M A D D O X

MADDOX WEST ROWELL   Lawyer || 32 || Closed 3x3 RP

[maddox-rowell]

joelxharvey​:

I throw any random police officer at Ezra and he’ll instantly know something is going on. I’m not trusting anyone but myself to watch him, at least then he just thinks my close eye is from his past trouble-making. Annoying me can be his distraction.

He’s just a kid, Maddox. You’d be asking a kid to sit on the stand and recount every dirty situation she’s taken advantage of him in. I know what the fucking law entails, I know what the other side is capable of forcing on Hale, but you’ve got to understand that I want to protect him now like I couldn’t back then. Promise me you’ll find another way first, any other witness, before considering his testimony.

Let’s hope it’s distraction enough.

I get what’s at stake here, I do, but what Hale has been through is enough to put Robin away on his own. If I don’t pull him in as a witness, her lawyers will and who knows what will happen to him– at least how I can frame our use of his testimony as is what it is, a testimony of a victim instead of a co-conspirator; I wouldn’t doubt if Robin’s lawyers tried to make him go down with her. I don’t have as much wiggle room as you think I do, so no. I can’t promise that, not when I know I’ll break it. We can’t protect him from his choices, but what we can do at this point is make sure Hale doesn’t suffer much afterwards. 

[maddox-rowell]

joelxharvey​:

Fuck no, I’m not handing her ammunition on a silver platter more than she already owns. You and I both know Ezra won’t give a fucking shit about the law and go straight for Nate realizing that’s where it will hurt Robin the most to hit. He’s the whole reason he came to us initially, her soft spot. We can’t tell Ezra too soon about any of this and even then? Who knows if that would even stop him.

God damn it to all hell breaking loose. I’ve seen how close friends they are, I’ve got no doubt she knows, my concern is for her safety and I’m pulling her if I catch one whiff of danger more than what she’s risking having skin in the game. Now, Hale…I’m probably pulling the kiddie gloves out with him. One wrong move, one wrong thing said, and it could spook him. Promise me he’ll have a choice in this, Maddox. I know it’s a long shot, but he deserves that.

I don’t think we should tell him at all. The hard truth is that he’s too unreliable with that secret, and you’re exactly right. He wouldn’t blink twice about going after Nate, and I would suggest if you have the man power or are able to do so yourself, put someone on him. Watch him, intervene if he finds out and gets himself into trouble that we can’t keep him out of.

You know I can’t promise that, Joel, so don’t make me. Whether Hale likes it or not, there’s no way that the other side won’t pull him in with how closely he’s tied with Robin. That’s just the way that the law is going to work, and the defense will know that I want to question everyone on her list. We can’t protect him from this.

[maddox-rowell]

joelxharvey​:

I have an entire file stuffed to the brim with citations and misdemeanors I’ve swept under the rug for Ezra. If he finds out anyone threatened Rory, no matter what Finley it is, all bets are off. Nate could get into some serious danger.

God damn it, I told the kid to keep his mouth shut tight on this investigation. We need to put a lid to this before shit escalates, but I already know how that conversation is bound to proceed, Maddox. He’ll want me to pull Peyton and as much as I want to keep her protected, this might have to be a risk. Alright. I’ll yank Hale to my office and see what shakes.

We can’t let Robin have any ammunition like that. We’re going to have to defense in a way, we can’t let Ezra go after the Finley’s if anything happens– Robin will not hesitate to drag him down with her if that happens and there won’t be much I can do to stop it. No amount of sweeping under the rug will save him.

Well, at least Nate told someone who knows how to keep a secret. You know that Peyton is one of Hale’s best friends, if she knows about this shit then she won’t want to be pulled out. Just whatever you do, be easy on Hale– I don’t know what’s going through that head of his, but I know it can’t be good. Six years is a long time to be treated the way he has been and we need his help, not him running away.

[maddox-rowell]

joelxharvey​:

I should’ve seen this coming from Rory, she has this unassuming air about her and I’m not surprised Robin thought to take advantage of that. Wait, hold up….her and Hale are-…jesus fucking christ, I’m this close to spewing yesterday’s lunch and dinner. We have to get to Hale before she does.

The thing I’m worried about with Rory, it’s not just her that’s getting fucked over. It’s her brother– Ezra may not be in the fold right now but either he will be, or he’ll lose his shit if something happens to Rory. He’s too much of a wild card to rely on when it comes to his sister.

From what I understand, Nate may have already told Hale about the investigation. He said that Hale wants Peyton to be safe, so he knows about her part in Robin’s schemes at least. One of us is going to have to talk to him and it’ll be too suspicious if I do it; he at least does some work for the police, so it won’t seem to weird if you pull him into your office.

[maddox-rowell]

joelxharvey​:

Your text sounded pretty fucking urgent, thought I’d mosey on down to see what you got for me. Start at the beginning.

It’s Rory and Hale. She’s using Rory to get information about people, no idea how long that’s been going on. As for Hale, she’s giving him clients and paying medical bills for his father in exchange for... quality time, to put it in a way that doesn’t automatically make me want to throw up. That’s been going on for years, apparently.

[maddox-rowell]

@joelxharvey​

Thanks for coming on short notice. I heard from Nate and I found some more people being blackmailed or extorted in some way; we’re going to be in trouble if we’re not careful.

[maddox-rowell]

nathanxfinley​:

Nate did the job a little too well, it seemed, his interaction namely with Rory was a test of his loyalties disguised as an order. He could have provided his mother with the casual wave of an excuse or walked away from the girl when given the chance, but Robin’s demands were clear, to verbally beat Rory into submission so she would lose the fight and back-talking. However cruel it was and whatever Nate pulled from his own self-esteem issues feeling so small comparing to others, watching Rory break down in tears was an image he cannot erase now. A hand landing on his shoulder brought him to a refocused center, back to the present instead of lost afloat with his own terrifying thoughts. “I know. I know I can count on you and Joel, I know I put himself in this mess when I asked for my cut. I just…I didn’t expect this.” Nathan hung his head briefly, hearing a ringing in his ears that wouldn’t cease. Voices. Her voice. “She’s, um,” The man’s gaze dropped to his palms, the half-moon marks evident, “She’s using Rory to basically be a listening ear to the ground on gossip. Possible dirt on anyone, including me. Hale has it far worse.” He paused, “His business was failing six years ago, his dad was sick, and he went to my mother for help. She took advantage of that. Pays the medical bills, gives Hale clients, and in exchange…they’re together.” It was sickening. “He wants me to protect Peyton. You have to convince Joel to pull her from the mission, Maddox, maybe there’s a better chance he’ll testify knowing she’s safe.”

He looked softly at the younger man, shaking his head lightly. “I don’t think anyone knew really what to expect when it came to this... and when it came to your mother. Not even you,” his voice was soft, though anything else he would say died in his throat as Nate spoke. Maddox expected something like Nate described regarding Rory, knowing that Robin would stoop that low to use a young girl and it would be a problem if her brother got involved, or god forbid... found out about Robin before him or Joel got ahold of him. But Hale? He didn’t expect it. Maddox hadn’t been in the town for long to know Hale’s personal life, or his childhood, as many other residents have, but Hale was always normal. Normal to his standards at least, and Maddox never realized that he was harboring such a secret. “Fuck,” was the only word he could say for a time, taking out his phone and sending Joel a message simply with tomorrows date and a time for Joel to come by to his office. Maddox pinched at the bridge of his nose as he thought, “it’s not that easy, Nathan, especially if Peyton has any inkling of an idea about what your mother is doing to Hale and the unfortunate side of the law is that Hale’s going to testify whether he likes it or not.” Maddox stored his phone in his suit jacket again, placing his hands on his hips as he thought. “Either side can subpoena him to testify and I’d rather him testify against your mother than for her. Six years is a long time to be under someone’s thumb and he could potentially tank this entire investigation if we don’t talk to him. As for Rory, we’re going to have to talk to her or at least her brother, I wouldn’t put it past Ezra to come after you or your mother.”

[maddox-rowell]

nathanxfinley​:

Nathan balled his fists, digging his fingernails into the flesh of his palms as a comfort method to relieve the pressure. Pain distracts, any amount of pain takes away from the self-loathing within the man for a brief moment. Yes, he could end it and be content he gave everything he could in the name of the investigation, but what he gave thus far wasn’t enough. “No. No.” Nate shook his head several times, willing a calm level-headed mind and locking away the emotional toll. He had to pull his shit together or he would drown. “Any evidence you have the family lawyer is bound to find a way around it. Create an excuse that sets my mother free of jail time.” The man focused his resolve carefully, “I need more if it means she stays in jail. I hate her, Maddox. I’m seeing what she’s doing to the people like Peyton or Rory, or Hale, and I want her paying for every second she destroyed their lives. How she destroyed mine.” Nate used the heels of his hands to rub at his eyes. He knew he asked for this mission, this burden, but Nate wasn’t certain how much he could handle. “I don’t have anyone. I lost my friends, what little of them I even had, I can’t even talk to Grey without pretending to fight with her. My aunt knows something’s up and I can’t share with her any of it. I’m alone, Mads.”

Maddox nodded sympathetically, a part of him relieved that Nathan would continue digging into his mother’s work but he knew that it was treacherous waters. His eyes flashed at the mention of the names; Maddox was aware from Joel about Peyton, but Rory and Hale? That was new, and a problem– at least for the Fabray if her brother had anything to do with it as well. Ezra was nothing short of a rabid dog if something, or someone, was threatening his sister. “I didn’t know about Rory and Hale, Nathan. If you’re feeling up to it, I would like to hear what you have on them,” Maddox said, sobering up and placing a hand on Nathan’s shoulders, “you’re not alone, Nathan. I know it feels like that but Joel and I are right here behind you. I don’t want you to ever think we’re just using your influence to get what we want out of all this... we understand what we’re putting you through and if you ever need to talk, my office doors are always open. You don’t even have to tell me any information about the case right now if you don’t want to, this time is for you.” Of course Mads was curious, needing to know all the names of the players in Robin’s game, but Nathan’s feelings came above that; at least right then in that moment when Nate was so close to breaking.

[maddox-rowell]

nathanxfinley​:

“Far worse than that.” Nate didn’t hesitate directing them along the length of the main party room they were occupying with others, veering off into an empty study Aria’s father previously used before he died and closing the door behind him and Maddox before spinning around aggressively, “Not only did I have a run-in with Peyton Adams, Mads, I had to face Rory and basically told her she breaks everything she comes into contact with. I stood there and watched,” He ran his hands through his hair, panic rising, “as I destroyed them. Look at what she’s turning me into, Maddox.”

Maddox kept his face as neutral as possible as the younger man lead them through the maze of people to a secluded room, his brow raising as he actually took in Nathan’s features now they were outside of the dimness of ballroom. He could only nod along as Nate spoke, crossing his arms as he processed. “Nathan,” he spoke after a time, keeping his voice as calm and level as possible, “you know we can end this at any time. Whatever you got from Robin, I can make do with– I’m not going to push you farther than you can go just so I can get a bigger charge on her.” There wasn’t much he could offer in consolidation– Madds didn’t know what the kid was going through, but he wasn’t going to break him. “Do we need to end it?”

[maddox-rowell]

aidenxbennett​:

Not everyone can all be like this, Maddox.

No, you don’t understand how fucked I am if I keep the leash on, I’ve been reduced to a begging little dog wrapped around his literal fucking finger. I want him, Mads, even when talking to you it’s on a constant loop in my mind. That doesn’t change the fact I’m ever planning on advertising it with pride. God, almost had a slip up with Lady earlier and now I’ve really confused her. 

You’d be surprised.

It sounds to me that you just need to fuck it out of your system, Aiden, or rather him. It’ll help not slip up when in public... or when you’re talking to his sister. I think Lady has been through enough to know what her brother does on his downtime.

[maddox-rowell]

joelxharvey​:

I would prefer sticking needles in my eye sockets than read a single chapter of one law book. I know you really love Lo and cherish your wife like any good husband should, but someone should tell you it borders on obsessive with a minor hint of possessiveness. The it couple everyone strives to be like the…cheerleader and quarterback.

Which is why you’re a cop, Joel, not that many rules you gotta remember. Obsession, yes, possessive? Also yes, but she’s the same way– it’s why we get along so well. I would say more along the lines of prom queen and king, it’s more befitting of the current setting we’re in.

[maddox-rowell]

peytonxadams​:

Let’s mix it. I may or may not have already had a few shots as it is.

“No shame from me, Adams, you gotta live your best life,” Maddox replied before telling the bartender the drink order for the two of them. With the drinks put in front of them, he pushed one to Peyton, “a whisky highball. It’s got ginger ale in it to kinda mellow everything out. You’ll thank me tomorrow.”

[maddox-rowell]

nathanxfinley​:

Maddox, can we talk somewhere privately? Please, I just, I can’t do this out here.

Jesus, kid... you look like you got ran over by a train. We can talk– lead the way.

[maddox-rowell]

aidenxbennett​:

It means I’m really fucking out of my mind.

I’d love it very much if I just…cut the leash and end my misery before I become too involved that my ass can’t escape. Thinking anyone could’ve seen me in spite of my discretion is this close to causing another panic attack. Furthest I’ll be from that kink.

Everyone’s a little out of their mind, Aid.

See, this was exactly why I told you that you needed to let loose, and now that you did, you’re thrusting yourself into another anxiety attack. I think you should just... keep the leash on– have a little fun with it and stop overthinking for pete’s sake. No one cares that you sucked dick under the table, hell, if anyone knew they’d probably applaud you.

[maddox-rowell]

lucaxmurphy​:

I was too pretty for a fraternity, so I get to live my fantasy through you just like always. Aria’s got to have a rec room stashed with ping pong balls and fucking cups. Probably shouldn’t use the good glasses and give her a reason to throw us out.

I think there’s a couple of frats that you could have fit in with, perfectly. I really doubt Aria is just carrying around red solo cups in this house, Luca– that doesn’t scream high class to me.

[maddox-rowell]

elliotxrowell​:

Elliot smiled softly at him. For all her teasing and sarcasm, she was always putty in his hands. “I would fight for you too, always. That one time in Berlin was not a once off.” She laughed at the waggle of his eyebrows, quirking an eyebrow as she gave him an exaggerated flirty look. “Oh definitely, baby.” Elliot batted her eyelashes at him and played with his tie. Even though she was being playful, there was truth to her words. Maddox did look pretty enough to eat, and it was incredibly hard not to drag him somewhere where they could be alone. However, she was enjoying the dance. Her dress flared out slightly around her feet as he twirled her, she knew that they looked the part of the fairy tale couple they teased people about. When she was back in his arms, Lo leaned her head against him. “Every day, forever,” she said softly as she closed her eyes. “You know you don’t have to romance me as hard anymore, I’m completely enraptured by you as it is.”

Maddox couldn’t help the smile that brightened on his face, “you know if anyone hears this conversation, it’s going to spark another rumor for you to revel in.” Madds loved having his wife in his arms, loved talking about her to other people– building her up even more than she already had. Elliot was his pillar, his soul-mate, his one constant that he could count on being the same. The day that he woke up and realized he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, was the day that his life actually began. Maddox rested his cheek on the top of her head as she leaned into him, gently swaying along to the music with no other care in the world. A chuckle rumbled deep in his chest, “of course I do– I’m not going to be one of those schmucks that lets their wives go one day without thinking they’re the best goddamn thing in their husbands lives. Just because I’ve somehow enraptured you doesn’t mean I shouldn’t keep reminding you how much I appreciate you– the romance didn’t stop once I put that ring on your finger.”

[maddox-rowell]

neveahxlebaux​:

You got so boring when you became a lawyer and got a wife.

Boring– yeah, I guess I can see it. I’m a trophy husband that works.