July Ficathon Entry - Bang, Bang - Part 1
Title: Bang, Bang
Rating: PG
Pairing: Andy/Miranda
Word Count: 16.7k
Summary: An incident late at night forever changes Andy and Miranda.
Disclaimer: I don’t own the rights to The Devil Wears Prada or any of its characters.
A/N1: This is a standalone story (calling it a one shot just didn’t seem right) not related to my other DWP stories. This is AU because Andy did not quit in Paris and is now first assistant.
A/N2: An attempted rape is mentioned. Plans of a violent act are discussed. However, nothing graphic is described because neither act happened.
A/N3: Thank you jazwriter and punky for looking this over. Any and all mistakes are mine. I’m just greedy that way.
Thirty minutes after the incident
“Call 9-1-1 and security.” Andy cupped Miranda’s cheek. With her thumb she swiped the single tear that escaped from the watery blue eyes. “Then you need to call Jeremy.”
“Andrea,” Miranda whispered. “I …”
“It’ll be okay, sweetheart.” Andy shook her head as Miranda opened her mouth to respond. “After you make sure the girls are okay, call your lawyer and Leslie. Make sure I get to talk to your lawyer first.”
“How can you be so calm?” Miranda choked back a sob and closed her eyes.
“I just have to. I’m going to sit on the couch. Okay?” Andy swallowed and gave Miranda a pained smile.
Miranda nodded as she reached across the desk for her phone. Andy moved to the couch, trying to ignore the way Miranda’s hand trembled.
Andy dropped down on the couch. She struggled to keep her attention on Miranda as she made the necessary calls. But her eyes kept drifting to the body in front of Miranda’s desk. The blood stain had spread. Carpet will need to be replaced, she thought as she shivered. She rubbed her arms, trying to generate some warmth. The office was cold. Or maybe it was just her. Andy looked up when she heard the distant ding of the elevator. Heavy footsteps pounded down the hall toward the office. Security or police? she wondered. Ah, security.
Two security guards stood uncertainly in the doorway. One paled and looked like he was going to be sick. The other gave his partner a disgusted look and moved to stand by the couch.
The next couple of hours were a blur to Andy. The police arrived and took control of the scene. Miranda’s lawyer arrived with the NYC police detectives. Andy was cuffed and led away. She felt numb as she was gently pushed into the back of the squad car. The flashing blue and red lights seemed garish and out of place as they reflected off the front of the Elias-Clarke building. Andy stared blindly out the window and paid no attention to the scenery whizzing by. When they arrived at the precinct, Andy was docile as she was led to an interview room. It wasn’t long before a middle-aged woman stepped into the room.
“Hello, Ms. Sachs. My name is Detective Wendy Miller.” The detective set a pad of paper on the table. “Would you like anything to drink? We have coffee, water, or soft drinks.”
Andy shook her head. “No, thank you. If you don’t mind, I would like to wait to speak to a lawyer before I talk to you.” Andy kept her expression neutral and her voice even and low.
“Ms. Sachs, if we bring lawyers into this now, there is no way I can help you.” Detective Miller’s voice seemed to project a worried concern.
“Sorry, detective. Pre-law. I’ll wait for my lawyer.” Andy smiled politely and folded her hands in her lap.
Detective Miller shrugged, picking up her pad of paper before leaving.
Within half an hour there was a soft knock on the door. Robert Conrad stuck his head in to check that he was in the right place. “How are you, Ms. Sachs?”
Andy stood and held up her handcuffed hands. “Please call me Andy, Mr. Conrad. I’d offer to shake your hand but.” She gave him a one-shoulder shrug before sitting down again. “Before we get started, sir, have you spoken to Miranda?” When the man shook his head, Andy relaxed slightly.
“Only briefly. She said that you wanted to speak with me first. Do you want to tell me what happened tonight? And please call me Robert.” The lawyer pulled a legal pad and pen out of his briefcase.
“Thank you, Robert. Before I tell you about tonight, you need to understand something important.” Andy paused to make sure she had the man’s attention. “I love Miranda Priestly and her daughters. I think Miranda cares for me also.” Andy was impressed that the only reaction Robert gave to those statements was to raise an eyebrow. “Miranda is going to consider tonight her fault. She and Irv Ravitz have fought bitterly throughout the years. She is going to feel responsible for Irv’s actions tonight. Please don’t let her say anything to the police that gives the impression that tonight was her fault. It wasn’t.” Andy took a deep breath and looked Robert in the eye. “I take full responsibility for the death of Irv Ravitz.”
“Tell me what happened.” Robert jotted a couple of notes on his legal pad.
“We were working late.” Andy closed her eyes briefly. “Miranda was going over the Book and I was reconciling her expense account. I was standing next to her as she was seated at her desk. Irv stormed in as I was asking a question. He started yelling at Miranda.” Andy swallowed and wished she had asked the detective for some water. “He said he was tired of her shit and she had to go. Miranda said she wasn’t going anywhere.” Andy paused to gather her thoughts. “He seemed to go still. Even his voice was cold. He said fine. It would be Miranda’s fault when her daughters were kidnapped and raped. Miranda jumped to her feet. Irv said he knew people. If she didn’t leave Runway, it would be her fault.”
Andy bowed her head and rested her clasped hands on the table. “All I could think of was that the girls were in danger. He was going to hurt them! I had to stop him.” She took a deep breath and continued. “Miranda had a handgun in the top right-hand drawer of her desk. I don’t remember opening the drawer or pulling the trigger. Irv clutched his chest and fell. I do remember the look of surprise on his face. I looked down, and Miranda’s hand was on my arm while the gun was pointed to the right of the desk. She pushed my hand when I fired a second shot.”
Robert’s face was impassive as he furiously scribbled on the pad.
Andy waited for the writing to stop and the questions to start.
Robert set the pen down and contemplated the woman in front of him. He asked several questions to clarify a few points. He finally had all the information he needed to get started. “My specialty isn’t criminal law, but I have someone to call. In the meantime, I’ll do what I can for you. I’ll call the detective in so that you can give your statement. You will be arrested for murder, but that is only a preliminary charge. Formal charges will be brought by the district attorney’s office. When you make your statement, stress that you were acting to protect Miranda’s daughters.”
When the detective returned, Andy went over the events just as she had with her lawyer. After she signed the statement, Andy was arrested for the death of Irv Ravitz.
***
The next few days were surreal. Based on Robert Conrad’s recommendation, Miranda hired the best criminal defense attorney on the east coast. Andy met several times with her new attorney, Roger Morris, and told him about her history with Irv Ravitz. Attorney Morris recommended that she plead not guilty when the DA charged her with manslaughter in the second degree. His defense strategy was that Andy had acted to protect Miranda’s daughters from imminent danger.
During her arraignment the court decided, against Attorney Morris’ passionate arguments, that Andy was a flight risk and denied bail. Her first trial date would be in twelve months. Andy was transferred to a correctional facility to await trial.
Meanwhile, Runway was in shock. Miranda did not come in for several days. Carmen, the former second assistant, supervised the cleaning and redecorating of Miranda’s office. Off and on throughout the day, random Runway employees would stop by and silently stare at the inner office. Nigel, Emily, and Serena closed ranks and would not speak to anyone of the incident or Andy’s involvement.
Speculation ran wild because Irv Ravitz had a well-known reputation as a bully. Several rumors concerning Irv’s behavior with different models began to circulate. Within days, someone leaked Andy’s statement of what Irv said that night. Although Irv’s threats were extreme, most who knew the man believed he was capable of having them carried out.
Miranda returned to Runway the following week, and work soon settled back into a routine. The atmosphere at Runway remained somber and quiet. A new second assistant soon became a fixture in the outer office, but Miranda barely seemed to notice.
Nigel took it upon himself to handle Andy’s affairs. He was her closest friend since her previous friends had abandoned her when she broke up with her former boyfriend, Nate. The day after the incident, Nigel called her parents to let them know what happened. Their response shocked him. They thanked him for calling and told him they would not be contacting Andy. One of the New York papers had already told them what had happened and asked for their comments. As far as they were concerned, the current situation was entirely Andy’s fault. Runway ruined her, and they wanted nothing further to do with their daughter. In their opinion, none of this would have happened if she had gone to Stanford Law as they had wanted.
After that debacle, Nigel set about having everything in Andy’s apartment packed and stored. Andy signed a power of attorney form so that he could access her accounts and pay whatever bills she had outstanding.
During one of his weekly visits, Nigel brought Andy up to date on the latest Runway news. After discussing the new layouts and photographer problems, Nigel made his usual request. “Miranda, Emily, and Serena asked again if they could visit.”
Andy shook her head. “No. Please, Nigel, I don’t want them to see me like this. Hell, I really don’t want you to see me like this.” She looked down at her baggy orange jumpsuit. She’d lost at least five pounds since that night. “Miranda and Serena would freak out, and Emily would die of envy.” She smirked at Nigel’s eye roll.
“Fine. I’ve got to go, sweetie. I’ll see you next week.” Nigel put his hand on the glass pane that separated him from his friend. When he hung up the phone, Andy blew him a kiss before she left the inmate side of the visitor’s room.
That night Andy curled up in her bunk, waiting for lights out. She stared at a wrinkled picture of Miranda and the twins as if committing their faces to memory. When the cellblock went dark, she slid the picture under her pillow. She had made it through another day. Tomorrow she would do it all over again.
Eleven months after the incident
Dear Andrea,
Roger Morris told me that he has requested and been granted a continuance. He said he needs time to go over the new evidence and prepare your defense.
He has been aware of this new evidence for the past month. I do not understand what is taking him so long. If you are not satisfied with his handling of your case, you need only to let me know. I will hire another attorney who hopefully is able to navigate our judicial system in a more expeditious manner.
The twins asked me to tell you hello. They miss you and hope you are well.
Runway is progressing. However, the office does not run as smoothly without you here. You were always able to correct much of the incompetence before it had a chance to cross my desk.
You are aware of my feelings. Nothing has changed. Please take care of yourself,
Miranda
One year, six months after the incident
Nigel trudged up the townhouse steps, cradling a bottle of very expensive blended scotch whiskey. Miranda had called earlier and asked him to stop by around 9:00 p.m. She had something important to discuss with him. The girls were away with friends, so they would not be disturbed. He decided to bring this bottle of Royal Salute as a special treat. They deserved it after the last eighteen months.
He barely brushed the doorbell when the front door was flung open. Miranda stepped aside as he entered. After she closed and locked the door, Nigel handed her the bottle and shrugged out of his coat.
“I’m impressed.” Miranda ran a finger over the relief on the blue porcelain flagon.
Nigel hung his coat in the closet and closed the door. He straightened his sleeves as he gazed at his friend. “I used to give my father a bottle for Christmas every couple of years. He would savor it and make a bottle last until the next gift.” He pointed to the bottle held with gentle care in Miranda’s hands. “That was to be his Christmas present the year he died.”
Miranda nodded as she handed the bottle back. “I’m sorry he did not get to enjoy it.”
“Don’t be.” Nigel fell in step with Miranda as she moved down the hall toward the sitting room. “When my brothers and I were going through his things, we found the previous bottle I had given him. There was enough left for us to raise a toast. My father never understood me, but he loved me just the same.” Nigel set the bottle on the coffee table before sitting on the loveseat.
“Then we should drink a toast to your father’s memory.” Miranda set two glasses near the bottle before getting comfortable in the wingback chair across from Nigel.
Nigel smiled as he poured two glasses. He handed one to Miranda before raising his own. “To Papa.”
Miranda hummed at the warm smooth taste. “Your father showed remarkable restraint stretching a bottle for two years,” she said softly.
"That he did," Nigel agreed before taking another sip. He allowed the companionable silence to rest between them before bringing up what was undoubtedly on both their minds. “How did your meeting go?” Nigel poured a little more into each of their glasses before sitting back and crossing his legs.
“Roger is confident. But.” Miranda sighed and rubbed her forehead.
“You once told me you lived on hope. I think for the first time in over a year we have something to be hopeful for.” Nigel sipped his drink and studied his friend. The last year and a half had been hard on her. She had done her best to hide her feelings, but he could tell. The spark in her eyes had dulled. Miranda had never been effusive in her appreciation of fashion, but even her understated enjoyment was lacking.
Miranda toyed with her necklace as she considered Nigel’s words. “I’m going to accept the board’s offer,” Miranda said softly. “They have agreed to my terms, but I need your help.” She stared into her glass.
“Anything.” Nigel set his glass down and leaned forward.
“I would like for you to be the interim editor-in-chief of Runway. I think two years should be enough time to prepare Emily. By then Men’s Runway will be ready to launch.” Miranda locked eyes with her friend. “It’s going to be a lot of work. You’ll have to take care of Runway, train Emily, and lay the groundwork for Men’s Runway. I’ll do what I can, but I will have my own duties.”
Nigel blew out a breath and fell back in the chair. “Wow.” He rubbed his hand over his bald head. The next two years would be insane. In the end, he would have his own magazine to run. Nigel picked up his glass and held it toward Miranda. “I’m in,” he said with a half-smile.
“Thank you,” Miranda whispered. She held up her glass before drinking to the future. At least one small piece of the future was settled.
“Did you have to do much to convince the board?” Nigel had wondered how much trouble his friend would have pushing through her agenda.
“No. They realize it was their complacency which allowed that evil to exist. The arrests scared them.” Miranda pursed her lips.
“Thank God Tom found those hard drives.” Nigel shook his head before taking another sip. After Irv’s death, the board had elevated Tom Carlson to chairman of the Elias-Clarke Publishing board of directors. The man was nothing like Irv. Nigel figured the board put him in the position so that they could control him and not get their hands dirty.
Miranda hummed her agreement as she sipped her drink. “Thankfully he was an honorable man and turned everything over to the police and district attorney.”
Tom Carlson had been in Irv’s old office for almost a year before he’d discovered the hidden safe. Not having the key or combination, he had directed maintenance to break it open. Inside were several external hard drives and a handful of flash drives. Tom had played two of the video files before locking everything inside another safe and calling the police. The drives had contained video logs of Irv Ravitz bragging and gloating about his misdeeds. Nigel would never understand why a nominally intelligent man would keep records of his crimes. The only conclusion he could draw was that Irv was insane and believed himself untouchable. The details of the rapes he had committed, the money he had stolen from the company, and the crimes he’d planned to commit made him sick.
They had made Tom Carlson sick, too. He had immediately stepped down as the chair. Four other board members were arrested based on leads provided by Irv’s video journals. The rest of the board asked Miranda to step in as chair to save the reputation of the company. Nigel knew from previous discussions that Miranda would only agree as long as she was given free rein to do whatever was necessary to make amends. The board had few options but to comply. Miranda had mentioned that her first order of business would be to hire private detectives to track down each and every woman victimized by Irv Ravitz and his cronies. She would see that Elias-Clarke offered generous settlements and public apologies.
“I am uncertain whether the company will survive once we are able to find those Irv wronged and offer settlements. The payouts and resulting publicity may very well be enough to sink the company. Rest assured, though,” Miranda said softly, her eyes focused on her glass, “if it looks like Elias-Clarke will go under, I will split off Runway and Men’s Runway to sell to another interested publisher. At least those magazines will survive and have the chance to thrive. I won't let them become casualties to Irv's misdeeds.”
Nigel sipped his drink as they fell into another silence, this one filled with weighty thoughts. He knew Miranda worried about the start of Andy’s trial next week. Andy had told him she had briefly considered not fighting the charges. However, her attorney had felt they had a better chance of a favorable outcome by taking the case to trial rather than by accepting the DA’s plea bargain.
“We’ll meet with the department heads tomorrow afternoon.” Miranda sighed before swallowing the last of her drink. “I’d like to meet with you and Emily first thing in the morning.”
Nigel murmured his agreement. The two friends sat quietly with their thoughts a little while longer before Nigel bid Miranda goodnight.
***
It was late and Miranda was trying to review some preliminary financial statements. However, all she could think of was that Andrea’s trial would start the next day. She hadn’t seen the young woman since that night, and she was still miffed that Andrea had refused to allow her to visit. When Nigel had told her of Andrea’s wishes, she had been supremely hurt. Then Nigel had explained why he thought Andrea didn’t want to see her.
“She’s worried how you’ll react to seeing her behind bars,” Nigel had explained. “She told me that you consider this your fault because of your long-standing feud with Irv. Andy doesn’t want you to feel any worse.”
After Miranda thought about it, she conceded that Nigel was correct. Andrea was just protecting her. Again.
She closed the folder with the reports and thought about going to bed. Miranda had just come around her desk when Caroline poked her head into the study.
“Mom?” Caroline shuffled her feet as she stood in the doorway. She was dressed in a white t-shirt and blue sleep shorts.
“What is it, Bobbsey?” Miranda held out her hand and guided her youngest daughter to sit with her on the couch.
“Andy’s trial starts tomorrow. Why can’t Cassidy and I go?” Caroline plucked at her t-shirt.
“We’ve discussed this,” Miranda admonished gently. “You have school. Besides the press is going to be especially aggressive. I don’t want you anywhere near there.”
Caroline leaned against her Mom’s shoulder. “I don’t know why they just won’t let her go. She was protecting us.”
Miranda put her arm around the girl and kissed the top of her head. “I know. Her attorney will do everything he can.” She hugged her daughter and relaxed into the corner of the couch.
“Why did she have to stay in jail before the trial?” Caroline snuggled closer.
“The district attorney said Andrea was a flight risk.” Miranda let out a weary sigh. “He was afraid that I would help her leave the country.”
Caroline leaned back to look into her mother’s eyes. “Would you have done that?”
Miranda raised an eyebrow and shrugged one shoulder. “Possibly. But Andrea would never have agreed to run away. I think it was an excuse. The district attorney and I have had words in the past. He may have allowed his personal feelings to interfere with his official duties. Andrea’s attorney told me Andrea did not want to fight the decision.”
Caroline ducked her head and played with the hem of her sleep shorts. “Do you love her, Mom?”
“Yes,” Miranda whispered. “Even before the incident, I loved her. I just never did anything about it.”
Her daughter chewed her lip. “Does she love you?”
“Yes, darling. I truly believe she loves me.” Miranda hugged Caroline and blinked her eyes to clear the tears waiting to fall.
“I’m glad.” Caroline turned her head and kissed her Mom’s cheek. “Night, Mom.” She slid off the couch and headed to the door.
“Goodnight, darling. I’ll be up to check on you and your sister in a little while.” Miranda waited until her daughter was gone before she allowed the tears to flow.
To Part 2
Rating: PG
Pairing: Andy/Miranda
Word Count: 16.7k
Summary: An incident late at night forever changes Andy and Miranda.
Disclaimer: I don’t own the rights to The Devil Wears Prada or any of its characters.
A/N1: This is a standalone story (calling it a one shot just didn’t seem right) not related to my other DWP stories. This is AU because Andy did not quit in Paris and is now first assistant.
A/N2: An attempted rape is mentioned. Plans of a violent act are discussed. However, nothing graphic is described because neither act happened.
A/N3: Thank you jazwriter and punky for looking this over. Any and all mistakes are mine. I’m just greedy that way.
Thirty minutes after the incident
“Call 9-1-1 and security.” Andy cupped Miranda’s cheek. With her thumb she swiped the single tear that escaped from the watery blue eyes. “Then you need to call Jeremy.”
“Andrea,” Miranda whispered. “I …”
“It’ll be okay, sweetheart.” Andy shook her head as Miranda opened her mouth to respond. “After you make sure the girls are okay, call your lawyer and Leslie. Make sure I get to talk to your lawyer first.”
“How can you be so calm?” Miranda choked back a sob and closed her eyes.
“I just have to. I’m going to sit on the couch. Okay?” Andy swallowed and gave Miranda a pained smile.
Miranda nodded as she reached across the desk for her phone. Andy moved to the couch, trying to ignore the way Miranda’s hand trembled.
Andy dropped down on the couch. She struggled to keep her attention on Miranda as she made the necessary calls. But her eyes kept drifting to the body in front of Miranda’s desk. The blood stain had spread. Carpet will need to be replaced, she thought as she shivered. She rubbed her arms, trying to generate some warmth. The office was cold. Or maybe it was just her. Andy looked up when she heard the distant ding of the elevator. Heavy footsteps pounded down the hall toward the office. Security or police? she wondered. Ah, security.
Two security guards stood uncertainly in the doorway. One paled and looked like he was going to be sick. The other gave his partner a disgusted look and moved to stand by the couch.
The next couple of hours were a blur to Andy. The police arrived and took control of the scene. Miranda’s lawyer arrived with the NYC police detectives. Andy was cuffed and led away. She felt numb as she was gently pushed into the back of the squad car. The flashing blue and red lights seemed garish and out of place as they reflected off the front of the Elias-Clarke building. Andy stared blindly out the window and paid no attention to the scenery whizzing by. When they arrived at the precinct, Andy was docile as she was led to an interview room. It wasn’t long before a middle-aged woman stepped into the room.
“Hello, Ms. Sachs. My name is Detective Wendy Miller.” The detective set a pad of paper on the table. “Would you like anything to drink? We have coffee, water, or soft drinks.”
Andy shook her head. “No, thank you. If you don’t mind, I would like to wait to speak to a lawyer before I talk to you.” Andy kept her expression neutral and her voice even and low.
“Ms. Sachs, if we bring lawyers into this now, there is no way I can help you.” Detective Miller’s voice seemed to project a worried concern.
“Sorry, detective. Pre-law. I’ll wait for my lawyer.” Andy smiled politely and folded her hands in her lap.
Detective Miller shrugged, picking up her pad of paper before leaving.
Within half an hour there was a soft knock on the door. Robert Conrad stuck his head in to check that he was in the right place. “How are you, Ms. Sachs?”
Andy stood and held up her handcuffed hands. “Please call me Andy, Mr. Conrad. I’d offer to shake your hand but.” She gave him a one-shoulder shrug before sitting down again. “Before we get started, sir, have you spoken to Miranda?” When the man shook his head, Andy relaxed slightly.
“Only briefly. She said that you wanted to speak with me first. Do you want to tell me what happened tonight? And please call me Robert.” The lawyer pulled a legal pad and pen out of his briefcase.
“Thank you, Robert. Before I tell you about tonight, you need to understand something important.” Andy paused to make sure she had the man’s attention. “I love Miranda Priestly and her daughters. I think Miranda cares for me also.” Andy was impressed that the only reaction Robert gave to those statements was to raise an eyebrow. “Miranda is going to consider tonight her fault. She and Irv Ravitz have fought bitterly throughout the years. She is going to feel responsible for Irv’s actions tonight. Please don’t let her say anything to the police that gives the impression that tonight was her fault. It wasn’t.” Andy took a deep breath and looked Robert in the eye. “I take full responsibility for the death of Irv Ravitz.”
“Tell me what happened.” Robert jotted a couple of notes on his legal pad.
“We were working late.” Andy closed her eyes briefly. “Miranda was going over the Book and I was reconciling her expense account. I was standing next to her as she was seated at her desk. Irv stormed in as I was asking a question. He started yelling at Miranda.” Andy swallowed and wished she had asked the detective for some water. “He said he was tired of her shit and she had to go. Miranda said she wasn’t going anywhere.” Andy paused to gather her thoughts. “He seemed to go still. Even his voice was cold. He said fine. It would be Miranda’s fault when her daughters were kidnapped and raped. Miranda jumped to her feet. Irv said he knew people. If she didn’t leave Runway, it would be her fault.”
Andy bowed her head and rested her clasped hands on the table. “All I could think of was that the girls were in danger. He was going to hurt them! I had to stop him.” She took a deep breath and continued. “Miranda had a handgun in the top right-hand drawer of her desk. I don’t remember opening the drawer or pulling the trigger. Irv clutched his chest and fell. I do remember the look of surprise on his face. I looked down, and Miranda’s hand was on my arm while the gun was pointed to the right of the desk. She pushed my hand when I fired a second shot.”
Robert’s face was impassive as he furiously scribbled on the pad.
Andy waited for the writing to stop and the questions to start.
Robert set the pen down and contemplated the woman in front of him. He asked several questions to clarify a few points. He finally had all the information he needed to get started. “My specialty isn’t criminal law, but I have someone to call. In the meantime, I’ll do what I can for you. I’ll call the detective in so that you can give your statement. You will be arrested for murder, but that is only a preliminary charge. Formal charges will be brought by the district attorney’s office. When you make your statement, stress that you were acting to protect Miranda’s daughters.”
When the detective returned, Andy went over the events just as she had with her lawyer. After she signed the statement, Andy was arrested for the death of Irv Ravitz.
***
The next few days were surreal. Based on Robert Conrad’s recommendation, Miranda hired the best criminal defense attorney on the east coast. Andy met several times with her new attorney, Roger Morris, and told him about her history with Irv Ravitz. Attorney Morris recommended that she plead not guilty when the DA charged her with manslaughter in the second degree. His defense strategy was that Andy had acted to protect Miranda’s daughters from imminent danger.
During her arraignment the court decided, against Attorney Morris’ passionate arguments, that Andy was a flight risk and denied bail. Her first trial date would be in twelve months. Andy was transferred to a correctional facility to await trial.
Meanwhile, Runway was in shock. Miranda did not come in for several days. Carmen, the former second assistant, supervised the cleaning and redecorating of Miranda’s office. Off and on throughout the day, random Runway employees would stop by and silently stare at the inner office. Nigel, Emily, and Serena closed ranks and would not speak to anyone of the incident or Andy’s involvement.
Speculation ran wild because Irv Ravitz had a well-known reputation as a bully. Several rumors concerning Irv’s behavior with different models began to circulate. Within days, someone leaked Andy’s statement of what Irv said that night. Although Irv’s threats were extreme, most who knew the man believed he was capable of having them carried out.
Miranda returned to Runway the following week, and work soon settled back into a routine. The atmosphere at Runway remained somber and quiet. A new second assistant soon became a fixture in the outer office, but Miranda barely seemed to notice.
Nigel took it upon himself to handle Andy’s affairs. He was her closest friend since her previous friends had abandoned her when she broke up with her former boyfriend, Nate. The day after the incident, Nigel called her parents to let them know what happened. Their response shocked him. They thanked him for calling and told him they would not be contacting Andy. One of the New York papers had already told them what had happened and asked for their comments. As far as they were concerned, the current situation was entirely Andy’s fault. Runway ruined her, and they wanted nothing further to do with their daughter. In their opinion, none of this would have happened if she had gone to Stanford Law as they had wanted.
After that debacle, Nigel set about having everything in Andy’s apartment packed and stored. Andy signed a power of attorney form so that he could access her accounts and pay whatever bills she had outstanding.
During one of his weekly visits, Nigel brought Andy up to date on the latest Runway news. After discussing the new layouts and photographer problems, Nigel made his usual request. “Miranda, Emily, and Serena asked again if they could visit.”
Andy shook her head. “No. Please, Nigel, I don’t want them to see me like this. Hell, I really don’t want you to see me like this.” She looked down at her baggy orange jumpsuit. She’d lost at least five pounds since that night. “Miranda and Serena would freak out, and Emily would die of envy.” She smirked at Nigel’s eye roll.
“Fine. I’ve got to go, sweetie. I’ll see you next week.” Nigel put his hand on the glass pane that separated him from his friend. When he hung up the phone, Andy blew him a kiss before she left the inmate side of the visitor’s room.
That night Andy curled up in her bunk, waiting for lights out. She stared at a wrinkled picture of Miranda and the twins as if committing their faces to memory. When the cellblock went dark, she slid the picture under her pillow. She had made it through another day. Tomorrow she would do it all over again.
Eleven months after the incident
Dear Andrea,
Roger Morris told me that he has requested and been granted a continuance. He said he needs time to go over the new evidence and prepare your defense.
He has been aware of this new evidence for the past month. I do not understand what is taking him so long. If you are not satisfied with his handling of your case, you need only to let me know. I will hire another attorney who hopefully is able to navigate our judicial system in a more expeditious manner.
The twins asked me to tell you hello. They miss you and hope you are well.
Runway is progressing. However, the office does not run as smoothly without you here. You were always able to correct much of the incompetence before it had a chance to cross my desk.
You are aware of my feelings. Nothing has changed. Please take care of yourself,
Miranda
One year, six months after the incident
Nigel trudged up the townhouse steps, cradling a bottle of very expensive blended scotch whiskey. Miranda had called earlier and asked him to stop by around 9:00 p.m. She had something important to discuss with him. The girls were away with friends, so they would not be disturbed. He decided to bring this bottle of Royal Salute as a special treat. They deserved it after the last eighteen months.
He barely brushed the doorbell when the front door was flung open. Miranda stepped aside as he entered. After she closed and locked the door, Nigel handed her the bottle and shrugged out of his coat.
“I’m impressed.” Miranda ran a finger over the relief on the blue porcelain flagon.
Nigel hung his coat in the closet and closed the door. He straightened his sleeves as he gazed at his friend. “I used to give my father a bottle for Christmas every couple of years. He would savor it and make a bottle last until the next gift.” He pointed to the bottle held with gentle care in Miranda’s hands. “That was to be his Christmas present the year he died.”
Miranda nodded as she handed the bottle back. “I’m sorry he did not get to enjoy it.”
“Don’t be.” Nigel fell in step with Miranda as she moved down the hall toward the sitting room. “When my brothers and I were going through his things, we found the previous bottle I had given him. There was enough left for us to raise a toast. My father never understood me, but he loved me just the same.” Nigel set the bottle on the coffee table before sitting on the loveseat.
“Then we should drink a toast to your father’s memory.” Miranda set two glasses near the bottle before getting comfortable in the wingback chair across from Nigel.
Nigel smiled as he poured two glasses. He handed one to Miranda before raising his own. “To Papa.”
Miranda hummed at the warm smooth taste. “Your father showed remarkable restraint stretching a bottle for two years,” she said softly.
"That he did," Nigel agreed before taking another sip. He allowed the companionable silence to rest between them before bringing up what was undoubtedly on both their minds. “How did your meeting go?” Nigel poured a little more into each of their glasses before sitting back and crossing his legs.
“Roger is confident. But.” Miranda sighed and rubbed her forehead.
“You once told me you lived on hope. I think for the first time in over a year we have something to be hopeful for.” Nigel sipped his drink and studied his friend. The last year and a half had been hard on her. She had done her best to hide her feelings, but he could tell. The spark in her eyes had dulled. Miranda had never been effusive in her appreciation of fashion, but even her understated enjoyment was lacking.
Miranda toyed with her necklace as she considered Nigel’s words. “I’m going to accept the board’s offer,” Miranda said softly. “They have agreed to my terms, but I need your help.” She stared into her glass.
“Anything.” Nigel set his glass down and leaned forward.
“I would like for you to be the interim editor-in-chief of Runway. I think two years should be enough time to prepare Emily. By then Men’s Runway will be ready to launch.” Miranda locked eyes with her friend. “It’s going to be a lot of work. You’ll have to take care of Runway, train Emily, and lay the groundwork for Men’s Runway. I’ll do what I can, but I will have my own duties.”
Nigel blew out a breath and fell back in the chair. “Wow.” He rubbed his hand over his bald head. The next two years would be insane. In the end, he would have his own magazine to run. Nigel picked up his glass and held it toward Miranda. “I’m in,” he said with a half-smile.
“Thank you,” Miranda whispered. She held up her glass before drinking to the future. At least one small piece of the future was settled.
“Did you have to do much to convince the board?” Nigel had wondered how much trouble his friend would have pushing through her agenda.
“No. They realize it was their complacency which allowed that evil to exist. The arrests scared them.” Miranda pursed her lips.
“Thank God Tom found those hard drives.” Nigel shook his head before taking another sip. After Irv’s death, the board had elevated Tom Carlson to chairman of the Elias-Clarke Publishing board of directors. The man was nothing like Irv. Nigel figured the board put him in the position so that they could control him and not get their hands dirty.
Miranda hummed her agreement as she sipped her drink. “Thankfully he was an honorable man and turned everything over to the police and district attorney.”
Tom Carlson had been in Irv’s old office for almost a year before he’d discovered the hidden safe. Not having the key or combination, he had directed maintenance to break it open. Inside were several external hard drives and a handful of flash drives. Tom had played two of the video files before locking everything inside another safe and calling the police. The drives had contained video logs of Irv Ravitz bragging and gloating about his misdeeds. Nigel would never understand why a nominally intelligent man would keep records of his crimes. The only conclusion he could draw was that Irv was insane and believed himself untouchable. The details of the rapes he had committed, the money he had stolen from the company, and the crimes he’d planned to commit made him sick.
They had made Tom Carlson sick, too. He had immediately stepped down as the chair. Four other board members were arrested based on leads provided by Irv’s video journals. The rest of the board asked Miranda to step in as chair to save the reputation of the company. Nigel knew from previous discussions that Miranda would only agree as long as she was given free rein to do whatever was necessary to make amends. The board had few options but to comply. Miranda had mentioned that her first order of business would be to hire private detectives to track down each and every woman victimized by Irv Ravitz and his cronies. She would see that Elias-Clarke offered generous settlements and public apologies.
“I am uncertain whether the company will survive once we are able to find those Irv wronged and offer settlements. The payouts and resulting publicity may very well be enough to sink the company. Rest assured, though,” Miranda said softly, her eyes focused on her glass, “if it looks like Elias-Clarke will go under, I will split off Runway and Men’s Runway to sell to another interested publisher. At least those magazines will survive and have the chance to thrive. I won't let them become casualties to Irv's misdeeds.”
Nigel sipped his drink as they fell into another silence, this one filled with weighty thoughts. He knew Miranda worried about the start of Andy’s trial next week. Andy had told him she had briefly considered not fighting the charges. However, her attorney had felt they had a better chance of a favorable outcome by taking the case to trial rather than by accepting the DA’s plea bargain.
“We’ll meet with the department heads tomorrow afternoon.” Miranda sighed before swallowing the last of her drink. “I’d like to meet with you and Emily first thing in the morning.”
Nigel murmured his agreement. The two friends sat quietly with their thoughts a little while longer before Nigel bid Miranda goodnight.
***
It was late and Miranda was trying to review some preliminary financial statements. However, all she could think of was that Andrea’s trial would start the next day. She hadn’t seen the young woman since that night, and she was still miffed that Andrea had refused to allow her to visit. When Nigel had told her of Andrea’s wishes, she had been supremely hurt. Then Nigel had explained why he thought Andrea didn’t want to see her.
“She’s worried how you’ll react to seeing her behind bars,” Nigel had explained. “She told me that you consider this your fault because of your long-standing feud with Irv. Andy doesn’t want you to feel any worse.”
After Miranda thought about it, she conceded that Nigel was correct. Andrea was just protecting her. Again.
She closed the folder with the reports and thought about going to bed. Miranda had just come around her desk when Caroline poked her head into the study.
“Mom?” Caroline shuffled her feet as she stood in the doorway. She was dressed in a white t-shirt and blue sleep shorts.
“What is it, Bobbsey?” Miranda held out her hand and guided her youngest daughter to sit with her on the couch.
“Andy’s trial starts tomorrow. Why can’t Cassidy and I go?” Caroline plucked at her t-shirt.
“We’ve discussed this,” Miranda admonished gently. “You have school. Besides the press is going to be especially aggressive. I don’t want you anywhere near there.”
Caroline leaned against her Mom’s shoulder. “I don’t know why they just won’t let her go. She was protecting us.”
Miranda put her arm around the girl and kissed the top of her head. “I know. Her attorney will do everything he can.” She hugged her daughter and relaxed into the corner of the couch.
“Why did she have to stay in jail before the trial?” Caroline snuggled closer.
“The district attorney said Andrea was a flight risk.” Miranda let out a weary sigh. “He was afraid that I would help her leave the country.”
Caroline leaned back to look into her mother’s eyes. “Would you have done that?”
Miranda raised an eyebrow and shrugged one shoulder. “Possibly. But Andrea would never have agreed to run away. I think it was an excuse. The district attorney and I have had words in the past. He may have allowed his personal feelings to interfere with his official duties. Andrea’s attorney told me Andrea did not want to fight the decision.”
Caroline ducked her head and played with the hem of her sleep shorts. “Do you love her, Mom?”
“Yes,” Miranda whispered. “Even before the incident, I loved her. I just never did anything about it.”
Her daughter chewed her lip. “Does she love you?”
“Yes, darling. I truly believe she loves me.” Miranda hugged Caroline and blinked her eyes to clear the tears waiting to fall.
“I’m glad.” Caroline turned her head and kissed her Mom’s cheek. “Night, Mom.” She slid off the couch and headed to the door.
“Goodnight, darling. I’ll be up to check on you and your sister in a little while.” Miranda waited until her daughter was gone before she allowed the tears to flow.
To Part 2