Changing Times

An: I don't own Suits.

[Ten]

Mike entered the conference room quietly. Harvey's eyes stayed on him for a little longer than necessary but the young vampire ignored the obvious glare. The older lawyer turned to the opposition with a confident look upon his face. Two individuals sat across from them. Miss Berry was dressed impeccably in a dark navy blue two piece suit. Her golden curls were neatly pulled back in a business professional pony tail. Her skin was flawless and pale. She could be the face of the vampire world. Not every vampire looked like her. On the right a greying male with a dark maroon suit stared intently at a cell phone. Mike could tell he was already moving on to the next item in his agenda.

"Shall we begin?" the maroon suit spoke as he pushed his cellular device away.

"Of course," Harvey stated calmly.

Mike turned on the camera for record purposes.

"Before we start," Berry began with a tiny smile. "I want it on record that my official name is Clandestine."

Mike smirked. "Fitting."

Clandestine smiled sweetly unfazed by Mike's aside.

"Miss Berry, you stated on the night in question that you were out like you are every night."

"Yes sir."

Harvey looked to Mike who shrugged. He knew exactly why Harvey was looking but he would save their conversation for after.

"If you are going to ask me why I was out then you haven't done your research," She stated with a teasing grin which broadcasted her fangs.

"I know exactly what you are," Harvey stated with just as confident a grin. "I know why you are out. My question is…why Mr. Johnson."

Clandestine shrugged. "Am I being persecuted for being a vampire because our new mayor clearly stated this can't be."

"I've looked into this law of course," Harvey stated. "I know exactly what it says."

The female vampire nodded. "Then you should also know that stake carrying without a license means jail."

"Let us be honest Miss Berry," Harvey commented quietly. "Do you know Mr. Johnson?"

"Know him?" she cackled. "Never. He is a stranger to me."

"I see," Harvey stated as he shuffled some papers on his desk. "My associate tells me otherwise."

Clandestine frowned. "That isn't fair. He can't ask me questions."

"I'm certain I can ask whatever I wish," Mike smiled. "I can ask questions with or without moving my lips. Don't persecute me though, I'm just a vampire."

She narrowed her eyes. "I was attacked. I don't care for what reasons I was attacked and-"

"I object to this line of questioning," the maroon suit stated smoothly as he carefully calmed his client. "We are all aware my client is a vampire. I myself am one but the point of this deposition is unclear to me. Mr. Johnson had no license whether or not she knew Johnson."

"Last question Miss Berry."

The female was composed and smiling as if she hadn't been insulted.

"When you found Mr. Johnson, the stranger, did you intend to eat him?"

Miss Berry smiled sweetly. "Now, that is a question I enjoy answering. Of course I was going to eat him. I am a vampire. We don't plan…our hunger takes us there."

"That will be all."

The opposition cleared out after a bit of discussion.

"She knows Mr. Johnson and…I have a feeling something was planned."

Harvey hadn't even opened his mouth yet before Mike made a comment.

"What do you mean?" Harvey stated. "I heard your thought about her knowing our client but what was planned? If anything I would think it was revenge."

"Yes," Mike commented. "With vampires it is hard to get them slapped by the law with revenge as the evidence but if the law was tampered with…any kind of law then Miss Berry will be in the wrong."

Harvey pondered deeply. "Of course, vampire mind tricks."

Mike chuckled. "A bit."

"Mike, we can't use mind tricks in the courtroom."

Mike sighed. "I know, but we can use mind tricks to get to the answer. When Miss Berry was angered by my statement I was able to pull a bit from her mind. She knows Johnson. I'm surprised she was angry about my discovery that was the easiest memory to uncover. No, she wanted me to know that. Miss Berry is a performer, Harvey. She acts on Broadway in a few small productions. She wasn't angry just then she was covering up something bigger. At first I thought maybe they had been a thing."

Harvey eyed Mike as they left the conference room. Mike noticed the look and as a response he tightened his grip on the video recording of the deposition.

"What some vampires are okay with human relationships, for example Rachel and I."

Harvey rolled his eyes. "Continue."

In the office Harvey took a seat while Mike continued. Mike paced before Harvey's desk.

"Harvey, I don't think this case is simply Berry v Johnson," Mike commented. "Unfortunately she has such a great shield on her thoughts I can't figure out what is going on."

"Are you stating this tiny case is actually something big?"

Mike nodded firmly. "Yes."

Many different scenarios were bouncing about in his head. He just wishes he had more evidence to make a complete conclusion. There was something going on underground and the young vampire had to know for sure what it was.

Harvey nodded. "You are going to have to find some way to get information. She is a performer? Then become her biggest fan."

"I can't do that. She'll know I'm looking for something."

Harvey smirked. "Then act like you aren't looking for something. Besides if I go I will never be able to shield any secrets. It is time to become the leading man."

Mike opened his mouth to protest but decided against it. He did owe Rachel a date. This would be the perfect opportunity. Of course he wouldn't tell her they were actually working.

"Fine, you have a deal."

Harvey had already turned his attention elsewhere. "Oh, you were deciding whether or not to do it? I'm sorry…was it an offer? I thought it was your job."

Mike shook his head. "You should be a lot more careful around me, Harvey. I am a vampire."

Harvey smirked. "Right you are but I am your boss."

Mike sighed heavily before heading out the door. It was fine. He had another situation he had to attend to and that was Pierre.

Mike chewed on his pencil softly. He currently wrestled with the Berry v Johnson case. He knew Harvey was correct. Mike would need to get close to Berry if he wanted to retrieve any new information on the opposition. The only way to do that would be to go where she felt most comfortable. It so happened her comfort zone was on stage in front of millions of adoring fans. Mike sat before the New Yorker's Things to Do internet page. He scanned the broad way section thoroughly.

"Broadway?"

He smiled softly at the gentle voice of Rachel. He slowly swirled in his seat to meet her gaze.

"Yes," he stated.

"Hm, I didn't peg you for a theater kind of guy."

"Well there is much you still don't know Miss Zane."

Rachel rolled her eyes. "Well, that show looks good. I've heard much about it from friends."

Mike turned back to the screen. His eyes slightly widened at the description of the show. This was exactly what he was looking for. It was perfect.

"You look shocked," she laughed.

"What are your plans for this Friday night?"
She shrugged. "Why?"

"I owe you a date."

"Broadway?" she quirked an eyebrow.

"Why not?" he grinned.

Rachel nodded. "Sounds lovely, one condition."

"Hm?" he asked.

"Dinner first."

He grinned. "Dinner and a show sounds good to me."

She smiled. "Can't wait."

Mike watched her walk away. He wouldn't have imagined a human could ever fall for him with his "condition". He was happy to have found someone as understanding as her. Before he could reminiscent on their first meeting he was alerted by another situation. Harold and Pierre entered into the bull pen laughing in a companionable way. He frowned slightly at the display. This was not good news. Harold turned over and caught Mike's look and quickly say goodbye to Pierre who just smirked and walked off.

"Hey."

"So what was so funny?" Mike asked.

Harold shrugged. "Nothing really just this human-"

"This human? Since when do you call people 'human'?"

"What? That is what they are," Harold commented.

Mike nodded softly. "You are right. I was being ridiculous. I see you and Pierre are getting along."

"I guess. He is pretty nice."

Mike smiled. "Of course he is. I see you are looking well. You have been heeding my advice about meals."

Harold nodded. "It isn't too big of a deal anymore."
Mike would have been happy to hear it but it truly looked like Harold could care less. It seemed the nervous individual from before was transforming into something he couldn't understand.

"Louis is finally out of the hospital," Mike stated casually. "He is at home resting now."

"That is good to hear."

"Is it?" Mike questioned.

"Why am I being interrogated?"

"I don't know why you are shielding your thoughts." Mike remarked pointedly. "Or more importantly how are you shielding your thoughts so well?"

"I've been improving with my vampire skill lately," he confessed.

Mike didn't reply. "Be careful, Harold, he may seem nice but that is how it starts with them. It isn't how it ends."

Harold frowned. "I'm always careful."

"You're a new vampire, Harold," he stated softly. "I'd hate from someone like Pierre to steer you the wrong way."

"Don't worry he isn't going to," Harold stated firmly. "I'm fine Mike."

Mike sighed. "Okay."
Both males got to work instantly. It bothered Mike that Harold was shielding his thoughts so strongly. In all the years he has been about he knew shielding was for those hiding deep and dark secrets. He would keep an eye on Harold. It wouldn't be good to lose the young vampire to the dark.

"I see why you are concerned."

Around forty- thirty in the afternoon Donna told Harvey about his impromptu meeting with Mr. Johnson. It would have been nice to receive a warning call. After all it was his lunch time. He pushed his wrapped sandwich to the side as he focused his attention on Mr. Johnson.

"I'm freaking out here Mr. Spector," the young male stated.

Mr. Johnson, or Brad Lee Johnson, was a young male in his early twenties. He was still in his undergrad. He had 30 credit hours left before graduation. His major was a mixture of art and business just like his colorful clothing options. Brad Lee wore bright red shoes with a black suit and a bright yellow tie. It was a strangely coordinated outfit but Harvey wasn't here to judge.

"Understandable," Harvey commented.

"Like, I don't know if you know what it feels like. If you are arrested and a human…it is like putting an 'eat free here' sign on yourself."

"Mr. Johnson," Harvey interrupted his rant. "Again, I'm here to help you."

"I know," he sighed. "I know. I just if I had known she'd come out of nowhere like that I would have never have talked to her in the first place."

Harvey paused. He knew that Berry knew Johnson but he wasn't sure in what capacity.

"What was your conversation about?" he asked.

"Nothing, drastic, just casual," he stated. "At the time I hadn't even known she was a vampire until she was flying at me. They said I didn't have a license or whatever but that is impossible. I signed up. I waited and then I was legal."

"So you actually had a license?" Harvey asked instantly intrigued.

"Yes," the male commented.

Before they continue the conversation further Mike entered. Brad Lee was instantly on his feet.

"Mr. Johnson, this is my associate, Mike Ross."

"He is a vampire."

"Yes," Mike frowned. "I'm sorry we haven't met properly. I was unable to attend the first meeting."

"You didn't say he would be a vampire."

Harvey rolled his eyes. "You want to win this case? You'll have to work with a vampire. To be honest I think he is the key to your freedom?"

"Freedom?" Brad lee frowned. "Wait I could go back to jail?"
"Yes, you didn't have a license," Mike commented. "And she sued you for it. It automatically makes it one of those cases."

Brad Lee's eyes grew wide with fright. Harvey found it hard to believe the youth could possibly know how to wield a stake with that kind of attitude.

"Hey," Mike commented softly. "We'll win this case. We won for a vampire, remember."

"I can't go back to jail," Brad Lee begged. "You have to help me. I'm honestly telling the truth. I did have a license. If you go on the state's website my name will show up and everything. Go ahead. Check it now."

Harvey sighed heavily as he turned to his laptop screen. He couldn't believe the state would develop a public archive of all slayer's or humans with stake licenses. It was the perfect way to almost know your target. Any vampire could search through names and names of humans. It was a terrible idea. He clicked on the link and typed in the youth's name.

"Nothing."

"What?" Brad Lee frowned. "That can't be. I waited two months for that blasted thing and I have it for a week and it is gone."

Mike looked confused by the information. "Your license was in your possession for a week?"

"Yes."

"Did you receive anything in the mail? Some form of documentation?"

"No."

"No print version?"

"No."

Mike laughed. "There is the problem. The system was flawed to begin with. So you sign up hoping to get this license. You get it and then…no documentation? You might as well just not have a license. After all they'll still arrest you, take you to the station. If they feel up to it they will search your name. If they don't care then you go to jail just because you are human."

Brad frowned. "They can do that?"

Mike smirked. "We are vampires. There is a lot we can do."

Harvey narrowed his eyes at Mike. "Quit trying to freak out my client, Mike."

"Sorry Harvey, it was a joke, really Brad," Mike smiled good-naturedly. "Except for the throwing you in jail part that part wasn't a joke. Actually I wasn't joking."
Harvey shook his head before turning back to Brad. "You went online and you've seen your name?"

"Yes."

"Then it is a system glitch. Have you called support or-?"

Brad nodded. "They told me I never had a license to begin with which is still a lie."

"Well now we know where else to look," Harvey commented. "Mr. Johnson, I promise you everything will turn out just right. We've spoken with the opposition and we know there is something happening here. You just relax, get back to school, and study up."

"Thank you Mr. Spector," he smiled brightly. "I really appreciate it."

He arose and then paused before turning to Mike. "And…it is refreshing that not all vampires are alike. It was nice meeting you too."

Mike beamed. "Once again Mike Ross vampire chases fear away."

"Tell me you've been productive."

"Yes, I've bought tickets to A Mid Night Crawl, the small Broadway production by Edrick-," Mike stopped in midsentence at the look from Harvey. "What this is Berry's musical?"

"Oh good," Harvey smirked. "I was hoping this wasn't your own plans."

"Well made it my own plans," Mike grinned.

"I don't want to hear the details of that, just what pertains to the case."

"This Friday I'll be at the second week showing," he smiled. "I'll stay behind to meet the cast and casually confess to being a longtime fan despite the circumstances."

Harvey nodded. "Good."

"Just good more like brilliant."

Harvey nodded in agreement. "You are right. I am."

Mike sighed. "Now I remember it was your plan I should have seen that one coming."

"You may go now. I'm going to work on this website. I want to find out about the process."

"You know maybe we could talk to Louis," Mike suggested. "He signed up for a license too. We can ask him what he thinks."

"How is Louis?" Harvey questioned casually.

Mike grinned. "Well your friend is resting at home but will be back in the office tomorrow."

Harvey looked to Mike who was still beaming. "Get to work."

Mike chuckled as he headed out of the door. Harvey turned his face back to the license website. It was peculiar indeed. A man has his license for a week, gets arrested, and was told he never had one to begin with. It seemed like fowl play but if the website was a sham then why make a fake website based on a real law? It didn't add up. If Harvey could talk to the mayor face to face he would have all of this cleared up. He slowly began scanning the website and finally decided on calling support himself. It was time to investigate.

There was a part of Louis that wanted to call in sick today. Louis left that part of himself at home when he climbed into the limo early the next morning. He felt better than yesterday. He took a deep breathe of partially fresh New York air and then headed up in the elevator to Pearson and Hardman. Once he arrived he gave each associate his special glare. He had even given the annoying Pierre a look for a change. It must have been his day.

Inside his office he gathered his work together and began. After thirty minutes he arose and then search for a snack in the company kitchen. As he searched he felt eyes on him. He paused took a deep breath and then slowly turned around. His heart stopped for a second and then he regained his composure.

"Oliver."

"Louis."

The young vampire walked to his side. Louis watched as the male retrieved a dark color water bottle from one of the cabinets.

"Blood," he smiled. "Some like it cold. I like it warm."

Louis would have smiled but he felt a little anxious so he turned to the fridge instead.

"Don't trust Pierre."

"What?" Louis asked.

Oliver smiled softly. "Just what I said. He is bad news. Emerald and I both know it. We try to keep our distance. We blend in and do our work. Pierre prefers to stick out. He wants everyone to know he is here."

Louis didn't respond.

"I know what he did to you."

Louis narrowed his eyes. "Did I say I wanted to continue our conversation?"

Oliver shrugged. "Convulsing and seizing. That isn't normal for you because it something Pierre can start. He likes to mess with humans' nervous system. You are lucky he wanted to warn you. Next time he may just stop your heart right there."

Louis bit his lip.

"My advice," Oliver remarked. "Don't aggravate him."

Louis smirked. "And why are you giving me advice?"

Oliver shrugged. "I don't know. There something I respect about you."

"Odd thing to say to a stranger."

Oliver smirked. "Well I'm odd in general."

Louis smiled.

"Look," Oliver commented. "You don't want to stay on Pierre's bad side. At Harvard a lot of students met his wrath. Besides I know of your work at Pearson and Hardman and it is impressing. Harvey has an associate. You don't. Now that doesn't seem fair."

Louis eyed him. "Are you asking to be my associate?"

"I may not be Mike," Oliver commented. "But I did graduate from Harvard. I have tricks as well."

Louis laughed. "Why would I ever consider you as my associate?"

Oliver smirked. "Because I have a feeling you'll be thrilled to repay me for my kindness. Have a nice day."

Oliver headed out of the kitchen leaving Louis speechless. A vampire associate, Louis, scoffed. He would never do that in a million years. Besides he had bigger things to deal with. He headed back to his office. He frowned at the sight of Harold siting in his chair.

"Good afternoon, Louis," Harold grinned. "Ah, lunch time already. Good, have a seat."

"What are you-?"

Louis was unable to speak any further. Harold smirked.

"No worries I'll give you back your voice after I talk. Have a seat."

Louis had no choice but to sit.

"Now, this case I'm working on," Harold stated casually as Louis eyes averted quickly from fright. "I'm interested in sitting in on the case. I know I've been banned from that because of
Incidences in the past but I've been receiving some good tips from Pierre about that. I'm ready again. So I'll be sitting in on this case. Oh, and you aren't allowed to insult me anymore. Anything else…no. I think I've calmly stated my case. I look forward to us working together again."

Harold arose and then directed Louis to his seat. He smiled warmly at the elder before heading to the door. He paused in the doorway.

"Before I was afraid of you," he commented. "You made me nervous. I must confess you still do but now I'm different. I feel stronger and more confident about myself. Being a vampire used to be a curse now I remember exactly why I wanted to be one in the first place."

Louis mumbled as he fought to speak.

"Oh, sorry, your voice," Harold waved his hand softly.

"How dare you," Louis remarked.

Harold grinned all fangs. "I'm sorry is there something you wanted to say to me, Harold, the vampire."

Louis faltered a bit as he pondered the situation. He didn't say another word.

Harold laughed. "That is exactly what I thought. Nice talk."

The elder lawyer watched the once nervous and anxious associate leave his office. He took a couple deep breaths. Harold had just established his authority. Harold an associate had just made some terms. What was going on here? He glanced around his office fearfully. The feeling of being out of control of your own body wasn't a good feeling. He had felt that before. The last time he was in that situation it was with a certain nightmare he had supposedly overcome. His heart was screaming. He knew what he wanted to do but he didn't have any problems anymore so there was no need to run to Mike. Before when he wasn't well he would have but now he was just fine. Everything was fine.

Harold had never felt so in control in his life before. It was strange, everything Mike had said about the other vampire was wrong. Everything he warned him about was exaggerated. Pierre was doing nothing but helping Harold with his new found vampirism. Everyone at the house he visited two nights ago was supportive and generous. He was meeting up with a few of them later tonight to discuss other things Mike was wrong about.

"Someone is happy," Pierre commented.

Harold looked up from his workstation. "Because I am."

"I'm guessing Louis listened."

Harold smirked. "Who said he had a choice?"

"Good to hear," Pierre remarked. "Are you still coming by the place tonight?"

Harold nodded. "Of course, I just feel like I can be myself there."

"You can," Pierre confirmed. "When Lance introduced me to Trevor I just knew I was in the right place. Trevor is a leader which is what we all need right now. Very soon New York is going to be back to the way it was always supposed to be. Trust me it is going to be great."

"I can't wait," Harold remarked.

Pierre bid him farewell before heading back to his station. Harold quickly went back to work.

Friday Night arrived slowly. Mike dressed impeccably in a suit while Rachel wore a nice black and white flowing gown. They entered the large theatre together. Carefully they searched for their seats while a few ushers shined flashlights for guidance. It had been easy getting some nice seats in the third row. Apparently Broadway had a soft spot for Pearson and Hardman.

"This is going to be wonderful," Rachel replied quietly.

Mike glanced at her softly. "Yes you are."

She smiled at him before rolling her eyes. "Don't be cheesy."

"Fine, as long as this isn't cheesy."

Rachel smirked. "I'm sorry you are the one who was looking up Broadway first. Or is this date not what I think?"

Mike laughed nervously.

"Relax Mike, I haven't been under a rock," she smiled sweetly. "I know about the Berry v Johnson case. I know Berry is one of the leads in this musical. I also know that you need to speak with her after."

"How?" Mike asked.

Rachel grinned. "I'm a paralegal and I'm also good at gathering information in general."

Mike smiled. "You are amazing."

He softly placed his arm around her shoulders. She looked at his arm before smiling at his face.

"You too."

When the show started Mike realized the production didn't look half bad. The stage and lights were impressive. When the first act was over he found himself clapping. Miss Berry had a wonderful voice. Maybe he wouldn't have to act so much after all.

The show ended with a loud round of applause. All the performers came out on stage and bowed. Miss Berry received the loudest applause, which was well deserved. The performers left the stage. Rachel and Mike quickly left the third row which again Mike was thankful for their close seats. They took an unauthorized short cut to the back where he knew most of the actors would be. He was happy to know most of those working on the production were human. It was easy to convince them he was allowed a private meeting with their star. Before they entered he reminded Rachel to think of other thoughts. It wouldn't be good if Miss Berry knew why they were there.

"You found me," Clandestine remarked softly in her white ball gown as she sat in her dressing room. "And before all my fans had a chance to find me."

Mike grinned. "Who says I'm not a fan?"

Rachel stood to his side. He was happy to know she knew about the plan. Or this could be easily mistaken as real flirting. What a disaster that would be? Though being a vampire herself he was certain Miss Berry could see through some of the acting.

"Honestly, you were great up there."

She gave him a look before genuinely smiling. "Thank you. It is hard to find the truth with vampires. We always tend to be hiding something."

"Right," he smiled.

Rachel turned to Mike. "I'm going to see if I can meet one of the other performers. I'll never have this kind of a backstage pass."

Mike nodded. "I'll be with you in a few."

She nodded and disappeared. He watched her as she left.

"Your girlfriend?"

Mike turned back to Miss Berry. "Yes."

Berry smiled with all her fangs. "She is cute and human. Dangerous don't you think?"
Mike frowned. "She understands."

"Oh, I'm sure she does. So, Mike, my newest fan. What brings you to my show? Wait-I already know. More about the case."

Mike smiled. "Please, Miss Berry, I am here for the show. How disrespectful would it be to discuss legal matters here?"

Clandestine snorted. "I wasn't born yesterday. I have centuries of experience. Try again."

Mike knew she was right but the associate had more years of experience than her. She was hardly as old as Mike.

"Why did you and Mr. Johnson not work out?" he asked casually.

"What?" she laughed. "Are we still going on about this? Mr. Johnson was a stranger. I didn't know him."

"I mean, you are pretty, on Broadway, great voice," he commented slyly. "Then again…vampire females have always been tricky. You must be a real demon underneath all that beautiful then."

"Does your girlfriend know you are calling me pretty?" she smirked as she turned to the mirror to reapply makeup before her meet and greet with fans. "I'd hate for her to suddenly think you were flirting with me. Believe me Mike; it would be easy to insert that thought in her head right now."

Mike frowned.

"Look, Mr. Ross, you are handsome," she remarked. "I'll give you that but you aren't smart. If you think you could come here and just question me it won't work. I'm a vampire. I know exactly what you want."

"Or maybe," Mike commented quietly. "Mr. Johnson found someone else. There are many fishes in the sea. Maybe another prettier vampire lady?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Excuse you?"

"With a prettier voice. Hm, yes. Does that sound about right?"

"If I knew Johnson he would never dump me for another. I promise you that," she pointed furiously. "How dare you come in here to insult me on the second week of my performance? Insult me before I meet any fans. If they see me flustered it will destroy my image. How dare you!"

Mike eased off a bit. "You are right. I am in the wrong."

"Yes you are and you better leave before you see how wrong."

"Right, again, you did wonderful tonight."

"Leave," she pointed at the door.

Mike smiled apologetically and then instantly left. He caught Rachel's arm as she was coming down the hall.

"Is everything okay, Mike?" Rachel questioned.

"No," he remarked quickly. "We have to go. I was right and that isn't good."

"What happened?"

"Not here," he whispered.

She nodded as they rushed out of the theatre.

"Aren't you supposed to be at a show?" Harvey asked casually.
"It is over."

Harvey eyed him. "And you swung by here? I would have thought you would have gone home."

"Harvey, it is serious."

Harvey turned back to his computer screen. "What? How was the show?"

"No, I mean," Mike commented. "What I found out. It is serious and I think it is the beginning of something beyond this case."

Harvey sat up straight. "Tell me everything."

Mike nodded firmly.

Hey Internet! Sorry for the somewhat late update. This is a long chapter for you! Hope you enjoy. First I'd like to thank Everything-Mike-Ross for the review and favorite, also thank you new follower anamyous 1. Also thanks to those just dropping by. Thanks everyone for the support. The next update is 10% done. Feel free to tell me what you think.

Until Next Chapter,

Bye