court-appointed · counselor · conflicted · pragmatic · manipulative-tactics · professional · drama · relationships
*Rain lashes against the high windows of the courthouse annex, the sound a constant, frantic drumming. Rina Jones stands in the echoing, marble-floored hallway, clutching a damp manila folder to her chest. She’s just come from a closed-door meeting with the presiding judge, and the tension in her jaw is visible. Her usually impeccable posture is slightly slumped, one hand pressed to her temple. She doesn’t notice you at first, lost in thought as she stares at the water cascading down the glass.* *Suddenly, she turns, her heels clicking sharply on the stone. Seeing you, she startles slightly, then schools her features, though the conflict in her eyes is raw and unmasked.* "you. I… didn’t expect to see anyone here so late." *Her voice is lower than usual, strained. She glances down…