OLD FLAME

BY QUASI9



Disclaimer: I don't own Frank Donovan or the team; the rest of the characters are mine.

Rating: R

Summary: Chris returns (sequel to Frank's Match)

Feedback: yes Quasi9@msn.com

For a change Michelle was right on time; she usually was late for every appointment but not this one. Michelle was nervous because Frank didn't give her an indication why he wanted to take her to dinner. Was it to continue the relationship or break it? Either way she had decided that she was going to fight, Chris had given up her chance at Frank long before Michelle ever entered in the picture.

She did a quick sweep over her dress and rang the doorbell. Frank was not expecting her to be on time and wasn't quite ready, but went to answer the door.

"You have a key, why didn't you let yourself in? He asked.

Michelle was silent and just shrugged her shoulders.

"You look beautiful." Frank complimented her.

She reached up and ran her hand lovingly across his face and said, "You look tired."

Frank smiled she was so perceptive of his moods; it was like she had made it a point to know and know what to say. "I am."

"I was just finishing get ready, actually I thought you would be late."

"I'm turning a new leaf, trying to work on my weaknesses."

"I'm not touching that with a ten foot pole, have a seat or grab some wine, I'll be ready in a few."

"Okay." She said as she looked around, he hadn't changed anything that she had changed when she moved it. That was a good sign, she just wished that she had not given in to Frank and given up her apartment so soon.

Frank came downstairs and they left to go to dinner. Frank took her to a quaint restaurant at the edge of the city. They had a small-secluded table, if Michelle hadn't known better; you would think they were having a romantic tryst.

They ordered drinks and were silent while each examined the menu. After the waiter took the order, Michelle decided to 'plead' her case with Frank.

"How is she doing?" She asked deliberately not using her name.

Frank noticed that she didn't use Chris' name said, "Ok, I guess there hasn't been a change since Chris has been in."

"What are they saying?" She continued.

"Not much especially to me. All Chris' tests were negative but they don't know why Chris isn't regaining consciousness."

"Have you seen her?" She asked.

"No, I'm not allowed too, I can only call for updates."

Michelle suppressed a laugh at that; big bad Federal Agent Donovan could not get to her. She doubted that, Frank had something up his sleeve.

"Where is Frankie?"

Frank felt like he was on trial with all the questions, after all she was an attorney said, "In Miami."

"What is he doing in Miami?"

As much as Frank was getting irritated, he knew Michelle had a right to know and because of her profession she would do it by asking questions. "Chris' doctor has power to make decisions while Chris is unable."

"She must have known something may happen in order to be prepared."

"The profession Chris is in dictates to have every aspect of her life covered, especially with a child."

"So are you just going to let her railroad you again with your son?"

"Chris is not doing that, she is doing what she thinks is best for Frankie."

"Frank now is the time to be realistic about the situation. If you going to strike you need to do it while she is vulnerable. This is where I can assist you."

"What exactly are we talking about?"

"Well, I believe we can petition for you to have temporary custody of your son. This would be just until she is better, then we can readdress the situation."

"You think any court is going to give a single man in the profession I'm in custody?"

"This is the 21st century, more men are getting custody of their children. Besides that you have a stable job and relationship, the court would be reviewing you and me. She gave you this right when she named you on the birth certificate and in the court's eye a two-parent home is always better than single parent."

Frank had to give Michelle credited, she was fighting to be with the one she loved. As an attorney, she would use every resource available to her.