Broken Pieces
Tuesday
Philip Blake lays motionless and barely responsive to the activity around him. His wife sits in the corner shrinking under the weight of their new reality. A technician attaches an ankle bracelet to monitor his house arrest. The state police officer removes the shackle from his wrist and the bed rail. The high profile defense attorney with the astronomical hourly rate reviews the upcoming legal challenges, "First, we have the criminal case prosecuted by the DA's office. She held a press conference on Monday detailing all the charges: attempted sexual assault and unlawful detainment. The second hurdle is the charges filed with the Georgia State Bar for abuse of authority and violation of the ethics and morality clause."
"What is the likely outcome? Start with the worst case scenario," Andrea finds her voice.
"Worst case-Full prison sentence with no chance for parole and solitary confinement," he continues, "Best case-Loss of license for life, removal from bench and parole."
She never looks at him, "You and your damn dick issues. We had a deal. I was promised the 'American Dream' and now it is a nightmare," she hisses in a rage.
Philip finally finds his voice, "You whored yourself out to for the dream how did you think things would turn out?"
"Excuse me," Dr. Choi enters the room, "I wanted to provide an update based on the latest tests and lab work. Unfortunately, the prognosis remains the same. Therefore we will release you this week to complete your recovery at home. A nurse will facilitate the discharge which will include necessary medical equipment delivered to your home. Do either of you have questions about follow up care?"
Andrea rolls her eyes and Judge Blake turns to stare at the wall. I was so close.
Mike enters the Bistro and requests Jessie's section. She approaches the table without looking up. "What can I get for you?"
"How about a smile," he charms.
Her head pops up and her eyes widen. "Excuse me?" she utters in shock.
"I apologize…you are a pretty girl and I got carried away. Public Defender Mike Owen," he extends his hand in greeting.
Jessie blushes profusely; her face and neck reveal splotches of red and her smile almost splits her face wide open. She shakes his hand and feels her heart race. He is really important and he thinks I am pretty.
"What do you recommend?" he points to the menu.
"I enjoy the flatbread pizza," she stammers.
"I'll take it," he winks with his response.
She giggles like a school girl, "Anything to drink?"
"How about a nice white wine," he replies suggestively.
"Coming right up," Jessie turns from the table swaying her hips.
This will be easier than I thought. Mike leans back in his chair.
Michonne meets with Carl and Aaron. "My name and information will continue to remain shielded from the public until the trial begins thus the gag order remains in effect. We will go back to business as usual. For that to happen both of you have to stop treating me like a fragile flower," she shakes her head.
Aaron and Carl look at each other, "We are your Guys which makes you our Girl. We take care of each other-right?" Aaron speaks first.
"There is a threat and until it is completed eliminated we will do what is necessary to keep you safe," Carl confirms.
Aaron pats her hand resting on the table, "You will learn to adjust." He and Carl leave her office.
Michonne sits and watches in shock and awe as they return to their desks.
Wednesday
The 'Geek Squad' took a homework break to indulge with wings, chips, cookies and ice cream. They were sprawled across Justice's living room binge watching Netflix.
"What is the name of this show again?" America asks through laughter.
"'Living Single'," Justice responds around a mouthful of rocky road ice cream.
"I want to be Maxine," Sophia exclaims. They all chuckle in response.
"I'm horny," Enid blurts and covers her face with a throw pillow from the couch.
"The vault is now open," America introduces in her best TV announcer voice.
They each turn and look at Enid, glance at each other and sing out like a drill team, "Dear God, yes…Seriously, I am hanging on by a thread…Exactly."
"What? You have boyfriends. How is that possible?" she rises up off the floor onto her elbows.
"Excuse me but my Guy lives in another County. All I got is phone, Skype and online gaming," Sophia retorts.
"I am ready for something, but I am not sure what that is and that makes it worse," America explains.
"Not to mention-I don't know what I am doing or if the little I am doing is right. Is there even a right?" Justice chimes in to the discussion.
"Yeah and who do you ask about the technical," Sophia uses air quotes.
"Right…I was watching a movie with my dad and it got hot as hell and it was awkward. Am I supposed to ask him what guys really like?" America questions the room.
"What if I ask my mom about specifics? Will she imagine me doing them every time I'm with Carl? It's too weird," she shakes her head.
"Wait, you asked your mom for an IUD," America interrupts.
"Yeah, as a political action; I am not ready to go that far," Justice declares.
Enid looks at each of her friends, "What do your guys say?" Her question is met with mumbles and shoulder shrugs. "Come on…big girl panties."
"Fine, we will talk to our guys if you admit the source of newly discovered horniness," Sophia challenges.
"I don't…" they stop her statement with a shout, "Broderick!"
"Yes, he is socially awkward…but his lopsided smile is adorable," they encourage.
Justice hands Enid her phone, "Don't be basic. Make it happen," she teases.
Herschel hangs up the phone and pulls the champagne bottle from the cabinet and places it in the refrigerator. "That Rhee boy is a man of his word," he shakes his head and smiles. When Glenn showed up on his doorstep asking permission to not only court but marry his daughter; he was shocked and impressed. Herschel asked for only one thing in return: the Father-Daughter dance.
After he lost his wife and the grief swallowed him whole the only flicker of light was Maggie.
Flashback
"Daddy…" her little voice called.
Herschel wiped his grief stricken tears, "Hey, what are you doing up?"
"I wanted to help," she admits.
"Don't you worry about me…let's get you back to bed," he nudges her toward the hallway.
Maggie refuses to move, "You could dance with me. We might feel better," she offers in all her innocence.
His heart stops. She is hurting too. He can only nod his head. If he opens his mouth he will not be able to stop the soul wrenching sobs. He turns on the old Sam Cooke record:
Darlin' you send me…darlin' you thrill me…honest your do…
They danced together in the quiet of the night until it did not hurt so much.
End Flashback
Rick works meticulously with a sly smile dancing across his face. Denise approaches with a young girl no more than 12 or 13 years of age at her side. Her brunette hair hangs in a ponytail pulled through the back of a dingy Atlanta Braves baseball cap. "Officer Grimes," Denise interrupts, "This young lady insists on speaking with you," she explains with an amused smile.
"Sure thang," he turns, "How can I help you?" he greets politely.
"I saw you on TV talking about the buildings and the man with the burn on his face. I need to surrender because I helped him buy food and I am really sorry. I didn't know he was bad," she explains while holding up a crinkled brown lunch bag filled with neatly organized cash.
Rick and Denise freeze staring at each other and then down at the young girl. "Denise, take her to the 'War Room' but do not leave her alone," he orders. His mind focuses-Rosita is in class. He picks up the phone and dials, "Daryl, where you at?" he barks.
"Finishing lunch…headed back to patrol," he shares.
"I need you back at the station. We have a direct link to Dwight," he explains. The next sound is a dial tone. The next feeling is relief.
Maggie lowers herself into the desk chair and leans her crutches against the wall after returning from the bathroom. The door swings open and the Tribunal cascades in, "No you did not…You can't call nobody…Eloped?"
She couldn't fight the smile that spreads across her face as she raises her left hand brandishing her sparkling wedding set. "You are now speaking with Mrs. Maggie Rhee," The Girls squeal in delight.
"Also, new member of the Mile High Club," Rosita suggests motioning to her leg secure in a full brace and elevated.
"Well, when your Man whisks you away to Vegas-Go Big or Go Home," she quips.
"When did all of this happen?" Michonne asks.
"After my FBI interview I thought we were headed back to his place or mine, but he had other plans. He just kept shaking his head and muttering about life being too short. Before I knew it we were at the airport." She responds.
"This is so romantic," Sasha interjects, "How did Daddy Greene take it?"
"We're going to talk to him this weekend. I think he will be okay since we want to have a reception out on the farm. If not, be prepared to immediately take up bridesmaid duties," she giggles.
They clap and cheer, "Bridal shopping!"