So, it still surprises me the amount of words needed to bring my ideas into a chapter, so I'm sorry if it takes me a while to finish each one, but I really want them to be as complete as necessary before posting. I want to thank you all for reading and reviewing and sticking with me in this journey, I'm really grateful for it. I'm planning on a Christmas themed chapter, but since it's only August in their timeline it will probably take a while to appear, anyway I want to wish you happy holidays and the best to you and your loved ones. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I'm thinking about making the next one just love and fluff but I don't know how you feel about that, please let me know!
After Eli Gold had decided to leave his career as an economist and dedicate full time to crisis management he had always thought he'd found what he was best at. With the years he'd gotten enough experience to be able to predict most outcomes and prepare for them, which had given him a very good reputation, and he was very rarely taken off guard with the turn of events, enjoying the adrenaline rush they provided. But even a seasoned sailor can get caught in a storm and for the first time in a few years, he was at a loss for words.
Alicia started to get stressed when more than a couple of seconds passed with nothing but silence at the other end of the line.
Eli? Are you still there?
He picked up the phone, deactivating the speaker and holding it to his ear, speaking rather slowly and quietly, pronouncing the words clearly, like if by saying them like that Alicia would recognize there had been a mistake somewhere.
So, you had a threatened miscarriage?
Oh, you're still there. There was a nervous laugh followed by silence and then Alicia answered. Yes.
That means you're pregnant now. It wasn't really a question, Eli was starting to connect the dots in his mind.
Yes.
How far along?
4 months.
That's why the rushed divorce.
Yes.
When Eli had first seen Alicia, at that infamous press conference on his office's TV, he had thought she was the typical politician wife: devoted mother, resident to a posh neighborhood, too in love with her status and lifestyle to leave her husband, even after what he'd done. And then, he'd come to work for Peter and he'd finally met her in person and he'd realized she was way different to that woman the screen had shown. She was a fighter, a woman with character and, surprisingly, the one behind the curtains in many occasions. And he had grown to like her and respect her, seeing in her the potential she didn't even know she possessed. But never in all that time had he imagined she would be telling him this news one day. It was like she was finally finishing the transformation that had started that day, reaching the opposite pole to that press conference Alicia Florrick, and with a very unwelcome result.
What... the hell were you thinking?! Eli's voice raised with every word, basically yelling at the end of the sentence.
While Alicia had anticipated he would be really mad, she still felt somewhat offended by his expression.
Let me remind you, Eli, that this still is MY LIFE. And as such, it is completely independent from Peter's political aspirations. I'm calling you because WE hired you to manage this. I don't need a judgment on my actions.
He went silent, trying really hard not to start yelling at her the thousand and one ways in which this was an utter disaster. And because, well, she was partially right. Judging her actions would serve to no end now.
Alicia? Eli managed to unclench his teeth enough to pronounce her name.
Yes?
Is it Peter's?
Now there was silence at her end of the line. Perhaps more than the pregnancy itself, who the father was, was the biggest oddity of it all.
No. After the state the Florrick's marriage had been at towards the end, it didn't come as such a surprise for Eli, but he still felt like dying might be a good course of action for him right now.
Who is he?
Eli...
Alicia, I need to know to be able to get ahead of the reporters. They will eventually find out and I need to prepare you and him. Eli was finally moving back into work mode, his voice level back at normal, regaining its characteristic bossy edge, even if he was still boiling inside.
Eli, I need to talk to him. He's not used to this press thing and, well, I need to give him some heads up. And then I'll talk to you. In reality Will had appeared a couple of times in the press (Ahem, Chicago's most eligible bachelors), but Alicia knew this had implications not only for him but also for the firm, and she couldn't disclose his identity to Eli just like that.
Eli thought about it, knowing that with Alicia he had to pick his battles. Fine. But the sooner the better... Let me call you back, okay?
And he hung up before she could even answer. And then he let his frustration run free, punching a nearby pillow with both hands, his hair freeing itself from the way it was usually combed in and starting to regain its natural form as it bobbed up and down with every punch.
Aaaghhhhh! He vocalized his anger to the empty apartment as he finally threw the pillow away from him and slumped into a nearby chair. And then he decided it hadn't been enough and he approached his bed, picking up the one-sided fight against the mattress, that just returned slightly echoed whines in response. Finally his murdering anger seemed to ease a little and he went back to his laptop, reading more calmly the article once again.
It was indeed strange for Alicia to be so careless about an affair that she'd end up in this place, and Eli could only think about one person he'd seen her consider the possibility of something else with: Will Gardner. And while he had anticipated there might be some problems over the obvious attraction between them, they had recently grown apart from each other, at least at the office; and never, not even in his wildest dreams, had he imagined this outcome. There had even been rumors of a fight during some recent negotiations and he was now taking less cases with her; so, if his suspicions were true, he had to give them credit for putting up a very convincing façade.
Eli quickly dived into twitter and the main news sites, searching for the slightest sniff that the article had already been picked up by someone else. Good news were apparently it hadn't. His mind was already assembling a plan but he didn't feel like calling Alicia back just yet. Whenever he chose a candidate to work with he knew there was a lot he'd invest into him or her: time, connections, resources of all types... And with Peter he had even been willing to wait until he made up his mind to run because he saw he had what it took for the governorship, and even why not, for the White House. But now everything was at risk because of Alicia's unfortunate and poorly timed rebellion, and he had to activate survival mode and pull out any tricks left into the bag. He contacted the manager of a few Twitter bots and asked him to start tweeting about anything but the divorce, in order to dilute any possible links to the offending news. He started researching friendly reporters' agendas and building a draft of an interview he knew was now mandatory.
On the other end, Alicia stood speechless for a second in front of the phone, before getting back into action as well and dialing Will. It was extremely strange for them to call each other directly unless it was absolutely necessary and work-related, to avoid any slip-ups that someone else could hear or to arise suspicions due to the excessive communication between them, but well, this was an emergency after all. He picked up after the fourth ring and Alicia could hear in the background soft music, the one he usually played when working.
Hello? His voice sounded a bit confused, since these were evidently not work hours.
Will! Hey.
Alicia? What's going on? Is everything alright? Are you okay? She should've imagined he would immediately think something had happened to her or the baby.
Yes! Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. We're fine. It's just... It's just I need you to see something.
See something? Okay, what is it? He obviously sounded confused.
Have you got your laptop?
Will just had to extend his hand and slide his fingers through the gray surface for a bright light to join the room's illumination and a few moments later he was stupefied, staring at the title that had cause all this chaos in less than an hour.
You gotta be kidding me.
I know, this is a mess. But I already called Eli.
And? What did he say?
He hasn't returned my call, maybe he will after he becomes bald from pulling all his hair out. The joke made the environment less stressful for a moment, but then she continued.
But he wants to know who you are.
You can't tell him. He's at the firm now, the moment this news get out, it will turn into open season for my head.
I know, but he's right about something. The press will dig into this and if they find out about us, we need to be prepared.
We've been careful...
Yes, but we've been together to the appointments. And you know there's always something.
I can ask Kalinda to look into us, see where we're vulnerable.
Alicia went silent. She didn't want Kalinda investigating her life but in the current scenario she seemed like the safest option. Besides, she hadn't told Will about their fallout, and even if she was quite sure he suspected something he hadn't asked, and now wasn't the time for such conversation.
Fine, but let's try to keep the research to the minimum?
Sure. Will was still a bit confused about the two women's relationship status, but he didn't ask and instead concurred with Alicia. They said their goodbyes, agreeing that she would call him as soon as Eli came up with something and they would try to keep his identity a secret for as long as possible.
Alicia was meaning to wait up for Eli's call, but the pregnancy was really draining a whole lot of energy from her and as soon as she got into bed she fell asleep. Her cellphone being normally in vibration at night she woke until the next morning, with the sun's rays already invading her bedroom and even reflecting into one of the small mirrors in the wall. Still groggy she searched the sheets for her phone and squinted to be able to make out the screen among the offending brightness. Her nose caught the scent of bacon, probably from Grace making breakfast, which made her stomach turn in protest. Fortunately most of the vomiting had been reduced to just nausea and she managed to finally focus on the notifications, which showed Eli had attempted to reach her at least four times last night.
With a sigh she let herself fall back into the bed, stretching and finally getting up to the bathroom. She then went out and removed the sheets from the bed, placing them in the laundry basket and walked outside her room to investigate the origin of the smell.
Hey mom, good morning!
Good morning guys.
Grace was indeed cooking but the one to offer her a plate was Zach, since Grace was still keeping interaction just for essential stuff. Alicia refused the bacon and just grabbed a piece of toast, nibbling on it and pouring herself a glass of juice, joining her kids for the rest of their breakfast. Once they were done, the plates washed and she was back at her room, she dialed Eli. He was quick to answer.
Finally! I was already planning on a search party to get you.
Alicia rolled her eyes. It's Saturday, Eli. I can sleep in today. So, have you got a plan?
Well, I already got help from the twitter gods to try and distract the attention from the blog, but it's just a matter of time before someone gets their hands on it. So, once they do, we will be ready with an interview. Ted Willoughby is our best option.
Willoughby? Isn't he a little, well, slow?
And that's exactly what we want. So, I'll send you the draft. I'm also working on Peter's statement once this gets out, but I don't suppose you want to be involved? His question was more of an affirmation and Alicia was grateful for keeping her out of it.
No, I think it's better like this.
And, hum. The father?
Oh, yes, the father. Hoping Eli had forgotten about it had definitely been way too optimistic. Look, Eli, we don't want to interfere with your job, but revealing his name would have a lot of implications we'd rather postpone for another while. Once the press has it, well, he's all for cooperation with us, but on the meanwhile we would appreciate things staying like this.
If it would have a lot of implications the more the reason for me to know! Look, Alicia, I'm trying to help here. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm still trying to revive the hopes for Peter's run, but I'm also trying to keep your good image, and any other surprise would not only kill that, but also put you in a very awkward position with the public and at work. You need to let me know what I'm facing here.
Eli, we can't. Seriously. You're working with Peter and, well, it is not convenient. But once it gets out I promise you he will help with any damage control. And anyway, there isn't much prevention to be done here.
Alicia had actually given a lot of thought to the implications of revealing Will's name. With Peter, well, they had already been in a fist fight, it couldn't get more personal than that, but he could always make their life difficult at court, especially if he confirmed his suspicions. At the firm, the other partners would try to go after Will or even her, and they couldn't afford getting kicked out now, more in need of financial security than ever with all the expenses the baby would bring. And the press, well, they would have quite the entertainment with them. And none of those things could be avoided, no matter the sooner they made the name known. So, better wait until it came out on its own rather than bring it upon themselves.
Eli sighed. Please think about it.
I will. I'll also check the draft and please keep me posted with any other news.
They wrapped up the conversation and then hung up. They would have long days ahead.
—-—
Alicia's heels resonated in the concrete floor, the distant murmur of voices and occasional metal clashing sounds accompanying her steps through Cook County's Jail. Celeste was already waiting outside the interview room, boredly looking around until her eyes met the approaching figure.
Alicia! Hello!
Hi Celeste. I hope you haven't been here long.
Oh, not at all, I've just arrived as well. Ready?
Yes. Alicia nodded, her leather binder tucked under her arm.
They entered the room, where a camera and a screen had been set up, facing the end of the metal table, that was still empty. The took a seat next to the items and waited as the guard left and signaled his partner to bring Sweeney in. The room was small, with a few non-opening windows around and a couple of doors, one through which they'd entered and the other that faced the inside of the prison, that opened to reveal the man in question walking as fluidly as the metal cuffs would allow.
My lovely lawyers! I hope you are doing well.
He sat down and smiled, his eyes taking in the camera. The official turned it on and Sweeney appeared on the screen, in a small rectangle in the corner. The rest of the screen remained dark and the official retreated to the door while he spoke.
The court officer will open the communication when the testimony is required. On the meanwhile no image or sound will be transmitted. You can't touch the equipment under any circumstances and you will be sworn in in a minute, Sweeney.
He just nodded and watched him leave to search for whoever was supposed to swear him in.
Charming man, huh?
Both lawyers remained silent but Celeste smiled at him. They waited until Sweeney was sworn in and the officers left, their vigilant stare through the doors glasses, before speaking again.
Have you got any doubts, Mr. Sweeney?
No. You've prepared me well, Mrs. Florrick. And he smiled, trying to look falsely charming and she just shook her head, it was like dealing with a three year old.
Remember, keep your answers concrete. If you don't know something don't try to come up with it.
Alright. And he started combing his hair with his hands, using his image in the screen as a mirror. Alicia sighed and gave up, hoping everything went more or less alright. Minutes started ticking by, silence wrapping them, the temperature in the room quickly rising due to the lack of ventilation and the three bodies enclosed in the small space. It was almost 1:00 and the August sun was shining well above, not helping the situation. Celeste removed her jacket, staying in an sleeveless shirt, fanning with one of the documents in front of her. Alicia picked up a folder and started rhythmically moving it, barely getting some relief from the heat. She would've loved to remove her jacket as well, but it was the only thing keeping her bump hidden, so she just moved her hand more enthusiastically. Sweeney, who didn't have anything to fight the heat with started sweating slightly. Finally, after what seemed an eternity the screen produced some crackles and lit up, showing the courtroom, the judge and Diane at the center. Movement stopped from both lawyers and the three of them sat more upright, very attentive to what was happening. Diane greeted Sweeney and the questions started. However, just one question was enough for Alicia to notice something was off. His answers were vague and doubtful, his hand pulling the neck of the t-shirt as if trying to show his recently acquired prison tattoo. She had seen him in court before and this was definitely not the usual him. She would've intervened right then, but she was having a few problems of her own. The heat and the stress of the situation were making her feel very lightheaded. She tried to breath deeply and calm herself down, trying to keep her focus on the interrogation in front of her.
The questioning continued, entering the key fact of their suit, the de-icing system on the GR-6, but Sweeney just asked to have he question repeated. That's when Alicia's fears materialized, as she realized for some unknown reason he was sabotaging their case. She leaned towards Celeste.
We need to cut him off, he's gonna hurt us.
Celeste was quick to move her feet backwards, tangling the heel of her shoe with the cables and pulling them, managing to effectively cut the communication.
What are you doing?
Even if Alicia managed to ask Sweeney that, her head had started spinning and nausea quickly followed. Her mouth felt dry and sticky, her palms starting to leave a print on the metal surface of the table with her sweat.
What am I doing? I'm undercutting your case.
Why?! Celeste leaned slightly forwards in bewilderment, completely oblivious to the other lawyer's discomfort.
Because I want something. Freedom. However, Sweeney's eyes had barely left Alicia, and he started to notice her sudden pallor, her prolonged blinking in an attempt to discreetly close her eyes and her desperate swallowing. Her saliva felt thick, her balance untrustworthy and her stomach was doing somersaults with the water she'd had a while ago.
We'll see what we can do about it. She said, her voice raspy. She took her things and stood up trying to get out of the suffocating room as soon as possible, but the moment she did that, little bright lights starting dancing in front of her eyes and she had to sit down again, not trusting her body to stay upright. Celeste and Sweeney now both turned at her and Celeste held her by the elbow as she sat down.
You okay?
Uh huh.
You look pale. Maybe you should stay seated. She went towards the door and knocked on the inside, to get one of the guards' attention. The door opened and Alicia welcomed the fresh air current that reached her sweaty skin, before it was taken away by the door closing again. Celeste returned next to her.
They'll try to call the prison's infirmary.
No, I'm fine. It's just the heat, I got a little dizzy but I'm fine. But the truth was she didn't feel good enough to stand up yet and remained seated, her hands still gripped to the table's edge.
You don't look like it. You better wait.
I have to agree with Ms. Serrano here. Sweeney finally intervened. After all I need you healthy to get me out of here. Alicia managed to send a deathly glare towards him, even amidst her haze.
Suddenly the other door opened and the second guard came in to get Sweeney out. He cooperated fully but when he was about to be escorted out, he turned around and signaled the guard to wait a moment.
By the way, congratulations on the good news. Alicia's eyes widened as she stared at him shocked; there was no way he could've known, unless he'd somehow heard the abortion story and tied up the loose ends. But then he talked again as he was pulled away by the guard. Of your divorce, that is. I didn't tell you last time, how rude of me. Hope to hear of you again soon. And he left with a wink.
Alicia let her head rest in her arms, trying not to think about what Celeste might be thinking by now. She stood next to her, unsure of what was one supposed to do in this situation and finally decided to make some air in Alicia's direction with the folder.
Thank you.
You're welcome. You feeling better?
Yes. And she was, slowly the bright lights disappeared and her head stopped spinning as seconds turned into a couple of minutes. Then the door opened to reveal a woman in her fifties, wearing scrubs and carrying a small briefcase.
Finally. Celeste murmured and moved aside to let her approach.
Good afternoon, my name is Hannah, I'm the prison's nurse. Your name is?
Alicia. She was about to say the Florrick but then she remembered she wasn't one anymore.
Okay Alicia. What happened?
She gave a brief description of her symptoms as the nurse took her heart rate and checked her pupils.
Has this happened to you before?
Well... a few years ago. They said it was a drop in my blood pressure.
Could be, the nurse answered. I'll need to check it out. She gestured at Alicia's arm, clearly asking her to uncover it as she took a couple of the apparatus from her briefcase. However, the sleeves were so fitted it was impossible to lift them beyond the elbow and with dismay Alicia realized she'd have to remove the whole jacket. The nurse was already waiting so she removed her arm from the sleeve, keeping the other on. The nurse got to work, placing the cuff on place and taking her pressure, silence surrounding them for a moment.
It is low. 80/60. Only they knew what those numbers meant. And then she added something that made Alicia want to kill her. You're pregnant, right? She had obviously seen the way her blouse hugged tightly her belly, being especially noticeable when she was sitting. Alicia widened her eyes and pursed her lips and the nurse seemed to realize she'd screwed up because she quickly spoke again.
You know, it could be from the heat. It's too hot in here. I suggest you get out on the fresh and maybe sit or lay for a while with your legs up until you feel better. Also you should drink lots of water to prevent this from happening again. Everything else seems fine, you think you can get up?
Alicia nodded and took the arm the nurse offered, trying to ignore Celeste's obvious gawking at her. They headed towards the exit door and parted ways, both lawyers silently signing the visitors' log and getting their IDs back. Finally the silence was broken as they reached the outside again.
You probably shouldn't drive.
Well, I can't leave my car here.
I came by bus.
There were a few seconds of silence while Alicia thought, but her alternatives were basically nonexistent and, for the second time in less than two weeks, she found herself passenger in her own car to no other than Celeste. They stopped at a convenience store to buy something to drink and then started the good half hour drive back to Lockhart/Gardner.
So, a baby, huh?
There was no point in denying it anymore, but even so, the answer came in a murmur. Yeah. Alicia resisted the impulse to caress her growing bump, as she now did whenever baby was mentioned.
Now I see why Will is so overprotective of you. Alicia looked quizzically in her direction and she laughed. You don't notice it because he's always like that around you, but that's not his usual self. I was lucky if he called me after three days of not talking.
Well, you do seem like quite the party girl, maybe he just assumed you were having a good time. It was a strange conversation, the comments not meant to offend but rather the product of raw honesty between them, the tacit understanding that Alicia was now dating Will (and having his baby) and Celeste being jealous about it, but without either admitting to anything and just working on hypothetical grounds.
She giggled. I was, but so was he. We were great playing poker together, you know? We'd negotiate and decide about cases over a good hand.
Well, it certainly seems more fun than our negotiations.
Celeste smiled.
They were. Look, I'm glad for you 'cause I like you, Alicia. But at the same time I don't like that you and Will are together.
Really? You broke up things, what? 9 years ago? It's quite a long time to hold on to it, don't you think?
She shook her head and laughed. I just don't think he's the man for you. This isn't entirely for my benefit, consider it a heads up.
How come?
You are a good person. Will... is more like me. Even if we try to be good and domestic, it's just not in our nature. We will eventually try to get our freedom back and we will disappoint people around us. Alicia thought for the best way to formulate her answer as she drank from the icy water.
Maybe so. But I also believe a person won't show what they're capable of if you don't give them a chance. Maybe he didn't feel the need to be domestic. And unless he kills a hobo and buries his body in the desert, well, I don't think I'll be too impressed. If Alicia was to look for the bright side of things, at least Peter had set up the bar pretty high when it came to disappointing spouses. She had learned during her marriage that politicians, lawyers and a good bunch of other people moved constantly in the line that divides right and wrong and by now she was pretty sure Will wasn't a completely pure and innocent being (heck, not even Diane); but she did believe he did things for the right reasons and tried his best to stay at the good side, so she could live with that.
Celeste shrugged. It was just $45,000. And he put them back. Alicia turned to her, trying to figure out what on earth was she talking about. And then she decided it wasn't worth it.
So, will you run to the press with the news of my pregnancy?
No. I don't win anything with that. It'd just bring you two closer.
Alicia gave half a smile at that last comment. Celeste was a strange person but she was very realistic and had a few good advices in between all her plotting. Had the situation been other maybe they could've even become friends. But the situation wasn't other and they split ways after arriving to Lockhart/Gardner and announcing to Diane Sweeney's request. Alicia went back to her office to start reviewing his case and look for a way to get him out when Will basically barged into it and shut the door behind.
What on earth happened?! Are you okay?
Alicia looked up in confusion. What are you talking about?
Today. Prison. They had to call the nurse?!
Oh, that, Celeste just couldn't keep it to herself, Alicia thought annoyedly. It was nothing, I'm fine.
Maybe I should drive you to the hospital just to be sure. Did you call Dr. Daniels?
Will. Alicia switched her tone to the I don't admit discussion one. I'm fine. It has happened to me before, with Zach and Grace. We're fine. If I thought for a moment we weren't I would be the first one to run to the hospital. Calm down. And she looked outside the office, making sure no one was watching them. Will seemed to examine her words and paced around for a moment before staring at her and lifting his brow, questioningly.
Really. Alicia assured him with a smile.
You'll let me know if anything, and I mean anything, happens, right?
Yes, I will.
Okay. I should probably get back to my meeting.
It was her turn to lift her eyebrows. You left in the middle of a meeting?
Cain is there. He can handle it. Oh, by the way, have you got plans for tomorrow afternoon?
No, not really, why?
But you're coming over?
Probably. Why?
Will seemed unsure about speaking.
Well, is that I've got tickets for the Cubs' game. You know, from the few ones that Diane lets me keep. But I don't think us together in public is such a good idea, so I can give them back to her and we can watch the game at my place, if you want.
Oh. Alicia had barely processed it all when she had to respond. Okay. Will nodded and left, letting her get back to her work. A plan started forming in her mind, but first, she had to find a way to release Sweeney and went back to the file in front of her. It was never easy to have a wife murderer for client.