Dabbling in Danger

Can't or Won't?

"Hank..."

He looks up from the plastic cup of water at his mouth.

My chest is so tight I feel like I'm breathing through a clogged straw.

"There's something I need to tell you," I push out.

"Malina, if you're getting worked up ab-"

Silence over powers my ears, there's no sense that I'm crying until I go to wipe at what feels like a bug on my hand to see a clear bead of salty water.

"It's too much! And you know- Maybe I did, I was a part of this I mean- It makes sense I ju-"

A vignette darkens around my vision.

Hank takes steps toward me, but I can't see how close he is. I nearly lose my footing trying to maintain distance between us and stumble backward I remain upright though.

I did this, I take full responsibilty.

"Malina!" Hank says sternly.

"I did it," I squeak.

As the words lift from my tongue a cool rush crashes over me and my mouth goes numb, head filling with air.

Adeen

"Your honor, may we approach the bench?" Hank's breath is short, sweat pouring down from what's left of his balding scalp.

"Where is your client, Mr. Kott?"

Very, very good fucking question.

"That is what I would like to speak with you on, sir."

Garth sighs, "you may approach."

Francis and Hank make their ways up to Garth's throne, they're toy sized from this angle.

I can't decipher their whispers, if it gauranteed me any information on Malina, I wouldn't give a damn if they wanted me there or not. But I'd probably be told to shut up and charged with contempt of court.

Fucking assholes.

Francis and Hank return my way, Garth clears his throat.

"We will be calling it a short day today, as it seems Ms. Walker has had a medical emergency. I motion for contuing tomorrow, eight AM sharp. Court adjourned."

Malina

"How are you feeling?"

Like a fuck ton of bricks have been smashed against my face over and over.

"Groggy," I croak, eyes squeezed shut.

"I'm sure," the responding voice is gentle, patient. "You're lucky Hank was there to catch you before you fell."

I blink a few times and set my eyes on the blurry man in front of me. Did I pass out in court? The last thing I remember is sitting in the stand.

"What happened?" I try to refrain my head from wobbling too much.

"You fainted."

Fuuuck.

I sigh, "again?"

"This a regular thing?"

"Only recently," I say, rubbing at my dried out face.

"Hm," the man hums.

Great, I'm sure this'll be put on my file.