Chapter 2

6:00am

The day started out as it always did. The alarm clock blared in Edrisa's ears while the sunlight started to peek through her blinds. She stretched a couple of times before swinging her legs over on the other side. Her feet hit the cold floor waking up her senses even further.

She jogs first thing in the morning to clear her head. She stops by the local stores and greets the usual owners before heading to work.

Today, she jogged at a faster pace. Her conversation with Malcolm wasn't too far from her mind. She was still mad at him and still mad at herself. "Drisa, you need to grow up," she chided herself.

She stopped by her usual place for breakfast and was met by the lovely older woman who treated her like a daughter.

"Hello Mrs. Amari," she greeted. The woman looked up with a smile as soon as she heard Edrisa's voice.

"Ohayo," she responded. "Chisai ko wa yoku nemuremashita ka?"

Edrisa shook her head in amusement as Mrs. Amari always made her speak Japanese. "Ikubun. To ni ukabu koto ga takusan arimasu."

Mrs. Amari tsked. "Chisai ko yo, kare no koto was wasurete kudasai."

Edrisa nodded her head and smirked. "Right. Forget about Malcolm. Easier said than done, Mrs. Amari. I will take your advice." She places her order before heading to the restroom.

She stares at herself in the mirror and inhales. "It's going to be a wonderful day." She has to thank Mrs. Amari for a pep talk.

"Mrs. Amari. I've decided-

"Let go!" Edrisa hears from the back of the restaurant. She runs towards the sound.

"Mrs. Amari," Edrisa shouts as she sees two men manhandling her. "Hey, let her go!"

The two white men turn towards her and only smirk as they see her. Clearly, her height is not intimidating, and they could care less about their actions. Edrisa's eyes can only zoom in on the pain and anger of the older woman.

"Look, we don't want any trouble," Mrs. Amari said.

One of them doubled down on grabbing her hair causing Edrisa's blood to boil. "Stop, we didn't do anything to you."

The other man started to approach her. "Wrong. You and your people are killing everyone in the world. Go back to China."

He turned his back to Edrisa but she stopped him when she grabbed his arm. "I'm Japanese-American you ignorant prick." Maybe antagonizing him further wasn't smart but she didn't care if it brought the thugs her way.

"What did you call me?"

"You ignorant-

Suddenly, hands were around her throat as she fell to the ground.

##

Malcolm tries to speak to Edrisa at the precinct but she won't speak to anyone. Not even Gil.

"Bright, we have to think and we can't spin out of control here," JT said. Malcolm's eyes snapped at him.

"Do you think I would jeopardize this case? It's Edrisa," he said aggressively. "I know her life and career hang in the balance right now. I also know she must be scared. She needs us and I won't be responsible for screwing her over."

JT is about to retort when they hear footsteps barreling through the doors. "Where is my daughter?"

Malcolm eyes the couple coming in. He deduces they are Edrisa's parents. Her mother, 60s, slender build, some gray highlights, dresses pristine, and has fire in her eyes. Her father, 60s, a slight medium build, hair is completely gray and dresses in a way that screams doctor, also is agitated.

They are followed in by a younger man. He doesn't know if it's their son or a lawyer.

Gil has now approached the couple and allowed them to visit Edrisa.

##

Edrisa is still shaking but she is more worried about Mrs. Amari and what happens to them now. There's a dead body and she doesn't remember how it even transpired. She was too busy fighting her way out of a hellish scenario.

The door opens and her mother walks in distraught. "Mom," she says in disbelief. "How? Why?"

Her mother hugs her tight and then holds her face in her hands. "Don't worry. We will take care of this."

She looks up to see her father who is equally distraught and perturbed. He hugs her and strokes the back of her head. "Watashi no ai."

Edrisa takes a step back from their embraces and see the man behind him. Her heart tumbles a bit in her chest. "You hired Kevin."

Kevin offers a sympathetic smile. "I am one of the best lawyers around town, you know."

Edrisa nodded. "Thank you for coming."

##

Malcolm, Dani and JT were surrounding Edrisa. "How are you?" Dani asked.

Edrisa's fake smile was evident. "You know me. I'm great. I was manhandled by a racist but I saved a life. On the other hand, I could be charged for murder."

"No," Malcolm said emphatically. "You won't be charged with anything. You are innocent."

Edrisa's eyes cast down not quite believing his bravado. She looked up and saw their faces in turmoil. "Where is Mrs. Amari?"

"Still here. She refuses to leave until she knows you are okay," JT said. "Were you protecting her?"

"My client will not answer any of your questions without a lawyer," Kevin interrupted. "Ms. Tanaka will be leaving now. If you have any further questions, please call me."

Malcolm took the card. Kevin Sato. He looked between Edrisa and this lawyer with slight suspicion.

"We are her colleagues. We are trying to prove her innocence," Dani said.

"Good to know. Ms. Tanaka, please," Kevin said and Edrisa followed behind him.

"Does anyone else get a vibe that they know each other on a more personal level?" JT asked.

"I certainly do," Dani said.