The Burden of Love: Bad News...

by tarskeewee08

Evangeline stared at Ms. Carter with an aggravated scowl on her face. The silver haired woman continued to eat her omelet taking time before answering Evangeline's question. Looking at her she seemed as mild and soft spoken as your favorite grandmother. But when she spoke there was a distinct coldness to her voice. Immediately making her features harden and her eyes grow cruel with self righteousness.

Last year her husband suffered a stroke while undergoing surgery for his prostate cancer. The surgery was supposed to be routine and even though he was in his early seventies he was expected to live.

Later it was discovered that his anesthesiologist was drunk when he put him under and his miscalculation brought about the stroke resulting in her husband slipping into a coma that he still remained in. "Ms. Carter will you be willing to accept this settlement offer that Northwestern Memorial has on the table?" Evangeline asked again waiting on her to respond.

To Evangeline it was more than fair and prevented them from a lengthy trial they may not win based on her husband's age and prior medical record. Another attorney could argue that although it's tragic what happened, the stroke may not be related at all to the negligence of the anesthesiologist.

Mrs. Carter raised her cold blue eyes to meet hers and they gleamed from the malevolent thoughts running through her mind. "What if he dies? Can I get more money then?"

"I beg your pardon?"
"Die dear, are you deaf?" Mes. Carter smirked dropping her fork onto her plate.
"He's in a coma…"
"They don't see much brain activity so we could just pull the plug, Charles isn't going to make it honey and I need…."
"Okay this conversation stops here. Northwestern is offering you 1.5 million and I suggest you take it to avoid a trial. They have more lawyers than I'm prepared to fight!"

The old woman sucked her teeth in an unpleasant way pouting. "This is not fair. I want 20 million!"

Evangeline shook her head "You've been watching too much TV. There's no way you will get 20 million and even if we win a judgment, they can hold your payoff in appeals for so long that you want see a dime before you leave this earth."

"You are my attorney…your supposed to fight for me!" she hissed

Evangeline sat back upset. This was a case she and Charlotte needed but she was so tired of this old bat. Scanning the new trendy restaurant located in Greektown called Hashbrowns. She tried to pace herself before continuing.

The restaurant was a very sheik breakfast and lunch bar. It was located in the old Maxwell Street Market and was a popular spot the yuppies flocked too.

The patrons were packed in this morning and she saw most were in business attire having breakfast meetings just like her. The door opened blowing in the cold and snow causing those near it to shiver. Evangeline's eyes grew big when she glanced over and saw John step through. Wearing a long trench and matching gloves he shook off the snow from his shoulders as round flakes that clung to his head. Looking around the small quaint eatery it wasn't long before he spotted her.

Evangeline smiled a greeting and he smiled back at her, then kept looking around. She watched as he spotted his breakfast companion and followed him as he went over to meet Jacob Barnaby. Now she was certain, he was here for another reason and she couldn't mask her disappointment.

"Excuse me…" Mrs. Carter snapped.
Evangeline looked back at her client. "Yes…"
"I asked you what's it going to take to get you to do your job and get me my 20 million!"

Evangeline cut her eyes and went back to the semantics of what it takes to win a case like hers hoping the hateful woman would just sign off on the settlement papers so she could get out of the restaurant and away from John. She didn't want to run away but seeing him was just too weird. Too tempting.

John walked in from the cold and shook off the frost that clung to him. He looked around the restaurant and his heart stopped at the sight of her. She sat at the small table with another woman her hair cascaded around her face wearing a dark navy suit with a crisp pointy collar white shirt folded neatly over her lapel revealing her cocoa colored delicate neck. She saw him and smiled and it warmed his heart. The last time they saw each other she fled from him like he was a carrier of the bubonic plague.

Chicago was a pretty big city. To run into each other twice had to be fate. After he spoke to Barnaby he'd try his hand at reaching out to her. Looking over he saw the bastard sitting in the corner eating. He walked over unbuttoning his coat taking it off and throwing it over his chair before taking a seat.

"Morning John….glad you called this morning I have good news"
"Really?" John asked sarcastically as the waitress handed him a menu.
Barnaby frowned "Is something wrong?"
"Why don't you tell me your news first?"
Barnaby smiled "Okay…..I have an opening for a Lt. at the Clarke Street station. I can get you in as soon as the ink is dry on the paperwork"

John looked at the man that was like a second father to him. He thought about what he discovered and what it meant. Last night in the box he shuffled through nothing of importance. His only lead was Ryan O'Rielly and his dad's best friend was somehow connected to him. Now he may get into the Chicago PD to gain further access to Barnaby. John decided to play his hand close.

"I'll have coffee only please….black" John said passing the menu back to the waitress.
"Well aren't you going to say something?" Barnaby asked frowning.
"Thanks Jacob, that's great news"

Jacob dropped his fork. "I get it you're still mad at me about the O'Rielly case. You want me to re-open it"

John stared at him and smirked "Can it be my first assignment?"
"No, John….let ghosts stay buried. I am offering you a fresh start. I won't let you use my department for a personal vendetta."
"Jacob can I ask you a question?" he asked accepting the coffee and winking at the redhead waitress that blushed back at him.

"Sure…."
"What prompted your move to Chicago?" John asked innocently sipping his coffee.
"I got an offer after I solved the Banger bank robbery case." he said forking some of his fluffy yellow eggs into his mouth.

John nodded "Those pesky bank robberies, all the way back to dad you have been trying tirelessly to catch bank robbers…strange hunh?"

Jacob frowned at John suspiciously. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Before John could respond he saw the old woman sitting with Evangeline rise from the table in a huff throwing her cloth napkin into her face. Evangeline glared at the woman who snatched up her coat and stormed away.

"Excuse me..." John said rising
Jacob looked at him curiously "We need you to come to the station John….."
John looked back over his shoulder with his coffee in hand and jacket in the other smiling "Oh I'll be there."

Walking across the restaurant he smiled lightly as Evangeline looked up into his face. "Can I join you?"
She extended her hand "Please…"
John took a seat and Evangeline stared at him for several minutes. "It's a small world hunh?"

She slipped her hands under the table into her lap. "It sure is…what brings you to the windy city?"
"A job"
Evangeline eyes bugged out of her skull and she looked at John dumbfounded "You can't be serious…"

John laughed "Why is that so shocking?"
Looking over to Barnaby who was staring at them she finally understood his presence at the station. "I just…."
"How have you been Evangeline?"
"I've been good John thank you"
"You look good" he said running his eyes over her. Evangeline blushed and looked away. "So you will be living in Chicago?"
"Will that be a problem for you?"
Looking back into his face she smiled sweetly "I think the city is big enough for the both of us."

John leaned back in his seat "I can't get over running into you twice. Wouldn't you say that lady fate is having a big ole laugh at our expense?"

Hearing her cell phone vibrate she threw up her finger excusing herself before reaching into her purse to retrieve it. John watched her and she tried to steady her hand from shaking to visibly. She pulled out the tiny silver flip phone and opened it.

"Evangeline Williamson" she said looking back into his warm blue stare.
"Ms. Williamson this Detective Gray with the Chicago PD your office gave me your mobile number to contact you."
"Yes…" Evangeline said frowning. John saw her face darken and paid attention.
"I'm going to have to ask you to come into the station immediately."
"Is this in regards to a client?"
"I think we should talk face to face, but this is an urgent matter. How soon can you get here?"

Evangeline looked at her watch. "I guess I can be there within the hour"
"Fine…I will wait for your arrival"
"Thank you detective" Evangeline said closing the phone.

"Is something wrong?" John asked
"I don't know must be the Cletus Jones case. I told Charlotte to handle it but I know her, it will fall directly in my lap."
"Charlotte?"
"Oh…I have a practice here with a childhood friend. You'll love her"
John smiled sexily "So is that an invitation to meet her?"
Evangeline laughed. "No…" she said rising. "I need to go to the station."

John rose and helped her into her coat "Why don't we share a cab. I have to go as well to fill out my paperwork"

Evangeline looked at him. "Well…umm…okay"
"Its okay….its just a cab ride. Besides from the way you breezed into the station yesterday we will probably be working together or against each other counselor."
She grabbed her briefcase and purse "You have a point"

John slipped on his coat and followed her out into the snow. Hailing a cab they both got in quickly and closed the door to the icy wind that nearly shut it on them.

Evangeline scooted over in the seat and looked over at him smiling. He smiled back. "So what's your life like now Evangeline?"

She looked away out of the window "Work mostly" she said softly
"No special someone?"
She looked back at him irritated by the question "What?"
"Boyfriend you know…man?"
"That's none of your business John"
He laughed and nodded "Can't blame a guy for being curious"
"I think we should get some ground rules straight"
"Do you?" he said amused
"Yes…"
"Okay what are the ground rules?"

Evangeline cleared her throat. "I'm willing to be friendly with you. I mean we were great friends at one time."

"This is true" he said nodding smiling at the nervous way she wrung her gloved hand as the cab bounced and swerved down the icy road.

"My personal life is off limits and so is our social contact" she rushed out
"That's kind of cold Van"
She looked at him "I don't think so John…"
He reached over and touched her hand causing her to freeze. "Its cold but I understand. We aren't exactly friends anymore, and I didn't come to town to disrupt your life. I'm here trying to save mine"

Evangeline stared at him. "How so?"
"My father..."
Her eyes grew big at the mention of the unspoken subject that always lingered where John was concerned "What about your father?"
"It's complicated….just know that I will make an effort to respect your privacy and the boundaries between us. I just hope one day you will forgive me for failing you so miserably and we are able to salvage some sort of friendship."

Evangeline patted her other hand over his that rested in her lap. "I would like that"

Arriving at the station John held the door open and paid the cab. They raced back inside the station with both of them feeling frozen. The warm lobby was comforting. Evangeline walked over to the desk sergeant and gave the detectives name. He called him and then nodded pointing her down the hall.

She turned to John "I hope to see you again soon"
John smiled at her and said nothing. She looked into his crystal blue eyes a moment longer trying to settle her desires that stirred just by his gaze on her. Turning reluctantly she walked off. John watched her go seeing her coat flap light behind her as she walked away. Her jasmine scent still lingered in the air. He could kick himself for the mistakes he made. Going to the desk sergeant he shook off the memories of what her skin felt like. "Where's HR?" he asked

The sergeant looked up "Follow that lady that just left. It's at the end of that hall as well" he said returning his attention back to what was in front of him. John smiled and walked away. Like he said lady fate just kept throwing them into each others orbit.

"Detective Gray" Evangeline said smiling extending her hand

Samuel Gray accepted her gloved hand and stared into her deep brown eyes. He'd seen her in the station before and was more than attracted to her. He was about six foot four and solid build. His hair was dark and curly in a short buzz cut. He fixed his dark eyes on her and felt a wave of sadness over what he had to do. He liked Charlotte a lot and this would be hard.

"Please sit down Ms. Williamson"
"What is this about?"
The detective sucked in his breath "When was the last time you spoke to your partner?"

Blinking at him confused she looked at him in silence for a moment. "Charlotte? You called me here about Charlotte?"

The detective swallowed "I don't know how to say this…."
"Say what?"
"We believe Charlotte Pryce was murdered last night"

Evangeline felt the room spinning. She gripped the arm of her chair and shook her head slowly "You believe what…." she croaked out in a hoarse whisper her heart in her throat.

"I need you identify the body…"
"Nooooo…this is a mistake. I spoke to Charlotte last night" she said wheezing.
"Ms. Williamson…"
"NOOOOOO! THIS IS A MISTAKE!" she screamed

John walking out of the HR office with the papers to fill out and heard Evangeline's screams. Turning he looked over to the office she sat in. The large windows had the blinds pulled up and he could see her. Evangeline had both of her hands to her head shaking it and screaming No!. Throwing the paperwork on the desk next to him, he heard the brunette yell at him for using her desk to drop his stuff, ignoring her he raced to the office.

"NOOO! DAMMIT!" Evangeline shouted at the detective leaping from her chair. Her heart was pounding so fast she felt as if she was having a heart attack as her hands went numb. John burst into the office and Detective Gray frowned at him. She turned and saw him, her face deep red and eyes wide in horror. She ran to him and he held her tightly. "OH GOD! OH GOD PLEASE GOD NOO! JOHN PLEASE….NO!"

John held her as her body started to shake and then convulse under her torturous cries. He rubbed her back and looked over her shoulder at the detective. He walked toward them "I am so sorry"

"SHUT UP! SHUT THE HELL UP!" Evangeline cried into John's chest.
"What is going on?" John asked dumbfounded.
"Her partner Charlotte Pryce has been murdered"

John blinked confused then held Evangeline as she went weak collapsing in his arms. His heart broke for her and he picked her up carrying her over to the bench in the detective office. She was mumbling incoherently and crying softly going into shock. He couldn't reach her while she was caught up in this hell so he elected to just hold her.

The detective said he would get her some water as others stopped outside the office to see the spitfire attorney who along with her partner turned this station on its head, an emotional wreck.

"Its okay baby….I got you" he said softly kissing her forehead as she clung to him. He rocked her in his arms and she screamed, wheezed, cried and wailed. Trying to give her water offered by the detective she refused it and just held onto him. "She can't be dead….she can't be dead…" she kept repeating.

The detective touched John's shoulder "We need her to identify Charlotte. She didn't have any id and we need to be positive."

John nodded. "Give us a moment and I will bring her out to you"
The detective agreed to it and walked out. John rubbed her back. "It will be okay…we will figure this out."

Evangeline lifted her tear streaked face to his her bottom lip quivering "John….I can't…I can't look at her body"
"She needs you Van…if it's her we have to find out what happened."
Evangeline face crumbling again John kissed her nose. "Please baby….we can do this together" he said stroking the side of her face and moving her hair from it.

"Will you come with me?"
John smiled softly "Of course."
Evangeline nodded and laid her head back on his chest. John felt a sense of relief that god had put him in her path at this moment. He couldn't bear her going through something like this alone. He would protect her. After all it's the only thing he was good at.