Identity Chapter 7

Back to Normal?

Rating: PG-13

Not mine ~ they just use my head for a playground sometimes!  :0)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Several games of pool later. . .

"So Nige, what was that supposed to mean?"  Jordan leaned over the pool table trying to line up a shot.

"What was what supposed to mean?"  Nigel was trying to play stupid.  Unfortunately Jordan saw right through it.

"'You know luv, maybe you should give him a break. . .'  Seriously Nige.  What's up with that?"

"Jordan, the boy's been following you around like a puppy dog for a year and a half.  Don't you think he's paid his dues?"

"Nigel, I told you before.  I'd chew him up and spit him out.  It would never work.  Besides, have you spent a lot of time with him lately?"

"I can't say that I have but. . ."

"I think the boy was on Ritalin when he was a kid and he probably needs to go back on.  He's been a little hyper as of late.  Difficulty sitting still, bouncing all over the place. . ."

"Jordan.  Now I think you're making up excuses."  Nigel looked at her across the table.  "Are you sure it's not just your twisted way of masking what you feel for Woodrow?"

"I'm sure Nige.  I like him, but not that way.  It would never work between us.  Me and cops ~ it's not a good combination outside of work."

"Oh.  I see.  So all those stories. . ."  Woody had returned to the Pogue and come up to the table.

"All what stories?"  Jordan's head snapped up and her voice grew defensive.

"Oh nothing.  Just about what a heartbreaker Max Cavanaugh's daughter has always been around the precinct.  Maybe there's. . ."

"Now wait just a minute.  Did you bother to get details?"  Jordan's voice rose in pitch and volume, enough that Max came out from around the bar to see what the problem was.

"Well, um. . ."  Woody stammered.  He really hadn't asked for details.  Just assumed the worst when the guys assumed he and Jordan were an item.  "I guess not.  But Eddie and some of them made comments about. . ."

"Hoyt, those comments had more to do with me than they did with Jordan."  Max made his way over to the table.  "I had this thing about keeping them away from Jordan.  She's had enough to deal with in her life.  She didn't always listen to me. . ." he reached over and ruffled a blushing Jordan's hair, "but they meant nothing bad by it."

"Oh."  Now it was Woody's turn to blush.  "I'm sorry Jordan.  I. . ."

"It's ok.  But I really do think, for now anyway, that just friends is a good thing, a really good thing."  She smiled at Woody, hoping he wouldn't be too upset.

"Yeah.  I guess so.  Friends isn't necessarily bad."  So it wasn't what he wanted.  He was willing to wait ~ forever if that's what it took.  He knew he was a stupid fool, but hey.  He was under her spell.

Max told them to finish their game while he closed up, and then they all went their separate ways to their houses.

Jordan. . .

As it turned out, the monster pled guilty to kidnapping, rape and murder on Lauren's case, I guess in some twisted hope for leniency.  He didn't get it, really.  Life without the possibility of parole.  Since he pled out, that's the max he could get.  I wouldn't tell if Walcott was happy or not.  At least she didn't have to deal with any questions as to why she didn't put the lead ME on the case on the witness stand.

Jack stayed in town through the process, making sure that everything was tied up neatly for his case in New York.  He was still deciding if he was going to take a flat out guilty plea or go for the whole trial.  He really wasn't that bad, once I finally managed to convince him that I was not Claire.  Not someone I'd necessarily want to cross paths with again, but at least he wasn't mad at me for apparently no reason at all like a certain DA in Boston!

About a week later, Nigel, Woody and I took him to the train station so he could get back to New York to put the finishing touches on his case.  He told me he'd be in touch if it went to trial and they needed my testimony.  Then he thanked Nigel and Woody for their help and hospitality.  As he was leaving to get on the train, he turned to me.

"Thanks for everything, Jordan.  I know you're not Claire, but. . .  If you're ever in New York and wanted to get together. . ."  He was interrupted as Nigel and Woody bodily shoved him towards the train.

"Good bye Mr. McCoy."  They said in unison.  I just laughed.  Jack waved as he went to find his seat and the boys turned back towards me.

"Come on guys.  Let's go to the Pogue."  I led the way out of the station and back to my Explorer.

Yeah ~ drinks and pool with friends.  You know, it looks like life is getting back to normal.  Whatever that is!

finito!