Providence-Part One
 
AUTHOR: Shirley

E-mail: sgoates2607@charter.net

RATING: NC-17 (Sexual situations)
 
CONTEXT: This NicFic immediately follows the events of The Guardian Episode -- 
"Believe".  Credit must be given to writers David Hollander and Jennifer Johnson 
for their storyline and to all the other fine writers of subsequent The Guardian 
episodes, whose work has been excerpted and included in these pages.  I simply 
expand on the premise.
 
DISCLAIMER: Some of the characters portrayed herein have been taken directly 
from The Guardian - a CBS TV Series. Others are strictly figments of my 
imagination. The resemblance to any person(s) living or dead is purely 
coincidental. Any similarity of events, dates, or characters or the portrayal of 
events, dates or characters depicted in any FanFic previously posted by other 
authors is totally unintentional. This is a work of FICTION.  
 
~~~~~
Nick quietly slipped in through the kitchen door, relieved to find the house 
totally dark and quiet.  He hoped to sneak upstairs without waking Lulu and 
allow a night's sleep to wash away his feelings of guilt at returning Suzanne's 
kiss, only a few hours before.  He tiptoed up the stairs then realized he 
wouldn't get a reprieve when he saw light spilling from the bedroom into the 
hallway.  He stopped at the top of the stairs and took a deep breath then walked 
with measured resolve into the room.  
 
Lulu sat propped up in bed, reading.  
 
"Hi." 
 
"Hi," he replied.  Averting his eyes, he walked to the closet and opened the 
door.  With deliberate care he removed his jacket and placed it on a hanger then 
hung it on the rod with his other designer suits.  
 
"How was the party?" 
 
"Fine." 
 
"Uh... I've been thinking," she said, as she closed the book she had been reading 
and laid it aside.
 
He turned to face her. 
 
"I don't wanna have an abortion."
 
Somewhat relieved but without the accompanying joy usually associated with news 
like this, he smiled and said, "Well, that's great."  Why did Lulu's 
pronouncement ring hollow to him at this moment?  Wasn't this what he had 
wanted?  Or had things changed between them?
 
"That's what I've been thinking," she said, smiling. 
 
"Okay," he managed to say, with a weak smile.
 
She sighed and smiled, pleased with her decision.  "Okay."  
 
He stood, motionless, in the doorway to the closet.  She had refused to marry 
him and had toyed with the idea of aborting their baby but now, all of a sudden, 
she'd had a change of heart.
 
"So... you wanna get in?"  She turned back the covers.  He hesitated.  "Nick... come 
on, get in."  She patted the bed beside her, smiling.  
 
He sat down facing her.  She rubbed his arm then began to kiss him tenderly.  
Slowly, she lowered him to the bed, kissing him passionately.  He kissed her 
back.  He couldn't help himself.  He was becoming aroused.  Lulu could always do 
that to him.  He tried to put his little indiscretion out of his mind... but it 
kept creeping back into his subconscious.  
 
Lulu was especially thoughtful and caring in their lovemaking that night.  He 
vowed to banish all thoughts of Suzanne from his mind.  Pretend it never 
happened.  
 
~/~/~
 
"Wake up sleepy head."  Nick leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.  
 
"Mmm," she muttered, wiping the sleep from her eyes.  She glanced at the clock. 
"Where are you going so early?"  She gathered the sheet around her nakedness 
while she fluffed her pillow, fondly remembering their lovemaking last night.  
Leaning back in the billowy softness of the down, she watched her man finish 
dressing for work.  She would never tell him so, but she loved to watch him 
dress. 
 
"Busy day."  He looped his tie over and under and snugged the knot at his 
throat.  "Don't you have a meeting with the board this morning?"  
 
"Dammit.  I completely forgot," she said, casting the covers aside.  Grabbing 
her robe, she quickly tied it around her tiny frame.  "I gotta take a shower.  
See you later."  She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and dashed off to the 
bathroom.  Nick smiled as he watched her sudden scramble to action.  
 
Selecting the fine black leather banded Omega watch from his carved teakwood 
jewelry box, a gift from his dad, he belted it around his wrist then pulled on 
his jacket  and made his way down the stairs.  
 
In the kitchen, he gulped down a tall glass of orange juice, and then out the 
door he went.  
 
~/~/~ 
 
"Great.  Great.  Well, I should have the papers drawn up by noon.  I'll give you 
a call."  Nick stood and extended his hand to Steve Banyon, his newest client; 
owner of Banyon-Sorrell Publishing, Inc.  
 
He was handling Banyon's merger with two small publishing companies in the 
Pittsburgh area.  Steve had made a name for himself at a young age; his company 
reputed to be one of the fastest growing publishing houses in the country.  With 
the merger, he planned to launch a high-style magazine about the high-life in 
Pittsburgh entitled Prestige.  
 
"Okay."  Steve turned to leave then added, "Oh, Nick.  How's that South Side 
property looking?"  
 
"I should finish the title search and background report on that this week and 
I'll give you a call."  Nick grinned.  "You know, Steve... you might have to pony 
up a little more for that piece of land.  Looks like there's a lot of interest 
right now."  With this new property Banyon planned to construct another building 
and consolidate all his holdings under one roof.  
 
He laughed.  "Well... you know that's why I hired you.  To keep the price down."  
He patted Nick affectionately on the shoulder and exited the conference room.  
Over his shoulder, he said, "Call me."  
 
"Right."  
 
~/~/~
 
As soon as Steve had left his office, Nick called his secretary.  "Michelle.  
How are you coming with the paperwork on the Banyon merger?"  
 
"Should be finished in a couple of hours," she said, knowing that probably 
wasn't good enough for Nick.  His deadlines were always narrow.  When she first 
began working for him, she found it very exasperating.  But, once she learned 
his routine, she became more comfortable around him and the challenge of 
pleasing him was something she looked forward to every day.   She admired the 
way he was so meticulous about detail and very concise in his instructions.   
That rarely left room for doubt about what he wanted and she made every effort 
to see that he got what he wanted.  He wasn't overly free with compliments but 
she felt, after months working together, that he now had complete confidence in 
her.  
 
"I need it before noon today.  I'm due in court right now but I'll come back by. 
 Just call me on my cell."  
 
"Consider it done, Mr. Fallin."  
 
Nick hung up the phone and stuffed some papers in his briefcase then reached for 
his overcoat, pulling it on as he went out the door.  
 
Striding through the lobby doors, he ran into his father, who was just arriving. 
 
 
"Oh... Nicholas.  You have a minute?"
 
"No.  No, Dad, I don't.  Can it wait?  I'm late for court."  Nick didn't wait 
for an answer. He was out the door as Burton stared after him. 
 
~/~/~
 
Nick found Suzanne nervously checking her watch outside Judge Damsen's 
courtroom.  
 
"Oh, Nick.  You're late," she sighed, relieved.  "Judge Damsen was just about to 
call another case."  
 
"Sorry."  They hurried inside the courtroom. 
 
Thirty minutes later they walked out of the courtroom together.  
 
"I guess we pretty much knew how she was gonna rule," Suzanne said.  She eased 
out of the crowded center of the corridor and leaned dejectedly against the 
wall.  
 
Nick followed.  "Right.  You know... you did everything you could for the kid."   
 
She raised her eyes and looked at him.  For a long moment there was nothing but 
weighted silence between them.
 
"Nick... about last night...  I..."
 
Nick looked nervously away, then down at the floor.  Finally, matter-of-factly, 
he looked at her and said, "It didn't happen."  His gaze held hers.  "Okay?  It 
didn't happen."  He raised his eyebrows for emphasis.  
 
She finally whispered, "Right.  It didn't happen."  
 
He turned and walked away.  For a minute she watched him go then she, too, 
walked away in the other direction.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick's cell phone rang.  He quickly answered.  "Yeah?  All right.  I'm on my 
way."  
 
He dialed a number.  "Steve Banyon, please.  Nick Fallin calling."   He walked 
down the steps of the courthouse, the phone to his ear.  "Steve.  Yeah.  Yeah.  
The merger papers are ready."  He listened and glanced at his watch.  "Yes.  I 
can meet you at The Incline, say... twenty minutes?  Right."  
 
He looked up and down Grant Street then bolted across the four-lane, leaping up 
and over the concrete median, barely avoiding being struck by a car.  
 
He found the Banyon merger papers neatly stacked on his desk.  After glancing 
through the documents, he stuffed them in his briefcase and started out the 
door, nearly colliding with his father. 
 
"Dad."  
 
"Nicholas."
 
Nick started to walk around him.  Burton took his arm.  
 
"Wait a minute, son.  I set up a luncheon meeting with Collier at the Summit 
Club... today.  You need to be there."
 
Nick checked his watch.  "What time?"  
 
"Noon."  Burton turned and walked off.
 
Nick checked his watch again.  He had ten minutes to get to The Incline for the 
meeting with Banyon.  If that went well, as he expected, he should be able to 
make the noon meeting.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick entered The Incline and stood for a moment to allow his eyes to acclimate 
to the subdued lighting.  He glimpsed Steven Banyon sitting at a booth near the 
back of the bar.  Steve waved.  Nick nodded his acknowledgement and, waving off 
the waitress, headed for the table.  
 
He extended his hand to Steve and after the usual pleasantries, they got down to 
business.  Nick explained the merger proposal and agreed on a few minor changes. 
 The next step was to set up a meeting with the other two parties-Clint Ascot of 
Ascot Media and Gerald Long with T. J. Booksmith-as soon as it could be arranged 
in order to finalize the deal.  
 
"Steve, perhaps another time we could have lunch.  Right now I'm afraid I have a 
previous engagement."  He indicated his watch.
 
"No problem, Nick.  Say 'hi' to your father for me."  They walked outside The 
Incline together.
 
Directly out front, Steve's car and driver had magically appeared.  
 
"Nick.  Can I give you a lift?"  
 
Nick glanced at his watch.  He had exactly five minutes to get to the USX 
Building for the luncheon meeting.  "You don't mind?"  
 
"Hop in."  Steve slid across the seat.  Nick got in beside him.  "Where to?"  
 
"The USX Building."    
 
~/~/~
 
"Oh.  There he is now."  Burton raised his hand to signal.  Nick made his way 
through the crowded dining room to the table situated by the window.  The Summit 
Club, on the top floor of the USX Building, had the best view of any in the 
downtown area.  
 
"Mr. Collier.  Dad," Nick greeted their client, extending his hand.  
 
"Nick.  Good to see you."  
 
Nick was seated and the waiter appeared immediately to take his drink order.  
 
"Coffee's fine," he said to the waiter, taking the proffered menu.  The waiter 
bowed slightly in acknowledgement and quickly disappeared.  "Sorry I was a 
little late." 
 
"No.  No.  That's fine, Nicholas.  Your father and I were just talking about old 
times.  You're looking good.  It's been awhile." 
 
"Yeah," Nick answered.  He hadn't seen his dad's old friend, Tony Collier, since 
just after he moved back to Pittsburgh, nearly eight years ago.
 
"So what's been happening with you, Nick?  Married yet?  Kids?"  
 
Nick was caught off guard by the question.  He glanced at his father.  "Uh... no," 
he replied, with a little laugh and a shake of his head.  He picked up the menu. 
 "So what's good?"
 
~/~/~
 
Nick and Burton walked into Fallin & Fallin together and went immediately to 
Burton's office.  
 
"This could be a really big case for the Firm, Nicholas.  I suggest you make 
time to get it done. You have responsibilities, now, with Lulu... and the baby."
 
That's what he had been thinking about.  He needed to spend more time with Lulu. 
 But, Burton had a point.  He needed to work while the work was there to build 
something for his child... his family.  Or could you even call it a 'family' when 
Lulu refused to make it permanent.  It still bothered him to think that she was 
so adamantly against marrying him.  But surely, in time, she would change her 
mind. 
 
"I'll set up the exploratory committee and get things rolling.  Thanks, Dad."  
 
~/~/~
 
It was mid-afternoon when Nick stepped off the elevator at LSP into a scene of 
chaos.  Lulu was attempting to organize the situation.   Not wanting to get 
dragged into the turmoil, Nick avoided her and made his way through the throng 
and into his office where he was able to shut out the mob scene.  He slumped in 
his chair, sighing.  He was immediately surprised by a knock on the door.
 
He sat up and reached for his briefcase.  "Come in."  
 
Suzanne entered and quickly shut the door.  "Whew.  What a mess."  
 
"What is it anyway?"  
 
"Oh... apparently there was a fire in a public housing complex-on Carson Street, I 
think.  Now so many families have been displaced."  She leaned against the door. 
 Nick was not listening.  He seemed otherwise pre-occupied.  "You okay?"  
 
He snapped back to the present.  "Oh... yeah.  Right.  I'm fine.  Did you need 
something?"
 
"Uh...yeah."  She took a seat.  "It's Eddie.  He ran away from the shelter."  
 
Eddie Preston, a ten-year-old boy, had not been happy when Judge Damsen had 
ruled that he should be removed from the custody of his father and placed in a 
temporary shelter pending placement with a foster family.  His father had been 
picked-up on a drug charge then released to await trial.  Everyone expected he 
would get at least ten years this time around.
 
"Huh... Well, he's probably with his dad."
 
"I was going to drive over there.  Did you wanna go?"
 
They could hear the din from the bullpen.  He stood and with his briefcase in 
hand, he reached for the door.
"You coming?"  
 
Suzanne smiled and went out the door.  Nick followed.  They stepped onto the 
elevator.  
 
"Nick?  Nick?"  Nick heard his name called.  He looked up in time to see Lulu 
waving at him just as the doors to the elevator closed.  
 
Nick glanced at Suzanne and shrugged as they silently rode down to street level. 
 
 
"We'll take my car."  
 
The days were getting shorter and, with the cloud cover, darkness was already 
enshrouding the city.  He shivered as he got in his car.  He had not anticipated 
the cold front coming in so quickly when he left home without his overcoat.  
 
"Supposed to snow tonight."  Suzanne pulled her thin coat around her, her breath 
vaporizing into a thin cloud.  
 
Nick started the car and turned up the heat.  They rode in silence to Abe 
Preston's shabby apartment in Northside.  
 
You could tell that the neighborhood had once been a nice place to live.  The 
houses were large and ornate but time had not been kind to them.  Many had been 
converted into low-rent apartments and years of neglect had taken its toll.  Abe 
Preston lived alone on the first floor of just such a house.  
 
Nick knocked on the door to Apartment 2; the first apartment on the right as you 
entered the main hallway.  The hall, dimly lit by one bare low-wattage light 
bulb, was dank and smelly.  It was easy to see why.  The tenants just set their 
garbage out in the hallway instead of disposing of it properly.  
 
Nick knocked a second time.  "Mr. Preston.  It's Nick Fallin.  Open up."  He 
could hear movement beyond the door.  "Mr. Preston, I know you're in there.  We 
need to talk."  He knocked again.  
 
"Go away."  
 
"We need to talk."
 
"We have nothin' to talk about.  Beat it!"  
 
"Don't make me call the cops, Mr. Preston."  
 
The door opened the width of the safety chain.  "I said get the hell outta 
here."
 
"We've come to take Eddie back to the shelter."
 
"He don't wanna go back to that place, so just... leave."
 
Nick was careful to moderate his tone lest he agitate him any further.  "Mr. 
Preston... you know it doesn't work that way.  Now... come on... before things get 
outta hand..." 
 
Suddenly Nick was staring into the barrel of a gun.  "Did you not hear me, 
mister?  I... said... get the hell outta here!  Now... go!"
 
Nick backed away, shielding Suzanne as he did.  "You don't wanna do this, Abe."  

 
The door closed.  All was quiet.  Nick sighed, somewhat relieved.  They walked 
back to the car.  The wind had picked up and snowflakes were visible, dancing in 
the light of the street lamp.  
 
"What now?"  Suzanne wrapped her arms around herself trying to keep warm against 
the blast of cold air.  
 
"We call the police."  Nick removed his cell phone and placed the call.  
 
They waited in the car for perhaps ten minutes before two patrol cars arrived. 
 
"You stay here.  I'll talk to them."
 
"Okay," she said, thankful that she could stay inside the warmth of the car.  
She watched as Nick spoke to the two officers.  They accompanied him inside the 
building.  
 
Officer Ballard banged on the door with his nightstick.  "Abe Preston?  This is 
the police.  Open up."  
 
A shot rang out, piercing the door, barely missing Officer Ballard.  They all 
flattened themselves against the wall as Ballard barked into his radio.  "This 
is Two Baker Five.  We have a hostage situation.  Send backup to 765 Sandusky 
Court, Northside.  Shots fired."  
 
They retreated to the safety of their cars.  Suzanne was standing beside the 
BMW.  She rushed up to Nick.  "Are you all right?  What happened?"  
 
"Yeah, yeah.  I'm fine.  He's crazy."  He shook his head, clearly rattled by the 
experience.  
 
She put her arms around him, hugging him to her.  After a second, he put his 
arms around her and they stood comforting each other in the chill of the night.  

 
They could hear sirens approaching.  "Hey."  Nick pushed her back, gently, 
looking into her eyes.  "You should get back in the car where it's warm.  Okay?" 
 
 
"Okay."  
 
He turned his jacket collar up to shield his neck from the wind and walked over 
to the officers, his hands tucked in his pockets to keep warm.  
 
"So, this guy's a druggie, huh?  No telling what he'll do."  Officer Maddox 
reached into the car and took out a Thermos of coffee and an extra cup and 
poured.  He handed Nick the cup and said, "You look like you could use it."  
 
"Thanks."  Nick gladly accepted the coffee and took a sip, both hands wrapped 
around the warm cup.  
 
Moments later the back-up patrol cars pulled up-lights flashing.  Nick briefed 
them on the situation.  
 
Time elapsed without much progress.  Using a bullhorn, the other tenants had 
been warned to stay in their apartments.  A hostage negotiator had arrived but 
he, too, had been unsuccessful in getting Abe Preston to put down his gun and 
come out.  After nearly three hours of negotiations-nothing.  
 
Suddenly a shot rang out-deafening in the silence of the frigid night. Everyone 
looked at each other and quickly ducked for cover.  They watched, cautiously, as 
the front door opened slowly.  Eddie stood silhouetted against the dim backlight 
of the hallway. 
 
Nick shouted to the cops.  "Don't shoot.  It's the boy."  He stepped out from 
behind the car and called out, "Eddie?"  
 
The boy was crying.  Nick cautiously approached.  
 
"Are you okay?"  Eddie didn't move.  He just stood there crying. 
 
Nick looked around at the officers then walked quickly to where Eddie stood 
crying and shivering in the doorway.  He gathered the boy in his arms and 
hurried back to the safety of the car.  The officers quickly rushed into the 
apartment to find Abe Preston dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the 
head.  
 
Suzanne opened the rear door of the BMW for him and he placed Eddie carefully on 
the backseat then stepped back.  
 
"Are you okay, honey?"  She stooped to his level and brushed the tears from his 
cheeks.  He could only nod through his sniffles.  "You're safe now.  Okay?"  He 
nodded.  "It's late.  Why don't you lie down and try to get some sleep."  He 
curled up on the backseat and Susanne could hear him crying softly as she closed 
the door.
 
"What happened?" Suzanne asked.  
 
"I don't know but it was a helluva thing for the kid to witness.  Some people 
just shouldn't be parents."  They looked at each other.  "Anyway... you get in the 
car.  I'll finish up with the police and we can take Eddie back to the shelter." 
 
 
~/~/~
 
Eddie was sound asleep when they dropped him off at the shelter.  Nick noticed 
the time as he started the car.  It was already after eleven o'clock and he 
still had to take Suzanne back to LSP to pick up her car.  
 
They drove in silence.  He glanced at her and found her looking at him.  For a 
second they just looked at each other.    
 
"You did everything you could, Nick," she said, softly.  
 
He turned his attention back to the road.  "Right."  
 
It had stopped snowing but was promising to be a bitter cold night.  He pulled 
up next to Suzanne's car in the parking lot at LSP.  
 
"Nick..."  She reached out and touched his arm.  "Uhm... would you like to come 
home... with me tonight?"  
 
Nick looked down at her hand on his arm.  Finally, he turned to face her.  "I... I 
should be getting home."  
 
"Right.  Okay.  Well... thanks.  Thanks for your help tonight.  Goodnight."  She 
quickly got out of the car.  Nick waited until she had started her car and 
pulled away.  When she was out of sight, he slowly put the BMW in gear and 
headed home.
 
It was after midnight when he parked the car.  The house was totally dark.  
Quietly, he let himself in the back door and crept up the stairs.  He walked 
over to the bed and looked down at Lulu.  She was sleeping soundly.  He took 
care to undress quietly so as not to wake her. 
 
It was a long time before he actually dropped off to sleep, his mind crowded 
with the images of the night's events.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick set his briefcase on the table while he poured himself a glass of orange 
juice.  Realizing that he hadn't eaten anything the night before, he split a 
bagel and dropped it into the toaster while he prepared the coffee.  
 
He took his glass of orange juice to the table and pulled out Eddie Preston's 
file from his briefcase.  He took a long sip of juice then updated the file with 
the events of last evening.  
 
He was pouring coffee into a travel mug when Lulu entered the room.  She didn't 
speak.  
 
"Hi," he said.  She still didn't speak.  He sensed her coldness.  "Lulu... about 
last night... I... "
 
"You don't need to explain.  I gotta go," she said, tugging on her overcoat.  
"No coffee for me.  I'll get some at work."  
 
"Okay," he said to her back as she dashed out the door.
 
He turned off the coffeemaker and grabbed one half of his bagel from the 
toaster.  He stuck it in his mouth while he pulled on his overcoat.  Then 
grabbing his briefcase and coffee mug, he was out the door.  Lulu was already 
out of sight.
 
~/~/~
 
The next several days were hectic at Fallin & Fallin as well as LSP.  Nick 
burned the candle at both ends.  He and Lulu were like strangers, passing like 
two ships in the night.  They hadn't made love in days.  She was busy with the 
annual budget and Nick had several deals coming to a head all at once.  More 
often than not, she was already asleep when he arrived home exhausted from the 
long days.  They had had little time or opportunity to talk... and so things 
remained icy between them.  
 
Burton passed Nick in the hallway.  "Nicholas.  You got a second?"
 
"Sure."  He turned and followed his dad into his office.  
 
"Sit down."  Burton walked over to the window and smoothed the few hairs on the 
top of his head.  He turned to face Nick with a smile on his face, leaning back 
against the window sill, hands in his pockets.
 
"What is it, Dad?"
 
"You know Steve Banyon is launching that new magazine of his-Prestige."  
 
"Yeah.  What about it?"  
 
"He's wanting to do an article about... 'The New Breed.'
 
"Yeah?  Okay."  Nick shook his head totally confused at this conversation.
 
"It's an article he wants to do about prominent law firms in town-especially 
those where sons are following in their fathers' footsteps."  Burton smiled, 
proudly.  
 
"Okay.  Well...?"  Nick wasn't sure what Burton wanted him to say.
 
"He wants to put you on the cover."  
 
Nick let this sink in then said, "What?  No.  No way, Dad."  
 
"Now wait a minute, son.  Just think of the publicity for the Firm."
 
"You are kidding... right?"  Burton just smiled.  "Dad?"  
 
"No.  I told him you'd do it."  
 
Nick just glared at his father.  
 
~/~/~
 
"Nick.  Come in.  Come in."  
 
Nick walked into Steven Banyon's office.  "Steve."  They shook hands.  
 
Smiling, Steve said, "Burton said you weren't too happy about doing this."  
 
Nick smiled, shyly, and bobbed his head, noncommittally.  
 
"It'll be fine.  When the issue hits the stands, all the ladies in Pittsburgh 
will be beating down your door."  
 
Nick scowled.  That's not exactly what he needed right now.  He was sharing his 
house with a woman carrying his child-who wouldn't even talk to him anymore-and 
working with another woman who obviously wanted more than just talk.  
 
"Okay.  What do I do?"  
 
"Well, Joey... our photographer, has arranged with the Allegheny County Courthouse 
to use one of their courtrooms for pictures later today.  Six o'clock.  Is that 
a good time for you?"  
 
"Six?  Yeah... six is fine."  
 
"Then we wanna get some shots of you and your dad at the Firm.  That shouldn't 
be as hard to arrange."  
 
There was a knock on the door.  
 
"Come in," Steve directed.  
 
Joey entered the room.  
 
"Ah... Joey.  Meet your cover boy-Nick Fallin."  
 
Nick stood and extended his hand, less than amused about the whole thing.  
 
"Ever done any modeling before, Nick?"
 
Nick shook his head.  "No."  
 
"I think you'll be pleased.  And it's not half as painful as it appears."  Joey 
laughed at Nick's obvious apprehension.  "Judge Damsen has offered her courtroom 
at six o'clock today for our photo shoot.  Wear what you have on.  It's fine."
 
Nick was dressed in his black Gucci two-button with a pale pinstripe, crisp 
white shirt and a shimmering silver tie.  
 
"Tomorrow we should be able to get the Firm shots of you and a couple of you 
with your dad."  
 
"Fine."  He didn't know why, but he was nervous about this.  "Are we done for 
now?  I gotta get to court."  
 
"Yeah.  We're done, Nick.  Oh, and Rachel Nichols will be doing the interview 
for the article.  She'll be in touch."  Steve patted him on the shoulder and 
walked him to the door.  "Hi to your dad for me."
 
"Sure."  
 
"Great choice for your first cover," Joey said, as they watched Nick stride down 
the hallway.   
 
"Yeah, I thought so, too."  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick met Rachel Nichols at The Incline for their interview-over lunch.  He was 
pleasantly surprised to find her an attractive woman in her forties, looking at 
least ten years younger, with an air of confidence about her.  He had seen her 
name attached to articles that he'd read in other magazines.  She was very good 
at what she did, as evidenced by the questions she posed and the answers she 
extracted from her subjects.  
 
"Nick, it is so good to meet you."  She extended her hand.
 
"My pleasure."  He quickly stood and shook hands then pulled her chair out for 
her. 
 
"With the little background I've done, I know you must be busy.  Thank you for 
agreeing to the interview.  Steve wants to get the issue to press within thirty 
days.  That doesn't give us much time."  Nick smiled at her across the table.  
"But then I'm sure I don't have to tell you about deadlines."  
 
"No.  No," he chuckled, shaking his head.  
 
The waiter arrived at the table and while Rachel was ordering, Nick noticed Lulu 
and Kate walk in the door.  They sat several tables away, Lulu facing Nick's 
direction.  She didn't see him at first.  When she glanced his way, he nodded 
and smiled.  She saw him but did not acknowledge-just simply looked away.
 
"Okay, that's done," Rachel said, setting the menu aside and pulling a small 
recorder from her handbag.  "D'you mind if I record our session?  It just makes 
it easier if I don't have to take cumbersome notes during the interview."
 
As a lawyer, he really didn't much like the idea and hesitated.  
 
"What if I promise to let you have final say over what goes into the article?"
 
"Fine."  He nodded, still wary of the whole process.    
 
She cleverly paced the interview so that it was not so much like an 
interview-with questions and answers-but more like a very pleasant conversation. 
 And she lightened the mood from time to time with an occasional funny anecdote. 
 He found the whole hour quite delightful.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick walked in the kitchen door.  He could hear the stereo.  He loosened his tie 
and unbuttoned his top button.  Lulu was sitting on the couch, her feet curled 
up under her, reading a magazine.  A half-empty glass of red wine sat on the 
coffee table.  
 
She turned as he entered the room.  "So... you're home before nine o'clock.  To 
what do I owe this honor?"  She returned her attention to the magazine.  
 
Nick halted, still stunned at her coldness, though she'd been little else for 
days now.  "Uh... I do have two jobs, Lulu."
 
"Right," she said, snidely.
 
Nick noticed the wine.  "Should you be drinking that?"  
 
"One glass isn't gonna hurt anything.  Besides... what do you care?"
 
He wasn't up to a fight tonight.  Pulling his tie off, he made his way across 
the foyer to his office, draping his tie and jacket on the staircase newel post 
as he passed.  He removed the new merger proposal from his briefcase and rolled 
up his sleeves.  He had a few finishing touches to make on the proposal for a 
new client and then he was going to turn in early.  His lack of sleep lately was 
beginning to affect his concentration.  
 
He ran his hands through his hair and stretched then glanced at his watch.  It 
was past midnight.  He had not intended to work this late.  He rubbed his eyes 
and gathered up his papers, stuffing them in his briefcase.  He turned out the 
lamp and walked into the foyer, illuminated solely by the light of the moon 
filtering in through the windows.  He picked up his coat and tie and crept 
silently up the stairs.  Lulu had left the bathroom light on with the door 
slightly ajar so he could find his way around without disturbing her.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick and Suzanne stepped off the elevator, laughing at a joke she had just told. 
 She playfully cuffed his arm, doubling over with laughter.  
 
"That is funny."  Nick said, his eyes sparkling with laughter.  He looked up and 
immediately caught the angry glare of Lulu.
 
"Nick.  Can you come here for a minute?"  Lulu turned and stalked into her 
office.
 
Suzanne looked at him.  "Uh-oh.  The Boss."  She grinned but stifled a laugh.
 
Nick rolled his eyes and headed to Lulu's office.
 
Lulu stood behind her desk, her back to the door.  She heard him enter the 
office.
 
"Shut the door, Nick."  She then turned, her eyes filled with wrath.  "Do you 
think you could stop playing patty-cake with Miss Pell long enough to take this 
case?"  She shoved the file across the desk.  
 
"What?"  He wasn't sure but it sounded like she was accusing him of something.  
 
Her voice quivered with a combination of rage and pain.  "Oh, don't be coy with 
me, Nick.  I may be pregnant but I'm not blind."  She turned away and struggled 
to get control of her emotions.  
 
"If you're implying that I..."
 
"Nick... please.  Just go, please," she said, with her back still turned to him.  
 
He paused for a moment then grabbed the file and quietly made his exit, closing 
the door behind him.  Lulu rummaged in her desk for a Kleenex and dabbed at her 
eyes.  
 
Suzanne was waiting for him in his office.  
 
"Everything okay?"  
 
"Yeah.  Yeah," he said, shaking off the affects of Lulu's tirade.  "Uh...  Okay."  
He opened his file drawer and looked for a second before pulling out a file.  "I 
think this is the case."  He opened it on his desk and flipped through several 
pages.  "Yeah, here it is.  Anita and Peter Costa."  He looked across the desk 
at Suzanne. 
 
"You really think they might be interested in adopting the Evers twins?"  
 
Nick began to write on a Post-it Note.  "Six months ago they were."  He handed 
the note to Suzanne.  "Here's their address."  He leaned back in his chair, 
still holding his pen.  
 
They just looked at each other for a long moment, before she tucked the note in 
her pocket and stood to leave.  
 
"Okay.  I'll let you know.  Thanks, Nick."  
 
He gave her a quick smile as she exited.  "Sure."  
 
For a long moment, he just stared at the door.  He finally opened the new file 
and quickly reviewed it.  After making a couple of quick phone calls, he shoved 
the file in his briefcase and headed for the elevator.  He glanced towards 
Lulu's office and noticed the door was still closed.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick exited his office at Fallin & Fallin and started down the hallway.  It was 
6:50 and tonight he was planning to get home at a reasonable hour.  Maybe he and 
Lulu could talk about... things.   
 
Most of the office staff had gone home but several lawyers remained.  He heard 
his father's voice as he started through the lobby.  
 
"I want you to meet Nicholas," Burton said, as he tugged on his overcoat.  "He's 
probably still here.  Oh... there he is right now.  Nicholas?"  
 
Nick stopped and turned.  "Dad."  
 
Burton and his companion walked toward him.  "Nicholas.  I'd like you to meet 
Anderson Reynolds."  
 
Nick thought he'd recognized the man when he'd seen him earlier in the office.  
He was a very prominent developer in the area.  He extended his hand.  "Nice to 
meet you, Mr. Reynolds."
 
"We're going to the Club for some dinner and want you to join us."
 
"Uh... Dad... I... uh..."
 
Burton interrupted.  "Anderson is seriously considering leaving Pratt-Simonson.  
I told him you had some good ideas about diversification and tax shelters that 
he might find useful."  He chuckled.  "He thought what you did for Grafton, Inc. 
was something he might be interested in."  
 
Stealing Reynolds away from Pratt-Simonson would be a real coup.  "I'll drive," 
he said, as he led them through the lobby.
 
~/~/~
 
It was after 11:30 when he got home; several hours after he had originally 
intended.  Again, he found the house dark and quiet.  
 
He quietly undressed for bed and slipped in beside Lulu.  She was curled up 
facing away from him and sleeping soundly.  He put his arm around her and 
snuggled spoon fashion, kissing her on the neck.
 
She stirred and shrugged him off.  "Mmm.  Not tonight, Nick."  
 
He kissed her tenderly on the shoulder.  "I'm sorry about tonight.  Dad had this 
client..."
 
"Nick," she said, rolling over on her back.  "I don't care about your dad's 
clients.  You haven't been home before ten for weeks."
 
"I know.  It's just a busy time."  He moved to kiss her on the mouth.  
 
She turned her head.  "Well, I'm tired."  She rolled away from him and pulled 
the covers up around her.  
 
He lay back on his pillow staring at the ceiling then finally rolled on his side 
and after several minutes, dozed off from sheer exhaustion.  
 
~/~/~
 
Lulu walked into the kitchen where she poured a small glass of orange juice and 
drained it in one gulp.  On her way out the door she said, "Remember, I have 
that appointment with the obstetrician today-ten o'clock.  You said you wanted 
to come."  
 
Nick looked up from the file he was working on at the breakfast table.  "Right.  
I'll meet you there-ten o'clock."  
 
"Okay."  She walked out the door.  
 
They had become like strangers-barely speaking.  He shook his head and returned 
his attention to the file.
 
~/~/~
 
His phone rang-inside call.  He picked it up.  "Yeah?"
 
It was Gretchen.  "Nick.  Anderson Reynolds is here to see your father and he's 
running a little late.  He said you'd know what to do."
 
"But..."  He glanced at his watch.  It was 9:45.  He was already going to be late 
for Lulu's doctor's appointment.  
 
"He's in the conference room."  She hung up.  
 
He sucked in a deep breath then walked to Burton's office and found the file on 
his desk.  He quickly scanned the paperwork, recalling their discussion about 
the deal a couple days before.  He steeled himself against the onslaught of 
questions he was sure to get and walked into the conference room.
 
"Andy.  Nice to see you."  They shook hands.
 
It was well after eleven o'clock when Burton knocked on the conference room door 
and entered.  
 
"Sorry I'm late.  Had a little emergency at the school this morning."  He 
chuckled.  
 
"No, it's fine, Burton.  Nick filled me in."
 
"He briefed you on where we stand?"  
 
"He did.  I just have one question."  He thumbed through the paperwork and found 
the document he was seeking.  
 
Nick looked at his watch, blocking out his surroundings for a moment.  Then he 
cleared his throat and said, "Dad, if you don't mind..."  He pointed to his watch. 
 "...I'm late for an appointment."  
 
"Oh, sure, son.  Thanks for stepping in for me."  
 
"My pleasure.  Andy, great seeing you again."  They exchanged a hand shake.
 
"Same here, Nick."
 
Nick made a hasty exit from the conference room and hurried to his office where 
he threw on his overcoat and grabbed his briefcase.  
 
~/~/~
 
He drove by the doctor's office.  Lulu's car was not in the parking lot.  He 
drove to LSP.  
 
The elevator stopped on the Second Floor.  Nick stepped off and immediately 
headed for Lulu's office.  He took a deep breath then knocked.
 
"Come in."  
 
He opened the door and stepped inside, immediately pleading his case.  "Lulu, 
I'm sorry.  I got tied up with a client."  
 
"That excuse has worn pretty thin, Nick."
 
He furrowed his brow. "What?"  
 
"That's fine, Nick.  I guess this is 'my' problem anyway.  Now... if you'll excuse 
me, I'm busy."  She reached for the phone and began to dial.
 
He backed out of the room and closed the door behind him.
 
Lulu set the phone down and sighed.  It took a moment for her to realize she 
had, perhaps, been a little too short with Nick.  She walked to the door and 
pulled it open in time to see Suzanne step off the elevator and head for Nick's 
office.  
 
"Nick?" Suzanne called to him.  He stopped a few steps short of his office and 
turned to face her.  "Do you have a minute?"
 
"Sure."  He ushered her into his office, placing his hand lightly on the small 
of her back.  Once inside, he closed the door. 
 
Lulu watched with a sinking feeling.  It was rare for Nick to work with his door 
closed but lately she had noticed whenever Suzanne was in his office, his door 
was usually closed.  
 
She turned and walked back into her office.  Her phone rang as she settled into 
her chair.  
 
"Ms. Archer speaking," she answered.  "No, Seth. I don't need an extension.  I 
should be able to get the budget to you by week's end.  Right.  Right.  Alvin 
has promised to assist me 'if' I need his help.  Okay.  Yes.  Goodbye."  
 
She hung the phone up and reluctantly reached for the thick file containing the 
budget figures.  This was one part of the director's job that she hated.  Alvin 
had offered to help but she felt it would be admitting she wasn't up to the job 
if she accepted.  She had flippantly rejected his offer.  At the time, Alvin had 
seemed rather smug when he turned and left her office.  
 
"Humph," she said to herself, remembering.  
 
~/~/~
 
Two hours later, Lulu glanced at her watch.  It was 4:30.  She was bleary-eyed 
from trying to make sense of all the numbers.  She set the file aside and 
stretched.  She frankly didn't know where she was going to come up with the 
money to run the clinic for the next three months.  Her fund-raising efforts had 
fallen short and she had run out of ideas.  She didn't have the contacts that 
Alvin had and just didn't know where else to turn.  But... tomorrow was another 
day and she would deal with it then.  Maybe Nick would have some ideas.  It 
might even be nice to stop for dinner on their way home tonight.  She would 
suggest it. 
 
She resolved to apologize.  She opened her office door and looked across the 
bullpen to find Nick's office empty and dark.  She shrugged and walked to the 
phone and dialed his cell phone number.  She got his voice mail.  She opted not 
to leave a message.  She would just see him at home.  
 
"Tracy?" she called across the office.  
 
"Yes, Ms. Archer?"  
 
"You have those letters ready for me to sign?" Lulu asked, impatiently.  
 
Granted the girl was new but she really didn't seem to have the work experience 
she had indicated on her application.  Lulu admitted she probably should have 
followed-up by calling her references but had just gotten busy and desperate for 
a clerk when Jessica, her last and very capable clerk, had suddenly married and 
moved away.  God, how she was really starting to hate all these administrative 
headaches.  
 
"Give me five more minutes, Ms. Archer."  
 
Lulu rolled her eyes and walked back into her office.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick looked up at the waiter then glanced at Suzanne.  "What would you like?"  
 
"Stoli martini."  
 
"And a shot of tequila," Nick added, looking at the waiter.  
 
"Will there be anything else, sir?"  
 
Suzanne licked her lips, seductively, and smiled at Nick.  He looked down then 
back up at the waiter.  "Nothing else for now.  Thank you."  
 
The bar was beginning to fill up with the usual after-work crowd.  They had 
slipped in early enough to secure a booth near the back of the bar.  It was only 
the second time he had been in this particular establishment.   It was out of 
the way and not some place that any of his acquaintances would normally frequent 
so he felt a certain amount of anonymity.  But, he kept reminding himself, he 
was only here at Suzanne's request-to discuss a case.  It was business.  Right?  
Just business.  
 
The waiter gave Suzanne a knowing smile, which she answered with a flutter of 
her eyes, then retreated to fill their order.  Nick noticed the subtle exchange. 
 
 
He cleared his throat.  "The case?"  
 
"What?" she said, removing a pack of cigarettes from her bag.  "D'you mind?"  
She indicated the smokes.
 
He looked away.  It was a habit he didn't like, especially with women.  It just 
made them look cheap in his eyes.  
 
She read his avoidance of the question as a yes, that he did mind.  She laid her 
lighter on the pack and shoved it aside.  
 
"Oh... the reason I asked you here...?"  She began to relate the story of a young 
boy who had been injured in a fight between himself and another boy on one of 
the City buses.  The driver had failed to stop the fight and the boy had 
incurred over $2,000 in medical costs as a result of the injuries he received.  
She was aware that Fallin & Fallin represented the City bus service and wanted 
to know if the boy had a chance of recovering his medical costs.    
 
The waiter brought their drinks.  
 
"What's the story with the boy?" Nick asked. 
 
"He was a runaway.  Living on the streets until the accident.  The police could 
never find the kid's parents so he ended up in the system."  Her voice wavered.  
"He's only nine years old, Nick.  I can't imagine how parents can just abandon 
their kids like that."  She glanced away, her eyes misting with tears.  She 
nibbled on her lower lip.  
 
Embarrassed by her show of emotion, Nick looked away.  He downed the tequila 
shot and signaled for another as the waiter passed by their table.  "Get me the 
kid's name and the medical information and I'll see what I can do."  
 
"Thanks."  She reached out and touched his hand.  When he didn't withdraw, she 
said, "You're the best."  
 
He flashed a quick, embarrassed smile, and moved his hands to his lap as the 
waiter approached with his drink.  
 
~/~/~
 
Suzanne flipped the living room light on and tossed her keys on the sofa table.  

 
"Take your coat off and make yourself comfortable.  I'll be right back."  Nick 
watched as she disappeared down the hallway.
 
He removed his overcoat and carefully laid it across the back of the sofa.  
 
Suzanne peeled off her coat as she entered her bedroom and tossed it on the 
bench at the foot of the bed.  She turned the lamp on to its lowest setting and 
pulled back the coverlet on the bed.  When she turned, she was startled to see 
Nick standing in the doorway.  For a moment their eyes locked.
 
She slowly removed her suit jacket, revealing a tight camisole beneath, and let 
it slide to the floor beside the bed.  He continued to watch her as she unzipped 
her skirt and let it drop and puddle at her feet.  
 
He walked towards her.  She kicked her skirt aside and waited, trembling, as he 
approached.  
 
He stood inches from her-close enough to get a whiff of her perfume.  He reached 
out and touched the side of her face.  Drawing her near, he kissed her tenderly 
on the mouth.  For a moment, she nearly swooned but quickly opened her eyes to 
regain her balance.   His eyes sought validation of his actions.  She responded 
by stepping closer and tilting her head-eyes closed.  With his hands now on her 
waist, he drew her ever closer and covered her mouth with his.  She could feel 
his hardness between them as he slowing became aroused. 
 
She grappled with his belt buckle as he continued to kiss her; his breathing 
elevated.    He struggled to get his jacket off and finally just stepped back 
and removed it along with his tie and shirt.  Suzanne sat on the edge of the bed 
and slowly removed her thigh-high stockings.  She opened the bedside table 
drawer, while Nick continued to undress, and removed a variety of condoms, which 
she laid out on the table top.  
 
Nick raised his eyebrows at the array-a wide variety of sizes and textures.  He 
even recognized his favorite brand.  
 
Suzanne noticed his expression.  She smiled.  "Just in case."  She plumped the 
pillows then lay down on the bed, leaving room for Nick to get in beside her.  
Raised up on one elbow, she rubbed the sheet beside her.  "You just gonna stand 
there?"  
 
He slipped in beside her and she pulled the covers over them.  He pulled her 
close and kissed her.  
 
She ran her thumb over his full lips and whispered, "I want to please you 
tonight."  
 
The sex was as good as he'd ever had with any first time partner.  Suzanne was 
very much a participant.  He'd had his share of passive lovers.  Unfortunately, 
it hadn't taken him long to reach a climax since it had been some time since he 
and Lulu had made love.  Lulu.  Suddenly a wave of guilt passed over him.  He 
slumped back on the pillow, his arm behind his head, and stared at the ceiling.  
 
 
"I'm sorry," Suzanne said, apologetically.  
 
Nick glanced at her, his brow furrowed.  "What?  No.  No, it wasn't you.  It's 
just..."  He couldn't share his thoughts with her.   He swallowed hard.  "No.   It 
was fine." 
 
She leaned over and covered his mouth with hers then nuzzled into the crook of 
his arm.   "We can try again in a little while."  She reached for his now 
flaccid penis.  Nick removed her hand to his chest where he covered it with his 
own.  
 
He glanced over at the clock on the night stand.  He couldn't believe it was 
after midnight.  
 
"Suzanne...  It's late.  I should go.  I have an early morning meeting and... "   He 
sat up on the edge of the bed and reached for his shorts.  
 
"Right," she said, clearly disappointed.  She watched him dress without a word.  

 
He stuffed his tie in his jacket pocket and just left the top two buttons of his 
shirt undone.  Leaning over, he gave her a quick peck on the lips.  "I'm sorry."
 
"No.  That's fine, Nick.  Really.  It's fine."  
 
She reached for her robe at the foot of the bed.  
 
"You don't have to get up.  I can let myself out."
 
"Okay.  Sure."  
 
She sat up in bed, the sheet gathered around her.  He glanced over his shoulder 
and nodded as he left the room.  In a moment she heard the front door close and 
the quiet hum of the BMW as he started the engine.  
 
She suddenly had a sinking feeling that this had all been a mistake; that she'd 
misread Nick's attentiveness.  She'd been in situations like this before and 
they never turned out well.  She pinched her eyes with her fingers and took a 
deep breath, determined not to cry.  She reached for a tissue and blew her nose 
then took a cigarette from the pack on the night stand.  She lit it and leaning 
back on the pillows she took a long drag.  Maybe she was making a big deal out 
of nothing.  She took another couple of drags on the cigarette then stubbed it 
out and turned off the light.  
 
The problem was, she really liked him.  She really did... like him.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick pulled into the driveway and parked. He was not surprised to find the house 
totally dark.  He let himself in the back door and tiptoed up the stairs.  So as 
not to wake Lulu, he used the bathroom at the top of the stairs then carefully 
made his way into the bedroom.  He stood in the doorway for a moment to let his 
eyes acclimate to the darkness.  
 
He noticed the bed had not been slept in.  
 
"Lulu?" he called softly, though he already knew she was not there.  
 
He turned on the lamp beside the bed and saw the note lying on the pillow.  He 
didn't have to read it to know what it said.  Lulu had left him.  
 
He quickly checked the closet and the drawers for her things and they were gone. 
 He sat down dejectedly on the side of the bed and picked up the note.  
 
Nick:
This is not going to work out.  Please... don't call.  We'll get through this 
somehow but right now I just don't want to talk about it.  
Lulu
 
Completely stunned by the turn of events, he walked to his dresser and removed 
the small center drawer.  Taped to the back of the drawer was a small bag of the 
purest cocaine.  He quickly snorted two lines and lay back on the bed, letting 
the drug do its magic.  
 
After a moment, he doffed his tie and suit jacket, replacing it with a black 
cashmere sweater.  On his way out the door, he donned his pea coat.  It was now 
12:45 am.  
 
~/~/~
 
He could hear the music clearly when he pulled into the parking space vacated by 
a customer who was leaving.  It was a bitter cold night.  He turned his collar 
up against the chill and made his way to the front entrance.  
 
Clyde, the bouncer, greeted him at the door.  "Nick.  Long time-no see."  
 
'Yeah.  How's it goin'? "
 
"Can't complain.  Place is rockin' tonight."
 
"So I see."  Nick noted the parking lot was full.  "Anybody here?"  
 
"You remember Chet?"
 
"Yeah."
 
"Well, he's here and...  Oh, that girl you used to hang out with... Steph... 
Stephanie?"
 
"Oh, yeah?"  Nick smiled.  "She with anyone?"  
 
"A gal pal... Monique, I think she said.  Not bad, really."  
 
Nick patted him on the arm.  "Later."  He entered the The Cove, an after-hours 
bar on the outskirts of town, off of the police beat, where anything goes.  
 
A live band was playing on stage and the dance floor was packed.  Nick headed 
for the bar, looking around as he made his way through the crowded tables, 
searching for a familiar face.  He found a spot at the end of the bar where he 
could see everything from his vantage point.  
 
The bartender came over.  "What'll it be, Mister?"  
 
Nick looked up at him and smiled.  
 
"Nick?  Is that you?  Jesus, it's been forever."  
 
"Yeah, it has."  
 
"The first round's on me.  What'll it be?  Your usual?"
 
"Yeah, that's fine, Judd."  
 
Judd poured a shot of tequila and Nick quickly tossed it back.  He poured 
another.  
 
"You seen Chet?"  
 
"Hell, yeah.  He's already hammered.  He's with that whore of his in the 
backroom."
 
"Which one?"  They laughed.  
 
Chet had a reputation with the ladies, if you could call them that.  It was a 
wonder he wasn't a walking STD case study.  
 
Nick tossed down the second tequila.   He felt someone's hand on his back and a 
nibble on his ear.  
 
"I'd recognize that curly head anywhere," Stephanie said, as she sat down on the 
stool next to him.  "Where in hell have you been keeping that cute little ass?" 
she asked, smiling.  
 
"Around," he grinned, kissing her lightly on the cheek. 
 
"What brings you out tonight?"  Judd poured her a scotch on the rocks.  She lit 
a cigarette and puffed it, blowing the smoke in Nick's face, then put the 
cigarette to his lips.  He took a drag, holding the smoke in, letting it out 
slowly through his nose and mouth, enjoying the affects of the nicotine.  
 
Stephanie drained her glass and stubbed out her cigarette.  She took Nick by the 
hand.  "Come with me, sugar."  
 
Nick grinned, raised his eyebrows and shared a look with Judd.  She led him to a 
small room just off the long hallway near the rear of the building.  She knocked 
once and then entered.
 
The only light in the room was from a halogen lamp on the desk.  Nick's eyes 
burned from the smoke.  He could see two people standing in the shadows in the 
corner-fucking.  From the sounds of it they were about to get their rocks off 
and didn't even know there was anyone else in the room.  
 
Stephanie pulled Nick to her and kissed him on the mouth.  She tasted of stale 
cigarettes and lots of liquor.  If he wasn't high and a little drunk he probably 
would have thrown up.  
 
She sat down at the desk in the center of the room.  Nick recognized Reggie 
Dodd's office-the owner of The Cove.  Steph removed a tiny plastic bag from her 
bra.  She dumped the contents out on the glass covered desktop and proceeded to 
cut and separate the white powder into four thin lines with a razor blade she 
found in the top drawer.  She then produced a tiny glass tube and snorted a 
couple of lines.  She handed the glass tube to Nick.  
 
He quickly snorted the other two lines.
 
"Chet gets us the best stuff, Nick.  Better than what he used to."
 
"Yeah," Nick said, leaning against the desk with his eyes closed.  "Good stuff." 
 
 
The couple in the corner moaned in unison as they climaxed.  
 
"Hey, dickhead.  You wanna give us some privacy here?" Stephanie called out.  
 
Nick had forgotten what a mouth she had on her.  She really could've been a 
great 'catch' if she had just cleaned herself up.  But, sadly, she'd been in and 
out of rehab so many times that it was really an exercise in futility.  She 
always went right back to ways of the street.  Her father, a prominent judge in 
Pittsburgh, had washed his hands of her long ago.  Her mother had committed 
suicide when Stephanie was thirteen years old.  Nick remembered his dad writing 
him about that while he was away at boarding school.  He was a couple years 
older than she was.  They had lived in the same neighborhood and had met one 
summer.  It wasn't until he got back to Pittsburgh eight years ago that he found 
out what had become of her.  At that time, they had both shared a love for 
cocaine.  She had never lost her taste for it and Nick had been fighting his 
addiction ever since.  
 
"Shut up, bitch," the guy said, zipping up his pants.  "Who the hell made you 
queen of the fuckin' ball?"  
 
"Hey," Nick interjected.  "Just give us a break, all right?"  
 
The guy hurried his girl out the door and Nick locked it behind them.  For a 
moment, he leaned back against the door.  He was suddenly really, really horny.  

 
Stephanie was wearing a very short skirt, boots up to her knees, and a very 
tight, low-cut top.  
 
He walked over to the desk where she still sat in the chair.  He removed his 
coat and tossed it onto a nearby chair.  
 
"I see that look in your eye, Nick Fallin."  She stood up as he approached and 
put her arms around his waist, drawing him to her.  She ground her pelvis into 
his, feeling his hardness.  
 
Nick quickly turned her around and leaned her over the desk.  He pulled her 
skirt up around her waist and pulled down her thong, which she stepped out of.  
She spread her legs while he unzipped his pants.  From his back pocket he took 
out a condom and quickly rolled it on his rigid manhood.  In one lunge, he 
entered her from behind.  He was feeling the effects of the cocaine and felt 
like he could fuck her all night long.  Not like the premature ejaculation 
earlier with Suzanne.  He blocked all that out of his mind and for at least 
fifteen minutes he fucked Stephanie to an incredible climax.  
 
"Oh, God, Nick.  You're the best.  I don't know why I fool with any other man," 
she exclaimed, as he withdrew.  
 
He quickly disposed of the used condom and zipped himself up.  "You're just 
loaded, Steph.  You'd say that to any man right now."  He scoffed.  
 
She smoothed her skirt down, stuffing her thong in her pocket. "That's not true, 
Nicky.  No one can fuck like you."  She put her arms around his neck and kissed 
him.  
 
He tugged her arms loose and stepped away.  I need to see Chet.  
 
"Right now?" she whined.  
 
He gave her a sideways glance and, grabbing his coat, he left the room.  
 
In the hallway, Nick ran into Chet, just exiting the small backroom at the end 
of the hall.  
 
"What the hell?  Is that you, Nick?"  He stuck his hand out and they shook as he 
patted Nick on the shoulder with the other.  "What brings you to these parts?"  
 
Nick just looked at him and smiled.  "Aaah," Chet sighed.  "Well, come with me 
to the car.  I have some really great stuff."  
 
Nick followed him to the parking lot where Chet popped the trunk lid on his 
Mercedes.  Pulling back the spare tire cover he extracted a small plastic bag 
containing a powder which he handed to Nick.  Nick noted that it wasn't an 
especially safe place to stash drugs-wheel-wells being the first place the cops 
looked.  
 
"What's this?" Nick asked, taking the small packet.  
 
"It's incredible.  But... you need to go easy on it."
 
"What is it?"  
 
"Beautiful.  Or... you might have heard it called Blue Mystic.  Just heed my 
warning.  A little goes a long way."  
 
Nick fished in his pocket and handed Chet a wad of cash.  Chet didn't verify the 
amount but simply put it in his pants pocket.  
 
"Come inside.  I'll buy you a drink."  
 
"Uh... thanks, Chet, but I need to be going.  Thanks, hear?"  
 
"Anytime, good buddy.  Take care now.  And don't stay away so long."  
 
He watched as Nick walked to his car.  Nick was feeling no pain after the double 
dose of coke and a good fuck.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick stepped off the LSP elevator the next morning and headed for his office. 
 
"Nick."  He looked up to see Lulu standing in the doorway to her office.  "Can I 
see you for a minute?"  
 
She shut the door behind him as he sat down in her office.  She walked around 
the desk and stood with her hands on her hips.  
 
Nick looked at the floor.  
 
"You got my note?"
 
"Yeah," he said, softly, but didn't look up.  
 
"I thought you'd call."
 
He looked up at her, his brow furrowed.  "You said not to call, Lulu."  
 
She crossed her arms.  "Nick..." she said, sighing.  
 
"What?"  He didn't know what she wanted him to say.  She wanted him to call-she 
didn't want him to call.  What?  "What is it you really want, Lulu?"  
 
She finally sat down and reached for a file.  "You have a new case."  She shoved 
the file across the desk then opened another file and began thumbing through it. 
 
 
Nick just stared at her for a moment.  "Fine," he said, testily, as he grabbed 
the file and made his exit.  Outside the door, he took a deep breath then made 
his way to his office.  
 
~/~/~
 
The office was semi-dark.  Most everyone had gone home or were getting ready to 
go.  Lulu had left early for a doctor's appointment.  She hadn't even invited 
him to go with her this time.  In fact, they had barely spoken all day.  He 
leaned back in his chair, his foot propped up on an open file drawer, thinking.  
There had to be some way to get their relationship back on track.  
 
He was startled by a knock on his open door.  He twirled around in his chair to 
find Suzanne standing there, smiling.  
 
"Hi."  
 
"Hi."  
 
"Workin' late?"
 
"Yeah.  Had a few things to catch up on.  You?"
 
"I just came in to see Lulu and give her a final report on the Clayton kid.  But 
someone said she left early for a doctor's appointment."  
 
"Yeah.  That's right.  You wanna leave it with me?  I can see that she gets it." 
 
 
"Okay."  She stepped forward and handed him the report.  "Nick..."  She hesitated. 

 
"What is it?"
 
"I really enjoyed the other night."  
 
He glanced away, embarrassed.  "I'm sorry."
 
"For what?" 
 
"It should never have happened."  He looked at her for a moment then began 
gathering his files and stuffing them in his briefcase.   
 
She was crushed.  She had been so sure that he wanted her.  And now it seemed he 
regretted it.  
 
"Oh...  I'm sorry," she almost whispered.  
 
He hesitated, glancing quickly at her then away.  "Yeah."  He pulled on his 
overcoat and started for the door.  
 
She followed him to the elevator and they waited in silence.  Nick could see 
Alvin still in his office and one or two clerical people preparing to leave for 
the evening.  When the elevator arrived Nick and Suzanne got on, alone.  
 
As the doors closed, Nick reached out and pulled her to him, kissing her 
passionately.  She surrendered completely, going limp in his arms.  
 
~/~/~
 
They pulled up at the nondescript motel on the edge of town and Nick walked into 
the office.  He made arrangements for the use of a room on a week-to-week basis 
and got two keys.  
 
Inside the simple room, Nick shed his overcoat.  "It's nothing special but at 
least it's out of the way."  
 
"Right.  We wouldn't want anyone to see us," she said, a little hurt by the 
subterfuge.  She was proud to be seen with him but he apparently didn't feel the 
same way about her.  She had heard rumors that he was living with Lulu.  To her, 
they didn't seem to be that compatible as a couple.  And clearly he was here 
with her, now, so things between them couldn't be all that rosy.  
 
"It's just better this way."  He started to undress.  She stood, motionless for 
a moment, then removed her coat.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick met Ned Hopper outside The Incline and they entered together.  They 
followed the waiter to a booth in a quiet area near the back of the bar. 
 
"Nick."  Nick heard his name and glanced to his left to see Lulu sitting with 
Jake.  
 
"Lulu?"  He said, surprised.  He paused a moment while Ned continued on to their 
table.  Nick acknowledged Jake with a nod.
 
"Hey... Nick.  Wh... what are you doing here?" Jake stammered.  
 
Nick's first thought-they both looked guilty as hell.  He looked back at Lulu 
then turned and walked to the back of the bar, ignoring Jake's question.  He 
couldn't imagine what they would have to talk about.  
 
Nick had arranged the business luncheon to discuss some changes he wanted to 
make in his earlier proposal with Ned.  The next time he glanced up, he noticed 
that Jake and Lulu were gone.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick entered the lobby of Fallin & Fallin.  Jake was standing at the reception 
desk.  
 
"Hey... Nick.  You got a minute?"  
 
Nick scowled and glanced towards his father's office.  He saw Burton gesture for 
him to come in.  He ignored Jake and walked into his dad's office.  
 
"Nicholas.  Where the hell is that final report on Chase-Wilcox?"
 
Nick looked down at the floor and rubbed the back of his head.  
 
"I'm working on it."
 
"We need it for tomorrow morning's meeting."  Nick just stared at him.  "Are you 
listening to me, Nicholas?"
 
"Yes.  Yeah, I heard you.  I'll have it ready."
 
"You've been walking around here like a zombie these last couple weeks.  What 
gives?"  
 
"Nothing.  Nothing.  Just been busy with LSP and that Hopper deal."
 
"For Christ's sake, Nicholas.  Hopper's not due for another two weeks.  You need 
to prioritize.  Now get busy and let's have that final report on time-for a damn 
change."  
 
Nick took a deep breath trying to control his anger, then spun around and 
stalked out the door and down the hall to his office.  
 
He walked over to the window and gazed out.  The weather was turning very cold 
again after a brief spell of warmer temperatures.  You could see the snow clouds 
rolling in and the skies darkening by the minute.  It was identical to his mood 
right now.  He looked at his watch.  No time to finish the report now.  He had 
to be in court on an LSP matter in fifteen minutes.  
 
He put the paperwork needed to compile the final report on Chase-Wilcox into his 
briefcase and quickly pulled on his overcoat.  He yanked his door open to find 
Jake standing on the other side.  
 
"Nick...  You got a minute?"  
 
Nick scowled as he backed up and said impatiently, "What is it Jake?"  
 
"Nick...  About Lulu...  I..." Jake stepped just inside Nick's office.  
 
Nick narrowed his eyes and listened.   
 
Jake continued, haltingly.  "Uhm... she just wanted to talk about the baby and..."  
 
Nick transferred his weight from one foot to the other while he nervously rubbed 
the back of his head.  So that's what they were meeting secretly about, he 
thought.  
 
"I, uh...  Well... I didn't know and... she seemed upset and..."  
 
Nick turned around and walked back to his desk, one hand on his hip.  Lulu would 
talk to Jake but not to him.  "It's really none of your business... is it Jake?" 
he lashed out.   
 
"Uh... no."  Jake, stung by Nick's anger, responded.  "No... I guess you're right.  
I just... I just told her I thought you'd be a great dad."  
 
Angered by Jake's meddling in his life, he quickly said, "And how in the hell 
would you know that?"  Nick moved to the door and opened it then looked 
pointedly at Jake.  
 
In almost a whisper, Jake said, "Right.  How would I know that?"  He stepped 
into the hallway then turned to face Nick, their gazes riveted.  After a moment, 
he made his exit, shaking his head.  
 
Nick waited a second then closed his door and exited Fallin & Fallin, careful to 
avoid another confrontation with Burton.
 
~/~/~

At the courthouse, he saw Lulu coming down the corridor.  She was with Kate 
Green.  She eyed him about the same time.  
 
"Lulu... can I see you for a second?"  
 
She paused then looked at Kate.  "I'll see you in the courtroom."  Kate nodded 
to Nick and left them alone.  Lulu waited for Nick to speak.
 
"Lulu..."  He didn't know where to start.  
 
"What is it, Nick?"  She glanced impatiently at her watch.  "The hearing's in 
ten minutes."  
 
"I'm... I'm sorry, Lulu."
 
She waited for more and when it wasn't forthcoming she said, "Is that it?"  
 
"Lulu...  Can we at least talk about it?"  
 
She looked again at her watch.  "I should be through by five.  I'll meet you at 
The Incline."
 
His spirits were buoyed.  "Okay... five.  I'll be there."
 
She turned and disappeared inside Judge Damsen's courtroom.
 
~/~/~
 
Nick waited nervously at The Incline.  It was 5:05.  He took a sip of his soda 
water and looked again at his watch.  When he glanced up, Lulu was walking 
towards him.  
 
He stood while she settled into the booth across from him then leaned over and 
tenderly gave her a kiss on the cheek.  "Thanks for coming."  
 
She nodded as the waitress appeared.  
 
"What'll you have?" Nick asked.  
 
"Just water, please, with a twist of lime."  Lulu shed her coat and folded it in 
the seat next to her.  "What'd you wanna talk about, Nick?"  She asked, 
matter-of-factly.
 
He had not been prepared for her unreceptive attitude.  He pleaded, "Lulu... I 
said I was sorry.  What else can I do?"  
 
"Well, for one thing... you can stop sleeping with Suzanne."  
 
He nervously rubbed the back of his head and cleared his throat.  At least now 
it was out in the open.  "Lulu... I can explain..."
 
"I don't think you can, Nick.  I'm pregnant with our child and you're screwing 
another woman?  I'm not about to sit here and listen to your litany of excuses." 
 She spoke calmly and insentient.  "If that's why you wanted to see me then you 
can save your breath."  
 
The waitress set her water in front of her then moved on.  Lulu took a long sip. 
 
 
He reached out and took her hand.  "Lulu... I love you... and our child.  I want to 
be a good father.  Hell, I still want to marry you and be a good husband to 
you."  
 
Something stirred deep inside her.  His touch... she had missed him so.  But he 
had betrayed her... with another woman... and her pregnant with their child.  How 
could she forgive him?  
 
She carefully removed her hand and placed it in her lap.  "How can you love me 
and sleep with another woman?"
 
"It was just sex, Lulu.  Do you understand that?  Just sex."  He was hurt by her 
uncaring attitude.  "How did you know?"  
 
"I didn't know... until now, Nick.  Thanks for not lying about that."  
 
He was so ashamed.  If she would just give him one more chance.  "Lulu..."
 
"I'm sorry, Nick.  I'm not ready to forgive you."  She stood up and pulled on 
her coat.  "By the way, our baby is a girl... if you even care to know."  She 
turned and walked out.  
 
The waitress came to the table.  "Can I get you anything else, sir?"  
 
"Yeah.  A shot of tequila."  Nick put away several tequilas before leaving the 
bar.  
 
~/~/~
 
He splashed cold water on his face and took a good long look at himself in the 
mirror.  The image staring back at him was that of a loser.  
 
He walked over to the dresser and pulled out the drawer where he kept his supply 
and removed the tiny bag, taped to the back, containing the hallucinogen he had 
gotten from Chet two weeks before.  
 
He went down to the breakfast room where he had left the Chase-Wilcox file and 
tossed the small plastic bag on the table.  After making a pot of coffee he set 
to work on the final report.  
 
Darkness lifted as the sun struggled to break through the cloud cover.  The 
mantel clock chimed six o'clock.  He placed the finished documents on the 
kitchen counter.
 
~/~/~
 
Jake knocked and entered Burton's office.  "He's still not here.  I've checked 
with Gretchen and Michelle.  They haven't heard from him."
 
"God damn it!  I told him we needed that final report this morning."  He passed 
his hand over the top of his head.  "Get over to his house and find out what the 
hell he's doing."  
 
Jake turned and exited.  Burton picked up the phone.  "Gretchen, call over to 
LSP and see if Nick's been there."  
 
"Yes, Mr. Fallin."
 
~/~/~
 
The roads were icy and the winds were howling.  It wouldn't be long before the 
icy rain turned to snow.  Jake hit an icy patch and skidded into the curb but 
was able to finally get traction and get back on the road.  'Damn, Nick,' he 
thought to himself.  Some days he couldn't figure him out.  He knew this was an 
important deal.  
 
He finally made it to Nick's and parked at the curb.  He walked up the long 
flight of stairs to the front door and rang the door bell.  He heard nothing.  
He rang again and knocked.  Still nothing.  He gathered his coat around him.  
Even so, the wind cut through him like a knife.  He shivered and vowed to kill 
Nick next time he saw him.  
 
Careful to look out for icy patches, he made his way around to the back door.  
He peered in the window and knocked. 
 
"Nick!"  He banged on the window.  "Nick!"  There was no response.  He tried the 
door.  It was locked.
 
~/~/~
 
Jake entered the lobby at Fallin & Fallin and encountered Burton.  
 
"Oh, Jake.  Well...?"  
 
"He wasn't home, Burton."
 
"Where the hell could he be?"
 
"I don't know.  If you want, I can try to put something together."
 
"I don't know, Jake.  You think you can put together something in a few hours 
that Nick's been working on for a couple weeks?"  
 
"I don't know what else to do."  
 
"Well..."  Jake followed Burton to his office.  "See what you can do."  He picked 
up the phone and dialed Nick's house leaving a message on the answering machine. 
 "Nicholas.  We need that report... now.  You're making us look ridiculous."
 
~/~/~
 
Alvin poked his head around the door.  "Lulu, have you seen Nick?"  
 
"No." She looked up at him.  
 
Alvin noticed a woman seated on the couch in Lulu's office.  He raised his 
eyebrows, in question.  
 
"She's Nick's client.  He was supposed to get her baby back for her today but he 
was a no-show."  
 
"You want me to handle it?"  
 
"Too late.  Judge Damsen already ruled against returning the baby because the 
drug rehab certificate was not in the file.  She said she gave it to Nick last 
week."
 
"That's right.  I give it to that damn lawyer last Friday.  I was s'posed to get 
my baby back today and I ain't leaving 'til I do."  
 
Lulu rolled her eyes.  
 
"Aah..."  Alvin figured there had to be something amiss.  It didn't sound like 
Nick to miss a court date and he was usually pretty thorough at keeping his 
files up.  "Should we be worried?"  
 
Lulu just gave him a blank look and said, "No."
 
"All right."  He backed out of the office, running into Suzanne.  "Oh... sorry, 
Suzanne.  Didn't see you."  
 
Suzanne knocked and entered Lulu's office.  
 
"What do you want, Suzanne?" Lulu asked, tersely.  
 
"Uh... I was just wondering if anyone's heard from Nick."  
 
"No.  I figured you'd know where he was."  For a moment, Lulu just glared at 
her, then returned to the work on her desk.  
 
Suzanne turned and walked out of Lulu's office, stunned by her curtness.  She 
exchanged looks with Alvin then shrugged and headed for the elevator.  
 
Lulu looked up to see Alvin watching her.  She glared at him then got up and 
closed the door.  
 
~/~/~
 
Burton walked into his office.  Jake was still working on the final report.  
"Still no news from Nick?"
 
"No.  Uh... Burton... I've almost got something put together here."  He handed 
Burton his preliminary report.  "I know it's not as thorough as what Nick put 
together, but..."
 
Burton took the report and quickly thumbed through it.  "Nah... I just don't feel 
good about using this Jake.  We could get sued..."
 
Jake interrupts.  "We're gonna get sued either way, Burton."
 
Burton looked at him.  "Yeah... I suppose you're right.  Listen Jake... did you go 
inside the house?"  
 
"No.  It was locked."
 
"Dammit, Jake.  Go back over there and get inside if you have to break...  Wait.  
No, there's a key under the planter.  Go inside and see if you can find it."
 
Jake pulled on his suit jacket and exited Burton's office.  Burton grabbed his 
hat and coat and went out the door. 
 
~/~/~
 
Burton stepped off the elevator at LSP and walked over to Lulu.  
 
"Burton.  Hi.  What can we do for you?"
 
"Have you seen Nick?"  
 
"No."  She said flatly.  
 
"Oh.  No idea where..."


"No, Burton.  I am not his keeper."  She turned and walked away.
 
Alvin over-heard the exchange.  "Burton, how've you been?"  They shook hands.  
 
"Alvin, you mind if I look in Nick's office.  I'm looking for a final report he 
was working on."  
 
"No.  No, go right ahead."  
 
Burton walked into Nick's office.  Alvin grabbed his coat and scarf and left.  
 
~/~/~
 
Burton hung his coat up and walked to the window.  Where in the hell could Nick 
be.  He was beginning to get a bit worried. 
 
Jake knocked and entered.  "Here it is, Burton."  He handed the report to him.  
 
"Where'd you find it?"  
 
"On the kitchen counter."
 
"Was Nicholas there?"  
 
"No.  No.  But the report looked in order so I just took it."
 
"Fine, Jake.  Thanks."  He looked through it quickly and found it to be in 
order.  "Okay.  Let's go in there and get this thing done."  They proceeded to 
the conference room where the Chase-Wilcox people had been ensconced since 9:00 
AM.
 
~/~/~
 
Alvin had checked with Jerry at The Incline and he hadn't seen Nick.  He decided 
to drive to his house and check to see if he was there.   
 
He banged on the back door and called out.  "Nick.  Are you there?  Open up.  
It's cold out here."  He listened for any sounds.  Nothing.  
 
He peeked in through the kitchen window and could see nothing.  He walked down 
the side of the house, stepping on shrubs in order to get close enough to look 
through the window into the breakfast room.  He removed his scarf to clear a 
spot on the window then quickly returned to the back door. 
 
He tried the knob but the door was securely locked.  With his elbow he busted 
out a window pane in the door and entered.  
 
He found Nick on the floor.  He called out as he rushed to him.  "Nick!  Nick!  
Wake up."  
 
Nick started to stir.  Alvin slapped him a few times across the face to rouse 
him.  "Nick.  Come on.  Get up."  He struggled to pull him onto the couch.  He 
noticed a partially empty plastic bag on the floor.  He picked it up.  "Nick.  
What did you take?  Nick.  Nick."  
 
Nick reached out and grabbed Alvin, crying hysterically.  
 
"Nick.  Nick.  We gotta get you outta here."  He was finally able to get him to 
his feet and with some difficulty he managed to get him to his car.  
 
~/~/~
 
"Mr. Masterson?"
 
"Yeah."  Alvin extended his hand.  
 
"You brought him in?"  
 
"Yeah.  Is he gonna be all right?"
 
"Lucky for him... this time.  He took enough to stop a train."
 
"What was it exactly?"  
 
"It's a hallucinogen referred to on the street at Beautiful or Blue Mystic."  
 
"Doc, you know Nick's on probation.  D'you have to call the cops?"
 
"Ordinarily... yes, but under the circumstances I know you can understand we are 
loathe to do that."
 
"Yeah, I understand." After all, Fallin & Fallin represented the hospital.  It 
wouldn't be good for business if they had Burton Fallin's son arrested.   
 
"He should really be getting help.  I probably don't have to tell you that."  
 
"No.  No, you don't."  
 
"Well, it'll take a few hours to get it all out of his system but he should be 
fine.  Are you gonna wait for him?"
 
"Yeah, I'll wait."  
 
Alvin checked his watch.  It was nearly 7:30.  He walked to the end of the 
corridor where he found a public phone and dialed Burton.  
 
"Burton.  Alvin, here.  Sorry to bother you at home like this."
 
"No.  That's fine.  What is it, Alvin?"
 
"It's Nick."
 
Burton's heart leaped into his mouth.  He waited for the worst.  "What about 
Nick?"
 
"He's at Pittsburgh County.  Drug overdose."


"Dear God.  Is he okay?  I'll be right down."


"Wait.  Burton, wait.  I don't think that's such a good idea.  It's gonna be 
hours before they can release him but they say he'll be fine.  I'll stay here 
and drive him home.  I just think it's time that we all get together and 
confront Nick about his problem."  
 
"Whadaya mean... get together?"
 
"An intervention.  Make him face the music.  Confront him about our... your 
concerns."  
 
"Intervention.  Yeah."  Burton had heard about this process.  He never thought 
it would come to this with his own son.  An overdose.  Was it accidental... or 
could he have intended...  He didn't even wanna think about that possibility.  
 
"Okay, Alvin.  Just tell me what I need to do."  
 
"I wanna spend a little time with him when I get him home and then I think it 
would be a good idea if you just showed up."
 
"All right."  
 
"Good."  
 
~/~/~
 
Lulu reached for the phone, nearly knocking over her glass of wine.  
 
"Hello."  
 
"Lulu?"
 
"Yeah.  Is that you Alvin?"
 
"Yeah."  He paused, then said, "It's Nick."
 
"What about Nick?"  She sat up straight on the couch, listening.  
 
"He's in the hospital."  She said nothing.  He added.  "Overdose."
 
"An overdose.  What are you saying?"  She felt their child stir in her belly.  
"Is he gonna be all right?"  
 
"The doctor seems to think so... but he needs help, Lulu.  He needs people around 
him who care about him... to help him fight this."  
 
"I'll come right over.  What hospital?"
 
"Not right now, Lulu.  It will be hours before they can release him.  I'll stay 
here and drive him home but I think it's time for an intervention.  Are you 
willing?"
 
"An intervention?  Alvin, do they really work?"
 
"Well, nothing's worked so far.  I just think it's worth a try.  Are you in?"
 
"Sure. Just let me know."  
 
"Okay.  Good."  
 
Alvin hung up the phone.  He couldn't tell if Lulu really loved Nick or not the 
way she'd been acting lately.  No wonder the guy had gone over the top.  
 
~/~/~
 
"You wanna talk about it, Nick?"  They had arrived at Nick's house around 3:30 
AM.  Alvin had no intentions of allowing Nick to get any sleep tonight.  He was 
going to have to face his demons instead of running away from them.  
 
"Really, Alvin... thanks, but I'll be fine.  I think you should go home."
 
"Is there a good reason why you tried to OFF yourself?"
 
"What are you talking about?"  Nick shakes his head.  "I might've taken a bit 
too much... but hey... that happens."  He chuckled.  "You've been there, haven't ya? 
 In the 60s?  LSD, sex... anything goes."  He smiled at Alvin. 
 
"There's something bothering you, Nick... and if you don't get it resolved... the 
next time you might not be so lucky."
 
"But it'd be lucky for some."  He chuffs.  
 
Alvin could tell Nick was hurting deep inside.  "You slept with Suzanne."  
 
Nick just glared at Alvin, unresponsive.  
 
"Why?"
 
"Why... is that any of your business, Alvin?"  He rubbed the back of his head and 
squirmed in his chair.  
 
"Because... right now YOU are my business.  I could call your PO and have you 
tossed back in jail but I don't think you really want that."  
 
"Do what you feel you have to, Alvin.  Don't let me stop you."
 
"Dammit, Nick.  Is this how it's gonna be?  Do you not care at all about the 
people who love you?  How they might feel seeing you like this?"  
 
Nick thought about his dad... what a big disappointment he'd been to him.  Always 
screwing up.  Not a son to be proud of.  He swallowed hard trying to control his 
emotions.  Then there was Lulu.  What he'd done to her was probably irreparable. 
 And now... his child.  His baby girl would be born with a drug addict for a 
father.  He rubbed his forehead then buried his head in his hands and wept 
softly.  
 
He felt Alvin's reassuring hand on his shoulder.  "There, Nick.  Let it out."
 
After a moment, Nick rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands and took a deep 
breath.  "I'm not a good person, Alvin."  
 
"That's not true, Nick.  I've seen you with the children.  I've seen a big 
change in you over the last two and a half years.  You are a good person and 
you've made remarkable strides.  You can't just throw it all away because you're 
too afraid to face life.  Too many people count on you, Nick.  And now there's 
the baby..."  
 
"Yeah.  The baby.  She's got a great chance being born into a broken home with a 
drug addict for a father."  
 
"It's not too late for you and Lulu... Nick.   You still love her don't you?"
 
"It's Lulu.  She never loved me."  
 
"I think you're wrong, Nick.  I think she cares very much."  He hoped he wasn't 
giving Nick false hope here because truthfully he didn't really know if Lulu 
loved Nick or not.  She certainly hadn't shown any signs lately.  
 
"How about some tea, Nick?"  
 
"No.  No thanks, Alvin.  I'm tired.  You should go."
 
"I think I want some tea."  He smiled at Nick.  
 
Nick shrugged and went to the kitchen to put on the tea kettle.  There was a 
knock at the door.  Burton and Lulu entered.  
 
"It is damn cold outside," Burton said, shivering.  "Hey."  
 
"Hey." Nick was completely surprised by the unexpected visit at 4:00 in the 
morning.  He looked accusingly at Alvin who just smiled back at him.  
 
"I think we should all sit down and have a talk," Burton said, as he made his 
way to the living room.  Lulu followed.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick agreed during the intervention to honestly seek help and give his best 
effort.  Burton went with him the next day to check in at Steel Valley 
Rehabilitation Center.  He was placed on an out-patient 30-day program-four 
hours a night.  During this time, Lulu would not allow him to work at LSP, 
claiming it would be irresponsible for her to let him handle cases as long as he 
was in the treatment program.  Burton had scaled back on the work he allowed him 
to do at Fallin & Fallin.  But, Nick had used the time to go quickly through the 
twelve-step program.  
 
Lulu had refused to talk with him during that time.  Even after Nick had 
completed the program she wasn't ready to talk about their future.  
Disappointed, he resolved to keep trying.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick stood at her door and took a deep breath then rapped lightly.  He had 
decided to take a chance that she would finally want to talk.  He nervously 
shifted his weight from foot to foot while he waited for her to answer the door. 
 
 
When she opened the door, he smiled.  "Hey."  
 
"Nick.  What is it?"  
 
"If you're not busy, I thought we could talk."  
 
She hesitated for a minute then opened the door.  He stepped inside, rubbing his 
hands together to warm up.  
 
"Why don't you sit by the fire, Nick?  It's warmer there."  She walked over to 
the couch and sat down.  
 
He removed his coat and hung it on a peg just inside the front door then 
followed her to the living room where he sat in the chair near the fire.  
 
Lulu curled up on the couch.  She took a sip of her wine.  
 
"Lulu... you still drinking wine?"  He tried not to sound accusatory.  
 
"What did you wanna talk about, Nick?"
 
Well... uh... as you know I have completed the 30-day program and I'm attending my 
meetings regularly.   Alvin won't let up on me," he said, chuckling.  "You know 
how he can be-like a bulldog."  
 
"That's good, Nick."
 
"I wanted to see if you were ready to move back in with me.  Or maybe we can 
look at another house."
 
She didn't respond for a long moment.  "Nick... I don't want you to get the wrong 
idea... but... I think it's too soon.  You've demonstrated that you can't control 
yourself.   That's not good for the baby."
 
He rubbed his forehead and swallowed the lump in his throat.  "Lulu... I'm trying. 
 Don't you see that?  I'm trying."  
 
"I think we should give it more time, Nick."
 
Nick stood up suddenly, rubbing the back of his head, and started to pace.  "You 
never intend to take me back, do you Lulu?"  
 
She just looked at him, blankly.  
 
"You don't love me.  You never did.  And now you want to deprive me of my child. 
 Why?"  
 
She could see that he was becoming agitated.  She put her feet on the floor and 
started to stand.  "Nick, I think you should go."  
 
"You think I'm an addict and here you are... night after night... drinking your 
wine.  You can't even stop while you're pregnant."  Nick reached for her glass 
on the coffee table and tossed it angrily into the fire.  
 
Suddenly frightened by Nick's outrage, she stood and started for the door.  
"Nick.  You'd better go."  
 
He grabbed her arm and she struggled.  He pulled her to him and held her tight 
against his chest.  "Lulu... please don't send me away," he sobbed into her hair.  

 
Nick felt her relax in his arms and heard her crying softly against his chest.  
He loosened his grasp on her and with his hand he gently turned her tear-stained 
face up to his and kissed her tenderly on the mouth.  She put her arms around 
him and kissed him back.  
 
He finally scooped her up in his arms and carried her upstairs to the bedroom.   
He stood her down and pulled back the covers then laid her gently on the bed.  
He removed her shoes and his own and lay down beside her.  They lay together in 
each others arms until sleep overtook them.  
 
Nick was the first to wake and noticed the time was 2:30 AM.  He got up, careful 
not to disturb Lulu, and after kissing her on the forehead, he silently made his 
way out.  
 
~/~/~
 
Nick walked off the elevator at LSP with his client, young Nathaniel Briggs, and 
started for his office.  
 
"Nick.  Nick."
 
He looked up to see Lulu beckoning to him from her office.  
 
"Can I see you for a minute?"  
 
Nick turned to Nate.  "Just have a seat in my office and I'll be right there.  
Okay?"  
 
Nick walked into her office and right away noticed a huge bouquet of flowers on 
the corner of her desk.  He smiled.  
 
"Thank you for the flowers, Nick.  How did you know they were my favorites?"  
 
"I remember you told me once."  
 
She walked over to him and fondled his tie.  "Well, they're beautiful.  Thank 
you."  She turned her face up to his.  He kissed her tenderly on the lips. 
 
They were interrupted by a knock on the door and Alvin burst in as they quickly 
separated.  "Oh... sorry.  Didn't mean to interrupt..."  He smiled and backed out 
the door, pulling it closed.  
 
"Lulu..."
 
"Yes?"
 
"I'd like to take you to dinner tonight... if you're not busy."  
 
"That would be very nice."
 
"Okay," he said, enthusiastically.  "I'll pick you up at seven."  He leaned over 
and gave her a peck on the cheek then quickly exited her office.  
 
She walked over to the flowers and stuck her nose to one of the blossoms, 
inhaling the fragrance.  She looked again at the card which read: 
 
To my daughter's mother, with all my love.  Nick
 
She put the card away in her purse for safekeeping.
 
To Be Continued