One Boy's Journey Chapter 35

Written by Brianna Demonet

I slept pretty well that night after the settlement. Strange as it seems I felt a little better knowing how truly sorry the Newhouse's were.

The fact that they had no idea of the premeditation in my attack didn't change anything. It did, however, prove their boys were not the misguided angels they thought they were.

The burden was even heavier for them to carry. I felt a little sorry for them. At least now they see their sons for who they really are. That's a thought they will have to live with forever. Maybe they will be going to therapy soon.

Dad scrambled eggs and made smokey links for breakfast. Mom wanted me to wear my pink sweater dress, white belt, and leggings with my pink 4-inch heels.

She pulled my hair back making it look formal. I did daytime Pink makeup and mom asked me to use my false eyelashes. I thought it was strange for the daytime, but I just did it.

Mom was in a white long-sleeved turtleneck dress. Her hair was pretty done up in an updo style kinda formal looking. Dad was wearing his black Dolce suit with a white silk shirt we bought him when we were in Vegas. Dad was wearing a black silk tie. He hated ties! With his large neck, it was always uncomfortable for him.

We drove to the court house and Cathy was in a very nice light blue pantsuit. I was thinking what was going on!

I asked again, you'll see soon baby was all Mom would say.

The receptionist walked out. Are you the Milford and Stevens party?

We are ma'am, said Dad

Follow me, please. Said the receptionist.

We walked into the office, and a man was behind the desk with some paperwork on the desk.

Do you have the rings? He asked.

Oh shit! They're getting married right now!

Dad reached into his jacket pocket and got out the wedding bands!

The clerk read the script, and not two minutes later, I watched my Mom and Dan say I do!

They placed the rings on each other's fingers and they were married!

They signed the marriage license and Cathy and I signed as witnesses.

We walked back to reception and waited again.

What are we waiting for now? I asked

A different clerk walked towards us.

Milford party?

Yes sir! Dad said

Judge Franks is ready for you in chambers.

My mind was running a hundred miles an hour. What does the judge want? I was thinking it has to be about the hearing tomorrow.

We walked into his chamber. He stood up. Gosh, he is tall!

Dan, Brenda great to see you today! He had a big friendly smile.

Good to see you, your honor! My Mom said smiling.

Rianna, you look well! How are you adjusting? Judge Franks asked.

I'm still adjusting but I am alright.

Well, you look great, young lady; keep it up!

As a judge I have to reside over many things, most of them are deplorable. Then I see the results of my rulings from time to time and it reinforces my resolve that I am making a difference in people's lives.

Thank you, Rianna.

You're welcome, your honor. I said.

Dan, do you have the marriage license?

Yes sir! Right here. Said my Dad.

He's my Dad now I thought to myself.

I love my job on days like these, Judge Franks said.

Daniel Evan Milford, do you wish to adopt Rianna Maria Stevens as your daughter?

Yes sir!

Brenda Anne Stevens, do you wish to grant permission to Dan Milford to adopt your daughter Rianna Stevens?

Yes, your honor.

By the authority granted to me by the state of Ohio, I approve the adoption.

Sign here!

Mom and Dad signed.

Judge Franks stamped and signed the form. Congratulations! You are officially a family! Said Judge Franks.

Thank you, Judge Franks! I said.

You know Rianna, I don't normally do adoptions. But when I saw the paperwork get filed I took it. I wanted to see how you were doing. I figured after what happened I figured it was the least I could do for you!

I ran around his desk and hugged him.
.
Thank you, young lady! Days like this make my job worth it.

Thank you for putting those boys away sir. I said.

It was my pleasure too!

Mom and I were in tears.

I hugged Dad tightly.

Thank you, Daddy, I love you!

You're welcome, sweetheart; come on, ladies, the judge is a busy man.

I curtsey to judge Franks, smiled brightly, and spun around as we walked out.

We got to the car and headed home.

I was quiet all the way home wearing a big smile.

Mom was sitting in the back seat with me. Mom was holding my hand. I could feel her ring in my hand. It just made me happy for her. For all of us.

Cathy was driving, Dad next to her. Cathy drove us home.

Cathy walked in with us.

Cathy said let's go over tomorrow's hearing, shall we?

Cathy said Mr Summers asked me to prepare you both for tomorrow

Dad started the coffee, and Mom and I sat at the dinner table as Cathy laid out what we were in store for.

Cathy went over my statement again and again.

I had to relive the attack over and over again. It was testing all my mental strength.

Mom had to relive her side of things. Especially the talks with the doctors. My mental state at the hospital when I woke up was everything.

The worst part for me was listening to my mother talk about the 6 days I was in a coma.

I didn't know it until today, but according to my Mom, I had to be resuscitated twice during my coma. Listening to my mother's side of it.

I knew my incident was hard on her. In some ways, I think it was harder on her than myself.

My mother started crying as she talked about it.

Dad came over and kissed her cheek and hugged her from behind her chair. He stood there just hugging her quietly. Mom just cried. Dad moved his hand over her wedding ring and moved it from side to side.

He kissed her cheek again. He never said a word. Mom held his hand tightly. She turned her head to him.

Dad smiled at her and she kissed him.

Dad said I love you, Brenda. My mom kissed him again, and within a couple of minutes, she was back to herself like nothing had happened.

I was crying, too; I went over and hugged them both.

Who's hungry? Cathy asked

What do you want? Dad asked.

Pizza! I said

Perfect said Cathy I haven't had pizza in forever!

We talked more about the hearing and moving out west. The house and my future.

I wasn't sure who wanted me to go to law school more! I wanted to go to Stanford badly. Mom and Dad didn't care where I went as long as I graduated. Cathy was determined to get me into Stanford.

I was in bed before 9 pm. The hearing was at 10 am.

We arrived at court at 9 am. I was dressed in my dark purple double-breasted coat dress, black stockings, and my 4" black heels. Mom tied my hair behind my ears.

Cathy said I looked like a lawyer.

No, Cathy a shark! I said

You're catching on, little sister! Cathy stated.

Judge Franks resided over the hearing.

I sat next to Mr Summers.

You look very professional Rianna.

Thank you, sir.

Are you ready? Asked Mr Summers

Yes sir!

All rise!

The clerk announced the case number.

Bond and Jeffries had a new attorney. A big shot from Cleveland, Martin Pullman.

Mr Summers spoke first.

He explained the plea bargain they signed, the charges against them, and their previous criminal records as juveniles.

Mr Pullman explained that his clients were under extreme duress when they signed the plea and had ineffective representation. As first-time felons, they were never offered the opportunity to serve at the honor farm. There is no evidence supporting that my clients attacked the alleged victim.

Mr Summers, would you like to add anything? Asked Judge Franks.

Yes, your honor, I would.

I have evidence proving premeditation on the part of the defendants.

Objection! Defense counsel wasn't given this evidence before the hearing your honor!

Is this true Mr Summers?

Yes your honor, I only received it an hour ago by messenger.

Have you reviewed the evidence, Mr Summers?

No sir!

Objection

Overruled! Judge Franks said sternly.

Your honor! Mr Pullman said

We will review it together and you can examine it for its authenticity after.

Mr Summers played the school security video on the courtroom monitors.

As you can see, the defendants ordered the two additional assailants, in this case, into the bathroom.

I watched as the boy's face went blank and pale. Both of them bowed their heads.

Your honor this video proves nothing! Said Mr Pullman.

If you have any more evidence, Mr Summers, I suggest you present it now.

Sir, I have a list of numbers that have been harassing the victim in this case, stating the day after Mr Pullman filled this hearing.

Mr Summers handed me a list of the numbers that my phone trapped. Cathy had given Mr Summers the list from my cellphone provider.

Again, sir, this proves nothing! All of a sudden a phone rang in the court.

It was coming from Mr Bond sitting behind his son. Cathy handed Mr Summers her phone.

Approach your honor. Asked Mr Summers!

Judge Franks waved the lawyers up to the bench.

Mr Bond! Approach the bench, sir.

Mr Bond was a Big intimidating man! He was built like a truck! His face was almost white when he walked to the bench.

Bailiff! Empty Mr Bond's pockets!

The judge redialed the number. The phone rang again.

Bailiff! Take Mr Bond in custody and read him his rights.

Mr Pullman, did you know about this?

No your honor! Nothing! Said Mr Pullman with genuine shock on his face!

Counselor, if I find out differently, being disbarred will be the least of your worries.

Mr Pullman, in light of the new evidence I'm prepared to make my ruling! Or you can drop your case in which the court will bill you for wasting the court's time.

Or we can proceed in which I am prepared to make a very unfavorable ruling against your clients.

In light of the evidence, your honor we would like to withdraw at this time.

With prejudice, your honor? Asked Mr Summers!

With prejudice said the judge.

Courts adjourned! Judge Franks bangs his gavel.

What does "With Prejudice" mean? I asked.

Mr Summers smiled and said, that means they lost the right to appeal their sentence and have to serve their entire sentence.

The boys were handcuffed and taken to holding with Mr Bond.

The boys were staring me down as they exited the back of the court.

I hugged Mr Summers. You were terrific! I said.

You deserve a break Rianna. I hear you want to be a lawyer.

Yes, sir, that's my plan!

Study hard, and keep me posted, I want to know how you are doing! If you need a referral letter call me!

Thank you, Mr. Summers! I said.

I was practically skipping out of the courtroom.

I was holding Mom and Dad's hands. I felt elated!

We had just got outside the courthouse when all of a sudden, Dad shifted his body and put his body directly behind Mom and I. Shielding from something. I saw Cathy almost jumping towards us.

You little bitch! You did this! You destroyed my family! My son will die in prison because of you!

It was Mrs Bond! Holding a gun!

My Dad was as calm as could be!

Put down the gun Mrs Bond! Dad said firmly!

You people took everything from me! You worthless trailer trash bitches!

No, they didn't; your son and his friend, and now your husband did! Said Detective Smith! Now drop the gun before this gets much worse!

Mrs Bond turned around and saw Detective Smith and two patrol officers with their guns aimed directly at her! Dad and Cathy rushed us to the parking lot for cover.

Mrs Bond turned towards us with her gun still up and fired once. The shot hit a car in the parking lot. By the time she turned towards the police, she was tackled by one of the patrolmen.

I'll get you for this you you little faggot whore! You and your mother! All of you will burn in hell!

Not today you won't! Said Detective Smith.

Read her, her rights officers. Ordered Detective Smith!

They proceeded to Mirandize Mrs. Bond on the courthouse steps.

My heart was racing, and my body was shaking. Mom was shaking. Cathy and Dad were steady.

Wow, that was close! Said Dad

I didn't see that coming said Cathy.

I was right Cathy! You should have been a cop! Great moves!

Thanks, Dan. I'll stick to being an Attorney. They laughed as Mom and I caught our breath.

Sorry folks, I need you to come back inside and give us a statement, please!

I looked up at Detective Smith standing with a patrolman.

Let me help you ladies, said the patrolman as he bent down and helped Mom and me get up

I saw his name tag, Smith

Any relation I asked. My father! he said, he was smiling

I wanted him to be a lawyer, turns out he's a great cop! Said Detective Smith smiling pridefully.
.
We walked back inside and gave our statements.

I'm famished said Cathy. Who's hungry?

We all nodded.

Cathy drove us to Red Lobster.

Mom said I'm buying! No arguments! She stated.

Cathy just smiled.

Okay, said Dad

We sat and ordered the appetizer. Dad got a Maker's Mark on the rocks, Mom ordered a Chardonnay. Cathy and I had iced tea.

I looked at everyone. Our first dinner out as an official family! I said.

To family! Said, Dad

To family we replied!

We had a great meal, laughing and talking.

Cathy was as pregnant as ever. This was the last time she could fly while pregnant. She was about 6 months along. She was due in June.

Caleb and her parents were excited. Cathy said Caleb's family was excited too.

Do you know what you are having? Mom asked

Yes! Said Cathy

And? I asked sorry it's classified, said Cathy. Laughing.

Come on! I said

Nope everyone is going to have to wait. Said Cathy.

We were walking out of Red Lobster when I saw Gina getting out of her parents' Mercedes.

I tucked behind and between Mom and Dad. I just wanted to avoid her. Mom saw it.

Cathy saw it and why and tried to walk in front of me a bit.

We almost made it to the car.

Hey Tranny bitch! Gina yelled.

I ignored her. Trying to get in the car

Leave her alone Gina said Dad.

Fuck you, janitor, Dan!

Gina!! Her dad yelled at her.

Gina, what the hell are you doing? Gina's dad yelled running over to us.

I'm very sorry, folks; my daughter is usually a very nice girl.

Sir, your daughter was thrown out of Kohl's department store for threatening to kill my daughter 9 months ago! Mom said.

What? I never heard of this!

Gina's mom had her head bowed.

You knew!!! Gina's dad was appalled. That's why you aren't allowed in Kohl's anymore?

That bitch put my Tommy behind bars! Said Gina, and Candy's Rick too!

Gina, Tommy, and Rick did that to themselves! You're lucky you didn't follow through or you would be in prison too! Said her father.

Mr? Milford, Dan Milford! Dad extended his hand.

I'm... Gerald Porter! Said Dan

You know me? Asked Mr Porter.

Sure I knew almost every name in town at one point.

Wait a second you were a cop!

Police Sergeant. Said Dan proudly

I remember now you were shot in a drug bust a few years ago.

That's right I always wondered what happened to you. You are a town hero. Said Mr Porter.

That's ancient history. Said Dan.

Again sir we're very sorry.

Gina! Apologize to her! Demanded her father.

No fucking way! Gina exclaimed.

Gina, apologize right now, or you're going to be the sorriest girl in town.

And you can forget prom and anything else you want to do! Said her mother.

Ree! Come out here, said Dad reassuringly.

I exited the car

I'm sorry, said Gina in a very snotty tone.

Gina apologize!

Ryan..

Her name is Rianna! said my Mom. I want to hear you apologize for the store incident too!

Good idea! Said Mr Porter.

Rianna I'm sorry I called you names and threatened to kill you. She was calmer when she said it.

And! Her father demanded Gina to continue. I'm sorry I blamed you for Tommy. It was his own doing. Tommy and Rick had no right to attack you. I blamed you for it. I'm very sorry. Said Gina, sounding a bit more sincere.

Gina started crying right there in the parking lot. I wasn't buying the whole act. But it sounded better than I thought it would.

Gina, you should know. If Mr Milford hadn't shown up to help me when he did your boyfriend would be in prison for life. I almost died. I can learn to forgive you for your actions and feelings the way you do.

Gina, you might be mad at me for what happened. But whether you realize it or not you're a victim of their assault on me too. Candy as well!

Tommy, Rick, and their friends are going to take a lot longer to forgive. Thank you for your apology I said.

Thank you Dan said Mr Porter.

You're welcome sir said Dad.

Come on, Ree, said Mom.

Cathy drove us home.

Mom sat in the back with me.

I hope these types of days are going to be behind me soon. I said.

For a while said, Cathy. In just over 14 years you're going to have another one, guaranteed! Said Cathy.

I am? I asked.

She's right Ree! Said Dad.

How? I asked.

Parole hearing for those two at fifteen years. The victim has the right to make a statement at the hearing. Most felons aren't paroled when the victim makes a statement. Said Dad.

He's right Rianna said Cathy.

I'll be with you too, said Mom, squeezing my hand. We are both victims of their crimes.

Cathy said we have an early flight tomorrow we gotta get you packed up.

We? I asked

Yes, we! Cathy said.

Cathy looked at my Mom, you didn't tell her?

No, I thought you were going to tell her! Said Mom.

Ree, you and I are flying to San Francisco. You'll be staying with Becky, Ian, and Bree for a couple of nights. You will be coming to the firm on Friday to shadow me. You'll fly home on Sunday.

Really? San Francisco? I was stunned by the surprise trip.

I know it's only a day of work, but it's enough to get your feet wet. Don't worry we'll make plenty more opportunities for more visits.

You're staying with me tonight at the hotel. We have a 6 am flight tomorrow. Said Cathy.

We got back to the house and I started packing everything up. We loaded the car. I hugged Mom and Dad tightly. I didn't want to let go! When I got here I didn't want to stay. Now I don't want to leave my parents. Life sure is funny!

I was excited to see San Francisco, but I wanted to stay too. Life sure has a way of throwing curve balls. Cathy held my hand as we drove to the hotel.

What do you think will happen to Mrs Bond? I asked.

If she is a first-time offender, and the gun is legal. With a decent lawyer. She might get a year in county jail and probation with counseling if she's very lucky. If she gives the judge attitude she may get a lot more.

There's no way to tell Rianna. The woman was heartbroken and under a lot of stress and depression. She fired a gun on the courthouse steps and pointed a gun at the police. She's lucky she isn't dead, much less any of us!

I thought about what Cathy said. I tried to look at the incident from Mrs Bond's point of view. I could see why she was so upset. But the name-calling all the hate. What hit me hardest was she never acknowledged that her son was wrong for attacking me.

Then I thought about the premeditation leading to the attack. The Bond family has more than a few loose screws.

Do you mind if I go for a swim, Cathy? I'm still a bit wound up.

Sure I think I will join you, Cathy said. I just need to float around and take the weight off my feet and lower back.

Cathy and I changed for the pool.

Ohh!! Cathy moaned.

Ree come here!

Cathy grabbed my hand. She said, feel this!

I could feel her baby kicking inside her.

Ooo! Cathy cried.

That's amazing. I said smiling. She is a lively little girl! Just like her mother.

He sure is Ree! Said Cathy

So you're having a boy? I said.

Wha... No.. I never... Ree, what are you talking about? Said Cathy, stuttering and flushed face.

You are having a boy, aren't you? I asked again.

Rianna Marie! Stop that. Cathy said.

Sorry big sis! But you slipped up! I said smiling.

That's twice you found out my secrets! Cathy said smiling.

You have your talents, I have mine. I said with a big Cheshire grin.

Swear to me right now, you won't tell anyone!

Cross my heart, I won't tell a soul. I said

Good, let's go swimming.

As we walked down the hall towards the elevator, Cathy said, you're going to be a great lawyer someday. I'm going to love seeing you in action. I can't believe you tripped me up again!

As I said before, I look up to you, Cathy. I'm not psycho or anything. I just study you, what you do, and figure out why.

That's exactly what a protege is supposed to do! Watch and listen. Said Cathy

Oh! I'm watching and listening. I said.

You sure are lil' sis!

Thanks, Cathy; I kissed her cheek.

I swam a relaxing pace as Cathy just kinda swam in circles floating around towards the shallow end of the pool. We had the whole pool to ourselves. It was really nice. I bought us a couple bottles of water from the vending machine and we went to bed.

I was up and moving before 4:30 am. I showered and got dressed in my pink sweater dress, black leggings, and my favorite black boots. I woke Cathy up, took our room tray downstairs, and got us some tea, fruit, and yogurt for breakfast. When I got back she just finished showering. Her belly was so beautiful and round. I envy her being pregnant. I was also very happy for her.

Breakfast! I announced.

You're a mind reader, Ree!

Not really, common sense! You're pregnant, you're gonna be hungry.

We giggled together.

I helped her get dressed, and we drove to the rental drop-off and rode the shuttle to the airport. After we checked our bags, we went into the lady's room and touched ourselves up. We sat in business class. Cathy wanted the aisle seat so she could get to the bathroom easily.

5 hours later we landed. We saw Caleb waiting for us at the curb. He was smiling at us.

Where's the car? Asked Cathy

Right here! The SUV beeped and the rear hatch opened up.

It was a brand-new silver Audi Q7.

Nice ride I said.

You bought a new car without telling me! Cathy said sounding a little upset.

No, sweetheart, not exactly! I bought you a new car without telling you!

We need a bigger car with the baby coming. Besides, my car is getting up there in mileage, and it's much safer for you and our baby than your sedan.

It's mine?

All yours on the condition I drive your car and we sell mine. Said Caleb

Deal! She kissed Caleb.

We drove to the firm first. Caleb drove us around the edge of the city. It was beautiful. I could see all the skyscrapers and the Golden Gate Bridge. The firm was on the edge of the city.

We drove into the parking garage and went up the elevator to the top floor.

The elevator door opened there were two reception desks outside the office. There was a pretty blonde answering the phones. I saw Terri at the far desk typing away on her computer.
Cathy approached Terri. Hey girl! Said Cathy.
Terri looked up at Cathy. Mrs Elgin! Welcome back.

Terri saw me, Ree Ree! Terri got up and hugged me! It's great to see you, you look great!

So do you! I said.

Is Becky available? Asked Cathy, I'd like to let her know we are here.

Sure, let me check, and I'll buzz you in. Said Terri.
Cathy said,

Sharon. This is Rianna Stevens. Terri said introducing us.

Pleased to meet you, Sharon said with a smile.
I noticed right away Sharon's index finger was shorter than her ring finger.

You must be the young lady we hear so much about, said Sharon.

Guilty, I said.

Well, I hope we will see you more often. Said Sharon.

Me too, I said smiling. I couldn't help it, I liked Sharon immediately.

Go right in Mrs Elgin. Said Terri

Thanks, Terri.

We walked into Becky's large office. There was another woman with her and equally attractive, sitting on the couch by the coffee table.

Welcome back, Cathy! Rianna Stevens, welcome our firm.

Thank you, Ms Stapleton, I said warmly.

Rianna, I would like you to meet my best friend and partner, Carol Elgin.

Carol stood up and walked towards me.

So this is the young lady everyone has been talking about.

I curtsey and extended my hand. Pleased to meet you, Ms Elgin.

Carol shook my hand.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Rianna. Such good manners. You're right, Becky, she is special!

I told you, Carol. She is smart too!

So I hear you want to be an Attorney!

Yes, Mrs Elgin.

I like that!

Why do you want to be an Attorney Rianna?

The kind that defends people who can't defend themselves! Like myself and my mother, Cathy and your firm helped us.

Is that all? Asked Carol.

Well, I would like to live a good life without having to scrape by, worrying about every penny I earn and spend.

She is smart, Becky, and honest too! I like that!
If it's still alright with you both I would like her to shadow me this afternoon and tomorrow. Asked Cathy.

I don't see why not. Said Becky.
Rianna you will have to sign an NDA. Do you know what that is?

Nondisclosure agreement! It means I can't repeat anything to anyone about what I see, or hear in the office or with a client.

Impressive! Said Carol.

I had to sign one to work in Aunt Vanessa's office.

Carol handed me the NDA. It was 5 pages long.

Mind if I sit and read it?

Please have a seat. Said Becky.

I started reading through it. It was a little confusing at first. I read through it three times. I asked Cathy a couple of questions for clarification. She explained it to me. I initiated and signed it.

She is smart said Carol. I like the way you read through that thoroughly.

I have a great mentor! I looked at Cathy.

She is quite the student, said Cathy.

We can see that said Carol.

How was your trip? Asked Becky

Exciting, would be putting it mildly.

Do tell? Asked Carol.

Well, we were able to settle on a 16 million dollar settlement with the Newhouse family; the next day, Rianna's mother, Brenda, married her boyfriend, and less than an hour later, her new stepfather adopted her.

Congratulations, Rianna, that's wonderful! Said Becky.

Becky came up and hugged me. That's wonderful news, said Carol. Carol hugged me too.

Then yesterday we had the sentencing hearing for Bond and Jeffries boys.

The defense counsel slipped up and the DA was able to present the security video from Rianna's attack at the school. We also proved Mr Bond was harassing Rianna by phone.

What happened? Asked Becky.

I dialed one of the numbers used to harass Rianna and it rang in court. Mr Bond was taken into custody.

The judge told the defense if they didn't drop their appeal for sentence reduction that he would add premeditation to the charges and see that they never get parole. The hearing was withdrawn by the defense and the judge added prejudice to it.

Nice work Cathy, said Carol.

But there's more! Cathy said. Outside the courthouse, Mrs Bond pulled a gun on the four of us. The police responded immediately. Rianna's stepfather covered us and tried to talk her down.

When the police told her to drop the gun, she turned towards them; Dan pushed us behind the parked cars. She turned back to us and fired the gun hitting a parked car.

So it was more dangerous than I expected, but still a very productive trip.

Well, we're glad you are all safe.

Thanks to my Dad and Cathy, we are I said.

Cathy handed them the check. If you need me we'll be in my office.

Thank you, Cathy. Great work! Said Becky.

Rianna! You'll be staying with me tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday night. It's much bigger than Cathy's and Caleb's condo, and besides, Caleb is still working on the nursery.

Thank you, Ms Stapleton. I curtsey to her.

You're welcome, sweetheart!

Cathy and I walked down the hall to her office. It was bigger than many of the smaller offices we passed. The glass door, said Catherine Elgin, Senior Partner.

Cathy went over a few things with me and asked if I wanted to answer the phone. As I was settling in I saw Terri walking towards my desk.

Hi Terri how can I help you? I asked.

I am here to help you!

Here is your guest username and password. This will allow you to log in, take messages, and record your attorney's billing time. It will also allow you to type up and document anything your attorney needs. You are not allowed client access.

If you need help call or team me.

Yes ma'am I said.

Good luck Ree.

Thanks, Terri.

I booted up the computer and started to familiarize myself with some of the applications.

The phone rang; yes, Ms Elgin, I'll be right there. I went and got Cathy some tea from the kitchen. I knocked and walked in.

Cathy was on the phone. She put her finger up to wait.

Just a moment, please, Cathy said on the phone.
Ree, take these, enter them in the billing app on the computer, and type this up, please.

Yes, Ms Elgin.

I went back to my desk, found the billing application, and started filling in the PDF form. I saw the receipts from the trip and started entering them.

I had a little trouble submitting the PDF report then realized the system wanted the receipts scanned and attached. I used the desk scanner and organized the receipts in chronological order. I double-checked it, attached it, and submitted it.

I team messaged Terri to check my work. Terri must have forwarded it to Sharon. As I was typing up Cathy's notes, Sharon Team messaged me and said nice work. I thanked her.

I must have gone back and forth in Cathy's office a half-dozen times. Almost every call came with a billing time. I double-checked everything. I logged the exact minutes.

Cathy forwarded an email from Ohio concerning my cases. I read through it, printed it out, and then saved it to the offline server as per the instructions Terri left me with my username and password guest account.

It was a little after 2 pm when Cathy asked me to walk across the street and get us some lunch.
As I was walking toward the elevator Sharon stood up

I'll go with you I'm hungry too. Said Sharon.
I was a bit surprised, Sharon saw my surprised look.

Cathy asked me to escort you. Besides I missed lunch.

I smiled at her; thank you, Sharon.

You're welcome Rianna.

Please call me Ree! I said.

Let's go, Ree. Said a smiling Sharon.

I liked her right away.

We walked across the busy street.

Sharon, do you mind if I get a small coffee first?

Sure, Ree, I could use one too. Sharon said.
We both got frozen mocha cappuccino with extra espresso. We went to the deli and ordered our salads. I told Sharon thanks for going with me.

Anytime Ree. I hope we'll spend a little more time together.

Me too! I said.

I stopped by the kitchen and made a fresh cup of tea for Cathy. When I walked in the office she waved me in.

I handed her the salad and the tea. She saw my cappuccino.

Ohh! I miss my coffee!

I handed it to her; want a sip? I asked.

Just a little one. Said Cathy.

She took a small sip. Mmm, that's so good! She said.

Very soon you can have your very own cup. I said I said.

I hope so!

We ate at her desk. We finished up and I cleaned up lunch and dumped the garbage in the kitchen. When I got back there was a small stack of paperwork to do. Cathy and I worked nonstop until 5:30. My cappuccino was wearing off. Becky and Carol walked to my desk. Out of instinct, I stood up.

Can I help you ladies? I asked as professionally as possible.

Yes Ree, said Becky. It's quitting time.

But I'm not quite finished yet, I said.

It will be here tomorrow said Carol. You've had a very long day.

I locked my paperwork in my desk and logged out of the computer. Cathy came out. Just then Caleb appears out of nowhere.

We walked to the cars. I grabbed my luggage, and Becky drove Carol and me to her home.

--