r

ing off the cold cell walls. The police officers had pushed

one of them sneered, his

me my rights, and now you're silencing me? This is outrageous!" I sla

eyes glinting with malice. "You're going to be her

pleaded, exasperation etching my voice. The police officer

there's no point

ing over. "Why is there no point? Just l

the doorway. A senior officer strode in, his

kus here, fellow?" he dema

trying to calm myself. "I've been here since mor

er, his eyes demanding an explanation. After

is gaze piercing. I felt a

e?" I asked, confusi

ered finally. "Ten minutes, that's all you'v

nded me my phone. But my excitement was short-

She was always the first person I shared my news with, and my recent prom

. Cole. Explaining the situation, he apologized for bei

coursed through my vein

ed the phone from my hands. "Are you satisfi

d slumped onto the lo

o reassure my moth

r plans. If only I hadn't gone to that club... Yet

we shared. Our encounter had been fleeting, b

ead, elbows on knees. "Rex Norman..

landed me in this cell. I gri

tion. This nightmare would end,

by like an hour. I paced restlessly, my eyes fixed

ung open, and my law

aimed, relief

ression confident and assertive. I watched as they discussed

remained shackled by handcuffs. Cole's exp

done?" he asked, his t

ion, but by his demeanor. "I though

t take your case," Cole a

?" I demanded,

g. "Only a fool would take on

repeated, the nam

's the one who had you arrested. That w

ion swirling. "I don't

ned grave. "You reall

a bell, but Cole's words

ray and seek Pamela Norman's forgive

tand. I haven't seen my accuser, and I've nev

a Norman is the matriarch of the Nor

ots. "So, this is about Rex Norma

on a case that could jeopardize our reputation

don't care about their power

aps another lawyer can help. I wish you luc

rted, leaving me s

and taken bac

s this how the powerful operated? Usi

y hit me - the Normans' money and power were crushing me.

ted, not even Step

eaking the silence. I j

I have my pho

, knowing your fate,

take the call." I h

handed me

iftly, seeing a

this be?"

?" I a

Arden?" a gent

es

den. It'

sparked hope