December 22, 1979: 4:15 p. m.

Elizabeth Arden's renowned day spa was just minutes from the Manhattan branch of the New York Bar Association. Donnelly was confident she would have little trouble getting to the site of the wedding, with time to spare. She adjusted the antique earrings that had once belonged to Jack's grandmother. The pear shaped diamonds shining in the light. Donnelly recalled the touching card that had come with them via UPS, from Jack's sister in Chicago.

Donnelly carefully adjusted the shoulder length veil that rested on top of her elegantly piled ash blond hair. She took a deep breath, staring at her reflection in the full length mirror. Of all the decisions to be made for the wedding, the dress had been the most difficult.

After sleeping with Jack McCoy for more than a year, white seemed an amusing choice, at best. It was only at her mother's insistence that Donnelly had agreed to it. The chiffon gown that draped her statuesque figure, had spaghetti straps that crisscrossed down the back. The thin straps lead the eye towards the bodice. The shirred bodice was trimmed with embroidery and bead work. The simple trumpet skirt ended below her feet in a chapel train. The end result was a look that was at sophisticated and timeless.

The make up artist at Elizabeth Arden's had used subtle amounts of product to create a natural look. Donnelly blinked in wonder. The facial and full body massage had served to erase any signs of stress or strain. Any lingering doubts were gone. Feeling relaxed and refreshed, Donnelly was confident any obstacles to her union with Jack were behind her.

As she reached for her coat, Donnelly's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Lena, you're early-" Donnelly paused, looking passed her friend questioningly. Adam Schiff and Paul Kopell entered the room.

"Liz, you look gorgeous," Kopell said, hugging the bride, as he looked uneasily at Schiff.

"At last, something Mr. Kopell and I can agree on," Adam added. "You make a beautiful bride, Ms. Donnelly."

The three uncomfortably exchanged glances with at each other and the bride.

"Thank you, both, but I hardly think you two came down here just to get a sneak peek at the bride. Paul, why aren't you with Jack?"

The two men stood silently, exchanging increasingly bewildered looks. Petrovsky finally spoke up, "Adam has some news for you, Liz."

The Executive ADA exchanged dagger looks with the Judge. "He's in lock up, Elizabeth." Schiff said warily recounting the mornings events.

Donnelly stared open mouthed at Kopell. "Paul," she said finally finding her voice. "You're his best man. You were supposed to-"

"Liz, I tried. I was on the other side of the aisle, remember? You were his second chair long enough to know how driven he is. For Jack, it's all about winning in the courtroom. He was completely focused getting that continuance."

"I'll give that man a continuance,"Donnelly muttered, buttoning her coat as she reached for her purse and briefcase. "Lena, can you take this to the hall," she asked reaching for the garment bag containing her work clothes. "Maybe if I talk to the judge-"

Schiff shook his head solemnly. "Judge Marx isn't budging. He's no fool. He knows Jack manipulated him into that continuance. He won't be happy until he's made an example out of him. If Alfred was available...maybe hearing from the D A personally-"

"Marx," Donnelly said intently. " Nathan Marx?"

"There's only one Marx in the criminal division-" Schiff began.

"Paul, did you bring your car?"

The puzzled attorney nodded. "I followed Lena over. Why?"

"I assume you've got Jack's tux? Can you to drive me back to Centre Street?"

"Well, yes."

Grabbing Kopell by the arm, Donnelly started for the door.

"How do you plan…"

"I don't know, Adam. What I do know is, Jack wouldn't have done something so drastic, unless there was no other choice. I'm not going to just leave him sitting in lock up."