New York State Supreme Court, Manhattan division, Department 42- Two days later:

Patrice checked the file in her hand again against the number on the courtroom door carefully. Today was her first court appearance in her new job. She still wasn't sure about going to court so quickly after being handed the case, but the managing partner had assured her it was just a routine arraignment. She looked over the facts again as she took a seat in the gallery and waited. Her client was accused of rape, but was claiming his ex-girlfriend was just looking to squeeze some hush money out of his father, who was a prominent banker in the city, and a near fixture in the style section.

"All rise," the bailiff called as the judge entered from her chambers and took the bench for the morning session.

Patrice stood out of habit, looking up from the file as the Judge made her entrance. Judge Elizabeth Donnelly's reputation preceded her, and Patrice had been briefed on what to expect as she had been handed the case. The official comment was 'tough but fair' while the water cooler gossip alluded to a more victim-friendly jurisprudence than most. Moreover, as legends tend to grow, everyone she talked to seemed to have a classmate, friend, or acquaintance who had been either sanctioned or held in contempt by her. None appeared to be able to make such claims personally.

As Donnelly motioned for the courtroom to be seated Patrice sank back down into her chair, her case was third on the calendar, and Patrice quickly glanced around the room, wondering who the ADA assigned was. In L.A. she had gotten to know most of her opposing counsel in her white collar cases, and would do more of her work making deals and arrangements in the hallways then ever actually played out in the courtroom. She had to admit, she felt at a distinct disadvantage coming in blind to any type of hearing, even just an arraignment.

As the second matter was disposed of and her case was called, Patrice rose and moved to the defense table, looking out of the corner of her eye to see who she would have to deal with. Strangely, however, she didn't see anyone else moving. Donnelly shuffled some papers, and then looked up expectantly, fixing the blonde attorney with a quizzical gaze.

"Patrice LaRue for the defense your honor, I apologize for having noticed my appearance only yesterday but I have just received this case."

Donnelly appraised her and then nodded slowly, turning her attention to the still empty podium usually occupied by the ADA during arraignments.

She looked over to one of the clerks, "Sam, who is assigned …" Donnelly paused as the courtroom doors opened again, "Oh, Miss Carmichael, glad you decided to grace us with your presence today…"

Patrice whipped around just in time to see Abbie stride confidently into the room, wearing a conservative navy suit, her long dark hair pulled demurely into a low ponytail at the nape of her neck. Abbie glanced over at Patrice and nodded dismissively. If she was surprised to see her, she sure didn't let it show.

The ADA reached the front of the courtroom, simultaneously setting down her files on the podium, and appeased the Judge, "I apologize your honor, we had a delay in the grand jury proceedings this morning."

Donnelly nodded disinterestly at the young ADA, "Yes Miss Carmichael, you're just in time, please proceed."

Patrice felt the color rise in her cheeks, Oh. Dear. Lord. What the hell was Abbie doing here?? Well, Patrice knew exactly what she was doing here, but couldn't manage to wrap her head around it. Did Carmichael know about this case when??… her mind traveled back 48 hours, serving to further distract her from her present predicament. The blond attorney struggled to suppress the memories lest she loose not only her train of thought, but her sense of balance.

Patrice's mind was still furiously trying to get a grip on the situation as her client, barely 18 and terrified looking, was led in by the court officer. She shook herself mentally and tried to get her courtroom demeanor back in place,

"We waive reading your honor."

Donnelly nodded and, after looking down to read the charges herself, turned to Abbie, "I'll hear the People on bail.."

Abbie glanced up at the judge, addressing her in her low yet confident courtroom tone, "The people request remand your honor, the defendant's family has significant means, and is accused of a brutal attack on.."

Patrice got her bearings enough to respond, "Your honor, I respectfully object to the ADA's embellishment of the offense, and her insinuation of dishonestly on the part of defendant's family, who are upstanding and charitable citizens…"

Donnelly cut them both off as Abbie was about to speak up again, "That's enough you two. Miss Carmichael, I'm not going to hold him until trial, but he will turn in his passport, and bail is set at one million, cash or bond. Anything else we need to deal with?"

Having pushed back the vivid memories of the last time she had been in the same room with A.D.A. Carmichael for now, Patrice was back in her courtroom persona. She reached into her briefcase and pulled out two stacks of folded blue papers, handing one to the clerk, and the other to Abbie, trying not to meet her gaze directly,

"Yes your honor, I'm moving to quash the evidence obtained by the illegal search of my client's room, as well as for a deposition of the victim, and I am requesting a summary judgment hearing."

Donnelly's eyebrows raised considerably as her clerk passed her the papers, "That all Miss LaRue, or would you just like to give your opening statement today?"

Patrice knew when she was pushing the envelope, and shook her head, "No your honor, not just yet."

Donnelly turned back to the A.D.A., who was now flipping through the documents, "And will the People be filing any motions at this hearing?"

Abbie looked up, "Not at this time your honor, but our investigation is ongoing."

Donnelly nodded, "noted, I assume both parties waive notice?"

"Yes."

"Yes your honor."

"Good, the Defendant will be taken into custody pending bail," Donnelly turned to the court officer, "call the next case."

As her client was led away, Patrice informed him to remain silent until he made bail. She then turned and hurried out of the courtroom, hoping to catch Abbie in the hall and ask her a few choice questions about their present situation. Truth be told, she wasn't entirely sure what she was going to say to Abbie, but she couldn't just go back to the office and ignore the situation. Moreover, if Carmichael had knowingly gone into that hearing without giving Patrice a courtesy call, she was going to let Abbie know exactly how she felt about it.

Closing the door behind her, Patrice glanced down the corridor, now filled with attorneys and their clients waiting for hearings and talking, Carmichael was gone. Wow, that girl moves like a puma, the blond mused to herself. However, people didn't generally get away that easily when Patrice had a score to settle with them.

She turned on her phone, and made a quick call to her office about an address….