TITLE: Last Chance

AUTHOR: Alison (alleyb178@yahoo.com)

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This has been inspired by the many fanfics I have 
read over the past few days of my holidays. I want to thank all the 
author’s for their great stories that brighten my day. Feedback is always 
appreciated – good or bad!

SUMMARY: Everyone has different opinions on the type of parents the 
Dole’s were, my theory is shown here. The story is ultimately about a kid 
who’s accused of murder.

DISCLAIMER: You know the drill. These characters belong to the man 
many refer to as God – the one and only David Kelley and ABC. I profit 
from this story in no monetary way.


Lindsay remembered the day clearly, and now looking back, it seems 
ridiculous that she could have dismissed it as easily as she had. She had 
been sitting at her desk when the call came. She was alone in the office 
late that afternoon and although she wouldn’t admit it to anyone, not even 
to Helen, she had been admiring the gold band on her finger. It was even 
more precious to her than the extravagant stone accompanying it. The 
honeymoon had been rushed but exciting and now she and Bobby were in 
the floating, blissful stage of being newlyweds. She had called her parents 
a few nights previously and had had a long discussion with her father and a 
promise to see him soon. The call to her mother had been less than 
affectionate.
“Mom, its Lindsay.”
“Lindsay dear, I’m rather busy. And lord knows these 
long distance calls can be expensive.”
“I can afford it Mom.”
“Oh? Did you get a new job?”
“No, but the firm is doing really well at the moment.”
“That’s wonderful dear. Now I really must go.”
“Do you remember Bobby Donnell?” Lindsay said desperately.
“Oh, you were dating, right?”
“Yeah, well, we kind of got married last week.”
“Oh how fabulous. I was despairing that you’d never meet a man who’d 
marry you. I hope we can get together sometime soon. Perhaps I’ll visit at 
Christmas.”
“That would be nice. How’s France?”
“Invigorating. I’ll see you at Christmas. Bye Darling.”
“Bye Mom.”

Lindsay shook her head ruefully. Her mother – the gourmet chef 
extraordinaire who couldn’t believe that Lindsay had not only acquired her 
father’s talent for burning everything she attempted to cook, but also had 
dreams of becoming a lawyer. She dismissed the lawyer dreams to her 
croquet friends as a phase her daughter was going through.  Her father 
had always been more understanding, but Lindsay had lost confidence in 
him when he walked out on them when she was a teenager. After that she 
shut everyone else out of her life and left home to study law at Harvard.

It was the phone call that broke her reverie that changed her life. 

“Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt.”
The voice on the other end was female and tentative and immature, 
“Oh…hi…I need a lawyer.”
“I’m a lawyer, I’m Lindsay Dole, what can I do for you?”
“I need a good lawyer.”
“How about you tell me what’s wrong and if I can’t help you, I’ll pass you 
along to someone who can?”
“Oh…Okay…My brother…he’s in trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“The cops arrested him while he was at school…they…they said he 
murdered someone.”
“How old is he?”
“Twelve.”
“Twelve?”
“Yeah…can you help him?”
“How old are you?”
“Seventeen.”
“And where are your parents?”
“I don’t know…my Dad left to find work a month ago. Is this going to be 
expensive?”
“Don’t worry about that now, where’s your Mom?”
“She’s dead. How expensive? I’ve been working nights to pay the rent for 
me and Ricky, I guess I could find another job…but I want to finish 
school.”
“Let me meet with Ricky then we can talk some more. Okay? What’s his 
full name?”
“Richard Evans.”

* * *

“Hi, Ricky. I’m Lindsay Dole, your sister hired me to represent you in 
court tomorrow.”
The young boy continued to look down at his hands.
“Ricky, I need to ask you some important questions and I need you to be 
honest with me. I want to help you, okay?
He finally looked up at her, “When can I see my sister?”
“I can arrange for her to come in tonight if you want.”
He nodded silently. 
“Now can you answer some questions?”
He nodded again.
“Have you talked to anyone about what happened?”
“No.”
“That’s good. Now what happened?”
“She was teasing me.”
“Who was?”
“Jennifer Miller.”
“What did she say?”
“That I was stupid and my father was a drunk and my mother was a 
whore. She said that I had no future so may as well kill myself now.”
“Why did she say that.”
“I tried to kiss her.”
“Then what happened?”
“I hit her.”
“How – a punch, a slap?”
“I punched her.”
“Okay…’
“And then she came at me with a stick and I had no choice.”
“Is that how you got the black eye?”
“Yep. So I grabbed the stick and hit her back, but she fell down and her 
head hit the curb. I didn’t mean it.”
“Is that the truth?”
“Don’t you believe me?”
“I do, but if I’m going to help you, I need to know the truth.”
“I’m telling the truth. I’m not a liar. I’m NOT!”
“Okay, Ricky. I believe you.”
“Can I go home now?”
“You’ll have to stay here tonight and then tomorrow I’ll see you in court 
and try to get them to let you go home for a little while, until the trial. The 
trial probably won’t be for about a month, but I’ll try to get it prioritized. 
Now you should get some sleep, I’ll try to organize for you to see your 
sister.”
“When do they turn the lights out?”
“I don’t know.”
“Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?”
Lindsay looked at her watch and sighed, “Sure.”

It was late when she opened the apartment door. Bobby was sitting on the 
sofa with a brief on his lap. Music played softly in the background and 
candles on the table were burnt down to nothing and dimly highlighted the 
remnants of the dinner he had prepared.
“ I’m sorry,” Lindsay said. “I had no idea-,” she gestured to the dinner.
He turned around, “You said you’d be home by six.”
“I know. But I got a phone call, I had to go and see a kid who’s just been 
charged with murder. It took longer than I expected.”
“You could have called. I was worried.”
“I’m sorry.” She sat down next to him and rested her head against his 
shoulder. “I just watched a twelve year old fall asleep and all I could think 
about was how he was going to spend the next ten years of his life in 
prison.”
“A twelve year old?”
“Yeah, can you believe it? A girl called his father a drunk so he whacked 
her over the head with a stick. The stick actually turned out to be a 
baseball bat – according to the police file.”
“What are they charging him with?”
“Murder two.”
“Murder two?”
“Yes. Do you have to repeat everything I say?”
“I’m just surprised.”
“You and me both – I’m going to bed. Coming?”
“In a second. You go ahead.”
“Okay, but just remember 1.6 times per week.”
“You don’t let me forget.”
“Okay, as long as you’re clear on that.” She began to get up. He laughed 
and affectionately pulled her back down to him and planted a kiss on her 
lips, “I’ll make it up to you – I promise.”

* * *

A tearful couple sat in the front row of the gallery. Helen could hear their 
pitiful sniffling – she felt sick on their behalf. They had given her a photo 
that morning of their daughter, a pretty girl with dark, wavy hair and a 
sparkling smile. “Is that the victim?” Richard Bay asked in his usual callous 
way as he slid next to her.
“Sshh! Her parents are right behind us.”
“Did you hear who’s defending the boy?”
“Yeah, Lindsay.”
“We have to win this one Helen.”
“Who are you to say that? Didn’t you lose every case that you tried last 
year? And anyway, I was thinking of offering manslaughter.”
“Manslaughter? He hid behind a bush and ambushed the girl with a 
baseball bat.”
“That’s what an elderly woman with bad eyesight claims. He says it was 
an accident.”
“So you believe everything a criminal says now?”
“A criminal? Richard he’s twelve years old.”
“Whatever. Anyway, the DA wants me to help you on this one.”
“Too bad. I can do this one myself.”
“His orders. He says that after all the school shootings we need to send a 
message to kids that murder is not an acceptable method of solving 
problems. There have been murders by children who are ten years old, we 
are beginning to accept a 14 year old suspect as a usual occurrence.  A 
message needs to be sent, and it’s our job to send it.”
 “Gee, I needed a lecture at 9 o’clock in the morning. Get off your 
soapbox Richard.”
“You’re getting soft in your old age Helen.” He stood up and stormed out 
of the courtroom, brushing past Lindsay.
“What’s his problem?” she asked Helen. 
“He’s running for congress. Except he’s a little confused about who his 
voting public is. I just let him know it wasn’t me.”

The judge arrived and Helen and Lindsay rushed to the front. Bail was 
denied and the judge agreed to prioritize the trial date.
 
“Any offers?” Lindsay asked as they headed out of the courtroom.
“I want to offer manslaughter, but apparently the DA doesn’t want to 
plead out on this one. We’ll have to go to trial.”
“You’ve upgraded the charges to murder one?”
“We have notes that he wrote and some of his classmates have told us that 
he often threatened Jennifer. It was premeditated and it was malicious. 
Murder one.”
“Okay. Trial.”
“Hey, how’s married life? We haven’t talked in weeks.”
“I know, I’m sorry. But we’ve had so much to do since the honeymoon, 
and now this-“
“Whoa! It’s okay, I was just wondering.”
“Oh.”
“Are you free for lunch?”
“I have to go see Ricky. But after that…”
“Around two p.m.? Usual place?”
“Okay. See you then.”

Helen watched her leave. After playing such a huge role in every stage of 
Bobby and Lindsay’s relationship, she felt lost now without her friend. 
Lindsay had promised a year ago that they would always be friends, but it 
looked like marriage was going to be the big obstacle that would get in the 
way of that. It was just a pity that the marriage was Lindsay’s rather than 
her own, Helen mused, although she had never seriously considered 
Bobby as a possible husband, there was a certain attraction between 
them, even if it was only based on. Lindsay always shied away from 
discussing anything to do with Bobby in bed, knowing his history with 
Helen. And god knows Helen has tried to coax her out of the shyness. But 
their faces when they appeared in the morning ere probably enough of an 
indication – Bobby’s face never looked like that when he was dating her. 
Helen would try to get all the details out of her at lunch. 

******************************
 
END PART 1

Author’s note: I’m not sure what I think of this so far, but part 2 and 3 are 
ready and part 4 should be finished tomorrow. Please provide feedback, 
good or bad (as long as it’s constructive) as it is the only way I can learn. I 
hope you enjoyed it. 

PART 2:
Title: Last Chance
Author: Alison (alleyb178@yahoo.com)
Author’s Note: Continuing on from part 1. This doesn’t have much to do 
with the case, but I hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: See part 1

******************************

“Is Lindsay Dole here?”
“No, she’s in court today.” Lucy eyed the woman, who seemed very 
cosmopolitan. “Can one of our other lawyers help you?”
“No I don’t think so. When is she due back?”
“She’ll be in court all day. If you give me your name I can tell her you 
came by.”
“Oh, I’m her mother.”
Bobby came out of his office, “Lucy can you get me the Jeffry file?” He 
saw the woman standing there and stopped, surprised.
“Mrs. Dole!”
“Hi, you must be Bobby. I’m here to see Lindsay.” 
“She’s in court today. Would you come into my office?”
“Sure.”
“I didn’t realize you’d be back in Boston so soon. Lindsay gave me the 
impression that you wouldn’t be back until Christmas.”
“It was a sudden decision. But I’ve decided to move back to Boston.”
“But, you’re work-,”
“I needed a change, the walls were crowding in. So here I am. Lindsay 
told me about the wedding. She could have done worse.”
Bobby was lost for words. “Uh, there’s a café across the street. Would 
you like to have a coffee and we’ll call you when Lindsay returns.”
“No, I’ll wait here. Where’s Lindsay’s desk?”
“Uh, I’ll show you.”

Mrs. Dole relaxed in Lindsay’s chair and glanced briefly at the clutter on 
the desk.
“She always was a disorganized child.” Her gaze rested upon the framed 
photos, one of which was Lindsay and Bobby hugging. She smiled 
encouragingly at Bobby, who was standing by awkwardly, much to the 
amusement of Rebecca and Lucy.
“What did Lindsay wear at the wedding?”
“To be honest-,”
“Some girls choose the most awful dresses – they look like giant 
meringues. And Lindsay has always been so conservative with fashion, it 
would be just like her to wear something unsuitable.”
“I can assure you, Mrs. Dole, she looked amazing.”
“Well aren’t you sweet, coming to her defense.”
Bobby looked desperately at Rebecca, who smiled back sweetly and 
shook her head. “Uh…Mrs. Dole, I have a meeting this afternoon that I 
need to prepare for. Perhaps we could talk more over dinner tonight?”
“Certainly. I’m sorry to keep you from your work.”
“No problem. Would you like a coffee?”
“That would be lovely.”
“Lucy?”
Lucy shot him an evil look and stood up grudgingly to get the coffee. 
Rebecca laughed silently into her computer as Bobby rushed back to his 
office.

* * *

Lindsay arrived in the busy restaurant and saw Helen sitting in a corner, 
guarding the table with her life.
“You’re late!”
“I had to explain to Ricky what would happen in the trial. Needless to say 
he’s scared about the whole thing.”
“I’ll talk to my boss, see if we can make a deal. My image is bad enough 
in the courtroom, without putting a 12 year old in prison for the rest of his 
life.”
“Can we not talk about this? Let’s talk about your love life.”
“I came here all prepared to talk about yours.”
“Oh no. You’ve meddled in every part of our relationship so far, you’re 
forbidden from any further influence.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“But if I didn’t live my life through yours, mine would be so boring.”
“Well, maybe its time you thought seriously about becoming a lesbian.”
“Oh, funny. Can you imagine-?”
“Let’s not go there. I’m sorry I brought I up.”
“So how is married life?”
“It’s great. I always imagined it would be the same as just living together, 
but it’s different. It’s nice to have the certificate that says that this person 
has pledged his life to you. It’s comforting.”
“I just can’t imagine Bobby as a married man.”
“He’s everything to me. You don’t see him as a gentle and affectionate 
and deeply loving man. I never saw that side of him until we had been 
seeing each other for months. Last night he made a candlelit dinner for me, 
except I happened to be in a jail cell for most of the night, he’s so 
sweet.”  
“If you keep talking I’m going to throw up.”
“You asked.”
“And I’m sorry that I did.” Helen looked reproachfully at Lindsay. “Still 
fighting?”
Lindsay looked up from her fries, “All the time.”
Helen smiled, “I thought you’d stop when you were married.”
Lindsay thought back to their turbulent past. It seemed like they fought the 
whole time they were together, not to mention the time previously when 
the unresolved sexual tension had driven them both crazy. She wasn’t 
going to admit it to Helen, but she enjoyed some of the fights. It was a 
time when emotions were electric and there was a real passion between 
them. She loved that they could feel so strongly about an issue, and still 
respect and love each other. She loved the strength he made her show and 
the power he also exuded. It was thrilling and pumped adrenaline through 
her veins. 
Helen waited for an answer and when she didn’t get one, she continued 
on, “Well two people who can fight like you must have good sex.”
“Good try Helen, but I’m not going to discuss this with you.”
“You know, when I was with Bobby-,”
“You know, he talks about you,” Lindsay interrupted.
“Really? Bobby? What does he say?”
“He often says to me, that when he was with you, he had no idea that sex 
could actually be enjoyable,” Lindsay said teasingly.
“Oh really? That sounds like a challenge.”
Lindsay just laughed. She was about to respond when a young, 
good-looking man approached their table bashfully. The two women 
turned to him expectantly.
“Do you need a lawyer? Because if so you’re in luck.” Helen joked. It 
took the man by surprise and he hesitated.
“No, actually, please bear with me, but my friend has dared me to ask you 
if we could join you.”
Helen looked gleeful, “Sure, we’d love to have some company.”
A moment of happiness passed across his face and he left to retrieve his 
friend.
“Let the games begin,” Helen joked.
“Oh, don’t be mean to them Helen, just remember the state of your love 
life.”
“No, you issued a challenge, and I am determined to take it seriously.”
“Well, it’s your life. They look as though they’re still in college.”
The man returned with his friend in tow and seemed a little more confident. 
“Hi, I’m George Dickens, and this is Matthew Hickmont.”
“Hi. I’m Helen Gamble and this is my very good friend Lindsay Dole.” 
She turned to Lindsay. “You are still Dole aren’t you?”
“Yes, Lindsay Dole.”
“Why would your name change?” Matthew asked.
“Oh, Helen gets a little confused about things It’s always been Dole,” 
Lindsay replied, playing along with Helen.
“Do you work?” He asked Lindsay. Helen rolled her eyes; Lindsay had 
already got the husband it wouldn’t be fair for her to get the new guy too.
“She’s an evil defense attorney – willing to free murderers and drug 
dealers in the name of saving the criminal justice system. I on the other 
hand, am a crime fighting, noble district attorney.”
“You’re a defense attorney?” he asked Lindsay.
Lindsay laughed, catching Helen’s eye. Helen turned her attention to 
George.
“What do you do?” Lindsay asked Matthew.
“George and I both work in advertising.”
“Good job?”
“Yeah, it pays the bills. How did it come about that a district attorney is 
friends with a defense attorney?”
“We were roommates in law school, and have been friends ever since.”
“Where did you go to Law school?”
“Harvard.”
“Oh, you’re not only good looking, but intelligent too.”
“I like to think of myself as intelligent with my looks being an added 
bonus,” Helen interrupted before Lindsay had a chance to reply; Helen 
was bored with George and had decided to attempt to steal Lindsay’s 
guy. But before any of them could respond, a cell phone rang and they all 
reached for their phones.
“It’s mine,” Lindsay assured them and answered, “Lindsay Dole.”
“Hi sweetheart, where are you?” Bobby’s comforting voice washed over 
her - she always felt calmed by his voice.
“Bobby! I’m at lunch with Helen. Hang on for a second.”
She excused herself from the table and sat down in the foyer, where it was 
quieter.
Helen was left to the two men and was starting to get a little tired of the 
games. She never did like losing.
“Do you think your friend would mind if I asked her out?” Matthew 
asked.
“Well, *she* might not mind but her husband might have something to say 
about it.”
“She’s married?” He asked, horrified.
“As of three weeks ago.”
“Why didn’t she say anything?”
“I think it was for my benefit, I’m single and we used to play these sorts of 
games, I guess she was trying to bring back the past.”
“How dare you use us like that!” He stood up to leave and George more 
reluctantly followed him.
“Sorry, it was nice to meet you,” Helen called after them.

They brushed past Lindsay on their way out. She laughed and Matthew 
turned to glare at her.
“What’s so funny?” Bobby asked.
“Oh Helen and I were leading these two guys on, they started getting a 
little serious and their dreams have now been shattered.”
“You what?”
“Oh Bobby, it was harmless. What did you want to tell me?”
“Your Mom is in Boston, I invited her out to dinner tonight.”
“You invited her to dinner!?”
“I’ve never met her, Lindsay. Never. It seemed like the best option.”
“Where are we going?”
“That little French place you love so much.”
“We can’t go there!”
Bobby started feeling a little exasperated, “Why not!?”
“My mother has spent the last year working in a restaurant in France, I am 
sure a little restaurant in Boston will not live up to her expectations as an 
example of fine French cooking.”
“Lindsay, you have tried awfully hard to shield me from her, so I’m sorry if 
I have made some mistakes. Where should we go?”
“How about Italian?”
“Fine.”
“Fine. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Bye.”

Lindsay looked up to find Helen standing next to her.
“I think I won,” Lindsay stated.
“Did you have another fight with Bobby?”
“No, well sort of, but that’s not what I was talking about. I think I won the 
lunchtime challenge.”
“He was kind of shocked that you were married.”
“I saw.”
They laughed together, glad that they were still best friends and that they 
could still have fun. Helen wondered how long it would last.

*********************************************

END PART 2


PART 3:

Title: Last Chance
Author: Alison
Author's note: I forgot to tell you in part 1 that this is mostly
a 
B/L story. But you've probably already figured that out. We also
get 
to know Lindsay's mother a little better.
Disclaimer: See part 1

*******************************************

At the insistence of Mrs. Dole, they met in front of the restaurant. 
She was already waiting when Bobby pulled the car into a parking 
space across the street. Lindsay was amazed at how vulnerable her 
mother looked in the chilly evening air. Lindsay hadn't seen Mrs. 
Dole since she was stabbed over a year ago and it was obvious how 
much she had aged. They approached quickly, eager to get her into the 
warm comfort of the restaurant.

"Lindsay darling, how are you?"
"Fine, Mom."
"And Bobby, it is nice to see you again."
"You too Mrs. Dole. Shall we go in?"

They were led to their reserved table and handed menus. 

"Isn't this place charming. It reminds me of the days I was 
travelling and had only enough money to eat in the cheapest places. 
It was definitely character building."
Lindsay glared at Bobby, blaming him for having to put up with this. 
Bobby tactfully changed the subject.
"What would you like to drink, Mrs. Dole?"
"Oh please - call me Caroline. You are my son-in-law after all. I 
feel dreadful that we never got to meet before this."
"Yes-,"
"But Lindsay here has always been terribly private about her
life. 
Ever since she was a little girl she would hide things from us," 
Caroline patted Lindsay on the arm.
"Mom, does Dad know you're here?"
"I only flew in today, I haven't had time."
"Were you planning on telling him?"
"When I was ready. Now what shall we drink?"
Lindsay stared glumly at her hands.
"Champagne?" Bobby suggested.
"What a lovely idea!"

Eventually the drinks came and Lindsay gulped hers down immediately. 
Mrs. Dole continued to chatter mindlessly about life in France and 
Bobby became concerned about his wife's state, he wished that he 
hadn't suggested dinner. The meals came and Bobby continued to
nod 
and smile at Mrs. Dole, while trying to hurry the dinner along so 
that the could go home. Lindsay finally found something to amuse her 
while she ate: it was Bobby trying to be a good son-in-law to her 
mother while obviously being uncomfortable about the whole situation. 
She smiled into her dinner. Mrs. Dole finally realized that her 
daughter was being unusually quiet and glanced at her.
"Dear, are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"You look a little tired."
"Really – I'm fine."
"Have you put on some weight? I hope you don't let your
figure go – 
many a girl has won a husband with her looks only to lose them once 
she is married. Its pregnancy that does the most damage, I never was 
a maternal sort of woman, but I think I did a satisfactory job with 
Lindsay, wouldn't you agree Bobby?"
"I'm happy with the result," he replied diplomatically.
He was saved 
by Lindsay's cell phone ringing; it was a welcome interruption.
"Lindsay Dole."
"Lindsay, its Lucy."
"Are you still working?"
"Tell Bobby I'm charging him overtime for this. I just got a
phone 
call, the sister of the little boy you're representing?"
"Lisa Evans?"
"Yeah. She was found dead this afternoon. They think she OD'd
on some 
sleeping pills. I'm sorry."
"Thanks Lucy,"
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah. Bye."
She put down the phone.
"What happened?" Bobby asked.
"Ricky Evans' sister? She killed herself."
"Oh God," Bobby said. He quickly called for the check and
handed over 
his credit card.
"Who's Ricky Evans?" Mrs. Dole asked.
"A client of mine. We have to go, Mom. I have to tell Ricky about 
this."
"Of course you do – always working. Just like your
father."
"I'm sorry. Maybe we can talk another time."
"I'm here for good now. We can talk whenever you want."
"I'll call you."

Lindsay and Bobby rushed out of the restaurant. Mrs. Dole stared 
wistfully after them. "I'm proud of you," she whispered.

*      *      *

"Ricky? Its Lindsay."
The small boy woke up from his restless sleep.
"Can I go now?"
"No. I have some bad news."
Bobby watched him blink back tiredly at Lindsay, he felt heartbroken 
for Ricky's sake. Ricky saw him and sat up quickly.
"Who are you? I won't let you take me away. Go away!"
"Ricky, that's Bobby Donnell, he's also a lawyer.
He's going to help 
me with your case. But that's not what I'm here for." She
sighed and 
looked at Bobby for strength. "I'm here about Lisa."
Ricky's eyes widened even more and he waited for the news. They
were 
the wizened eyes of a child used to bad news.
"Ricky, I am so sorry, but Lisa died today. She left a note for
you, 
I have it here if you want to read it."
His face didn't change. "How did she die?"
"The man who owns your house wanted money for rent, so made her
leave 
the house. She decided that she didn't want to live anymore, so
she 
swallowed some sleeping pills. Your neighbor found her this 
afternoon."
"Can I have the letter?"
"Of course." She handed it over.
"Can I be alone now please?"
"Do you want me to stay a little while?"
"No."
"Okay, I'll stop by tomorrow. Ricky, I am so sorry."
"Just go."
Lindsay paused, unsure whether she should leave him.
"GO!"
She left silently with Bobby, tears beginning to well in her eyes. 
Bobby walked along silently, feeling that she wasn't ready to
discuss 
anything yet. He put his arm gently around her waist and walked her 
out. It was only when they got into the car that she broke down and 
cried and still Bobby said nothing. He drove her silently home and it 
wasn't until he lay beside her in bed that he broke the silence.
"Want to talk about it?"
"No. I jus felt that there was no hope. He's lost his mother,
his 
father left him a month ago, he's been arrested for murder and
now 
his sister has committed suicide. Even if we win the trial, what sort 
of life has he got to go to?"
"He has relatives that are willing to care for him. It's
better than 
jail."
"Call me delusional, but I've always had this idea that
childhood 
should be happy and innocent. Murder and suicide aren't things he 
should be thinking about. His biggest challenges shouldn't be
whether 
he gets acquitted for first degree murder, but whether he should 
dress up as a fireman or superman at Halloween."
"Sometimes life doesn't follow the plan we want it to
follow."
"I worry that if we have children, something will go wrong and we 
will be responsible for bringing them into a world that shows them no 
compassion, a world that they seek refuge from by killing themselves. 
I don't want to be responsible for bringing such despair into
another 
person's life."
"Firstly, most children have a very happy childhood. And
secondly, 
there is no way that our children will end up like this."
"How do you know?"
"Ricky grew up in a very unhappy home. His mother was an
alcoholic 
who died of a drug overdose; his father was very rarely at home. The 
only person he could rely on was his sister, who was struggling to 
pay the rent. He was teases relentlessly at school and had no 
friends."
"I know his circumstances. That doesn't guarantee a tragic
childhood 
and life."
"No. But our children will be growing up in a very loving 
environment. There is no way I'd let something like this
happen."
"As much as you love someone, sometimes you can't change
fate."
"Well let's take the chance and leave it up to fate then."
Lindsay stared back at him silently, hoping that he was right.
"Let's get some sleep. It's been a long day." He
leaned over and 
kissed her softly.
"I love you. Even if you have one of the most exasperating
mothers I 
have ever met in my life."
Lindsay smiled.
"You know, most people like to look at the mother and imagine
them to 
be an aged version of the daughter. If you ever decide to go to 
France to cook, I'm leaving you."
Lindsay's smile turned into a laugh, "Thank you. I don't
deserve you."
"Good night."
"Night. I love you."

*********************************
END PART 3

PART 4
Title: Last Chance

Author: Alison (alleyb178@yahoo.com)

Author's note: This is completely OT, but I have read so many
fanfics 
in the past week, that I am beginning to be amazed at the wonderful 
imaginations of the writers! I have also read many that refer to 
Lindsay's mother (I believe the names have been Genevieve,
Millicent, 
and now Caroline). They are all bitchy women who Lindsay has trouble 
relating to…Great minds think alike, huh? I was also surprised
that 
many of us agree that Lindsay is a terrible cook and that Bobby is a 
great one. Anyway, ramblings of a woman who's cat is snoring so
loud 
she can't hear the TV! Yes my cat is snoring…Let's get on
with the 
story.    

Disclaimer: See part one.

***************************
"Ricky, this is Dr. Jackson. She is a psychiatrist and we need
you to 
be honest with her, she'll be testifying at the trial."
"Hi Ricky."
Ricky stared blankly at the wall, causing Lindsay to worry that she 
had called Dr. Jackson too soon after the news of his sister.
"Lindsay, could you leave us?"
"Sure. I'll wait outside."
She watched through the glass, trying to read lips, but it appeared 
to her that Ricky wasn't saying much. After an hour, the
psychiatrist 
gave up and opened the door.
"He's given up."
"What do you mean?"
"He doesn't care about what happens to him anymore. He's
lost the 
battle."
"Do you think he'll be able to testify at the trial?"
"To be honest, Ms. Dole. I'd be surprised if he survived the
period 
before he trial."
"You think he'll kill himself."
"No not so intentionally, but he's not eating, he's not
talking to 
anybody, he has mentally and emotionally shut off. I hate to be 
vulgar, but there's no light burning in the attic."
"Would you say that his condition has become progressively worse
over 
time?"
"Are you asking whether this could have had a bearing on him
killing 
the little girl?"
"Yes."
"It doesn't happen overnight. I would say that the death of
his 
sister was the contributing factor, the straw that broke the
camel's 
back, if you will. But I would say that he's been suffering from
this 
emotional shut down for a long time."
"Would you be willing to testify?"
"I'd be glad to. He needs a break, but I'm 
betting
 that
he won't be 
given one."
"Thanks."

"How did it go?" Rebecca asked as Lindsay entered the office.
The 
lawyers were all standing around Lucy's desk, collecting messages 
after a morning in court.
"He's not eating. The shrink didn't provide any
revelations, but her 
testimony will help."
"And the sister?" Eugene asked.
"Funeral's tomorrow. They're letting Ricky attend, which
may help him 
cope. But I'm really worried about him."
"He'll be fine." Rebecca assured her.
"The prosecution have a strong case, I don't think we'll
win." She 
turned to Lucy; "I'll be in the conference room. Don't
interrupt 
unless it's important."
"Okay." Lucy agreed. She decided to hold back on any
smart-ass 
comments this time. Lindsay didn't appreciate them at the best of 
times. The rest of the lawyers watched Lindsay silently withdraw into 
the conference room, closing the door behind her.

Lindsay spread the files before her, wishing there were something she 
could find that might give Ricky hope. She found nothing, so began to 
construct her case and when she looked up it was suddenly dark and 
the office was almost empty. She could see Bobby hunched over work in 
his office and Ellenor was packing her briefcase, preparing to leave. 
Lindsay opened the door and smiled at Ellenor, "Heading home?"
Ellenor was startled by her voice, "You decided to resurface huh? 
That was some marathon – you didn't even break for
coffee."
"I didn't even notice the time."
"Well, Bobby's competing with you for the workaholic award
tonight. 
He came out and saw you diligently working and we haven't seen
him 
since."
"I think we both need a distraction."
"Is the marriage that bad is it?" Ellenor joked.
"Don't sound so hopeful! No, Bobby needs to forget the
experience of 
meeting my mother and…well…I need to repress that memory
too."
"Well don't work too hard. `Night."
"'Night"
Lindsay waited until she left and then knocked softly on Bobby's
door.
"Come in."
"Just me. It's just after eight. We should probably start
thinking 
about eating sometime soon."
"I was waiting for you to finish up. But thank you, it's been
good to 
focus on work."
"Oh. Well, let me pack up then we can get going."

They had been home for about an hour when there was a knock at the 
door. Bobby got up from the table and peeked through the peephole. He 
shot a startled look at Lindsay and opened the door.
"Caroline, this is unexpected!"
"Bobby, I tried to call earlier, but nobody was home."
Bobby saw the suitcases piled behind her.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. Can I come in?"
"Of course, sorry."
He helped her drag in her luggage.
"Mom. What's going on?"
"Lindsay. I hate to burden this on you. But I need somewhere to
stay."
"Why here?" Lindsay asked bluntly.
"You're my daughter. I was hoping to find you a little
sympathetic to 
my predicament."
"What predicament is that, Mom?"
"I have no money."
"What!?"
"Lindsay, it's hard enough for me to admit that, please
don't make it 
worse."
"I'm just shocked. What about the divorce settlement, the
restaurant 
in France, your inheritance form Gran?"
"All gone."
"How?"
"Lindsay, let's sit down. You too Bobby."
Lindsay remembered how vulnerable he mother had looked the previous 
night. For the first time in Lindsay's life, her mother was
treating 
her like a person, she was acting normal rather the elitist snob that 
she had always been. They sat down stiffly and waited for Mrs. Dole 
to begin.
"Nine months ago, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was in
France 
and didn't have any health insurance. The doctor suggested very 
invasive, expensive surgery and I declined, I would rather spend my 
last months doing what I loved. I love to cook, so I bought the 
restaurant in France - it cost me almost every cent I had. 
Unfortunately, the French don't much like an American pretending
to 
be genuine and the tourists didn't think my restaurant was
authentic 
enough to warrant eating there. So I salvaged all I could, sold the 
restaurant, paid off my 
debts
 and prepared myself to die"
"But, what about the tumor?"
"It's growing."
"How long…"
"When will I die?"
Lindsay nodded numbly.
"They say another 3 months or so."
"But you're so matter of fact about it all."
"I've had a long time to think about it."
"Why did you brush me off when I called to tell you about the 
wedding?"
"I was determined to die alone. I had no interest in your life at 
that stage. You were never my child, emotionally that is. You always 
confided in your father and I felt your condemnation of me when he 
left. But I thought about it and decided whether you liked it or not, 
I wanted to see you."
"Why?"
"Why did I want to see you?"
"Why care about me now, why didn't you care about me when it
really 
mattered?"
"Lindsay-,"
"I don't want you staying here." Lindsay stood up and
rushed to her 
bedroom.
Bobby, who had been silently watching the impact on his wife, 
reassured Mrs. Dole that she could stay for at least one night, until 
they sorted out new accommodation and after showing her to the guest 
room, he went in search of Lindsay. She was sitting stubbornly on 
their bed.
"I said I don't want her staying here."
"We can't turn her out at this hour of the night."
"I could try."
"Lindsay, be reasonable."
"Reasonable. Why don't you go and preach about being
reasonable to my 
mother. Was she reasonable when she decided to block me out of her 
life? Was she reasonable when she cut me out of her will because I 
went to stay with my father? Was she reasonable when she flatly 
refused to come to my high school and college graduation, not to 
mention my swearing-in? Was she reasonable-,"
"Alright, alright. Forgive me for trying to stumble my way in the 
dark here, I have no idea of the history behind this. Why don't
you 
sit down and talk to her, and leave the judgement until you get the 
whole story."
"Oh and are you going to cross examine? Bobby this isn't a
court 
room."
"I'm not trying to make it into one. But I think you need to
step 
back and look at this with a wider viewpoint and some more 
perspective. I don't want you to regret turning her away for the
rest 
of your life. Please. Just talk to her."
Lindsay stared back at him stubbornly.
"I'll think about it."
"Thank you."

He leaned over her and turned out the light. He undressed in the dark 
and slid under the covers. Lindsay sat on the bed and watched him 
slowly fall asleep before climbing in next to him.

********************************

END PART 4

Author's Note: Well, surprisingly, I am beginning to like the way 
this story is turning out. Feedback is still appreciated.   

PART 5
Title: Last Chance
Author: Alison (alleyb178@yahoo.com)
Author's note: Thank you for all your feedback so far, it makes
my 
day!
Disclaimer: See Part 1

*******************************

There was a light burning in the kitchen when Lindsay woke up 
suddenly the next morning. Bobby was snoring peacefully beside her 
and she hadn't the heart to wake him up. She had spent half the
night 
watching him sleep, resenting him for taking her mother's side,
but 
she eventually concluded that he really had no idea. He had grown up 
in a happy family: a loving mother and father, family holidays and 
camping trips, close relatives that visited regularly – he
didn't 
understand what it was like to grow up in a family where the only 
feeling in the air was resentment and guilt and spite. A family where 
the children were sent to camps during summer so that their parents 
could drop the act of marriage for at least a few months. A family 
where the mother criticized every move they made and their father 
disinterestedly brushed them away when they appealed to him for some 
help. It was partly Lindsay's fault that Bobby was never given
the 
chance to meet her parents. She wanted to hide from him how ashamed 
she was at her family: he was an idealist at heart and she wanted to 
protect him from the reality of her childhood. It was well into the 
night when she had fallen asleep, deciding reluctantly to try to make 
an effort with her mother.

Lindsay tiptoed into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, surprised that 
Bobby had left the light on that night, when she saw her mother 
sitting at the table with her head in her hands. At the sound of 
Lindsay's entrance, she sat upright and feigned composure.
Lindsay grudgingly thought of her decision to make amends and asked 
coldly, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a little headache, that's all."
Lindsay looked closely at her mother's face, it was pale, and her 
skin was almost translucent with what looked like bruises under her 
eyes. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot and her whole face sagged with 
age and pain.
"Are you on medication?"
"Of course. My herbalist recommended a few blends that he assured
me 
would help."
"What about traditional medicine? Any painkillers?"
"They have dreadful side effects. I have tried to avoid them as
much 
as I can."
"You look awful."
"Thanks dear, as blunt as always."
"I'm cooking breakfast – do you want some?"
"You're cooking?"
"I think I can manage eggs and toast."
"How about I cook, you sit."
"This is my kitchen. I'm cooking. If you don't like it,
you can 
leave!"
Lindsay slammed down the frypan and shoved bread into the toaster. 
Her mother retreated and sat down on one of the stools at the counter 
and silently watched he daughter crack eggs into the pan and start 
brewing the coffee.
"I'll start looking for somewhere else to stay today."
"My cooking isn't that bad."
"Well…that's not the point… I've disrupted your
life. It's obvious 
you don't want me here. I'm sorry."
Lindsay felt guilty; "You can stay here."
"No, you have a life here. I'm intruding."
"You can stay, damn it. Just accept it!"
"Lindsay-,"
"I mean it, you can stay."
"Okay, thank you, but Lindsay-,"
"What?"
"The eggs are burning."
In spite of herself, Lindsay started to laugh. Her mother joined in 
and got off the stool to take the frypan off the hot plate.
"Let's begin again, shall we?"
Knowing that her mother was talking about more than just the eggs, 
Lindsay nodded solemnly. Bobby entered the kitchen minutes later to 
find mother and daughter preparing breakfast together. He smiled to 
himself and sniffed the air.
"What's burning?"
Lindsay threw the dishcloth at him.
"Not a word," she warned.

*      *      *

The trial started a little shakily. Ricky had been sitting at the 
defense table when she arrived on the first morning. His clothes were 
so loose that the sleeve of the shirt slipped off his bony shoulder 
when he turned to look at Lindsay. The judge was shocked at his 
appearance and called the lawyers into chambers. It wasn't only
the 
loss of weight that worried the judge, but it was the dead look in 
the boy's eyes. It was a look that made the judge's heart
turn cold.
"Why didn't someone tell me that he looked like that?"
"We approached the DA about his appearance, Your Honor, we
informed 
them that he wasn't strong enough to cope with a trial. They 
stubbornly continued on. Apparently, their shrink has told them that 
he's fine. We have other information – he is seriously
depressed, he 
hasn't eaten in over a week. He has been moved to the prison 
hospital, where they have been force-feeding him through a tube. I am 
as shocked as you are." Lindsay tried to keep the anger out of
her 
voice. Helen had been understanding and had fought for her, but 
Richard and their boss had forced her to continue with the trial.
"May I respond?" Helen asked.
"Of course."
Helen shot a look at Richard, daring him to contradict her. "I
have 
tried endlessly to convince my boss to accept a plea from defense 
counsel. I have marching orders on this one and nothing I do will 
change their mind. I am also very angry that this has gone this far, 
but our psychiatrist does insist he is strong enough to continue with 
the trial. The defense have two witnesses, we have two. It should 
only be a two-day trial. Lets get this one over and done with as 
quickly as possible."
"Your Honor, this is detrimental to our defense - he is in no 
condition to continue. The prosecution is determined to make an 
example of him, and are more concerned in getting a guilty verdict 
than in doing what is best for this boy."
"Counsel, don't try to tell me that this is detrimental to
your 
defense. You are trying this one as temporary insanity; his condition 
today will help you with that. As much as I dislike it, the 
prosecution is right, it is just a two-day trial. Let's continue. 
I'll bring in the jury."

They filed out of his chambers and headed back to the courtroom. 
Ricky was still sitting weakly in his seat, staring into space, when 
Lindsay and Bobby slid next to him. The jury was brought in and each 
juror stared curiously at Ricky, yet he remained unchanged. Lindsay 
shot a worried look at Bobby, while the judge began his usual 
introductory spiel to the jury about waiting until the end before 
they made a decision as to the verdict, and warning them not to 
discuss the trial with anybody.

Helen stood up, and stared at the jury seriously. "I handle a lot
of 
murder trials and they always make me feel so sad," she confided
to 
the jury. "They always seem so tragic to me, but no matter how
sad 
they seem, no matter how swayed we are by the unfortunate 
circumstances, we need to be clear on one thing. A murder has been 
committed here. You might be convinced that it is excusable because 
he's only twelve and that he has had a hard life, but whether the 
defendant is twelve or ninety, there is no excuse for murder. We will 
prove to you that this boy sat and waited for the victim to walk past 
before ambushing her with a baseball bat. We will prove to you that 
he had been planning that crime for a long time. We will prove to you 
that after killing her, he walked away and went to school. Sometimes 
we need to look past the tragedy and see the truth."

Lindsay took a deep breath and took one last look at Ricky.
"We are not disputing the fact that a crime was committed here
and we 
are not arguing that the crime was not brutal. It was, and I am as 
horrified as you are that a twelve-year-old could do such a thing. 
But there is a reason for this. Ricky Evans was not thinking clearly 
when he killed Jennifer Miller. We will give you the testimony of a 
well-known child psychiatrist who has deemed that the defendant was 
suffering from a psychological meltdown when he committed the murder. 
All we ask is that you take a look at Ricky and listen to the 
testimony that we will put forward."

The trial began.

Helen called the detective that was assigned the case and the elderly 
woman who witnessed the crime.  Bobby cross-examined the detective, 
not dwelling on any of the forensics.

"Detective, you questioned some of Ricky's friends before
arresting 
Ricky Evans?"
"Yes, I did."
"And what had he been doing the morning of the murder?"
"Playing softball."
"So he had the baseball bat with him."
"Yes."
"Who else was playing baseball that morning?"
"There was a group of kids playing."
"Was Jennifer Miller present?"
"Yes."
"So the morning of the murder, he was playing softball with
Jennifer 
Miller. Is it possible, that the fact that he hit Jennifer with the 
baseball bat was not due to him planning the attack beforehand, as 
you testified, but for the only reason that it was available at the 
time?"
"It is possible, I guess. But we also-,"
"Thank you Detective, you have answered the question. Now, in
your 
opinion, what was the defendant's mental state when you arrested
him?"
"Objection. The detective has no qualifications to give that 
testimony."
"We're asking for his opinion, not a psychiatric
evaluation."
"Overruled," the judge said to Helen. "Answer the
question, 
Detective."
"He didn't say anything. He acted like he was in a dream or 
something."
"So he didn't respond to anything you said?"
"No, when we arrested him he just sat there. We had to physically 
carry him out of the school."
"Thank you."
Helen stood up; "Did he ever deny having killed her?"
"No, he didn't say anything."
"And the other children told you that Ricky left to go to school 
before anyone else?"
"Yes. They also told us that Jennifer followed soon after."
"So the defendant still had time to hide and wait for Jennifer to 
walk past?"
"Yes."
"Thank you Detective."
Bobby stood up again.
"Isn't it also possible that Jennifer caught up with Ricky
and they 
walked most of the way together?"
"We have no way of knowing that."
"So it is possible?"
"I guess so."
"Thank you."

The elderly woman had given a very believable eyewitness account of 
what happened. 
Lindsay looked at her kindly,
"Ma'am, you said that you saw him leap out of the bush and
hit her 
with the baseball bat?"
"Yes."
"Did you know that Jennifer and Ricky had actually been playing 
softball together earlier and were walking to school together?"
"No, I didn't know that."
"Could it have been that as they rounded the bend in the road,
they 
began fighting and it appeared to you that he jumped out of the
bush?"
"No, I saw him jump out."
"Do you have bad eyesight, Mrs. Morris?"
"Yes, but I was wearing my glasses. I could see what
happened."
"And you have a cataract developing in your right eye?"
"Yes, but I could still see," Mrs. Morris looked defeated.
"Thank you, Mrs. Morris."

Helen rested her case, and Lindsay began for the defense.
"The defense calls Dr. Elizabeth Jackson."
The psychiatrist confidently strode to the stand.
After demonstrating to the court that Dr. Jackson was an expert in 
child psychology, Lindsay proceeded to question the doctor. They 
established that Ricky had had a very difficult childhood, and she 
gave her opinion of what this must have done to him psychologically. 
She then talked about how he was teased relentlessly at school due to 
his appearance, family and his difficulty in keeping up with the rest 
of the class academically. The jury liked her and listened to what 
she had to say.
"I'm not saying that every child with a difficult childhood
has an 
excuse to kill. But different people deal with things in different 
ways. Another child may have been motivated by these circumstances to 
succeed. Ricky dealt with it by holding all his anger and fear and 
hatred of the world inside. He became depressed and very angry at the 
world. So when young Jennifer rejected him, suddenly all his built up 
anger needed an outlet and he hit her. I firmly believe that he 
didn't realize what he was doing at the time and his state that
the 
detective spoke about goes to that."
"Thank you, Doctor."

"Doctor, is it true that the defendant's sister committed
suicide 
just days after his arrest?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"And when did you make your evaluation of him?"
"Two days after his sister's death."
"His `psychological meltdown' as you called it, could it
have been 
due to his sister's death rather than his traumatic
childhood?"
"It was certainly a contributing factor. But that kind of
meltdown 
doesn't occur overnight, his condition would have become 
progressively worse over time."
"How long did you spend with the defendant?"
"I met with him three times, each session lasted approximately an 
hour."
"So you have known him for a total of three hours and yet you can 
conclusively tell us exactly what was happening in his brain that 
day?"
"I have been a child psychiatrist for twenty years, counsel: I
know 
the signs. So yes, I have full confidence in my evaluation of Ricky 
Evans."
"Is the defense paying you for your appearance today?"
"Of course. I can't afford to work for free." The jury
smiled, still 
liking and wanting to believe the doctor.
"I have nothing further."

The defense next called a teacher who had taught Ricky for the 
previous two years. She confirmed Ricky's difficulty with
learning 
and the teasing that he suffered at school. She was also present the 
morning of the murder and declared that she had never seen him behave 
that way.
"How was he behaving?"
"He just sat there. He's usually quiet in class, but this was 
different. He took no notice of what was happening around him; he 
just kept staring into space. And his eyes scared me, they were 
completely blank, like he had lost all the will to live. Even when 
the police came, he did nothing. He just sat there."
"It scared you?"
"It really did. I have never seen a child in the state he was
in."

*************************

END PART 5

Well, what's the verdict? I'll have the next part up soon.

PART 6
Title: Last Chance
Author: Alison (alleyb178@yahoo.com)
Author's note: The sixth and final part, thanks for sticking with
it, 
I hope everyone enjoys the ending!
Disclaimer: See part 1

************************

The judge adjourned for the day after the defense rested. He promised 
the jury that the summations would be over by mid-morning. Lindsay 
watched the guard lead Ricky away while Bobby took her hand.
"I'm going home," she told him.
"I just need to pick up some files from the office, wait for me
and 
we can go together."
"Okay."
It was after six when they finally arrived home.
"I thought that wasn't supposed to take long." Lindsay
teased as they 
stood outside, savoring the privacy.
"Who knew that I had a million phone messages?"
"Have you heard of ignoring them?"
"Hmmm…No…Not in my vocabulary."
He pulled her to him before opening the door, "You know, ever
since 
your mother arrived, we've hardly spent any time alone
together."
"I know. I think she should go see my father. Hey, maybe they can 
rekindle the romance and she can live with him for a while,"
Lindsay 
sighed.
"Don't let it get you down."
"I won't," she leaned forward and kissed him softly. The
door was 
flung open behind them just as they both leaned further in to kiss 
more deeply.
"I thought you'd never get home!" Mrs. Dole cried
excitedly, choosing 
not to comment on the kiss. They pulled away suddenly, Lindsay was 
blushing and Bobby tried to compose himself. Mrs. Dole went back 
inside.
"I feel like I'm back in high school," Bobby groaned.
Lindsay laughed, "Come on, she'll get the shot gun if you
don't come 
inside."
Bobby groaned again. She grabbed him by the tie and pulled through 
the door.

"I've made you dinner. It's about time you experienced
real French 
food!" Mrs. Dole greeted them as they entered the kitchen.
"You didn't have to do this, Caroline," Bobby said,
amazed at the 
amount of food on the table.
"I know. But I've been here for a week now, and I felt I
should do 
something to say thank you."
"How was your day?" Lindsay asked her mother, taking the
glass of red 
wine that she handed her.
"I went to see your father."
"Oh?"
"We've called a truce."
"Okay…"
"He wants to see you."
"I know, when the trial's over I'll spend some time with
him."
"Other than that," Mrs. Dole said, pushing the issue out of
her 
mind, "I had a great day. Boston really doesn't compare to
Paris for 
shopping, but I made the best of a bad situation and bought some 
fabulous clothes."
"Wonderful," Lindsay said disdainfully.
"You know, Lindsay. You really should come shopping with me one
day. 
You really don't show off that figure of yours enough."
"Low necklines and high hemlines don't really go over well in 
criminal trials, Mom."
"But in settlement meetings, I'm sure they'd come in
handy."
"Strangely, that doesn't happen. Can we not talk about it
now?"
"Okay, but I'm just giving some advice."
Lindsay turned to Bobby; "Do you know who would be a perfect
shopping 
buddy for my mother?…Lucy."
"You're right. She would be perfect."

The dinner was less than comfortable for all involved, Lindsay still 
hadn't completely accepted her mother's new involvement in
her life 
and Mrs. Dole was trying too hard to make up for lost time. Her new 
easy going, accepting and generous nature had Lindsay baffled and 
Bobby tried awkwardly to smooth over the sticky situations. It
wasn't 
until they were alone in their bedroom later that evening that Bobby 
broached the topic of the next day's summations.
"I've been thinking about this for weeks, I'm fine,"
Lindsay assured 
him.
"Today went well, Helen's going to have a tough time getting
Murder 
one."
"But even if she gets him for murder two, his life is ruined."
"His life is ruined no matter what, Lindsay."
"I know. I know. He doesn't care about what his future is.
But I do!"
"His aunt offered to act as guardian if he's acquitted."
"Where was she when he really needed someone to look after his 
interests? Where was she when Lisa was evicted from her home? I hate 
how people come out of the woodwork in a tragedy and want to be 
applauded for their good will."
"Are you sure you're not venting on your mother again?"
"No. She's trying…I can see that. But it's hard to
forgive someone in 
one week for a life's worth of pain."
"Keep trying. And now, can I suggest something else that needs
some 
attention?" He looked at her suggestively.
"Well that is something I'm willing to reconcile."
"Thank God. I'm still trying to live down the whole 1.6
issue."
"That's something I'll never let you live down."

*      *      *

Bobby woke first the next morning and enjoyed the peace he felt while 
holding Lindsay in his arms. He gently stroked her back, half of him 
wishing she would wake, the other half wanting to watch her sleep. 
She woke up and found him smiling at her.
"What?"
"I was suffering through an internal battle as to whether I
should 
wake you up or not. But then you always were one to make all the 
decisions. Even in your sleep, you take over."
"Sometimes a girl has got to just take control."
"Don't I know it. How about we down our weekly average in one
night?"
"I'm happy to do that." She agreed, allowing his kisses
to travel 
down her neck. Lindsay became lost in his touch and was about to 
surrender completely when the door suddenly opened. This time Mrs. 
Dole couldn't ignore her mistake and she embarrassingly 
whispered, "Sorry," and closed the door again.
"She's worse than Helen," Bobby commented, unfazed by the
experience.
Lindsay's face was bright red. "I don't think I can ever
look at her 
again! She's my mother. Oh God." She buried her face in her
pillow.
"She knows we're married, I hate to break it to you, but it
is a 
normal aspect of married life."
"But she's my mother. I don't want to go out there. I
think I'll have 
breakfast in bed."
"Well I guess this means I can't discuss with your mother
what we did 
before we were married?"
Lindsay groaned in response and headed for the shower. Bobby composed 
himself and left to start the coffee, meeting a very red faced Mrs. 
Dole in the kitchen. 
"I am terribly sorry, Bobby. I was just going to ask if you
wanted 
breakfast. I am so embarrassed."
"Not as embarrassed as Lindsay."
"I am so sorry. I've always had terrible timing."
"Forget about it…and I don't think Lindsay's going to
make an 
appearance this morning."
Mrs. Dole groaned in response and for the first time, Bobby saw some 
of Lindsay in her mother. 

*      *      *

"Helen! What's going on?" Lindsay rushed up to her in the
courthouse. 
She had just received an urgent message to meet at the judge's 
chambers. Summations had finished and the jury had been deliberating 
for over an hour.
"It's Ricky, he just collapsed in the holding cell. The
paramedics 
just left."
"I should go see him – where are they taking him?"
"The judge wants to see us first."
"What about?"
"I'm not a mind reader, Lindsay, as you well know."
The judge called them inside.
"The jury just returned with the verdict, and based on the
condition 
of the defendant and as unorthodox as this may seem, I will read it 
to you here." Richard Bay began to object, but was silenced with
a 
look from the judge.
"The jury found the defendant, Richard Evans not guilty on the
charge 
of murder in the first degree. The jury also found the defendant not 
guilty on the charge of murder in the second degree. I therefore 
declare him to be free and be placed in the custody of a foster 
family, which will be found for him by Child Welfare…once he is
out 
of hospital, that is. I have already thanked and excused the jury. 
That's all."
They filed out of his chambers in silence, and once outside, Richard 
Bay stormed away from the group. Helen smiled at Lindsay, "Well, 
sometimes the jury do make the right decisions. I still think he was 
guilty, don't get me wrong, but he needed a break."
"Yeah. I'd better go see him. Coming?" She asked Bobby.
"I can't: I have so much work to catch up on. More memories
to 
repress."
"Okay, I'll see you at home then."
"What was that all about?" Helen asked curiously.
"You know my mother's staying with us?"
"Yeah. How are you holding up?"
"I'd be better if I hadn't experienced-,"
"What? I'm dying here!"
"She walked in on us this morning."
"You mean…?"
"Yes, Helen."
"Well that's not that bad. It happens. Most parents are
pretty 
understanding about it."
"You don't understand, I hardly know my mother."
"Well, I'm sure she feels like she knows you better
already!"
"Ohhhhh!"
"I'd love to chat some more, but I have work to do. See you
later?"
"Of course."

*      *      *

Lindsay arrived at the hospital and eventually found Ricky's
room. A 
guard was posted outside, not that it was really necessary – the
boy 
hadn't enough energy to sit up, let alone walk. The guard nodded
to 
her as she approached and allowed her inside. She stepped in just in 
time to see the nurse pull the sheet over the thin boy's head,
two 
orderlies stood by with a gurney to take him to the morgue. The nurse 
saw Lindsay and stopped, "Are you a relative?"
"No, I was his lawyer."
"Oh. We were just going to take him up…"
"Can I have some time with him?"
"Sure. We'll come back later."
They left quietly, and the guard realizing his posting was futile, 
left to get some coffee.
Lindsay sat down next to the bed and pulled the sheet back to reveal 
the young boy's face. He finally looked at peace with the world.
She took his bony hand and squeezed it.
"I came to tell you what the jury said," she began
tentatively. "They 
decided that you weren't guilty for murder and the judge said you 
were free. I realize now that's exactly what you are. Free."
She 
paused and waited for the tears to come. After a few minutes, she 
calmed herself and continued, "Nobody deserved to live through
what 
you did, nobody. I think the jury saw that and decided you needed one 
last chance. Make the best of that chance, Ricky: you're finally 
free." She placed his hand softly back on the bed and kissed him 
softly on the forehead before covering him finally with the sheet.
"Goodbye," she whispered, leaving the room and closing the
door 
behind her.
"Ma'am!" the nurse called after her. Lindsay turned
around. "The boy 
had no next of kin listed, and you said you were his lawyer, perhaps 
you could give his belongings to his relatives?"
"Sure." Lindsay followed her to the nurse's station and
took the 
envelope that was handed to her. The young boy's meager
belongings 
almost caused the tears to fall again, but she steadied herself and 
walked away. It wasn't until she got to the car, that Lindsay
opened 
the envelope. Inside was the letter from Lisa, it was crumpled and 
tear-stained and Lindsay unfolded it cautiously, feeling she was 
somehow invading his privacy. There was a small handwritten verse in 
the middle of the page:

"When you're feeling sad and don't know what to do,
You need to know that I'll always be with you."

Lindsay looked up and wiped the tears from her eyes, sure now that he 
was in a better place. With resignation she decided that there was no 
way she could face work and headed home. Her mother met her at the 
door, and saw her tearstained face.
"What's wrong?" She cried, concerned.
"The boy I was representing, Ricky, died today."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Darling," taking Lindsay into her arms
and for the first time Lindsay could remember, hugging her comfortingly. Lindsay 
was shocked at the motherly gesture, but melted into it, clinging to 
her as if she were her last hope.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Mrs. Dole eventually asked.
"No, but thank you," Lindsay was suddenly embarrassed at her
outburst of emotion and walked away.
Mrs. Dole watched her daughter cautiously and realized, to her joy 
that she had just been given one last chance.

***********************************

THE END!!!

Well, I'd love to know what you all thought! I am always a sucker for 
a sentimental ending, so I liked the outcome and I don't care if you 
didn't! So there! Just kidding. I enjoy all feedback. See you
next time!