A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I apologize for the delay in updating. Work has been keeping me busy, and by the time I call it a day, it's been hard to focus on writing. Thanks for staying with me! I know the songs I've picked are recent and don't necessarily fit into the timeline of this story, but I like them and think they work in the storyline. With that being said, how do you all feel about Lizzo? Some have said they listen to the songs while they read, so I thought I'd give you a head's up. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Got that look in her eyes
Swear she fell right out the sky
Yeah, I think I've seen the light
Every kiss, I could die
It's like the Heavens opened wide
Man, I swear I've seen the light, oh
Look what God gave her, how perfect He made her
She walks in the room, it's like He answered my prayers
The way that she moves, how could anybody blame her?
I know she's got haters, but it ain't her fault, nah
Look what God gave her
Ooh, look what God
Look what God gave her
Oh, look what God gave her
/
The crowd stood and cheered loudly when Marissa, Jo, and Cory had finished, none louder than Bianca. Marissa hopped off the stage and walked straight to the group's table as she shared high-fives with the crowd along the way. When she reached her final destination, Marissa was rewarded with a kiss from a beaming Bianca which had the crowd cheer even louder.
Terri waited for the crowd to settle before she spoke. "I'd say that was a pretty good way to end the competition. Thanks to everyone who competed tonight. You were all amazing. The judges are going to discuss amongst themselves and then let us know who won. While we're waiting on their decision, the bar is open!"
"You were wonderful, Rissa!"
"Thank you, B. What can I say? You inspire me!"
"Bianca's right, Red. You two were really good. Nice dance moves." Kendall added to Jo and Cory.
"Yeah, they were great, weren't they?" Marissa grinned.
"Just think what we could've come up with if we had a little more time to work on the choreography and were maybe a little more sober." Jo laughed.
Cory nodded. "She has an excellent point. Speaking of drinks, I think we need another round!"
Marissa laughed. "I'll get it. Same for everyone?" When she received nods from the group, Marissa headed to the bar to place their order.
/
"Hey, Bob. Could we get another round for everyone at the table?"
"You got it, Marissa."
Sean slid onto the seat next to Marissa and bumped her shoulder playfully. "That was some performance."
"Thanks, Chief! So, what's up?" Marissa had seen Sean nod her way earlier indicating he wanted to speak with her privately.
"I really hate talking about this right now."
"Me too, but it is what it is."
"True. I got a call from Dave. He and Kevin took Ralph down to the station and called Nora Buchanan like you had suggested. We are also having your drinks examined to verify exactly what he put in them. Nora told him to go ahead and to read him his rights which Dave did. It turns out that Ralph wanted to waive them and talk. So, they conferenced Nora in, and she told him that there would be no deal until she heard what he had to say. He agreed. Dave set up the recorder, and Ralph started singing like a bird. He said that Angleton was behind everything." Sean shook his head in disgust. He and Marissa talked from time to time, so he knew a little more about the case involving the gymnasts and Llanview University than the general public did, and it made him sick to his stomach. When Marissa had called him earlier in the week to let him know the group would be coming to town for his swearing in ceremony, she had told him about her being followed. It was then she had told Sean that Mitch would be in touch with him to discuss protection details. "Landry is worse than scum, but this Angleton is sure as hell giving him a run for his money."
"I couldn't agree more. Nora and I think he's trying to cover his ass."
"I think you're right, but damn, this is beyond the pale. He could've hurt you, Bianca or someone else."
"That's why I have Mitch. I promised Bianca that I would take every precaution, and that is a promise I intend to keep."
"I'm glad to hear that. Do you think there's another reason for this stunt?"
"You mean blackmail?"
Sean nodded.
"Yeah, I that's the other part of it as well. If he gets something damaging on me or my family, he could use it as leverage to get me to throw the case or drop it altogether."
"Well, it's obvious that he doesn't know you at all." Sean chuckled.
Marissa grinned in reply. "That's exactly what Bianca said."
"And she would know better than anyone else."
"Yes, she would."
"In all seriousness though, I know I said this before, and you told me that I didn't have to say it. But I admire the hell out of you for what you're doing for those girls. God forbid …" Sean faltered when he thought of someone doing anything like that to his daughter. "I can't even say it. But I would want you there helping."
Marissa patted Sean's arm. She felt the same way about her children. Marissa knew firsthand how something like that haunted a person from Bianca. Her wife had healed a great deal over the years, but every once in a while, something would trigger those memories. She hated seeing Bianca relive that pain and wanted nothing more than to take that pain away and did everything in her power to help her. This included encouraging Bianca to seek professional counseling when needed. "I know. Trust me. I know. I would be there for you, and so would Bianca."
"Thanks. Same goes for me with the two of you."
"Thank you. So, they're taking Ralph's statement. What do you need from me?"
"I really hate to do this since this is supposed to be a fun weekend for you, but we'll need your statement. We can do it tomorrow morning before you all leave."
Marissa nodded. "I'll be there. I'm assuming you're locking Ralph up for the night?"
"Oh yeah, he's not going anywhere. Have fun tonight. We've got you covered. It looks like my sister is getting ready to announce the winner."
"So it does. I better get these drinks back to the group."
Marissa settled the tab for the drinks, thanked Bob, and headed back to the table with the tray of shots.
/
Terri took the stage and whistled to get everyone's attention. "Settle down. I've got the judges' results. The winner is …" Terri smiled as she read the name on the slip of paper to herself. She wasn't surprised at all. "Marissa Tasker!"
The crowd cheered loudly as they sought out the redhead. Marissa kissed a grinning Bianca before she pulled Jo and Cory with her on her way to the stage.
"Congratulations!" Terri said happily as she handed the trophy and cash prize to Marissa which she followed up with a hug.
"Speech! Speech!"
"Thank you! Thank you all! I was totally not expecting this. I could not have done this without these two women beside me, Jo Shelton and Cory Jacobs! Please give them a hand!"
The crowd happily obliged the request.
Marissa paused and glanced over at her friends. They seemed to read her mind and nodded with a smile. "Chief Bray, could you join us for a second up here please?"
Sean was slightly confused by the request but nodded and joined the small group on stage. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you and back at you! When Bianca all but forced me to sign up to compete …"
"She forced you by saying 'please' and batting her eyes at you!" Greenlee shouted from her seat which had the crowd howl in response.
"That's pretty much all my sister has to do to get Marissa to do something." Kendall smirked and had the crowd laugh even louder.
Marissa simply shrugged as her eyes met Bianca's, smiles never leaving the face of either woman. "Like I said, all but forced me. Let's face it. Can you really blame me? Anyway. Jo, Cory, and I talked after I signed up and twisted their arms to join me …"
Jo rubbed her arm and shared a pathetic look with Cory. "Mine is still sore."
"Mine too."
"You had fun and you know it. Anyway, we talked and agreed that if we somehow won that we would share custody of the trophy. As for the prize money, we would like to donate it to your police benevolent fund." Marissa smiled as she handed the check over.
Sean was shocked as he accepted the check. "Seriously?! Wow! This is extremely generous! Thank you!" Sean hugged all three women.
"You're welcome. We know that you'll put it to good use."
The crowd cheered at the women's generosity, and Sean returned to his seat still a little in shock.
Marissa waited for the crowd to quiet down. "So, we came back to our home away from home for two reasons. The first was to see Sean sworn in. You all couldn't have picked a better person to be your new chief. Some of you may know the second, but if you don't, I'm going to tell you now. Jo is getting married next week! Where else would we go to celebrate?!"
Cheers rose from the crowd yet again. "Congratulations!"
Jo waved to the crowd. "Thanks! I really appreciate it! I have to tell you that I am having a blast!"
"Now. Would you all be interested in us doing another song?" Marissa asked the crowd.
"Yeah!"
"Okay. We're going to need some help. Could the rest of our crew join us up here?" Marissa laughed as the other members of the Pine Valley crew eagerly joined them on stage.
"Doesn't look like they need any encouragement, does it?" Jo laughed.
Cory agreed, amused by their friends rushing forward. "They're such a shy group."
"Huddle up." Marissa motioned the women closer and shared her idea for what song they could perform.
"I love it!" Lisa nodded.
"I agree! It is perfect!" Rafaela said. She turned to Maura who she could tell was a little nervous and squeezed her hand. "Are you okay?"
Maura nodded. "I'm good. I'm looking forward to this."
Natalia grinned. "Same! I love this song! Let's do this!"
"This is an awesome group song. We're going to kill it!" Stef added excitedly.
Aya nodded her agreement. "She's right! We are!"
"Let's do it!" Bianca gave Marissa a quick kiss. It had taken a little time, but Bianca had finally been able to relax and enjoy herself after Marissa had told her about Ralph's attempt. It helped that she knew they still had one of Mitch's people keeping an eye on them.
"You heard everyone! Let's own this stage!" Kendall said and put her hand out.
Greenlee put her hand on top of her friend's. "Let's show them what Pine Valley can do!"
The others followed suit and put their hands on top of each other's. At the count of the three, they broke their huddle, grabbed some microphones, and took their positions.
Marissa glanced over at Terri who was ready to cue up the song they had chosen. "Hit it."
/
When the music started, Marissa and Jo took the lead with the others joining in. It wasn't long before the entire crowd was singing and dancing along with the Pine Valley crew.
I do my hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
Woo, child, tired of the bullshit
Go on, dust your shoulders off, keep it moving
Yes, Lord, tryna get some new shit
In there, swimwear, going-to-the-pool shit
Come now, come dry your eyes
You know you a star, you can touch the sky
I know that it's hard, but you have to try
If you need advice, let me simplifyIf he don't love you anymore
Just walk your fine ass out the doorI do my hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
(Feeling good as hell)
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
Woo, girl, need to kick off your shoes
Gotta take a deep breath, time to focus on you
All the big fights, long nights that you been through
I got a bottle of tequila I been saving for you
Boss up and change your life
You can have it all, no sacrifice
I know he did you wrong, we can make it right
So go and let it all hang out tonight
'Cause he don't love you anymore
So walk your fine ass out the doorAnd do your hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell) (Show it off tonight)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell) (And we gon' be alright)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)Mmm, yeah, alright
Listen, if he don't love you anymore
Then walk your fine ass out the door
And do your hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell) (Woo-hoo)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell) (Show it off tonight)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell) (And we gon' make it right)
Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
(Feelin' good as hell)
Baby, how you feelin'? (Feelin' good as hell)
/
When it was time for the final big note, Jo took a small step to the side and gave Marissa the stage. She knew her friend had the stronger vocals, and she was proven right when the redhead nailed it, and the crowd went wild. The applause, cheers, and whistles continued for several minutes after the song finished. As the group left the stage and headed back to their table, they were given high-fives along the way.
Kendall laughed when she saw an older couple the group knew well. "Damn, Gill, you can move! I didn't know you knew Lizzo!"
Gil grinned proudly. "The grandkids introduced her to us!"
Frannie nodded. "We really like her and loved her video on YouTube!"
Greenlee shook her head and smiled. "I like your grandkids!"
"They help keep us young! You girls did a great job! Marissa, that final note was amazing!" Frannie added.
"Thank you! I agree with Kendall. You had some great moves."
"For a newbie, you did pretty good, Dr. Isles." Greenlee said.
Rafaela beamed at her girlfriend. "Yes, she did, didn't she?"
Maura gave Rafaela a quick kiss. "You're biased but thank you. Thank you, Greenlee. Given the company I'm in, I take that as a big compliment!"
Bruce smiled as he handed Bianca her cellphone. "I got it all recorded. You all were great!"
"Thanks, Bruce, and thanks for recording it for me!"
"It was my pleasure."
Terri joined them. "I recorded it as well, and I got the crowd too! That performance will go down in Shamokin Joe's history!"
"Woohoo! We made history tonight, ladies!" Stef said as she shared high-fives with Gail, Randi, and Madison.
"Damn, we're good!" Aya said proudly. "Please send me those videos. I can't wait to share them with Kate when I get home! It's okay with everyone if I show her, right?"
Greenlee nodded. "In this case, yes! There was absolutely nothing embarrassing with that performance!"
Cory laughed. "I agree, but I still don't want any of my students to see it. It could be awkward for them and me!"
"Yeah, I think you might be right on that one, Cory! My students are older than yours, and I'm not sure how they would handle seeing me channeling Lizzo." Stef chuckled.
"I think your students would be cool, Stef. I'm not sure how grade-schoolers would react though, Cory." Jo teased. "Actually, I think they would be pretty cool with you too. Or as cool as their teacher can be."
"Thanks." Cory rolled her eyes. "I'm just going to take your word for it though and not risk it."
"Same!" Stef agreed.
"Next round is on the house!" Bob shouted from behind the bar, his statement greeted by cheers.
The party continued well into the night when Shamokin Joe's finally had to close.
/
It was early the next morning when Marissa and Bianca made their way to the police station. The others were still asleep when they left the hotel, and with the exception of Kendall and Greenlee, none the wiser of the attempt to drug Marissa. After her wife told her about her conversation with Sean and the need to meet with him before they left, Bianca insisted on going with her. Marissa agreed knowing her wife would not take 'no' for answer. When they got back to their hotel room, the couple set their alarm and went right to bed. It would be a long day, and they wanted to get as much rest as they could. The couple was greeted by both Sean and Dave as they entered the station.
"Good morning. Coffee?" Dave asked.
"Yes, please." Marissa said as she took a seat.
Bianca nodded and joined her wife. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"We'll start in a few minutes. We're just waiting for someone." Sean said as he drank his coffee.
"Who?" Marissa groaned when she took her first sip of coffee. She really needed the caffeine.
"That would be me. You wouldn't happen to have some of that coffee for me, would you?" Nora said as she breezed into the station.
"Yes, ma'am." Dave replied and hopped up to grab the newest visitor a mug.
"Nora! I was not expecting you, but it's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too, Marissa. I'll get back as to why I'm here in a minute. Good morning, Bianca."
"Good morning, Nora." Bianca greeted the other woman with a smile.
"I guess I'll handle the formal introductions. Nora Buchanan, this is Chief Sean Bray and Officer Dave Corder. Sean, Dave, this is Nora Buchanan, Llanview's District Attorney and one of the governor's special prosecutors in the Landry case. I don't think I'm going out on a ledge though when I say that you probably know that last part."
Dave nodded and handed a mug filled with coffee over to Nora. "Ma'am, it's nice to meet you in person. Would you like any sugar or milk?"
"Thank you. It's nice to meet you in person as well. Black is perfect. Please call me Nora. Ma'am makes me feel really old."
"I'll do my best to remember that, Nora, as long as you call me Dave."
"Thank you, Dave. Chief Bray."
"It's Sean."
"And I'm Nora. Now that that's out of the way, is Ralph still locked up?"
Sean nodded. "He is. We have his statement typed up for you to review. Bob Carpenter is due in later today to give his statement."
"He is the owner of Shamokin Joe's, where this attempt took place, correct?"
"Correct."
"And Kevin Schaeffer is a private detective who works for Mitch Reardon?" Nora asked as she reviewed the notes she had taken the previous evening.
Marissa answered this question. "Yes, he is, and Mitch is employed by my firm. I had Mitch keep an eye on us along with a couple of my clients who had received threats since we filed our lawsuit, particularly Tessa."
Nora nodded. "Mmm. I remember you telling me that. Smart of you to do given what happened here."
"We have his statement as well for you to review." Dave offered.
"Thank you. So, Marissa, what can you tell me about what happened last night?"
"Dave, let's record this, and we'll get it transcribed later for Marissa to sign." Sean said, and Dave nodded and did as requested.
Once the recorder was in place and started, Nora repeated her question after summarizing who was giving a statement and why.
"Honestly? Not much. Bianca, my wife Bianca Tasker-Montgomery, and I both recognized Ralph Grismore from Pine Valley and knew he was following us. We also knew from Mitch Reardon, a private investigator who works for my firm, that he had a lengthy record and was working for Terrance Angleton. He was standing at the bar when Greenlee Lavery and I went to get drinks. We placed our order and then went to the ladies' room."
Nora raised an eyebrow. "You left your drinks unattended? That's not safe and you know it!"
"Yes and no. Let me take a step back. Before we took this trip, Bianca and I met with Mitch and several members of his team including Kevin Schaeffer and his partner on this assignment, Ben Avila. We discussed several scenarios. One of which was leaving a drink unattended, or at least giving the appearance of it being so."
Now, it started to make sense to Nora. "Ah, you were setting a trap and seeing if anyone stepped into it."
"Yes. Bianca and I ran into Bob Carpenter, the owner of Shamokin Joe's, at the park and told him what was going on. He agreed to help. In this case, that meant making our drinks, leaving them where someone could get to them, and walking away. That someone was Ralph, and he took the bait. What he didn't know was that Bob had surveillance cameras pointed at the bar which caught everything Ralph did. In addition to that, there was Dave who was enlisted to keep an eye on things as part of an earlier conversation and Kevin. His main focus was us while Ben kept an eye on the larger scene. After a few minutes, I got a text from Kevin telling me what went down and that it was clear for Greenlee and myself to rejoin everyone. A little while later, Chief Bray filled in the details for me as to what occurred while I was out of sight. It was at that time that I was asked to come here this morning and give a statement."
Nora nodded. She knew Marissa would be both detailed and concise in her statement. "Is there anything you would like to add, Bianca?"
"No, there's really not much I can add to what Marissa said. I saw Ralph at the bar and saw him walk up to where Marissa and Greenlee had been standing. I couldn't see what he was doing though. I found that out later."
"Okay. If there's nothing else, we will end this interview." Nora motioned for Dave to stop the recording. "Now, as to why I'm here, after I heard from Dave last night, I called the Attorney General. He asked me to come here and handle Ralph personally. It seems that Ralph wants a deal and is willing to give up Angleton to get any possible consideration he can."
"Angleton is a big fish, and he allowed Landry to get away with what he did for a long time by turning a blind eye." Marissa observed.
"Exactly. Don't worry. We're still going after Landry. Nothing is going to stop that. Those women are going to get justice. I promised them that they would, and I'm going to keep that promise. Bianca, I know you can't break any confidences, and I don't expect you to. How are the women that have gone to the Miranda Center for help doing?"
"As well as can be expected. Healing from what they've been through is not an easy process and will take time, but it has started. I'll tell you something that I'm sure you already know about them. They are strong, fierce, and brave."
"That they are. That they are. All right. I suppose it's time to talk to Ralph. Which means you two need to go. I'll let you what kind of deal I'm going to offer Ralph before I propose it to him. I want your sign-off on it since you're directly involved."
Marissa nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Nora. I appreciate it, and I trust you."
"So do I. Thank you." Bianca added as she stood. "We need to meet up with the others. They'll be wondering where we are."
"Yeah, they will."
"Are you going to let them know what happened?" Nora asked.
"We are. We'll let them know once we're on the road. Maybe when we stop for lunch. I hate to do it though. This weekend was for Jo."
Bianca nodded. "True, but if you don't tell her and she finds out from someone else, she will be furious with you as well as hurt."
"You're right. She will, and I don't want that. Unfortunately, we're going to have to tell some other people back home."
"Yes, we will. Jessica is not going to be happy about this at all, and neither is my Mom. It's probably a good idea to tell Ralph not to come back to Pine Valley for a long time. It's safer for him. Plus, I don't want Mom or Jessica to get arrested. He's not worth it."
Nora chuckled. "Good idea. I'll do exactly that. Enjoy the rest of your day as best as you can. I'll be in touch."
With that, the couple headed back to Shamokin Joe's to meet up with the rest of the Pine Valley crew.
/
A/N: Obviously, I don't own "Good as Hell". Lizzo does. I really like it though and can see this group performing it. See you soon!