Meghan Ross: Con Artist in Training

War (Part 1)

From the bed, Meghan looked out her hospital window. So much for no one knowing she was Mike's little sister. The little sister who, for the most part, was well taken care of, supported... who needed, no, wanted, to help her brother through this. But every time she tried, he always gave her the same response.

"There's nothing you can do to help, Meghan! I betrayed Harvey. Nothing can fix that without losing you."

Mike sat on the floor by the door with his back against the wall.

She turned to face him. "What if I told him? Right now?"

"I can't let you do that."

Meghan raised the head of her bed. "Your loyalty is admired, Dad, but I can handle it."

"I know you'll try, maybe even succeed... The answer is no. I know the system gets a bad reputation because of a few bad eggs, but I'm not willing to lose you. I can't go to prison and not know there's someone taking care of you."

"Oh, please."

"I'm serious, Megs. Neal went back to Paris. Mozzie went with him this time. So unless Mozz plans on returning, there's no one who would make sure I get you back or to keep you in the state."

~***~***~

Three days earlier:

"I'm glad to see you're doing well after your hospital stay," Jessica said calmly.

Meghan couldn't help but feel something was off. Jessica didn't talk to her often enough to be this casual. The managing partner spoke to her through Harvey or Mike.

"Um... thank you?"

"I trust your family is taking good care of you. Heart troubles can be frightening. Especially when it's not the first time."

Now Meghan was scared. She was there when Mozzie called in sick for her. Mozz had only said she went in for heart trouble. He never said it wasn't the first time so how did Jessica know.

"It's like Addicts Anonymous, Miss Pearson. One day at a time. Doctor adjusted the dosage for my meds."

"Speaking of your medication... I've been watching you. Not once have I seen you take any while you're here."

"It's a mild condition. I have a caddy as a phone case on the off chance that I need to take one while I'm away from home." Meghan sifted through the paper cart, looking for the right size ream to open. Most of the copy machines used the standard size, some were used for photos, and some used legal (the extra-long size). "That occasion hasn't risen since I was ten. My brother had to count the pills and dole them out himself just to be sure I was actually taking them."

She didn't have to lie about that since everyone knew she was raised by her brother. Meghan loaded the copier, then closed the paper tray. She placed her hands on the trolley, ready to push it out of Jessica's office.

"Before you go..." Jessica turned to face her. "I noticed Harvey has taken you under his wing. I would expect that of Mike with you being assigned to him, -"

"I had to answer the same question when Harvey asked it a few weeks ago. My answer hasn't changed. Mister Ross doesn't tell me anything I don't need to know."

"That's good... But I wasn't going to ask you about our clients. Recently, Harvey came to me with proposition of merging with a firm in London."

"Scottie's firm?"

"The very fact that you know which one I'm referring to... Do you know what Mike and Harvey are planning for the merger, Meghan?" Jessica asked.

Meghan now stood in the open glass door of Jessica's office. "I'm sorry?"