A Fresh Start
Chapter One Hundred Seventy Two
The moonlight flowed through the window above the bed. Jeffrey is lying on his side. He's watching Sam sleep and thinking about Emma. After leaving Company, they had taken a walk in the park before they came back to the loft. Sam went to take a shower while Jeffrey watched the scores and when she was through. He had come upstairs and they had gone to bed. Sam had fallen asleep shortly after they came up, but Jeffrey couldn't. He keep hearing Emma, pleading with him not to let the judge send Olivia to jail.
Pushing the covers back, he gets up slowly being careful not to wake Sam. He walks out of their room and downstairs. The loft is dark except for the moonlight coming through the windows. He walks over to them, looking out over Springfield, seeing the light house in the distance. He lays his hand against the brick while he lets his gaze wander. He knew Olivia was sitting in a jail cell at the police station. He knew she was probably scared. She probably wasn't alone and she probably only had the light from the hallway outside the cell. He's standing there when he feels Sam's arms slip around his waist. "You weren't supposed to wake up." He says, pulling her arms around him.
"I'm going to wake up. I knew the moment you left the bed. What's wrong?"
"I can't sleep. I keep thinking about Emma and her pleading with me not to let the judge send Olivia to jail for the rest of her life."
"There's nothing you can do about that."
"I can't make the decision for him, but I can recommend something to the DA. I was once the DA, Chris was under me. I don't want her to grow up without her mother. I know what it's like to grow up without a parent. You hurt and you don't understand."
"This is different. Olivia planned to hurt you and me."
"I know she did, but…."
"Don't say you're partly to blame here. You didn't do anything to her then or now. She went after you."
"Sam, she has a little girl that…."
"That she didn't think about when she went after you."
"That maybe so, but Emma is going to suffer if she's sent to jail. It's not just that she won't have Olivia. When the Spaulding's find out that Olivia's in jail, they may come for Emma. At least Alan will want them to."
"You can keep the Spaulding's from getting Emma."
"Do you want Olivia to go to jail?"
Sam's quiet for a moment. "I want her to realize that you are mine. You will always be mine. And I don't want to have to look over our shoulders, worried that she might try something again."
"I don't think she'll do that."
"But you don't know that she won't. She went after you now, why wouldn't she go after you again."
"I don't know that she wouldn't but I think she knows that I'm not going to come back to her. I think she was moving on with James."
"And this afternoon you thought he would sneak her out of the country." She says, as Jeffrey turns to her.
"Sam, listen to me. I want Olivia to pay for what she did. But I don't want Emma and Ava to pay too. That's their mother. I'm not saying she can't be sent to jail, but I don't want her to be there for the rest of Emma's life. I can't do that to Emma."
"So what are you going to do?"
"I don't know." Jeffrey says, turning back to the window.
Sam stands behind him for a moment before she wraps her arms around his waist again. He turns to her, leaning against the brick. He pulls her to him, holding her tightly. After a few seconds, Sam says. "We can't do anything about this right now, so let's go back to bed and get some sleep."
"Can we…?"
"J!"
"Gees, you're so stubborn." He says, leaning over to kiss her.
"And you have a one track mind. How about this, why don't I sing…?"
"No, I want to go to sleep not wake the neighbor…." Sam slaps him and he reaches to catch her hands, pulling them back behind her back. He loosely holds them in place as he leans in to kiss her. After a few seconds, he pulls away. "We can go to bed and I'll sing to you and our little one."
"Are you sure you can behave yourself?"
"I promise, I'll behave." He says, releasing her hands and holding up three fingers.
"Let me see the other hand."
"Let's go to bed." He says, leaning in to kiss her quickly before taking her hand and leading her towards the stairs.
The next morning, Jeffrey is coming out of the closet as Sam wakes up. Sitting up in bed, she looks around before she spots him. "You're going in early."
"I've got some stuff I need to handle." Jeffrey says, sitting down on the bed beside her.
"You're going to talk to Chris."
Jeffrey turns to look at her before he leans over and kisses her. "I know you're worried that she'll come after us again, but I can't send her to prison for the rest of her life, not with Emma here. It's not fair to Emma."
"What about what's fair to you?"
"Olivia will be punished. She won't get away with this, but I can't send her to prison…."
"You can't send her to prison for the rest of her life." Sam says, sitting back. "Alright, I know you're doing this because of Ava and Emma."
"I am."
"Then go and see if you can find some way of keeping Olivia out of jail for the rest of her life. It's where she belongs but I understand why you can't see her go there."
"I love you."
"I love you too." She says, as he gets up. Going to the dresser, he picks up a comb as she pushes back the covers to get out of bed.
She leaves the room while he finishes getting dressed. He comes downstairs as she's leaving the bathroom. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, why?"
"Because you were in there for a while, I had time to finish getting dressed."
"My stomach's a little upset."
"Sam."
"Its morning sickness and it's slowing down. This is the first time in about a week that I've been sick."
"I don't have to go down to the DA's office. I can call Chris and talk to him from here."
"I'm okay. I promise."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, so what do you want to eat for breakfast?"
"You're not cooking me breakfast. I'll get something at Company. Can you stay here today and rest?"
"I've got to go to the office. I have applicants coming to interview for the practice."
"Alright, but will you at least take time to relax today."
"I will, I promise."
"Alright, I'm going to go before the courthouse opens and I can talk to Chris before hand. I'll see you tonight?"
"Alright." Sam says, as he turns to go. "J." He stops and turns back to her. She walks over to him. "Are you going to her arraignment?"
"I don't know."
"If you do go, call me, I want to go with you."
"Okay, I'll call you."
"Thank you." She says, leaning up to kiss him. "And don't forget the appointment this afternoon."
"I forgot about it, thanks, I'll see you tonight."
"Okay. I love you."
"I love you too."
"Be careful."
"I will and you too."
"I will. I love you."
"I love you too." He says, leaning over to kiss her before he reaches for the door and opens it. Walking out, he closes the door behind him with a smile for her.
Jeffrey walks into the DA's office. Most of the staff haven't made it in yet, but Chris is there. Jeffrey stops at his door, knocking once to get his attention. "Mr. Mayor." Chris says, standing up.
"It's just Jeffrey right now." Jeffrey says, walking into the office.
"Yes sir." He says, as Jeffrey sits down across from him.
"I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Okay."
"Olivia Spencer."
"Yes sir. She's due to be arraigned this morning."
"I know. I want to offer a deal."
"A deal, sir, she planned to kidnap you. She was going to drug you and then frame Mrs. O'Neill for the kidnapping. We have her confession. It's a slam dunk case."
"It's more than a slam dunk case and there's more to consider here than what Olivia planned to do to me."
"Your daughter, Sir."
"Well yes, there is Ava but there's also Emma. I know this is a serious crime almost as serious as actually kidnapping me and Olivia should be punished for it, but should Emma and Ava be punished as well. I want you to offer her a deal."
"What sort of deal?"
"We'll suspend the sentence, if she leaves town. Now she can go to New York, DC, anywhere but around here. She can leave the country if she wants but she can't stay in Springfield and if she agrees to the deal then we'll suspend the sentence and she can raise Emma. You have to make it clear. She can not come back here. She can not stay here. If she does, then she will be arrested and she will be sent to jail to finish serving the term the judge gives her."
"Sir, you're letting her off. I know you both…."
"I'm not doing this for me. I'm not doing it for Olivia. I'm doing for Emma and for Ava. Olivia's responsible for her actions, but Emma and Ava shouldn't be punished along with her."
"You know this could hurt you if you run for reelection."
"I'm not running for reelection. You'll offer her the deal." Jeffrey asks, standing up.
"Yes sir. She would be a fool not to take it." Chris says, standing up.
"Good, do you need me at the arraignment?"
"No. I'll contact Olivia's lawyer and tell her that we want to make a deal and we'll go from there."
"Thanks Chris."
"You're welcome, Sir." Jeffrey leaves as Chris sits back down, reaching for the phone.
Later that morning, Olivia walks into the courtroom. Mel is at the defendants table. Chris is across the way. The jailer brings Olivia over to the table. Behind Mel are James and Ava. He smiles softly at her but Ava stares at her. Olivia sits down beside Mel. "Are you ready for this?" Mel leans over and asks.
"It'll work like you said. I'll plead guilty and then the judge will look over the plea bargain."
"Yes, and the plea bargain will be entered into court record and the judge has the option to accept or decline the bargain."
"And if he declines I will likely go to prison."
"Yes, however I doubt that will happen. A judge usually has a reason for denying a plea bargain."
"Okay." Olivia sits back. She turns to James and then looks at Ava but she continues to stare at her.
When Emma had gotten up that morning, she had begged to stay home from school but Ava had no place to send her and she didn't want to take her to the courthouse to watch Olivia plea and possibly sentence, so she agreed to come tell Emma as soon as the arraignment was over. There are a few bystanders and press in the room with them and as the door opens, everyone settles down as the judge walks up to the bench. "All rise." The bailiff calls
Everyone rises, and the judge picks up the gavel, hitting the bench once, he says. "You may be seated. Mr. Prosecutor, are you ready to proceed."
"Yes, your honor."
"Would the defendant please rise?" The judge orders, Olivia and Mel stand up. "Bailiff, you may read the charges.
The bailiff steps forward and says in clear voice. "In the case of the State of Illinois versus Olivia Spencer, the defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping."
"How do you plea?"
"Guilty, your honor." Olivia replies standing tall her shoulders square.
"Mr. Prosecutor is there anything you would like to add." The judge looks at Chris.
"Sir, we have Ms. Spencer's confession, given to Detective Mallet yesterday afternoon after the defendant waived her right to council, which was included with the filing of charges against Ms. Spencer." Chris says as the judge picks up the papers that the bailiff handed him after reading the charges.
"Ms. Boudreau, is there anything you would like to say?"
"No your honor, my client is ready to face her punishment and waives any right to file motions."
"So, Ms. Spencer, please stand up." The judge says. Olivia stands up. "You've confessed to planning to kidnap the Mayor of Springfield, Mr. Jeffrey O'Neill after drugging him with an illegal substance and then forcing an accident. You also admit to planning to frame the victim's wife for the kidnapping. Is that true?"
"Yes, your honor." Olivia replies, feeling Ava's eyes on her.
"Ms. Spencer, you realize the seriousness of what you've admitted to doing. Conspiracy to commit kidnapping is as serious as actually kidnapping someone. The sentence for such a crime is twenty five years to life in a state prison, you understand that."
"Yes, your honor."
"I also see here that you've entered into a plea bargain with the prosecutor's office, is that correct?"
"Yes, your honor."
"You've been offered a suspended sentence, provided that you leave Springfield and the state of Illinois. According to the plea, you will never be able to return to Springfield and if you should return you will forfeit the plea bargain and will be immediately arrested to serve out the remainder of your sentence in a state prison. Do you understand this?"
"Yes, your honor.
"Since there is a plea bargain in place, I'm going to go ahead and accept the plea bargain and pass sentence." The judge says, as Mel rises. "Ms. Olivia Spencer, you are hereby found guilty of the crime of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. You are sentenced to twenty five years in a state prison. This sentence is hereby suspended according to the plea bargain submitted by the District Attorney's office.
Ms. Spencer you have one month to get your personal affects in order and leave the state. During that time, you are to have absolutely no contact with the victim. If you violate this order, you will have violated this plea agreement and will be arrested and sent to the state's prison for women. Also, if you have not left the state within one month you will be considered in violation of the plea bargain and you will be arrested and sent to the state's prison for women. Do you understand?"
"Yes, your honor." Olivia replies, nodding her head.
"Ms. Spencer, you should count yourself very luck indeed. Conspiracy at any level is a serious crime and is usually severely punished. You should be thankful that the victim and this court decided to show you mercy."
"Yes, your honor. I do, Sir." Olivia says, nodding again.
"It is so ordered." The judge says, picking up his gavel and hitting it once. "This court is dismissed." He says, laying the gavel down as he gets up. He leaves as Olivia turns to James.
He leans over the banister and hugs her as Chris packs up along with Mel. Chris nods to Mel and then leaves the room. Ava steps around James and Olivia and follows him out of the courtroom. "Mr. Robins." Ava says. He stops and turns to her. "Why did you make a deal with her?"
"Your father asked me to make the deal."
"Jeffrey, why?"
"He didn't want Emma or you to loose their mother. He came by my office this morning and asked that I make a deal with Ms. Spencer. I offered the deal to her attorney and she accepted." Chris says, as Olivia, James and Mel come out of the courtroom and he turns to leave.
Olivia stops as Ava turns to look at her. "Ava. I'm…."
"I have nothing to say to you, accept this, stay away from me and my baby. I want you to have nothing to do with either of us. Do you understand?"
"Ava, I stopped before…."
"I don't care. It's the last straw, do you understand? Stay away from us." Ava says, turning on her heels and walking away from James and Mel.
"Let's go." James says, after a while. "We've got to make preparations for you and Emma."
"Okay." Olivia says, hesitating for a moment before she allows James to draw her away with Mel following them. James puts his arm around her as they leave the courthouse.
"Do you want something to eat?" He asks.
"Right now, I want to go home and take a hot shower." Olivia says. "I feel like I haven't bathed in days."
"The Beacon and a hot shower it is." James says, leading her over to his car. He holds the door for her, closing it before he goes around to the other side. Getting in, he starts the car and then backs out, headed for the Beacon.
Jeffrey walks in to Dr. Stephen's office just after lunch. Going up to the window the receptionist opens it and says. "May I help you?"
"Yes, I have an appointment with Dr. Stephens."
"Of course Mr. Mayor, if you will have a seat, he'll be with you shortly."
"Thank you." Jeffrey says, turning away and finding a seat. He picks up an old issue of Time magazine and idly flips through the pages. He's about halfway through the magazine when he hears Josh's voice and he looks up.
"You should be fine." Dr. Shelley says, shaking Josh's hand.
"Thank you." Josh replies, as Dr. Shelley opens the door and Josh walks out. Dr. Shelley closes the door behind him while Josh looks up and sees Jeffrey sitting there. For a moment they stare at each other before Josh turns and walks away.
A few moments later, the door opens again and a nurse calls. "Jeffrey O'Neill." Jeffrey puts the magazine down and stands up. He walks over to the door and then follows the nurse down the hall to an exam room. He sits down on the exam table as the nurse does the usual stuff, checks his weight, height, pulse, temperature, and blood pressure. Making notes in a file before she says. "Dr. Stephens will be in shortly."
"Thank you." Jeffrey says, settling back as the nurse leaves and closes the door behind her. He looks around the room, staring at all the medical posters. He's reading one on the back of the door when it opens and Dr. Stephens comes in.
"Mr. Mayor." He says, closing the door behind him.
"Just call me Jeffrey."
"How do you feel?" Dr. Stephens asks, sitting down on the stool beside the table.
"Alright." Jeffrey replies.
"Are you having any pain?"
"No, there's not been any pain for the last three or four days."
"Have you had any problems since you've been home?"
"No, Sam is making sure I follow all of your orders. She won't let me do anything."
"She's a good doctor." Dr. Stephen's says with a smile. "Are you still wearing the bandage?"
"Yes."
"If you can open your shirt I'll take the bandage off and I'll take a look." Dr. Stephen says, as Jeffrey pulls his tie loose, having taken off his jacket when the nurse checked his blood pressure. He unbuttons the shirt and then pulls it free of his pants and then sits back. Dr. Stephens examines him, touching him in different place along his ribs and asking him it hurt. Each time Jeffrey replies no. When he's finished examining him, he sits back down on the stool. "You can get dressed now."
Jeffrey buttons his shirt and tightens his tie before he settles back. "So what's the diagnosis?"
"You seem to be healing pretty fast. I still want you to be careful and wear the bandage during the day but I don't think you need it at night anymore, still no heavy lifting or overly strenuous exercise. I want you to come back in a couple weeks. If you continue the way you've been then I will probably release you to normal activities. Do you have any questions?"
"Only one, can we have…marital relations now?" Jeffrey asks, looking at him.
"Sure, if it's not overly strenuous."
"Thank you." Jeffrey says, standing up as Dr. Stephens stands up.
"I'll see you in two weeks." He says, opening the door.
"Yes." Jeffrey says, walking out of the room, holding his jacket. "Thank you." He says again, turning to Dr. Stephens.
"You're welcome." He replies, as Jeffrey turns to go to the front as Dr. Stephens goes to his next patient.
Jeffrey stops at the front desk. "Dr. Stephens wants to see me in two weeks." He says, handing the forms back to the receptionist.
"That will be on 11th of October, will that be good for you?"
"Can we make it the twelfth?" Jeffrey asks, remembering Sam's appointment is on that day."
"Sure, would one o'clock be okay?"
"Do you have one at three?" Jeffrey asks.
"We've got a three thirty."
"That would be even better." He says, Sam's appointment was at noon, it would give them time to go to her appointment eat lunch and then come to his.
"Three thirty it is." The receptionist says, writing the date and time on a card and handing it to Jeffrey. "We'll see you then."
"Yes, thank you." Jeffrey says, putting the card in his wallet before he turns to leave. He stops at the bathroom, using it and tucking his shirt in. He washes his hands and then slips his jacket on after he dries his hand. Walking out of the bathroom, he pulls his cell phone out of this coat pocket and then dial's Sam's cell. After a few rings, she picks up. "Where are you at?" He asks, without giving her time to say anything.
"Well, hello to you too." Sam says, putting the papers for Cedars down.
"I'm sorry, hi. Where are you at?"
"I'm at my office. I'm filing out the papers for Cedars, for privilege's to practice there."
"Can you meet me at the loft?" He asks, walking out to the parking lot.
"Why, is something wrong? Did they sentence…?"
"I don't know about Olivia. I haven't talked to Chris since this morning. This has nothing to do with Olivia. It's about you and me. Can you meet me at the loft, please?"
"Sure." Sam says, getting up and reaching for her purse. "I'm just going to tell the painters that I'm leaving and I'll be on my way."
"I'll see you at the loft." He says. "I love you."
"I love you too." She replies, smiling as she hangs up. She goes upstairs to tell the painters she's leaving and then she leaves.
Jeffrey makes it home first, even after picking up a bunch of roses at the corner market around the corner from the loft. Pulling into the parking lot, he pulls into his usual place and then gets out. Walking quickly upstairs, he unlocks the door and walks in. He goes into the kitchen, looking for a vase. He doesn't find one. Laying the flowers on the table by the door, he looks around the loft and then realizes that maybe he should've set this up more before he called her.
He quickly straightens up. Taking a glass that was left in the living room into the kitchen and putting it in the dishwasher, straightening up the pillows on the couch and the throw lying across the back. He goes upstairs and looks around. The bed is unmade from the night before. He's about to change the sheets when Sam comes in. "Jeffrey." She calls. He goes downstairs to meet her, smiling as she turns to him. "What's going…?" She starts to ask, as he holds up one finger and then walks over to the table by the door. He picks up the flowers.
"These are for you." He says, holding them out to her.
She takes them as she looks at him. "Thank you, but what are these for?"
"Does there have to be a reason for me to buy you flowers?"
"No." She says, looking at him. "Do you think I'm upset that you intervened with Olivia's case, because I'm…?"
"I told you this has nothing to do with Olivia. I was going to put those in water but I couldn't find a vase. Could you take care of that while I take care of something upstairs?"
"Jeffrey, what…?"
"Just give me ten minutes, and I'll explain. I promise, please."
"Okay." She says, smiling as he leans over to kiss her.
"I love you. I'll be right back, I promise." He says, turning for the stairs while she watches him shaking her head. She goes into the kitchen and quickly finds a vase. She arranges the flowers before taking them into the living room and putting them on the coffee table before she sits down and looks around.