Author's note: Flashback time! Still from Wlll's point of view. I really challenged myself attempting writing this flashback. It took a while to decide whether or not I should try it, because this character is especially tricky. Still, I hope you'll like my take on him!
Summary: force ma·jeure noun \ˌfȯrs-mä-ˈzhər, -mə-\ 1: superior or irresistible force. 2: an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled. Alicia & Will, seven months after she left L/G. Flashback: "Mr. Sweeney, is there something I need to know?" I try to sound persevering. He shakes his head. "No, No. You'll figure it out soon enough. Or well, I can only hope you do. Or not. It depends," he rambles.
Big thanks: To my beta RomanticSoutherner for coming up with the brilliant idea for this character to play a part in the flashbacks. And everyone who reviewed, I'm blown away by your kind reviews! Oh, and MarySunshine81 for catching up with all chapters, and it isn't even a Diane story, lol!

Force Majeure

Chapter 8 – Naked Lunch
(Flashback to 211 days ago)

"Well, as you can plainly see, the possibilities are endless like
meandering paths in a great big beautiful garden."
- William S. Burroughs (Naked Lunch)

Tuesday, 02:32 PM

"Still in a sexual relationship with that lawyer of yours?" He raises his brows at me. "Hmm?"

I clean the corners of my mouth with my napkin. "We ended it." It's none of his business. Why did I even answer that?

"What a shame." He leans back in his chair and crosses his legs. "She reminded me of my first girlfriend… High school sweethearts," he drinks from his wine before he continues. "Can you imagine?"

No, I can't. What, did he kill her too? I don't really respond.

His eyes search mine. There's something going on in those eyes. There's always something going on in that twisted mind of his, and his eyes seem to be sending out exactly the amount of weirdness he's willing to let out. Some inappropriate, disgusting thought that he desperately wants to share with the world simply for the shock value of it.

But there's more to this lunch today. Sweeney would never have lunch just to discuss the firm in general while throwing in some insolent remarks here and there, like we've done so far.

And why did he ask to have lunch with me? He always asks for Alicia. Didn't he call her during election night? Something's up, and something's different. Ever since we sat down, I've been trying to figure out what exactly that is.

There's still a triumphant glare in those eyes, anticipating on how I'm going to act next.

"Mr. Sweeney," I then start. "My next case starts within the hour. If there's a point you want to make with this lunch, now is the time."

"All right, all right." He seems disappointed that I'm narrowing his space to tease me.

"I'm just going to ask you one question," he starts, staring into my eyes.

"Shoot," I reply, decisive.

He scoots his chair closer to the table and leans in, resting his head on his hand.

"Are you…aware?"

"Aware?" I repeat, confused.

"Hmm…" He leans back in his chair.

"Aware of what?"

"Well… We can conclude you're not."

"Aware of what?" I say again, colder his time.

He smirks. "No, no, no. I could go around tossing out hints like Hansel did with his breadcrumbs, but we all know he couldn't find his way back so I don't see the point."

I give him a confused look. What the hell is he talking about?

"Hansel from Gretel?"

I got that. "Yes, I know," I answer slightly annoyed and roll my eyes.

A small smile creeps on his face. This is exactly what he wants, to annoy me.

"Mr. Sweeney, is there something I need to know?" I try to sound persevering.

He shakes his head. "No, No. You'll figure it out soon enough. Or well, I can only hope you do. Or not. It depends," he rambles. "Well, I think I should go and ask for the check." He contemplates for a second, then looks back at me. "And if you don't figure it out, it's a reassurance that I made the right decision."

"Decision to what?" I snap. Cut the crap, Sweeney. I realize I'm getting worked up about this, and that's exactly what he wants.

"Oh, look at that. A paranoid… someone who knows little of what's going on."

I frown at him.

"It's a quote. William Burrough's Naked Lunch? Learn your classics, Mr Gardner."

He waves his credit card to the waitress. "This one's on me."

As we wait for the waitress to get back to us, he turns back in his chair. "And I'm sure she still adores you," he then says. "I can't imagine it being something personal."

I frown at that. "Who?"

"Come on," he rolls his eyes. "Everyone can tell you two were doing it."

I give him a blank stare. Are we talking about Laura again?

"Aleecia," he pronounces her name in that off way only he manages to do. "And who wouldn't? Professional, smart… and toned, too. Have you seen that body of hers?"

This is getting so inappropriate. I try to act casual, but it's not really working.

"Ahhh…" He leans in and taps his fingers on his chin. "You actually have. Doesn't surprise me one bit. She makes your cock spurts soft diamonds in the morning sunlight now, doesn't she?"

What did he just say? "Excuse me?" I ask stunned.

"Oh relax. I'm still quoting my beloved William Burroughs."

With another one of his grins, he gets up from his chair as the waitress comes back with his card. "Exciting times ahead," he chuckles and taps me on the shoulder.

Frowning, I watch him leave the restaurant. I just sit there, processing, trying to figure out what point he was trying to make. Or was he just trying to mess with me? What decision? I don't know anymore. And what's up with those quotes? Am I supposed to read something into that?

"Sir, can I get you anything else?" The waitress snaps me out of my thoughts.

"No, thank you," I reply hastily and get up. I don't have time for this now. I'll be needing a scotch and a quiet office to think this through.

What the hell is going on?

Thank you for reading!

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Preview for next chapter: Back to Alicia's apartment and also back to Alicia's point of view: "I head in my apartment. My eye falls on the dining room. My heart jumps as I realize there's someone in there."