I've decided to extend this story into the recovery and into the court case, so the this chapter and the one before it is to help further than that. This is what happens when you only plan stories vaguely in your head.
I've also went back and edited former chapters to pick up on any errors and tidy them up a bit, which is taking longer than I expected. I was going to do that before updating but I'm only halfway through and I figured you had all waited long enough.
Thank you for all your reviews. Any mistakes in this are completely mine.
Russell eyes Elizabeth's staff, his fingers tapping almost silently off the wooden table as he concludes his update to them, "So that's it, that's all the information that we have right now."
It is Matt who reacts first, looking to Blake, who is currently staring down at his interlinked fingers, and asking him, "Did you know all of this?"
Blake doesn't look at him as he answers, "I knew about the complications from her surgery." His lips twist in a flash of pain. "I was there when the doctors told her family, and I knew bits from what happened last night."
"And the other stuff?" Jay asks him.
"Some of it. Knew that he'd been a student of hers, that there had been some harassment on his part." He rubs underneath his chin. "Dr McCord told the kids last night that he'd put Merchant's name forward for investigation on that basis. But I didn't know about the letters, or that he was following her."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Daisy asks him, looking hurt at his omissions.
"When I got back last night, I just wanted to forget about it," he admits. "I wanted the doctors to be wrong and I didn't want to worry anyone if it all turned out to be fine." He looks up at Daisy. "As for the stuff with Merchant." He gives a small shrug. "I suppose I thought that you'd have been told that already."
"Which we hadn't," Daisy remarks with a small huff.
Russell's sharp gaze moves between every face seated in front of him and he clicks his tongue off his front teeth. "Well you know now and I expect this to stay between the individuals in this room, you're being told this so that we can better manage the situation, not to improve the quality of gossip at the water-cooler."
Daisy looks visibly affronted as she snaps back bluntly, "We're her staff, it's our job to manage situations to give her the best outcome. We've never gossiped about her."
"With respect, these are unusual times, and you will be under more pressure than ever to provide this information," Russell points out.
Giving a shake of her head, Daisy draws her lips thinly together. "They can put on all the pressure they want," she grates out. "They won't be hearing any of this from us."
"But they will hear it in any court proceedings," Jay points out, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he leans forward in his seat. "Which is why you've told us, so we're not blind-sided." His head tilts as he watches Russell's expression closely. "If it weren't for that, I get the feeling you would have kept us in the dark.
Unthinkingly, Russell's gaze flickers to Nadine and back again as he admits, "I was persuaded that it would be more helpful for both the McCords, and for this department, to share this information with a select few." His eyes meet Jay's. "But we can't be seen to air this publicly, this is an active investigation, never forget that. We have to stand above it all."
"Why?" Blake asks, his face pale, his cheeks hollow as he sucks them in in a reaction to everything he's just heard. "Why can't we, for once, comment on this?" He looks around the table. "We all know he did it, the public knows he did it, so surely we should condemn him for it?"
It is Nadine who answers him, her face is calm, but the flash of understanding and sadness in her gaze soothes Blakes frazzled nerves ever so slightly. "Because the State Department can't be seen to be interfering in the criminal process, the whole point of the American justice system is that no matter who are you, or what you are accused of, that you receive a fair trial."
Matt snorts derisively, "Yeah because that always happens."
"Perhaps we can save the debate about vagaries of the system for another time, "Russell cuts in. "The main takeaway is that Ray Merchant is entitled to a fair trial and that he is innocent until proven guilty."
Jay holds up a hand. "Hang on, proven guilty? I know we're talking about court cases and trials, but I assumed we meant for sentencing after he pleads."
"I'm hoping he will plead," Russell replies carefully. "But right now, it's not a guarantee. He'll be offered a plea bargain-"
"A plea bargain?" Jay interrupts, as he gets to his feet, agitated, his hand on his hip pushing back his suit jacket. "Why are we bargaining with him?"
"To spare the family a trial, I know how it sounds but we're still going for first degree attempted murder charge, he's not getting off on that. Other than that, I'm not discussing it," Russell tells him bluntly.
Jay still looks appalled. "We shouldn't need to bargain at all."
"And yet here we are, "Russell sighs irritably. "There is a lot more pieces to this, a lot more at play than just some bastard with a gun. Like it or not, a court case could unfairly damage Elizabeth McCord, and I want to avoid that if we can."
Giving a humourless smile, Jay asks, "No matter the cost?"
Russel lumbers to his feet, glaring at the policy advisor. "No, there is a limit, but we're not there yet. Now, what I want you all to do is-" His mobile rings, cutting him off mid sentence, and with a grumble, Russell pulls it out of the inside pocket in his suit jacket, jabbing at the screen to answer it. "Leon, whatever this is about, it better be urgent."
There is a pause on the other end of the line, before the Deputy Director clears his throat, "Um, it is, but you're not going to like it."
"That's no change," Russell replies as he presses his thumb and forefinger into his temples in anticipation of the oncoming headache. "So spit it out."
"Merchant says he'll only accept the deal if he can talk to the Secretary, face to face."
Russell manages to laugh, the sound harsh and grating, "Well that's never going to happen."
"Which is what he was told, but…"
Straightening like a hunter who has just spotted its prey, Russell echoes dangerously, "But what?"
"Kevin wanted to consider it," comes the admission. "Thought it was the best way of closing it all down."
Sighing, Russell rolls his eyes skyward and is suddenly thankful that Carol isn't making him wear that twenty-four-hour blood pressure monitor anymore, because it must be through the roof. "Put him on, he'll soon change his mind."
There is another awkward cough. "That's the thing, I can't," he admits. "He's already left."
"Left to go where?" Russell asks him, beyond exasperated now.
"I didn't think he was serious," Leon insists. "I thought he would go to his office, calm down and realise that it was a terrible idea."
Russell grits his teeth, his voice nearly a growl as in a short staccato he asks again, "Where did he go?"
There is a low sigh before the final admission. "He's went to the hospital to speak to Henry McCord, he thinks he can talk him round to accepting the caveat."
For a moment Russell feels as though he is suspended in disbelief at what he has just been told, he turns away from the onlookers around the table. "He what?" he hisses.
"I know, it's a God-awful idea-"
"And yet you let him go!" Russell shouts, the suspended feeling dissipating to be replaced with rage at the incompetency of those surrounding him since the shooting.
"I didn't think-"
"Damn straight you didn't think! Call him back!"
Leon's voice is slightly shakier now as he replies, "I tried, his phone is off."
"When did he go?"
"Sometime in the last half hour."
"Fuck!" Russell cuts the call, jamming his phone back into his pocket. He swivels to face Elizabeth's staff, their faces are curious but he ignores that. He lifts a finger and points it between Daisy and Matt. "I want a statement from you two, to be given by this department after the arraignment. Assume that he's pleading not guilty."
"Is that what the call was about?" Daisy asks curiously.
Russell glares sharply at her. "Partly." It's all he is going to give them as he adds, "And I meant what I said, we keep it vague. No condemnation and we have faith in our justice system, yada yada." He waves his hand at the end of his sentence. "Don't screw it up, I'll be back once I deal with something."
He doesn't wait for a reply from them before he storms from the room, the large door bouncing off it's hinges in his wake. Matt raises an eyebrow. "Anyone else feel sorry for that something who is definitely a someone?"
"Depends," Jay replies carefully. "I think a lot of people got a lot of things wrong in the last few weeks and they need to be held accountable."
"Oh, Russell will do that alright," Nadine remarks. She crosses one leg over the other. "Any questions?"
"A lot," Daisy admits, "but I think the answer to them just stormed out the door." She looks up at Nadine and gives a small wince as she adds, "No offence."
"On this occasion there is none taken." Nadine gets to her feet, gathering her papers together into a neat pile. "Now, does everyone feel able to continue with their jobs after that?" There is a mumble of agreement and she gives a nod. "Good, then lets get back to it."
Elizabeth lies still again, the sheets have been straightened, the tube at her nose has been re-inserted and its almost as though the horror of earlier never happened. The only nods to it are the blue clip now securing her NG in place and the extra syringe driver that is clipped onto the IV stand. Henry wishes he could forget it as easily, but her lurching forward is seared into his brain. He tries to soothe himself by telling himself that she woke up, that he's not been left with the worst-case scenario that the treatment plan might have changed but they're still treating her. Henry clings to the ray of hope that's given him and hopes that the new medication does what it's supposed to and brings his wife back to him.
Her hand is clasped between both of Henry's, but her fingers remain slack. There is a cough from the doorway, and Henry looks up to see Pete lingering in the doorway. The security agent looks grim, although he's had that expression since being named as Elizabeth's lead agent – a temporary role, until the investigation is complete – his lips are drawn into a thin, tight line as he advises, "Director Doherty is here to speak to you, he's asked if you can join him in the family room."
Henry shakes his head. "No, I'm not leaving her." He can't, not after earlier. It doesn't matter that her sedation is back up, that Rebecca is seated quietly at her desk, her eyes watchful, he just can't bring himself to leave his wife alone. No-one else is here, so he has to be.
Pete's expression is understanding, but he adds, "He says it's urgent."
An annoyed hiss of air escapes from between Henry's clenched teeth. "If it's that urgent then tell him to just come in."
Pete's eyes flicker to Elizabeth's form, other than family, the only person who's seen her has been the President and her security detail. It's not that Pete thinks the FBI director will leak anything, but it feels almost intrusive to let him into such a sombre situation. "You're sure Dr McCord?"
Henry give a short, sharp nod. "It's that or he waits until the next time I'm told to wait outside." He glances over to Rebecca. "Is it ok with you?"
She looks slightly surprised as the question, but agrees easily, "It's fine, Elizabeth is still sedated until the new medication is at a therapeutic level, and you're allowed two visitors around the bed."
"There you go." Henry's jaw is gritted, as he tells him, "If he feels this really can't wait then he'll need to speak to me here."
Pete nods, and steps back, talking into his radio. There is a brief few minutes of respite and Henry finds himself hoping that the man has decided against talking to him just now, but then he hears the footsteps and his stomach sinks.
Kevin appears, his tie is slightly askew and there is a faint glimmer of sweat across his forehead. He glances at Elizabeth and his eyes dart away anxiously, he looks at Rebecca and tells her, "I'll need you to wait outside."
She raises an eyebrow, informing him dryly, "That won't be possible."
"This is a confidential matter, you can't be present."
Rebecca looks non-plussed at the statement. "Secretary McCord is under constant nursing supervision, if her airway becomes compromised it is a medical emergency, I can't and won't be leaving the room."
Kevin splutters slightly at the refusal, running his hand over his head. "Well…I…we can't possibly talk with you present."
Henry cuts in sharply, "Director Doherty, I'm really not in the mood for this. My wife's health is all I care about right now, now either this is urgent enough that you need to discuss it now, in which case get on with it, or it can wait and you can leave."
Pulling his suit jacket straight, Kevin seems to gather himself and tells him, "It does need to be now, this is a time sensitive issue."
Henry waves his hand towards the chair opposite. "Then let's get on with it."
Kevin takes the seat but still glances at Rebecca almost suspiciously, wondering if should make her sign a waver, but right now he doesn't have time for that, so he tell Henry bluntly, "Merchant turned down the plea bargain."
There is a flicker at Henry's jaw, a twitch to his mouth before he replies, "Fine."
"Although there is a way to persuade him to take it," Kevin adds, he was hoping for more of a reaction from Henry, an emotion to play his suggestion on, but the man is giving nothing away. "He pleads in about three hours and this could all finish then."
Henry's gaze is suspicious. "What is it?"
"He's said he'll plead guilty if he is given the guarantee that he can speak to Secretary McCord face to face."
Henry blanches, his eyes widening his disbelief, his tone curt, brusque as he replies, "I hope you told him just where he could stick that idea."
Kevin fidgets, shifting uneasily on his seat. "With respect, I think we should pursue it."
"You think that I should agree to let the man who shot my wife in the same room as her to have a chat?" Henry remarks incredulously.
"It would be safe, controlled," Kevin tries to reassure him.
Henry's voice becomes louder, he's not quite shouting but his ire is clear, "She was meant to be safe the last time and look at her!"
Kevin's eyes flicker across Elizabeth again and he only just manages to restrain himself from wincing at her pale face, and the number of tubes that trail out from under the sheets. There is a box collecting blood next to his lower leg and he is resolute in not looking at it. "I know this is an upsetting idea, but security would be incredibly tight."
"No." Henry's voice is firm as he shakes his head. "I accepted the idea of a plea to save Elizabeth stress and upset, forcing her into a room with the man who shot her is just going to cause more."
Licking his lips nervously, "Kevin tells him, "It's the only way to get him to plead for first degree attempted murder. If we don't take it then we risk him getting away on a much lesser charge."
"He was caught at the scene, he sent Elizabeth threatening letters, he'll be found guilty."
"He's got himself an expensive lawyer, he is going to fight this. It's going to be long and drawn out, we could finish this today."
"I don't even know whether Elizabeth is going to fully recover," Henry snaps at him. "I am not serving her up on a platter."
"We wouldn't be. Just one conversation, that's all."
"No."
Kevin lowers his voice to a quiet murmur, "Then with respect, I can't guarantee that we'll be able to pursue the attempted murder charge, I think aggravated assault is more likely."
"With respect," Henry grounds out, an edge of irony to his voice, implying it is with anything but. "That's the district attorney's choice, not yours."
Able to feel his chance to brush this as much under the carpet as possible slip away from him, Kevin argues, "They'll need to look at the likelihood of conviction."
Henry's gaze is fixed on Elizabeth, his grip on her hand has tightened. "How can you sit there and have the nerve to tell me that you aren't going to push for the highest charge you possibly can? I want you to get out," he tells him lowly, his teeth gritted, his anger palpable.
"And I would second that," comes a voice from the doorway. Kevin looks up to see Russell Jackson glowering at him. Russell jerks his head towards the corridor, "You heard the man, off you go." Kevin gets up, knowing his chance is gone, and his shoulder slump further when Russell tells him, "I'll speak to you outside."
Henry doesn't look at Russell as he asks, "Did you send him here?"
Russell shakes his head as he steps into the room. "Absolutely not, he came up with that moronic idea on his own. I think we hit Ray Merchant with everything we have now, we gave him a chance and now we let the justice system handle it."
"He's coming nowhere near Elizabeth," Henry growls.
"No," Russell agrees. "We can take steps in court if she's called to give evidence, it can be via video link or behind a screen. He won't get what he wants Henry."
"I can't believe he had the nerve to come here-" Henry breaks off, looking pained at the effort.
"He won't be back, I'll ask Deputy Director Kirby to be the liaison from now on."
Henry nods. "Good."
Russell looks back towards the bed. "How's she doing?"
"Ok. The original sedation will be down in the next hour, then they're going to try her without the ventilator. They're hoping that she'll regain some consciousness but without the agitation."
"She's in my thoughts," Russell tells him. He leans forward and takes Elizabeth free hand into his giving it a squeeze. "She's a fighter, if anyone can come through this…" He sees Henry nod, his eyes watering, his gaze fixed on his wife. Russell steps back, he hadn't wanted to intrude, but when he'd heard Kevin was in the room he felt it was his only choice. "Don't worry about Merchant's plea. We'll deal with it, we'll nail him to the wall for this, I promise."
Henry gives a nod in response and Russell gives Elizabeth one last look before he turns on his heel to deal with this latest headache.
Henry waits until the footsteps have died away and digs his phone out of his pocket, he ignores the number of missed calls from Maureen, he doesn't have the energy to deal with her right now. Instead he types out a new text, his thumb hovering over the screen for a second before he hits send. Kevin's words play on his mind and he decides that he wants someone on Elizabeth's side during this and that's exactly what he's going to make sure they have.
Russell is seething by the time he reaches the family room, unable to quite believe the nerve of the FBI Director, that he was able to sit there and make such a suggestion. He flings the door open and lets it fall shut with a slam behind him. "Want to tell me what you were thinking?"
Kevin looks at him, he looks unrepentant, his jaw gritted stubbornly. "I was thinking that I wanted this wrapped up, without a media circus."
"You think a deal like that would stay quiet?" Russell asks him incredulously. "You think it wouldn't get leaked to the media?"
"It would be better than a court case."
"No, it wouldn't. It would look like we had something to hide, that's the only reason we'd agree to this." Russell glowers at him. "You didn't suggest this for the good of the McCord family, you just don't want a public inquiry."
"And you do?"
Russell ignores the question. "Ray Merchant is playing a game and we aren't rising to it. Let him play his hand, the only way he outsmarts us is if we play along with him." He raises a finger and points it at Kevin in warning, "Leave this alone, stay away from the McCords."
"This is a mistake," Kevin grumbles. "This is going to be a fiasco."
"Let me make this clear," Russell tells him firmly, "Either you step away from this willingly or I will make sure that no matter what happens with Ray Merchant that the inquiry into the FBI is public."
"That's blackmail."
"Yeah, well it's still a step up from you pulling it with Henry McCord."
Kevin looks away, he has the grace to look slightly shamefaced. "Fine," he replies after a few seconds. "I'll step back, but you're making a mistake."
Russel ignores him. He has work to get back to and so with the promise made, he leaves the room, making sure that he slams the door shut behind him, the noise echoing.
