This Side of Truth

Lines and Layers

Her eyes moved between the two documents like a tennis match. Her fingers tracked the words. Siena held her breath. Reggie saw it, the one sentence that changed things. Reggie stepped back, eyeing the documents as if they would jump at her.

"So," she sighed, "this is significant." They sat in the weight of this new understanding. This case turned from speculations of foul play to confirmation of some dirty work behind the scenes.

The shrill of Siena's office phone made her jump. She rushed to grab it.

"Rhodes," she spoke.

"Siena, Ms. Harris is here for you," Mel spoke softly.

"Thank you I'll come to the front," Siena offered and hung up the phone. "I'll be right back," she turned to Reggie who gave her a look, a knowing look. One where she had something to say but wouldn't say it but noted it.

Siena shuffled through doors, mind rolling. She stepped into the main foyer, holding the door, scanning the space. There she stood.

She gave nothing away. Her face was neutral. She gave Siena a once over before meeting her eyes. Siena was still processing Kamala in the front office, in a tailored dark navy suit. Her stance relaxed but intimidating.

"Ms. Rhodes, do you want to go to your office or stand here with Mel?" Kamala asked, her eyes dancing with playfulness.

"Um," Siena struggled, "come." She motioned and Kamala stepped in the door.

She followed Siena, eyes trailing the quiet sway of her hips. Kamala could feel the stares of the office around her. She tended to have that effect on others. Her eyes swept over the room, soft hellos as she passed familiar faces.

They passed by Kennedy who gave Siena a look, that look like come see me later and spill. Kamala kept pace and Siena led them to her office where Reggie was still waiting.

"Reg, what a mess we have here," Kamala spoke, sitting her bag in the chair in front of Siena's desk.

"Tell me about it," she mumbled in response. They both sat on the couch. Siena turned the other chair towards them.

"Have you read it?" Kamala asked, leaning forward, her elbows resting on her knees. It wasn't lost on Siena the slight spread to her legs.

"Rhodes," Reggie nodded, "She showed me what she found."

"One report clearly says there was no findings of excessive force whereas the one with the correct date stamps says there were findings of excessive force and should consider termination of the officer." Kamala spoke with ease.  "This changes things for my client and for the State."

"Changes a lot," Reggie rubbed at her chin. "I need to let Langston know, I  think the feds need to take it. An agency other than us at least."

"Do you tell Mike first?" Siena asked.

"I think we talk to Langston, get direction and go from there," Reggie stood. "I'll get us a meeting setup."

Reggie gave a short nod, grabbing her notebook and heading out, with a promise to be in touch. Kamala didn't move.

Siena now behind her desk, carefully reorganized the papers. She could feel her though. She could feel Kamala's eyes on her – curious, quiet, and intense. 

Kamala spoke, breaking the silence, "You're pretty good at this."

Siena glanced up. "At what?"

"Details. Catching what others can't see," Kamala replied, standing slowly. She pulled at the sides of her blazer, adjusting with practiced ease. "We've been circling this case for half a year and here you are, exposing things in less time."