Model Rules of Professional Conduct

[decca_crane]

I had actually spent a fair amount of time pondering this one before I finally deleted it from my backgrounder for Dad.

Shore was an ethics dancer. He could bebop and scat with the best of them. All step-skippers could. The case of Francis and Walter could have been his Waterloo

Comments

[carolina_stokes]

*eyebrow raised*

And I thought I was the only psychotic woman in Alan's life.

*Carolina was more jealous than she cared to admit.*

Do tell, Decca. What is going on?

[decca_crane]

Carolina. You are not and never have been psychotic. You're the most together person I know. Anyone who can juggle a club, Frank, a legacy and gun play is rock solid in anyone's book. Shore's the mildest wild card I've ever seen. He's ice water, Carolina. And he's driving Brad nuts.

That's what's so odd, Carolina. She looks so...normal. But I checked my hunches and Googled the trial. It is her.

Christine Pauley.

She was Alan's lover. She's been institutionalized for attempted murder. I called the state hospital in Washington. She's on a temporary release - and they said she's likely here for represention for her hearing for a full release.

Alan left with her an hour ago. Tara doesn't know anything. Dad didn't even realize she was here.

[carolina_stokes]

*shrugs with feigned indifference*

Lover? Hmmmmm. Psychotic? I would be willing to bet that most of Alan's discarded playthings are that way.

*chuckles*

Poor Brad. Better him than me, though.

[decca_crane]

Point taken.

Brad holds his own. I suspect they both love the one-upmanship. Sometimes, I swear Brad is looking around the office for Shore just to start something and release nervous energy. He's wound pretty tight.

What's new with you, Carolina?

[carolina_stokes]

Recovering.

*her voice is sad*

I....I miss him. Not just, you know, but I miss talking to him and joking around. I miss him a lot.

[decca_crane]

I know. I mean, he is ... so Alan.

Sometimes I just watch him from my desk. He's like watching a Bogard-Becall movie. Style. Wit. Grace. Alan should be shades of grey.

Why did it ... stop being, Carolina?

[carolina_stokes]

Oh, same old story....classic tale. I became friends with someone he despises, we had a huge row.

*looks away*

I told him I loved him....he told me didn't care if I lived or died.

You know....normal stuff like that.

[decca_crane]

God.

I..I don't know what to say. You love him?

Carolina. Be honest. Did Alan say he didn't care whether you lived or died - or did your red-headed temper put those words in his mouth?

You both are so much alike. He doesn't seem to be with someone. Anyone. Ever, actually. This Christine is the first woman I've seen him stop dead in his tracks for.

*a quiet intake of breath*
Oh - except for you, undoubtedly.

[carolina_stokes]

He has a new girlfriend. He was seeing her at the end of....us.

I asked him straight out, Decca. He said that he never cared if I ever came back, if I had died.

And....yes. I do.

[decca_crane]

Oh. That two-timing bastard. That rude hack.

I can ... I can do something bad to his coffee mug. A tack on his chair. I can be very subversive if needed.

Not as subversive as my spy-grrl Carolina, though *grins to lighten the mood*

[carolina_stokes]

I did post a picture of him on the internet in a feather boa and eye makeup.

I could email you the pic and you could put it up in the break room.

*snerk*

[decca_crane]

That sounds positively delicious. Ah Carolina. You're a hoot. I've missed you, girl.

[carolina_stokes]

I have missed you, too, Decca.

When I get all of this nastiness wrapped up, you should come up for a girl's weekend.

*serious*

I wouldn't tell Alan that you are friends with me. He is pretty pissed right now, and you don't need his snarkiness. Well, more than usual snarkiness.

*grin*

[decca_crane]

I'd love that. I wish I hadn't missed your poker night. This girl needs to put down the steno pad and spread her wings.

Seems like divergent friendships were the downfall between you two as well.

I never talk to him. But I'd love to play cupid at some point for the two of you.

Carolina - I don't mean to be insensitive due to your feelings for Alan, but any new prospects?

[carolina_stokes]

Not really....kind of sworn off men.

I do have a lovely new friend, but he is attached and I respect that. But he is a good pal.

*laughs*

So has Brad Chase been getting a glimpse of your lovely chest again?

*giggles*

[decca_crane]

Tonight I'll drink a shot to the hope you get over that state!

Guy friends. I do love that when you can get it. There is nothing like the charge you get from good-natured flirting, knowing you're completely safe.

Brad. He's a doll. He saw my girls once. That's all he gets.

*laughs*

I gave him your number. I really hope that is OK. You have some things in common. For one, you both could gripe about Shore.

Brad also dabbled in the PI business back in DC. Not quite as much of a killer as you *winks* but try to get him to talk "gangster talk". He loves that. He gets all "Dust, pal, or I pump lead!"