Grace Florrick was checking the latest budget estimate for her wedding. "Look." She handed over the paper to her stepmother, Ramona.
The blonde woman whistled when she saw the number. "Jackie has money to burn."
"About that...Jackie told me she's going to leave me everything in her will." Grace said. "I think I need a prenup."
The stepmom raised an eyebrow. "You do, because that's a lot of money."
"I called my friend from Northwestern, she's a family lawyer, she can handle it but…"
"You're afraid Connor is going to say no." Ramona guessed.
"Is it too much to ask?" Grace said. "Is it a big risky?"
"I think the risk here is that you're jumping into marriage too fast, you already own a house, your car, your apartment; he's still paying for his place if I remember correctly the vetting report."
"Of those things, my car is the only I thing I have paid with my own money, everything else was dad's money. It's simply privilege." Grace said.
"And Jackie's money and privilege will be yours and your children." Ramona told Grace. "When I married Peter, I knew what I was getting into, and Connor is planning to change his name to Florrick, so I believe he knows what he's getting into too."
"I'll call back my lawyer."
"Smart choice."
Alicia Florrick signed the document in front of her, all the pages, all the dotted lines. She was finalizing her divorce to Peter.
"This is a mistake, Alicia." David Lee said. "We can get more, so much more."
"David, I know you're a shark with a killing instinct but I want out of this marriage as soon as possible." Alicia told him. The divorce was rather quickly, they both were eager to move on.
"Listen." David got closer to her and said with his raspy voice. "The Highland Park house is worth a lot of money; he has to sell it and give you half. And I'm sure, I'm fucking sure he is hiding money. A felon like Peter Florrick? He has other bank accounts and you deserve half of his money."
Alicia shook her head. "But I don't want his money anymore. Peter agreed to pay 60/40 for Grace's college, I'm getting my apartment and I'm keeping my car. That's it, I want out, David. Sorry if I didn't give you a juicy divorce case."
"Alright." David Lee made an annoyed face. "But you could use the extra dough to help you out. After all, I don't think there's a single law firm in Chicago that would hire you."
"I'll find something."
"I hope you do." David got up and took the papers. "Because I've seen your receipts, Alicia. You like expensive stuff."
Jackie Florrick sat down in front of the bank executive. She smiled politely at him. Ann and Peter were sitting next to her, they were little enough to fit in one chair.
"You wish to open a bank account? Do you know the difference between checking and saving?"
"I do. I want a checking account."
"Uh." The executive rise an eyebrow. "Do you have a job, Mrs. Florrick?"
"No, I'm a housewife now, but I used to have a job."
"You used to? But now what? Do you get an allowance from anyone or do you sell pies? Because if you don't, it's less hassle to just keep your coins in a jar."
"Maybe I found a pirate treasure in lake Michigan and a jar isn't enough."
Both kids giggled at her mom's comment.
"No need to be rude, Mrs. Florrick. I'm only making sure you have the money to make the first deposit."
"I have a check." Jackie handed over a check for $100.00 dollars.
"I see." The executive read the check. "From your husband. He already has an account with us. Give me a moment please."
Jackie saw the man go through his rolodex, called a secretary, called another executive, then called the Judge's office and waited 15 minutes for the judge to attend the call.
"Okay, Mrs. Florrick. Your husband confirm the check."
"Did you think I stole the check and forged my husband signature?" Jackie said.
"I'm only being diligent, Mrs. Florrick."
Gretchen 'Gracie' Florrick served her husband, Pat, his dinner. (Chicken and green peas and a glass of beer). She wanted him in a good mood.
"I need to tell you something but don't be mad."
"What did John do this time?"
"No, Johnny is good. He's fine." Gretchen clarified. "I've been visiting Pat's Fish the last couple of Fridays."
"Why?"
"Cause since you became an alderman, you're not keeping an eye on the business. I like to see what the boys are doing, you know, keep them on their feet."
"And?"
"Paulie is stealing from the register."
"Paulie? Come on."
"I saw him. He pocketed one dollar." She insisted. "Ain't lying, Pat. I asked Gino and he said sometimes they're short on the register."
"I'm gonna kick Paulie to the curb." Pat drank his beer. "You can't get good help these days."
"Well, I was thinking. Could I work the register?"
"You? You have plenty of stuff to do around the house. Taking care of me and Johnny."
"But maybe just a couple of days at week. You know, so the boys at the store don't get too comfortable. Seeing me and they'll remember who the work for."
"Alright, alright. But I don't want come home and not have a hot meal. Okay, Gracie?"
"You got it, Pat!" She kissed her husband. Then from the next couple of years, Gretchen pocketed 50 cents for herself from the register every Friday.
Next Chapter: A winter gala!