Chapter Text
"We find the defendant… Not guilty."
Magnus conceals a sigh of relief. He did not even let his shoulders sag, keeping his posture as stiff and upright as he can. It is his job to seem uniquely self-assured, to make the client believe he knew this would happen the entire time as his client turns to him with a broad, wet smile.
In all honesty, he didn't know. He much prefers when he can have the charges dropped before his client ever makes it to trial, juries are tricky, and his client (though wealthy and well educated) was still a Black man.
Still, in this case, on this day, justice was carried out. Magnus allows himself a moment to be proud of that.
"So we did," Magnus says pasting an amused smile on his face, "why don't you go back to your mother. I think she wants a hug."
He nods his head towards a crying woman in the pews, and the young man runs into her arms. The charges were tenuous at best, and they were attempting to get him to plea to a lower charge so he would serve two years in prison. However, Magnus knew (though he doesn't always) that his client was innocent. It came down to the wire, but luckily at the last minute his in-house investigator Maia Roberts ran in with a crucial bit of evidence. Evidence that was withheld from the court.
Needless to say, the prosecution fell apart quickly.
He carefully packed up his Hérmes briefcase and walks towards the door hoping to avoid the detective he had torn apart as a part of his case. However, given the way Detective Lightwood was lingering at the back of the court it didn't seem like he would have much of choice.
"Detective Lightwood, a delight as always," Magnus said smiling charmingly.
"Bane."
"And how is your delightful—" Magnus began before he was cut off with a hard pat on the back,
"Luke!" Magnus said with a grin.
Though Luke was the police chief, they had long been quick and close friends. Luke respected Magnus's quick thinking and devious mind while Magnus couldn't help but be charmed by Luke's calm, but brilliant companionship.
"Magnus, it has been too long. Jocelyn has been meaning to invite you over, but with her work being what it is…"
"Understandable, Luke. I will take you up on that offer soon; my bachelor pad cooking is nothing compared to your effervescent wife."
"Excuse me, sir?" Alec cut in.
"Alec, what are you doing here?"
"I was testifying in the Rutherford case."
"And?"
"My client was acquitted, and all the charges dropped," Magnus slid in smoothly.
Luke rolled his eyes. Though they may be friends, Magnus had a reputation for being the best criminal defense attorney in New York. He had that title for a reason, and admittedly he wasn't always defending the most honorable people.
"You embarrassed me," Alec said looking at Magnus furiously.
"I was doing my job, which is to ensure that you were doing yours."
"And my sex life is part of my job?"
Magnus withheld another sigh; he wishes he was back at his beautiful penthouse law firm already. His phone has been vibrating non-stop since he turned it on after the trial and Magnus was willing to bet it was his partner Raphael Santiago. It is a pity, Magnus thought, that Detective Lightwood was so tiresome. He does have a remarkably beautiful face.
"I am not going to rehash it's relevance to this case. I'm confident the stenographer could read it back to you if you are truly confused."
With that Magnus raised his chin and walked back towards the entrance, taking a quick moment to click the call button on his phone.
"Santiago," Magnus said, "what do you need?"
"Oh wonderful, I'm so glad you could deign to respond to the likes of me."
"I was in court," Magnus said rolling his eyes.
"You were? Why isn't that on my schedule? God damn it, Simon! Why isn't Magnus's schedule on my calendar?"
Magnus cut this off before it could go any further. While he does delight in watching Samuel getting his head ripped off by Raphael on occasion, his head already hurts. He had another nightmare last night, the one of his father holding his head below the water, and hadn't been able to get back to sleep.
"Anyway, I'm out. The Rutherford case was just closed, all charges dropped."
"Thank fuck. Two more clients dropped and fled to Fade and Blackthorn."
"Big accounts?"
"Thankfully, no. And now that you've saved that Rutherford boy from jail time, his mother is infinitely more likely to put her business account with us. Not to remind you of the pressure, but she is one of the most influential Black entrepreneurs in the country."
"You don't need to remind me. Is that the only reason you called?"
"No, I called because Ragnor Fell called. He heard we were trying to buy out his shares as a named partner, and he is marginally less than thrilled."
"He hasn't come to work in five months! All his clients are ours anyway while he's roaming the streets of Paris in search of inspiration for his ‘great passion."
"You don't need to remind me. Anyway, I was hoping you would talk to him. For some strange reason, you two have always clicked. Personally, I think it is your dedication to being a pain in my side."
"Oh, Raphael, you know how to charm a boy. I'll be back in the office in half an hour, but I can't meet with him until after three. I'm booked solid with clients, and I need to get a head start on some litigation I'm working on for the Yukimura account."
"Why did we think that being a full-service law firm was a good idea?"
"It was all the cocaine. Now I'm going to grab some coffee before I head back. Hasta luego."
He stood on the street, buying a cup of coffee from a vendor when he ran into Tessa Gray, a local judge, and friend.
"Tessa," Magnus said kissing both of her cheeks, "How have you been?"
She accepted the welcome with a smile when her eyes began twinkling madly with mischief.
"Wonderful. You will never guess what I saw," Tessa said pulling out a magazine from her briefcase.
Magnus made a face, there was a picture of him leaning back on a plush chair. The article title read, "30 Most Eligible Bachelors in New York."
"Have you read the article?" Magnus asked.
"No, I don't need to read your PlayBoy bio to know that you're an eligible bachelor."
Magnus scoffed, "I would be an excellent playboy bunny wouldn't I?"
"Can't deny that you would look lovely in tights."
"And don't you forget it, your honor. Will I see on Tuesday for my stitch-and-bitch?"
"Of course, darling. Now let me get you a cup of coffee. All the makeup in the world can't hide a poor night of sleep. Anyone pretty warming your bed?"
"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," Magnus said. He threw in a wink to hide how pathetically lonely he had felt when he woke up that morning, still shaking with residual fear from the nightmare and sticky with cold sweat. While he was lost in his thoughts, Tessa purchased another coffee, pitch black (not how he prefers it but he does not feel like complaining).
"I'll see you then," Tessa said patting his shoulder and walking back into the Court House.
Almost as soon as he began trying to grow his practice, he realized the importance of befriending judges. Now, once a week for the ladies, he hosts a "stitch-and-bitch" where they can knit and drink and complain to him about men. And another night of the week he hosts basketball games for the fellas, after which they could complain about woman and drink.
He loves being bisexual. It's been his greatest business asset so far.
Magnus was smiling into his coffee, taking an uncharacteristic moment to pat himself on the back for such clever maneuvering when he noticed a pair of hazel eyes watching him.
"Detective Lightwood, would you like a cup of coffee?"
The taller man tilted his head before nodding, his lovely eyes looking deep into Magnus as if they could read his soul. A vindictive part of Magnus couldn't help but think ha, good luck. He allowed his face to smooth over even more, hopefully into something peaceful and friendly.
He got the Detective a cup and was about to leave; he was quickly running out of time, and his next consultation would be in his office soon.
"Tell me, Mr. Bane," Alec said just as he was about to walk away, "are you this friendly with all the judges?"
"Is there something wrong with friendship, Mr. Lightwood?"
The detective made a considering noise, "it certainly is interesting…"
"Are you accusing me of something?"
"And if I was?" Alec shot back.
"I would tell you to get a warrant. Until you do, I am busy, and I have to get back to work. Unless, of course, this is all a desperate plea to go on a date with me. In which case, sweetheart, you should know I prefer the direct approach."
Alec scoffed, "just because I'm gay doesn't mean I will stoop so low as Criminal Defense."
"Ah, how will I weather your slings and arrows?" Magnus said thoughtfully with a smirk. With that, Magnus began walking awake briskly.
Their office was on the top three floors of a building only three blocks from the courthouse. A highly strategic decision that they had only been able to afford because Ragnor Fell, at the time, was one of the most prominent lawyers in the city. Everyone thought he was crazy at first, forming a new law firm with two kids who have just begun their law practice. Raphael and Magnus had certainly proven themselves.
He checked his watch again and cussed. He would almost certainly be a few minutes late, so he called his secretary to let her know to let his client into his office. When he had done that he called a junior partner, Meliorn Seelie, and told him to get out this brief. Magnus smiled to himself; Meliorn would be a great lawyer one day. Passionate and wily as a fox he was confident he would make it to partner in his firm.
He walked through the double glass doors and nodded to his secretary Maureen. Finally, he was back in his office, his main stage. Lined with a cherry wood bookshelf packed to the brim on one side, and the other was entirely a window which overlooked the city. The remainder of the decor was warm and cozy, meant to make his office feel simultaneously intimidating and comforting.
"Send in my ten o'clock."
He pressed down the lines of his suit and sat straight up. He was ready to play ball.
Alec watched the lawyer prance away from him holding a cup of coffee, and he was filled with rage. Magnus Bane had been a thorn in his side for almost as long as Alec had been a detective for the NYPD. The other man was filled with bravado, and at the time Alec assumed he was all style no substance. He was quickly (and brutally) proved wrong.
From an entirely unbiased perspective, Alec can recognize that Bane is talented. Exceptional in court, and even better at getting plea bargains. Coupled with the fact that his in-house investigator, Maia Roberts, was preternaturally astute Bane, Santiago and Fell were lucky with their cases.
He wishes he could call Bane an evil man, but he knows as well as anyone in the force that his law firm did a higher percentage of pro bono cases than any other top tier law firm. While Alec likes to believe that he, and all the police in his force, are beyond reproach, he isn't so arrogant to think they were always right. He would also like to think that racist stereotypes don't easily mislead him, but the fact is a lot of these responses were unconscious. Programmed in after decades of living in a white-dominated society.
All to say, yes, Alec does see the importance of having highly skilled defense attorneys.
But does it have to be Magnus Bane?
Arrogant, cold, nearly always smirking and a loose moral code he represents everything that Alec hates about lawyers. It certainly does not help that Magnus is one of the most attractive men Alec has ever met in his life. Furthering his long-held point that the most attractive men are often the worst people.
He doesn't help his case when it seems like every judge in the city is eating out of the palm of his hand. Watching him laugh with Tessa Gray, one of the most notoriously unfriendly judges irritated him even more.
He was lost in thought when Captain Garroway walked past him.
"Sir," Alec said nodding once in curt respect.
Luke's mouth twitched into an amused smirk before flattening out, "Detective."
"Does it bother you, sir?"
"Does what bother me?"
"Bane… Doesn't he seem a little too friendly with the judges."
"What exactly are you trying to say, Detective?" Luke responded sounding sharp. Alec sighed internally, of course, Magnus was also friends with the police chief.
"Nothing… Nothing, just seems odd that they have such an incredible reputation in court and he is friends with all of them."
"Friendship is allowed, Detective. Besides, have you ever actually gone to one of Magnus's basketball games?"
Alec shook his head.
"Start there; I've gone a couple of times, and I can tell you nobody is talking shop. Mostly there is just the game, and afterward a few beers. But if it'll help you sleep easier at night I can let Magnus know that you want to come."
Alec thought about it; he likely wouldn't get such a chance again. While these basketball games weren't technically closed doors, Magnus prefers to keep it to lawyers and judges. Apparently, cops make people nervous.
Alec smirked, he liked that.
"Yes, please."
"Good," Luke said smiling, "now lets back to the precinct. I do not even want to think about what your partner got up to while we were both gone."
Alec chuckled under his breath. His partner, Jace Wayland was a well known wild card with a complete lack of interest in following departmental protocol. Luckily, Alec was the opposite so they managed to keep each other in line.
The precinct was about a half hour away by train, which meant that he had to spend a half hour with Luke who was at the courthouse testifying for a different case. Not that Alec didn't like Luke, but it always made him nervous to spend so much time in the presence of an authority figure. Alec would be the first to admit his slight hero worship of Garroway, but he refuses to feel bad about it. Luke had one of the best arrest records of any cop before he decided to become brass.
Besides, Alec could admit this in the privacy of his mind, he always had trouble with attractive men.
About half way through the ride home Luke's phone vibrated.
"That's Magnus. He said you're welcome to come, they usually plan in the indoor gymnasium out in Brooklyn on Thursday nights. Want the address?"
Alec nodded, pulling out his phone to write down the address in his notes.
If Bane was as clean as everyone seemed to think he was then this should be a piece of cake. A quick basketball game and beer doesn't sound so bad either, even if you do consider the company. He was still pondering judicial corruption when he walked into the bullpen. He saw Jace staring intently at a file, his multicolored eyes flipping hastily through the pages.
"New case?" Alec asked throwing his blazer over the back of his chair.
"Yeah, the Sarge just gave it to us," Jace replied distractedly.
"Have you grabbed any food yet?"
"What? No, Alec. Didn't you hear me? New case," Jace replied.
Alec sighed, Jace was almost frighteningly intense and could focus to the point of destruction. It often felt like the only thing that could distract Jace from work was his girlfriend, a district attorney named Clary.
"Okay, what is it?"
"Do you remember Valentine Morgenstern?"
Alec gave him a baleful look. Everyone in the city remembered who Valentine was. A rich business man with… eclectic taste, he is perhaps best known for his brief stint as New York City's mayor.
"What about him?"
"His wife just turned up… Dead."
"Murder?"
"That's what we're thinking… Unless she somehow managed to behead herself in a tragic accident."
"Who are his lawyers?"
"Who do you think?"
"God damn it…" Alec sighed. They would need to make sure this case was air tight, no slip ups, no loopholes or he was sure that Bane would find a way to slip through them.
“What do we know?”
“Husband and wife have a fight, he “leaves to cool down.” When he comes back, she isn’t there anymore, and he assumes that she left in a jealous rage. About a week passes before he calls the police because he thought she was taking out her frustration in the Hampton's.”
“Buy it?”
“Nah, the guy is a total creep. Besides, apparently, the couple was well known for their passionate fights and constant cheating.”
“Anyone know what the fight was about?”
“No, the alleged fight happened in his penthouse apartment on the Upper East Side. Sound proof walls and flooring that they got put in a few years ago. Apparently, the neighbors were complaining.”
“Gross,” Alec replied.
“We’re going to have to be careful on this one,” Jace said uncharacteristically.
“We should be careful on every case,” Alec pointed out mildly before continuing, “why specifically here?”
“It’s already turning into a media circus. Garroway wants us to try to stay out of the limelight as much as possible.”
“Hey, good old fashioned police work. That’s what Lightwoods do,” Alec said with a smile.
Just then Jace’s phone started to vibrate; it was Raj, a younger officer who was already at the crime scene.
“What is it, Raj?” Jace asked, cutting straight to the point.
Alec couldn’t hear the reply, but he could hear Jace swear in response.
“What is it?”
“Maia… She’s already there. And you know that Alaric is soft on her.”
“Fuck,” Alec said, “we need to get there. Now.”
“I know, dude. We’re fucked if she gets first crack at the evidence. It is too bad she works for the enemy, she is scary good at her job.”
“Compliment her work ethic later; we need to go now. Besides, you know why she works for them. They pay her a cool 200k to do their dirty work.”
Jace sighed and looked down at his fifty cent coffee, “I wish someone paid me that much for doing this shit job.”
Alec rolled his eyes and grabbed the keys to the car. He knew that Jace was saving up to buy an engagement ring for Clary, which was a surprise to the entire family. For years Jace enjoyed casual relationships, and then he met Clary, and it was like his whole life changed.
At first, Alec hardly liked her, but she grew on him. Her passion for justice, warm heart, and the iron backbone was hard to hate for long.
Just as he turned, he found himself face to face with his sister. Isabelle was certainly the most ambitious of the Lightwood children, and Alec was proud of her. He knew for a fact that she would be captain of a precinct one day and she would be a damn good at it.
“Where are you two off to?” She asked, “Lydia and I have been logging arrest reports for hours because you two boneheads haven’t done it.”
“We will, Izzy. We’re just in the middle of a case now.”
“Oh hell no. We are not playing second string female detectives, doing all the tedious paperwork while you two dash off like John McClane.”
“We can’t both be John McClane,” Jace pointed out reasonably. “He’s a one man army. I am John McClane… Alec can be, I don’t know… Hot girl number five?”
“Look, can we argue about this later? Maia has been in our crime scene, uninterrupted, for at least the last fifteen minutes.”
Izzy’s eyes widened, finally understanding the reason for their rush. “Fine, we’ll do it. But don’t get used to it.”
“You’re the best, Iz,” Alec said pressing a loving kiss to her temple.
“You damn well better remember that!”
Alec could barely repress a grin as he strode towards the car. He was going to win this one.