December 22, 1979: 6:43 p.m.
This chapter includes a really fun idea I got from reading a crossover story by polkadotnplaid, over at Live Journal. I was intrigued by her use of a certain Manhattan courtroom and its staff. I would have never thought to use any part of the other show, in a L & O story. Thanks, polkadoatnplaid - you inspire me!
McCoy was lead by the court officer out the elevator and down the hall marked 'Court Personnel Only.' His confusion increasing, as he turned the corner and saw Paul Kopell dressed in a tuxedo, holding a garment bag.
"Paul what the hell-"
"Just had to win, didn't you, Jack? Couldn't keep your mouth shut, just this once?"
"And let a murdering thug go free? I don't expect you to understand Paul, since you are his attorney. But no, I couldn't just keep my mouth shut." McCoy paused as he thought of someone he did expect to understand - or at least had thought would listen to his explanation. Jack looked down at the dull tile floor. "Have you seen Liz? She didn't even bother to come down and give me hell. I suppose we're finished. Hell, she's probably at Clancy's commiserating with Briscoe. Who's no doubt, more than ready to pick up where he left off last night."
"Don't be a bigger ass than you've already been,"Kopell said, good naturedly smacking McCoy's arm. "We stopped at a ATM on the way back here, to get cash for your fine. Unfortunately, the clerk's office was closed when we got here. Liz took off to hunt up Judge Marx."
McCoy eyes shot up. "She hasn't called off the wedding yet," he asked in amazement.
Kopell shook his head. "She wasn't thrilled about what happened, but she hasn't given up. She may not officially be one yet, but she already has the stubbornness of a McCoy, " he said handing the officer the garment bag. "The bailiff said to have him change in the judges chamber, then bring him down to night court."
"Night court? Paul, what's going on?"
"You're guess is as good as mine. Liz caught up with me about thirty minutes ago. She was going to call Lena again to ask her to have the caterer start serving. She figures that will buy you two a little more time."
McCoy frowned slightly. "It's almost seven. Even if Liz can pull off some kind of miracle, Petrovsky has a plane to catch. By the time we make it to the Bar Association, there won't be anyone to perform the ceremony."
Kopell held his hands out," All I know is she wants us front and center in fifteen minutes, so you better stop asking questions and get dressed."
Reaching for his gavel Judge Harold T. Stone prepared to call court into session. His eyes scanned the courtroom, seeing that several 'regulars' were already seated in the gallery. The young man did a double take, as his eyes resting on the defense table. The public defender was speaking with a beautiful blond, dressed to the nines, in a long white gown and veil. The judge's eyes widened with interest, as he returned the smiles of the two young women. His eyes turned to his clerk who, files in hand, stepped up to the bench.
The pair conferred briefly, each looking up several times at Donnelly, then continuing their whispered exchange. Finally, the clerk stepped back.
"Defense counsel, approach."
The public defender followed Elizabeth Donnelly towards the judge. As the three conferred, the prosecutor watched with an increasing mix lust and bewilderment. It was ADA Dan Fielding's turn to do a double take, as Kopell and McCoy were ushered to the defense table by the bailiff.
McCoy watched in fascination as Donnelly spoke with judge. Distracted by the allure of his bride in her wedding dress, he found his thoughts wandering to where he knew the thoughts of every man in the room were: On images of unfastening the fragile straps that appeared to be the only thing holding the top of the delicate gown upwards.
ADA Dan Fielding cleared his throat, attempting to get the judge's attention. "Your honor?"
Judge Stone waved a dismissive hand at the prosecutor. "Hold your horses, Dan," he said continuing a highly animated conversation that included a series of hushed whispers and bursts of muffled laughter by both the judge and defense counsel.
Fielding, Kopell, and McCoy waited impatiently. Fielding finally moved from the his side of the aisle to the defense table.
"Jack, I don't mean to butt in here, but you and Liz are prosecutors. Shouldn't you two be on my side of the aisle," Fielding asked."You want to fill me in on what's going on?"
Before McCoy could response Donnelly interjected,"Your honor, I would ask that the people refrain from questioning the defendant, while he is without counsel present."
"The defendant? Your honor, this is the first the people have heard of any charges against Mr. McCoy."
The lanky judge nodded as Donnelly returned to the defense table, the public defender continuing out the small gate that separated the front of the court form the gallery.
"Liz, what-"
"The PD saw me h-"Donnelly bit her lip,beginning again, quickly."The PD heard my confrontation with Marx. I told her what was going on & she suggested I talk to Judge Stone. She says he's new, but he's sharp. And fair. Somehow, she managed to have the clerk pull together the documentation Marx left in the day clerk's office. Now, as your counsel, I want you to exercise your right to remain silent."
The clerk who announced, "Docket number 1-122279: The People v John J. Mc Coy."
"According to defense counsel, Mr. McCoy was charged with contempt in Part 66 today," Stone said holding the file out."You can acquaint yourself with the details, Mr. Fielding. The defendant's counsel, Ms. Elizabeth Donnelly, has asked this court to hear her request to suspend Judge Marx's order and allow Mr. McCoy to pay his fine in night court, thus releasing him from lock up. Any objections by the people?"
"Well…no. None that I can think of at the moment," said Fielding, looking over the file. He paused smirking as he read, giving McCoy a knowing glance."The people are well acquainted with Judge Marx and the procedures within his courtroom. No objection by the people, your honor."
"Ms. Donnelly how much is the fine?"
"The fine is five hundred dollars, your honor," she said dispassionately. "Which - as you're honor is well aware - is twice the amount of the standard fine for the first contempt citation. It's a clearly excessive, placing an undue burden on the defendant. Defense counsel asks that the fine be dropped to the customary two hundred fifty dollars."
Stone motioned for Fielding to approach, taking the file and rifling through it's pages. The judge shook his head grinning.
"Nice try, counselor. However, based the official account of the incident, Mr. McCoy not only verbally showed contempt for the court, but went in the back door to get a motion that had already been denied,"Stone waggled a finger."Knotty, knotty, Mr. McCoy. Tricking a judge holds much more serious consequences, than just shooting off your mouth - or does defense counsel plan to dispute the accounting of the incident?"
Donnelly lent over to hear what Kopell had to say and shook her her."Defense counsel, withdraws it's request for a reduced fine."
As McCoy began to protest, the judge interjecting,"Ms. Donnelly, do you want a moment to confer with your client?"
Donnelly shook her head, much to the amused surprise of McCoy."That's not necessary, Judge Stone. I can assure the court, Mr. McCoy is in complete agreement. He is remorseful for the actions that brought him before you tonight, your honor."
The judge smiled broadly. "Good. It's always so nice when every one's in agreement. Mr. Kopell, is it? Could you take the cash to my clerk, who will expedite the necessary paperwork? Mr. McCoy will you and counsel approach?"
McCoy walked with Donnelly whispering in her ear. "Remorseful, are you insane? And another thing - you're sure this guy's a judge? He looks like a first year law student."
Donnelly nudged him with her elbow, "If you don't shut up and let me handle this, I swear to God, I'm going to move that you have a 730 exam - isn't one contempt citation enough for you?"
Judge Stone smirked as he leaned down, his long face inches from McCoy.
"She's right, Mr. McCoy," the judge said scolding him softly. "After all the hot water you've been in today, the last thing you want to do is tick off another judge. Let me put your mind at ease. I am a real judge, albeit, a inexperienced one. Vested with the authority to set aside or enforce Judge Marx's ruling."
"Understood, your honor."
Stone nodded, leaning back. "Ms. Donnelly has filled me on your situation. She has asked me not only to intervene, regarding your jail time and fine, but to perform your weddimg ceromony. While highly unusual, I find her arguments compelling and difficult to ignore. An experience I'm sure you're not a stranger to. "
McCoy's turned to Donnelly in disbelief. She lowered her veil, a triumphant grin on her face.
"In court? No friends or family," he said regretfully, his face clouded with guilt. "Liz, I really have been a selfish bastard, haven't I? You deserve-"
Donnelly took his hands, squeezing them tightly. "to be Mrs. Jack McCoy. Besides Jack, think of the irony. We were unbeatable in a courtroom together, can you think of a more fitting place to begin our life together," she asked wryly adding, "unless you met the love of your life, down in lock up?"
McCoy's face softened.
"Well, how 'bout it, Mr. McCoy," the judge interjected. "I'm going to have standing room only any time now. It's now or never."
McCoy turned slightly, glancing at the stream of defendants and plaintiffs that were slowly entering the room. Most of them staring back, surprised to find the bride and her groom at the front of the courtroom.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Well Jack, maybe that's something I should be asking you," she said quietly."after today."she pressed a finger to his lips as he tried to protest."The only thing that could keep me from marrying you, is you, Jack. So, as Judge Stone so eloquently put it - how 'bout it?"
"Kopell,"McCoy said sharply." I hope you haven't lost that ring."