𝐎𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐛.𝐛)

Pinky

The crescent moon glows into my bedroom. The laptop sits open on my bed, going over Rachels face book page. Nothing is making sense. 

Her daughter, Riley is in almost every photo. None of them showed James except one, though he was cropped out almost completely. Almost any posts she could've made during their marriage was deleted. And of course James has no social media. My phone was playing some music, specifically my work playlist. I groan from anger before slamming my laptop shut. I go to turn my music off to see it's already 5 in the morning and the sun was to rise in an hour. I weigh my options.

Go to bed for 2 hours? 

Or go take a shower? 

I honestly wanted to choose option one. But I went with the ladder. I shuffled to my shower and spent at least 30 minutes washing the confusion off of me. This is case is gonna be a long one. 

Speaking of the case, I have to meet up at James in my office by 7:30. He was able to move around some of his meetings. I step out of the shower and get dressed, feeling better before making me a double shot espresso. I run out my door with my Contigo to the underground parking garage in my apartment complex. I slide into the BMW and head to work, admiring the Christmas decorations being hung up.

I've always loved Christmas time. I usually fly out to my parents and younger brother, but this case may prevent me. I get an incoming call through my Bluetooth. 

"Hey Stark" 

"Hi Miss. Franks. Your client is here" He says and I mutter profanities. 

"I'm parking right now. Tell him to just wait in my office" I say and end the call before speeding to the entry. 

"Hi Hailey" I say before sliding into the nearly closing elevator with Jake. I lean against the wall of the elevator while breathing. Running in heels isn't easy. Jake takes the coffee out of my hand and takes a long sip. 

"Of course Jake! Your always welcome to my coffee" I say sarcastically. He turns his annoyed body to me when I see his hangover anger. He fucking hates hangovers. He rarely drinks and when he does it's because he's mad. 

"Woah Jake, what happened?" I ask while looking at him concerned. 

"My neighbors gave birth in the fucking hallway last night." I look at him wide eyed before the elevator door opens. We walk to his cubical.

 "Okay, you can tell me about it at lunch. I have a meeting and- here keep this" I say while setting the insulated cup on his unorganized desk. I wave to Oliver before sliding into my office. The man was in a Everest green suit jacket and his hands were tucked into the black dress pants. He happens to be looking out my window. I do admit, I have one of the best views in the whole building. Not to brag or anything. 

"Sorry I'm late. Didn't go to bed last night so I've been a bit sluggish" He turns to me with a wide smile and shakes his head while walking to the seat across from my desk. 

"No worries. Not to intrude but why didn't you go to bed?" He asks. I set my coat into the closet and fix the white pantsuit. 

"Your case actually" I say and he apologizes. 

"I'm sorry it's a lot, I know it's messy" He says and I deny his apology. 

"No no, I came up with some ideas so it was worth it" I admit while sitting in my seat and typing in my password into the computer. 

The laptop comes out of my purse and I open it up to my notes I had made last night.

 "Okay so I would like to know more about your relationship with Rachel if that's alright with you?" I ask and he nods before clearing his throat.