Lightning in a Bottle AUTHOR: Shirley E-mail: sgoates2607@charter.net RATING: PG-13 CONTEXT: A look back at Nick’s lifestyle pre-drug bust and the people he cared about. DISCLAIMER: I admit I have no first hand experience with the drug world and its denizens. If those of you who do have such knowledge will just allow me a little latitude, I will be forever grateful. This is strictly a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any person(s) living or dead is purely coincidental. Some of the characters have been shamelessly usurped from The Guardian – a CBS TV Drama. Others have been conjured up out of my fertile imagination. Thank you for your indulgence. ~~~~~~~ “Okay, Jack. I think we can get the papers drawn up tomorrow and get this thing closed.” Nick had been trying to land the Jack Pierce account for months. It had required a little more massaging than he usually liked to do but it had obviously paid off. Jack put his napkin on the table and stood, extending his hand. Nick stood and they shook hands. “Well, I’ll give you a call when we have the papers ready and we can schedule a time for the signing,” Nick said. “Great, Nick,” Jack said, as he turned to leave. Nick checked the tab and placed cash on the table to cover the bill. He took a last sip of water and was about to leave when he heard his name called. “Nick, Nick.” He looked up to see Barbara and Jake near the front of the bar. They started his way. He waited at the table as they approached. He really hated when Jake yelled out his name like that. “What a surprise to run into you here,” Jake said. “We just caught an early movie and thought we’d stop in for a drink and a bite to eat. Wanna join us?” “I’ve eaten,” Nick motioned to the table. “Hi, Barbara,” he said, giving her a quick grin. “Nick,” she responded. “Oh, then how about a drink?” Jake added. Nick raised his eyebrows. Jake knew he didn’t drink. “Well, you know what I mean,” Jake shrugged and grinned. Barbara spoke up. “Why don’t you stay for awhile? It’s only 9:30. It’ll be fun.” Nick nodded agreement and they moved to the back of the bar to a clean table. After they were settled and had their drink orders placed, Jake asked, “Where’s your date, Nick?” Nick frowned and looked from Jake to Barbara. “I had a business meeting with Jack Pierce. He just left.” “Oh, right. Of Pierce Properties, Inc. You’ve been trying to land that account for awhile. How’d it go?” “Signing the contracts tomorrow.” “Great.” Jake knew the Pierce account was a real plum. Jack Pierce had commercial properties all over the northeast and was constantly buying and selling which generated huge commission dollars. Nick had a knack for putting together lucrative deals. Jake secretly coveted Nick’s abilities, his client list, his life style, well, his life, basically. “I didn’t know you guys were…” Nick made a gesture at the two of them. Jake looked at Nick and then at Barbara. “Yeah, we’ve been out a couple times.” “Well, that’s great,” Nick said. “Jake, you wanna order chicken fingers or something like that?” Barbara asked, looking at the menu. “Yeah, that would be good.” Jake noticed the waitress returning with their drinks. He ordered. “We’d like a couple orders of chicken fingers with fries.” He looked at Nick. “How ‘bout you, Nick? Anything?” “No, I’m fine,” he said, taking a sip of his soda water with lime. “That’s all,” Jake told the waitress. “Nick, do you always work until 9:30 at night?” Barbara asked and then laughed. “Don’t you ever slow down?” “Whatever it takes,” Nick mused. They talked for another 30 minutes, and Nick excused himself. “I gotta go.” He stood. “I’ve got another 20 hour day tomorrow,” he joked, winking at Barbara. “Are you sure, Nick?” Barbara asked, pleadingly. “I thought I might get you out on the dance floor.” Nick grinned. “Nice try, Barbara.” He left a $10 bill on the table and turned to leave. ~~~//~~~ Nick had to make one stop before he got home. He remembered there was a 24 hour Quick-Stop a few blocks from his house. He found the razor blades he needed and paid the clerk. “Goodnight,” he said, and as he was leaving he bumped into a woman who was coming in the door. “Oh, excuse me,” he said. The woman looked at him and he stood with his mouth open. “Madi?” She cracked a big smile. “Nick? It’s been awhile. How have you been?” “Fine. I’m doing fine.” Nick smiled back. “Funny running into you in this neighborhood. I thought you lived all the way across town.” “Yeah, well, I’ve moved around a little,” she said, looking at the floor. “Listen, if you have time, you wanna get a cup of coffee or something?” “I don’t know, Nick.” She seemed antsy. “We wouldn’t have to be long. I know an all-night diner nearby. Whadaya say?” he pleaded. “Oh, I guess. But only for a few minutes. I can get what I came for later.” They walked outside. The Quick-Stop sat just off the roadway with parking in front of the store. Nick looked around for Madi’s car. “Where’s your car?” “Oh, I walked over.” “Okay. Well, we’ll take my car and then I can take you home.” Only a couple of tables were occupied. They found a quiet table in the corner. “Nick, you look well. Are you still working for your dad?” In the harsh light of the diner, Nick noticed Madi seemed to have aged since they last saw each other a little over a year ago. Madison Mills had been a beautiful girl; petite, with long straight blonde hair. She was now probably 27, as he remembered. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a sloppy sweatshirt, you could still admire her figure. “Yeah, I’m still with my dad. How about you?” “What about me?” She rummaged in her purse and found a cigarette which she lit. Nick noticed her hand shaking. “Yeah…ah…where are you working these days?” When she didn’t answer right away, he asked, “Did you get your Masters?” She sipped her coffee. “No. I decided finance wasn’t my cup of tea.” She shrugged. “So what are you doing?” Nick kept after her. She was obviously avoiding the question. “Nick, can we stop with the 20 questions,” she said, tersely. “Sure.” Nick’s grin faded. He watched her as she took drag after drag off her cigarette. He didn’t remember that she smoked. “So, Nick… You married?” He shook his head and quietly said, “No.” She looked nervously at her watch. “I should probably go.” “Okay,” he said. She stubbed out her cigarette and grabbing her bag, she walked to the door. He tossed a $5 bill on the table and followed her. In the car he asked where she lived so he could drive her home. “That’s not necessary, Nick. Just take me back to the store. I can walk from there.” They didn’t speak during the four block ride to the Quick-Stop. Nick pulled up out front and stopped the engine. “I don’t mind waiting.” She got out of the car and said, “Nick, please. I can manage. Thanks anyway.” “Okay.” He fumbled in his pocket for a business card. “Madi, if you wanna talk, here’s my number.” He handed her the card. “It was good to see you.” “Yeah. G’night, Nick.” Nick waited for her to enter the store, then drove off. He drove down the block and turned around. Parked at the curb, he waited with his lights off. He could still see the front of the store. After a few minutes, he saw Madi emerge carrying a bag. She started walking up the street. At the corner she turned left. He slowly pulled away from the curb and followed her, keeping enough distance so she wasn’t aware she was being followed. About 2-1/2 blocks from the corner she entered an old duplex. The lights were on inside. He slowly drove past and noticed the movement of at least one other person in the window. He made a mental note of the address. On the drive home, he remembered the very first time he met Madison Lyn Mills. ~~~//~~~ Nick answered his phone on the first ring, “Nick Fallin.” “Nick-O. How the heck are you?” It was Jim Jansen. Nick recognized the voice, or rather the manner. Jim had an exuberant personality. You couldn’t help but like him. But, he was always over the top with the nicknames. “I’m fine, Jim. And, you?” Nick smiled at the phone. “If I were any better, I’d have to shoot myself.” Jim laughed on the other end of the phone. “Hey, Nick. I’m having a big party at the house tonight and I want you to come. Whadaya say?” Nick didn’t hesitate long. “Sure. What time?” “You can come anytime after 8:00 but the place’ll probably really get rockin’ around 10:00. And, you can bring a date, if you want, but there’ll be plenty of unattached females.” Jim laughed again. Nick managed a small laugh and said, “Jim. I’ll be there. Alone. Okay?” After work Nick had gone home to shower and change clothes. Jim’s affairs were classy but wild and usually casual dress was the order of the day. After he showered and shaved, he selected his favorite pair of black Calvin Kleins. They fit perfectly over his slim hips, with just the right amount of snug. They rode naturally just below his waist. He laced a narrow black leather belt throw the loops. On his feet, he slipped on his most comfortable pair of black Cole Haan Italian-made hand-woven loafers. In his closet, he flipped through several hangers, finally settling on the white silk form-fitting shirt with the square bottom hem. He buttoned the shirt, leaving the top three buttons open. The shirt hung loosely over the top of his jeans and accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He found his black leather blazer and slipped it on then checked himself in the mirror. Casual but chic. Jim Jansen was a very successful investment banker with Taylor-Caldwell Investments, Inc. He had a huge house just outside of town on about 10 acres. It was almost 9:00 and already getting dark as Nick drove up the long private drive. The house was an old three story affair; a survivor of the days when steel was king in Pittsburgh. Jim had renovated it inside to bring it into the 21st century but it still maintained a lot of its old-world character. Nick turned his car over to the valet and walked up to the massive entry door. He could hear music coming from the back of the house and people laughing and having a good time. The door was opened by a man, obviously hired for the occasion, wearing a tuxedo. “Come in, sir,” he directed. Standing in the huge foyer, with its sweeping staircase on either side, you could look straight through to the back of the house. The living room faced the huge lawn and pool area; the back wall almost entirely made of glass. The double French doors were swung open to allow for easy movement in and out of the house. People were clustered in small groups around the room; some dressed in nice jeans and others in a suit and tie. A few of the women had on dresses but most were wearing slacks or dressy jeans. Standing just inside the living room, Nick looked around the room for a familiar face. He heard his name and looked to find Jim waving wildly. Nick nodded acknowledgement and proceeded that way. Jim grabbed his arm and shook his hand, saying, “It’s great to see you, Nick. It’s been too long. How ‘bout something to drink?” “Beer’s fine,” Jim steered him outside to the make-shift bar set up on the veranda. He addressed the bartender. “Beer for my man, here.” He looked at Nick. “Any preference?” “No, anything’s fine.” He took the proffered beer. Holding the beer, he made a sweeping gesture over the scene. “What are you celebrating?” “Nick,” he laughed. “You know me. I don’t need much reason to celebrate. But, yeah. I just landed a top-drawer client. So I guess you could say I’m celebrating that.” As Nick surveyed the party he noticed one girl standing with three men near the pool. She was a petite blonde with a great figure. Wearing a white sharkskin pant suit, which fit her curves nicely, and a bright blue silk blouse, she stood out from the crowd. Her long straight hair was pulled back at the nape of the neck and tied with a silk blue and white scarf. A few wisps of hair played around the edge of her face. She was talking and laughing and her companions were totally enrapt by her every word. Nick pointed his beer bottle the direction of the girl and asked, “Jim, who’s that girl?” Jim followed the direction of Nick’s gaze. “Oh, that’s Madi. She’s been with Taylor-Caldwell for about 8 months now and she’s tearing it up. Interested?” He gave Nick a sly wink and a grin. “I might be,” Nick said, grinning back. “Well, let’s do it.” Jim made his way through the throng of people, stopping every now and then to introduce Nick or to just say, hi. Jim was a very social being. As they approached, Madi looked up and gave them a broad smile. “Hi, Jim.” Nick felt an odd tingling sensation run through his body. He hadn’t even met this girl and she was already creating havoc with his senses. “Madi, I want you to meet a very good friend of mine, Nick Fallin. Nick, meet the fabulous Madison Lyn Mills, Investment Banker extraordinaire.” Jim made a sweeping bow, then laughed. “Jim, you’re crazy,” she said. Turning her attention to Nick, she added, “But, then, if you’re a friend, you already know that. Right, Nick?” Her bright blue eyes sparkled as she smiled. Jim put his hand on Nick’s shoulder. “My man, here, would like to get to know you.” Nick looked sheepishly at the ground and then at Jim. “Is that right, Mr. Fallin?” She flashed him a sexy come-hither smile. “That is right, Ms. Mills.” He showed her a half grin. She took his free arm and steered him away from the group. “I’ll see you later, fellows,” she said to Jim and the men she had been talking with. “Well, I guess we’d better get started.” As they walked away from the group you could here her saying, “I’m 25. An only child. Undergrad degree from Harvard. Working on my Masters at Pitt. I’m damn good at what I do. I’m great looking and dynamite in bed. How am I doing?” “Sounds like an irresistible package.” They spent the evening together, talking and laughing. She was so easy to be with. He learned her father was Old Pittsburgh elite. His family had made their millions in steel and when that went bust they bought into food markets. They had over 200 stores all over the northeast. “Good, lord,” she said, looking at her watch. “It’s 1:30. Where did the night go? Nick, I’ve gotta get going. I have a presentation to give tomorrow morning, first thing. If I want to give it my best shot, I’d better get my beauty sleep. It’s been great meeting you.” “Can I walk you to your car?” She smiled. “Well, that would be nice but the valet will deliver my car to me.” “Right.” Nick felt like an idiot. She put her index finger on the cleft in his chin. “But, you could walk me to the valet post.” Jim was at the door saying goodbye to some of his guests. Madi kissed him on the cheek and said, “Jim, great party as always. Nick’s gonna walk me out. See ya tomorrow.” Nick added, “Thanks, Jim. I’ll call you.” As they waited out front for the car, Nick said, “Madi. I would really like to see you again. Mind if I call you?” “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” He placed his hand gently on the side of her face. Lost in her blue eyes, he bent to kiss her tenderly on the lips. She leaned into him and responded, hugging him to her. Nick had never felt this way before. She had totally captured his heart in one evening. The valet pulled up with Madi’s Mercedes SL500 convertible. He held the driver’s door open. Nick thanked him and handed him a $10 bill. Madi slipped gracefully into the driver’s seat. Nick shut the door and leaned in to give her another kiss. “Goodnight, Nick.” “Night,” he said. He watched her drive away. He fished for his claim check and handed it to the valet. ~~~//~~~ It was painful, remembering. Considering what might have been. But, he hadn’t given up, yet. Nick walked into the coffee shop frequented by Pittsburgh’s finest. He had called and arranged to meet his friend, John Feeney. He noticed John sitting at a booth near the back. “Hi, John. Thanks for meeting me.” He sat down and ordered coffee. “What is it, Nick?” He wondered what kind of favor Nick wanted now. “I have this old friend and I’m afraid she’s gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd. Can you check to see what you have on her and the address where she’s staying?” “I don’t know, Nick.” Nick pursed his lips and clenched his jaw. He looked out the window and drummed his fingers on the table. John could tell this was important to Nick. “Well, I guess if it’s that important to you.” Nick looked seriously at him and said, “It’s that important.” He pulled a folded piece of paper from his inside coat pocket and slid it across the table. “Here’s what I know.” “Okay. Give me about a week. I’ll call you.” Nick stood up and shook hands. He pulled a $20 bill out of his pocket and threw it on the table. “Lunch is on me.” On the way back to the office, Nick remembered that first year with Madi. They had been inseparable and partied all the time. It had started out slowly. An occasional ‘hit’, just for fun. Then they found it was especially effective if you were stressed out from a heavy work schedule. Practically everyone he knew did it. It seemed everyone was burning the candle at both ends. ~~~//~~~ “Hey, come on in. Glad you guys could make it.” Their host took their coats and directed them to the bar. This was Nick’s first time at Charlie’s downtown penthouse condo. By now, Nick had met almost everyone at the party, at one time or another. They were the ‘usuals’ who generally showed up at all the same parties. He noticed Andersen Holloway, a junior associate from Fallin & Associates. He was the only other Fallin employee who attended, regularly. He happened to be a boyhood friend of Charlie’s. “Charlie. Good crowd tonight.” Nick and Madi made their way to the bar and then went around the room socializing with various people. Later, Charlie came up to Nick and Madi and whispered, “Hey. You guys gotta try this new stuff. It’s pure, pure. Great stuff.” He led them into the bedroom. On the dresser were several lines of Charlie’s ‘pure stuff’, as he called it. “Go ahead, Nick. You and Madi gotta try this. Hey, why don’t you lock the door and make yourselves at home.” He flashed a big grin and patted Nick on the arm. ~~~//~~~ Nick remembered it had been incredible ‘stuff’. After partaking, he and Madi had stripped naked and enjoyed an incredible night of sex. From that point on it seemed they did ‘coke’ more and more often. Amazingly, they were both still able to manage their jobs fairly well, although he had found it increasingly difficult to get through a whole day without a little ‘hit’. Especially when his dad ragged on him about something. But, he had been able to get away with it. ~~~//~~~ It had been four days. Nick was getting anxious. John had said it might take a week but if he didn’t hear something today, he was going to give him a call. “Nick, how are you coming on that Gaston-Coleman merger?” His dad had a way of cornering him the minute he came into the office. He followed Burton into his office and shut the door. “I’m still waiting on one more background report and we should be good to go.” “Good. Good.” Burton said, absentmindedly, as he gazed out the window. He turned to face Nick. “I’m giving a cocktail party at the house this evening. I’d love it if you would come. You can bring someone if you want. Sorry it’s such short notice.” Nick looked at his father with a puzzled look. It was a rare occasion when his dad hosted a party. “What’s the occasion?” he asked. “Oh, a friend of mine is retiring. Judge Swanson. You know him.” “Yeah, 4th District?” Nick asked to clarify his memory. ‘Yeah, that’s right.” “Well, Dad, I’ll see if I can make it. I’ve got a lot of work to do. I really was planning to put in a long night tonight.” “Well, I’d love it if you could make it. There’ll be a lot of influential people there. It can’t hurt for you to know some of these folks.” Nick nodded assent and turned to leave the office. It was around 3:00 when John called to tell him he had the information he asked for. They arranged to meet at the coffee shop around 4:30. Nick sat in the booth across from his boyhood friend, Detective John Feeney. John shoved a manila envelope towards him. “Your friend has been in some trouble with the law. Drugs. And she’s apparently shacking with some guy, Danny Drake, who has a record a mile long. Armed robbery, assault, drugs. Mills has an arrest and conviction for drugs which she pled out for 2 years’ probation. There have been numerous ‘domestic disturbance’ reports filed for the address you gave me. Mills has been the apparent victim in those cases. Each time, she has refused to press charges. Sounds like your friend has hit the skids.” Nick chewed his bottom lip as he pondered the information. He finally grabbed up the envelope and stood to leave. “Hey, thanks, man. I really appreciate it.” “Sure, Nick. Anytime.” Feeney watched his friend leave. He could tell this girl had meant something to him once. Nick returned to the office. He immersed himself in his work. Burton stopped by his office at 6:00. “Nick. Still working? Hope you can make it tonight.” Nick looked up from his desk and nodded. He gave a quick grin and returned his attention to the file on his desk. “See ya later,” his dad said, as he pulled the door closed. It was after dark when Nick straightened up his desk, locked the door and made his way to the parking garage. He started for his father’s house and decided at the last minute to take a detour. He drove by Madi’s address, parking a few doors down on the opposite side of the street, giving him clear view of the front of the house. He waited. He could see people moving around inside, silhouetted against the front window which was covered only by a sheer curtain. He wasn’t sure what he was waiting for. He had been sitting there probably 20 minutes when he noticed someone coming out of the front door. It was a guy. He slammed the door, yelling something over his shoulder. He stalked to his car and peeled off in a cloud of smoke generated by the squealing tires. Nick waited a few minutes then drove up in front of the house. He cautiously approached the front door and listened for voices then knocked. In a few minutes, Madi answered the door. Her hair was wound up messily on top of her head and held with a banana clip. She wore a slouchy sweatshirt and blue jeans. She had obviously been crying. “Nick,” she said, surprised. “What are you doing here?” “Can I come in?” he asked, opening the screen door and making his way into the front room. “I guess,” she said, and backed up to give him access. Nick reached out to touch her shoulder and she pulled away. “What’s going on, Madi?” “What do you mean?” She walked over to the coffee table and took a cigarette from the pack. Lighting it, she turned back to Nick. “This,” Nick said, indicating the squalor around him. “What. Not up to your standards?” she snapped. She took a drag off her cigarette. “I wouldn’t think it was up to your standards.” He started to approach her again. She backed up but was impeded by the sofa. He reached for the cigarette and stubbed it out in the ashtray. For a moment he stood with his hands on his hips then he gathered her in his arms, fighting off his emotions which threatened to overtake him. She put her arms around him and wept softly, her head against his chest. He turned her face up to his and looked into those gloriously blue eyes. They had faded somewhat but they were still stunning. He kissed her eyes, tasting her salty tears then tenderly kissed her on the mouth. There was that feeling again. It had been a long time since he felt this way. He pulled her tight to his body. They held each other for a moment then he finally released her. She looked at the floor and turned slightly aside. “Nick. We can’t do this. I’m with someone. It’s probably a good idea if you go before he gets back.” She turned back to him, the expression on her face betraying her concern. Nick took her left hand in his and examined it for a ring. “You’re not married.” “No,” she pulled her hand away. “Well, then, there’s nothing keeping you tied to him. Why don’t you get your things together and come home with me,” he pleaded. “I can’t, Nick. I just can’t. You’d better go.” On a hunch, Nick took her arm and pushed up the sleeve of her sweatshirt. He found needle marks in her arm. “Heroin?!” She jerked her arm out of his grasp. “How long, Madi?” he cried, overcome with anguish. “A few weeks after your arrest. That’s when I met Danny.” She turned away, waiting for Nick’s reaction. “I was missing you so much while you were in rehab.” She turned to face him, her eyes brimming with tears. “But when I got out of rehab I called you and you didn’t return my calls. Why didn’t you call me back?” He was hurting. “Then you just disappeared.” “Nick. Jim told me you were on probation and were clean. It would have violated your probation to associate with me.” She turned from him. “I was hooked, Nick. There was nothing anyone could do.” “Dear God, Madi. I can help you. Please, get your things and come with me.” “Not tonight, Nick. Please. Not tonight. You should go. Danny will be back soon and he can get mean.” She started pushing him towards the door. “Please. If you never do another thing for me, Nick, please do this.” Nick took her in his arms and said, “Madi. Madi. I want you to really think about rehab.” He looked in her eyes. “Will you promise me that?” He shook her gently. “Promise me?” She nodded and pushed him out the door. He heard her lock the door behind him. In the car, he took several deep breaths and then started the engine. He noticed the time. It was 8:30. His dad had probably given up on him. He didn’t much want to schmooze with the legal elite tonight but he had more or less promised his dad. He was greeted warmly at the door by his father who introduced him around. There were judges, retired and active; other corporate lawyers, some Nick was already acquainted with, and other rich business friends of his dad, from the country club. This was his dad’s sphere of influence. Pretty heavy duty. Nick managed to be social; all the while he was thinking of Madi’s predicament. ~~~//~~~ The next day Nick started making inquiries around about the best drug rehab houses for heroin addiction. He found a few he wanted to personally inspect. He spent the afternoon inspecting these various rehab facilities. One in particular he thought would work. It was located out in the country, in the fresh air. And, they had a vacancy. He planned to meet with Madi, first thing in the morning, and convince her that this was the way to go. ~~~//~~~ Nick didn’t have Madi’s phone number so he drove to the house and waited outside. It was about 9:30 in the morning. Danny’s car was parked out front. He didn’t want a confrontation with him, so he just waited. He had parked a few doors down the block so he could watch the house without being noticed. It wasn’t long before Nick noticed someone coming out of the house. It was Madi. She walked away from him and down the block. He slowly followed a good distance back. She turned the corner. Now, out of sight of the house, Nick pulled near the curb along side Madi and drove very slowly. He rolled down the passenger window. “Madi, get in.” She glanced his way and kept walking. He pulled the car to the curb and parked. She continued to walk. He got out of the car and grabbed her arm. “Madi. Please stop. I want to talk with you about the rehab center. You promised to think about it.” She removed his hand from her arm. “Nick. I don’t know how I can convince you, but I don’t want to go to rehab. I want you to just leave. Go.” She started to walk away. He grabbed her arm again. “I can’t let you do that, Madi. If you keep this up, it’ll kill you.” “Is that so bad?” she asked, trying to wrench out of his grasp. “What? You want to kill yourself? What happened to that girl I loved? The one so full of life,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. She looked him in the eye. “That was then. This is now.” “What the hell does that mean? It’s never too late. Look at me. I was pretty far gone. But I’m clean now.” Madi put her hand to Nick’s face. “Dear, dear, Nick. You were always so much stronger than the rest of us. I’m happy for you. But that life’s over for me.” “If you ever loved me, you will do this for me,” Nick pleaded, tears welling up in his eyes. “Oh, I loved you, Nick. More than you know. But we can’t ever recapture that time.” A tear spilled from her eye. “It was lightning in a bottle. Now it’s gone forever.” “I’m willing to try.” He took her hands in his and brought them to his lips. “I’m sure you mean that, Nick, but I don’t see it happening.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently on his lips. “Find someone worthy of your love, Nick.” She turned and started down the street. For a long moment, Nick stood and watched her fade into the distance. He hadn’t realized that he was crying. He angrily wiped at his tears. He wondered how things might have been if Madi had been caught up in the drug bust with him. He and others at the party had gone through rehab and were doing okay. On that particular night, Madi had had a late appointment with a client and told him she would be late getting to the party. He found out later that she arrived just as the police were hauling him off to jail. Jim told him she had a tough time with it. She went on a week long drug binge and that was apparently when she met Danny Drake. Nick hadn’t seen her again until he ran into her the other day. ~~~//~~~ Nick didn’t know how he managed, but he was able to get back to work. It had been almost a week since Madi walked out of his life for the second time. He and Lulu had visited a client at the Allegheny Children’s Shelter and were headed back to Legal Services when Nick got a call on his cell phone. “Yeah,” he answered. “Nick, it’s John. I’ve got some bad news.” It was John Feeney. “What is it?” he asked, impatiently. “That girl you had me run a check on?” “Yeah, yeah.” “Well, the Narc Squad raided that house and found her unconscious from a drug overdose. She’s at Pittsburgh General. I have a buddy on the Squad and he knew I was interested in that house and the girl. He’s the one who gave me the information.” “Hey, listen, John, thanks for the call.” Nick put his phone back in his inside coat pocket. They were near the hospital now. “Lulu, do you mind if we stop at Pittsburgh General. It’s an old friend of mine.” “No. Of course not, Nick.” At the hospital Nick learned Madi was in a room. She had been brought in two nights before and they had finally been able to stabilize her. Lulu followed him to her room on the 6th floor. Nick knocked lightly on the door and entered. He noticed a woman sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. That would be Madi’s mother. He hadn’t seen her in over a year. He approached. “Mrs. Mills. How are you?” She stood and they embraced. “Nick, it’s so good to see you.” With her hands on his arms she looked at him. “You’re looking so well, Nick. I didn’t know you were still in Madi’s life.” “I ran into her a few weeks ago, quite by accident.” He looked towards the bed. Madi lay completely still, apparently asleep. “Nick. If you’re going to be here a little while, maybe you don’t mind if I take a break.” Nick figured she had probably been maintaining an around the clock vigil at her daughter’s bedside since they brought Madi in. “No. I’ll be here.” Mrs. Mills nodded at Lulu as she left the room. Lulu stood inconspicuously out of the way. This girl was obviously someone Nick had known and really cared about, from his past. Nick pulled a chair up next to the bed. He reached out and gently took Madi’s hand. He brought it to his lips and tenderly kissed it. Still holding her hand in his, he rested his forehead on his hands. Lulu thought she heard Nick crying, softly. Nick sensed a movement from Madi. He looked at her face and noticed her eyelids fluttering open. He smiled and wiped his tears with one hand. He kissed her hand again. “Madi,” he said tenderly. A flicker of a smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. “You won’t give up,” she said, feebly. “No. And you shouldn’t either.” He noticed she was crying. He reached up and with his thumb he wiped away the tears. “You’re gonna be all right. I’m gonna take care of you.” She squeezed his hand lightly. “It’s over for me, Nick. I just want peace. If you love me, you’ll let me go.” “I can’t let you go,” he sobbed, unashamed. “Kiss me, Nick.” Tenderly, he kissed her on the lips. He looked into her beautiful blue eyes and saw the life flicker out of them. Her hand went limp. He put his head to her breast and cried, as he held her. The alarm had gone off in the nurses’ station and the medical staff was scurrying down the hall. Nick was pushed back out of the way as the medical team worked to revive her. Lulu stepped out into the hallway. After a futile attempt, Madison Lyn Mills was pronounced dead at 11:43 am. Once the medical staff had cleared the room, Lulu slowly opened the door and looked in. She saw Nick sitting in the chair in the corner of the room, his head in his hands. She walked in quietly and knelt down before him. She put her hand on his shoulder. He didn’t look up. Mrs. Mills found them so when she returned a few minutes later. The doctor had told her what had happened. She walked to her daughter’s bedside and gently took her hand. She brushed a stray strand of hair off her only child’s face. Tenderly she folded her daughter’s hands across her breast and kissed her lovingly on the forehead. Turning to Nick, she asked, “Nick. Are you going to be all right?” Lulu stepped out of the way. He looked up and nodded, unable to find his voice. Wiping his face, he stood up. Finally he asked, “Is there anything I can do?” “No, Nick. I will notify you when the arrangements have been made.” “Okay. Will you excuse me a minute.” He went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. After a few deep breaths, he emerged from the bathroom, composed. “Oh, Lulu. I’m sorry. I completely forgot to introduce you to Mrs. Mills. This is Louisa Archer. We work together.” “Nice to meet you, Ms. Archer.” Lulu acknowledged with a smile. On the drive to Legal Services, Nick was silent. He was clearly shaken. Lulu had never seen this side of him, never seen anything affect him like this before. She wanted to take him in her arms and hold him ‘til the hurting stopped. But, that would be totally inappropriate. Nick pulled up in front of Legal Services and stopped. “Lulu. Do you mind telling Alvin that I won’t be in this afternoon?” “No, of course not, Nick. Is there anything I can do?” “No, but thanks.” Lulu got out of the car and watched him drive off. Nick drove down by the river; a favorite spot, with lots of good memories of Madi. What had Madi said? It was like lightning in a bottle. Their time together was so short and then, gone in a flash. THE END