Setting: Picks up on the Monday morning after the disastrous dinner party. Bobby found Marina's letter on his desk.
Authors' Note: This story is the product of a tag-team effort between by Lysa and Deb. The title for this story was borrowed from the film of the same title, directed by Stanley Kramer. Thank you to everyone who sent such nice feedback on Parts 1 and 2.
Bobby slowly opened the envelope addressed to him by Marina, wondering, 'What now?' He read:
Dear Bobby,
As you read this, I will be in New York, visiting my "true" family. A number of years ago, when I was still in law school at Columbia University, I met a very powerful man with an eye for talent. He offered to pay all my school and living expenses. In exchange I worked exclusively for him. I started at the bottom, of course, but I gradually worked my way up through the ranks to become the head attorney for the Family. I am free to travel and live a very comfortable life as long as I am readily available should they need me. I thought living in Boston would be perfect; I could be close to you and dad and still go to New York and Chicago as business dictated. I see now I was wrong. I think my life needs to be in New York and I am going there to set that up. I will be back in Boston in a few days to finalize things, but I just don't see any way I can stay with the way things are. Friday night was just the beginning. I can't see things improving between Lindsay and me, and I for one don't want to put you in the middle of anything. I will be back and we can talk then. Maybe the solitary life is the life for me. I love you very much and I am very sorry that things didn't work out. I won't be back in the office, but I will call you. Love, Marina
Bobby folded the letter back up and carefully stuffed it back into the envelope. Sitting at his desk, he let his head fall into his hands, his hopes for a happy family dashed. Meanwhile, in New York "Ma-reeee-na!!" the deep voice boomed and them she was caught in a giant bear hug. "Darling! You finally come to your senses, eh? Come home to New York?" "It looks that way, Vincent." Marina laughed. She felt so happy to be here. She had almost forgotten how energized New York made her feel, and how welcoming the Family had always been. He let go of her and they sat down at a gigantic mahogany table. "Business before pleasure, yes?" he said. "What do you have for me?" She handed him three plain looking manila folders. "Here's the latest. Johnson, Hendricks, and Wall. Entered witness protection last week. Here are their new identities, complete with addresses and phone numbers." "Very good," he murmured, putting on thick glasses and perusing the paperwork. "I will see that this is taken care of. Excellent work, as usual, Marina." He cast aside the folders. "Now, I have something for you. When you called me and said that you wanted to come home, I wondered,' What can I do for Marina to reward her loyalty to the family?' So I made some phone calls, and I have a new job for you. Have you ever thought about being a judge?" "A what?" she asked, her head spinning. A judgeship was one of her ultimate career goals, but Marina had told no one. "Yes, Marina, you would be a New York district court judge. It's a start, but I know you could go far." "I don't know..." she stammered. "When I defend you, its because it's my job as a defense attorney. But as a judge...." "Nothing different! It's still your job. Besides, you would only be one of many judges in town that work for me. You would be compensated very well, Marina." "May I think about it?" she asked. "Of course! " he took her hand." but you take my advice, eh? You come back to New York and marry Armando." She laughed. "I don't remember Armando ever expressing any interest in marrying me!" His laughter joined hers. "If I tell him he's interested, he's interested!" She knew this was true. Vincent was one of the most feared men in the world, but she just couldn't believe it. To her he was just an adorable old man, more like a father than her own had ever been, and she adored him. "Besides, " she joked. "I'm not Italian." "To me, darling, you are an honorary Italian!" he kissed her hand and looked at her a long moment. "But there is someone else, yes? I see it in your eyes." "Yes. And just to make you happy, he IS Italian!" she said. "AH! You're finally coming to your senses! He makes you happy? "Very." she answered. "Then why you look so sad?" Vincent is as perceptive as ever, Marina's thought. "It's family stuff. My brother's wife and I don't get along. I just realized this weekend that things will never be the same between him and me, and it's hard to let go. " she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. "Listen to me, my darling," he said gently, "People move on, change. You must move on also, or you will be standing in the past, all alone." "So I should say goodbye to my brother?" she asked. "Only you can know that. But whatever you decide, my family will always be yours, and there will always be a place here for you." He hugged her again and she got up to leave. "And about your brother's wife...." he said. "Yes?" "You want I should make her go away?" he asked earnestly. Marina laughed again. "No, I don't think so. That would destroy my brother, and I don't want to put him through that. But thanks for the offer." She knew full well that although it sounded like he was joking, Vincent was deadly serious. All she had to do was give the word. "Anytime." he answered gently. Marina left Vincent's colossal house and made her way to her rented car. Driving past the endless grounds, she thought about the job offer. A judge! But she knew if she accepted it, she could say goodbye to justice forever and fight exclusively for the Family. She didn't agree with their methods, but she loved being a part of them. They were a close-knit group, and she was a part of it. And she loved the power that went with it. She would have said yes in a moment if it weren't for Jimmy. Would he come with her? What would he say? Now came the hard part.
After reading Marina's letter, Bobby remained quiet throughout the workday and on the way home. As they drove to the daycare center to pick up BJ, Lindsay asked, "What's bothering you, Bobby? You've barely said a word all day."
He reached inside his suit jacket. From the breast pocket Bobby pulled the letter that Marina had written him. "This is what's bothering me."
Lindsay turned on the overhead map light to read the letter. As she folded the letter and put it back in its envelope, she said, "I'm sorry, Bobby. Part of this is my fault."
"It's nobody's fault, Lindsay. She calls these people in New York her `true family'. How could Marina say that? Weren't Dad and I and Gran family enough for her? Who were the people who taught her how to ride her bike? Who took care of her when she got the chicken pox and when she broke her arm? Who coached her in shooting hoops so that she could make the high school girls basketball team? I guess Marina wants one to be of the powerful instead of one of the Donnells. Lindsay, how in hell am I going to explain all this to Dad?"
Lindsay said nothing. She didn't know what to say. Given her intense dislike for Marina, she worried that any comment would sound bitchy. Instead she rubbed her husband's arm. Silence filled the remainder of the drive.
At home, Bobby and Lindsay changed clothes. Lindsay and BJ put a wooden zoo animals puzzle together while Bobby defrosted homemade spaghetti sauce in the microwave. As he put on a large pot of water to boil for the pasta, the telephone rang. "Hello?" Bobby said softly.
"Bobby, it's Jimmy. I just got home. Marina ain't here but all her things are gone. Is she with you?"
"No, she's not." Bobby sighed. Obviously Marina had said nothing to Jimmy. `Great,' he thought. `I get to give Jimmy the bad news.'
"Can you tell me what's going on?" Jimmy asked.
A pause before Bobby said, "Jimmy, Marina's in New York."
"New York? Why?"
"She should tell you herself. I'll give you her phone number there. She used to have an apartment on Park Avenue. Maybe she's staying there. One thing I can tell you, Jimmy, that Marina's leaving has nothing to do with you."
"I hope not. Thanks for the number. I'll try callin'."
"Good luck, Jimmy." Bobby hung up. He sighed again and began making a salad.
Jimmy was about to dial the number that Bobby had given him when his telephone rang. "Hello?"
"Hi sexy." Marina purred. "Are you in New York?"
"How did you know that? Did Bobby tell you?"
"Yeah. Why are you there?"
"I want to tell you in person. I'm coming back to Boston tomorrow. Could I come by your place for dinner, say 6:00. I'll pick up some Chinese food."
"Uh, sure, yeah. I'll be home by 6:00. Are we OK, Reenie?" "I hope so, Jimmy. See you tomorrow. Bye." The phone line clicked.
Jimmy said nothing to Bobby about Marina returning to Boston the next day. He left work at 5:15 to be certain that he'd be home in time. "Marina?" He called. "Coming." She walked from the kitchen carrying a tray of a dozen paper containers from Ming's Mandarin. "I have a little of everything, and a couple cold beers." She set the tray on the coffee table. "Great. The food smells great." He removed his jacket and tie then unbuttoned his white shirt. She walked over to him and put her arms around him. He encircled her in his arms and breathed in her scent.
"I missed you," she said softly. "We'll have some delicious food and a few beers then we'll talk." "OK." He sat on the sofa and took a plate from the tray. "Why were you in New York?" Marina took a plate. "After dinner. Eat." "Not after dinner, Reenie. Now. I think I deserve an explanation. You left my apartment, taking all your stuff. You were leavin', and you didn't even have the decency to say goodbye. How could you leave and not say goodbye?" "That was unforgivable of me, Jimmy. I'm sorry. You've shown me nothing but kindness and love, and I walked out on you. I'm sorry. "As to why I left, I realized that my new life in Boston wasn't working. I needed to piece things out alone before I made any decisions. I didn't want my head muddled or to make another bad choice. I belong back in New York, with my old friends." She looked down a moment then at Jimmy. "What old friends?" he asked. "Vincent Scarponi. I've worked for him and his various interests since I graduated from law school. He's more like my father than Stephen ever was. Also, I might be up for a judgeship." "Scarponi? I've heard that name. That's ...well, he's involved with organized crime, isn't he?" Marina chose not to answer. "Jimmy, come to New York with me." she said, "We could find a place in the family for you. You'd finally get the recognition and respect you deserve." He hesitated. It was what he wanted, but he didn't want to leave Boston or Bobby. "Not yet, ok? I can't leave just yet. Lets see how our relationship goes first. You'll still be free to travel?" "Sure, I can come back as often as we'd like. And you can come to visit me. I think (the better we get to know each other, the more you'll be able to see my world.) we'll be able to get to know each other better; you'll finally be able to see my world." "Reenie, doesn't it bother you, defendin' ...you know...?" "The mob?" she finished for him. "Well, yeah." "Its no different than being a drug lawyer, except that I really like my client." Marina wanted to tell Jimmy that he would have real power, that he could have anything he ever wanted with the Family, but she held back. She'd rather just show him how good life could be. Marina hugged him again and whispered, "Jimmy, I love you so much. I'll give you the world any way you want it. I'm so excited for you to come to New York and participate in my world. I want nothing more than to make you happy."
Jimmy held her tightly. He was completely dazzled by her. She was beautiful, smart, successful, and she wanted him! More importantly, Jimmy wanted to be with her. But the cost of leaving Boston was huge.
Authors' Note: This story is the product of a tag-team effort between by Lysa and Deb. The title for this story was borrowed from the film of the same title, directed by Stanley Kramer. Thank you to everyone who sent such nice feedback on Parts 1 and 2.
Bobby slowly opened the envelope addressed to him by Marina, wondering, 'What now?' He read:
Dear Bobby,
As you read this, I will be in New York, visiting my "true" family. A number of years ago, when I was still in law school at Columbia University, I met a very powerful man with an eye for talent. He offered to pay all my school and living expenses. In exchange I worked exclusively for him. I started at the bottom, of course, but I gradually worked my way up through the ranks to become the head attorney for the Family. I am free to travel and live a very comfortable life as long as I am readily available should they need me. I thought living in Boston would be perfect; I could be close to you and dad and still go to New York and Chicago as business dictated. I see now I was wrong. I think my life needs to be in New York and I am going there to set that up. I will be back in Boston in a few days to finalize things, but I just don't see any way I can stay with the way things are. Friday night was just the beginning. I can't see things improving between Lindsay and me, and I for one don't want to put you in the middle of anything. I will be back and we can talk then. Maybe the solitary life is the life for me. I love you very much and I am very sorry that things didn't work out. I won't be back in the office, but I will call you. Love, Marina
Bobby folded the letter back up and carefully stuffed it back into the envelope. Sitting at his desk, he let his head fall into his hands, his hopes for a happy family dashed. Meanwhile, in New York "Ma-reeee-na!!" the deep voice boomed and them she was caught in a giant bear hug. "Darling! You finally come to your senses, eh? Come home to New York?" "It looks that way, Vincent." Marina laughed. She felt so happy to be here. She had almost forgotten how energized New York made her feel, and how welcoming the Family had always been. He let go of her and they sat down at a gigantic mahogany table. "Business before pleasure, yes?" he said. "What do you have for me?" She handed him three plain looking manila folders. "Here's the latest. Johnson, Hendricks, and Wall. Entered witness protection last week. Here are their new identities, complete with addresses and phone numbers." "Very good," he murmured, putting on thick glasses and perusing the paperwork. "I will see that this is taken care of. Excellent work, as usual, Marina." He cast aside the folders. "Now, I have something for you. When you called me and said that you wanted to come home, I wondered,' What can I do for Marina to reward her loyalty to the family?' So I made some phone calls, and I have a new job for you. Have you ever thought about being a judge?" "A what?" she asked, her head spinning. A judgeship was one of her ultimate career goals, but Marina had told no one. "Yes, Marina, you would be a New York district court judge. It's a start, but I know you could go far." "I don't know..." she stammered. "When I defend you, its because it's my job as a defense attorney. But as a judge...." "Nothing different! It's still your job. Besides, you would only be one of many judges in town that work for me. You would be compensated very well, Marina." "May I think about it?" she asked. "Of course! " he took her hand." but you take my advice, eh? You come back to New York and marry Armando." She laughed. "I don't remember Armando ever expressing any interest in marrying me!" His laughter joined hers. "If I tell him he's interested, he's interested!" She knew this was true. Vincent was one of the most feared men in the world, but she just couldn't believe it. To her he was just an adorable old man, more like a father than her own had ever been, and she adored him. "Besides, " she joked. "I'm not Italian." "To me, darling, you are an honorary Italian!" he kissed her hand and looked at her a long moment. "But there is someone else, yes? I see it in your eyes." "Yes. And just to make you happy, he IS Italian!" she said. "AH! You're finally coming to your senses! He makes you happy? "Very." she answered. "Then why you look so sad?" Vincent is as perceptive as ever, Marina's thought. "It's family stuff. My brother's wife and I don't get along. I just realized this weekend that things will never be the same between him and me, and it's hard to let go. " she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. "Listen to me, my darling," he said gently, "People move on, change. You must move on also, or you will be standing in the past, all alone." "So I should say goodbye to my brother?" she asked. "Only you can know that. But whatever you decide, my family will always be yours, and there will always be a place here for you." He hugged her again and she got up to leave. "And about your brother's wife...." he said. "Yes?" "You want I should make her go away?" he asked earnestly. Marina laughed again. "No, I don't think so. That would destroy my brother, and I don't want to put him through that. But thanks for the offer." She knew full well that although it sounded like he was joking, Vincent was deadly serious. All she had to do was give the word. "Anytime." he answered gently. Marina left Vincent's colossal house and made her way to her rented car. Driving past the endless grounds, she thought about the job offer. A judge! But she knew if she accepted it, she could say goodbye to justice forever and fight exclusively for the Family. She didn't agree with their methods, but she loved being a part of them. They were a close-knit group, and she was a part of it. And she loved the power that went with it. She would have said yes in a moment if it weren't for Jimmy. Would he come with her? What would he say? Now came the hard part.
After reading Marina's letter, Bobby remained quiet throughout the workday and on the way home. As they drove to the daycare center to pick up BJ, Lindsay asked, "What's bothering you, Bobby? You've barely said a word all day."
He reached inside his suit jacket. From the breast pocket Bobby pulled the letter that Marina had written him. "This is what's bothering me."
Lindsay turned on the overhead map light to read the letter. As she folded the letter and put it back in its envelope, she said, "I'm sorry, Bobby. Part of this is my fault."
"It's nobody's fault, Lindsay. She calls these people in New York her `true family'. How could Marina say that? Weren't Dad and I and Gran family enough for her? Who were the people who taught her how to ride her bike? Who took care of her when she got the chicken pox and when she broke her arm? Who coached her in shooting hoops so that she could make the high school girls basketball team? I guess Marina wants one to be of the powerful instead of one of the Donnells. Lindsay, how in hell am I going to explain all this to Dad?"
Lindsay said nothing. She didn't know what to say. Given her intense dislike for Marina, she worried that any comment would sound bitchy. Instead she rubbed her husband's arm. Silence filled the remainder of the drive.
At home, Bobby and Lindsay changed clothes. Lindsay and BJ put a wooden zoo animals puzzle together while Bobby defrosted homemade spaghetti sauce in the microwave. As he put on a large pot of water to boil for the pasta, the telephone rang. "Hello?" Bobby said softly.
"Bobby, it's Jimmy. I just got home. Marina ain't here but all her things are gone. Is she with you?"
"No, she's not." Bobby sighed. Obviously Marina had said nothing to Jimmy. `Great,' he thought. `I get to give Jimmy the bad news.'
"Can you tell me what's going on?" Jimmy asked.
A pause before Bobby said, "Jimmy, Marina's in New York."
"New York? Why?"
"She should tell you herself. I'll give you her phone number there. She used to have an apartment on Park Avenue. Maybe she's staying there. One thing I can tell you, Jimmy, that Marina's leaving has nothing to do with you."
"I hope not. Thanks for the number. I'll try callin'."
"Good luck, Jimmy." Bobby hung up. He sighed again and began making a salad.
Jimmy was about to dial the number that Bobby had given him when his telephone rang. "Hello?"
"Hi sexy." Marina purred. "Are you in New York?"
"How did you know that? Did Bobby tell you?"
"Yeah. Why are you there?"
"I want to tell you in person. I'm coming back to Boston tomorrow. Could I come by your place for dinner, say 6:00. I'll pick up some Chinese food."
"Uh, sure, yeah. I'll be home by 6:00. Are we OK, Reenie?" "I hope so, Jimmy. See you tomorrow. Bye." The phone line clicked.
Jimmy said nothing to Bobby about Marina returning to Boston the next day. He left work at 5:15 to be certain that he'd be home in time. "Marina?" He called. "Coming." She walked from the kitchen carrying a tray of a dozen paper containers from Ming's Mandarin. "I have a little of everything, and a couple cold beers." She set the tray on the coffee table. "Great. The food smells great." He removed his jacket and tie then unbuttoned his white shirt. She walked over to him and put her arms around him. He encircled her in his arms and breathed in her scent.
"I missed you," she said softly. "We'll have some delicious food and a few beers then we'll talk." "OK." He sat on the sofa and took a plate from the tray. "Why were you in New York?" Marina took a plate. "After dinner. Eat." "Not after dinner, Reenie. Now. I think I deserve an explanation. You left my apartment, taking all your stuff. You were leavin', and you didn't even have the decency to say goodbye. How could you leave and not say goodbye?" "That was unforgivable of me, Jimmy. I'm sorry. You've shown me nothing but kindness and love, and I walked out on you. I'm sorry. "As to why I left, I realized that my new life in Boston wasn't working. I needed to piece things out alone before I made any decisions. I didn't want my head muddled or to make another bad choice. I belong back in New York, with my old friends." She looked down a moment then at Jimmy. "What old friends?" he asked. "Vincent Scarponi. I've worked for him and his various interests since I graduated from law school. He's more like my father than Stephen ever was. Also, I might be up for a judgeship." "Scarponi? I've heard that name. That's ...well, he's involved with organized crime, isn't he?" Marina chose not to answer. "Jimmy, come to New York with me." she said, "We could find a place in the family for you. You'd finally get the recognition and respect you deserve." He hesitated. It was what he wanted, but he didn't want to leave Boston or Bobby. "Not yet, ok? I can't leave just yet. Lets see how our relationship goes first. You'll still be free to travel?" "Sure, I can come back as often as we'd like. And you can come to visit me. I think (the better we get to know each other, the more you'll be able to see my world.) we'll be able to get to know each other better; you'll finally be able to see my world." "Reenie, doesn't it bother you, defendin' ...you know...?" "The mob?" she finished for him. "Well, yeah." "Its no different than being a drug lawyer, except that I really like my client." Marina wanted to tell Jimmy that he would have real power, that he could have anything he ever wanted with the Family, but she held back. She'd rather just show him how good life could be. Marina hugged him again and whispered, "Jimmy, I love you so much. I'll give you the world any way you want it. I'm so excited for you to come to New York and participate in my world. I want nothing more than to make you happy."
Jimmy held her tightly. He was completely dazzled by her. She was beautiful, smart, successful, and she wanted him! More importantly, Jimmy wanted to be with her. But the cost of leaving Boston was huge.