It was about 9:30 pm when Mike had closed the last file on his desk. He hadn't looked at his phone in the last few hours. he had heard it buzz but had been to busy with work for everyone in the office it seemed everyone had an issue .

Mike stood up to stretch and look around, just about everyone had left for the night and only a few offices still had lights on. Mike decided to take a walk and listen to his voicemails and respond to text messages.

There was a number that he hadn't seen in a long time, there was a text message asking him to listen to the voicemail. Instead of deleting it like he should have. He listened to it as he walked. Half way through the message the words made his knees go week and he needed to sit down. He played the message over and over again hoping that some how the words would change.

A few moments later he heard footsteps coming his way, he looked up and blinked away the tears that had pooled in his eyes. It was Jessica. He was a bit surprised to see her this late, but lately everyone had been staying late.

"Mr. Ross "she nodded. Before he could stop himself, he heard himself saying.

"Ms. Pearson. Jessica can I talk to you?"

"Always but if it is work related I'm sure it can wait until tomorrow morning "

"No, it is personal, I rather talk to you now instead of tomorrow morning when there are too many ears around "

Jessica nodded and led the way back to her office and motioned for him to sit down.

"Drink?" she asked him

"No thanks "Mike shook his head at the offer.

" okay Mike what is on your mind ?" Jessica asked she was curious as to what couldn't wait until tomorrow.

" I um , I know that I have no right to ask this , you have done so much already . However. I have too , there is no other option . I have to leave town "

"Mike, you don't have to leave town "Jessica interrupted him.

" Please let me finish , I do have to leave , I got a call from a friend and something awful is going on and I really , really don't think that he should be a lone right now . I mean there is his wife but , I just need to go . I haven't taken many days off, since I have been here. I should have a weeks worth. Please I just need to see if he is going to be okay "Mike rambled. Jessica watched as Mike stood up and because pacing in her office.

"Mike, what is going on, start from the beginning "she prompted him.

" I got a call and ignored it , it went to voice mail and I was just busy and wanted to get the last few files done and I even ignored the text message . So when I decided to go take a break I was listening to my messages and there was one from Trevor …"

"Wait Trevor, I thought you stopped talking to him "Jessica frowned

"I did and then he got a real job and married and we still talk, he wasn't feeling good and went to the doctors. He had a bunch of tests and in a few days he will find out what is going on. But cancer, pancreatic cancer runs in his family and he thinks he has it. I just want to be there in case that is the issue. I'm coming to you because Harvey will tell me no and that will be the end of it. And what if something is wrong and he …" tears threatened to emerge again; he wiped his face and looked up at the ceiling.

"Mike, I'll grant you time off just a few days, if you find out he is sick then call me not Harvey. I'll take care of Harvey "Jessica told him. She wasn't a cold hearted woman by any means. She was compassionate when the time called for it. She really did have a soft spot for Mike Ross even though she never let it out. The kid was smart and reminded her a lot like Harvey.

" Jessica , you have no idea , what this means to me thank you " mike felt the need to lean over to her and hug her . Surprisingly she didn't pull back but hugged him back.

Mike pulled out his cell phone and typed a message to his best friend " I'll be there as soon as I can " he placed his phone back into his pocket and walked back to his desk , cleaned up and headed home to pack .