The Way We Get By

23 // Ramona

This chapter is reeally long. Just a forewarning.

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My shoes tap against the marble floors of the law firm as I walk down the shiny hallway. The fake plants and fruit bowls that I pass are like little tombstones in the white-walled hall, and they represent little sparks of color amidst an otherwise blank canvas.

It's a Saturday afternoon, making the firm excessively empty and quiet. But amongst the vacant halls of the unoccupied law offices stands the door to Mr. Burkson's office, cracked open in anticipation of my arrival.

Mr. Burkson called an emergency meeting with me this morning, claiming to have important news on Lucy's case. And Liam was called to Alex's group home at the same time, so like the good parents we are, we're dividing and conquering.

I approach the open door with calm steps and tell myself to breathe. Anything that happens in this case happens for a reason. I need to believe that for the sake of my sanity.

After I give a light knock on the door, Mr. Burkson's voice welcomes me into his office. I step inside the room and shoot Mr. Burkson a smile as I approach his desk to shake his hand.

His office is typical for that of a lawyer. He's got bookshelves and maroon walls, complete with a mahogany desk in the center of the room.

"How're you doing this afternoon?" he asks me.

"I'm doing okay."

Mr. Burkson pushes his glasses up on his dewy brown skin and observes the files sprawled across his desk. I sit down in one of the fabric chairs across from him and turn my full attention to him. I don't want to miss a single word, as I'm too afraid of losing this case. We have to win, for Lucy's sake.

"So, I wanted to meet with you about an urgent breakthrough in the case."

My stomach churns at his words. That could mean one of two things, and it could be good for either Mr. Danny or for Lucy.

"The DNA results on Lucy's dress have been identified."

Mr. Burkson looks up from the papers on his desk and meets my anxious eyes. His hands fold in front of him as his gaze remains on me.

"The DNA is Daniel's."

I almost don't believe it at first, but after holding a prolonged stare with Mr. Burkson, I can see that he's completely serious. A heavy breath escapes my lips at the amazing news, and as morbid as it is, a slight smile creeps onto my face.

It's solid evidence. Hardcore, undeniable evidence.

"Thank god," I breathe. "We have evidence."

Mr. Burkson returns my relieved smile, and he glances down to flip through a few files.

"And that's not the only good news I've got for you today."

"Really?"

He looks back up at me and smiles.

"No. Hold onto your breath, Mrs. Rivera."

I can't help but feel a chuckle escape from my lips and I grip my hand around the armrest of the fabric chair.

"Daniel's taking the plea."

My hand relaxes around the armrest as his words settle in. If Daniel's taking the plea, that means he's admitting to everything he did to my little girl. He's owning up to it and facing the consequences like he should.

A heavy, unsteady sigh releases from my lips as I feel a monstrous weight lift off of my chest. Relief doesn't do justice to describe the way that it feels to know that Mr. Danny will never be able to harm my baby again.