't noticed he was picking fights, but then, he remembered he tended to run into rooms ready for battle. He sighed, wondering if maybe they were right. Did he really pick fights? Him?

Will shook his head, wondering maybe it was time to listen. His approach with Diane hasn't really been working as of late, coming in storming and screaming at each other, while good for letting out some steam, only ended badly for them both. In the past, that approach may have worked, but they didn't have as much reasons to fight back then, unlike now.

Things were different and facing a financial problem of this magnitude was a first for them both and they would never dare admit it, but they were both afraid. They'd poured so much into their firm, sacrificed so many things and opportunities, they would have be out of their minds to let it all just slip away. They were going to fight—together. Yes, Will decided, the best way to get through things was to work together. They were partners, after all.

It was no secret they had different views on certain things, but they had one common goal and that was to keep the firm. Will was willing to do everything just to do that, starting with forming better ways on how to communicate with Diane. The less they fought with each other and focused more on their problems, the better. Yes, that was a good idea.

Facing a new side of himself, Will pushed himself off the wall, feeling a little proud. He was growing, or at least, maturing and he was willing to compromise and watch his temper more. He would help Diane through things, talk about the story behind Erica Howard and try very hard not to end up yelling at each other. Will smiled slightly, he was growing up—a little.

Now, all he had to do was show them.

-o0o-

Kurt looked up, just in time to catch a white van pulling up on the side of the hospital. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it was a news van, especially when that reporter from Channel 9 stepped out looking dolled up and ready to go. Shaking his head, he stood up. Whatever thoughts he may have been hoping to scare up, it was gone now. He couldn't do much at the moment but he could definitely warn the people upstairs about the latest development.

He'd worked enough times in Chicago to figure out that as soon as one came, the rest would follow. The media was relentless that way, the moment they smelled fresh game and the case with Diane definitely was. Now, the circus was officially beginning.

Making his way towards the entrance, he headed back up the stairs again, intent on giving himself a few more—well, not really. Since he was being honest, he might as well admit he needed just a few more moments to summon up the courage to maybe see Diane. A nagging part of him told him he was there already, he'd come far enough to leave without seeing her. Of course, he still hadn't counted out the possibility of her not wanting to see him, but he was willing to take a gamble.

Emerging from the door, Kurt stepped into the main area of Diane's floor. He looked around, catching sight of her brother as he sat in the waiting room, fiddling with his phone. Squaring his shoulders, Kurt strode forward, willing to wipe the memory of their first encounter out of his mind. Not that it was entirely possible, since the damned magazines were right there in front of the man.

He couldn't very well just walk without acknowledging the man could he? The man was Diane's brother and technically, if she didn't throw him out, he could and depending on what type of brother he was, well, Kurt wasn't sure about he reaction he was going to get if the man found out he slept with his sister.

Kurt stopped. God, how high school did that sound? He was definitely not feeling his best today, seeing as he'd managed to embarrass himself in front of himself, if that even made sense.

Shaking his head slightly, he nodded a polite and silent hello to a couple of nurses at their station as he passed by and made a beeline towards the hall leading to Diane's room. Since he had no idea how to address the man, he'd leave it up to him to notice him passing by. Either way, Kurt was going to walk and pretend he didn't see the tall man sitting in the waiting area.

He was pretty sure childish and stupid tactics worked, sometimes.

"Oh, hey, Kurt, right?"

Well, not all the time, but at least this showed the guy was friendly.

Kurt turned, "Oh, hey. Dan, right?"

"Daniel, yeah, but you can call me Dan," the man stood up, stretching his long legs as he stuffed his phone into his pocket. "My sister is still with the detective, seems like they have a lot to talk about. You can wait with me, if you want." He smiled, "I wouldn't mind getting some dirt on my sister to tease her with later."

"Oh, I don't think I'm the guy you wanna get that information from," he replied, waving a hand slightly dismissively though not in a rude way.

Daniel chuckled, "Very well."

"I need to, uh, speak to the detective," Kurt motioned to the door with his thumb.

"You know the detective?"

"Yes, uh, we came here together," Kurt answered.

Daniel nodded, "All right, but good luck trying to get in. Will tried to play his lawyer card, didn't even get through the guards."

Kurt glanced at Will who was down the hall. He wondered if he hadn't left that area since he left though didn't really know why he should care. The man was busy, that was for sure. "I'll just pass on the message, I'm sure that's allowed."

"Eh, good luck," Daniel shrugged.

"Thanks," Kurt muttered and headed towards the guards. He gave them the information, stressing that it was important seeing as it wouldn't take more than half and hour to have the front of the hospital surrounded by the media. The vultures were circling, De Luca needed to know that.

Nodding slightly, the uniform knocked on the door, waited and came face to face with the detective as he stood there with a questioning and disapproving look on his face.

"What?"

"Sir, Mr. McVeigh—"

"Where?" De Luca stepped out, catching sight of Kurt with a raised eyebrow.

"Media's here," Kurt tilted his head towards the front of the hospital, "Channel 9 just pulled up. The rest won't be far behind."

"Ah, damn," De Luca muttered, "We're almost done here."

"What do you want us to do about it, sir?" the police officer asked.

"I'll get someone at the station, those vultures need to be kept out," De Luca answered, "Last thing we need is a bunch of word-slingers cluttering the halls here. Keep them out."

Nodding slightly, Kurt went back to the waiting area taking the seat across Daniel who was smirking at him, "So, safe to say you have some…connections with the local law enforcement."

"We've worked together a few times," Kurt retorted.

"The humble man indeed," Daniel proclaimed, "So, Will told me you worked with my sister…how exactly do you know her? I mean, do know her outside of work?"

He didn't waste time, that was for sure, Kurt thought as he straightened slightly in his seat. Man, how high school was this? The only difference was he was facing the brother though he was sure that was due to the fact Diane's father had already passed.

"We talked a few times, when we finished a case," Kurt tried to act nonchalant, "She's an interesting woman."

Daniel raised an eyebrow, "Is she?"

"She is," Kurt nodded. "I mean, our beliefs clashed, but it made some interesting conversations."

"Clashed?" Daniel echoed then his eyes widened, "Oh." He grinned, "You're a Republican."

Kurt nodded, "Yes, I am."

Daniel began to laugh, "Oh, boy. I bet she got a kick out of you."

The other man cleared his throat, "Uh, I guess."

What was he supposed to say? That she got more than a kick? God, this was not going to end well, Kurt was so sure of it.

"Excellent!" Daniel clapped his hands slightly, "I bet it was like a cage match. I mean, god, my sister will do just about anything to spark some sort of debate with your people. Amazing. Tell me, did-did you come into the firm or were you hired?"

"Will hired me," Kurt shrugged, quite puzzled as to the clear amusement the other man was having. He seemed to enjoy imagining his sister locking horns with him.

"Perfect," Daniel chuckled. "Oh, now you really have to stay."

"Pardon me?"

"My sister…uh, she bounces back easily—very resilient, but," he waved a finger slightly, "If she had some sort of, I don't know, bait, for want of a better word, it'll drive her on faster. Oh, this is great, really. You must stay. I've just ordered some lunch from Lorenzo. My sister loves their food so, would you stay? Please?"

"Uh, thanks, but I think that should be up to Diane," Kurt mumbled, wondering if he was even comfortable with being used as bait to get Diane to recover faster. He sensed her brother must be something like an eccentric, willingly bringing in an antagonizing figure to spur his sister on to getting better faster. It was strange, though almost intriguing.

"Yes, yes, of course," Daniel agreed, "But if she does allow you to stay, would you?"

"Sure," Kurt said, though he was pretty sure he was going to get the boot.

That was fine. He really didn't want to explain to her brother why she wouldn't want them there. That would open a whole can of worms he wasn't ready to deal with anyone except her so it was better if Diane kicked him out and get him an easy leave and, of course, explain to her brother why. Cowardly, but Kurt was treading uncharted waters. It was better if he stayed out.

"Perfect," Daniel said happily, "Now…this is going to sound rude, maybe, but I have to ask."

"Go ahead," Kurt motioned with his hand.

"I mean, I was never really one who had a handle on restraint so, I can't help myself…" Daniel's head wobbled slightly as he rolled his eyes, "That was more my sister's expertise, you see."

"I see," Kurt nodded, "Ask."

"Alright…I just wanted to know," Daniel leaned forward.

Kurt mimicked his movement and he could detect a gleam in the man's eyes and he was sure this was going to be an interesting question. He hoped the man wouldn't ask if he was seeing his sister. Anything but that, he thought.

"Do you dress like this everyday?"

-o0o0o0o0o0o-

I have to admit, I honestly thought you guys were going to react to the last part of Chapter 9, but alas, I was wrong.

Anyway, I don't know what to say about this chapter…so, if you guys have the time, could you at least try and let me know what you think? That would be great, thanks.

Note:

To Ellie:
I honestly thought the scene with Diane and De Luca was over, but somehow, it got extended into this chapter. I'm so glad I didn't dare make any promises—this latest tweak shifted the timeline of the story again. I hope it didn't make things crappier, though. *sigh* Someday, I'm definitely sure I'll drive myself into a brain aneurism easy. I hope you liked this one.

See? I brought the cowboy back, granted he still hasn't talked to Diane, but soon, I promise, soon. Oh! And keep your theories on Matthew going, it's such fun to read the possibilities! And as for the first ex-Mrs. Daniel Archer Lockhart III…well, she's quite the character. Her broomstick will touch down…soon. Haha.

Oh, man, you are just wonderful…you keep telling me I'm doing fine with Kalinda. What a relief! She's hell to write, I am telling you! She drives me nuts, that woman. *sigh* I'm closing my mouth and taping my fingers on who she was talking to. Shhh…

And, finally, Overby. God, what a let down. I honestly thought a lot of people would react to him, but I was so wrong. Yikes! Still, I am so glad you picked up on so much about that scene though. I'm planning on bringing him back—can't very well just leave it at that, can I? He was a jackass…but what a useful jackass!

Anyway, sorry for the once again messy reply—I'm so sleepy, but I wanted to update so bad (a first, I am telling you!) so I hope you'll forgive me!

Thanks for being awesome, Ellie! I hope I don't end up boring you. lol

To annaflower:
Thanks for reviewing! I am definitely going to keep on writing as long as you guys keep on reading…and thank you, it's always a relief when someone tells me I haven't screwed up the characters yet. lol Thanks!

And as for your request…will definitely consider. *smiles*

To EVERYONE:
Do I have to beg for your reaction? Really…should I chuck out dignity along with my sanity right now? The sanity—I barely had that—but dignity, I think I have that, but hey, I'll throw it overboard if that'll get a reaction out of you guys.

Review, if you can…if you're still reading.

Thanks.

PS - unedited chapter...mainly because I am sleepy and exhausted so if I do find typos, maybe I'll fix it later. If you guys do...well, if you point it out, I'll fix that too.