Like No Other

FINALE

Thank you again, a final time. You all are the reason I write.

"I'm just going to do it," Jasmine said abruptly, pulling Emma from her thoughts. She fingered the ring for a second and let the mancave and Jasmine come back to her vision. Jasmine was reaching for her back with quick jerky movements muttering that she was just going to let it all out and do what she came to do.

"Um," Emma said. "Ok."

Jasmine opened her tote and pulled out three things; a digital screen tape recorder, a jump drive, and a manila folder. She'd run her hands over her pants several times but face gave off a false calm that didn't calm Emma at all. She looked at her watch again and back at her guest for nothing better to do.

"Ok," she said. "Ok." She jumped up and grabbed the jump drive. Jasmine crossed to the tv mounted about five feet off the ground and jammed it in the side. "Input 4. Input 4. 4," she muttered sitting back down. Memorizing. She turned the tape recorder over and a blue light flashed on the corner. She tapped the screen and it turned red.

She closed her eyes, squared her shoulders, and then opened them a new person, much more calm and together than before. Emma saw her as a chameleon right then.

"The duration of our conversation will be recorded and binding as our bond for legal purposes in sway of either of our favor. Should at any time you wish to discontinue recording please state your full name and the date and it will be done and word of mouth from then forth."

Emma's eyebrows were creasing more and more with every official word. Her eyes strayed to the red light once or twice for the most part she tried to keep up with what Jasmine was saying.

"I plan to ask you some questions. If you do not wish to answer a question say you do not want to answer it and I will retract it. If you do not understand a question say you do not understand it and I will reframe it. I ask that you as honest and forthcoming as you can. Lying will solve absolutely nothing. I ask that you extend the same courtesies to me. If you ask me a question and I do not wish to answer it I may say so. If I do not understand a question you must try and reword it. I will not lie and attempt to be as forthcoming as possible. If you do not understand these requests say you do not understand. If you are not in accordance say you are not in accordance."

Emma thought she sounded automated.

Jasmine sat up closer to the edge of her seat. She inhaled in and exhaled slowly. Emma was almost enticed at her poise and professionalism for whatever she was doing.

"Ok, let's begin."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Please state your full name."

"What is this?"

Jasmine's eyes thinned but she repositioned herself on her butt in the seat, her back rod straight. Emma wondered if everyone else that met her but had some sort of bad impression of her already in their mind though her eyes looked shifty. The statement didn't make sense; if they'd just been introduced how could a stranger feel some sort of way about her? "I've been offered a job position that requires me to pass a background check. I've done some legal work for people I don't want to backfire on me after I've made a name for myself. I'm just covering my bases."