p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongFriday the 13/strongstrongth/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I tapped the heel of my shoe against the floor anxiously. My mind was still reeling from the events at the clinic. With the mountain of documents to file staring me down, work seemed to be the last thing I was focused on./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"em"/ememAre you going to kill your baby like Baker killed that girl?!"/em/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"A hand fell to my stomach, harming my child was the last thing I'd ever do yet, yet the man who yelled those words, a complete stranger seemed to think otherwise. He was already sold on the fact that I would do something so… I needed to stop and regain control. Earlier I fought hard, so hard to hold in those tears. Their words were punishing./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It seems earlier I didn't have my fill of insults hurled at me because here I was scrolling through an ample amount of hateful tweets under the tag Deal and Baker. In all my years I've never had to deal with scrutiny on this level. Strangers, some miles away, some in my own city was picking me apart. I've seen paragraphs of tweets dismembering my character and even more challenging my womanhood./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I don't know how long I sat there./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shit." I cursed softly feeling the tears slide down my face. "Calm down Michonne. You've got this." I said aloud./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"After deleting and blocking a few pages my phone vibrated./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was Sasha. I knew it was going to take all but five minutes for her to see everything I've read online. Before answering, "Hello," I cleared my throat, hoping the cracked sound wouldn't relay over the phone./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Girl, are you okay? I just saw my feed."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah," I lied with a false smile. Even though she couldn't see it I was hoping it had an impact on my words. "It's nothing I can't handle. You know me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hmm, right." She says suspiciously. "I'm not going to drop this but I had another reason for calling." My shoulders deflated, I didn't want to be reminded of the shit show of a day I've had./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What happened?" I encouraged the shift in topic. "It's nothing bad is it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yes." There was a pause over the line. "No, I don't know, Michonne. One minute I was filing this sweaty man's papers the next I'm sitting in human resource getting grilled."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I wasn't the only one having a bad day apparently. "Did they tell you what it was about?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""They kept dodging my questions with more questions. All I know is that there was a mix up with my documents. Honestly, I'm just glad I wasn't the only one dragged into this." I frowned, there was nothing Sasha would fabricate on a resume maybe it was for something positive. "It feels like we'll be here for a while."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Keep me abreast, Sasha. If you need my help with anything you know where my number is."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I know what you're doing, running me off the line like this. I won't forget about our 'talk'. I just need to know your good, all that stress… I can't begin to imagine."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Really, Sasha. I'm fine; I just need to get all this work out of the way." She eventually hung up after a few voices called her name. I chanced a look at my phone's notifications./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"More tweets. More messages./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Focus." I told myself and began the tedious task of sorting Shane's documents. Time flew as I worked and reviewed the case. It helped keep my mind from straying to my personal critics./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"There was a light knock before the door opened. Glenn stuck his head in before revealing a bag of donuts and a coffee. Smiling widely, I greeted him and nodded for him to come inside./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What would I do without you, Glenn." I say as he handed me the bag."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"With a quirk of his lips, he joked, "Probably starve." I chuckled. "Are you doing alright, Michonne?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Why wouldn't I be?" I questioned picking up a chocolate donut. "You brought me lunch which I'm entirely thankful for by the way."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm just concerned, you know with everything people are saying on the internet…" My chewing slowed after taking a bite of the donut./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I swallowed. "I'm just trying not to think about that. I've been good so far, if they want to drag my name through the dirt, I'll let them. It won't matter as long as I win this case." Glenn looked at me silently./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Since we started working here you're the only person I've ever really spoken too besides Carol. I'd like to think we're friends and as your friend, I might've said something online I'm not proud of today."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I smiled. "I don't deserve you, Glenn. All these months and all I've ever done for you was offer my friendship. We need to go out for lunch one day, on me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This friendship is more than enough. Plus, it wouldn't look good on my end if I let a pregnant woman pay the tab, no offense."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""None taken, how is little Hershel junior?" The love he had for his son showed in his eyes, it was like a blue light that never dulled./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He's a little wild guy, climbs on everything in sight. He's also getting better at memorizing his numbers that's for sure."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I have to admit, I'm actually looking forward to being a mother." There were still a lot of things left unsaid between Rick and I. As of late we never discussed anything about our son that wasn't about his health and wellbeing. I was already a ticking time bomb and before we knew it a little version of Rick and I would be screaming out his arrival. Where was he going to stay? I had to admit my neighborhood wasn't the best environment for a growing child./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""The first night is the best and the worst. You won't get used to the crying, peeing, and pooping for a while and I hate to admit this but I was one of the parents that never let anyone near my newborn."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You turned into a germ-phobic I bet." I guessed and he laughed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Can you blame me? They were everywhere so I just kept a jug of sanitizer handy and to this day Maggie teases me about it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This doesn't sound like anything work-related." Shane voiced from the doorway looking more worn down than ever. His eyes were dull and his hair was a mess. "Mr. Rhee, you have something to do, don't you? I thought I saw Rick around here earlier." He must've been back from his meeting already. It was the same woman Sasha told me about; I had to wonder why she never came here./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sorry, Mr. Walsh. I wasn't aware of that." Glenn turned to me and I gave him an apologetic look./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We'll talk later," I tell Glenn before he leaves./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane raises a brow. "I thought you weren't going to let this pregnancy interfere with your work?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""With all due respect Mr. Walsh, it was just a friendly conversation." I explained because his mood already screamed 'pissy' and I didn't need another person ruining my day./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shit," Shane looked down running a hand through his hair. "Forget about what I said." He must've remembered those long breaks he took when I first got here. "We have a lot to discuss, have you seen Gregory?" I shook my head in response. "I'm sure he'll be here soon./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This is about the case, right? Anything new that might help?" Shane released a humorless laugh./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Besides Baker being fucked? Nothing good. I'm looking into some more information but until then all I have is some notes I took down from the talk I had with Deal the other day." Shan shrugged his bag off his shoulder. Unzipping the black case he gave me a grey notepad. "If we can't save them both we can at least save one." I frowned. I was confident both Deal and Baker had nothing to do with the murder but according to Shane's notes, I was wrong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Deal is selling him out. After all these months, he's finally saying something."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Deal's just looking out for his own ass right now. Someone must've scared him, at least that's how it seemed when I went over to his place. At least now we know who was there the night that girl died."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane was right. He told him about the deals, the number of girls they met and 'helped' financially. He told him everything. "Isn't John Wall the owner of a football team?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane nodded. "The great Atlanta Hawks, our own city. That man has a lot of power, Michonne. It's nothing to blink at."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Are you saying this information is useless to us? We can follow up on this. Take it to the police, get all these people questioned. It's not a lot but it's going to take some attention off of Deal and Baker." Shane kept quiet as his face grew paler as each second passed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Mr. Walsh." He could at least give me some feedback./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shane," I called again./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""If that's all it took for you to say my name I would've kept my mouth shut a long time ago." I pressed my lips into a straight line. It was good to know he was still there beneath his messy exterior; he definitely wasn't the sharply dressed man I met a few months ago./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Save it. Give me a straight answer, we're a team and this case is going to fall apart if you keep your mouth shut on a topic like this."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He sighed. "Your right, we can. It's going to pull a lot of heat away from us. More people are angrier over a dead girl than the ones who were raped. It sounds cold but that just how the media works." John Wall was bound to know something. Through this entire debacle, there was not one peep from him other than the mechanical 'this player's actions don't represent the team'./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""But."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Why would you think there is a but?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There isn't one?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He blinked at my response, "You'll be a very good lawyer, Michonne and I mean that. Much like I said earlier John Wall and his buddies have money and in this world, money buys politicians, elections, you name it. I might be an egotistical bastard but even I know there are better lawyers than me. He gets one of them we're done." He paused. "I need a drink."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're not on your own; don't forget there are three of us. I don't know about Gregory but I'm doing my best and I'll give this case nothing but my best."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane looked to be in deep thought as if weighing the outcomes. Nothing could be worse than damaging his name and this companies name if we lost. "Fine, I'll take this in and get them questioned and another thing, Michonne." He took his notebook after I made a copy. "I know this is a lot on you already but we're going to have to work overtime on this one. Pretrial is on the 13th." Quickly, I looked at my calendar./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's a Friday." Friday the 13th was a bad omen. A day riddled with superstition, at least that's what my mother would say. She always had her suspicions about everything; most of them were harmful rather than entertaining fabrications. "Shane, that's three weeks from now."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Then we better start working overtime soon. Maybe you and Gregory can start working on something. Since he isn't here I'll just let him know." Working alone with Gregory didn't sit well with me, especially after my last run-in with him. "You have his mail and I'll give you his number."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maybe I've adapted my mother's habit but I couldn't shake this dreadful feeling forming in the pit of my stomach./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"…../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne?" My back was aching and I could tell my feet were beginning to swell. I just wanted to lay down after the day I've had. I wanted peace and silence./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne?'' I cracked open my eyes and stared at Rick I was tired down to my bones so I didn't have the energy to jump his. He loosened his tie and shrugged off his shirt before crawling in bed beside me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Have I told you how much I love this little place you have here? Especially this bed." I snuggled closer to his comforter./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think you've mentioned it a few times." Rick wrapped his arms around me and rubbed my stomach. After a moment passed he asked, "Are you okay?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I've been asked that question all day." I had to give him credit. The entire ride here I saw the question running through his mind. Yet he didn't ask./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""A lot happened today and it was a lot more than anything I've ever had to deal with."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm fine, I'm trying to forget it ever happened." I could feel him shaking his head behind me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm here for you, I'm here to listen to you vent, cry and scream. You don't need to 'forget'. I was there with you, I heard everything. You're a strong woman but even they have their weak moments. I'm not going to push you, just know I'm here okay?" I was fine, wasn't I? I've told that lie so much even I was starting to believe it. To open up, to be vulnerable, that's what Rick was asking for. It wasn't an easy request but my trust was something Rick already had in spades./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know I went through my phone and read everything people were saying. The ones that were emailed were even worse than the ones online."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't have to do that. Everything being said isn't true and we both know that. If you want me to delete everything for you I can."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I already beat you to it." I covered his hand with mine. "You were right about the way things turned out. People I don't even know were judging me for doing my job. My job. Rick." Pent-up anger I kept at bay was rearing its ugly head. "All those things they were saying to my face. I think that was worse than any message I've ever read." I squeezed his hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It got to me too. I remember one of my first cases that made front pages in the local newspaper. A man killed a young boy trying to rob him. The boy was only sixteen, had his whole life ahead of him. I guess you could imagine all the names they called me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""An asshole?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""They were a lot more creative than that. We're not cold-hearted bastards stereotypes make us out to be."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know I was going to let you punch him." emAre you going to kill your baby like baker killed that girl?!/em I thought about the man who said those words and the more I pondered the more I wanted Rick to do some damage. Hell, I wanted to do some damage myself./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And you stopped me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I didn't want you getting arrested. Besides, I don't think I'll let anything like that bother me again." Assuming I ever get a job after I'm done with this case. "I have enough to stress about over the next few weeks."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, what do you think about taking a break?" My heart stopped. A break? Did he want a break? My mind ran a mile today and it was only about to run more./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Pulling myself away from his hold I turned to face him. Was he serious right now? "Are you joking?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No…" He paused with a small frown. "I meant from work, I can see your overthinking."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Don't start sentences like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack." I lightly gave his shoulder a shove. If he was serious it would've been a lot more than a light shove. It should've frightened me how much Rick grew on me but I wasn't scared./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I want you to meet my mother, it's a three-hour drive but I think you deserve a weekend without all the noise." So he wanted me to meet his mother? This was quite the opposite of where my thoughts were taking me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What's she like?" I knew he spoke to his mother often. There were times he sat in his office for hours just talking to her. "Do I have to worry about her being overprotective?" Rick reached up to touch my cheek and I leaned into the palm of his hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Only a little bit. You already know she like those little glass figure. She's… She forgets sometimes other than that she's a wonderful woman. The most amazing one I know next to you." Leaning forward I kissed his lips./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""If she's anything like you then I can't wait to meet her. We should bring her a little figure."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick smiled but there was a sad look in his eyes. "Yeah, we should."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I tapped the heel of my shoe against the floor anxiously. My mind was still reeling from the events at the clinic. With the mountain of documents to file staring me down, work seemed to be the last thing I was focused on./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"em"/ememAre you going to kill your baby like Baker killed that girl?!"/em/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"A hand fell to my stomach, harming my child was the last thing I'd ever do yet, yet the man who yelled those words, a complete stranger seemed to think otherwise. He was already sold on the fact that I would do something so… I needed to stop and regain control. Earlier I fought hard, so hard to hold in those tears. Their words were punishing./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It seems earlier I didn't have my fill of insults hurled at me because here I was scrolling through an ample amount of hateful tweets under the tag Deal and Baker. In all my years I've never had to deal with scrutiny on this level. Strangers, some miles away, some in my own city was picking me apart. I've seen paragraphs of tweets dismembering my character and even more challenging my womanhood./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I don't know how long I sat there./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shit." I cursed softly feeling the tears slide down my face. "Calm down Michonne. You've got this." I said aloud./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"After deleting and blocking a few pages my phone vibrated./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was Sasha. I knew it was going to take all but five minutes for her to see everything I've read online. Before answering, "Hello," I cleared my throat, hoping the cracked sound wouldn't relay over the phone./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Girl, are you okay? I just saw my feed."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah," I lied with a false smile. Even though she couldn't see it I was hoping it had an impact on my words. "It's nothing I can't handle. You know me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hmm, right." She says suspiciously. "I'm not going to drop this but I had another reason for calling." My shoulders deflated, I didn't want to be reminded of the shit show of a day I've had./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What happened?" I encouraged the shift in topic. "It's nothing bad is it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yes." There was a pause over the line. "No, I don't know, Michonne. One minute I was filing this sweaty man's papers the next I'm sitting in human resource getting grilled."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I wasn't the only one having a bad day apparently. "Did they tell you what it was about?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""They kept dodging my questions with more questions. All I know is that there was a mix up with my documents. Honestly, I'm just glad I wasn't the only one dragged into this." I frowned, there was nothing Sasha would fabricate on a resume maybe it was for something positive. "It feels like we'll be here for a while."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Keep me abreast, Sasha. If you need my help with anything you know where my number is."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I know what you're doing, running me off the line like this. I won't forget about our 'talk'. I just need to know your good, all that stress… I can't begin to imagine."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Really, Sasha. I'm fine; I just need to get all this work out of the way." She eventually hung up after a few voices called her name. I chanced a look at my phone's notifications./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"More tweets. More messages./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Focus." I told myself and began the tedious task of sorting Shane's documents. Time flew as I worked and reviewed the case. It helped keep my mind from straying to my personal critics./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"There was a light knock before the door opened. Glenn stuck his head in before revealing a bag of donuts and a coffee. Smiling widely, I greeted him and nodded for him to come inside./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What would I do without you, Glenn." I say as he handed me the bag."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"With a quirk of his lips, he joked, "Probably starve." I chuckled. "Are you doing alright, Michonne?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Why wouldn't I be?" I questioned picking up a chocolate donut. "You brought me lunch which I'm entirely thankful for by the way."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm just concerned, you know with everything people are saying on the internet…" My chewing slowed after taking a bite of the donut./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I swallowed. "I'm just trying not to think about that. I've been good so far, if they want to drag my name through the dirt, I'll let them. It won't matter as long as I win this case." Glenn looked at me silently./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Since we started working here you're the only person I've ever really spoken too besides Carol. I'd like to think we're friends and as your friend, I might've said something online I'm not proud of today."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I smiled. "I don't deserve you, Glenn. All these months and all I've ever done for you was offer my friendship. We need to go out for lunch one day, on me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This friendship is more than enough. Plus, it wouldn't look good on my end if I let a pregnant woman pay the tab, no offense."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""None taken, how is little Hershel junior?" The love he had for his son showed in his eyes, it was like a blue light that never dulled./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He's a little wild guy, climbs on everything in sight. He's also getting better at memorizing his numbers that's for sure."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I have to admit, I'm actually looking forward to being a mother." There were still a lot of things left unsaid between Rick and I. As of late we never discussed anything about our son that wasn't about his health and wellbeing. I was already a ticking time bomb and before we knew it a little version of Rick and I would be screaming out his arrival. Where was he going to stay? I had to admit my neighborhood wasn't the best environment for a growing child./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""The first night is the best and the worst. You won't get used to the crying, peeing, and pooping for a while and I hate to admit this but I was one of the parents that never let anyone near my newborn."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You turned into a germ-phobic I bet." I guessed and he laughed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Can you blame me? They were everywhere so I just kept a jug of sanitizer handy and to this day Maggie teases me about it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This doesn't sound like anything work-related." Shane voiced from the doorway looking more worn down than ever. His eyes were dull and his hair was a mess. "Mr. Rhee, you have something to do, don't you? I thought I saw Rick around here earlier." He must've been back from his meeting already. It was the same woman Sasha told me about; I had to wonder why she never came here./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sorry, Mr. Walsh. I wasn't aware of that." Glenn turned to me and I gave him an apologetic look./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We'll talk later," I tell Glenn before he leaves./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane raises a brow. "I thought you weren't going to let this pregnancy interfere with your work?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""With all due respect Mr. Walsh, it was just a friendly conversation." I explained because his mood already screamed 'pissy' and I didn't need another person ruining my day./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shit," Shane looked down running a hand through his hair. "Forget about what I said." He must've remembered those long breaks he took when I first got here. "We have a lot to discuss, have you seen Gregory?" I shook my head in response. "I'm sure he'll be here soon./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This is about the case, right? Anything new that might help?" Shane released a humorless laugh./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Besides Baker being fucked? Nothing good. I'm looking into some more information but until then all I have is some notes I took down from the talk I had with Deal the other day." Shan shrugged his bag off his shoulder. Unzipping the black case he gave me a grey notepad. "If we can't save them both we can at least save one." I frowned. I was confident both Deal and Baker had nothing to do with the murder but according to Shane's notes, I was wrong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Deal is selling him out. After all these months, he's finally saying something."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Deal's just looking out for his own ass right now. Someone must've scared him, at least that's how it seemed when I went over to his place. At least now we know who was there the night that girl died."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane was right. He told him about the deals, the number of girls they met and 'helped' financially. He told him everything. "Isn't John Wall the owner of a football team?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane nodded. "The great Atlanta Hawks, our own city. That man has a lot of power, Michonne. It's nothing to blink at."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Are you saying this information is useless to us? We can follow up on this. Take it to the police, get all these people questioned. It's not a lot but it's going to take some attention off of Deal and Baker." Shane kept quiet as his face grew paler as each second passed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Mr. Walsh." He could at least give me some feedback./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Shane," I called again./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""If that's all it took for you to say my name I would've kept my mouth shut a long time ago." I pressed my lips into a straight line. It was good to know he was still there beneath his messy exterior; he definitely wasn't the sharply dressed man I met a few months ago./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Save it. Give me a straight answer, we're a team and this case is going to fall apart if you keep your mouth shut on a topic like this."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He sighed. "Your right, we can. It's going to pull a lot of heat away from us. More people are angrier over a dead girl than the ones who were raped. It sounds cold but that just how the media works." John Wall was bound to know something. Through this entire debacle, there was not one peep from him other than the mechanical 'this player's actions don't represent the team'./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""But."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Why would you think there is a but?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There isn't one?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He blinked at my response, "You'll be a very good lawyer, Michonne and I mean that. Much like I said earlier John Wall and his buddies have money and in this world, money buys politicians, elections, you name it. I might be an egotistical bastard but even I know there are better lawyers than me. He gets one of them we're done." He paused. "I need a drink."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're not on your own; don't forget there are three of us. I don't know about Gregory but I'm doing my best and I'll give this case nothing but my best."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shane looked to be in deep thought as if weighing the outcomes. Nothing could be worse than damaging his name and this companies name if we lost. "Fine, I'll take this in and get them questioned and another thing, Michonne." He took his notebook after I made a copy. "I know this is a lot on you already but we're going to have to work overtime on this one. Pretrial is on the 13th." Quickly, I looked at my calendar./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's a Friday." Friday the 13th was a bad omen. A day riddled with superstition, at least that's what my mother would say. She always had her suspicions about everything; most of them were harmful rather than entertaining fabrications. "Shane, that's three weeks from now."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Then we better start working overtime soon. Maybe you and Gregory can start working on something. Since he isn't here I'll just let him know." Working alone with Gregory didn't sit well with me, especially after my last run-in with him. "You have his mail and I'll give you his number."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Maybe I've adapted my mother's habit but I couldn't shake this dreadful feeling forming in the pit of my stomach./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"…../p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne?" My back was aching and I could tell my feet were beginning to swell. I just wanted to lay down after the day I've had. I wanted peace and silence./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne?'' I cracked open my eyes and stared at Rick I was tired down to my bones so I didn't have the energy to jump his. He loosened his tie and shrugged off his shirt before crawling in bed beside me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Have I told you how much I love this little place you have here? Especially this bed." I snuggled closer to his comforter./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think you've mentioned it a few times." Rick wrapped his arms around me and rubbed my stomach. After a moment passed he asked, "Are you okay?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I've been asked that question all day." I had to give him credit. The entire ride here I saw the question running through his mind. Yet he didn't ask./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""A lot happened today and it was a lot more than anything I've ever had to deal with."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm fine, I'm trying to forget it ever happened." I could feel him shaking his head behind me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm here for you, I'm here to listen to you vent, cry and scream. You don't need to 'forget'. I was there with you, I heard everything. You're a strong woman but even they have their weak moments. I'm not going to push you, just know I'm here okay?" I was fine, wasn't I? I've told that lie so much even I was starting to believe it. To open up, to be vulnerable, that's what Rick was asking for. It wasn't an easy request but my trust was something Rick already had in spades./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know I went through my phone and read everything people were saying. The ones that were emailed were even worse than the ones online."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't have to do that. Everything being said isn't true and we both know that. If you want me to delete everything for you I can."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I already beat you to it." I covered his hand with mine. "You were right about the way things turned out. People I don't even know were judging me for doing my job. My job. Rick." Pent-up anger I kept at bay was rearing its ugly head. "All those things they were saying to my face. I think that was worse than any message I've ever read." I squeezed his hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It got to me too. I remember one of my first cases that made front pages in the local newspaper. A man killed a young boy trying to rob him. The boy was only sixteen, had his whole life ahead of him. I guess you could imagine all the names they called me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""An asshole?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""They were a lot more creative than that. We're not cold-hearted bastards stereotypes make us out to be."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know I was going to let you punch him." emAre you going to kill your baby like baker killed that girl?!/em I thought about the man who said those words and the more I pondered the more I wanted Rick to do some damage. Hell, I wanted to do some damage myself./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And you stopped me?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I didn't want you getting arrested. Besides, I don't think I'll let anything like that bother me again." Assuming I ever get a job after I'm done with this case. "I have enough to stress about over the next few weeks."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Michonne, what do you think about taking a break?" My heart stopped. A break? Did he want a break? My mind ran a mile today and it was only about to run more./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Pulling myself away from his hold I turned to face him. Was he serious right now? "Are you joking?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No…" He paused with a small frown. "I meant from work, I can see your overthinking."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Don't start sentences like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack." I lightly gave his shoulder a shove. If he was serious it would've been a lot more than a light shove. It should've frightened me how much Rick grew on me but I wasn't scared./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I want you to meet my mother, it's a three-hour drive but I think you deserve a weekend without all the noise." So he wanted me to meet his mother? This was quite the opposite of where my thoughts were taking me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What's she like?" I knew he spoke to his mother often. There were times he sat in his office for hours just talking to her. "Do I have to worry about her being overprotective?" Rick reached up to touch my cheek and I leaned into the palm of his hand./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Only a little bit. You already know she like those little glass figure. She's… She forgets sometimes other than that she's a wonderful woman. The most amazing one I know next to you." Leaning forward I kissed his lips./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""If she's anything like you then I can't wait to meet her. We should bring her a little figure."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Rick smiled but there was a sad look in his eyes. "Yeah, we should."/p