A/N: Thank you everyone for your reviews*^_^* Each one is noted and appreciated, xxx.

In this chapter, the Christmas party takes off, and some familiar faces make an appearance. Hope y'all like:-D

Disclaimer: I do not own Law & Order and its characters; they are the property of Dick Wolf and NBC.

Manhattan County District Attorney's Office Annual Christmas Party,

Gotham Hall, Manhattan, NY, 10:00pm

The champagne and cocktails were flowing freely. Glittering gowns shone in the light of the dangling chandeliers. The hub of jovial chattering filled the room, the enchanting atmosphere seemingly falling into place with the soothing tune of a drifty jazz number playing in the background, complimenting the elegant scene.

The District Attorney's seasonal oration came to a close. Jack had given an incisive, yet laconic address, before introducing the evening's guest of honour, Adam Schiff, whose talk was more blasé than reflective, and contained at least a slight bit of humour. Nevertheless, Mike found it difficult to concentrate on both men's speeches. His pensive eyes had been skimming the crowd gathered in front of him, the whole time searching for some telltale sign, the slightest indication, that a group of people, or even just one person, amongst the guests, was not quite what they seemed.

There was not one person who appeared in the least bit out of place, that he could see, no one who made his hair stand on, make his skin crawl, or cause chills to run down his spine, unless that included Sierra, but that was a different feeling all together.

He felt uneasy, despite there being no need for concern. Alberto Melani had been arrested, and a formal report had been written. It was all that could be done until the following Monday.

Sierra had hardly said anything during the entire cab ride, still in shock from the events of that evening.

He felt so helpless. If only he had returned from work an hour earlier, then maybe he could have stopped the wheels in motion. He was thankful Nigel followed his instinct and acted when he did. He didn't want to think what would have happened to Sierra if he hadn't been there, trying to push all his past cases involving such details to the back of his mind.

He thought of the crimes Alberto Melani would be charged with. Attempted rape along with breaking and entering. Having an intimate knowledge of the legal system, Mike didn't think he'd face a harsh sentence. He would probably be tried by some bleed-heart prosecutor fresh out of law school, and be up against a year of community service, or a few months in Attica at most, if convicted. Worst case scenario: jury acquits.

Sierra stood there solemnly, staring into her drink, watching the bubbles as they rose to the surface. She was beginning to regret attending the celebration. She felt everyone's eyes on her and Mike. Who's that young girl hanging off Cutter's arm, they were probably all thinking. It made her feel cheap, like a trophy, and nothing more than that. And to make things worse, the youngest guest she had come across so far, aside from herself, wouldn't have been a day under thirty. To say she felt out of place would have been an understatement.

He turned towards her, placing a gentle consolatory hand at the small of her back. "Are you sure you're okay? We don't have to be here if you don't want," he said quietly. "I can just tell Jack that one of us isn't feeling well, or that something's come up. He'll understand."

"No Mike, I told you, I'm fine," She retorted, and he couldn't help but notice the hint of agitation in her voice. She finished off the glass of champagne she had been drinking, and placed her empty glass on a tray that a passing busboy had been carrying, before taking another. She wasn't fond of champagne, reflecting back on the pleasant afternoon she had spent at Pierre's Vineyard with Mike. However, she had found that it did numb her a little bit. Anything to help keep her mind off the attack.

Mike stood with his hands in his pockets, watching her closely with concern, as she gulped down her second glass. He knew she was traumatised by what had happened, and he felt such an ass for dragging her along to the Christmas party despite it all. But then again, she had insisted on attending, and he'd feel even worse if she missed out.

Mike straightened, his eyes on Jack as he made his way through the crowd towards him.

"There you are Mike," he greeted, rubbing his hands together. "So many people have arrived. I hope the catering staff can handle it."

Mike forced a small smile in greeting.

"Oh, and who might this be?" Jack asked enthusiastically, turning to face Sierra. He examined her with gleaming eyes.

Mike set about introductions. "Ah, Jack, meet Sierra Delgado, Sierra, meet Jack McCoy, our District Attorney," he acquainted. His speech sounded stilted and disjointed, as though he had his mind focused on something else.

"We finally meet," Jack replied with a humoured grin, exchanging a warm handshake with the young woman. "Mike has told me so much about you."

"And he's told me so much about you," she replied with an equally warm smile.

Jack seemed eager in getting to know Sierra, and Mike couldn't help but raise his eyebrows in response to this. He didn't want him getting carried away.

"So Jack, who did you bring along to the party?" Mike asked inquisitively.

Mike noticed a lanky brunette dressed in a black cocktail dress sashay her way towards the small assembled company, smiling exuberantly, laden with a freshly poured glass of champagne. He recognised the brunette as Jamie Ross, an ex-district attorney, and friend, he had once worked with. He had also known her a as a close assistant of Jack's, who had presided over Claire Kincaid after her devastating and brutal death.

"An old friend," he replied. "Jamie. She hasn't really been herself since her second divorce, so I thought I'd invite her. You know, get her out of the house, and rekindle the memories of yesteryear."

Mike watched on as the woman in question continued to make her way towards them. She locked eyes with him, and there was no escape.

"Mike, how are you?" the tall brunette enquired warmly with a beaming smile, wrapping her free arm around him in a firm embrace. "Oh God, it's been such a long time since the last time I saw you."

"I-I'm doing great," Mike replied. He exchanged her friendly gesture with a lose hug and a coy smile, his actions stilted and awkward, a little overwhelmed by her enthusiastic greeting. He felt Sierra's eyes burn through him, and given her emotional state, didn't want to give her the wrong idea. He had already received a lot of female attention that night, and knew that more would be on its way, trying his best to seem nonchalant in response to this in front of Sierra. He wasn't quite sure how she would react towards it, having never broached the subject.

He knew he should have worn a plain black suit instead of his three-piece charcoal one. He did often receive looks from women as though they wanted to eat him. He wore it anyhow, wanting to look nice for Sierra.

"Jack tells me you've been promoted to Executive Assistant District Attorney," Jamie said, sounding impressed. She took a sip of champagne, her eyes not straying from the handsome man before her.

"Yes, that's right," Mike replied. "So Jamie, what about you? Are you still in private practice?"

"Actually, no, not anymore," she informed him. "I left Kronsky & Steinbrenner some years ago. I've recently taken a professorship at Columbia University, teaching law ethics."

She seemed to be far more interested in discussing Mike's accomplishments rather than her own.

Jamie's eyes turned to the young Hispanic girl clasping onto Mike's arm, and immediately assumed that she was his date for the evening. She glanced back up at him. "You haven't changed a bit, Mike, still gorgeous as ever. You're still able snatch up a decent girl, I see." Her tone sounded somewhat conceited.

"He sure is," Jack chimed in.

"You're not looking too bad yourself, Jamie."

She rested her hand on his shoulder. "Oh trust me Mike, every woman has her eye on you tonight."

Sierra felt a twinge in the pit of her stomach after hearing Jamie's errant words.

Mike felt his cheeks blushing in embarrassment, and sensed the cold glare Sierra directed at Jamie.

He placed a gentle arm around Sierra's shoulder. "Jamie, I'd like you to meet Sierra," he said, pushing her forward.

Jamie flashed a pearly smile at Sierra. "How do you do?" she greeted. "So, I take that your Mike's date for the evening?"

"Yes. I'm his girlfriend."

Jamie took another sip from her glass. "Really, that's so cute. How old are you?"

"I'll be twenty in January," Sierra replied, her tone apprehensive, not sure how to take Jamie's comment.

"Same age as my daughter." Sierra could sense contempt in her voice.

"Sierra is a Softmore at NYU," Mike informed her with a light smile, trying to maintain decorum between the two women.

"Katie's also attending NYU! She's a Junior," Jamie skited proudly. "She's majoring in Political Science. What's your major, Sierra?"

"Fine Arts," she said quietly.

"Fine Arts. Interesting. And, uh, what do plan to do after your degree?" Jamie pressed, staring the young Latina up and down, as she once again put her fluted glass to her lips.

"I-I'm not really sure." Sierra sipped the remainder of what was in her glass, shifting some of the edge of the conversation. "Maybe travel for a while. I've always wanted to go to Europe."

"I guess you'll be picking up the tab with that, Mike," Jamie laughed, finishing off the last of her champagne. "Well, we all know what starving artists are like." She chuckled wickedly. "Oh, aren't I awful?"

"Sierra's made the Dean's list twice this year," Mike said. "How's your daughter doing with her degree?"

Jamie stood there dumbfounded, unable to answer his question. "I'm getting another drink," she said, before staggering her way towards the bar.

Jack leaned in to share a private comment with Mike. "See what I mean?"

Mike watched, astounded, startled by Jamie Ross's less then dignified composure, his eyes following her as she continued to wobble across to the other side of the room. He nodded knowingly. "Yeah, I do," he replied with a breathy sigh, still recovering from her indignant display.

"It takes a romantic to marry twice," Jack said. "It takes a fool to marry three times."

They cringed as they watched Jamie stumble in her paralytic state, then fall onto a nativity scene. Horrified gasps, along with a few entertained chuckles, escaped the mouths of the people surrounding her.

Sierra's expression softened. "Don't you think we should help her?"

"Na, she'll be fine," Mike said, brushing it off carelessly. "I'm surprised you're even putting forward such a suggestion, after the way she spoke to you."

"We all have a drop too many now and again," Jack defended, watching in amusement as two busboys helped Jamie to her feet. His lips turned up in a mischievous smirk. "It seems Jamie's receiving all the help she needs."

Jack heard footsteps approaching from behind, and turned around to see Adam making his way towards them. He welcomed him into the group. "Adam," he greeted. He turned towards Mike and Sierra. "Mike, you know Adam Schiff?"

Mike shook hands firmly with the elderly man Jack had introduced. "Yes I do. Evening Mr Schiff."

"Mr... Cutter, isn't it?" Adam recalled. "What are you doing with yourself these days, son? Still a prosecutor?"

"Ah, yes I am."

"Really?" Adam sounded surprised. "I thought you would have moved on by now."

"Mike's been promoted to EADA," Jack cut in.

"That's great," Adam replied. "It's comforting to know that one of our star attorneys hasn't left us for the dark side." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts, noticing Sierra standing next to him. "Mr Cutter, is this lovely young lady your daughter?" he wanted to know.

Oh, not again! Mike cleared his throat. "I, um... daughter isn't the word I would use," Mike tried to explain, stuck for words.

Adam exchanged a roguish glance with Jack.

"Ah, I get you," Adam replied with a wink. "Girlfriend."

He shook hands with Sierra. "Nice to meet you Ms...?"

"Delgado. Sierra Delgado."

"Ms Delgado. So, where are you from?"

"Saltillo Coahuila, in Mexico, originally. My family migrated to Philadelphia when I was eight. Then my mom remarried, and we moved to the Bronx." she informed him.

"Ah Saltillo, the Athens of Mexico, I've been there," he reminisced. "Great architecture, first class museums, Saraperos Stadium, the Mirador, it's all coming back to me." His eyes turned wistful in reflection.

"Why don't I get you gentlemen some drinks?" Mike suggested. "Scotch?"

"That'll do," Jack obliged, giving him a gesture as if to tip his hat off to him.

Adam called out after Mike. "I'll give you a hand with those drinks, Mr Cutter," he offered. He exchanged a somewhat besotted smile with Sierra. His expression appeared slightly enchanted for a moment, his steady gaze glued to the young woman he had briefly been acquainted with, finding it difficult to move his eyes away from her. He followed Mike towards the bar.

Jack watched as the two men left. He was glad to finally have some alone-time with Sierra.

"I've read about your campaign, Mr McCoy," she piped up, breaking the awkward silence.

"Please, call me Jack," he replied.

"Okay, Jack."

"Mike tells me you're Connie Rubirosa's cousin."

"I am."

"Strange coincidence," he mused. "I can see the resemblance." He leaned in closer towards her. "That's a compliment, by the way."

She felt the hairs on her bare arms raise, uncomfortable, not quite sure how to take Jack's somewhat fawning words. She took a step back. "Well thank you," she replied, forcing a confident smile.

"You're an art student?" he said, taking a step closer towards her. "You know, I've always admired creative people." And his eyes glimmered as he said it.

She didn't find Jack to be pushy, nor sleazy, but she knew what he was thinking.

/

Mike made the drink order to the barman. He turned around, startled to see Adam Schiff standing before him. "Sorry Mr Schiff, I didn't see you there."

Adam glowered at Mike tersely. "What kind of a man are you?" He demanded.

Mike gathered that the elderly man was not pleased, but did not understand why. He frowned in confusion. "Excuse me?"

"I was appalled to learn that poor young woman back there is your girlfriend."

Mike glanced across the room at Sierra, who was nursing a glass of champagne, and grossly engaged in conversation with Jack, back to her usual flirtatious self again. Her blatant consternation seemed to have evaporated, almost as though the events of that evening didn't even happen. But he knew different. He could see that she was hiding behind a brave face.

"Oh, I get it, it's the age thing. I'm involved with a college student, so I must be a dirty old man, mustn't I," Mike snapped back, surprised himself by how angered he sounded. "Sierra and I happen to share a mutual and caring relationship, and if you, or anybody else, have a problem with that then..." He was bantering.

"No it's not that. I don't have anything against intergenerational relationships, of course not," Adam answered defensively.

"What is it then?"

"It's Jamie Ross. I saw the way she treated your girlfriend, like she was some juvenile who isn't welcome here."

"Well, Jamie has had too much to drink, and we all know what she gets like..."

"You let her talk down to your girlfriend like she's some pariah! You just stood there, with your hands in your pockets, and did nothing to stop her interrogation. Wake up to yourself."

Mike stared down at the floor sombrely in shame.

"Now, I know Ms Ross isn't herself after she's been drinking, but that doesn't disenable you in standing up for your girl," Adam continued. "You should have stormed up to her and said hey, why don't you leave my sweetie the hell alone! Hell, I would've."

Mike's guilt ridden eyes glanced back up at him, a lump forming in his throat. "Y-you're right, Mr Schiff," he answered. "I should have said something."

"Damn right. Ms Ross owes her an apology."

Mike nodded. "I'll have a word with her. At another time. When she's sober." He spotted Jamie at the side of the room, flirting with one of the busboys who had helped her after she tumbled into the Christmas display.

He watched Sierra happily chat away to Jack, not seeming bothered by her abrupt encounter with Jamie.

/

Mike and Adam returned from the bar.

Mike had just caught the end of Jack and Sierra's conversation. "Glad to see the two of you getting along so well," Mike said with a note of distain, observing Jack's attentive body language when conversing with Sierra. He handed Jack his drink.

"I've just been invited to a gallery opening," Jack announced, sounding thrilled.

But of course, Mike knew Jack would be delighted with anything that escaped Sierra's mouth.

Mike was about to ask Adam about his travels to Zimbabwe, when Sierra touched him on the arm. She pulled him away from the other two men.

"Mike, I need some air," she said to him quietly, her eyes pleading. "I need to get out of here just for a little while."

Mike glanced over at Jack, who was now exchanging a kiss on the cheek with Danielle, the new intern the office had recently hired. He fixed his eyes back on Sierra.

"It's not Jack, is it?" Mike asked with concern. He lowered his voice. "He didn't say anything to upset you, did he?"

"Jack?" Her tone elated with surprise. She turned around to see Jack socialising with Adam Schiff and a strawberry blonde. She looked back at Mike. "No, Jack's fine. He's an old sweetheart, really."

"Not a sly old fox?"

"Well, he did pay me a compliment, but nothing for you to worry about," Sierra said. "He talked mainly about his grandson."

"Oh, good. It's just that... I'm going to say this as politely as I can. Jack has a history of fraternising, as you might say."

Sierra smiled in amusement. "Bit of a ladies' man is he?"

"Well, he has been known."

"I can see how anyone would think that." She paused for a moment. "I got along with both Jack and Adam. I came here thinking that none of the people here would have time for a young person like me."

Mike slid his hands in his jacket pockets. "I-I was meant to tell you Sierra, that I am very sorry about the way Jamie treated you. She was very rude," he apologised. "She's not normally like that, and she has had a lot to drink. She's going through a nasty divorce settlement at the moment, too."

It seemed at his very mention of Jamie that her expression sunk.

Her tone was serious. "I really need some fresh air. It's getting stuffy in here."

"Of course," he replied understandingly. "We'll just get our coats and..."

"No, I meant alone."

"Oh." He glanced down at her surprised. He found it very out of character for her to want to be alone outside, especially with everything that had happened that night. "Are you sure. It's not like you."

"I'll be alright," she assured him. "It's a crowded street, and there are security guards outside the venue."

He relented. "Okay," he said warily. "But if you're not back in ten minutes, I'll come out looking for you."

He cursed himself, realising that he sounded more like an overprotective father teaching his daughter the rules of curfew, rather than a concerned boyfriend.

She gave him a small smile and leaned up to give him a chaste kiss, before turning on her heel towards the double doors at the other end of the stylish ballroom, the tail ends of her burgundy dress trailing behind.

He watched as she continued to make her way down the hall towards the cloak room.

It was then that he noticed in the corner of his eye, Connie and Lupo emerging from the crowd of people, arm in arm, as they headed towards the bar. They were chatting and laughing, as if sharing some private joke.

What do you think? Feel free to comment:-D