In Absentia

Chapter One

"The court sides with the Sagaras. Custody of the Sagara daughters will go to their grandmother, Mira Sagara, as their mother is incapable of raising her children while in her current situation."

A tall woman in dark slacks and a white blouse adjusted the thick rims of her glasses as she gave a pleased, acknowledging nod to the decision. Rome Castelle struggled to keep the look of relief on her face hidden and remain professional.

Across from her, the judge gave the order and hit her gavel on the sounding block, as if to finalize the decision. All of Rome's hard work on the case paid off and she could rest easy knowing the girls were in good hands.

Beside her, a gray-haired old woman choked back a joyous sob as several family members reached towards her with congratulations for keeping custody of a seven and five year old.

"Miss Castelle, I can't thank you enough." The aunt of the little girls was the one who hired her last year regarding the custody battle. She extended her hand to shake Rome's. "You saved these girls!"

"I'm just glad I could help." Rome grasped the woman's small hand with hers and shook it before gathering her things.

"Will you come join us for a celebratory lunch?" the aunt asked.

A disappointed look filled Rome's face as she put her things into a leather brief case. "I'm afraid I can't. I need to get back to the office and finish some paperwork."

"That's too bad. Still, thank you."

"There's no need to thank me, really. I'm just doing my job." A brilliant smile filled her face as she slung her bag over her shoulder and proceeded out of the courtroom.

The last few weeks of work behind a desk, in her favorite decade old jeans and a top that she deemed presentable for her work place, had led her to this moment of triumph. She won and with every step she took in her modest one inch heels, she strove to show it.

Chin up, shoulders back, and not a slight dip of her head as she walked down the aisle and out the door. Her firm had a reputation to maintain and she was a reflection of it, so her image looking every bit the poised professional screamed accomplished lawyer.

Her little act didn't fade until she got into her car and removed her heels, tossing them into the passenger's side. She always wore tailored business dress in a simple monochrome color scheme when she was in court. Her dark hair was combed back, neatly twisted into a French bun, and then sprayed to keep that shape for at least a day.

Rome pulled down her mirror to check her make up. It was very minimal and very natural, as she deemed appropriate for court. She narrowed her blue eyes; her the lip stain she used stayed on, but dried her lips.

"Why do I keep using it...?" She shook her head, examining her dry lips as one hand reached into her bag and searched for some lip balm. As she popped off the cap and began to apply the clear coat onto her lips, she caught the screen of her smart phone.

Her brows knit together as she lowered the balm with one hand and lifted the phone in the other.

Florence M. called.

Rome slid her thumb across the screen and jerked her head back. Florence called her fifteen times. She was in court the last few hours and didn't look at her phone while at work, but fifteen calls in that amount of time?

Her heart began to quicken. Why was her half-sister calling her - and fifteen times?

Rome's thoughts went to the worst possible scenario: something happened to their mother. She felt her stomach drop at the thought as her fingers gripped the phone.