Four Months Later

John rose with the rest of the courtroom and sat down at the judge's cue, taking Anna's hand in his before rubbing over her obvious belly. Her hand covered his and she gave him a quick smile before turning toward the speaker on the floor. Someone took the seat next to John and he turned to see Talbot settling there.

"You took your time getting here."

"Mary's not feeling too well."

"How not well?" John tried to bite back his grin as Talbot waved a hand.

"It's morning sickness. She can't eat anything and practically demanded the doctor or midwife or whomever she needed to bride just give her an IV because she doesn't want to be vomiting every minute of everyday."

"I can imagine that would make her job difficult."

"It makes my job difficult." Talbot grumbled in his chair, "If you want to pity someone pity me. She kicks me awake at night, craves something disgusting I then have to try and febreeze out of my car-"

"Don't you mean you fail to febreeze it out of your car?" John risked and dodged Talbot's sharp elbow.

"Then I'm the walking dead at work but I have to be attentive and careful when she's throwing up or moody or wants a foot rub or a hot bath." Talbot turned to John, pulling at the bottom of his eyelid, "Do you see how bloodshot I am? I haven't slept properly for a month."

"And she won't for another six." Anna swatted Talbot's hand. "You got the pleasurable part and the least you can do now is care for the woman bearing your child."

"I'll have you know, Mrs. Bates," Talbot hissed, "That she reminds me of that fact daily so I don't need you to lecture me on it. I'm already getting the same material from the source and I don't need a review."

"Quiet in the gallery!"

The three of them sat straighter when the judge's voice echoed with the knock of his gavel before she told the barrister to continue. John shuddered in his seat and Anna covered his hand with hers, stroking softly over the skin there. He intertwined their fingers, smiling at her while mouthing a 'thank you'. Anna kissed his hand and turned back to the scene below them.

"Would the defendants please rise?"

John held his breath as Barrow and O'Brien stood at their bench. Barrow shifted in place while John thought he noted a tremor in O'Brien's hand on the desk. His own fingers tightened momentarily around Anna's and she returned the squeeze without looking at him.

"You are being charged with criminal negligence in court proceedings, unethical activities in the service of the Crown Prosecution Service, taking bribes, suppressing evidence, one count of sexual harassment as unwanted advances on an intern, one count of perjury, and multiple other counts that brought shame and great expense to the Crown and the CPS." The judge raised her head, "How do you plead to these charges?"

Barrow and O'Brien looked at one another a moment before they answered in unity. "Guilty."

"Wise decision." The judge took a deep breath, "I'm disappointed, especially in you Ms. O'Brien. I thought you were a servant of the Crown in this."

"I am, Your Honor," O'Brien cleared her throat, "It seems, in my enthusiasm for my duty I succumbed to some shortcuts, Judge Crawley."

"I see," Judge Crawley clicked her tongue against her teeth. "It's troubling that the Crown, because of your actions, has already wasted significant man hours, wages, and even a settlement pay to the price of ten million pounds. How will those looses be recouped?"

"I've no idea, Your Honor."

"Your Honor," The lawyer stood, pointing to his defendants. "It's been suggested by the CPS barristers that we'll take current time served with community service hours as well as volunteer work for the CPS as the punishment for their infractions."

"Does the CPS hold to this?" Judge Crawley turned to the CPS barrister, who nodded her approval, and lifted her gavel. "Then the sentencing will stand. Time served and the community service and volunteer hours to be handed down at a later date. This case is now closed, next case."

For a moment Barrow and O'Brien turned to the gallery and met John's eyes. He looked on the faces of two people once so united in their malicious intent against him, once so confident in their ability to ruin him, and he only saw them broken now. The suit on Barrow did not fit as well as it used to and his hair did not hold as slickly. O'Brien's shoulders drooped and her haggard face reminded John of the war weathering he saw on soldiers who gave their whole lives to the service.

"Are you alright?" Anna whispered to him and John nodded, kissing her cheek.

"I'm alright."

"We don't have to stay for all of them."

"I need to see justice done."

"Done right you mean?" Anna teased, rubbing her other hand over their linked ones. "Without your revenge and plotting?"

"What's life without a little plotting."

"We could've plotted this better." Anna pointed to her stomach. "I'll be a balloon in August and it'll be so bloody hot with my own personal furnace combining to make me a double boiler."

"You'll still be beautiful."

"I'm sure you'll say that right up until I call you all sorts of unforgettable names when your child comes out of me."

John frowned, "Did that happen last time?"

"I screamed like a banshee when I was having Jack. I cursed your name, any of your ancestors I could remember, and then men in general." Anna patted John's cheek, "But then they put him in my arms and I couldn't wish more blessings on your head."

"You thought I was dead then."

"Then I hoped you'd found peace with the angels." Anna leaned toward him, "It hardly matters."

"It matters to me."

They waited for the next case, some traffic issue that turned into a violent brawl, and then watched Bricker enter with his lawyer. John watched Bricker practically wet himself when he saw the judge. She only lowered her glasses and raised an eyebrow.

"Ah, Mr. Bricker, why am I not surprised to see you here?"

"I really couldn't say, Your Honor."

"Might have something to do with misplaced entitlement issues." She replaced her glasses, reading down the list of infractions. "My, my, what a collection of problems you've gathered for yourself."

"I assure you it's all-"

"I don't believe I opened that for discussion or debate, Mr. Bricker." His mouth shut faster than a steel trap and Judge Crawley continued. "I see your lawyer has made you quite the deal to get you out of serving real time."

"We've discussed with the CPS representatives and they-"

"No."

The whole room froze and John almost dropped his jaw in time with the struggle Bricker's lawyer had to form words. "I apologize, Judge Crawley, I don't believe I heard you correctly when you said-"

"I said 'No' Mr. Simpson. It's a very simple word that translates to the same thing in no less than four languages. It's a negator and, in English, it means that I'm refusing the suggested sentencing for Mr. Bricker as given by the CPS."

"Your Honor," The CPS barrister stood, "Mr. Bricker's suggested sentencing is in light of his aid in the Matthew Crawley case."

"I'm very familiar with the case, Mr. Kent, and I'm surprised you even agree to be a part of this since you already used your 'get out of jail free card' on Mr. Barrow and Ms. O'Brien." Mr. Kent shuffled in place, "And I also note you dropped the charges against Mr. Barrow from when you were his intern so I commend your forgiving nature."

"Thank you, Your Honor." Mr. Kent shuffled in place, "And it's in that spirit that the CPS decided-"

"I'm not of such a forgiving spirit, Mr. Kent." Judge Crawley pointed to Bricker, "This man conspired to imprison an innocent man for the death of my son-in-law all to make sure his smuggling ring didn't get noticed by the Fraud Squad." She turned on Bricker, "And to think you'd serve less time if you'd just fessed up then instead of waiting until now."

Bricker could only manage to stare at the floor.

Judge Crawley huffed, "I'm surprised you've got no words for yourself, Mr. Bricker. I always thought you were a man of greatly grotesque expression when you wanted something. Even things you shouldn't have."

"There's nothing to say." Bricker managed and Judge Crawley nodded.

"I'm glad you agree. You're sentenced to ten years, minimum-security holding. Your first parole hearing will be available to you after three years served. All of your assests and current business dealings are still under review but I've no doubt it'll more than likely be seized in further evidence by the Crown. This case is now closed. Next case."

John left out a sigh, watching Bricker practically faint into the arms of his lawyer who needed help getting the rail of a man out of the courtroom. Anna shook her head as Talbot gave a low whistle. "Never thought I'd see the last of that particularly atrocious specimen."

"What'll this mean for your company?" Anna tugged on John's arm, hissing a bit when she moved.

"What's wrong?" John's hands went immediately to her but Anna waved him off.

"Your future footballer is kicking right under my ribs." She took a few deep breaths, "Now answer my question. What'll this mean for Christian Enterprises?"

"We're in full compliance with the Fraud Squad and Mr. Pelham's working directly with them to get all the relevant details they need to analyze the full extent of Bricker's dealings over the last fifteen years."

Talbot snorted, "More like last thirty. Bertie just pulled a rabbit out of the bloody hat last week and found Bricker's other files for them. I thought the Fraud Squad Superintendent was going to kiss him."

"Bertie's wife wouldn't have taken kindly to that."

"The Super's wife wouldn't have either." Talbot grinned, "But I could've kissed Bertie when he found the papers for Matthew's case so I guess it's all about motive."

"Speaking of Matthew," Anna lowered her voice. "Is morning sickness the only thing keeping Mary home from this?"

Talbot shrugged, "I can't be sure. She said she's fine but I think she buried him years ago and this'd just bring it all to the surface again. It's not how she wants to remember him."

"It's the horrible part of remembering him." John nodded toward the front of the room, "But it's almost over."

"Yes it is." Anna hugged herself to John's arm as the lawyer led Green into the room.

John's fingers pressed to Anna's a moment when Green swept the room. Both stiffened when Green's eyes landed on them and he only broke gaze when his lawyer forced him into a seat. Judge Crawley's face stoned at the sight of him and John shivered with a tingle in his spine.

"Ms. Braithwaite, how does your defendant plead to the charges?"

"He pleads not guilty."

"That's unfortunate." Judge Crawley noted something, "Given that his confession is all over the audio recording the CPS received with the list of charges."

"Confessions under duress aren't confessions, Your Honor." Ms. Braithwaite shrugged, "It's all staged."

"I'm sure you'll say the same about the camera footage we have of him threatening someone with a gun and then shooting a pregnant woman was staged as well?"

"We'd like to make our case to a jury of Mr. Green's peers."

"I'm sure you would." Judge Crawley sniffed, "Not sure if I can rustle up homicidal killers with bad business practices or entitlement issues but if I can find some I'll definitely try and recruit them to your jury box so you don't have a basis for appeal when the CPS buries your case, and hopefully your client, in the ground."

"Are you making threats against my client, Your Honor?"

"No," Judge Crawley shook her head, sitting back in her chair. "Just offering him another chance to change his plea. Life in prison is preferable to hanging, or so I'm told."

"We're still putting forth a plea of 'not guilty', Your Honor."

"Shame. I'd hoped to avoid the circus this will bring." Judge Crawley brought her gavel down, "Arrange for trial proceedings to commence in the case of the Crown versus Alex Green."

"John," Anna clutched at his arm, "Please get me out of here."

Between Talbot and John they managed to get Anna into the hallway. She took deep breaths, resting her head against the wall, and put a hand on John's shoulder. He covered it with his own until she opened her eyes.

"I'm alright. I just felt like I couldn't breathe in there. Give me a minute and I'll be fine."

"Alright." John took Talbot's shoulder, pulling him to the side to frantically whisper to him, "What do you suggest we do?"

"It's all about opinion at this point. They'll try to sway the jury and the judge and so will the Crown."

"Judge Crawley won't be sitting on that seat in that trial. It's a miracle they let her oversee these one given how close she is to this case."

Talbot grinned, "It's not a miracle when they automate the system and you've got a friend who can alter the programming."

"But you can't reprogram twelve people with minds not set to a basic binary system."

"That's where you're wrong. Everyone thinks in binary." Both of them looked up as Green and his lawyer walked at the other end of the hall. Green nodded at them and only the hand on John's shoulder stopped him going after the man. "We just need to paint him as the horrible man he is."

"How'd you want to do that?"

"We tell your story instead."

John shook his head, "No one'll buy it."

"Because right now, to the world, you're still Mr. Christian." Talbot faced John, "It's time to turn you back into John Bates. Let the world know who you are and they'll know who he is. When his case finally comes around they'll already think of him as the worst of humans and we'll just confirm it."

"And you're sure this'll work?"

"As in all things, John, I'm just asking you trust me to do what I do best."

Nine Months Later

John rocked the sleeping baby in the hallway, whispering to her as he did. On the route back he saw a younger version of himself running toward him and waved. Jack slowed his pace, arriving next to them and offering his open arms to John. Carefully transferring the baby John nodded toward the courtroom.

"How she doing in there?"

"There's not a dry eye in the place, including hers." Jack rocked the baby, "And she's held up under their questions. I don't think there's a single thing the defense has thrown at her Mr. Talbot didn't grill into her last week."

"That's your mother, always prepared." John dug in the nappy bag to pull out a bottle and a burp cloth. "It's the only reason I got through it."

"I thought your testimony yesterday was great." Jack handed the baby back as her eyes blinked open. "Almost as perfect as little Jean here."

"But not quite that perfect." John sat on the bench, tucking the bottle into Jean's open mouth. "How's school?"

"They think I should do graduate study next year."

"Where?"

"They're saying America but that's too far away from home for me."

"It's got good business programs." John adjusted Jean in his arms, "And your Mum'd love an excuse to come and visit you."

"With a sobbing two-year-old on a six hour flight?"

"She'd probably insist I stay home with Jean." John smiled and then bit his lip, "Though she might have to be the one staying home."

"Why's that?" Jack frowned and then his eyes widened in realization. "Not again?"

"All the signs are there. We're having a checkup when the trial wraps next week." John nudged Jack, "What, afraid of not being the only boy anymore?"

"No. I'm afraid people are going to think all the President and CEO of Bates Enterprises do is have sex."

"It's not all we do." John grinned, "There are other things involved."

"Stop," Jack held up his hand, "That's more than enough for me."

John laughed, "You'll find someone one day that you'll feel that way about."

"Maybe in America?"

"Maybe in America." John agreed, testing the bottle against Jean's mouth to see if she wanted more. "Though I'd talk with your Mum before you make any final decisions on that. She'd kill me if she thought you were leaving her on my suggestion."

"And we wouldn't want that." Jack shifted on the bench, "But you'd be for it?"

"Jack I'd be for anything that makes you happy."

"You mean that?"

"Of course I do." John took the bottle away, turning Jean to his shoulder and gently patting her back. "You're my son and I'm proud of you."

"And ever since those articles everyone knows it."

"It was Talbot's idea." John turned to Jean as she burped, "There you go. Another couple of those and you won't cry yourself to sleep for your afternoon nap and then Mummy can actually sleep."

"Are you happy, that you took your name back?"

John stared at the far wall a moment before putting his hand over Jack's. "I'm happy it's now our name."

"Me too."

They waited until the case dismissed, Jack rocking Jean in his arms as Anna and Talbot joined them. Jack dipped to kiss his mother's cheek and John shook Talbot's hand. The other man grinned and released quickly.

"I couldn't be more proud of Mrs. Bates here and I'd say more but if I don't get back then George'll rat me out to Mary about not being there for Henry Jr.'s feeding."

"Go on then, Jack's got the office handled."

"Speaking of," Jack carefully handed his sister to Anna, "I've got an afternoon meeting."

"You're still meeting us for dinner, aren't you?" Anna called after him but their only response was Jack's thumb in the air before they lost him to the crowd. "He's so professional now."

"He's thinking about going to America for graduate school." John put a hand on Anna's shoulder when she gasped. "It's alright, I told him to talk to you before he made any decisions."

"Are you encouraging him?"

"I told him to do what makes him happy."

"Then he's as good as gone."

"It's not forever Anna."

"I know," She whined, placing Jean in her pram as they joined the queue for the lift. "I just thought that, with the case winding down and the company running so well we might all step back form it. Spend some time as a real family."

John grinned, "Then you'll love the surprise I have for you."

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you later." John leaned down to whisper in Anna's ear. "It'll have to be somewhere you can rip off our clothes and this isn't the place."

"Why, don't want to be arrested for public nudity?"

"I don't want to share your nudity." John kissed her, pushing the pram into the lift. "And Jean needs a nap."

"We'll all need a nap later."

John smiled, "Yes we will."