Bound by Law (Matt Murdock x Reader)

20. Old friends, New beginnings

Putting on a long-sleeved blouse and a gray jacket, you looked at yourself in the mirror of your bathroom. The place was still humid and warm, from all the steam of your morning shower. It was too early to get going to the new office, but you had some unfinished business in Hogarth, Chao and Benowitz. Hailey has kept your things secured at the reception, and mentioned that someone was moved to your office 'urgently'. There were many potential lawyers on your mind, and you just hoped that the best got your place. After all, having an office on the same floor as Hogarth was a matter of honour in the company.

The whole weekend you've spent thinking over Pug's words, that it was finally time to open yourself up. Wesley has kept a constant chat, earning himself a date this week. Although you wanted nothing more than live the way you wanted and not to depend on another person, especially a man. Your arm was better and started showing signs of healing, although it still looked pretty nasty. Of course, your skills couldn't be compared to the Devil's skills, but you managed to nicely put on a fresh bandage, pulling yourself together after three pills of painkillers.

This Monday was supposed to be a chapter of new opportunities, yet you were returning to the same old place again. The spot for your car was still occupied, but deep down you knew that when you're officially done with the paperwork, someone will occupy the spot in a matter of minutes. The morning appeared to be quite chilly, causing you to button up your coat. Upon your entrance, Hailey lifts her head from the today's newspaper.

"Morning." She greets you first, with a shy, although sad smile and puts the paper down, closing it. You catch a glimpse of the picture of a familiar building and a strange figure.

"Hey, you already know what I'm here for." You say without any usual small talk.

"You look... Rather well." Hailey utters while rummaging though the boxes under the table. "For someone who's been through so much."

"How much exactly do you think I've been through?" You lean on the tall table, curiously watching her squat in a tight pencil skirt. The newspaper keeps attracting your attention. Hailey huffs out loud while pulling a heavy box to the side.

"What?" Her head peeks with a confused look, but you just smile.

"Hailey, I've been here long enough to know how much gossip goes around on an ordinary day. What happened to me was nothing ordinary. So, what are they saying?" You grab the newspaper while Hailey disappears under the table again, and look at the first page.

"Uh... Well, it appears that each floor has their own theories. Some guys have cornered Mr Benowitz, but he wouldn't speak about the matter at all."

"Hm. Interesting." You mutter after reading the headline: 'Masked man attacks lawyers in Hogarth, Chao and Benowitz: what was he after?'. Accompanied by a picture of the firm, there was a photoshopped figure of a ninja with a huge question mark on his head, and an X crossing the whole firm's building. Yeah, local newspapers never disappoint.

"What's interesting?" Hailey huffs and with great struggle finally pulls out a box with your stuff, Lady Justice statue lying on the top.

"Benowitz's silence. Usually he's the first to open his mouth. What else people talk?" You ask, mindlessly skimming through the article. 'Was this an attempted robber or murder? Only the best lawyers of Hell's Kitchen know exactly what happened, yet they chose to stay silent for the moment. Our team is working on finding out all the details of the accident, for the time being all we know is that a gunshot was heard in the office of the head lawyer, yet no gun was found at the scene.' You read the last sentence of the last column and feel the shivers go down your spine.

"Some were saying that you were bleeding out and Benowitz rushed you to the hospital... You know, since your car is still here, there were many speculations." Hailey leans closer to you and whispers, "someone spread a rumor that the Devil guy was going after you and is actually one of your former clients that you beat in court." She pulls away again, "others said that some crazy ex has chased you, but I think this is too far-fetched."