p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongScapegoat/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So, you and Rick, huh," Glenn said from his seat. It took him a while before he even said anything. After the show, we put on. What can I say? The man-made me feel things. Things I never thought I'd feel./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Out of everyone, I thought you'd be the first one to figure it out." I was highlighting everything. I wanted to ask Shane about the case. I thought it would've been better to get this out the way but apparently, he was running even later than I was./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Glenn scratched the hair on his chin. "You didn't exactly give me any hints and it's been a while since we had a heart to heart." I couldn't remember the last time we sat down and talked like this. Our conversations had always been the highlight of my day./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We were both getting actual work done. Your focus is on this Mr. Davis case and mine is just about what color highlighter ill be using on this file next." Glenn chuckled./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Your case is a lot more complex than mine. A few weekends ago I read a few blogs about that case. Everyone was convinced that your clients are predators. They brought a picture one of them took in high school, they had a nasty toy in their hands. They called them sexual demons." I winced. It wasn't enough that the media was slaughtering them. But I was convinced something was amiss. There had to be a bigger presence behind it. These highlighters were onto something./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Enough about my case. Do you think you'll get what you want out of yours?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not sure, Michonne. I just know people are going to get laid off when this is done. Men and women with families to feed. It just doesn't feel right." I understood what he meant. Glenn was too kind-hearted to let this go./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You said he doesn't look like he's in need of the money?" He nodded. "Perhaps this isn't his first time swindling someone."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"A light went off in his head. "You know, I think your right. I just need to find proof. Thank you, Michonne. Small advice can go a long way."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I was just glad something was making sense./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"My phone vibrated and I took a glimpse at the notification./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongSasha: Giiiiirrrl you won't believe this./strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"As much as it was tempting to find out what she meant I had some more reading to do. I turned the page of to one of the first girls, with my highlighter perched high I looked for any flaws in her life that can be used against her. I felt sick doing this./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The first girl. Stacy. She recently dropped out of medical school to pursue modeling. I frowned looking at her bank statements. The number of loans to her name. It was the same for two other girls. However, their past was scared. With one arrested for prostitution and the other with multiple assault and DUI charges, I didn't have to wonder why they were drawn to two wealthy athletes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was sometime after three when Shane bounced through my office. A wide winning smile plastered on his face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne." He flipped his coat open, settling in the seat Glenn vacated not too long ago./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Mr. Walsch." I've been working on questions for him. I only hoped he had some of the answers. 'I have a few questions. I know you said I could ask you anything and I read through these files." His lips tipped up and I noticed a faint bruise under his eye. The area around it looked puffy./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Of course, of course." He gestured for me to bring the file on my desk. Getting up and smoothing my dress down, I handed it to him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, shit." He uttered after opening the book. "Don't you think this is a little excessive?" He pointed to the amount of content I highlight. It was the only way I worked. I couldn't miss anything./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No, I don't think so. I have a feeling Deal and Baker isn't telling the full story. And whatever's in that can only take us so far."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane ran a hand through his hair. "I know that, Michonne. I'm doing my part, Gregory's doing his part, and you?" He held up the folder. "You've done yours." He got up and stalked t his office. The sudden change in his mood threw me off, so I followed him. I needed an explanation./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What exactly are you implying?" I asked catching the door before he closed it in my face. "I still have a lot of work left to do. I know it's not going to be easy but-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick was right." My head reared back./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Excuse me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't graduate top of your class for nothing, Michonne. This case... It's dangerous." Dangerous? I didn't know what to say about that. I was stunned into silence./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You don't think it's a little too late to be warning me off? The media can get outrageous but I don't think it's dangerous." Shane shook his head and laughed. It sounded empty./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You see this?" He points to the light swelling under his eye. "The media hasn't even drilled into our asses yet and some cock sucker is already tossing rocks at me. Shit! I should've thought this through." He was not doing this. But we both already knew I was in too deep. I didn't want to be that one person the did part of a job and never finished it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm finishing this case," I affirmed standing tall. "You took on a job and I wanted to be apart of that. So I'm going to finish it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane sat back in his chair turning to stare out the window. His seemed conflicted but eventually, he gathered his composure. He tapped his lips turning to examine me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Your committed, I'll give you that." He pulled out a new set of files. "Listen ill give you a choice. Take this folder and I'll shield you from the reality of everything. You won't get the glory and shine from this. Your name would just be printed as my assistant."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's not a choice, Shane."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"An exciting look crossed his face. "You said my name." His face turned serious. "But I was serious, Michonne. I gave Rick my word. For whatever that's worth I don't want to see you hurt."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You can't just-" I began to argue but he held up his hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You can work behind the scenes if you take this file." He tapped the orange folder. The first folder should've rung bells, this one had alarms sounding. It didn't feel right./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I crossed my arms. "What's in it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think you might need Rick's help with this one."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Why?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You don't know anything about your boyfriend do you?" I kept my mouth shut. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Rick has a way of with words. Can make an innocent man feel guilty, the guilty... innocent. And the minute someone takes that stands he'll tear them down. The rich, poor, high and mighty. Rick's a trump card." I blinked because I never actually did research on Rick Grimes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""If you wanted Rick's help from the beginning why didn't you just ask him instead of wasting my time." I felt a blaze of anger rising in me. Was I just a scapegoat? Feeling used was worse than the threat of my hard work goes unrecognized./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick would've emnever/em said yes to this case. I know what your thinking, I used you to get to him but it's not like that. You have an eye for detail and that is quality. It's something I needed in this case."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I rolled my eyes. "You expect me to believe that?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No." He Pushed the folder across his desk in my direction. "Those are the police statements from the girls. From their lawyers Take it." Putting my hands on this folder would seal my fate. I should be concerned about his access to this sort of information. We couldn't even use this in court./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane saw my hesitance. "Like you said Michonne, it's already too late."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And if I don't accept?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think you know you don't have a choice."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Angry, I swiped the folder off his desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"How did you meet?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was at a party, me and a few of my friends were drinking./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Were you invited?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I was. An invite was extended to me on Instagram./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"That's where you work, isn't it? Is that how you support yourself?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It is. I get sponsors and it pays well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The other women, did you know them prior?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Only two of them, the rest I met after hooking up with Mr. Deal and his friend./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"So you weren't familiar with Baker?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"At first, I wasn't. strongI was introduced to two other men/strong before I met him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What of the deceased?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was after I met the other girls, I didn't know her well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The more time I spent sitting down in the office, reading over these accounts the more I wanted to ram it up Shane's ass. My stomach rumbled. I was livid. It wasn't a choice. He already had my name out there. It only to a few articles on google for me to confirm it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I also found the video of Shane getting hit with a rock. He was right, there were dangers surrounding this case. But I wasn't grateful for his help. Or his misplaced protective streak. I didn't need it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"But I kept reading. I ate up every bit of information. I consumed it. If my name was next to this case we had to win. Time flew by quickly and I ignored most of Sasha's text. She was calling now, I couldn't just throw her off./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hey, Sasha." I answered still trying to focus on the documents in front of me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think I texted you three or four times, Michonne. They were urgent." I pressed my hand against my forehead./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm sorry. You know this case has me busy. Is everything alright?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I should be asking you that."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Look, I was passing the bookstore in town and I saw your man Rick sitting up with another woman." I laughed. Could today get any more ridiculous?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It could've been a client, Sasha."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""In a bookstore? Did he tell you he was going to a meeting?" No, he didn't. "Look I'm just looking out for you. I went inside with my Starbucks coffee just to make sure and he had a full-grown baby in his hands." My heart stopped. I didn't need this, I really didn't./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sasha continued, "I didn't want to jump to any conclusions and I tried to get to him and ask him myself. The librarian wouldn't allow it so I just left. I just thought you should know."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Slowly, I closed my eyes. I was beginning to feel exhaustion creep up on me. "Thank you, Sasha." I've been rational and held my cool today, I can afford Rick the same treatment./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"How did you get involved with the two men?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"We bucked at a few parties. They were nice, complimented my appearance, and offered me a job./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Doing what?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I promoted parties with them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Don't you have kids?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I did this for them. I wanted them to live good and this paid well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What happened at the first party?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Me and a few other girls did what we were paid to do. Dressed nice, popped bottles, and socialized./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Then the second?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The men. They started touching, we were told they weren't allowed to do that./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"By whom?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongThem/strong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I kept quiet on the drive home. Deciding how I should broach the subject. Rick didn't look like a man with a guilty conscious. But he was still a lawyer. He already mastered the craft of lying./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I could tell he was worried about me. I was too quiet./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Are you okay?" We were parked in front of my apartment. He rests his hand on my thigh, catching my attention./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I don't know," I admit./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is it the baby?" My hand fell to my stomach. The bump was even more noticeable than last week./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He's fine... Sasha told me she saw you at the bookstore in town." I said calmly. I felt his touch on my chin./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And what did she see?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Apparently you with another woman." But that didn't get to me. "With a child."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I was with a client, that was her child, Michonne." He turned my face to his./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not angry, Rick." he sighed. I didn't have the energy to be angry. I knew Sasha didn't mean any I'll will, she was just playing her role as the dutiful best friend. She was just the messenger. "So you took on her case? Are you going to share any details."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not all-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Allowed to." I finished for him. "I get it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, I'm only going to say this. If Gregory ever gets near you... I don't give a fuck if it's work-related," Jesus. I was too tired for any sexual thoughts. "You tell me. It'll be even better if you leave."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"My lids were heavy. "What is your problem with him? He's an ass and I understand that but you sound angry."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He's a fucking predator. Had my mood in the gutters since I left that bookstore."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So this has something to do with the woman at the bookstore? Did he assault her?" Rick didn't say anything but it was enough for me to connect the dots. "Sounds like you and I both had bad days." Such a stark contrast t last night. I was filled with warmth and adoration./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe you should stay with me tonight."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sounds a lot like a booty call Rick." I joked. "Besides I think last night is finally catching up with me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'd just like your company, Michonne. I sleep better with you next to me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That was only once."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's enough." I smiled tiredly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine, but you're packing an overnight bag for me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Didn't red alarms ring the second time?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"They did. But we just figured they were drunk. And you know how drunk men are./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"You've been arrested for prostitution before. How didn't you see through this?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"These were rich men, I didn't think they'd need or want dirty money./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What happened after the second party?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"We went to more, did the same thing we were paid to do at first but it became more./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What do you mean by that?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What drunk, drugged up men do with women? The job became more so our pay became the same./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You noticed anything off?" Rick asked me. I was laid off on his bed. Papers from the case scattered everywhere. I haven't told Rick about what happened between Shane and me at the office but I told him about the files he gave me. Rick didn't seem surprised that Shane was able to get this kind of information./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I confessed that he was right about us losing this case and he disappeared into his office only to emerge with a whiteboard and several books./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I can't focus on studying for the bar and figuring this case out at the same time Rick." He wrote a few words on the board./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You can and you will. If I'm helping you with this case, you'll be studying at the same time. Now tell me what you see." I raised my eye's from the thick book on the bed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""The names Deal and Baker aren't popping up much. But that could be caused by their line of questioning, Rick."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick pressed the pen against his lips. "That's where these accounts mess up. They ask too many specific questions. It leaves us holes to asked more questions in court. And that's how you can flip a case. Any case. We already know they mentioned them and two other men. That alone tells me that there must've been more than just Deal and Baker." The next time I have downtime, I was doing some research on his career, I decided. "That's strike one for the jurors. They lied."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I figured Deal and Baker were being used. But these women are still blaming them. They're the ones with their head on the chopping block." Rick began clearing some of the pages from the bed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shane just needs to do his job. I don't want you anywhere near this shit storm. I've said it before." He moved next to me. "When this is all over, they've got another thing coming."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I flipped through another page in the law book. "How is it going?" He asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I've never found reading law books boring so I'm just soaking everything in." He moved my hair away from my neck and kissed it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""When do you think we'll feel him kick?" He asked rubbing my side./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe when I do something that's not boring by his standard," I smirked. "I don't think he likes law but from what you've said about yourself I'm glad he's not kicking me inside out."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick laughed against my ear, his warm breath washing over me. "You make me feel so calm, Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that a good thing?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It is. However, I don't understand why you weren't angered by what Sasha told you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Trust me I was angry above all I was tired. Did you want me to scream at you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hell no." He paused. "My ex-wife would've handled things differently. She'd shout at me for anything."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sound like she was a little off the rails." His arms were still wrapped around me, keeping me warm./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""She had her reasons, I guess. She was hurting and it took me a long time to realize it but she wasn't the only one."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I closed the book, resting it on the side. "What happened between you two?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We kept trying to have kids of our own. Started right out of college but it never worked out for us. I threw myself into my work and she did whatever she wanted during the day. Needless to say, over time it took a toll on our marriage. She asked for a divorce so I gave her what she wanted." My heart felt heavy for the woman. I was a little sour that she had him in ways I haven't but it must've been heartbreaking. Years of trying without fruition./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Turning to face him, I ran my fingers through his hair. "Whenever your son decides to kick me I'll just press my stomach against you so you'll take the blow."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that what you'll do?" He asked laughing. "Maybe we should test that theory." Rick pulled me closer to his chest and began rocking his hips against mine./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And I thought I'd have to initiate all the sex between us," I muttered against his lips. His tongue danced with mine and it didn't take long for the need to consume my thoughts. I wrap my legs around him, wanting to feel him pressed up against my core. Stroking me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His teeth nipped my lips playfully. "I guess it's time for you to wipe those thoughts from your head."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I guess so." He stripped me bare and gave me everything I needed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So, you and Rick, huh," Glenn said from his seat. It took him a while before he even said anything. After the show, we put on. What can I say? The man-made me feel things. Things I never thought I'd feel./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Out of everyone, I thought you'd be the first one to figure it out." I was highlighting everything. I wanted to ask Shane about the case. I thought it would've been better to get this out the way but apparently, he was running even later than I was./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Glenn scratched the hair on his chin. "You didn't exactly give me any hints and it's been a while since we had a heart to heart." I couldn't remember the last time we sat down and talked like this. Our conversations had always been the highlight of my day./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We were both getting actual work done. Your focus is on this Mr. Davis case and mine is just about what color highlighter ill be using on this file next." Glenn chuckled./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Your case is a lot more complex than mine. A few weekends ago I read a few blogs about that case. Everyone was convinced that your clients are predators. They brought a picture one of them took in high school, they had a nasty toy in their hands. They called them sexual demons." I winced. It wasn't enough that the media was slaughtering them. But I was convinced something was amiss. There had to be a bigger presence behind it. These highlighters were onto something./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Enough about my case. Do you think you'll get what you want out of yours?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not sure, Michonne. I just know people are going to get laid off when this is done. Men and women with families to feed. It just doesn't feel right." I understood what he meant. Glenn was too kind-hearted to let this go./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You said he doesn't look like he's in need of the money?" He nodded. "Perhaps this isn't his first time swindling someone."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"A light went off in his head. "You know, I think your right. I just need to find proof. Thank you, Michonne. Small advice can go a long way."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I was just glad something was making sense./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"My phone vibrated and I took a glimpse at the notification./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongSasha: Giiiiirrrl you won't believe this./strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"As much as it was tempting to find out what she meant I had some more reading to do. I turned the page of to one of the first girls, with my highlighter perched high I looked for any flaws in her life that can be used against her. I felt sick doing this./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The first girl. Stacy. She recently dropped out of medical school to pursue modeling. I frowned looking at her bank statements. The number of loans to her name. It was the same for two other girls. However, their past was scared. With one arrested for prostitution and the other with multiple assault and DUI charges, I didn't have to wonder why they were drawn to two wealthy athletes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was sometime after three when Shane bounced through my office. A wide winning smile plastered on his face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne." He flipped his coat open, settling in the seat Glenn vacated not too long ago./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Mr. Walsch." I've been working on questions for him. I only hoped he had some of the answers. 'I have a few questions. I know you said I could ask you anything and I read through these files." His lips tipped up and I noticed a faint bruise under his eye. The area around it looked puffy./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Of course, of course." He gestured for me to bring the file on my desk. Getting up and smoothing my dress down, I handed it to him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, shit." He uttered after opening the book. "Don't you think this is a little excessive?" He pointed to the amount of content I highlight. It was the only way I worked. I couldn't miss anything./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No, I don't think so. I have a feeling Deal and Baker isn't telling the full story. And whatever's in that can only take us so far."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane ran a hand through his hair. "I know that, Michonne. I'm doing my part, Gregory's doing his part, and you?" He held up the folder. "You've done yours." He got up and stalked t his office. The sudden change in his mood threw me off, so I followed him. I needed an explanation./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What exactly are you implying?" I asked catching the door before he closed it in my face. "I still have a lot of work left to do. I know it's not going to be easy but-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick was right." My head reared back./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Excuse me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't graduate top of your class for nothing, Michonne. This case... It's dangerous." Dangerous? I didn't know what to say about that. I was stunned into silence./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You don't think it's a little too late to be warning me off? The media can get outrageous but I don't think it's dangerous." Shane shook his head and laughed. It sounded empty./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You see this?" He points to the light swelling under his eye. "The media hasn't even drilled into our asses yet and some cock sucker is already tossing rocks at me. Shit! I should've thought this through." He was not doing this. But we both already knew I was in too deep. I didn't want to be that one person the did part of a job and never finished it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm finishing this case," I affirmed standing tall. "You took on a job and I wanted to be apart of that. So I'm going to finish it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane sat back in his chair turning to stare out the window. His seemed conflicted but eventually, he gathered his composure. He tapped his lips turning to examine me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Your committed, I'll give you that." He pulled out a new set of files. "Listen ill give you a choice. Take this folder and I'll shield you from the reality of everything. You won't get the glory and shine from this. Your name would just be printed as my assistant."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's not a choice, Shane."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"An exciting look crossed his face. "You said my name." His face turned serious. "But I was serious, Michonne. I gave Rick my word. For whatever that's worth I don't want to see you hurt."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You can't just-" I began to argue but he held up his hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You can work behind the scenes if you take this file." He tapped the orange folder. The first folder should've rung bells, this one had alarms sounding. It didn't feel right./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I crossed my arms. "What's in it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think you might need Rick's help with this one."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Why?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You don't know anything about your boyfriend do you?" I kept my mouth shut. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Rick has a way of with words. Can make an innocent man feel guilty, the guilty... innocent. And the minute someone takes that stands he'll tear them down. The rich, poor, high and mighty. Rick's a trump card." I blinked because I never actually did research on Rick Grimes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""If you wanted Rick's help from the beginning why didn't you just ask him instead of wasting my time." I felt a blaze of anger rising in me. Was I just a scapegoat? Feeling used was worse than the threat of my hard work goes unrecognized./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Rick would've emnever/em said yes to this case. I know what your thinking, I used you to get to him but it's not like that. You have an eye for detail and that is quality. It's something I needed in this case."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I rolled my eyes. "You expect me to believe that?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No." He Pushed the folder across his desk in my direction. "Those are the police statements from the girls. From their lawyers Take it." Putting my hands on this folder would seal my fate. I should be concerned about his access to this sort of information. We couldn't even use this in court./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane saw my hesitance. "Like you said Michonne, it's already too late."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And if I don't accept?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think you know you don't have a choice."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Angry, I swiped the folder off his desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"How did you meet?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was at a party, me and a few of my friends were drinking./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Were you invited?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I was. An invite was extended to me on Instagram./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"That's where you work, isn't it? Is that how you support yourself?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It is. I get sponsors and it pays well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The other women, did you know them prior?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Only two of them, the rest I met after hooking up with Mr. Deal and his friend./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"So you weren't familiar with Baker?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"At first, I wasn't. strongI was introduced to two other men/strong before I met him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What of the deceased?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was after I met the other girls, I didn't know her well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The more time I spent sitting down in the office, reading over these accounts the more I wanted to ram it up Shane's ass. My stomach rumbled. I was livid. It wasn't a choice. He already had my name out there. It only to a few articles on google for me to confirm it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I also found the video of Shane getting hit with a rock. He was right, there were dangers surrounding this case. But I wasn't grateful for his help. Or his misplaced protective streak. I didn't need it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"But I kept reading. I ate up every bit of information. I consumed it. If my name was next to this case we had to win. Time flew by quickly and I ignored most of Sasha's text. She was calling now, I couldn't just throw her off./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hey, Sasha." I answered still trying to focus on the documents in front of me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think I texted you three or four times, Michonne. They were urgent." I pressed my hand against my forehead./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm sorry. You know this case has me busy. Is everything alright?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I should be asking you that."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Look, I was passing the bookstore in town and I saw your man Rick sitting up with another woman." I laughed. Could today get any more ridiculous?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It could've been a client, Sasha."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""In a bookstore? Did he tell you he was going to a meeting?" No, he didn't. "Look I'm just looking out for you. I went inside with my Starbucks coffee just to make sure and he had a full-grown baby in his hands." My heart stopped. I didn't need this, I really didn't./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sasha continued, "I didn't want to jump to any conclusions and I tried to get to him and ask him myself. The librarian wouldn't allow it so I just left. I just thought you should know."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Slowly, I closed my eyes. I was beginning to feel exhaustion creep up on me. "Thank you, Sasha." I've been rational and held my cool today, I can afford Rick the same treatment./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"How did you get involved with the two men?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"We bucked at a few parties. They were nice, complimented my appearance, and offered me a job./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Doing what?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I promoted parties with them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Don't you have kids?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I did this for them. I wanted them to live good and this paid well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What happened at the first party?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Me and a few other girls did what we were paid to do. Dressed nice, popped bottles, and socialized./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Then the second?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The men. They started touching, we were told they weren't allowed to do that./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"By whom?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongThem/strong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I kept quiet on the drive home. Deciding how I should broach the subject. Rick didn't look like a man with a guilty conscious. But he was still a lawyer. He already mastered the craft of lying./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I could tell he was worried about me. I was too quiet./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Are you okay?" We were parked in front of my apartment. He rests his hand on my thigh, catching my attention./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I don't know," I admit./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is it the baby?" My hand fell to my stomach. The bump was even more noticeable than last week./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He's fine... Sasha told me she saw you at the bookstore in town." I said calmly. I felt his touch on my chin./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And what did she see?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Apparently you with another woman." But that didn't get to me. "With a child."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I was with a client, that was her child, Michonne." He turned my face to his./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not angry, Rick." he sighed. I didn't have the energy to be angry. I knew Sasha didn't mean any I'll will, she was just playing her role as the dutiful best friend. She was just the messenger. "So you took on her case? Are you going to share any details."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not all-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Allowed to." I finished for him. "I get it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, I'm only going to say this. If Gregory ever gets near you... I don't give a fuck if it's work-related," Jesus. I was too tired for any sexual thoughts. "You tell me. It'll be even better if you leave."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"My lids were heavy. "What is your problem with him? He's an ass and I understand that but you sound angry."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He's a fucking predator. Had my mood in the gutters since I left that bookstore."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So this has something to do with the woman at the bookstore? Did he assault her?" Rick didn't say anything but it was enough for me to connect the dots. "Sounds like you and I both had bad days." Such a stark contrast t last night. I was filled with warmth and adoration./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe you should stay with me tonight."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sounds a lot like a booty call Rick." I joked. "Besides I think last night is finally catching up with me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'd just like your company, Michonne. I sleep better with you next to me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That was only once."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's enough." I smiled tiredly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine, but you're packing an overnight bag for me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Didn't red alarms ring the second time?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"They did. But we just figured they were drunk. And you know how drunk men are./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"You've been arrested for prostitution before. How didn't you see through this?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"These were rich men, I didn't think they'd need or want dirty money./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What happened after the second party?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"We went to more, did the same thing we were paid to do at first but it became more./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What do you mean by that?/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"What drunk, drugged up men do with women? The job became more so our pay became the same./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;".../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You noticed anything off?" Rick asked me. I was laid off on his bed. Papers from the case scattered everywhere. I haven't told Rick about what happened between Shane and me at the office but I told him about the files he gave me. Rick didn't seem surprised that Shane was able to get this kind of information./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I confessed that he was right about us losing this case and he disappeared into his office only to emerge with a whiteboard and several books./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I can't focus on studying for the bar and figuring this case out at the same time Rick." He wrote a few words on the board./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You can and you will. If I'm helping you with this case, you'll be studying at the same time. Now tell me what you see." I raised my eye's from the thick book on the bed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""The names Deal and Baker aren't popping up much. But that could be caused by their line of questioning, Rick."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick pressed the pen against his lips. "That's where these accounts mess up. They ask too many specific questions. It leaves us holes to asked more questions in court. And that's how you can flip a case. Any case. We already know they mentioned them and two other men. That alone tells me that there must've been more than just Deal and Baker." The next time I have downtime, I was doing some research on his career, I decided. "That's strike one for the jurors. They lied."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I figured Deal and Baker were being used. But these women are still blaming them. They're the ones with their head on the chopping block." Rick began clearing some of the pages from the bed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shane just needs to do his job. I don't want you anywhere near this shit storm. I've said it before." He moved next to me. "When this is all over, they've got another thing coming."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I flipped through another page in the law book. "How is it going?" He asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I've never found reading law books boring so I'm just soaking everything in." He moved my hair away from my neck and kissed it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""When do you think we'll feel him kick?" He asked rubbing my side./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe when I do something that's not boring by his standard," I smirked. "I don't think he likes law but from what you've said about yourself I'm glad he's not kicking me inside out."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick laughed against my ear, his warm breath washing over me. "You make me feel so calm, Michonne."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that a good thing?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It is. However, I don't understand why you weren't angered by what Sasha told you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Trust me I was angry above all I was tired. Did you want me to scream at you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hell no." He paused. "My ex-wife would've handled things differently. She'd shout at me for anything."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sound like she was a little off the rails." His arms were still wrapped around me, keeping me warm./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""She had her reasons, I guess. She was hurting and it took me a long time to realize it but she wasn't the only one."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I closed the book, resting it on the side. "What happened between you two?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We kept trying to have kids of our own. Started right out of college but it never worked out for us. I threw myself into my work and she did whatever she wanted during the day. Needless to say, over time it took a toll on our marriage. She asked for a divorce so I gave her what she wanted." My heart felt heavy for the woman. I was a little sour that she had him in ways I haven't but it must've been heartbreaking. Years of trying without fruition./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Turning to face him, I ran my fingers through his hair. "Whenever your son decides to kick me I'll just press my stomach against you so you'll take the blow."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Is that what you'll do?" He asked laughing. "Maybe we should test that theory." Rick pulled me closer to his chest and began rocking his hips against mine./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And I thought I'd have to initiate all the sex between us," I muttered against his lips. His tongue danced with mine and it didn't take long for the need to consume my thoughts. I wrap my legs around him, wanting to feel him pressed up against my core. Stroking me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"His teeth nipped my lips playfully. "I guess it's time for you to wipe those thoughts from your head."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I guess so." He stripped me bare and gave me everything I needed./p