Pre-chapter note: everything I know about law and jargon I learned from watching this show or Google. So if something is inaccurate or just plain wrong, gimmmme a break please :)
"When did my role as your sister transition to courier?" Emilie had just gotten home from her Friday shift at the cafe. She had worked with Ethan all day and that already left her in an annoyed mood. Now, another request from her brother to deliver things to the PSL office.
Her frustration with Harvey was already stirring. While, yes, they had gotten into a cohabitation routine, it was clear he preferred to live alone. Saturday night, for example, he was hosting a poker game at his place and awkwardly tried to encourage his sister to not be there for the night. His phrasing was more vague than that but she could understand his tone.
The worst part of the whole thing is Emilie felt like Harvey's concession of her friendship with Finn was a power move. Like he let her have this one thing so she owes him now. She would never say it out loud and he would never agree with her, but that was how it felt.
She dismissed that, for the most part. Because she was enjoying her friendship with Finn. Friendship was a loose term. There was clearly something more between them - an unmentioned attraction. They had only hung out twice now, last Friday at the dog park and Tuesday night they had went for a drink.
But now, Friday night they were hanging out again. They had plans to meet for a late dinner at a Mexican place when Finn was off work around seven. Until then, Emilie wanted to nap and get ready, not venture into the business district to deliver her brother's outfit change.
"There's something else I need to talk to you about too."
"Trial related? Because I already know we have that meeting on Monday."
"Not trial related. Listen, I'm in a meeting until 4:30 if you could come by around 5."
"Not only are you demanding this delivery but you're scheduling it."
"Sorry for cutting into your nap time, Emilie. But it's a small ask compared to-
"Compared to what, Harvey?"
There was a pause. "Please, Emilie. Could you just do this."
She let out a frustrated groan. "I'll be there at five."
Harvey knew letting his sister live with him was the right thing to do. And yes, they had reached a normal, balanced level of living together. But her presence was muddling up some of his usual plans. He figured once the trial was over they could create a plan for her - apartment hunt for whatever was the best option. But even broaching that topic was uncomfortable for him.
Harvey Specter could talk to anyone about anything - except asking his sister if she could spend a night away from the apartment so he could bring a date home. He had already unintentionally demanded she make plans for Saturday evening so he could host a poker game. And now he kept wrestling with asking her to not be home when he hopefully brought his date home that night too.
"So, what's your approach here?" Mike was sitting on the couch across from Harvey, reading over some files.
"For this? Cracking open their poorly written contract." Harvey didn't look up at him.
"No. With Emilie and your date tonight."
Harvey rolled his eyes. "Is it too late to tell you to stop listening to my personal conversations?"
"You're the one who's been going on and on about that brunette for weeks. So, what's the plan? Politely ask your sister to find a couch to crash on so you can bring this woman home?"
"You know, you're making me seem like a bad guy for wanting to have a dating life."
Mike smirked at him, dropping the files down on the table. "I don't think you're a bad guy. I do think you're pent up, though."
Emilie made it to the office just around five, narrowly missing the security guard Charles as he left for the day.
She had her brother's suit draped over her arm and a Red Bull in the other. She had skipped her nap and put all her force into looking as put together as possible, without looking like she tried to, for her casual date with Finn.
She straightened her dark blonde hair, which fell just past her shoulders. She was wearing a blush pink halter tucked into a black leather mini skirt, with small black boots on her feet. Her brown leather jacket was draped over her shoulders, since it didn't fit comfortably with her cast.
She knew she looked pretty put together. Her last step was to add on red lipstick but that could wait.
She wandered through the offices once she got to the 41st floor and was stopped by Mike before she made it to Harvey's door.
"Hey Emilie," Mike looked up from his phone when he spotted her.
"Hey," she responded, stopping. She saw a message from Harvey asking her ETA. "His highness is beckoning me."
"I'm about to do you a favour and forewarn you about the impending awkward conversation with your brother." Emilie raised her eyebrows at him. "Harvey got a last minute invite to be a plus one at some gala tonight. But the woman lives in New Jersey and he's trying to find the least uncomfortable way to ask you to not be home tonight."
Emilie couldn't help but laugh. A tiny part of her wanted to stay the night with Finn anyway. Not that she would assume such a thing would happen but considering the way she had been talking to him lately, it seemed like a possibility. Worst case scenario, Leah had a futon. Not that she would tell Harvey her Plan A of sleeping in Finn's bed. That was far from platonic.
"Well, lucky for Harvey I do have some friends who have couches. Although, this is going to be a fun conversation to watch him sweat. You coming?"
Mike nodded and walked with her down the hall to Harvey's office. They found Harvey leaning over Donna's desk.
"Speak of the devil," Donna smiled at Emilie as she approached.
"Your robes, sir," Emilie handed the garment bag over to her brother. "I also picked out a different tie for you. Navy blue. It'll look better."
"To match his eyes, of course," Donna added in.
"Thank you," Harvey said to his sister, motioning for her to follow him into his office.
"You do know those two words. Fascinating."
Harvey rolled his eyes then dropped down on the couch. Emilie sat in the chair beside home. "So, what's up?"
"Did that piece of shit apologize to you yet?" Harvey was referring to Ethan. Emilie wasn't sure what happened, if Harvey has actually sent Finn to his apartment or not, but she didn't ask. She could tell Harvey was still bothered by the whole thing. Admittedly, Emilie was too. But she was trying to move past it.
"Barely. He just avoids me altogether at work. Which is fine, to be honest."
Harvey just nodded at her. There was nothing else he could say without upsetting them both. So, moving on.
"Two things. First, since I pretty blatantly requested the use of the apartment tomorrow night already for poker, I thought you might appreciate these." Harvey handed his sister an envelope. She opened it to find two tickets: Hello, Dolly! Third Row, Seat 17 & 18
"You're kidding! This has been sold out for months."
"Yeah, well, depends on who you know." Harvey smirked to himself. "Take whoever you want. Although I know Donna nearly died when she picked them up."
Emilie stood up from her seat and turned to look at Donna, who was standing with Mike. They were both very clearly watching her and Harvey speak. She pointed the tickets at Donna and gave her a thumbs up. The redhead's eyes lit up and she smiled happily at Emilie.
"And, now, the second thing." Emilie sat back down and gave her brother a playful smile.
"Mike told you, didn't he?"
"Told me what?"
Harvey sighed, reaching up to loosen his tie. "You're really gonna make me say it."
Emilie leaned forward towards him. "Make you say what?"
Harvey pursed his lips for a moment, then opened his mouth. Then closed it. Emilie was enjoying him struggle to find the right words. She took a sip of her Red Bull and watched him wreck his brain.
Harvey closed his eyes and quietly spoke, "I want to bring a date home tonight after this event."
"Sorry, I can't hear you."
"Emilie, c'mon."
She finally smiled at him, leaning back on the chair.
"I'm going out with Leah tonight so I can crash at her place. Have fun."
Harvey nearly choked. "Please never tell me to have fun."
"Would you rather I remind you to use a condom?"
Harvey stood up, eyes wide at his sister. "Okay, this conversation is over."
"I hope these tickets also include dinner for Donna and I." Emilie patted her brother on the arm then walked out of his office, joining Mike and Donna who were laughing at them.
"I hope you both enjoyed that," Harvey followed his sister out his door.
"Very much so," Donna smirked at him.
"Well, this has been nice but I'm off," Emilie waved at them as she turned to walk away. "See you tomorrow, Donna. And good luck tonight, Harvey."
Harvey resisted quipping back at her, "Text me later so I know you're alive!"
She gave him one last smirk before turning towards the elevators.
Harvey let out an irritated sigh as he watched his sister leave.
"I think Emilie is my favourite member of your family," Mike said to Harvey as he walked away, typing into his phone.
"You know you just encouraged her to stay over at a boy's house," Donna said to Harvey, as she walked around her desk to grab her coat.
"What? No. She said she was going out with Leah or something."
"That was not a 'going out with a girlfriend' outfit."
"Shit."
Emilie probably didn't need more than one margarita with dinner but she couldn't help herself. They were delicious. And as she chatted with Finn, she couldn't stop sipping.
It was her third that was the problem. She managed to dump half of it on her shirt and laugh, just as Finn was paying the bill.
She held his arm as they walked out of the restaurant.
"So, what's next Miss Bryant?" Finn stood just ahead of her, a smile seemingly stuck on his face.
"Well, my brother kicked me out for the night. So, my tentative plan is to sleep on my friends futon."
"That sounds terrible," Finn replied to her, slipping his hand into hers. "I have a large bed. I'm sure Pippin would give up his spot for one night. If you're interested."
"Strictly platonic bed sharing."
"Mm hmm. Friends only hand holding." They walked from the restaurant to Finn's place. He lived with his brother, technically. They lived in a townhouse in Prospect Park that was in their family for ages. Finn lived in the renovated basement with direct access to the small backyard for his dog, while his brother lived in the rest of the house. They shared the kitchen.
Finn's basement suite was nice. It was clearly a man's space - indicated by a severe lack of decor aside from some sports posters tacked on the wall. But it was nice just the same - a living room area with a large TV and plush couch, one bedroom, one bathroom.
They stood in the backyard for a bit when they got home, letting Pippin out to run around. Once they were inside, Emilie kicked off her boots and stood anxiously while Finn filled up the dog bowls.
"So," Emilie started, sliding off her jacket. "My shirt is covered in margarita still."
"You can take it off, if you want," Finn walked towards her, a half smile on his face. Emilie couldn't help but blush as he looked at her.
"I just want to make something very clear," Emilie continued, as Finn's hands landed on her waist. "I do not want to be just friends with you."
"I don't either, Em. But Harvey-
"Please don't say my brother's name as your hands move up and down my back."
"For the time being: out there, just friends." Finn motioned his head towards the door. "In here, whatever we want."
She paused to look at him. Tall, strong, kind, handsome. He was wearing a button up plaid shirt. His face had a scratchy five o'clock shadow growing. His lips looked so soft. His eyes were playful and enticing.
"Well, I want you to help me out of this shirt," she said quietly, pushing herself onto her toes to kiss him. She pulled away, her eyes locked on his. She nearly died when he bit his lip. "Then maybe this skirt, too."
She spent many nights at Ethan's over the summer but she never woke up in his arms, like she did with Finn. There was a very real peace as she stirred in the morning - tucked under Finn's arm, Pippin laying at the foot of the bed.
Maybe this is what feelings were. It had been so long since Emilie had opened up a part of herself to someone, so long since she could wrap her head around intimacy. Maybe it wasn't so bad.
Yes, she had slept with Finn. Thoroughly. Twice. But then she didn't run away. Then they talked for hours. And she ran her hand through his hair and he traced his fingers up her back until she fell asleep.
And now, laying in the warm morning air, peace.
Later that morning, they were out taking Pippin for a walk.
"If I'm being honest Em, I thought I would wake up and you'd be gone this morning," Finn glanced over at Emilie as they paused at a crosswalk. She squatted down to pet Pippin as they waited.
She glanced up at him. "Really?"
"I don't want you to take offence but I thought you'd get scared and run."
"Okay, I can't lie. I considered it very briefly in the middle of the night. But what was I going to do? Rush home to join Harvey and his date for breakfast?"
"So, you're just using me for my bed and dog. Is that it?" Finn smiled at her. She was wearing a pair of his sunglasses and one of his NYPD training shirts, tucked into her skirt.
She just smirked and nudged his arm as she stood up, "Wow. You are a very good detective, Jon Finnegan."
"She came home wearing some NYPD t-shirt, Donna."
"So? Maybe she got it at some second hand store. Vintage. Thrifty."
Harvey and Donna were standing in his kitchen. Donna has agreed to meet Emilie there since they had convinced Harvey to let them use Ray as their chauffeur that night.
Emilie was still getting ready.
"I told her and Finn that this was not okay."
"Then you told them it was! You can't assume that her wearing a random T-shirt means anything other than her wearing a t-shirt. She very may well have slept over at a friends house. If that friend ends up being a New York City detective, you have to just deal with it. I'm sure he has a couch."
Harvey groaned. He knew he should just let it go.
"Harvey, I think you should turn a blind eye here."
"Or you could figure out the details for me tonight."
"I'm not meddling in this."
"Please, Donna."
"What happens when you find out she is, in fact, sleeping with Finn?"
Harvey let out a breath then pinched the bridge of his nose. "You know what, maybe you're right."
"Of course I'm right. I'm always right."
"What are you two whispering about?"
Harvey and Donna turned their attention to Emilie as she came out of her room. She had on a pair of heels and a short black dress, paired with a faux leather blazer.
"Our whispering is none of your concern," Harvey said simply, heading to the fridge to pull out some things. He hosted a group for poker every so often. This time it was a few of his old coworkers, a few Harvard alumni and Mike Ross. Somehow a poker table had arrived in the apartment but Emilie didn't bother asking about it. Of course Harvey had some poker table connection.
Donna and Emilie made their way to the bar during intermission of the show.
"Thanks again for coming with me, Donna," Emilie said, grabbing their glasses of wine from the bartender. They shuffled over to a table top in the crowded theatre lobby.
"Thank you for letting me be your plus one," Donna replied to her.
"Honestly, all my close friends are theatre majors and the like. But every time I thought of them sitting beside me, singing along and providing colour commentary on the details of the plot and choreography, I just couldn't handle it. Sometimes you've just gotta enjoy things, you know?"
Donna raised her glass to Emilie, "Here, here." They both giggled as the clinked their glasses and sipped their wine.
"So, Donna, what's the story with you and my brother."
Donna smirked at her, "What does that mean?"
Emilie put her glass down on the table and gave Donna a look, "Are you serious? There is a magnetic force between you both."
Donna let out a laugh, her face falling into a straight line smile, "I don't cross the line with coworkers. It's a grey area."
"Yeah, sure. But you guys have slept together, right?"
"Do you really want to talk to me about your brother's sex life?"
"Of course I don't want the details. I just want confirmation!"
"Did you sleep with Jon Finnegan last night?"
Emilie nearly choked on her wine. "You just went for it, huh?"
Donna raised an eyebrow to her, taking another large sip of her wine, "I assume he's the one who's been texting you and making you smile all night. So, if we're swapping secrets."
"Okay. Fine." The lights above started to flash, indicating the second half of the show was starting soon. "I will not confirm or deny sleeping over at Finn's last night." Emilie's eyes narrowed as she looked at the redhead. A challenge.
"God, you're just like Harvey." Donna hesitated for a moment, then finished off her drink. "I will not confirm or deny sleeping with your brother one time, years ago. And whether or not I want to do it again.
Emilie's eyes went wide and she tipped the rest of her wine into her mouth.
Donna laughed and took her arm, as they headed back into the theatre. "This conversation never happened."
Following the show, Donna and Emilie went for another drink or two and split a pizza at a nearby bistro - thanks to Harvey's credit card. They lamented over his annoying traits and bonded over their past working in restaurants.
It was nearly midnight when they returned to Harvey's and Emilie insisted Donna come inside for a bit. Mike texted her and said most people had left anyway. Or as he worded it: he had taken everyone's money already.
When they got upstairs, Harvey and Mike were sitting at the card table with drinks.
"How was the show?" Mike asked as they made their way in.
"I've decided to drop out of university and join the touring cast." Emilie announced with a smile. She glanced over at Harvey. "What? No reaction?"
Harvey couldn't help but laugh at his sister. "Empty threat. You can sing but you sure as hell can't dance. I remember your 7th grade production of Grease."
"Wow, ouch, I was a perfect Rizzo. Mrs. King told me my rhythm was, and I quote, good enough," Emilie placed her hand over her heart. She walked over and handed Harvey his credit card. "Thank you, by the way." He rolled his eyes as he took it from her, returning it to his wallet.
"Wow, looks like we all shook you for money tonight, champ," Mike clamped his hand on Harvey's arm, a wide smile on his face.
"Lost again, huh?" Donna took a seat in one of the empty chairs beside Harvey, grabbing the deck of cards.
"No, Donna, he let me win. Isn't that the speech you're about to give?" Mike jumped in, tossing a chip at Harvey.
"So, what you're saying is that Harvey is all talk and no game?" Emilie plunked down in another empty chair, passing a drink over to Donna.
Harvey rolled his eyes again. "I don't like the three of you ganging up on me."
Emilie was grateful she didn't have to sit at the table with her lawyer. Since it was a matter of defendant vs. the state, she was really only there to observe and act as a witness.
The trial was being overseen by only one judge and no jury. Both Harvey and Patrick told her the whole thing would be quick and hopefully painless. It was unlikely to be dismissed.
Emilie was just worried about being called as a witness.
She wouldn't admit it to anyone but she had regrets about the whole thing. Yes, her landlord was in the wrong and justice was due to be served. But this, all of this, was because of her. She could have just moved out. Especially if he said he didn't record any footage of her. She could have moved out and moved on. She knew she was doing the right thing but now, sitting in a courtroom waiting was stressing her out even more.
It was the fourth case of the morning. They were waiting in the hall before the previous one finished up. Emilie was staring out the window at the end of the hall, desperately trying to think about anything else.
Harvey was standing beside her, sipping a coffee and scrolling through his phone.
"Hey, do you remember when me and Marcus and Katie visited you when I was younger? Like 12? They took me to a concert then left me with you for the night the next day?"
Harvey glanced up from his phone to look at his sister. The pain in his side was growing, likely from nerves about this whole thing.
"Vaguely." His response was short.
"You took me to some diner. Where was that?"
"Em, I don't remember." His tone was annoyed. "Probably somewhere in Astoria. Is this important right now?"
She rolled her eyes as his attention went back to his phone. "I guess not."
Both Mike and Finn showed up not long after. Greg was standing down the hall on the phone.
"You alright?" Finn stood close to her, reaching out to touch her arm for a brief moment.
Emilie smiled. It was nice for him to check in. She just shrugged.
He just nodded. "Did you eat this morning?"
"Someone forced a bagel on me. Although he only consumed Advil for breakfast." She motioned to Harvey, who had turned to talk to Mike.
"Alright, it's time," Greg stopped in front of them as the doors opened to the courtroom. Just as they all shuffled to start walking in, Emilie's landlord appeared in the hallway, as well. He looked put together - more so then she had ever seen before. Suit jacket, button up shirt, clean shaven, a smarmy smile on his face as he looked at her.
Beside him stood who Emilie assumed was his lawyer. She was certain she heard Harvey swear under his breath. He put his hand on his sister's shoulder to pause, as they let everyone else walk in before them. She turned to look at him.
"Why does it matter what I wear tomorrow?" Emilie was sitting on the couch, typing into her laptop. She glanced up to look at Harvey, who was standing across the room from her. She noticed he was pressing at his lower abdomen.
"Are you okay?" She asked, watching as he moved towards the kitchen to get a glass of water.
"I'm fine. I must have pulled a muscle this morning during my run."
"Okay, old man."
"Emilie, it's important that you look like a model citizen tomorrow."
"Harvey, I'm not the one on trial, remember?"
"I know that." Harvey gritted his teeth for a moment, then let out a breath. "But your landlord's lawyer is going to paint him as an upright member of society who made a mistake. They want to prove that your landlord gets the least amount of punishment for his actions. But when you're up on that stand, you have to look put together. You have to speak clearly and concisely. Your testimony is a key part of this prosecution."
Emilie closed her laptop and moved it onto the coffee table.
"You have to sit up straight. Make eye contact. No distractions."
"No pressure, Emilie," she muttered to herself, leaning back on the couch and pulling up her legs.
"Emilie, I cannot stress enough how you need to take tomorrow seriously." Harvey's volume was growing.
She let out a frustrated groan. "What makes you so sure I won't? You've repeated that ten times this week. I know this is serious, Harvey."
Harvey paused to look at his sister. There she stood - collared navy blue dress, blazer, short heels, hair pulled into a slick ponytail. He never thought he would be walking into a courtroom with her.
This very moment was another reminder he could have prevented this mess.
"Em, whatever happens today, you need to remember none of this was your fault."
She just nodded, shrugging his hand off of her shoulder, "Let's just rip off this Band-Aid." She looked at him, watching him wince and grab his side for a brief moment, before swallowing and letting out a breath.
She turned and headed into the courtroom.
She sat at the end of the row, with Harvey at her side. Beside him were Mike and Finn. Emilie wished desperately she could have fin beside her instead, holding her hand.
She pulled her phone out of her pocket to check her messages but before she could even look at the screen, Harvey reached over and took it from her. "No distractions." He placed it in his interior jacket pocket and looked forward. Emilie just let out a small sigh and took a deep breath.
There was no jury for her trial. Patrick explained that the defending lawyer was confident the judge would rule in his clients favour, so requesting a jury was unnecessary for such a minor case. What Emilie understood from that was that the judge held all the power and decided the fate of her slimey landlord.
Everything occurred just as they had told her at their pre-trial meeting at the beginning of the week.
The judge started.
"We are here to conclude the case of Moore Vs. The State Of New York. Current charges against Mr. Moore are as follows: surveillance equipment was found in the bathroom of the unit Mr. Moore rented out to Miss Emilie Bryant. This intent to record and view footage of a person without their consent, where they have a right to privacy, is classified as a Non-Violent Class D Felony." The judge paused to look up from his paperwork. "Mr. Moore, how do you plead?"
"Not guilty, your honour."
Emilie was watching the judge intensely. He was an older man, with grey hair and round bottle cap glasses. He was stoic - no sign of any emotion on his face.
He announced for the prosecution to proceed.
"Your honour, the defendant states he only installed the surveillance equipment in his rental unit for security purposes and that he never recorded or kept any footage from the installed camera in Miss Bryant's bathroom. To be frank, that reasoning has no strength. He claims the camera would only capture footage of the window, which contradicts the position of having a clear view of Miss Bryant's shower. Regardless of whether or not he recorded and kept footage of anyone with that camera, the initial sentencing holds true: there was intent. The camera was installed. That alone violates privacy laws in the state of New York."
Emilie was impressed. She could feel Harvey shuffle in his seat beside her. He leaned over and made a comment to Mike.
Greg called Finn up as the first witness, having him explain what they found as far as cameras and set up.
Then, it was Emilie's turn. Greg asked her various questions about her experience living in that apartment and what happened when she found the cameras.
"Miss Bryant, could you explain briefly how finding a hidden camera in your bathroom made you feel?"
Emilie remembered what Harvey said. She sat up straight. She made eye contact with Greg. She avoided her brother's eyes.
"Honestly, it made me sick to my stomach. I felt violated - it made me rethink every moment of living in that apartment and it gave me intense paranoia about where else there might be cameras. I couldn't sleep for weeks afterwards, even after vacating the unit."
It was easy. It was done.
The defendant asked for a dismissal, which the judge denied. Then, it was time for the cross examination.
This is what Emilie was really worried about.
Harvey had warned her about Patrick Boone. He worked for another big firm in the city and Harvey had crossed paths with him before. And butted heads frequently. Boone made a reputation for himself defending rich entitled people who skirted the law. He had a bite and not a shred of emotion in the courtroom.
"Before calling up any witnesses, I would like to add onto the record six character references for my client. Let it show that while, yes, it can be argued there was intent behind his actions, Mr. Moore is an exemplary citizen." Patrick walked up to the judge, dropping off a file folder full of documents. "Now, the Defense calls Emilie Bryant to the stand."
Emilie swallowed hard as she returned to the small enclosed area at the front.
"Miss Bryant, how long did you live in this apartment?"
"From March 1st until September 8th."
"Now, for just shy of six months, my client reported you paid just over $7000 in rent. In Queens, the average cost of rent for a studio apartment for six months would be closer to $10,000. Can you explain why your rent was so low?"
"Well, I moved into the apartment quickly and had a difficult budget."
"So, you're confirming that out of the goodness of his heart, Edward agreed to give you a deal on the cost of your rent payments."
"I guess you could say that. But -."
"I think it's clear, your honour, that my client had no ill intentions renting this unit to Miss Bryant. In fact, he saw a young woman who was down on her luck and did her a favour. As previously entered on record, the crime stats in Queens indicate an increase in break and entering in the last twelve month period. My client can not be faulted for taking precautions by installing cameras at key ground level access points, like the lower window well attached to Miss Bryant's bathroom."
The judge nodded and motioned for him to continue.
"Miss Bryant, did you ever feel unsafe in your apartment prior to finding what you believed to be cameras?"
Emilie sighed. She hesitated.
Patrick took a step forward. "Miss Bryant. Do you need me to repeat the question?"
"No. I never felt unsafe."
"And did Edward Moore ever make any comments or references to you that made you feel uneasy or that your peace of mind was at risk while living in his rental unit?"
Emilie shook her head, "No."
"The takeaway here, your honour, is my client was a good landlord to Miss Bryant and the video equipment was installed with security purposes in mind. He has offered a verbal or written apology for her troubles."
Emilie stopped listening when she left the stand. She sat beside her brother and looked straight ahead as the lawyers talked back and forth to the judge. More fancy words. More critique of the system. She felt her brother nudge her to pay attention and she just did her best to slide away from his side.
She wanted this to be over.
She wanted to just stand up and walk away. She didn't even want to hear the sentencing or lack thereof.
Eventually, she saw Greg sit back down and heard the judge start to speak.
"I think it's evident that Mr. Moore did not act with malice. The testimony, character references and lack of prior charges support that. That being said, even implying the intent to record where someone would be in a vulnerable position can not be swept aside, Mr. Moore. Therefore, the conviction of guilty remains and the sentence is as follows: one month of probation and a few of $1000 to be paid to the state for time and damages. Your name will not be added to the State Sex Offender list but tread carefully, as any other slip up will cause the state to revoke your ability to landlord. Case dismissed." The judge banged his gavel and left quickly. The rest of the room started to shuffle.
Emilie stayed frozen in her seat.
Harvey jumped up from his seat. "Bullshit!" He leaned over the divider, pointing at Greg. "That was a slap on the wrist. You need to do something about this." He slowly shuffled past his sister who was still sitting and started to argue with Greg.
Emilie looked down at her hands.
That was it.
"Hey, are you okay?" Mike slid down on the bench and put his hand on Emilie's shoulder.
"Yeah, whatever. I need to…" She paused and looked over at her brother. Finn has joined him at the front and they were both pointing at Greg. "I'm just going to run to the washroom."
Mike just nodded and watched as she slipped out of the bench and hurried out the door. She took a few deep breaths as she looked around the hallways. She could feel her heart beating faster and faster in the crowd of people.
It was over. She could relax now. Her landlord got away with it. Her landlord did nothing wrong. Her landlord did everything wrong. Her landlord got away with it. She hadn't said enough to help incriminate him. She hadn't done enough. She wasn't enough.
As she headed down the hall, it was her landlord she nearly ran into.
Just making eye contact with him nearly made Emilie throw up.
"Excuse me," she did her best to push past him.
"I'll be seeing you, Emilie," he said quietly as she moved around him.
She found the washroom and stopped in front of the sink. She stared at herself in the mirror for a moment, then splashed some water on her face.
"Get your shit together, Emilie, and deal with this." She said to herself. She pulled her hair out of the tight ponytail and shook her head. She didn't want to be here.
She didn't want to look at Harvey's angry, disappointed eyes.
She didn't want to hear Finn's kind, comforting words.
And she sure as hell didn't want to cry.
She let out a breath and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
She walked out of the washroom and paused. She had two options. Return to the courtroom and deal with everyone. Or she could just leave. She motioned her head down the hall where she could see Mike standing on his phone. She glanced down the other way, where she saw a staircase and then a door to the outside world.
She took the staircase and headed towards the door.
Where she was going, she wasn't sure. But it was better than dealing with everything else.
"Emilie, wait!" She could hear Mike yelling her name as she dashed down the stairs. She didn't turn back. "Emilie!"
A/N: ahhhhhh ahhhh okay okay. what now, my argumentative siblings. listen, I'll be honest, writing this lawyer stuff is not for me. but the trial had to happen. so what's next? well, Emilie may be a pain in Harvey's side but what about...that pain in Harvey's side. and where is Emilie going to live now? is running away from her problems a solution? and is this really the last of her landlord? will there be a return to the karaoke bar? will Harvey please finally punch someone? and listen, i know we are all Harvey/Donna fans! This is not a love story, but im trying my best to sprinkle them in.
thank you to cicia724, Pranjal, anonymous and Andelin for the reviews. And again to all of you out there reading along. this has been a fun one to map out - I've just wrapped up plotting the plot.