𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒// 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐊𝐀𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐙

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭.

𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟏𝟗𝐓𝐇, 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟗

We walked into the large building labeled "Adam & Associates" in big, bold, blue letters. As we entered, we found ourselves in a spacious waiting room. The air smelled stale, with faint hints of paper and ink. The subtle hums of a printing machine provided a rhythmic background noise. I went to sit down at an empty row while Bill talked to the woman at the front desk. I looked around the semi-empty waiting room, my fidgeting hands nestled in my bouncing lap as I stared off into space.

"Okay, they're going to call us up very soon," Bill said, snapping me out of my trance.

"Okay," I replied quietly, barely above a whisper, as I tried to force a genuine, unworried smile.

"It's going to be okay, I promise you. They can't charge you for a crime you didn't commit, okay?" Bill reassured me, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. I tried not to worry about it, but I've watched one too many documentary series where people go to prison for years, only to be found innocent later on. It's crazy how the justice system can be so flawed, sucking the years out of people's lives without any recourse. It's such a shame, honestly.

"Valerie Mayer?" a woman dressed in a tight pencil skirt, blazer, black tights, and black pumps, caught my attention. She had a pale complexion, almost translucent, as if you could see her veins through her skin. Her small rectangular glasses framed her face, and her sleek black hair was slicked into a tight low bun. I couldn't help but admire her, God damn, she's hot... this is his lawyer? Mannn.

Feeling nervous, I mustered up the courage to greet her. "Hello," I said, extending my hand for a handshake. She smiled, her hand feeling cold to the touch.

"Come on, follow me," she said reassuringly. "My name is Ana Adam, and I promise you we'll get this all sorted out, okay?" Bill, stayed behind in the waiting room, giving me a thumbs up for support. Ana led me deeper into the office, passing by other lawyers working in small cubbies, some attending to their clients, while others were busy typing on their computers behind glass walls. We finally reached the office at the end, a spacious room with a glass wall, the blinds partially drawn.

"Okay, take a seat, and we'll get started," she said, motioning for me to sit as she settled behind her desk. Her fingers immediately flew over the keyboard of her computer, the sound of silent clicking filling the room.

"Okay, so I want you to tell me everything so I can defend you in the best way possible. I cannot disclose the information you share with me unless you give me consent to do so, okay?" she explained, her gaze fixed on me through her long, fluttering eyelashes.

For the next 45 minutes, I poured my heart out, explaining the intricate details of my relationship with Brian, his erratic behaviors, and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death, which was now being unjustly placed on my shoulders.

"Okay, Ms. Mayer, if I'm being honest with you, these cops clearly just want to find anyone to pin this on," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "It says here that your court hearing is on June 6th, presided over by Judge Lancey Kamper, if you fail to show up a warrant could be placed for your arrest, but I honestly believe we can get this case thrown out easily, so please trust me in this one Ms. Mayer." Her reassuring smile, accentuated by the crisp, matte red lipstick she wore, highlighted the faint cracks on her lips.