Someone New

Chapter VII

Chapter 7

Melissa ran her hand through her hair as she looked over the details of the current case she was helping a coworker with. Originally, they thought it was an easy cookie-cutter case of a jewelry store robbery. That's until their client informed them that she had a gun with her during the robbery automatically classing it as a first degree robbery making it virtually impossible to get off with just probation.

"So what's our aim?" Jackson, a  senior attorney at the firm, asked Melissa after her second round of looking through the evidence.

"We could possibly rethink the idea of a plea deal and ask the prosecutor what offer they'd be able to give us." Melissa stated looking over the documentation again with the prosecutor's information.

"Ms. Roland already stated she didn't want a plea deal." Melissa shrugged looking up from the paperwork at Jackson to see him going through paperwork as well. They wanted to make sure that they looked over every piece of paper associated with the case to see the best way to get around the six year prison sentence.

"Well, that was before she told us about the gun. You and I know once a weapon is brought into the picture it's almost impossible to paint a certain picture with the jury." Melissa watched Jackson rub his chin something she learned he did every time he was stumped on a decision. "Look, we don't have to take the plea or even bring it up to Ms. Roland. We can ask to see what they're able to offer and see if it's any good."

"You're right. Doesn't hurt to try at all." Melissa helped round up the paperwork and watched Jackson stuff it all into the case folder. "I'll let you know how it goes." Melissa rose with the help of the table and made her way into her office kicking off her shoes underneath her desk. Since she had yet to have the opportunity to have her own case within the last six weeks she had a lot more free time than she'd initially anticipated though she enjoyed it. She was able to maintain Zion's school and soccer schedule without feeling overworked by being in the office in the morning.

The knock at the door caused Melissa to peel her eyes open and they landed on Mr. James. She couldn't help herself as she took in the three piece suit that fit him like it was made for him. Melissa knew she'd have to ask for his tailor one of these days.

"I didn't mean to disturb you. I figured your after lunch nap would be at noon." He said jokingly. Melissa chuckled and sit up in her chair causing the baby to change positions. She discreetly placed her hand on her belly in the hopes of calming the baby boy that seemed to not be able to make up his mind on the position he wanted to be in.

"I decided to push it back today." Melissa responded with another chuckle. "How can I help you?"

"I wanted to be the one to personally hand you this." Mr. James stated causing Melissa to look down and take in the meaning of the manila folder in his hands. Melissa's eyebrows shot up knowing he was handing her her first case.

"What's the case?" Melissa asked taking the folder and opening it showing the few sheets of paper in the folder.

"A seventeen year old young man is being charged with rape. The officer stated he spotted the young man and followed him for a few blocks before making an arrest." Melissa raised an eyebrow as she looked at the little information that was given to them when the firm was hired. The child had no previous criminal record which caused Melissa's eyebrows to furrow.

"Is he still at the juvenile facility or has his family picked him up?" Melissa asked slipped her feet back into her flats. Now she was even more grateful with the fact that she decided to not wear her heels today.

"His family has picked him up but he's on house arrest for the duration of the court proceedings. I was hoping we'd head over today to gain some background on the family and ask a few questions."