"I'm glad not all of our jurists have their heads up their asses," Chet had remarked when recounting the arraignment hearing.
Jack and Claire had smiled knowingly. Both had dealt with Lisa Pongracic on a number of occasions.
As the week progressed, they learned more and more about Paul Koppel's role in the bribing and subsequent murder of juror David Lempert. Jack was going after his old friend in his characteristic bull-dog fashion, and Claire, though she felt nothing for severe distaste for Koppel and the mockery he had made of the system of justice she still so firmly believed in, wondered if it was because of the competition that had been going on between the two of them for a quarter of a century, or because Jack felt let down, and therefore betrayed by someone he had always respected and admired.
Whatever the reason, the case against his friend was taking its toll on Jack. Claire asked him about it on several occasions, and each time received a variation of the same response.
"I'm fine, Claire. This case is no different from any other case we've prosecuted. Paul Koppel is no different than any other defendant brought into this office. He broke the law, and he should be held accountable for it. It's that simple."
Claire knew full well it wasn't that simple, and try as she might to get him to share his feelings with her, whenever she probed further, he invariably cut her off, changed the subject, or tried some other means to distract her. She decided to let it lie for the time being, particularly after a tiff developed when she suggested Jack was too close to the case, that he should hand it over to her for trial.
"I'm perfectly capable of functioning as an effective prosecutor despite my personal feelings," he told her curtly. "My God, Claire... you of all people should know that about me by now."
"So you admit you have feelings about this case?"
"I didn't say that."
"Yes, you did. Not ins so many words, maybe...but you did."
"Stop trying to analyse me, Claire. Not everything has subtext."
"Maybe not, but that sure as hell did," she said. "C'mon, Jack... You're talking to me, here."
"Claire... drop it, will you? We have other cases to discuss."
"Damn you!" she thought to herself. "One of these days I'm not letting you off the hook so easy, Jack McCoy."
She dropped it, for the time being, promising herself to revisit the subject very, very soon.
*****
For one reason or another, other than work and drinks one night, they stayed apart for the week, and so it was with impatient anticipation that they awaited the arrival of Friday the 16th, which would bring both the office Holiday party, and, more importantly, Claire's birthday.
Jack had confessed that he had something special planned for the latter, but he wouldn't tell her what it was.
She tried to cajole it out of him over the phone one night, but he would have none of it.
"Friday will be here soon enough, my dear. You'll find out then," he had said. "I promise you won't be disappointed."
"Those are mighty big words, Jack."
"I'm confident."
"I noticed."
"Trust me, Claire."
"Oh, I do."
*****
Friday came quickly, and with it, a memo from Adam saying that the office would officially close at 4 pm that afternoon, and further, that he expected everyone to be gone by 4:30. No one, of course, had any problem with that.
Just after 10 in the morning that Friday, a delivery boy brought Claire a bouquet of flowers, red tulips and white roses to be exact, with a little card that read, "Happy Birthday. I love you," with no signature. She didn't need one. Had she not recognised the handwriting, which she did, right away, she would have known by the inscription that the flowers had come from Jack.
She strode across the hall to his office, and walked in.
"I got my flowers," she said after pulling the door shut behind her. He stood, and made his way around the desk. Meeting in the middle of the room, they nearly forgot where they were. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he offered quietly, a look in his eyes that nearly melted her resolve to keep their affair a secret. She wanted to throw her arms around him: could tell he wanted it, too. But she restrained herself.
"I'd kiss you," she whispered, "But they're eyes everywhere."
"Later," he told her. "Later."
Adam walked into the office.
If he noticed the guilty expressions on their faces, he didn't comment. He crossed to Claire, patted her shoulder, and said, "Happy Birthday, young lady. I hope the party tonight doesn't interfere with any plans you might have had."
"Thank you, Adam," she replied, stealing a quick sideways glance at Jack, who was now standing beside her. "And no, I didn't have anything planned for tonight. I'm looking forward to the party."
"Good," he said. "And I meant what I said in that memo, you two. I want you gone by 4:30."
"Yes sir," said Jack.
"Very well. I'll be in my office if you need to see me."
Adam left the way he had come in, shutting the door on his way out.
"That was close," said Claire.
"Indeed."
*****
The party was scheduled to begin at 8:30. Jack and Claire had decided that though they couldn't go as one another's date to the party, he would stop by her place around 7:30. He wanted to give her part of her present before the party.
Claire opened the door for him, and his breath caught in his throat.
Claire was wearing an ankle length velvet gown with a scoop neck, inch and a half wide shoulder straps, and a slit up the left side that went all the up to the middle of her thigh. It was a deep blue, tinged with the slightest hint of purple. Her hair was pinned up in a French twist, and other than a pair of gold and pearl earrings, she wore no jewelry.
"My God," he whispered, taking her in, "You look beautiful...gorgeous."
Her reaction to him in his tuxedo was much the same. It was black, well cut, with a black bow tie and cummerbund. His hair was slicked back.
"You look great, Jack."
"Happy Birthday," he said, and stepped inside. He pulled her close by wrapping an arm around her waist, and kissed her.
"Good thing I haven't put my lipstick on yet," she teased. "Go sit down. I'm almost ready."
"Hang on a minute..."
"Yes?"
"Aren't you the least bit curious about your present?"
"Are you kidding?" she laughed. "I've been dying all week!"
He held out his arms, and nodded.
A curious look passed over her face, and broke into a grin.
"You do look incredible in your tux, Jack," she said, her smile growing, "And don't take this the wrong way, because sex with you IS wonderful, but..."
Jack started to laugh. He knew where she was going with this.
"C'mere, you goof," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners in the way that she so loved. "I meant that your present is in one of my coat pockets... come and get it."
She advanced and searched the two side pockets. Nothing. She opened his coat and found a long, slender black felt box sticking out of the hidden pocket. She opened the box, and revealed a gold and pearl necklace. There was a half inch of gold chain between each of the delicate, shiny pearls.
"Jack!" she lifted it out of the box. "Jack! It's beautiful!"
"Do you really like it?"
Clutching it in her hand, she threw her arms around his neck.
"I love it!" she whispered, and kissed him on the cheek, then the corner of his mouth, and then full on the lips.
"Thank you thank you thank you!" she murmured against his lips.
"You're welcome," he chuckled.
"Help me put it on?" Handing him the box, she turned her back to him.
Holding an end in either hand, he lowered the necklace over her head. The clasp was small, and gave him some trouble, but after a moment, he got it.
"There!" he exclaimed when he had successfully closed the clasp.
She turned around and asked, "How does it look?"
The necklace fit just around the base of her throat. The pale colour of gold and pearl next to her creamy skin, set off by the deep hue of her gown, and dark hair, was truly a sight to behold.
"Amazing," he told her. He pulled Claire into his arms again, kissed her neck just above the necklace, and whispered, "Not as beautiful as you, but close."
She left him to go look in the mirror that hung above the small table in her foyer.
Her hand flew to her throat. The delicate strand of pearls looked so elegant and dainty against her neck.
"Thank you, Jack. It's lovely."
He came up behind her in the mirror, and lightly kissed the space between her shoulder blades, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. He slid his arms around her, and splayed his hands over her stomach.
"I'm glad you like it," he said softly, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
"I love it, Jack!"
"Good," he said, and bent his head to kiss the side of her neck. "Happy Birthday."
He continued kissing her neck, then worked his way over to the other side. She sighed and leaned back against him. She was watching them in the mirror, thinking, "God we look good together!"
Claire's cheeks grew flushed from the sensation of Jack's lips on her skin. His hands began to glide up her body. Claire closed her eyes and lightly bit her lower lip as his hands closed over her breasts.
He raised his hands to her shoulders, ran them up and down her bare arms, and turned her to face him. He kissed her, long and deep, holding the back of her neck in his hand. He kissed her throat, her shoulder, the cleavage that rose above the low neckline of her dress.
"Jack!" she said breathlessly, "Jack! What're you doing?"
"Want me to stop?" he asked, not taking his lips from her skin.
She gripped the lapels of his jacket and he raised his head to look at her. She kissed him, and he ran his hands over her velvet covered back.
"I don't want you to," she said finally, "But..."
"But we're all dressed up and we have a party to get to," he finished for her. "Besides," he continued, "I'd rather you waited until after I give you your big surprise before you begin expressing your gratitude."
"There's more??? Jack! You're going to spoil me."
"That was the plan, yes."
"Gonna give me any hints?"
"Nope."
"Damn! I'm so curious I can't stand it."
"You know what they say," he told her, "Curiosity..."
"Killed the cat... I know, I know," she laughed. "Well, mister, I have a surprise of my own for you....for later."
"Oh? Do you, now?"
"Mmmmhmm," her hands were clasped behind his neck, "Nothing extravagant... but I think you'll enjoy it nonetheless.
"I'm breathless with anticipation."
"And later," she declared boldly, "I'll have you breathless for another reason entirely!"
She pulled his face down to hers, and kissed him. It felt as though their lips were melting into each other. He squeezed her close, wanting nothing more than to cherish this woman he held so tightly in his arms.
He eased her away from him. "C'mon...you should finish getting ready... before I say 'to hell with the Christmas party,' rip this beautiful dress off of you, and make love to you for hours."
Claire looked at him through slightly veiled lids. "What Christmas party?" she asked innocently, her voice belying the knowing look on her face.
He laughed and said, "Go get ready. We'll share a cab. When we get there, you can go on in, and I'll follow behind a few minutes later." As she started down the hall, he called, "Don't put any lipstick on just yet."
"Why?" she asked, spinning on her heels, "Just what are you planning on doing to me in the back of the taxi?"
"Humour me."
*****
She turned her head to him, and he was smiling down at her. "Happy Birthday," he said softly, his face bare inches from hers.
"How many times are you going to wish me Happy Birthday tonight, Jack?" she teased gently.
"I haven't settled on a number yet," he informed her, his eyes laughing.
They leaned closer and eased into a kiss, giving little thought to the cabby beyond the fact that over the years, he'd likely seen a helluva lot more than anything the two of them would consent to do in the back of a taxi cab.
The kiss became kisses, and soon Jack was all too aware of Claire's hand sliding slowly up his inner thigh. When her hand was dangerously close to its mark, he reached down and took it in his own, closing his fingers over hers.
He began to toy with her fingers. They traveled thusly for most of the journey, sliding to opposite sides of the cab only when the neared the Waldorf Astoria. Their hands were still clasped together.
When the cab halted, Claire squeezed his hand and said, "I'll see you inside."
He nodded, squeezed back and released her hand as she opened the door and exited the cab. He watched her walk away.
"You gettin' out here, or what, buddy?" asked the cabby, who was looking at Jack through the rear-view mirror.
Jack nodded, paid the man, and got out of the cab. Claire entered the Waldorf lobby, remembered suddenly that she wasn't wearing any lipstick, and quickly headed off to the ladies' room, where she applied some colour to her lips. This done, she stood perfectly upright and looked in the mirror.
Smoothing her hands down her sides beneath her wrap, she thought, "I'm dressed to kill," before leaving the bathroom to go and check her wrap.
*****
Jack entered the lobby shortly after Claire, and, seeing that she had headed for the restroom, checked his coat, and headed on in to the party. It was in the largest of the Waldorf's ballroom/conference rooms. Before descending the three step into the room, Jack took a silent survey.
There were a myriad of round tables covered with gleaming whit tablecloths spattered about the room. Each table had a floral arrangement consisting of white and red roses, holly leaves, tiny ferns, and baby's breath. In the center of the room there was a dance floor (empty for the moment), and in the area where a band might have set up, there was a DJ instead. For now, the music playing was mellow and not very loud. Jack suspected that sometime after dinner, the music would come up both in tempo and volume, and people would begin to dance.
"Quite a turnout," he thought to himself, glancing around the room at the number of ADAs, clerks, secretaries, and their significant others. He recognised many, especially those who had been with the DA's office for a time. There were quite a few, among the younger set particularly, whom he did not recognise. As EADA, his immediate circle of colleagues included the few other EADAs, other members of the office "old guard", and none but the cream of the crop of the younger set, like Claire.
His eyes settled on Adam, who nodded at him, and indicated that Jack should to him. Jack nodded.
On his way, he was stopped several times by co-workers, and re-introduced to wives and husbands. Jack smiled amiably, and turned on the charm.
"She takes my breath away," he thought to himself.
He was talking to a man who had come to work in the DAs about 5 years after himself when he saw Claire enter.
She glanced around the room, saw Jack gawking at her, and flashed him a brilliant smile. He smiled back, inclined his head at her, and resumed his conversation.
"If you'll excuse me,' he said, "Adam beckoned me when I walked in, and I don't think I should keep him waiting any longer."
"Jack, my boy," said Adam when he approached.
"Good evening, Adam," he replied. He turned to Adam's wife and said, "Hello Mrs. Schiff. You look lovely."
"You always did know how to play to the ladies, Jack," she replied, eyes smiling brightly, "You remember our son, Josh?"
"Of course," said Jack, offering his hand, "How're you doing, Josh?"
"Just fine...I'm playing bachelor this weekend, and Dad insisted I come along to the party."
"Have you seen Claire yet?" asked Adam. "I'd like to introduce her to my family."
"I saw her come in a few minutes ago. If I run into her, I'll let her know."
*****
Just after entering, Claire had heard her name being called. She turned and saw Chet coming towards her with a pretty blonde she recognised as one of the many law clerks employed by the DA's office. Her name was Kristine something-or-other, and she was in her 3rd year ant NYU law school, if she remembered correctly. She recalled Chet saying they had met when she was a 1st year student, and he was in his 3rd year.
"Claire...you look great!" said Chet. "Where's your date? Don't tell me you couldn't get that man you're seeing to come with you, on your birthday of all nights!"
"He wanted to come with me, but he couldn't," said Claire. It wasn't exactly a lie... she had never said he wasn't there at all.
"Do you know Kristine Watkins?"
"We've crossed paths a time or two," said Claire, smiling, "how are you?"
"Fine. Ms. Kincaid..."
"Claire, please."
"Fine, thank you, Claire."
A waiter walked by carrying a tray of champagne filled glasses. He offered them each a glass. They continued conversing until Kristine's said softly, "Mr. Schiff is coming towards us."
Adam greeted them all, asked how they were enjoying the party and what-have-you. "They're going to be announcing dinner very soon," he told them. "Claire, I'd like it if you joined us."
"I'd love to."
They bid farewell to Chet and Kristine, and made their way to where Mrs. Schiff, Josh, Bill Englehardt (another of the EADAs) and his wife, and of course, Jack, stood talking.
"Claire," said Adam, "You know Bill... this is his wife, Sarah. Sarah, this is Claire Kincaid"
"Of course. Hello Bill," said Claire, shaking hands with both. To the wife, she said, "Pleased to meet you, Sarah."
"This is my son, Josh," said Adam, placing his hand on Josh's shoulder, "Josh...Claire."
"How do you do?" said Josh as they shook hands.
"Well, thank you."
"And last but not least," said Adam, "This is my wife, Colleen."
Claire wondered how many glasses of champagne Adam had consumed. He was positively jolly, and she had never seen him so. It was a nice change from the wry, sometimes cranky, bottom-line Adam of the office.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Claire," said Mrs. Schiff, "My husband speaks very highly of you."
"Thank you," said Claire.
"And of course, Jack, who needs no introduction."
Claire smiled at him, and he smiled back. "You clean up pretty nice, Claire," said Jack, looking at her forehead so no feeling would be revealed if he glanced into her eyes.
"So do you, Jack," she responded.
There was an announcement that dinner was about to be served, and that everyone should find a place to sit.
As they headed for a table, Mrs. Schiff moved closer to Claire, put an arm around her, and said, loud enough that everyone in their party would hear, her voice light with laughter, "You look out for that one, Claire. Jack McCoy could charm the pants off a nun if he got it into his head to do so. And he'd do it, too, just to prove to himself that he could."
Claire winced slightly. It had been intended as a jest, and had indeed come off that way, but she knew it must have pained Jack to hear himself maligned to her.
Mrs. Schiff, walking next to Claire, asked her, "How are you doing, my dear? Adam told me what happened."
"I'm fine, thank you."
"And Happy Birthday."
"Thank you!"
Joined by three others from the office, they sat down to dinner. Claire was seated in between Jack and Josh Schiff. They were served dinner salads and warm bread first. The main course consisted of chicken, a pasta dish, and vegetables. The food was rich, but good.
Midway through dinner, when the conversation had lagged for a few moments, Mrs. Schiff asked Claire, "Would you like it if we sang Happy Birthday to you?"
Claire was mortified. The thought of being sung to in front of several hundred of her co-workers and their guests was horrifying.
Josh saved her. "How about a toast instead?"
That seemed to satisfy his mother. She raised her glass and declared, "Happy Birthday, Claire!"
"Happy Birthday!" said everyone else.
Jack, thankfully, brought up another subject, and soon, the table was once again absorbed in conversation.
Claire leaned over and said "Thank you," to Josh, loud enough so that only he heard it.
"No problem," he said, and smiled.
Adam's wife reminded Claire Mac's mother, her step-grandmother, Violet Geller.
When the dinner plates had been cleared, Adam got up and gave a small speech, thanking everyone for the work they'd done that year, etc. When he was finished, the DJ upped the volume on the music. After a time, some people began to dance. Gradually, the dance floor began to fill.
Claire glanced over at the dance floor, and smiled to see so many couples having such a good time. She envied them, that they didn't have to hide their relationships for fear of office gossip, and any subsequent scorn.
Mrs. Schiff caught this, and took Claire's small, rather wistful smile to mean that she would like to dance.
"Josh," she said, "Why don't you ask Claire to dance?"
Josh smiled and declined graciously, "I'd love to, but I'm afraid if my wife found out I'd danced with a beautiful woman in her absence, Dad's office would have one more murder to prosecute."
Everyone at the table laughed. Claire glanced at Jack out of the corner of her eye, to gauge his response to the compliment she had been paid. She couldn't tell, his expression revealed very little.
"How about you, Jack?" asked Mrs. Schiff.
Jack glanced at Claire. "I'd love nothing more," he thought to himself. He glanced over at Adam, who nodded.
Jack stood, held out his hand and said, "Claire?"
She slid her hand into his and rose. She was trying to keep from laughing, so ridiculous the situation seemed.
The current song ended as they walked to the dance floor. out of their party's earshot, Claire said, her voice light with laughter, "This is such a farce....it's like a Shakespearean comedy gone horribly wrong."
Jack laughed. She was right.
The DJ announced that the next song had been requested. Jack led Claire to the center of the dance floor, in an attempt to obscure them from the view of the people at their table. Both were wondering if they could manage to be as close to one another as dancing required, without betraying their emotions.
The song came up. It was an old Nat King Cole song. Jack pulled Claire close, but not as close as either of them wanted. His right palm rested in the middle of her back, as his other hand clasped her right one in his. Her left hand was on his shoulder.
"The very thought of you, and I forget to do the little ordinary things that everyone ought to do," sang Nat King Cole.
The music had a very languid tempo, and they began to move together. Claire wanted to be closer to him. She wanted to be able to lay her head against his shoulder, to feel his body moving close to hers. As they danced at the moment, there was a space between them, as decorum dictated.
"I'm living in a kind of day dream, I'm happy as a king. And foolish though it may seem, to me, that's everything," the song continued.
The music swelled, and Jack spun them around rather quickly, pulling her tight against him as he did so. The revolution complete, he eased his grip on her, and there was once again space between them. The brief contact, then swift retreat, created an electric current between them.
"The mere idea of you ... the longing here for you. You'll never know how slow the moments go until I am near to you."
Claire closed her eyes. Her heart was beating very fast. Had they been closer, she would have felt his beating against her chest in much the same rhythm. Jack wished he could will everyone around them to disappear and leave them free to hold each other as they wanted to.
"I see your face in every flower, your eyes in stars above. It's just the thought of you, the very thought of you, myyyyyy loooooovvvve."
He spun them around again. She opened her eyes, and raised them to look in his. He smiled at her as his gaze bore into her. Part of her willed him to kiss her, and he would have loved to oblige.
Instead, she whispered, loud enough so he could hear him over the music, "How much longer are we going to stay?"
Jack glanced at his watch. It was just a little passed 10:30. Some people had already left, but most remained.
"We can't leave too early," he replied.
"I can't wait for the rest of my surprise," she told him, looking at him intently.
The song began to come to an end. "I see your face in every flower. Your eyes in stars above. It's just the thought of you...the veeerrrrrry thought of you, myyyyyyyyyyyyy loooooovvvvvvve."
When the song was over, the reluctantly eased apart. "Let's go back to the table," Jack said. "Dancing with you like this is pure torture."
Claire nodded.
They returned to the table in time for dessert and coffee to be served. It was a chocolate and raspberry torte, with a flaky, buttery, crust. It was delicious.
When the conversation eased up again, Jack announced, "I'm going to the bar for a scotch. Anyone care to join me?"
Everyone declined. Claire did not.
They made their way out of the ballroom, and headed across the lobby toward the bar. Jack glanced around the lobby quickly. Seeing no one he recognised and no one that appeared to have come out of their party, he grabbed Claire by the hand and pulled her around a corner. He pushed her against the wall, and they were hidden by a potted tree. He glanced about again, wildly this time.
Reckless now, he pulled her roughly against him and crushed his lips against his. She responded immediately, and their bodies relaxed against each other as their mouths pulled at one another frantically.
Several heartbeats passed, and rational thought once again took hold. They were breathing very heavily when they released each other.
"C'mon," he said, "Let's go get that drink."
*****
On their way back into the party, Jack said, "I think it's time for the rest of your surprise now. Say your goodbyes and meet me in the lobby in half and hour."
She nodded.
When they returned to the table, Adam had gotten up to go and mingle. Jack said he had to be leaving, using an early start for a weekend ice-fishing trip as an excuse. He said goodbye to everyone at the table, and headed off to find Adam.
Claire became involved in a discussion with Josh and Mrs. Schiff. Some time later, Adam returned to the table. Several minutes went by, and Claire stood up.
"I'm afraid I have to be going," she announced.
"So soon?" asked Mrs. Schiff.
Claire nodded.
She said goodbye to everyone at the table, and headed out. She looked around for Chet and Kristine, wanting to say goodbye, but didn't see them.
Jack was sitting on one of the posh sofas in the lobby when she emerged.
He stood, his overcoat thrown over an arm. She put on her coat. They left the building without a word to each other.
Once outside, Claire expected Jack to hail a cab, but instead, he walked down the sidewalk. He looked around. There were people on the street, but none he recognised.
"Jack," said Claire, "Where are you going."
He smiled. "C'mon," he said, and picked up her hand.
He led her to the building next door, and they entered the lobby.
As he pulled her toward the elevator, he removed a key from his pocket.
"Jack...." she said, "Tell me you didn't rent a room at the Waldorf Towers."
"Oh..." he said, very obviously pleased with himself, "But I did."
The elevator door slid open, and they entered.
*****
Back outside, in front of the Waldorf Astoria, but off to the side, in the opposite direction from which Jack and Claire had just headed, stood Chet Williams with his date, who was smoking a cigarette.
"Wasn't that Kincaid and McCoy heading into that hotel together?"
"No," said Chet, "It couldn't have been."
But he had seen them, and he knew it was. "I'll be damned," he thought, mentally slapping his forehead. "Of course! How could I have missed that? Lucky bastard."
"I'm telling you," she said, "It was them!"
They obviously wanted whatever was going on between them kept secret for now, and he knew Kristine well enough to know that she was a gossip monger, and he sought to persuade her she hadn't seen what she had seen, out of respect for Jack and Claire, both of whom he liked and admired.
"It wasn't them, Kris."
"Chet...I know what I saw."
"It wasn't them, Kris," he said shortly, "Drop it, please?"
"Fine," she said, thinking, "I know what I saw."
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