Disclaimer: I don't own Pushing Daisies
Let Me Fall-
-Chapter Thirteen: The Fall: Prisoner's Dilemma
Eight months, two weeks, three days, and thirteen hours…
Charlotte Charles hummed quietly as she opened her apartment door and stepped outside. The September air was crisp and cool; a light breeze blowing through the air. She took in a deep breath, loving the smell of the autumn air. Her sweet moment of serenity was interrupted by a loud pounding noise. Chuck opened her eyes to see a man she had never seen before, standing at Olive's door; knocking on it as if there was no tomorrow.
The man looked flustered, his hair askew and his tie crooked. He had a briefcase clutched in his hand and a stack of paper tucked under his arm. His pants were too tight, no doubt the fault of the dry cleaner shrinking them, and his jacket was too big, no doubt the fault of the dry cleaner giving him someone else's jacket.
He sighed in frustration as his briefcase fell from his clasp, dropping to the ground and popping open. He grumbled incoherently as he picked up the papers that had spilled forth, then stood; beginning is incessant pounding on Olive's door once more.
"Can I help you?" Chuck asked, taking a cautious step forward.
The man jumped and turned, surprised to see someone else. "Who are you?" He asked, accusingly.
"I live here," Chuck responded defensively, pointing behind her then folding her arms across her chest.
"I'm looking for your neighbor," the man replied, he grabbed at the paper under his arm and read from it. "Olive Snook."
Chuck's brow furrowed. "Why?"
"I represent the County Attorney's Office. I need to speak with Ms. Snook immediately," the man said, showing Chuck his identification.
Chuck's brow furrowed further and a sense of panic welled in her stomach. "Oh." Was the only response she was capable of emitting.
"Do you know where she is?" He asked, sounding more frustrated and flustered by the minute.
Chuck nodded, somberly, "Follow me."
Two minutes later Chuck walked into The Pie Hole, Mr. County Attorney's Office following her. "Wait here," she said over her shoulder, making the man pause in the door way as Chuck continued toward Olive; who was standing behind the counter talking to Alfredo and Pim.
"Hey Olive," Chuck said, approaching the three.
"Yeah?" Olive asked, looking towards Chuck.
"There's someone here asking for you," Chuck said as way of explanation, pointing to the man in the door way.
Confusion crossed Olive's face. "Who is it?" She asked as Pim and Alfredo turned to see who Chuck was talking about.
Chuck shrugged as a means of lying; not wanting to explain the man was from the County Attorney's Office, when she herself didn't know all the details.
"Okay," Olive said, walking around the counter to approach the man.
Chuck quickly ran into the kitchen to find the Pie Maker rolling out a lump of dough. "I think you better come out here," she said without preamble.
"Chuck? What's going on?" Ned asked, toweling off his hands and stepping forward.
Chuck sighed. "I don't know--but I don't think it's good."
"Can I help you?" Olive asked, taking a few steps towards the disheveled man in the doorway as he sorted through papers in his hand. She took in his appearance, deciding he looked like he just stepped out of a tornado.
He jumped and looked up, "Ms. Snook?" He asked, stacking all of the papers to the best of his ability without a surface to help him.
"Yes," Olive replied cautiously, crossing her arms. Chuck and The Pie Maker walked into the room, standing behind the counter, just opposite Alfredo and Pim.
"My name is Jonathan Sharpe, I'm from the County Attorney's Office," he said. There was a brief pause before he stuck out his hand.
Olive shook his hand feeling a sense of dread fill her. The County Attorney's Office? Her brain buzzed. "Is there something I can help you with?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. She turned and walked back to the counter, standing next to Alfredo. He touched her arm briefly and Olive felt calm wash through her.
"Yes," Jonathan said, walking forward as well. "On behalf of the County Attorney's Office, I was sent here to ask you if—if--," he paused and flipped through the pages in his hand again, swallowing nervously. "-If you would be willing to testify as a witness in court against a Mr. Calvin C. Crawford."
Olive's mind went blank as complete confusion wrapped her being. The Pie Maker, Chuck, Pim, and Alfredo all looked to Olive; their brows furrowed. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about," she replied. "I don't know a Calvin Crawford."
"You don't? But--Oh that's right," Jonathan began to rummage through his papers again. "You would know him as Jonah Burke," he finished, reading the paper.
The world around Olive seemed to freeze. Her face blanched white as her breath left her and her pulse stopped. Chuck and Ned froze, a small gasp emitting from Chuck's lips. Alfredo looked concerned at Olive's reaction, not knowing what was going on; though he had a slight idea as to what this man was referring to. He touched Olive's arm again, rubbing slow circles in a reassuring manner.
Pim looked confused at the reactions of the people around her. "Who's Jonah Burke?" she asked. No one responded.
"No," Olive replied, her voice and body shaking.
"But Ms. Snook--."
"I said no," Olive said again, interrupting Jonathan Sharpe's plea.
Jonathan sighed and stuffed the papers he had been holding into his brief case. "Ms. Snook, it's the county's goal to get four of the five woman Mr. Crawford had been involved with to testify. With the unfortunate death of Ms. Amy Thompson that makes the fourth woman you."
"I suggest you get your facts straight," Olive said dangerously taking her step forward. "I was not a victim of Mr. Crawford," she said with a bite. "I was merely a tool in his little game. If anyone should testify it should be him," she said, pointing to Ned. "He owns The Pie Hole, the establishment Jonah was going to steal from.
"Who's Jonah Burke?" Pim asked again.
"While it was Mr. Crawford's intention to steal money from The Pie Hole," Mr. Sharpe defended. "You were still the one in direct relation with Mr. Crawford."
"My answer is still no," Olive responded, defiantly.
"But Ms. Snook, by testifying you can help insure that Mr. Crawford is locked away for a very long time."
At this Chuck snorted, a loud very un-ladylike snort of disgust.
"What was that?" Olive asked, as everyone turned towards the girl named Chuck.
"Nothing," she said, sheepishly, as Ned pulled at his collar awkwardly.
"Who's Jonah Burke?" Pim tried once more, her question, once again, ignored.
"Ms. Snook, please," Jonathan Sharpe tried one more time.
"Mr. Sharpe, it is my every intent to never seen Jonah Burke again, and that includes testifying against him. I'm sorry, but I will not do it," Olive said, as steadily as she could, feeling a weight beginning to settle in her stomach. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a job to do, I suggest you leave. Good day." Without another word Olive turned and walked into the kitchen, her shoulders sagging with weariness.
"Can I go back there?" Alfredo asked Ned. The Pie Maker nodded and Alfredo quickly followed his girlfriend.
"There's not any chance she's going to change her mind, is there?" Mr. Sharpe asked.
"No," Chuck said as Ned shook his head.
Jonathan Sharpe sighed. "Perfect," he muttered. "Well—if she changes her mind or anything, here's my card. Just tell her to call me," he said, handing Chuck his business card. "Thank you for you time. Good day." With a nod of the head Jonathan Sharpe, from the County Attorney's Office, left The Pie Hole.
"Who. Is. Jonah. Burke?" Pim asked, her voice strained with frustration. "Why does Mr. Tight Pants want Olive to testify against him? And what the hell does Olive have to do with him in the first place?"
Chuck and Ned exchanged a nervous glance. The Pie Maker tilted his head towards Olive's cousin and Chuck sighed, nodding. She turned to Pim. "Last Christmas…"
Five minutes later Pim Madison quietly walked into the kitchen of The Pie Hole. Olive stood in the middle of the room, clutching the metal table and taking deep breaths. Alfredo stood behind her, rubbing slow circles on her back with one hand and resting the other atop Olive's. Alfredo looked up when Pim entered, Olive did not.
"May I?" Pim mouthed, pointing to Olive. Alfredo nodded and kissed Olive's temple before stepping back, making way for Pim.
Pim approached Olive tentatively, talking hold of her shoulders and turning her cousin until they were face to face. Olive's face was tired and weary, a weight that she didn't want or need apparent on her face. She gave a frustrated sigh and clenched her fist, looking down and away from Pim. "Oh Olive," Pim said, pulling Olive to her and wrapping her arms in a strong hug.
Olive stiffened at the contact, having not hugged her cousin in years. Then after a moment, Olive sagged, burying her face into her cousin's shirt as tears of frustration finally began to fall.
Olive Snook shivered as an autumn wind swirled through the air, nipping at her small frame. Dead leaves whirled at her feet before falling to the ground. She sighed and looked at her watch. Alfredo was late. And she was beginning to regret telling him that she would meet him outside of The Pie Hole.
When they had first made the arrangement it seemed like a good idea. After all, what was the point of Alfredo getting out of his car and walk up to get Olive when they would be in the car again in less than two minutes? There was no point. So she had told him she would come down and wait for him outside the restaurant. She would have no problem waiting in the cold weather for only a couple of minutes, as she had reassured him five times. But Olive hadn't counted into the fact that Alfredo might be late.
She sighed and looked at her watch again before rubbing her arms to try and generate heat. It wasn't that Alfredo was a few minutes late. No, he had chosen today of all days to be twenty minutes late. And Alfredo Aldarisio was never late.
Olive groaned as the wind picked up again. It wasn't freezing out. It would actually be somewhat bearable if it wasn't for the wind. But there was wind, picking up at the most inconvenient of times. Olive wondered if they should cancel their plans for today and do something else instead, as they would be spending their time outside.
"No," Olive muttered to herself. "I've been looking forward to this for a month." She looked at her watch again: twenty-seven minutes. She sighed and tapped her foot. The wind died down before picking up again with force, nearly taking Olive with it. She stumbled back into a window of The Pie Hole. She clutched at the glass, trying but failing, to find something to hold her still so she didn't fly away.
The wind died for a minute, but she stayed put against the window, fearing what would happen if the blasted weather should pick up again. Yes, perhaps canceling and doing something else was the best idea.
"No." Olive muttered to herself again. They were going to do this today. "Through wind and rain and sleet and snow." Though she was no mailman, Olive decided the saying was fitting nonetheless.
Just as Olive was about to check her watch again, Alfredo pulled up to the curve. Quickly, Olive ran to the car, throwing the door open and jumping in.
"Sorry I'm late," Alfredo said, leaning over and kissing her cheek.
"What took you so long?" She asked, holding her hands in front of the air vent for warmth
Alfredo waved his hand in the air, "Work, nothing exciting," he said quickly. "Are you alright?" He asked, as Olive desperately tried to warm herself.
"Just cold. The wind is a beast right now."
"Then should we wait?"
Olive shook her head. "We'll be fine. Who knows, the wind might make it more exciting."
"Regular daredevils, we are," Alfredo said, pulling away from the curve.
Olive smiled. "Well, it's never stopped me before, so why should it now?" She asked, feeling a stir of excitement surge through her. It had been far too long since she'd been horse back riding.
Old McD's Barnyard Ranch was exactly what one would think of a ranch to be. Acres of green grass stretched as far as the eye could see. Animals of different shapes and sizes roamed the property; within the confines of their gated areas. A pleasant and not so pleasant aroma filled the air, which could only be described of that as a ranch aroma.
"Alfredo, ma boy," a man said approaching, as Olive and Alfredo exited their car.
"Hello Mr. McD," Alfredo said, quickly shaking hands with the man.
"And this must be the lovely woman you were talking about," Mr. McD said, extending a hand to Olive.
Blushing, Olive shook his hand. "Hiya," she replied, with a smile. Olive had to suppress her laughter at the sight of Mr. McD, for she was certain he was taken right from one of her childhood picture books. He wore a button up shirt and overalls, with a straw hat placed atop his head. His face was jovial, his cheeks red; a pot belly completing it all. For all intents and purposes he was a barnyard Santa Clause. Something inside Olive told her Mr. McD only dressed this way to comply to the stereotypes his visitors would have of ranch owners.
"—As you can see, we have much more than just horse," Mr. McD's voice pulled Olive from her thoughts, making her realize that Alfredo and Mr. McD had begun to walk; both thinking she was with them. She quickly took a few steps until she was with them. "We've got some cows and pigs and sheep."
"Oh my," Olive said only loud enough for Alfredo to hear. The man chuckled quietly.
Mr. McD led them to a gated area, he opened the gate "You two wait right here and I'll be back with your rides," he said, before walking to a barn that the gate surrounded.
"I don't think I've thanked you for bringing me here, yet," Olive said, standing on her tip toes and kissing Alfredo lightly.
Alfredo smiled and let out a shaky breath, "You're welcome," he said, his gaze drifted beyond Olive, his smile wavered and he gulped, before looking back to Olive. "It's uh—a good thing the wind has died down," he said nervously.
"What's wrong?" Olive asked, tilting her head to the side.
"N-n-nothing," Alfredo replied, shifting.
"Fredo," Olive's voice warned. Alfredo shifted again as his gaze strayed beyond Olive again. Olive turned and followed his gaze; finding he was staring at the spot where Mr. McD would appear any minute with the horses they would be riding. She looked back to Alfredo, suddenly recognizing the quiet look of fear and anticipation. "You've never ridden a horse before, have you?"
Alfredo looked down, locking eyes with Olive. "Of course I have," he defended.
Olive laughed quietly. "When?"
"When I was ten, at the Callum County Fair."
"What? Those little roundy things that ponies are tied to?" Olive asked.
"It was not a pony," Alfredo replied with as much dignity as he could muster. "It was a really b-big horse."
Olive snorted "Maybe to a ten year old," she said, laughing. Alfredo laughed awkwardly and scratched at his jacket sleeve. Olive smiled, "Aw, I'm sorry," she said, still laughing as she stood on her toes once more and kissed Alfredo soundly.
As the pulled away Mr. McD emerged leading one horse, with a stable boy walking out behind him, leading another. Olive felt a rush of adrenaline surge through her at the sight of the horses they would be riding. "We've got two mares for ya today," Mr. McD said as he approached. "Thelma and Louise."
"They're beautiful," Olive said in awe, the last time she had been this close to a horse seemed like a millennia ago.
"Generally we'd wait around to make sure ya got on your way alright," Mr. McD said, looking at Olive. "But Alfredo here tells me you've have quite the riding experience. So we'll leave ya too it."
Olive smiled appreciatively. "Thank you."
"Just know that that path there leads towards the wood, there's a small place to tie 'em up if ya feel like going for a small hike," Mr. McD explained as Olive stepped forward, lightly stroking Thelma's neck. "Just don't stay out longer than two hours. The Misses begins to worry," he said with a wink.
Alfredo took a cautious step towards Olive and Thelma, then another. Olive continued to stroke Thelma's neck, watching Alfredo out of the corner of her eye. "We'll be back in two hours sharp."
"Have fun you two," Mr. McD said handing Olive Thelma's reigns while the stable boy handed Alfredo Louise's. With a smile and nod the two left.
Alfredo's breathing began to increase to rapid, short breaths. His free hand shot to his jacket pocket, searching for his mood enhancer, as Louise nuzzled his head with her snout.
Olive's free hand shot out, stopping Alfredo's search. She threaded their fingers together, squeezing his hand with a soft force. Alfredo let out a shaky breath as Olive's gentle touch calmed him.
"Come on, let's get going," Olive said, with a kind smile. "I refuse to waist any minute of our two hours." She walked around to the left side of Thelma and hoisted herself into the saddle.
"Right," Alfredo said uneasily, standing at Louise's side.
"Just put your foot in and pull yourself up," Olive instructed.
With a nod Alfredo did as he was told. Olive tried not to laugh as Alfredo struggled to pull himself onto the Louise's back. He held on awkwardly, looking decidedly uncomfortable. Olive continued to giggle, almost expecting Alfredo to have ended up backwards. "Onward we go," Olive said brightly, leading the way as they rode towards the wood.
"You did what?" Alfredo asked, shocking but laughing nonetheless.
Olive scuffed her foot on the ground, almost tripping as they continued to walk. The wood around them swirled to life as the wind picked up once again. "We set rats loose in her kitchen," she mumbled again, louder this time.
Alfredo choked on his laughter. "I can't believe you did that."
Olive sighed nervously, but laughed lightly. She didn't know why she had told Alfredo about the feud between Bittersweets and The Pie Hole. They had been talking; they're conversation flowing with ease from one subject to another. And then suddenly she was telling him about the breaking and entering rat incident. The truth had slipped from her lips before she had even realized what they were talking about.
And so here she was feeling horribly embarrassed as her boyfriend continued to laugh.
"Well!" she defended, as Alfredo helped her over a log that had fallen in the path. "It was do or die! She was eating us alive; damned if we do or damned if we don't."
Alfredo chuckled again. "A real Prisoner's Dilemma."
"A what?" Olive asked, stopping.
"A Prisoner's Dilemma," Alfredo said, pulling Olive along until she was walking again. "It's a plea bargain of sorts."
"Oh don't make stuff up."
"I'm not making it up," Alfredo said with a smile.
"Then-a-do ex-pah-lain," Olive said making Alfredo laugh even more.
"Well—imagine we're two thieves who have committed large scale, armed, bank robberies."
"How is this explaining?"
"I'm explaining by example," Alfredo retorted. "So imagine we're two bank robbers."
"Can we be Bonnie and Clyde?" Olive asked, a childish enthusiasm ringing in her voice.
"Didn't they die?" Alfredo asked with a smile.
"Yes, we'll still be Bonnie and Clyde, except we'll live."
Alfredo laughed. "Okay, we're Bonnie and Clyde, we live, but then we get caught by the police."
"The fuzz catches us?" Olive asked in disgust. "I'd rather we die then!"
"Well, they've arrested us; however it's only on the suspicion that we've committed our crimes. They have little proof, so the need us to confess." Alfredo said, looking sideways at Olive. Her attention was only for him and she wasn't paying attention to the path; trusting him to guide her. He squeezed her hand and continued his scenario: "They take us to separate investigation rooms and we're not allowed to speak to each other at all. You with me?"
Olive nodded. "Then what?"
"The deputy questions you first. He tells you that if you confess and turn me in you will be let go and I will face all consequences alone."
Olive laughed. "Well sorry Clyde. But I'm turning you in. I'll build us a house in the Bahamas that we can live in once you make parole." Olive realized she had implied them living together a beat too late and felt her entire body flushed. "I don't see the dilemma in that," she said, quickly recovering.
Alfredo chuckled. "Well—he then goes on the tell you that once he leaves this room he is going to go offer me the same ultimatum. So if you confess and I don't, you get off free. If I confess and you don't I get off free. But, if we both confess, he has two criminals who just confessed on his hands and we'll both get locked away. But our sentence will be lessened for confessing. Hence—the Prisoner's Dilemma."
"I don't like this story, I don't like it at all," Olive said, indignantly.
"So what would you do?"
"What would you do?" Olive countered.
Alfredo shook his head. "I asked first."
Olive thought for a moment, listening to the chirping birds before she responded. "Take some of your mood enhancers and hope to hell it all turns out for the best."
Alfredo laughed, bringing the Olive's hand that was clasped in his own to his lips and kissing the top of it lightly. "Come on Bonnie, our two hours visiting time are up."
Olive smiled and allowed Alfredo to pull them towards the tethered Thelma and Louise. The wind picked up again; Olive deciding it was as good as an excuse as any to snuggle into Alfredo's side and wrap herself in her warm embrace.
Author's Note: And there's chapter 13! We've reached the final stretch y'all. Only 3 or 4 more chapters left. Let me know what you think!!
Thanks for reading and reviewing! It's muchly appreciated!
Until next time!