Corruption, Purity and Desire - (5/14)
Title: Corruption, Purity and Desire
author: ragelikeafire
rating: pg-13
pairing: andy/miranda
Disclaimer: The Devil Wears Prada does not belong to me. No infringement intended to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. All characters are purely fictional. Thanks to various crime fiction for the inspiration behind the dialogue.
Summary: Two and a half years after leaving Runway; Andy Sachs is now working as an investigative journalist for a New York newspaper. Miranda Priestly continues her reign as The New York Fashion Queen, but under the surface the cracks are beginning to form. The unfortunate events of one cold winter’s evening force them to face the unrelenting demon that hides in the shadows. When do you run and when do you stand your ground?
WARNING: There are some scenes of violence and heavy language. If you are easily offended or squeamish I DO NOT suggest that you read this!
AN: I was hoping to move us to the hospital discharge in this chapter but I just couldn’t cut any of the scenes and I didn’t want to skimp on the detail. I hope you are still enjoying. Please leave comments...
AN2: Reviewed and edited (03 Jan 2011).
<1> <2> <3> <4>
Part five
Miranda walked away from the nurse’s station; Emily clacking closely behind her. She turned down a long corridor, which led to a small deserted seating area. There were several coffee and confectionary machines and small monitor screwed to the wall with Good Morning America, playing away to the empty room. Miranda’s lip curled in disgust, as she sat gingerly on a faded-red plastic chair.
Emily handed Miranda a Starbuck’s cup that she had collected from one of the many twenty-four hour stores they had found en-route. She had already downed a double espresso in the car, but now she wished she had ordered more as she prepared for the inevitable trip to gallows and her punishment for the less than scalding coffee. To Emily’s surprise, there was only silence as her Royal Highness, simply sipped her coffee regally.
From her seat, Miranda looked Emily up and down several times, a pensive look upon her face. The hair: acceptable. The make-up: acceptable. The dress: acceptable. Why did she look so dishevelled? Had she slept in her clothes? The highly-strung assistant stood before her, pen and paper at the ready poised for her first action. Miranda sighed and began her tirade.
“Cancel all my appointments, the earliest re-arrangement to be Monday. Notify Nigel that I expect him to oversee productivity in my absence. Just because the western world chooses to shut down during the holidays, it does not mean that we do too! I want to see the revised London schedule on my desk for Monday. Oh and I will not be attending the ball this evening, set up a call with Irv mid-morning so that I can inform him of the situation.”
The tightly-wound assistant was frantically recording the instructions spilling from Miranda’s mouth, whilst her own questions flew around her brain. ‘Why? Why was all this happening?’ She was desperate to ask, but in that moment, she didn’t have the courage. ‘You never ask Miranda a question.’ Thankfully, for Emily’s sake she didn’t need to as Miranda offered an explanation.
“Emily, I do not need to explain my actions to anyone, a fact, I know you are well aware of. However, this is a particularly sensitive matter and it’s not just a case of reputation on the line here, there are lives at stake!” Miranda paused and took a deep breath. “An associate…no, a friend of mine has been injured. Shot. The situation is somewhat volatile and the NYPD internal affairs department are now involved. The details of how and why are not important at this stage, the important thing is that I am involved, which means you are involved. A security team are here at the hospital and you will work from here until I instruct otherwise. Is that clear?” Emily simply nodded her response; her face did not display the fear and shock that bubbled inside.
Although Miranda would never say it, she knew that Emily was a pivotal cog in her well-oiled machine. She could execute tasks to the letter, but disappointingly, she often struggled to think outside of the box. However, what Emily lacked in innovation she made up in devotion, she was the sheep-dog to Miranda’s shepherd, an important piece of her jigsaw. Meticulously co-ordinating the schedule of a celestial being was not an easy task yet Miranda knew she could trust her implicitly.
Without missing a beat, Miranda continued to relay her orders. “Call The Post and obtain all the details I have asked for, call my ex-husband advise him of the situation and that his request to return the Girls is not acceptable, I will not negotiate on this. Also, I have requested some information from the officer assigned to the room, you will notify me when it is available. You will deal with them now; I do not wish to speak to that moron again.” Miranda rose from her seat and began walking back towards to the Nurses station. There was no sign of a dismissal so Emily scooped up the overnight bag tucked the papers under her arm and seamlessly fell into step; pen and pad poised for more instructions. “I suggest you find both of us something suitably edible, however, if you wish to continue your employment I would avoid anything that originated from a vending machine or the hospital cafeteria.”
Turning down a new corridor, Emily spotted the two officers immediately. Both men, looked a little worse for wear, it had clearly been a long shift. The first man was seated in the centre of the hall, with his jutting brow and prominent square jaw; it was obvious that he frequented the gym. His bulging muscles were visible through his polyester grey suit, ‘Polyester, ewww, unforgivable!’ Emily thought and shivered at the fashion crime before her eyes. The other gentleman was the polar opposite. He was positioned at the far end of the hall, even seated she could see that he was tall and slim. He sat with his eyes fixed in the pages of a worn paperback novel. His suit was a little ruffled from the night in the chair but it had an expensive tailored cut. ‘Unmistakably, Hugo Boss.’ She nodded subconsciously in approval.
Miranda halted, turning her back to the now standing Sergeant Reynolds. She held out her hand out to take the bag and stack of daily magazines and papers that Emily had thoughtfully included. “I’ll expect you to stay out here, knock when you have completed all the actions. Do not enter this room, is that clear?”
“Of course Miranda.” Emily wasn’t sure what forced her to continue; curiosity or a moment of mental derangement, she couldn’t be sure. “Miranda…who? Why are we here?”
Miranda locked eyes with her long-suffering assistant, taking a moment to consider the appropriate method of torture for the sheer audacity of the girl. She took a moment to think about it, she really had no cause to strike; it was after all a perfectly reasonable enquiry. Maintaining the stare, her features softened. “Andrea.” Miranda breathed and then watched Emily with intently. She was fully aware of Emily’s disdain for the injured woman and the extent of their tumultuous past during Andrea’s employment in the Miranda’s office. Therefore, it came as no surprise to see Emily face to twist in confusion and then smooth into shock as the realisation of the answer dawned on her.
Emily’s mouth opened but nothing came out and as Miranda turned on her heel, knew she’d missed her opportunity to probe any deeper. But then she began to feel grateful for Miranda’s rapid departure. As the likelihood of controlling any kind of nonsensical rant did not seem possible in this moment.
Huffing over to the seating area, Emily eyed the polyester-donned man beside her and tutted, in a mix of annoyance and disbelief. Sitting down in the chair opposite him, she concentrated on regaining her stellar composure before going to work on her to do list.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andy drifted in and out of sleep; the dreams were vivid and frightening. She re-played scenes from the last twenty-four hours repeatedly. Continuous thoughts of blame and regret played heavy on her mind.
I could have helped him. I could have made a difference…what happens now? Will they try to hurt me again? What about my family? What about Miranda?’
The sound of the door clicking pulled Andy from her fitful doze. She watched warily as Doctor Miller and a young woman in a nurse’s uniform approached the bed. They were both wearing ridiculously large smiles for the early hour, which only caused to unsettle her more. She looked round the room for Miranda, but she was not there.
“Hi Andrea, Do you remember me?” The Doctor asked sweetly. “I thought I’d stop in to see what we can do to make you a little more comfortable.”
The doctor’s cheery bedside manner was almost infectious and after a few moments Andy felt herself at ease. “Please call me Andy.” She said returning the smile; “Do you know where Miranda is?”
“Your friend? I believe she is with a red-haired woman in the family room up the corridor. The nurses are having a field day.” The Doctor looked over to the nurse and they both shared a shot giggle.
Andy felt a smirk spread to her lips. “Oh poor Em!” She sympathised. “She’s Miranda’s assistant. I have no doubt that my presence has caused her a world of pain. Do you have any sedatives handy? She may need them.” Andy tried to keep a straight face but she failed miserably as the two woman giggled again.
“It’s nice to see you smiling.” The doctor said warmly through her own smile. “How about we take a few of these lines away and try to freshen you up a bit?”
Andy nodded with enthusiasm. “That would be fabulous!”
Doctor Miller studied the read outs on the numerous machines beside and above Andy, jotting information on to her personal chart, whilst conferring with the nurse working with her. “Ok, let’s make a start.” The doctor fitted a new pulse monitor on Andy’s forefinger and examined the central line running into the arterial vein on her neck. She gently detached the gauze holding it in place and removed it in one smooth motion, whilst the nurse applied the appropriate pressure. Andy’s heavily medicated body didn’t feel a pinch. “One line down. Now, let’s have a look at your stitches, I’ll have to unfasten your gown, ok?”
Andy nodded again and let the women continue feeling a little too weak to assist their efforts. The women positioned themselves on either side of the patient and used the motorised bed to move Andy gently into a sitting position.
As the bed moved, Andy felt her first jolt of pain. Her chest felt heavy and the upward motion left her feeling sick to her stomach. The nurse untied the gown and gently slipped it down over her shoulders and arms, exposing her full torso. Andy fought the urge to look at her shoulder as the two women worked together to gently remove the dressing.
Hearing the door open and close, all three women over at the bed looked up.
Miranda had finished her meeting with Emily and had come back into the room. The curtain around the bed had been drawn to afford the patient some privacy, but not effectively enough.
Forgetting her state of undress Andy locked eyes with Miranda and beamed a radiating smile, at the older woman. She realised at that moment how much she had missed her in the short time she was gone. She noted the reddened cheeks on the face before her. ‘Is Miranda blushing?’ She pondered with some amusement.
Miranda lived and breathed fashion. She had been solely responsible for selecting, guiding, and mentoring some of the most beautiful models and revolutionary designers in the industry for the past thirty years. Surrounded by scantily clad bodies, daily, she had learned to see them as inanimate objects. Some nothing more than mannequins, some a blank canvas for the most talented of her protégés to paint their masterpieces. Nevertheless, as Miranda Priestly entered Andrea’s room she had felt the need to avert her eyes. It was as she did not deserve to look upon her beauty, she had not yet earned the right.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you were having treatment, I’ll…” as she made to leave, Andy called out.
“No, Miranda. Don’t go.” Miranda turned around facing Andy but still averting her eyes.
“Miranda, look at me.” Andy requested firmly. With the eye contact recaptured Andy continued softening her tone. “You said you would only be gone a few minutes, I was beginning to worry. I thought maybe the men in white coats had taken you away?” Her lips curled into a smirk, knowing fine well that she was skating on thin ice teasing Miranda so boldly, but she took the chance anyway. Much to Andy’s surprise, Miranda laughed aloud…it was beautiful.
“Well, it’s nice to see that the medication hasn’t affected your wit, I can’t say as much for your dignity though.” She smiled, shaking off her initial embarrassment and raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow to highlight her awareness of Andrea’s semi naked body.
With the awkward moment averted, Miranda returned to her chair and waited patiently as Doctor Miller examined the wound. The room settled in a comfortable silence apart from the occasional wince from Andy as the Doctor manoeuvred over the sensitive area. After a while the curiosity got the better of Andy and she dared to look down at the wound. She caught the attention of the three other women in the room as she emitted a sudden groan of disgust in protest to the mess of black stitching, dried blood and yellow iodine stained all over her upper body. Andy looked over to Miranda hoping to see a sense of empathy but instead she was met with a pursing of the lips. Somehow she knew without the need for explanation that the look was telling her that she cared but to stop being such a drama queen. Andy smiled at Miranda and Miranda raised her eyebrow briefly before returning an affectionate smile of her own.
The nurse broke the stare down by opening an antiseptic stick and moving in close to rub it in rhythmic circles across the coloured skin. When the nurse was finished, she and the Doctor patiently applied the fresh dressings and re-tied Andrea’s gown. The nurse left the room, leaving the Doctor to talk to her patient.
“Good as new.” The doctor smiled as she completed the chart.
“What about this one?” Andy pointed to her hand where intravenous tubes remained. “And this one?” She questioned, gesturing discreetly to her crotch.
“The IV needs to stay in your hand for now, until we get your fluids back up and we will use it push your meds. As for the other, I don’t think you are quite ready to do your first lap of honor around the ward just yet, so until then the Foley stays put. I’m going off to complete my rounds now. Nurse Carla will return shortly with today’s liquid a la carte menu. Let’s see if we can get your strength up, then we can think about that walk about, ok?”
Andy nodded her response. Before the Doctor continued. “Ms. Priestly can I get you anything?”
Miranda moved to sit down next to Andrea and then looked across from one woman to the other. “No thank you Doctor, I have everything I need right here.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Have you had a busy morning?” Andy asked, breaking the silence with her question.
“Yes I have, but we still have a way to go.”
Andy was too busy analysing the ‘we’ word in Miranda’s response so she wasn’t quite prepared for the switch in Miranda’s tone as she continued.
“I won’t lecture you on your actions Andrea, but I do need to understand why?” The stone glare bore down on Andy, she felt the ice queen return.
Andy felt exhausted; the earlier examination had really taken it out of her. The harsh words and the sudden confrontation caused several garish images to flash through her brain. Again, blame, regret and fear came calling. She wanted so much for Miranda to make it go away, to make her feel safe again but everything was so messed up. She wanted to be swept-up in her arms. To be protected from the world but she knew deep down that she could never feel that way again.
“Miranda, I was just doing my job.” Andy pleaded.
Miranda was on her feet pacing the room, clearly infuriated. “No!” She cut in. “I don’t know exactly what happened but I do know that you were reckless and selfish.”
“Miranda, I…” Andy began.
“Stop!” Miranda ordered and then paused for a beat to take a deep breath. “I’m sorry.” She said in a calmer tone. “I know I said no lectures. I just need you to understand how scared I was when I saw the news report. I can’t accept the fact that you willingly put yourself in such a dangerous situation.”
“I don’t know what made me behave that way.” Andy said timidly fixing her eyes on her lap. She continued softly, keeping her eyes down, afraid to look into Miranda’s eyes. “I suppose being alone you can afford to be selfish. There’s no-one waiting for you to come home, no-one to hold you through the night, no-one to laugh with you. When work is all you have, you begin to forget the consequence of risk.” She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. She felt like her heart had been ripped wide-open. There was a gapping hole of vulnerability on show for the world to see.
Andy felt Miranda’s hand slip over hers, it was so soft and so warm. It was just what she needed to pull her out of the spiralling dark thoughts. She looked into Miranda’s eyes and whispered gently. “So what happens now?”
“You aren’t alone anymore, Andrea. I’m here.” Miranda couldn’t recall when had stopped questioning herself and when it had become so clear. Because, right now there was no doubt in her mind how much this woman meant to her.
On any normal day, if anyone were to ask, Miranda Priestly, if she believed in fate. They would mostly likely receive a cutting eye-roll or a damning purse of the lips for their ridiculous question. But this was not an ordinary day and even Miranda found herself pondering if there wasn’t some higher power at work here. She felt like she had been given a second chance to have Andrea back in her life and she wasn’t about to scoff at that opportunity.
“Beside,” Miranda added, jumping out of her thoughts and giving Andrea’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ve added Emily to your security detail. She is waiting outside the room.”
“Good Lord.” Andy chuckled “You didn’t give her a gun did you?” Miranda shared the smile and then let go of Andrea’s hand to return to her chair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emily was almost giddy by the time she finished her tasks, she had sacrificed two months worth of calories by downing a can of Red Bull from the overpriced vending machine. She was wired!
The first task was not difficult, she knew exactly what would and wouldn’t pass muster as a suitable meal. She had set about searching Google maps for the nearest food establishments and to her joy she had found an Organic cafe who could deliver.
As for the next task, Emily knew exactly how to get what she wanted from men, she found that they were so easy. Sergeant Reynolds was no different and within minutes she had the contact number for both the D.A and the Chief of the I.A.B safely in her grasp. An unexpected bonus had been when she’d convinced him to pull his Captain’s visit forward an hour, to meet Miranda’s schedule.
Next on the list was Irv. She checked the time on her cell, his office wouldn’t be open yet so she left a message on his snooty assistant’s voicemail to arrange a meeting. Colleen might be a stuck up bitch but Emily knew that at least she was competent.
The conversation with the ex-husband had gone exactly as expected. Miranda’s comments were relayed to Greg as instructed. Emily rode out the wave as he threw toy after toy out of the pram, patiently letting him get it out of his system. All she had to do was remind him why there was no point in arguing and then she sent him sulking back to his playpen with his tail between his legs.
The final task was to speak to the Editor of The Post, Mr. Curran. He had been unavailable to take her call when she rang, which had initially riled the young British woman. However, after she spoke with, Glenda, his assistant-an older sounding woman with a strong Brooklyn accent-she felt so much better. Glenda had kindly informed Emily that all of Andrea’s notes and files would be sent over to Runway by messenger in the next hour and as discussed between Mr. Curran and Ms. Priestly, The Post would not be going to press with any further updates at this stage. Emily smirked to herself internally; she had been prepared for a battle but thankfully she could store that energy for greater use. Now, all that remained was to update Miranda on the situation. ‘Thank god for Red Bull,’ thought Emily.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The morning schedule moved quite smoothly for Miranda, her phone conversation with Irv Ravitz had been as expected. He was less than pleased at the news Miranda would not be attending the New Year’s Eve ball and even less pleased that she would be taking a few days off. If truth be told, he was screaming like a little girl caught in the throws of a tantrum by the time Miranda put the phone down. But, as far as she was concerned her call to Irv was simply an extension of professional courtesy, she didn’t actually care what his reaction was. She was untouchable and he knew it, she had the board eating out her hand and there was nothing he could do about it.
Miranda knew that today’s main challenge for Andrea would be the police interview. Going over the details of the night wouldn’t be easy for her and Miranda had doubts about her own reserve too. Andrea had asked Miranda to stay with her and although she didn’t admit it to the young woman, she had not intended on being anywhere else but at her side.
They had spent most of the morning flicking through the days papers and glossy magazines, a relaxed silence filled the room in what would have been a perfectly romantic Saturday morning if the circumstances had been different.
There had been a few tears at breakfast after Andrea had been unable to keep some liquidized concoction down. Andy had apologised profusely, clearly embarrassed but to her surprise Miranda just took it in her stride, she just stayed by her side as the nurse changed her gown and bedding, assuring her that it was to be expected with the medication.
The knock on the door came promptly at ten o’clock. A distinguished middle-aged man entered the room and confidently introduced himself.
“Good morning Ladies, I am Captain Moore, from the Internal Affairs Bureau.” Miranda stood from her seat and moved to Andrea’s side. “Miss. Sachs I’d like to ask you some questions if you feel up it?” Andy nodded and Captain Moore took out his voice recorder and opened up his flip pad.
Andy spent the next thirty minutes recalling the entire sequence of events of the previous evening from start to finish as the police man and Miranda listened patiently taking in each horrific detail. After relaying her story, Andy paused and turned to the officer. “What does this mean for me now Captain?”
“Well the good news is that ballistic report came back with a match between the bullet, which we retrieved from your shoulder and a weapon we have on file. Forensics also retrieved multiple shells from the crime scene and they have been able to match the weapon with the owner. Miss. Sachs, you need to know that this incident was part of much larger investigation. We’ve been building this case for the last twelve months, with undercover informants placed in every precinct across the city. As I am sure you are aware, it takes months to build these types of cases. Our big break came last night, with Officer O’Hanlon, the man you met with. This is really gave us the jump we need, an important part of the puzzle. We were able to start making arrests this morning before dawn."
Andy was still a little shaken from the questioning. “Your big break?” She asked, appalled by his insensitive choice of words. “What about all the people who have lost their lives? Fathers? Sons? Innocent people?”
In retrospect, Captain Moore knew that his choice of words had been poor. He had become hardened to these horrors. He had learned how to disconnect himself from the emotional side of the case, the job had destroyed his marriage and his family a long time ago, but it had made him a better cop. Andrea’s reaction had reminded him why he fought for the innocent. ‘She is young. If she’s lucky she’ll keep her innocence, the extent of her exposure is reversible.’
“Miss. Sachs.” He continued trying to offer her some reassurance. “Along with your tape we should have enough incriminating evidence to put these bastards away for the rest of their lives.”
“When can I have the tape back?” Andy looked into his eyes for the answer and saw emptiness, she couldn’t read him.
“The tape is part a criminal investigation case Miss. Sachs and it will remain in our custody until the trial is over.”
“I think that’s enough for today Captain. Moore” Miranda interrupted. She had heard sufficient bureaucratic nonsense for now, it was time to shut it down. “I trust that your officers will be staying here until Andrea is discharged?”
“I would insist on nothing less Ms. Priestly, thank you for your time Ladies.” He smiled at them as he gathered his belongings. Miranda believed his sincerity, it was genuine.
Once they were alone again, Miranda turned to Andrea and took her hand gently. “Are you ok?”
All the time Andy had spent at Runway she heard nothing but insults and vicious comments made by the employees, the press and professional associates against Miranda. It had been an unending attack. The Snow Queen, the Dragon Lady, with her iron fist and her ruthless mentality. To Andy’s amazement Miranda had always just taken it all in her stride. All they saw was the icon and the statuesque figure. But for Andy, she was a different person; she had been allowed the glimpse behind the mask. From day one, she had refused to accept that a woman, who was so brilliant, so passionate, so imperial; could ever be as cold as-all-that. When Andy had looked into her eyes she had been able to read her soul; this was when the devotion had begun.
Andy smiled and squeezed Miranda’s warm hand “I am now.” She whispered.
“Good, I’m going to check on Emily and make a few calls. I won’t be long.”
“Promise?” Andy read the distraction on Miranda’s face.
Miranda tutted and rolled her eyes at the preposterous request before patting Andrea’s hand in reassurance and then leaving the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Miranda stepped into the hall, she made eye contact with Emily. Emily was talking into her cell phone and furiously jotting notes on to a pad. Abruptly ending her call Emily sprung to attention. Miranda gestured with a small movement of her head and turned to walk up the corridor and after a moment Emily instinctively fell into stride at Miranda’s side and began her update.
“Lunch will be here at twelve, I have ordered light as requested, where would you prefer to eat it?”
Miranda sighed. “I don’t know why you see fit to bother me with these insignificant questions Emily, just bring it to me when it arrives.”
Emily nodded as Miranda continued without pause.
“Call my attorney set up a meeting for Monday morning. Call that security company, the one with the name I liked, the one we hired for an event last year. I’d like them to send two guards, required until further notice and notify me when they arrive. Locate Andrea’s parents, inform them that there has been an accident and then take care of any travel arrangements required. I need to speak to District Attorney Sharpe, urgently.” Miranda stopped walking and turned to face Emily. “Please remember to be discreet Emily, I don’t want the nurse’s station gossiping or either of those halfwits outside the room involved in my business.” Emily frantically scribbled the last word on to the pad as Miranda began to walk away. After a few steps, she turned and called back to Emily. “Oh a get me a deck of cards, that’s all.”
Emily took her cue of dismissal and all but sprinted back down the hall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Less than thirty minutes later, Miranda heard a gentle knock on the door of Andrea’s room and so she stepped out quietly trying not to disturb the sleeping Andrea. Emily handed Miranda her phone, announcing in a whispered tone that District Attorney Sharpe was holding for her.
“Good Morning Beatrice.” Miranda greeted as she walked down the corridor again.
“Hello Miranda, it’s lovely to hear from you, how are the Girls?”
“They are wonderful.” She answered, indulging the woman’s attempt at small talk. “Thank you for taking my call! How is your son?”
“Tommy is just fine. Miranda, I don’t mean to be rude but I’m having the morning from hell. I’m due in front of the Judge in fifteen minutes and I’m up to my eyeballs in warrants and subpoenas. I assume this isn’t a social call?”
Small talk clearly over, Miranda cut to the chase. “You assumed correctly Beatrice. It’s regarding last night’s suicide and shooting in the Bronx”
Sharpe was curious. How does Miranda know the unreleased details of the case and why does a world famous editor of a multi-billion dollar fashion magazine have an interest in my case?’ The D.A smirked as she thought of all the possible reasons. ‘Do they want to do a mock up shoot of the crime scene? Perhaps an artistic take on homicide with next season’s accessories?’
“How do you do you know it was suicide? They haven’t made an official statement yet.”
Miranda had met Beatrice Sharpe five years ago at a charity event, since then they crossed paths frequently at the endless events she attended; some were personal causes close to her heart and were on behalf of the board. Sharpe was what they called new money, in the Upper-Eastside. Her now ex-husband, had made his fortune in some ‘Dotcom’ venture. The divorce had been messy and very public, something Miranda knew about all too well. Sharpe however, was well regarded in both professional and social circles. She had put herself through law school, choosing prosecution and protecting the good guy. This had continued even after the money came along. There was a mutual respect between the two women.
“Andrea Sachs.” Miranda answered cryptically.
“Do you mean the victim? I thought she was in North General under protection how did this reach you?” Sharpe paused before continuing her questioning. “I’m sorry Miranda but what the hell has this got to do with you?”
“I’m at the hospital. I’ve been here all night. Andrea is…” Miranda paused wondering how to explain exactly what Andrea was to her. She decided to settle on the simplest explanation. “She is an ex-employee and I am looking after her best interests.”
“Ok, I’m listening.” Sharpe answered. “What do you want?”