Rhea is sitting on the corner of my desk eating an apple, an action that smears her red lipstick, not that she gives a damn. “But I have court.” she says between another bite. Her curls are wild and tied up into a messy ponytail. She has on a pencil skirt and button down blouse.
My father actually gives her work, unlike me. “No problem.” I open the file, reacquainting myself with the victim. “I got this.”
“Grazie,” she says with a smile. “It’s at the coffee shop on 12th.”
I have about twenty minutes to get there, so I grab my purse and take my sweet time driving. I park my Lexus on 12th Street on the opposite side of the street from the coffee shop. I fix my lipstick in the mirror before heading across.
The coffee shop Rhea picked is a small family owned place. It has brick walls and a wooden bar in the center where the barista makes the coffee and checks out customers. The place is filled with small round metal tables and matching chairs with a few couches and cushioned chairs scattered about. I find my new client settled at a table in the back corner.
Mia Reyez is a single mom. She’s slim with dark circles under her eyes and has a habit of looking over her shoulder every few seconds. She seems anxious, but flipping through her case I can’t blame her. She’s a mother of three and trying to flee her abusive ex-husband who also happens to be a cop.
“Mrs. Reyez,” I greet as cheerfully as I can given her situation.
She gives me a slight smile. “Yes. Gemma?”
“That’s me.” I take the seat across from her. “Can I get you a coffee or something?”
“No.” She waves me off. “Thank you.” She has a head of short dark hair and she’s wearing a long sleeved sweatshirt and jeans even though it’s late spring and the summer heat is already starting to break through. I wonder how hot she must be as I wipe a bead of sweat off my own forehead.
“I wanted to meet to talk about your case and see how we can help. Rhea and I have a small fund we can put toward legal assistance, we can also help you get a lawyer—”
I stop when I see Mia’s eyes flicker up. She clutches her purse to her chest tightly. “I’m sorry,” she mutters. “I shouldn’t have brought you into this.” She stands up quickly, looking like she’s ready to flee.
I feel my jaw gape in shock. I just sat down and she’s already running.
“Mia.” I reach for her arm, trying to bring her back to this moment. I’m not sure what or who she see’s that’s freaking her out. “It’s okay.” I try.
“No.” she shakes her head vehemently. “I have to leave.”
She turns fast, already heading for the door. I grab my purse, rushing to catch up to her. “Mia!” She’s not listening to me, her head is somewhere else, running from something else. She sprints down the sidewalk with me chasing after her. I’m on her tail, arm out grasping for her. She darts onto the street and I’m there, ready to follow.
The next second happens so fast. I can practically feel her sweatshirt in my hands and then she’s gone. A black SUV smacks her, sending her rolling over the hood then over the body of the car. She hits the pavement with an ear shattering smack.
The car speeds away, leaving her body there and me standing in shock.
Sprawled out on the pavement, blood seeping from her head soaking her dark hair. She’s looking at me, I meet her eyes as my feet are glued to the pavement. Unable to move.
It’s only a few more seconds before her last breath leaves her lungs.
I feel my knees hit the rough cement as I collapse, bringing my head into my hands. I don’t hear the strangled cry that leaves my lips.
Cars stop, people rush to her aid, but it’s too late.
Mia Reyez is gone.
It’s Andrew who picks me up off the street. He sits me down on a bench while he calls Gian.
“She connected to the cops?” he asks, a rare sentence from my enforcer.
“Yes.” My voice is hoarse when I reply.
“Don’t tell them whatever you two were talking about, okay?” Andrew doesn’t tell me what to do often. He normally just follows behind, far enough that he doesn’t bother me. He’s a silent presence in my life, so when he looks at me and speaks with a serious tone I consider that maybe I should listen to him.
He hovers over me while the cops take my statement. I don’t tell them what I was there for, I just tell them that I met her recently and we were grabbing coffee together. The cop doesn’t believe me, but he accepts my fake story anyway.
I’m shaking when I get into Andrew’s car. Gian sends someone else to get mine, I don’t think I could drive if it was even presented to me as an option.
“I’m sorry that happened to you.” Andrew says solemnly.