Conviction

Author: eponinesghost (EppieG)
Title: Conviction
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Notes/Summary: Missing scene from "Vigilante." Written in response to a challenge posted on the TBJ:ladies LiveJournal forum.

Tracey stared after Carla Grizzano with a mixture of stunned surprise and smug satisfaction. Son of a bitch. It couldn't have played out any better. She could hardly believe the guards were taking the loud-mouthed defense attorney into custody even as she witnessed it herself. One glance at Kelly's face revealed a similar expression -- full of triumph and wonder. It was difficult to focus on Judge Steinman's comments and directives ... her mind was racing and it was taking all of her remaining mental energy not to openly smirk.

Still somewhat distracted as the courtroom emptied, she and Kelly were ushered into a nearby conference room to await Colby and his brand new representation. As soon as the door closed behind them, Tracey allowed her face to break into a wide grin.

"Did you see her jaw drop when Colby sprang up like that? He couldn't kick her to the curb fast enough ..."

Kelly cocked one eyebrow indulgently, her arms folded in front of her.

"That was amazing!" Tracey continued. "We blow her cover in open court, and she thinks she's just going to pick up her shit and waltz right out of there ..."

Nodding, Kelly smiled at her exuberance. "You obviously knew exactly which buttons to push."

Stopping short, Tracey turned sharply toward her partner. "How do you always manage to do that?"

Kelly was puzzled. "Do ... what?"

"Lead me into thinking something was my idea and then giving me credit for it. Like today ... you made your position known to me ... strongly of course ..." Tracey paused thoughtfully. "You let me dismiss your instincts, pour cold water on everything ... and you didn't push or argue or get excited ... you just sat there calmly ... with so much ..." She struggled for the word, " ... certainty."

She looked up at Kelly. "Were you so sure you were right? ... Or so sure that I would take the bait?"

Her lips twitching slightly, Kelly answered carefully. "I was confident that Colby would see the light, that's true. But ... I was able to be so composed because I trust your judgment. I knew you'd make the right decision."

"Which just happened to be what you had suggested." Tracey eyed her suspiciously. "Just how much free will do I actually have in this relationship?"

Kelly laughed. "You're the most independent person I know, Tracey. Besides, it wasn't a big leap. You asked for my opinion and I gave it. The rest was totally up to you."

Shaking her head, Tracey mused, "It's more than that and you know it. This isn't the first time ... " She was suddenly struck by something. "My god. Do you know me that well?"

"I hope so." Kelly moved to the table. "I also hope that you know that I'd never take advantage of it ... that I'd never intentionally steer you wrong or leave you hanging."

"So you only use your powers for good?" Tracey smiled wryly.

"Absolutely. And this one feels really, really good."

Tracey pictured Carla Grizzano behind bars. "Yeah ... so good that I don't even mind ... just this once ... if you gloat."

the end
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