Chapter Nineteen
Piper's father brought all the information about her inheritance a couple of days later. When it was all said and done, Piper was worth about 4.5 million dollars. She was flabbergasted. She decided to give her father her Grandmother's home in Connecticut. It was his childhood home. He didn't want her to but she didn't want to take anything from him that should have gone to him. He knew Piper was his mother's favorite grandchild. She left Danny and Cal some money each and Piper added to it, though Danny asked her to donate it to Doctors Without Borders or a charity of her choosing. Piper decided the Women's Prison Association would be the one. It kept her busy during her rehab to plan philanthropic endeavors.
"Just be sure to leave some for yourself Piper. Your Grandmother did not want you to give all of her har earned money away. Why don't you go back to school and get a higher degree?" Her mother offered one sunny afternoon. Piper was able to walk outside and she was loving the feeling of the sun on her face. She knew her mother didn't understand why Piper felt so blessed that she wanted to give back to the world that helped her. Her mom did Charity events because it was expected and it made the "Chapmans" look like upstanding people. Piper just wanted to make a difference. Polly and Finn came by a couple more times and it was getting easier to talk with her as long as they didn't discuss Larry.
"So you are moving into your grandmother's apartment...aren't you going to need help?" Polly asked.
"Cal and Neri will be staying with me till the baby comes, then they will move out to their place. Cal used the money I gave him to finish his off the grid house in a major way, totally solar powered and self sufficient," Piper told her. They talked about why anyone would want to be off the grid. They were laughing about Cal having to hand wash cloth diapers when the police arrived.
There was a Federal prosecutor, Jaynes and two marshals walked in to speak to Piper. "Excuse me Ms. Chapman, but I need to speak with you, I'm Federal Prosecutor Margo Jaynes and this is Marshal Baker and Marshal Origini," she said motioning to the two huge male marshals behind her. Piper couldn't help but feel like they were the slight woman's body guards. It made her laugh to think that they would need to protect the lawyer from Piper. She sat up more and Polly actually stood. Piper could only think that they were there to tell her she was under indictment again. Her only curiosity was whether it was for the murder of Aydin or her deception with Alex.
"She is in the hospital, surely this could wait until she is home," Polly countered. Piper reached over and took her hand.
"It's okay, Polly. This is Polly Harper, my best friend and she is going to leave and go get her son from my mother," Piper said with surety. Polly shook her head but Piper insisted. She knew her mom would come soon with a lawyer on the phone. Polly left and Piper asked them to sit down.
"Thank you. Ms. Chapman, we are here to get a statement from you in a case involving your ex- lover Alex Vause. We need you to recall a time when you were with her and collaborate her testimony," she said. Piper was prepared for this but knew she had to play it a certain way.
"Only if you tell me where she is and how she is doing?"
Piper tried not to let her fear enter her voice but she was having a hard time. The marshal smiled as if she knew she had something Piper was desperate to see. "I'm not sure I can -"
"I will tell you everything I remember about my time with her, just...let me see her please...when I last saw her I was on a gurney heading to emergency surgery," Piper explained. She shivered and moved her feet over the side of the bed. She could walk across the room to the bathroom without her walker and she stood to show strength. She hardly wobbled.
"Please Ms. Chapman, don't overdo it," Jaynes said and Piper could tell she really was worried that Piper might hurt herself. "I'm afraid it would put Ms. Vause and you in danger if you were to meet. She is in protective custody with very few people aware of her whereabouts. You are aware that she turned evidence against Kubra-"
"Yes I know the whole thing, look I was in prison with her when she was returned for trying to protect herself while you all did nothing. I mean, why should you care if he went after Alex? He did it in prison as well. The government signed her death warrant when you failed to make your case against him the first time," Piper shot back.
The prosecutor didn't deny the facts. " I didn't handle Ms. Vause's first deal...but I will make sure she is safe this time. However, this may be a moot point if we can't collaborate some major evidence with your testimony." Piper was about to ask them what they wanted when her mother walked into her room.
"Remove yourself from my daughter's presence. This is her attorney, you may have heard of the firm, Lawson, Lawson and Eggers," she said with a cold hate filled voice. Piper wasn't surprised that her mother had her new lawyer on speed dial. She handed the prosecutor the phone and moved to Piper to help her back in the bed. Piper let herself be helped back and didn't argue. She knew her mother and right now was not the time to fuck with her.
"Ma'am, we are here trying to help-" one of the Marshal's said.
"Help? You helped yourself to my baby when you showed up at her door and changed her life forever. She barely survived that hell hole of a state facility you sent her to and I'll be damned if you get a chance to send her anywhere again. You can arrange a time to speak to her through her lawyer, in their offices after my daughter has been released from medical care," Deborah Chapman said after turning to the Marshal and glaring at him.
"Mom...I'll be out soon, it is okay," Piper said. She could see the prosecutor talking on the phone and nodding. Her expression was grim. She hung up the phone and stood, taking it back to Piper's mother. She motioned for the Marshals to wait outside.
She looked at Piper and squinted as if she was trying to decide if Piper was guilty of something. "I've found that criminals like to lawyer up first rather than talk to the police. We do not suspect you of any wrong doing in the case we're here about. Maybe-"
"Innocent people use lawyers too, Mrs. Jaynes. I went to prison for nearly fifteen months for one, non-violent drug offense. I let my boyfriend's dad be my lawyer because that was the best I could do. I was lucky...very lucky because he kept me from doing hard time for that one mistake. However, if I had the money then, that I have now, I would have hired a high dollar, criminal lawyer. I do want to speak to you and I will, once I have an attorney present. Please contact them in the next five days and we will be happy to arrange a meeting," Piper stated calmly. The lawyer clenched her jaw, nodded and left. Polly and Finn came in as soon as she left and Finn ran to Piper's bed. Her mom picked him up and put him on the bed with Piper.
"Be careful, don't hurt Aunty Piper," she said softly. Piper didn't care if he hurt her a bit, she loved playing with him. All of Piper's internal injuries were almost healed. She had to work on her stamina and not reopen her wounds. If her brother hadn't been a big hot shot at the hospital, Piper was certain she would have gone home last week to recoup. She played with Finn for a little while longer while Polly and her mom tried to speculate what they wanted from Piper.
"They probably found more evidence against that horrid girl you were with and you to testify," her mom said.
"Mom, that horrid girl is the love of my life. I still love her and I will love her till the day I die," Piper said with a quiet confident tone. Her mom made a disapproving sound and turned away. Piper slumped back in her bed and Polly took Finn home. When it was all quiet, Piper got on her laptop and searched again for any information on a case pending against Kubra. Frustrated with the lack of details, she started to read more about criminal justice reform. She started to tweet about CJReform and started to follow groups, like the Women's Prison Association. Piper knew she would be writing them a check but she wanted to do more. She posted on other online forums and had lots of good feedback. She wanted to make a difference. More than that, she wanted to help the women that were currently incarcerated...she wanted to give back to her friends at Litchfield. Piper was scared to even thinking about that place sometimes...her dreams still haunt her each night. She could only pray that Alex wasn't suffering in the SHU while they wait to verify her testimony with Piper.
She got out the next day. Piper went to her Grandmother's apartment in SoHo. She bought the place about four months before Piper went to prison for an astonishing sum. It was in the MacDougal Sullivan historical area. She had hoped her grandmother would stay there and ride to visit Piper with her son. She got sick though and died before Piper could see her again. It still hurt thinking about it. She was a great lady and the gift of the inheritance that she left Piper was still a shock. Piper had seen the apartment or town house really- a grand total of twice. It looked like her grandmother had just remodeled it before she got sick. It was big with four different levels. Piper wasn't aware that her grandmother owned the each level until Cal pointed it out to her. It was beyond nice. The master was on the third level and Piper was wincing some by the time she made it to her bedroom. There was an open floor plan on the main level and garden access from the cellar. Cal really loved the top floor with the skylight and roof access.
"We are on this level as well; each room has its own bath. Grandmother enjoyed decorating it but I don't think she made it past her bedroom. Ours is still rather retro looking but Neri loves it. I'm going to go check on her, she wanted me to wake her up if she was napping to welcome you home," Cal said as he dumped Piper's bag on the bed and left.
She didn't really speak as she looked around. Cal had arranged everything, got the internet on, cable if they wanted and even set up the big screen television on den or media area. She loved the hardwood floors, the dark Cherry reminded her of her parent's house. It was all seh could do to keep her mother from coming home with her. Piper was insistent that she have some time alone in her new home with just her brother and Neri. She needed to get her bearings and speak to her lawyer without her glowering mother. Piper unpacked her bag and saw that her things had been moved into the apartment. She wondered if Polly had brought them over. She didn't want to get undressed but the huge tub was calling her name.
She frowned. She couldn't remember if she could get her bandage wet yet. Piper padded out of her room in her thick wooly socks and made her way down the narrow hallway to Cal's room. She knocked and no one answered. Piper peeked her head inside and saw that Cal had joined Neri on the bed and was fast asleep. She smiled at the picture before her. He was snuggled behind her with his hand lying protectively over her swollen womb. She couldn't believe she was going to be there to actually see her niece or nephew born. It was nice to see but it made her heart ache so for Alex.
Piper called her lawyer when she returned to her room. She insisted that they meet right away with the prosecutor. "I want to know what is going on Mrs. Lawson," she shot back when they asked why she wished to rush. She had given Alex the lawyer she used in prison and took this team once her inheritance came through. She had no link anymore to Alex's lawyer and no way of finding out what happened. She made it clear that she wants information about Alex's wellbeing then she would collaborate with their questions. She left it up to the capable lawyer. Piper had meds to take still so she organized them before all the activity of the day hit her and she had to lay back on the bed.
"I'm home Alex. I miss you so much, " she whispered to the empty room. "You'd like this place, it's huge really. I don't need something this big, but the location is prime...I want to fill the shelves with all your favorite books," Piper murmured as she started to drift off. She would do this at night now, to help herself fall to sleep. If she was real still she could almost feel her arms around her. It was the closest moment to happiness she could find in this post Litchfield world. Piper would have to take it.
Cal made her dinner and Piper passed out again. She took a big dose of pain meds before she went to bed and was thankful she didn't start screaming. Her lawyer contacted her the next day and the prosecutor agreed to come see her at her apartment. Lawson made it clear that no Federal Marshals need to attend. They made her nervous and Piper was glad for it. She argued with her mother for nearly an hour before she agreed that Piper would see the prosecutor alone with her lawyer.
"It's going to be fine Mom. I have to go, time for my pain meds, bye" Piper said quickly to hang up the phone. The Lawyer was already at the door. Piper met with her in the study area. Her Grandmother's desk was still set up for her and Piper didn't like sitting behind it so they moved to the small sofa in the room. Piper then proceeded to catch this lawyer up on the intricacies of her plan. She told her what she needed to know and they framed the questions around them. She told her that they committed another crime in prison, but it was self defense.
"No need to explain to me. I'm not your jury or a judge, I'm your lawyer. It is always my job to make you look good before a judge and to defend you to the best of my ability. They will be here soon, why don't I meet them at the door and set up the timbre of the conversation, then you can join us downstairs when you're ready. You have to present yourself to them like you're doing them a favor to even speak to them. You'll probably be called to testify if it goes to trial, you should make sure your passport is up to date," she added as a second thought. Piper liked her because she got straight to the point and seemed concerned about Piper over doing things.
Time seemed to pass slowly, but eventually Piper came downstairs to see the Assistant Federal prosecutor talking quietly with her lawyer. Jaynes looked up as she entered and Piper came to sit across from her at the massive oak table in the dining room area. Cal was on the couch, across the room and she knew her mom had threatened him if he didn't stay near as the prosecutor visited.
"Welcome, can I get you something to eat or drink?" Piper wasn't sure if Cal offered or not.
"No no please sit down," she offered. Piper knew she always looked pale and about ready to pass out. She was happy however, to be seated.
"Ms Chapman, I have a series of questions to ask you. Your lawyer will advise you on answering or not. I will be taking notes as Mrs. Lawson doesn't want you recorded at this time, " she explained in a positive tone.
"I will answer questions if you answer some of mine as well. I want to know if Alex is safe and healthy. I need to know this before I even begin, " Piper countered. She leaned back and looked at Piper then opened a folder. She pulled out a picture of Alex. She was dressed in Orange and looked pale.
"I had a feeling you'd want to know that. This photo was taken yesterday and sent to me. She is in protective custody at a facility in the United States. That is all I can offer you," she said. Piper's eyes drank in the form of her face. She had lost some weight and Piper could tell that she wasn't sleeping well.
"That is Federal Prison talk for you locked her up in the SHU someplace," she said through clenched teeth. The prosecutor assured her that she was not in SEG. Piper had no choice but to believe her. Lawson looked at Piper to make sure she was stilling willing to cooperate. After a moment, Piper took the picture and put it aside near her then nodded.
"Alright, let us begin. Ms. Chapman we found a certain stuffed animal in your possessions. I'm sure your sister-in-law told you about that. Could you tell me how and when it came into your possession?"
"Alex bought it for me when we left London and moved to Paris. We stayed in a hotel on the Right Bank and it was the only day she actually took off work to go sightseeing with me. She took me to the Eiffel Tower and when I was looking at a street vendor, she bought me this bear with I heart Paris on its little tee-shirt. It was a running joke between us that I had to do all the touristy stuff and have different items to prove I travelled about with a friend after graduation. I didn't tell my parents about Alex," she explained.
"You took this bear with you after you left Ms. Vause in Paris, May 22nd?"
"I left her May 19th and yes, it was in my bag. It was the only thing of sentimental value I took. I kept it on my bed for years, finally I put it in a box when I moved in with Larry- um my ex-fiance. I think it got sent to Polly's then Cal's old apartment when I was at Litchfield," Piper said softly. The lawyer took notes.
"What was inside the bear?" she asked without looking up from her notes.
Piper frowned at her and looked at her like she was crazy. She looked over at her lawyer, who stared back at Piper with a great poker face. "Excuse me? You mean the stuffing? Well, I don't know what they stuff animals with in Europe but here-"
"Nothing else, to your knowledge was in the bear?"
"Um no, was there something inside of it?" Piper asked, leaning in with what she hoped was a truly inquisitive way. The lawyer made a note and just smiled. She asked Piper about where she lived since leaving Alex. It was hard but she moved through all the locations that she and the bear lived over the decade between her time with Alex.
"Ms. Chapman, I need you to think about to the weeks prior to your leaving Paris. One night in particular where you visited a club, the Royale...do you recall that night?" Piper's heart started to race as she heard the question. This was it. She could only pray that Alex did exactly what she said in the letter.
"The Royale...the Royale...um...Alex would go out most nights and I'd join her. I was her arm candy and she'd go out to find new girls to carry for her or just to get her name known in the club seen. What type of club is it?" Piper asked as if she needed clarification. She would never forget that place.
"It offered Risqué sex shows," Jaynes answered. Piper thought again then she nodded slowly as if she recalled.
"I do remember that night, I think it was Fahri's birthday or something!" she said with a bright face, she hoped showing just the right amount of pride without seeming cocky. The lawyer nodded and seemed to check off something from a list. Piper realized she must have key points from Alex's testimony on her notepad and was checking off whatever Piper collaborated.
"Could you tell me everything you remember in the best detail you can recall?"
Piper looked at her lawyer. She had taken Molly and smoked up that night. "I may have done some recreational drugs that night. I know I drank a bit."
"My client is not admitting to taking illicit drugs but does admit that she was there and in an atmosphere that would lend itself to the opportunity. She did not however, do any heroin," she pointed out. Piper did want it clear that she never took any of the drugs that Kubra had Alex move.
"Go on," she said waving her hand like she expected as much. Piper acted like she had to recall and fidgeted with her hands some. Her lawyer, played it up and rose to go get Piper some water. She was always in earshot so the prosecutor didn't ask her any more questions.
"This is a nice place, is it new?" she asked politely. Piper explained that her grandmother passed away while she was in prison and this was her inheritance. "Nice inheritance."
Piper could only nod and agree. She sipped her water slowly then started to talk. "We all went out, Fahri, Kubra, Alex and me. It was unusual really, because Alex liked to keep me away from Kubra as much as possible..but it was Fahri's night and he liked me so I went. I saw the show and danced most of the night away. I left a bit early though because the pot made me sleepy. Alex put me in a cab and I went back to our hotel room. I think it was around two, but I'm not certain. The party was still going strong though and I didn't want to be a party pooper by falling to sleep at the club." She was writing things down and asked Piper specifics about where they sat and where the bathroom was located. Piper acted fuzzy on the specifics. It was over a decade ago and she didn't want to be perfect.
"Okay, now I've answered your questions. Tell me...what was in that bear and why is this important?" Piper asked. Her lawyer agreed and Piper was happy to be backed up.
"A few more questions Ms. Chapman. The next day was there anything odd that happened?" Piper thought again and then her eyes lit up.
"It was May 4th! The next day, I know because it was my father's birthday and I called him. Fahri was telling me about the sex show when Alex reminded me I had to call my dad because it was his birthday. I would have forgotten...but she remembered. I kept her from them but she still asked about my family and tried to be a part of it," she said quietly. She recalled how they had joked about Alex becoming a thief since she was the invisible woman in their relationship- at least to Piper's parents.
The fact she remembered the date of the night out to the club seemed to please her immensely. Piper pressed her again and she put down her papers. "You are willing to sign a statement swearing to the information you gave me? Would you travel to an international destination to testify?"
Piper looked at her lawyer. "She would be willing if and when she is medical leave to do so," she said back. Piper had leave at that moment to travel but she kept her mouth shut. She looked over at the prosecutor and tried to look harmless.
"Of course, only if her doctors agree. Ms. Chapman, is there anything else that happened right after that night? Anything you can recall that was different than your normal schedule? Any different behavior from your girlfriend?" Piper's heart skipped again when Alex was referred to as her girlfriend. She spoke before her lawyer could point out they were not currently together.
"Well yes actually...Alex started losing things. She seemed upset and worked three times as hard. It was like she had to move more and more Heroin. She asked me to carry some for her and that was it. I broke it off," Piper said quietly.
"Losing things?" the prosecutor was dying for Piper to say something specific. Piper had to admit, she really did enjoy this just a bit.
"Yes, you know...she lost her hotel key, which she never did. She was distracted and distant. Our relationship wasn't on its best leg at that point," Piper stopped as if lost in a sad memory. She put her hand on her side where her bandages were as if thinking about this made her ache.
"Did she lose anything else?" She pressed.
"My client is getting weary, maybe we could revisit-" her lawyer began.
"No, no..it's okay. Alex lost her phone. She never loses her phone. We inquired at the hotel, looked through all the bins, I think she may have even went back to the club to see if they found it the next day. I was out at a cafe and didn't go with her. This wasn't her work phone mind you. She kept that on her at all times and they tossed them regularly to get a new one. No, no this was her personal one. She was really upset about it," Piper said with a nod. The Federal Prosecutor smiled big at Piper's words and then she made a note.
"Ms. Chapman, you are sure about this?" Piper assured her she was. She told her in all the time she was with Alex, she never lost her phone. It was a memorable moment.
"I thank you for your time, ma'am. I will send the statement to your office and your clien can sign it at her earliest convenience," she told Piper's lawyer. Piper looked like she was angry and started to berate her for ignoring her inquiries. "More will be made clear soon, Ms. Chapman. We are trying to be discreet for Ms. Vause's protection...and now maybe yours. I'll be in touch soon. I can show myself out," she explained and with that she left.
Piper watched her walk out and couldn't help the smile on her face. "Now that went well...I couldn't have planned it better myself." Her lawyer had to laugh and Cal just shook his head. Piper felt hope for the first time in ages.
This is going to work.
***I don't promise to write again real soon. I'm writing daily just not fanfic. I love the reviews that remind me I have readers to please. Thank you for asking me to keep it going. I think one or two more chapters should do it. Peace, Fae***