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"Eight years of hard labor." Arianna's voice resonated through the hushed courtroom, each word a hammer blow. "For the crimes of child abuse, domestic violence, and the egregious violation of human rights, Mr. Rogers, justice demands its due. Arise." The finality of her pronouncement was punctuated by the sharp crack of her gavel.
The uniformed officers moved in, escorting the now-convicted man, his face a mask of defeated rage. He didn't struggle, the fight draining out of him. But his eyes, as he fixed them on Arianna, burned with a raw malice that could scorch. She met his hateful stare unflinchingly, no flicker of fear betraying her inner resolve.
This was not the first, nor would it be the last, time a criminal's venom was directed her way. Their hatred was a testament to the justice she delivered—years of their freedom traded for years behind bars.
Gathering her notes, Arianna descended the small dais. Before she reached the floor, a woman, her face etched with relief, rushed toward her.
"Mrs. Rodriguez! Oh, thank you. Thank you for fighting for my sister, for my nephew. We owe you so much." Her gratitude poured out in a torrent of heartfelt words.
Arianna offered a warm smile, a gentle hand on the woman's shoulder. "Your sister and her son deserved justice. No one should endure such cruelty."
Tears welled in the woman's eyes, a stark contrast to the earlier despair.
"And how are they doing?" Arianna inquired.
A hopeful smile bloomed on the woman's face. "Marina is healing, truly healing. And Samuel? He went back to school yesterday."
The simple update filled Arianna with a quiet satisfaction.
"That's wonderful news. Please give them my warmest regards. And don't hesitate to call if you ever need anything, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart." The woman offered a small, grateful bow.
"It's my duty." Arianna gave her a final, reassuring smile before turning away, her posture regal, drawing admiring glances from those she passed. Who wouldn't admire such courage, such unwavering authority? Her name alone carried weight—a symbol of power and influence throughout the country, a testament to the reputation she and her firm had built.
She entered her office, tucked away behind the courtroom. The moment the door closed, she shed the symbols of her profession—the wig, the gown—and began packing essential files into her briefcase, ready for a free evening.
A knock interrupted her.
"Mrs. Rodriguez?" a voice called.
"Come in," Arianna replied.
The door opened, revealing Shirley, her best friend and a fellow lawyer from another firm. Their friendship stretched back to their high school days.
"Mrs. Rodriguez," Shirley teased, a playful glint in her eyes, eliciting a chuckle from Arianna.
"Mrs. Temple," Arianna countered with a smile.
The shared humor dissolved the professional formality, and they both laughed.
"Heard about your latest victory, babe! Congratulations," Shirley exclaimed, embracing Arianna warmly.
"Aw, thanks."
Arianna began to gather her things when a hurried voice reached her.
"Mrs. Rodriguez! Thank you. Oh, thank you so much for what you did for my sister and Leo."
A woman, her voice thick with emotion, stood before her.
"They deserved justice," Arianna said simply, placing a comforting hand on the woman's arm. "No one should suffer like that."
"How are they now?" Arianna asked gently.
A small smile touched the woman's lips. "Marina is getting stronger every day. And Leo... he was so brave going back to school yesterday."
"That's wonderful to hear. Please send them my best. And if you ever need anything at all, don't hesitate to reach out, okay?"
"We won't. Thank you, Mrs. Rodriguez. You're an angel."
"Just doing my job." Arianna offered a final smile before heading back toward her office. Heads turned, admiring glances following her resolute stride. Her reputation preceded her—a woman who commanded respect with every step.
Inside her office, the professional façade quickly dropped. Wig and gown were discarded as she packed her briefcase, anticipating a quiet evening.
A knock on the door.
"Mrs. Rodriguez?"
"Come in." Arianna looked up to see Shirley enter.
"Shirley! What a surprise."
"Mrs. Rodriguez," Shirley said with mock formality, a grin spreading across her face.
Arianna chuckled. "Mrs. Temple. To what do I owe this honor?"
"Just heard about your latest win. Congratulations, you rockstar!" Shirley gave her a tight hug.
"Thanks, bestie!" Arianna squeezed her back. "What brings you to my humble abode?"
Shirley sighed. "Work, work, work. I swear, I haven't seen daylight in days."
"Tell me about it," Arianna agreed. "Sleep feels like a distant memory."
"Yeah, but at least you're winning. My last case... it was a disaster," Shirley admitted, her voice heavy. "Losing that rape case... I just can't shake it."
"Hey," Arianna said softly, placing a hand on Shirley's arm. "You did everything you could. The fault lies with the monsters who did that to her, and those who tried to cover it up."
"But maybe I could have fought harder. She believed in me, and I let her down."
"No, you didn't. You fought like hell. We'll get justice for her, Shirley. We're filing another report."
Shirley's eyes lit up. "Seriously?"
Arianna nodded. "Together. But I've got a huge case coming up, so it'll have to wait a bit."
"You're the best, Arianna."
"Always." Arianna smiled.
"You know what?" Shirley said suddenly, clapping her hands. "We are both actually free for once! Girls' night? My treat!"
Arianna laughed. "Sounds perfect. Let's go."
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Ficțiune generalăCurrently under editing. "Choose, Mrs. Rodriguez." The man's voice, thick with self-satisfaction, hung in the air. A mischievous glint sharpened his fat-bellied face. "Your husband or your career." He rose abruptly, the rustle of his expensive suit...
