Chapter 19: Dinner & Justice Served

 

 

Jefferson Restaurant

 

Jack gets to the restaurant before the others and he sees Mark waving to him. Renee and Grace are already seated at the table. Jack gives them both a hug. When he looks up, Sue, Levi, Lucy, Myles, Diane, and Candice are heading to their table. Tara, Stanley, Emma, Jenny, Bobby, Darcy, Donna, and Dimitrius arrive shortly thereafter. Once everyone is seated and introductions are made. The waiter comes by to explain the specials for the night and then jot down their individual orders. While waiting for their food to arrive, Jack starts off the conversation.

 

Jack: So what’s so important that you couldn’t tell me on the phone this afternoon? (megawatt smile and laughs)

 

Mark: Oh nothing much. Except that the jury came back from only one week of deliberations to seal Bottcelli’s fate. It was much earlier than I expected. (smile)

 

Jack: Well don’t just sit there grinning. If I was a betting man, I would have to say it was guilty on all counts. Am I right? (megawatt smile and laughs)

 

Mark: You would win the bet. After 1 p.m. the jury came back with unanimous guilty verdict on all counts. As I recall, you were the sharpest lawyer I knew back in law school. (smile and laughs)

 

Jack: What do you mean, by were? I disagree. I am the sharpest person you know then and now. But the difference is I don’t argue cases in court. That’s your turf buddy. (megawatt smile and laughs)

Renee: I am so thankful that both of you are on the right side of the law. And I am so grateful to you, Mark because you are a terrific lawyer. Grace and I owe you both for our newfound freedom. (smile)

 

Mark: I keep telling her I didn’t do anything that any good decent attorney with a clear conscious would do in my position. She doesn’t believe me. (smile)

 

Renee: That’s because you are way too modest. It’s a rare quality in a man. (smile)

 

Diane: I second that notion. Congratulations, counselor. I wanted Bottcelli to be convicted so badly. He got what he deserved. Mr. Brinkman can finally rest in peace. (smile)

 

Mark: Thanks Diane. You were a big part of the reason why I won the case. That’s why I am so happy you are all here tonight to celebrate with me. This calls for a toast. (smile)

Grace: Mommy, I thought we eat toast for breakfast only. (smile)

 

Myles: Allow me to explain Renee. A toast is when someone gets wonderful news and wants to share that joy with grown-ups and they drink champagne and say Cheers.

 

Lucy: And you wonder why women run in the other direction when they see you coming. (laughs)

 

Myles: I am a walking talking encyclopedia. FYI some women like that about me. (smile)

 

Darcy: On the record with Myles. I heard from anonymous source that you liked to dress in drag in your spare time. Is that true? (laughs)

 

Myles: Absolutely not. It was for an undercover operation. And you Crash should thank your lucky stars that we are in a public place at the moment, otherwise you would be road-kill. (laughs)

 

Darcy: Do I have your permission to print this exclusive in the paper? Judging by the scowl on your face, I have decided to skip this one-of-a-kind story. (laughs)

 

Bobby: Now, Myles we do have children at the table. Let’s not create a scene. Besides, how do you know it was me that told Darcy? It could have been Dimitrius or Jack. (smile and laughs)

 

D: Hey, we all know Bobby squealed to Darcy. That was a given. And the only person I told was Donna. (laughs)

 

Donna: And I called all my friends and told them. I’m kidding. Dimitrius made me promise not to say a word and I haven’t until tonight. (smile)

Jack: With everything that has happened since that sting operation, I completely forgot about “Italian Stallion” Myles or should I say “Marianne” walk on the wild side.  (megawatt smile, laughs, and his signature wink)

 

Diane: Wait a minute. Are you telling me that Myles went undercover to nab Giuseppe and your plan actually worked? (surprised smile and laughs)

 

Jack: Yeah. I told you I would find the perfect stand-in to string Giuseppe long enough to put a noose around his neck. He was infatuated with Myles. It was my brilliant plan. (megawatt smile and laughs)

Sue: Myles actually wore a woman’s dress and lived to tell about his moment in the spotlight. Never in a million years would I expect that to happen. (smile and laughs)

 

Tara: Somehow I can’t picture Myles in a dress. Then again, I’m not sure why I would even want to try. It’s a scary thought. (smile and laughs)

 

Lucy: Very scary, just thinking about it gives me the chills. (smile and laughs)

 

Stanley: I wouldn’t want to be you Myles. (laughs)

 

Myles: Why is it when I go beyond the call of my duty, bust a prostitution ring wide open in the process, instead of getting accolades, my fellow partners in fighting crime torment me? Explain that. (scowl and grunts)

 

Bobby: Because we like you so much and you are an easy target. Face it, Myles. You were the perfect substitute.  Let’s put our hands together for our comrade. (smile and laughs)

 

Emma: You guys have so much fun. Thanks for letting me and Jenny share in this celebration too. (smile)

 

Jenny turned one a few days ago; she starts babbling in baby talk and holds out her arms towards Jack. She wants Jack to hold her. Jack gets out of his chair and comes over, picks Jenny up into his arms, and moves back to his chair with her happily on his lap. In a little while, Jenny rests her head against his chest and falls asleep.

Tara: If it wasn’t for you, we would never have the opportunity to catch Alfonso Del Marco. (smile)

 

Jack: Tara’s right. Everyone here at this table played a very important role in toppling the Del Marco crime syndicate and allowing justice to prevail. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)

 

Candice: Thanks to Diane. I am going back to school and when I grow up I want to be just like Diane. (smile)

 

Jack: That’s fantastic news. Everyone raise your glasses. 1-2-3 Cheers! (megawatt smile)