A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I want to warn you upfront that this storyline could have some triggers because it does deal with a sensitive topic. Remember what work the Miranda Center does before proceeding. Please read the Author's Notes at the end of the chapter. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

After the others left, Marissa checked the time. Angie Hubbard and Dr. Serena Michaels would be arriving shortly. Dr. Michaels was an osteopathic physician on staff at Pine Valley Hospital who had an excellent reputation, and Angie had recommended her when Marissa had called looking for someone in that field to talk to about her case. She had agreed, along with Angie, to view the video of Landry's so-called treatment session with Tessa. While she believed what Landry was doing wasn't a valid treatment, Marissa knew that her opinion wouldn't cut it because she was a lawyer. No, she knew that she needed an expert opinion on the treatment and was hoping that the doctors would be able to provide that for her.

Marissa answered her office phone when it rang. "Hi, Ellie, what's up?"

"Dr. Hubbard and Dr. Michaels are here."

"Please send them in."

Marissa greeted the doctors when they appeared in her office a moment later. "Angie, it's good to see you. Thanks for helping out with this."

"You're more than welcome. It's good to see you too. I'd like you to meet Dr. Serena Michaels. Serena, this is Marissa Tasker."

The two women shook hands.

"I can't thank you enough, Dr. Michaels, for helping out with this."

"You're welcome, and please, call me Serena."

"As long as you call me Marissa. Please have a seat. Could I get either of you something to drink?"

"I'm fine."

"So am I."

"Okay, we'll get started then." Marissa pulled the video up on her laptop but didn't start it yet. "As I told Angie, my client is a gymnast who recently suffered a shoulder injury. There was also some tightness in her hamstrings. She was instructed by her coach to see the team's doctor. He is an osteopathic physician who, in addition to his private practice, works at Llanview University and handles the treatments for pretty much the entire athletics department."

Serena cocked her head when she heard that. "Are we talking about Dr. Jerry Landry?"

Marissa nodded. "We are. I'm assuming you know him then?"

"Well, not personally. Only by reputation, and his is good. I can't recall hearing anything negative."

The lawyer sighed. She was afraid of that, but there was no going back. "I understand. I would still like it if you would view this video and give me your opinion."

"Of course."

Marissa turned the laptop around for the doctors to see and hit play.

While Angie sat back with a stunned look on her face, Serena leaning forward and stared intently at the screen. She hit rewind several times as she studied the video attempting to make sense of what she was seeing.

"Where did you get this?"

"From my client. She is the patient in the video. Landry actually made this to provide evidence of the validity of his treatment methods."

"I'm going to be blunt, but treatment methods my ass. There is no way in hell that this is a valid or accepted treatment of a hamstring, let alone a shoulder." Serena shook her head in disbelief. "He's assaulting her on screen. I can tell by the look on her face that she is not remotely comfortable with what he is doing. He actually told her this was a treatment?"

Marissa nodded. "Yes, he did."

"That son of a bitch. That is no treatment. That, what he did, is flat out assault. It flies in the face of the Hippocratic Oath." Serena was angry and getting angrier the more she thought about what Landry had done and the fact that he tried to pass it off as a medical treatment. That he hid this sexual assault of a patient under the guise of helping to heal her.

"Angie, what do you think?" Marissa asked.

Angie had noted the anger in her colleague's voice. Serena was usually pretty even keeled but not at the moment. Rightfully so in Angie's opinion. "I agree with Serena. There is no two ways about it. That is assault. It goes against everything we are taught in medical school. Marissa, you said she is your client?"

"Yes, I did. She told me that it didn't feel right to her. So, she reported this to her coach and the A.D. At first, they told her she didn't have to see Landry any more and could see her own doctor for treatment."

"At first?" Angie asked.

"Yes. It seems the A.D. has had a change of heart, and he called her this morning to inform her that she needed to resume her treatments with Landry."

"What?!" The doctors said in unison.

"According to him, they had conducted an internal investigation, one that was done without interviewing my client, and found that he had done nothing wrong. Because of their findings, they told her that she needed to see him again for treatment. If she doesn't, she could lose her scholarship and be kicked off the team."

"Oh my god! I can't believe that! That's completely and utterly ridiculous! Are you going to do something to stop that? I mean, is there something you can do?" Serena asked. This was the first time she had met Marissa, so she obviously didn't know her.

Angie, however, did, and she looked knowingly at her friend. "I have a feeling I already know the answer to that."

Marissa smiled. "Yeah, I would say you do, Angie. Trust me, Serena, I'm working on it. In fact, I'm planning on taking a little road trip to Llanview to handle it personally. In the meantime, I've let the Llanview District Attorney know what's going on. My client will be giving her a deposition tomorrow. She's also going to be giving an interview to the owner of 'The Banner'. You see, my client didn't take very kindly to his threats."

"The Llanview D.A. is involved? Does that mean criminal charges will be filed? Wait. Are there other victims?" Something told Serena that she knew the answer to her last question.

"Nora Buchanan is the Llanview D.A., and according to what she told me when we met this afternoon, there are, in addition to my client, four other victims that they know of so far."

Angie shook her head. The words so far hung in the air. Those two words told her they believed there were more victims. The more she thought about it, the more Angie shared that belief.

"This brings me to why I asked Angie to recommend an osteopathic physician that I could talk to in addition to herself. I don't know how much she has told you, Serena, but Angie and I are friends. She also saved my life, so I trust her from the medical standpoint as well."

"You give me way too much credit for that, Marissa."

"Eh, I don't think so, and Bianca would agree with me. Suffice it to say that Angie has handled several medical crises for our family."

"Bianca?" Serena asked.

"My wife, Bianca Montgomery."

"That's why your name is familiar! I've heard it in conjunction with your wife's. She does exceptional work at the Miranda Center."

"I couldn't agree more." Marissa stated proudly. "And she is helping with this case. Getting back to why you're here. While I trust Angie with my life and the lives of my family, I know her specialty is general surgery. In addition to Angie, I need an expert opinion from someone in the same field as Landry. Someone who can tell me whether or not what he did is a legitimate treatment, and someone with no ties to either Landry or Llanview University."

Serena smiled and nodded her understanding. "Someone like me."

"Precisely. Would you be willing to provide expert testimony on the type of treatment that should be given to someone with my client's injuries as well as the type of treatment that shouldn't be given. Basically, would you be willing to testify under oath to what you told me earlier?"

"Gladly. I'll even be willing to examine your client and assess her current medical status." Serena offered.

"That would be wonderful and extremely helpful. I'll talk with her tomorrow, and we'll set something up. Angie?"

"You have my help as well."

"Excellent. I will be talking with Nora Buchanan tonight, and I'll let her know that both of you are on board. I have no doubt that she'll want to meet with the two of you because she'll be handling any criminal proceedings because this occurred in Llanview."

"Just let us know."

"Thank you, Angie, and thank you as well, Serena. This will be a big help."

The women talked for a few more minutes before the doctors headed back to the hospital. When she was alone again, Marissa made notes of their conversation and added them to Tessa's ever-growing file.

/

Once Bianca and Marissa were both home, they talked to the kids and told them about the guests they had invited for dinner. As expected, they were excited to see Viki and Nora again. Bianca and Marissa then went on to explain the reason behind the Buchanan women's visit to Pine Valley. They wanted the kids to be prepared for when things went public. AJ, Miranda, and Gabby pledged to be there for their friend Jessica, and their mothers couldn't be prouder of them for their loyalty to and concern for her.

The Sheltons arrived not long after Bianca and Marissa's discussion with the kids. While AJ, Miranda, and Gabby finished their homework, Bianca headed to the kitchen to work on dinner. Jessica started to get up to help, but the couple insisted she relax. They knew she had been putting in some long hours helping set up 'Jessica's Kitchen', and they felt she deserved a relaxing evening. When Jessica started to protest about not helping them, Marissa gave her the task of watching the youngest Tasker-Montgomery family member. It was hands down the fastest end to an argument the two had ever experienced when Jessica and Danny happily agreed to spending time together. With that settled, Jo and Marissa picked up around the house and then set the table in the dining room. Once things were under control, Bianca and Marissa headed back to their bedroom to change into something more comfortable.

When Viki and Nora arrived, they were greeted happily by the kids, and the women gushed over how big they had gotten since the last time they had seen them. Viki and Nora lamented over the fact that their children were no longer that young, but Viki took heart in the fact that she now had grandchildren to spoil and brag about, which she did by proudly sharing the latest photos she had of them.

Dinner at Minx Manor was enjoyed by all and allowed everyone to catch up with what had been happening in their lives. Over the course of the evening, Bianca caught Viki studying AJ. At one point, the boy was her grandson, and even though the truth had come out and AJ and Miranda were returned to their rightful parents, a part of Viki still saw him as such and always would. She knew he was happy and loved however, and that Bianca and Marissa would move heaven and earth to keep him that way. Viki glanced up and was met by Bianca's gaze. There was an understanding in the brunette's eyes that only those who had endured that incident would ever have.

When it was the kids' bedtime, Jessica volunteered to oversee the nightly ritual. It would allow the women to discuss their case while giving her some one on one time with the children she saw as her grandchildren. Titles had evolved over time, and all three of the older Tasker-Montgomery children now called her 'Nana J'. It was a title that just felt right to them, so they asked Jessica if they could call her that that past weekend. Through a flood of the happiest of tears, Jessica told them that nothing would make her prouder or happier. Bianca and Marissa of course knew the question was coming and had cameras at the ready to record the moment. When they were alone later, Jessica asked Marissa if she was okay with it. The redhead rolled her eyes at what she viewed as a ridiculous question. Marissa assured her that she was more than okay with it. She also told Jessica that she couldn't think of anyone else she would want to stand in for her parents. With that said, Jessica was officially 'Nana J'.

/

"I honestly can't get over how much they've grown. I know the two of you have to be so proud of them." Nora said.

"You're right, we are." Bianca added proudly.

"And Miranda is a mini version of this legal eagle over here." Nora said as she nodded towards Marissa who beamed proudly. "I'm going to give you fair warning now that I'm going to be recruiting once she's done with law school."

"If that's what she wants, then I'll support her." Marissa replied honestly.

"The same here. Although, Nora, I don't think you'll be successful with that. Miranda wants to practice law with her Ma, and she's pretty adamant about it." Bianca smiled at her wife.

"I suppose I'm not really surprised by that." Nora chuckled. "You will definitely be a formidable team."

Marissa grinned. "Thank you. I think you might be right. I suppose we should get down to business. After all of you left, I met with Dr. Angie Hubbard and Dr. Serena Michaels to review the video."

"And what did they say?"

"Dr. Michaels had heard of Landry, and from what she had heard, he had a good reputation. Then, I showed them the video. To say that Dr. Michaels was irate would be a vast understatement. She was downright pissed off that Landry was trying to pass off what he was doing as a legitimate medical procedure. Both she and Angie agreed that there was nothing medically beneficial to what he did. It was assault, and they are both willing to testify to that fact. I have their numbers for you. If you want to set something up with them while you're here, you are more than welcome to use a conference room at the firm. I can arrange that very easily for you."

"I would like that. Thank you. To hear that we have two doctors in our corner is a big relief and will be very helpful."

"What is on the schedule for tomorrow?" Bianca asked.

"Nora and I are meeting with Mike Jensen to update him on what's going on."

"He's Pine Valley's District Attorney. Do you need to tell him?" Jo asked.

"Not really, but it is a professional courtesy. One that I would want if another D.A. came to Llanview and was doing what I'm doing now." Nora answered.

"Plus, not only am I friends with Mike, I have a very good professional relationship with him. I have a feeling this case is going to garner a great deal of media attention. Mike deserves to have a heads-up so he can be prepared in case anything spills over into Pine Valley. After we meet with him, there is Tessa's deposition and then her interview with Viki."

"While Tessa is talking with Viki, I will be drawing up charges for Landry. Don't worry, Marissa, I'll let you know when Bo is ready to arrest him. I know you want to time your visit to Llanview University and A.D. Turner around that."

Marissa grinned. "Yes, I do. He doesn't know about me yet, but he will."

Bianca chuckled. "Rissa, there is not a single doubt in my mind that he will remember you after your visit. So, Nora, will you be charging anyone else?"

"I'm considering it, but it's not as clear cut with the others. We have to determine what they knew and when they knew it." Nora paused and looked at Bianca and Marissa. "There's something I wanted to ask the two of you. Would it be okay with you if I gave the other victims your names? Bianca, it would obviously be for the Miranda Center. I truly believe that the Center will be able to provide them the additional support they may need."

"Of course. I'll make sure we have counselors at the ready for them. Jo, I may need to enlist you."

"Whatever you need, Bianca, count me in."

"Thank you."

"Thank you as well. As for you, Marissa, I'm thinking of civil cases. They are going to need a lawyer, and you are a damn good one, my friend. You put your clients first, but I know there is not a chance in hell that you'll let Landry, Turner, or anyone else off the hook."

"Damn straight she won't." Bianca said proudly.

Marissa smiled at her wife first before she turned her attention back to Nora. "Let me get back with you tomorrow on that." Marissa wanted to say 'yes' more than anything, but she stopped herself from doing go. She knew she needed to discuss this with the other partners. When she heard there were multiple victims, she immediately thought of a class action lawsuit which would take time and considerable resources from the firm. The partners would have to be onboard for her to proceed. She was going to meet with them tomorrow to give them an update, so she would bring this up with them at that time. Marissa also needed to talk with Bianca. This could significantly add to her caseload. In addition to that, a case like this could make national headlines. As the lead lawyer, Marissa would be in the spotlight. Before she could agree to that, she needed to make sure that her family would be okay with it. Marissa would talk with Bianca tonight once everyone left. If they were on the same page, then they would talk with the kids in the morning.

Nora nodded. "I understand, and there is no pressure. I haven't mentioned this to any of them yet. I wanted to run it by you first."

"Thank you. So, Viki, is there any special setup you need for tomorrow?"

Viki would be recording the interview, but they would need to make sure that Tessa's identity was hidden. "No, your office is fine as is. After the interview is over, we will distort Tessa's image and voice when we edit. I will let you view it before it is posted online to get your final approval."

"Thank you. I know that will make Tessa feel better."

"And that is what matters most. I hope that Tessa coming forward will encourage the others to do the same. Not only will it help Nora's case, but it could even encourage any other victims that may be out there that we don't know about to come forward. As Tessa stated earlier, this is her chance to get justice. Maybe they will view this as their chance as well. Whether or not more come forward, I will do my best to tell Tessa's story and give her that voice."

"If anyone can do that, it's you. There is no one better." Bianca assured her friend.

"Thank you. We should go. It's getting late, and we all will have a long day tomorrow. Plus, I'd like to talk with Clint before I turn in."

Nora nodded. "You're right, and I'd like to talk with Bo. I will see you at your office tomorrow morning, Marissa. Mike is coming to us, right?"

"Yes, he agreed to meet at my office. I just need to supply him with coffee."

"Be safe driving back to the hotel." Bianca said as she and Marissa walked their out of town guests to the door.

"We will, and thank you for dinner. It was lovely." Viki said as she hugged their hosts.

Nora followed suit and hugged Marissa and Bianca as well. "Good night. See you tomorrow."

When the couple returned to the house, they found Jo and Jessica gathering their things.

"Thank you for tonight. It was a nice break for me. Plus, you know how much I love spending time with the kids."

"Well, they love spending time with their Nana J. Thanks for getting them to bed." Bianca said.

"It was my pleasure. If I can be of any help during this time, just let me know."

Marissa nodded. "We will. I need something else from you though."

"What is it?"

"I need you to take some time for yourself. The point of retirement is to take it a little easy and not work so hard. You know, like you've been doing lately."

Jessica shook her head and sighed. She knew it was pointless to argue. "Okay, you win. I will take a day off. Maybe, I'll see if Caleb wants to join me and play hooky."

Marissa laughed. "That sounds like a plan!"

Jo shook her head. "I don't need details, Mom." She turned to Marissa and Bianca. "I do need details from the two of you however on our next steps, so call me."

Bianca chuckled at Jo's reaction to her mother's suggestion. "I'm with Rissa. It sounds like an excellent plan, Jessica. I'll call you, Jo."

Jessica and Jo waved as they got into Jo's car to drive home.

With everyone gone, Bianca and Marissa locked up the house, and then, they headed upstairs to check on the kids. After that was done, the couple padded back to their bedroom to get ready for bed before they discussed the day's events.

/

A/N: Sorry for the late post. I was on track to post last weekend, but I got sidetracked while writing this chapter. I was writing some notes and then thought of some dialogue between Bianca and Marissa for a future chapter. Once that was taken care of, I decided to add more to this chapter. I also managed to break my baby toe by hitting it just wrong, and there's really not a damn thing you can do about a broken toe. For those in the States, Happy Memorial Day, and I hope you get to enjoy a long weekend (like me)!