A/N: Sorry it took so long to update, I wanted to wait until the finale. #GoodWifeFarewell
No Way Out (Electric Light Orchestra)
Chicago, April 2014
Kalinda sat on the bed in her apartment. It was late and the only light was from a lamp that bathed the room in a muted glow. She looked down at the envelope in front of her and took a deep breath. She flicked open the pocket knife at her side and slid it along the envelope, carefully slicing open the thick paper. Her breathing quickened as she pulled out the letter and began reading.
Dear Kalinda,
First and foremost I am sorry if we ended our friendship on a negative note, I hope we didn't. Obviously, something has happened to me if you are reading this, or if you broke into my safe, boo! Sorry K, I bet you're smiling.
[Kalinda smiled to herself and wiped away a tear; it was almost as if she could hear him chuckle.]
I was prompted to write this after Stern died. I hope you don't have to read it anytime soon, but just in case, as we don't know what is around the corner. I think we both know that more than most.
It is difficult to put our friendship into words, but thank you for being a friend Kalinda, our relationship was always more than just employer-employee. I like to think we are equals, certainly on a personal and intellectual level. You're smart K, one of the smartest people I know; I mean it. You're the best investigator I've ever worked with, but your maverick nature reminds me of a '40s film noir thriller, almost like L/G's femme fatale.
I know we both sometimes walked an ethical tightrope and maybe even the greyer areas of the law, but we got results. We got results together. I am proud of our work and the fact that you managed to kick Blake's ass in order to save mine. I will always be grateful for what you did for me.
I think we have always had an understanding. I always said I had your back, so I hope you've still got mine. I've kept your secrets and I hope you will always keep mine. Since the Grand Jury, I haven't got many, but there are some that could hurt those around me, especially Alicia. I have hurt her enough and don't want anything else to harm her, especially as I am no longer there to put up a fight, to protect her.
We respect each other K. That is something I hold very dear. I know you are loyal to me, so I hope you can transfer that loyalty to Diane and, as a result, to L/G. Please look out for Diane, she will be lost. Don't let her be the baby seal that gets clubbed to death in the battle for power.
You are one of the few people I could really let my guard down with. I think that cemented our friendship – neither of us had anyone else we could really have a heart-to-heart with, or as near a heartfelt conversation as either of us could manage.
We have shared a lot these past few years and I will miss you. You gave me the courage to make changes. You pushed me towards Alicia and, from what I understand, encouraged her too. I am pleased that you did, as Alicia and I managed to finally get our good timing, if only for a little while. Thank you for giving me the love of my life.
I don't know what happened between you and Alicia, but you haven't been as close as you once were. Even though she is at her own firm, please try to mend the situation. You both need a friend, somebody you can talk to, get drunk with and lean on. This is especially true now that I am no longer around to provide a, ahem, handsome drinking buddy for you. Fix it, K, before it is too late.
I know you have your armour K, but try to let somebody in, I mean really in. You need friends but also somebody to share your life with on a more intimate level. Nick Saverese, Mr Tow Truck, was not right for you and I am pleased that he is permanently out of the picture. You deserve better, whether you think you do or not.
Stay out of trouble, K. I'll be watching. (Only joking!)
Love,
Will x
P. S. The key alongside this letter is to my apartment. It has been my sanctuary the last few years, let it be your safe place. I know it won't be sold in your lifetime. Be safe.
Kalinda took the key in her fingers and tapped it against her chin. She stood up suddenly and went into her bathroom. Opening the medicine cabinet, she took out a packet of condoms. Removing one from its foil packet, she unrolled it and slid the key inside before removing the air and tying a tight knot in it. Walking towards the toilet, she took the lid off the cistern and dropped the key into the water. Chuckling to herself, she replaced the lid and went to the kitchen for a drink.
A/N: OK, so now we can move on to Alicia, who I guess everyone has been waiting for… Please review to let me know what you think.
