Just cleaned this chapter up a bit. A few amusing changes, towards the end.
December 22, 1979: 12:39 a.m.
"I've got to be checkin' on the boys in the back. If you be wantin' more coffee before I get back, just help yurself miss," the aging Irishman said leaving the white airpot on the bar. "Just give a holler if you want somethin' stronger."
Donnelly nodded, picking up the mug with Clancy's scrawled across it in bright green script. Its contents weren't going to help much to warm her suddenly cold feet. She stared blindly into the mug, the only sounds in the bar coming from the game room at the back. A constant stream of Irish folk songs blaring from the jute box, and the occasional sound of cheering, followed by laughter.
She had a motion hearing to review for and a wedding hours away. She needed sleep. Yet, she wasn't ready to face the wedding dress and the presents that a waited her in her apartment. Reminders that before the day was over, she would be starting a new life with a man whose exploits had been thoroughly reviewed in nauseating detail at the party she had quietly deserted, less than an hour before.
I just need to think and everything will make sense again ... if I can have some peace and quiet...she had told herself as the taxi made its way downtown. She knew with the happy hour crowd long gone, it would be unlikely that anyone but a few regulars would be left in the Centre Street pub where she and Jack McCoy had had their first date.
Why now, why is it getting to me now, she wondered impatiently. When she had been his assistant, she learned first hand about McCoy's romances. How many irate phone messages did I take from his endless one night stands, she wondered.... the man asked me to be his wife...he's had plenty of changes to reconsider... but a marriage... one woman... how can he after years of...how long before-
"What'd the bum do?"
Donnelly eyes shot up and over, passed the barman who had returned and over to the occupant of the stool beside her.
"Excuse me," she asked, looking up into large brown eyes that softened the streetwise face.
The smile made the face quite handsome. The stranger ordered a vodka 'rocks before replying knowingly, " I didn't mean to startle you. But it's kind of obvious - after midnight on a weeknight, a beautiful blonde alone in a dive like this? I figure it's gotta be a guy. Am I right?"
Donnelly chuckled. "Quite the Sherlock Holmes. You might want to do a little more detecting, before you turn on the charm. You're wasting you're time," she said smugly, the diamond engagement ring sparkling as she held her hand up. "I'm off the market."
The man grinned back at her, as he handed her a business card. "I'll keep that in mind."
He laughed good naturedly when Donnelly almost fell off the stool. Reaching out to steady her, he replied. "Careful. I wouldn't want to have to arrest such an attractive bride- to -be for drunk and disorderly, at least not before she introduces herself."
Donnelly reached for the clutch bag, placing her business card in the outstretched hand.
"I'm invoking my right to remain silent, Detective Briscoe."
"Come on honey, where's the fun in that? Besides, we're both on the same side, here. Say the word, I'll call in a few favors and the guy can get a little attitude adjustment in Rikers."
Donnelly couldn't help but smile. She watched as the man looked over her business card. Something about the detective made him far more interesting than any of the tight young things Donnelly had reluctantly observed at the strip club.
"ADA Donnelly? You're handling the Eastside Rapist trial," he asked giving a low whistle as she nodded. "That's one sick bastard. A bastard with too many friends in high places. Counselor, you got guts."
"More than the damn judge," she said softly. She motioned to the bartender exchanging her cold coffee for a brandy. "He shouldn't even be considering a new bail motion, but the family has pull."
"Sorry I can't help you there, Elizabeth?"
"Liz."
"Lennie," he said offering his hand. "But hey, I can help you with this other guy. Consider it a professional courtesy."
"Thanks," she said shaking the warm, firm hand. "but I can handle him myself."
Briscoe tried to be discreet in his appraisal of the striking blonde, he shrugged his shoulders when Donnelly gave him an amused stare. "Sorry. Automatic response when in the presence of a beautiful woman. Listen, if you would rather be alone, I can move-"
Donnelly shook her head. Something about Lennie Briscoe made her want to keep the conversation going. "You're fine where you are, if you're sure you really want to hear this? I'm sure you've got better things to do-"
"Sweetheart, I'm all hears. My shift ended at midnight. I just stopped in here on my way from night court," he said leaning back. "I've got nothing but time."
Ordering them each another drink, the detective listened intently as Donnelly filled him in on the nights events.
"So, you're afraid his roving eye might keep roving, after the wedding?"
Donnelly hesitated. "No, I... Sneaking around isn't Jack's style… No, he won't be unfaithful. But that doesn't mean… if he's not happy.. "
He carefully watched her body language as she tried to explain.
"Listen, Liz you're a knock out. You're smart and classy, too. Any guy would be happy if you gave him a second look, the guy that marries you…no way is he gonna have regrets."
Donnelly cast her eyes down, noticing the gold band on his ring finger.
"If that's true, why are you sitting in a bar buying a strange woman a drink, detective? I'm sure you feel the same way about your wife-"
"First of all, it's Lennie- remember? Second, compared to the women I meet in Vice, you seem pretty normal," he joked. "Third, I didn't start doing the horizontal mambo until I caught my wife in bed with the ConEd guy - divorce will be final next month."
Donnelly reddened, "I apologize, Lennie. I shouldn't-"
Briscoe shook his head. "Hey, you couldn't know. Besides, you're awful cute when you blush," he said with a wink. "Listen, Liz. This marriage thing? There are no guarantees. It's a game of chance. You could win big, break even, or lose your shirt. But if you don't place a bet, you never know how big the win could be."
"Are you always this profound," she said smiling at the distorted wisdom.
Briscoe smiled back as he stood. "There's plenty more insightful gems, where that came from. You'll be here when I get back?"
She nodded and watch him head towards the men room. She gestured to the barman.
"Ready for another," asked a new face.
"One more for both of us. Put it on my tab and close me out. I didn't know you were working tonight, Will."
The barman nodded. "Just came up front to relieve Patty. Been covering the back room, most of the night. Looking for Jack," he asked as he cleared the empty glasses.
Before she could reply she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Liz?"
"Ben? What are you doing here?"
Ben Stone stood beside her, tie less and in shirtsleeves . "Right now? Playing darts and getting my ass handed to me. How long have you been here?"
"Not long. Had my fill of strippers and crotch less underwear. Sorry," she said seeing Stone's face redden. "Too much information?"
Stone caught the bartender's eye, handing him the empty beer mug. "They really took you to Chippendale's?"
Stone grin widened as she summarized the evenings events.
"Petrvosky of all people," he said softly whistling. "Who'd of thought?"
"Come on Ben, I'm sure that was mild compared to what Paul and the rest of you had planned for Jack tonight. I figured his bachelor party would just be getting started now.'"
The barman returned, handing Stone a full mug before he could reply.
"I can't leave you for a second," Briscoe joked, standing beside Donnelly.
Stone looked inquiringly at Donnelly who made the introductions.
"Nice meeting you detective," Stone said shaking Briscoe's hand. "You know, Liz you're welcome to join-"
"Actually Ben, Lennie and I were in the middle of a conversation I'd like to finish. Good luck with the darts."
Stone seemed to hesitate, sizing up the broad shouldered older man.
"Well, if you're sure.."
"Ben, I'm fine, really. I'm in the hands of New York's finest. Couldn't be safer than that, could I?"
Stone gave Briscoe's cocky smirk a disapproving glare.
"I'll see you at the wedding, "Stone said giving her a kiss on the cheek, his eyes never leaving Briscoe. "You're going be a beautiful bride."
The detective watched Stone go, shaking his head. "Gee, that was subtle."
Donnelly rolled her eyes. "We're prosecutors, Briscoe. We're not supposed to be subtle. Ben's a good man. He just wants to be sure we understand each other. We do understand each other?"
"Yes, ma'me," he said with a mock salute. "Off the market, right?"
"Right."
Briscoe leaned across the bar, reaching for the tab in front of Donnelly. Her hand moved fast, meeting his. Briscoe rested his hand on top of hers.
"Lennie, no-"
"Let me get this. It's your last night of the single life. That reminds me, not that it's any of my business, but why a Friday night? I mean, why not have the blessed event on the weekend, instead of after work right before the holidays?"
"We tried that the first time we set a date. Now, with our trial dates, we would have to wait until well into February to do it on a weekend and have a few days afterwards for a honeymoon. We do it today and we have the three day weekend before I start the Wendell trail."
"Makes sense, although the way the weather's been, good luck if you plan to go out of town this weekend."
After a few verbal go a rounds about the bar bill, Donnelly paused, distracted by a familiar tune coming from the jute box. Her eyes lit up mischievously. "Tell you what Lennie, let's cut a deal. I get the tab, and you do me the honor of one last dance a a single woman?"
Briscoe's recovered from the unexpected request almost immediately. He shook his head, "What is that? When Irish Eyes Are Smilin'? Sorry Liz, as much as I'd like to oblige, I don't do disco and I don't know how to do Irish."
"Do you do swing," she countered. "The jute box in the back as a standards section: Sinatra, Davis,-"
He stood up, taking her hand. "How can I say no to Frank? Lady, you sure do know how to cut a deal. That's an offer I can't refuse."
The pair moved to the back room. A half a dozen men were focused on the dart board, a game well under way. The pair studied the selections, debating which Sinatra tune to play. Finally, Briscoe put a dollar in the machine and punched them all.
"There's no such thing as too much Frank. Hopefully we won't waiting until dawn for-" Briscoe started. He grinned as his first selection began playing. "Looks like it's our lucky night."
When Briscoe took her in his arms, she could faintly smell the Old Spice that he wore. She hadn't been in another mans arms since she and Jack had started dating. It took her a moment mentally identify the unexpected hardness against his right hip, camouflaged by the leather jacket.
"Now Liz, don't get me wrong. I am happy to see you, but that's not what you think. Remember, I just got off duty," he teased, adjusting the side holster to pull the gun further back.
"Cute, detective wise ass."
She was surprisingly ease, curiously comfortable in the savvy detectives embrace. Donnelly put her head on his shoulder. She smiled as Briscoe hummed Witchcraft softly against her ear.
"Hey, Liz, don't go to sleep on me," he said taking her hand and abruptly turning her away and then back to him.
"Not a chance, Lennie," she assured him. Feeling more relaxed than she had in weeks, she followed his lead.
As they moved to the music they chatted like old friends. Briscoe dipped her suddenly, Donnelly jokingly warned the detective about the consequences of dropping her. The sound of her laughter, causing the small group of men to turn their attention away from the dart game. He paused dramatically before he brought her back up, spinning her out. Briscoe turned in confusion, when a quick jerk of Donnelly's free hand left Briscoe suddenly minus a dance partner.
Donnelly gasped with surprise, finding herself pulled into an embrace. She could smell the scotch on his breath as his lips came down on hers.
A hand on Briscoe's shoulder stopped him as he stepped towards the couple.
"Don't worry detective, "Ben Stone said reassuringly." Liz is fine."
"Final fling before the big day," he asked grinning down at her, as he loosened his grip on her waist.
"Jack? What are you doing here? Orgy over already?"
McCoy shook his head." Over hours ago. After the naked women left most of the guys lost interest and headed home." he deadpanned. "I figured it was time for a friendly game of darts."
Donnelly nodded knowingly. "Friendly? Meaning you let your opponents know you are the undefeated champion in every bar from Manhattan to Chicago?"
He shrugged his shoulder, eyes wide and innocent." Nobody asked "he asked looking over at Briscoe and Stone.
Donnelly rolled her eyes. "How much did you take 'em for?"
McCoy feigned shock. "What kind of man do you think you're marrying? You really think I'd soak a group our closest friends?"
"The question wasn't would you, it was how badly would you do it?"
"Let's just say, the honeymoon's covered," he said, a self satisfied smirk on his face. "So, ah, whose your friend?"
The pair moved towards Briscoe. Donnelly made the introductions before she remembered leaving her purse on the bar. The two men watched as she headed back to the bar, Stone and the others settling their tabs.
"Sorry to cut in, Lennie." McCoy said extending his hand." No hard feelings?"
"No problem, Jack," the detective said good naturedly, as he sized up the man before him. "If Liz were my fiancée, I'd have done the same thing. You're a lucky man."
McCoy studied Briscoe face,sensing a something unspoken. "That I am, detective. Maybe you'd care to finish that dance with Liz?"
Briscoe eyed the man cocking his head. "I'll leave that to you, Jack. It's getting late-"
"I meant tonight at our wedding reception,"McCoy said meeting the curious gaze.
Briscoe nodded, unintimadated."As much as I'd like to, I'm afraid I'll have to pass. I'll be on duty. Listen, can I be candid here? " Briscoe paused. "Player to player?"
McCoy met Briscoe's stare."By all means."
"Like I said, you're a lucky man - just don't, you know - don't screw it up. Plenty of guys lined up out there to take your place if you do."
"Plenty of guys or one in particular?"
Briscoe smirked, neither man's gaze wavering. "You're a sharp guy, McCoy. I'll leave you to figure that one out for yourself."