The Gamble – Part 3
A/N: Corrections: In part 2 "his" should have been "her" in reference to the gleam in Cristian's lawyer's eyes. It is Evangeline; also, I discovered Warden Stevens' first name is "Roy" so I'll be changing that going forward
A/N2: Thanks for all the great reviews! They feed the muse.
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"What about a pardon from the Governor?" Natalie sat in her most professional looking suit talking to the attorney in Philadelphia her Uncle Todd as he now insisted in being called had referred her to.
"It's a long shot, at least for now while the media and public might care and it could impact his approval ratings," said David Rogers who looked very at home in his very masculine office, full of law books and leather accents.
"Would it help if I told my side of the story? Or got Cristian to tell his? He did make John promise not to tell." Natalie leaned forward, urgency sharpening the lines of her body.
"Will Cristian Vega speak to the media and the Governor on Mr. McBain's behalf?"
Natalie frowned down at the purse strap she was toying with in her lap.
"I don't…" Natalie stopped. She took at deep breath and hardened her features. "Yes. He will. I'll make sure of it."
"That'll be a good start. I'll get to work on the legal and political channels."
"He needs to get out of there as soon as possible. He's an ex-FBI agent and a cop, he shouldn't be in there and he's in danger."
"Ms. Buchanan, I won't lie to you. We will prevail and get him out on parole at the very least, but it might take over a year to do it."
"That is not acceptable. I will get him out of there. That's a promise."
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"I believe I've spoken to you more in the last week than in the entire time I've known you, niece. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Todd asked silkily from behind his desk, not bothering to stand up when she entered.
Natalie, who cared just as little for etiquette as her uncle walked up to the desk and leaned over into his face.
"Ever hear of personal space? Or did you not learn about that in the trailer park?" Todd asked.
"Actually, I believe we managed to talk a lot when you handed me over to Mitch Laurence and your dear father," Natalie said, ignoring his jibe.
"It's just no fun if you don't get upset." Todd sighed in mock disappointment.
"Can it, Uncle Todd. You're going to do something for me."
"I thought I already gave you a reference to an attorney, a damn good one. Get out of here."
Natalie smirked and sat herself down on Todd's desk.
Todd opened his mouth to explode all over her, but then looked into Natalie's face. With a sigh he sat back in his chair and folded his hands. "What do you want?"
"We're going to help each other, you and I. How about a Sun exclusive interview of Cristian Vega in support of freeing John McBain?"
Todd laughed. "I love your audacity, but that is never going to happen."
"I say it will. Will you print it?"
"Why me, why not the Banner? Did my sister refuse to support your helping the man who hurt her long lost daughter?"
"I didn't ask, but you know she's always seen John's side of the story and it's been reflected in the Banner's coverage. Your paper on the other hand hung John out to dry so if you're the first with this it'll have more impact."
Todd looked at his niece, his face impassive.
Natalie waited him out.
"Good instinct, maybe you should come work for me?"
"That will never happen." Natalie laughed.
"If you can get Cristian Vega to say what you promise, we'll print it in big bold letters."
"You'll have your scoop before the end of the week." Natalie stood up and held out her hand.
Todd stood up and took it. They shook on the bargain.
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"What are you doing here?" Carlotta Vega stood like a mother lioness protecting her cubs as she blocked Natalie's entry into her home.
"I need to talk to Cristian."
"You've spoken enough to my son. You betrayed him and broke his heart when he needs you most!"
Natalie steeled herself with a deep breath. "Carlotta, I need to speak to him."
"You got rid of our name. You chose not to be part of us. There is nothing left to say." Carlotta moved back and began to slam the door.
Natalie's hand shot out and stopped it. She moved forward and blocked it with her body.
"What are you doing?"
"I have never tried to do anything but get you to approve of me, Mrs. Vega." Natalie's face was an undecipherable mask, but hurt shined out from her eyes. "Nothing I have ever done or been has been good enough for you and frankly, you have no right to judge me."
"I don't know who you…" Carlotta began to shout.
"Mami. Natalie's right. Whatever Natalie has to say to me is my business, not yours." Cristian came up behind her mother and pulled that door open and let Natalie in.
"I am just trying to protect you, Hijo," Carlotta whispered.
"I know, Mami, but it's too late for that." Cristian struggled to keep himself calm.
With a glare, Carlotta walked back to the kitchen.
"Do you want to sit down?" Cristian asked politely.
"Cristian, please don't be polite."
"What do you want, Natalie?" Cristian asked impatiently, rubbing his forehead.
"Are you getting another headache?" Natalie asked, moving forward to touch his arm.
"Don't!" Cristian pulled away and glared at Natalie.
Natalie bit her lip and studied the man she had once pledged to spend her life with.
"I'm sorry, Natalie. I didn't mean to scare you. Again." Cristian moved forward and tentatively touched her shoulder.
"I know, Cristian. It's not your fault. This is, just, how it is." Natalie's voice broke and tears filled her eyes.
Without a word, Cristian spun around and walked into the living room. He sat down and waited silently for Natalie to join him.
"What is it you wanted to talk to me about?" Cristian asked, his voice and manner wooden as he looked at Natalie standing before him.
"I want you to talk to The Sun and tell them that you asked John to keep the secret to protect me. That you made John promise. That he came to see you to give you a chance to tell me and then asked you for your blessing." Natalie paused. "I want you to say that John doesn't deserve to be in prison for doing what you guilted him into doing."
"Why would I do that?" Cristian scoffed.
"Because it's the right thing to do."
"The right thing?" Cristian jumped up and began to yell. "Was it right for him to leave me to rot in prison while he slept with my wife?"
Natalie opened her mouth to speak when she suddenly felt lightheaded. She reached out for the arm of the chair next to her and pulled herself into a sitting position.
Cristian stopped his frantic pacing when he saw her looking pale and shaken in the chair.
"I didn't mean to scare you." Once again repentant Cristian moved slowly closer.
"I'm not scared. I just felt a bit, uh, dizzy. I'll be fine in a moment. It's probably because I haven't eaten today."
"Let me get you something to eat."
"I don't think Carlotta wants me in her house, never mind eating her food."
"I'll handle it."
AAAAA
Natalie and Cristian sat on the floor eating the meal Cristian had brought in on the coffee table.
"You've forgiven him?" Cristian broke the silence that had been oppressing the room for the past half an hour.
"I..have," Natalie said hesitantly.
"You love him." Cristian challenged.
"I do." Natalie raised her chin and looked him in the eyes.
Cristian clenched his fists and looked away for a moment. Then he turned back, his expression a mask of rage and pain. "You want me to help him for you. Fine. I'll do it. But if he ever lets you down again I'll kill him!"
"No you won't. I can take care of myself. I don't need or want either of you deciding things like that for me. You worry about yourself, Cristian." She put her hand over his fist. "I want you to get well and be happy."
"I still love you."
"And I still love you, Cristian. Just not in that way anymore. Thank you for loving me enough to help me help John."
Natalie stood up and began to lift their plates.
"I'll take care of it. Just tell me where I need to be and when."
Natalie put the plates down and put a hand on Cristian's overgrown hair. "Thank you." Then she walked away.
"If I said I would only do it if you would make love with me, would you have done it?"
Cristian's question stopped Natalie at the entry to the living room. She turned and looked at her former husband. "I don't know," she admitted.
Their eyes locked and held for endless moments.