But if that's how it's gonna leave, straight out from underneath then we'll see who's sorry now.
- Matchbox 20, Leave
Harvey steps into the diner phone to his ear as he scans the seating arrangement for Jessica. The haunt used to be their traditional place to eat after a big night out and he likes the idea of paying homage to it even if his mood is far from nostalgic. Instead he's irritated by the same voice mail he keeps connecting with and when he spots their table he hangs up trying to the shake off his frustration.
Jessica notes the irritation immediately, raising an eyebrow as he sits down. "Should I ask?"
He doesn't bother with the menu. They always gets the same thing, pancakes with maple syrup, and he waves over the waitress asking for two strong coffees to go along with the order. When the brunette leaves he shrugs his shoulders drumming his fingers over the laminate surface. "A client of mine is being screwed over, royally screwed, and the only lawyers who can prove it are being assholes."
She sits up a little straighter fixing her posture and clasping her hands together over the table. "Henry Carter?"
He's all too familiar with the look she's wearing and rolls his eyes not sure whether to be annoyed or relived that her wealth of information doesn't discriminate the fact she no longer lives in Manhattan. "How did you know?"
"I still keep in touch with a handful of former clients." She smiles as if it isn't a big deal but there's a note of ambiguity to the tone, one she isn't sure he picks up on until recognition twitches in his features.
"Son of a bitch." He mutters waiting for her mask to slip. "He went to you first didn't he?"
She nods opening her palms and making space when the waitress returns with their coffee. She wasn't being deliberately deceitful. Henry had come to her as a friend worried that Harvey might not see eye to eye with his retirement plan and though she assured him Harvey would only have his best interests at heart that seemed to be the problem. "He was concerned you might have an issue with Drake taking over."
"So you suggested he ambush me in a board meeting?" He throws out feeling the eyes of the waitress on him. He hadn't meant to snap but the fact Jessica went behind his back and didn't speak to him about it first is a clear black and white betrayal. "You should have told me."
She smiles apologetically at the waitress waiting until she leaves to address his anger. "All I said was that he should give you time to process it, rationally. Would you honestly have done that if he'd been upfront with you before the meeting?"
He wants to stay mad but the irritation fades into mild annoyance as he picks up the milk stirring it into his coffee. She's right. If he'd have known prior to speaking formally with Drake he would have formed his opinion based on scepticism rather the business plan but that doesn't change the fact his intuitions were right. "Well just so you know his son is planning to turn the company into a cheap tacky furniture chain and I'm running out of reasons to stall the handover."
She isn't surprised the learn the information. Advising Henry hadn't meant she was on-board with decision it was a means to get the truth and if Drake really is planning to sell off the company the question isn't why Harvey's stalling, it's why he doesn't already have the proof. "And yet here you are having breakfast with me instead of being out there kicking those lawyer's asses."
He glances up at her pointed look and slides the jug over with an unimpressed huff. He's here because he doesn't know what to do. Before he met Mike right and wrong were always obvious. Now he's fighting so hard to do what's right and he doesn't even know what that is. Either Henry loses his business or he loses a son and nothing about that feels like winning.
The look of deflation isn't something she's used to seeing on his face and she frowns trying to read between the lines. The case is obviously personal but it's more than that and she can hazard a few guesses as to where the doubt is coming from. "You used to tell me that if something matters, if it's important, you find another way."
He nods bitterly, keeping his gaze downcast and drumming his fingers. He used to believe it too and then little by little things started to chip away at the mantra. Donna almost went to prison, Mike did go to prison, Robert Zane replaced his name on the wall. He started losing and it changed things, it changed him. "Sometimes there isn't another way," he whispers hoarsely, facing the harsh truth. Sometimes people can't win and this is one of those cases.
She regards him carefully, taking in his features properly for the first time. He's not the same fresh faced lawyer that used to flounce in demanding the world bend to his whim. He's older. The five o'clock shadow around his jawline is rougher and he's matured into the man she always hoped he'd become but winning is an abstract concept. Until he's able to accept that he's always going to be beholden to expectations that are impossible to meet. In his career and in his personal life.
"What's this really about Harvey?" She watches him draw his cup to his mouth and picks up her own blowing against the steam. She knows it's about more than just Henry Carter but as expected he dismisses the question with a shrug and she rests her elbows on the table peering at him over her coffee. "Why don't I tell you what I think is going on and then we can go back and forth until you decide whether or not you want to take my advice."
He bristles at the suggestion but the rhetorical statement blocks any form of protest. Any engagement means partaking and he squares his shoulders frustrated but not surprised by the manipulation. He did after all learn from the best. "You know this is why I don't call right?"
"You don't call because you think that when I left the firm I left you-" she states bluntly, coming right out with it, "but that's not what happened."
"I know that." He swallows sharply feeling the weight of her glare. It's the one that stipulates she's right beyond any reasonable doubt and he gives in with a sigh. "Fine. I know that now."Admittedly it took him a long time to come to terms with the fact but as long as she's forcing honestly out of him he may as well lay all his cards on the table. "I've been seeing someone recently. Louis' therapist actually. He's been helping me work through some unresolved issues."
"That's good Harvey." The comment is genuine and she hides her surprise at the openness. It's proof the sessions are working but the admittance is still vague and she wonders if he realises which recent 'issues' might be contributing to his sudden foray into self-doubt. "We're all afraid of losing people, of being alone, but last night I saw something in you I haven't seen before."
Despite his current mood the ghost of a smirk touches his lips. "You've seen me drunk."
"That's not what I mean and you know it." She finds her own mouth curving, the tension between them sitting at an amicable level although she's not sure how receptive he's going to be to what she has to say next. "I'm talking about Donna."
She sees the instant flash in his eyes, the warning not to go there, but she does anyway. "The old Harvey would have pushed her away but you choosing to be happy for her is the same as hiding Drake's intentions from Henry. It doesn't feel like winning because by protecting them you wind up getting hurt."
His first instinct to deny the similarities but if he lets himself see them, really considers the possibility she's right, the timing of his hesitation no longer feels like a coincidence. On some level, in some way, he is hurt by Donna moving on and he wants to spare Henry the same pain but he can't fix either situation. He doesn't even know where to start with the firm's COO. He can't identify what his feelings towards her mean and confronting Drake without proof would be an exercise in futility. Even if he had the documents in his hand they would only temper the storm that's coming. He's fucked six ways to Sunday and hates himself for letting the emotion get to him but he needs to find a way through it and fast.
She watches him wrestle with the revelation and smiles gently. "In my experience being truthful sooner rather than later is usually better." It's a textbook answer but she stands by it and isn't surprised when he pulls out his wallet.
"You mind?" He asks watching her shake her head and he throws some money down on the table to cover their breakfast.
She doesn't question where he's going. Resolving one problem should pave a solution to the next or at least that's what she hopes. "One condition," she insists lifting her coffee back up to her lips, "call me. Let me know how it all works out."
He nods in agreement the gesture conveying his honest gratitude. He's always been able to count on her for guidance and he pulls out his phone telling Ray to meet him out front. Maybe it won't feel like winning but Jessica's right he needs to swallow his pride and do something before things get any worse.
...
The traffic in the city is nightmare and Harvey glances anxiously at his watch as he gets out of the car making his way up to the familiar door. Lunchtime on a Saturday isn't ideal for a surprise visit but he knocks anyway hoping he isn't intruding.
When it opens he's met by Henry Carter, the man's confused expression softening as he leans into the wooden frame. "Harvey? I wasn't expecting a personal call."
"I was in the neighbourhood." He shrugs casually but the air of indifference doesn't fool either of them and honestly he didn't expect it to.
"Well, we both know that's a lie." Henry makes the humorous observation standing back to invite Harvey inside. He's been treated to the occasional visit over the years, when the lawyers schedule permits it, and he closes the door feeling a wave of nostalgia. "You know your dad used to bring you round on a Sunday..." he Joins Harvey in the lounge gazing out the large bay windows, "you used to play out in the garden with Molly for hours, god bless her soul."
Harvey feigns a smile remembering the enthusiastic border collie. He's always liked dogs but as he grew older his lifestyle never accommodated pets and he thinks about the cactus Donna gave him. She'd said anything more clingy would intimate him and he'd let it die and at the time she'd probably been right but standing in the family home makes him wonder if he could do it for himself one day; find a place with a yard and neighbours, actually settle down. He shakes free from the thought eyes trailing to a large coffee table laden with photos, cardboard and various other crafty items. It's certainly not what he was expecting to interrupt and he raises a curious eyebrow.
"Barnaby's idea." Henry gives a brief chuckle as he lowers himself onto the white leather settee motioning for Harvey to take a seat opposite him. "I've been slowly winding back my hours, trying to get used to the idea of retirement. It's actually more relaxing than it looks."
Harvey makes himself comfortable clasping his hands over his knees as he peers over the photos. Most of them are are of faces he doesn't know but there's one with sepia corners sticking out that catches his attention. "May I?" At Henry's nod he picks it up recognising his father amongst the group.
"That was back in the seventies, around the time Gordon met Lily if I'm not mistaken."
He stares at the faded image, the mention of his mother making him breathe out slowly. Just because Drake's intentions are riddled with deceit doesn't mean the father son relationship is unsalvageable. Lily taught him that forgiveness is a powerful tool and he sets down the photo knowing Jessica was right. He needs to rip off the bandaid and wear whatever consequences come his way. "How much do you know about Eloware Lighting and Design?"
Henry watches the man slip into lawyer mode frowning at the sudden change of subject. "I know their designs are tacky and I wouldn't for one second want one of their monstrosities in my house."
Harvey winces having figured as much but with no other way to say it dives straight in. "Drake has been talking to a member of the board. He wants to merge H&B Carter once he's officially in control of the vote."
The accusation lands bluntly and seemingly from nowhere causing Henry to adamantly shake his head. "He wouldn't do that."
"I have proof." Technically it's a tiny white lie. He doesn't have physical evidence readily available but he knows it exits thanks to an eager to please secretary. He was able to get a quick glance at the papers he just needs Eloware's lawyers to give him full permission to access the documentation. "There's a draft agreement that was drawn up between someone at H&B Carter and Ryan Ashford, a member of the board at Eloware. If the deal goes through Ryan get's a promotion and H&B Carter stand to double their profits as a chain business."
"You're wrong." Henry bites the inside of his cheek and pushes up from the settee moving to stand by the window. The garden always been a source of comfort, a place of peace, and he breathes in sharply refusing to believe his son would have anything to do with the merger. "You said someone, that means there's no name on the contract from our side."
"Not that I've seen." He confirms with a reluctant nod. It's a small catch but it's also entirely possible he just missed the detail. The procurement had only just skirted being legal and he hadn't had a lot of time to skim the document but the evidence stacking up speaks for itself. "Even without a name Ryan went to school with Drake and the draft was dated twelve months ago. That's around the same time he took an interest in the firm."
Henry doesn't want to believe it. He can't believe it. After his wife passed his relationship with his son become estranged but they've spent months working to mend fences and the betrayal seems impossible. Yet he can't help a small wave of doubt from creeping in. He's been in the game for a long time, seen best friends and family members turn for money before, and every time the shock is always unfathomable.
Harvey can read his hesitation and stands shoving his hands deep in his pockets. "I can't see how this could be a coincidence." He admits regretfully, his features softening as he moves to join the man. "Maybe there is an explanation but I hope you understand that I had to come to you with this."
Henry swallows hard fighting a wave of emotion. It isn't that he doesn't appreciate the honestly, he does. He knew the lawyer would go digging he'd just been so certain there wouldn't be anything to find. Maybe he really is just an old naive fool. "You're a good man Harvey." He affirms drawing comfort from the fact that at least one of his long-time relationships is still intact and trustworthy. "Your father would be proud of you."
Harvey nods feeling his own voice catch in his throat. "For what it's worth I'm sorry, I didn't want to be right about this."
And he really didn't but there's no point wasting platitudes or trying to hide the fact the situation isn't what it should be. In this instance loyalty had to take precedence over hard facts and the notion is far more important that winning. It's something he takes with him as he leaves, aware he can't do anything more to help at least for the moment. The confrontation lies with Henry and he has Ray drive him to the firm rather than going back to his empty apartment.
When he arrives at his desk he stares down at the phone, fingers twitching to reach out and call Donna. Not because of what Jessica said or because she's knows the Carter case. Honestly he just wants the familiar comfort of her voice but the realisation she's probably with Thomas stops him. The three of them, Louis included, shared a cab when the bar closed and he reaches for the Macallan instead frowning when a sound drives his attention to the door. "Louis, what are you doing here?"
The man shakes his head instantly regretting it when the motion makes him nauseous. "Hangover..." he groans painfully, shielding his gaze from the light as he stumbles to the sofa. It's not really an explanation but he doesn't care sinking down into the leather cushions.
"Make yourself a home." Harvey quips not sure if it's sympathy or his own need for company that forces him to show a little compassion. "Hair of dog." He insists pouring a second drink and walking it over to the managing partner.
Louis accepts the glass using all of his willpower not to retch at the first taste and he coughs patting his chest to help the liquid go down. "I thought you were taking Jessica to the airport?" He breathes in sharply watching Harvey lean against the front edge of his desk.
"I had an errand I needed to run." He swirls his scotch and takes a sip, not in the mood to explain, but despite Louis' sorry state he puts two and two together with surprisingly speed.
"You spoke to Carter didn't you?"
He nods tersely confirming the assumption but leaves the explanation as is changing the subject. "Judging by the looks of things you had a good night."
"From what I can remember." He adds, scrubbing a tired hand over his face. His head is killing him and most of the memories are a wash but he does have a vague recollection of tequila. "We should cheers to being sober for the next twenty-one years."
A low sound akin to a laugh puffs from Harvey's chest as he raises his glass. "To be honest I'm surprised Sheila let you in."
"Technically she didn't, not exactly," he admits sheepishly, "I crashed at Donna's. When I turned up this morning she was so pissed hat-"
"You had to come and hide out here." Harvey finishes, his face stiffening a the thought of all three of them staying the night in Donna's apartment. "Must have been cosy." It's said under his breath as a throw away remark which he doesn't expect Louis to pick up much less comment on.
"It bothers you doesn't it."
It isn't a question and he could feign ignorance but gives an indifferent shrug instead. "Why should it, he's your client."
"And Donna's your..." Louis spins his wrist falling short of the right word. He's sure there is one he just can't find it above the pounding in his head but Harvey is quick to ward off the attempt.
"We're friend Louis, that's all." There's a note of finality to the tone. He doesn't want to talk about it any more than he wants to discuss his interaction with Henry Carter. Regardless of the advice Jessica gave him, Donna doesn't have to get hurt by his indecision and that is something he can control.
"So that's it?" Louis doesn't take the hint forcing down two gulps of scotch to give himself the courage to continue. The few times he's confronted Harvey about Donna things have escalated without warning but they've grown to be more than just colleagues. They're a family and he takes a steely breath staring the opposing lawyer in the eyes. "You're going to stand back and let them get married, have kids, the whole shebang and just be fine with it?"
He's jumping the gun by a mile but the scenario is a haunting one and Harvey narrows his gaze in warning. Of course he fucking hates the idea but unless he wants to ruin fourteen years of friendship he has no choice but to accept it. "If that's what's going to make her happy then yes."
Louis blanches as the alcohol fires through his system sparking an acknowledge of the absurdity. He's in no way god's gift to women and he doesn't carry himself with the same effortless class as Harvey but for the first time in his own brutal comparisons he actually feels superior. He found a way to let love in and if he hadn't no amount of success or money would have ever been able to fill that void. "You're an arrogant asshole."
"Excuse me?" Harvey's voice is laced with shock and he squares his shoulders setting his glass down.
Louis honestly doesn't know if the action is a threat but the intimidating stance doesn't sway him. If Harvey does beat the shit out of him it will be worth it knowing he faced his fear even if the other man couldn't. "You think she'd give Kessler the time of day if she knew how you felt? If you really wanted her to be happy you'd stop being such a goddamn coward and figure it out." He slams his eyes closed immediately after, expecting a punch to land or worse but a steely silence fills the office and he slowly risks prising them back open. Harvey looks pissed as hell but hasn't moved and his body sags in relief.
"You ever talk to me like that again-"
The threat hangs between them and Louis swallows nervously, "but I am right, aren't I?"
Harvey opens his mouth too livid to form words when the sudden shrill ring of his cell drives away the need. He doesn't give a shit who it is. He wants the out and answers with a tersely clipped tone. "Harvey Specter."
Louis exhales slowly as the caller takes the brunt of Harvey's anger but the lawyers frustration doesn't mellow. If anything it only increases until he slams down the phone tearing a hand across his face. Louis is almost to afraid to ask but Harvey's gaze snaps up beating him to it.
"That was Drake Carter. He just threatened to sue me for malpractice."
AN: Thank you for all the lovely reviews and encouragement! I know it's a bit slow to start with but the drama will pick up in a few more chapters. Also if anyone else noticed the name Barnaby Joyce the reference was purely unintentional. I've changed the spelling just to clarify :P