The Edge of Trust

Chapter 1:

The Spark 

With each step her heels made on the marble floor, Emily Hayes adjusted the sleeves of her tailored jacket as she walked through the gleaming office glass doors. A woman on a mission, click. A click that followed her every move. Defense attorney, a woman who made it wherever she is purely by hardwork, blended intelligence and a unique gift of understanding people. In terms of the type of cases she took, the person she was, there was simply no weakness, so what kind of a person did she have to deal every single day. Defeated, Emily wanted to take a deep breath, but there was no room for weakness. 

Suddenly her phone began buzzing and she felt her wrist vibrate and it was a message from her assistant Alison.

"Call from Client's Team. They need you to meet the key witness. 10 AM. Be prepared."

That was a lot to digest. The Richard Collins trial had just shifted again, and in a matter of a month Emily's entire case structure completed collided with a single message. She was going to lose no matter how she sliced it. Worst case scenario for a trial like this was if Collins flipped, got scared, ditched the stand, and let the defense walk all over him. At that point it would become personal for Emily, and her name would transform into yet another statistic.

While the elevator was taking her to the top floor of the law firm's skyscraper, Emily's thoughts were running wild on what could possibly happen. Richard Collins was not the type of a person who could be easily convinced. He was an ex-business partner of the defendant, someone who had spent his entire life in unsavory quid pro quos and is now deeply entrenched into the problem he created. 

She had met him once before for a very brief and mildly awkward meeting. Unfortunately, Collins was not an easy person to do business with—he was highly temperamental, prone to oftentimes pathological lies, and completely paranoid of everyone who didn't have anything to gain from him, which was the majority of the people. But Emily had an uncanny ability to make people speak, regardless of the circumstances. 

As soon as the doors opened, she walked into the headquarters of her firm, which was an elegant steel and glass structure. Her assistant, Alison, who was always efficient, was already seated on the desk.

"Emily, your car is ready," Alison informed her without looking up. She was occupied at work and fixing her eyes on the computer screen. "Mr. Collins is waiting for you in his office. I made sure the security knows that you are on your way." 

Emily grabbed her briefcase. "Thanks, I will take it from here," she said.

The drive toward Richard Collins' office was brisk but laced with a sense of urgency. Emily's mind was sharp as always, but there was something different about her focus that she wasn't sure how to place. This particular case seemed too personal. Perhaps it was the stakes, the people involved, or just everything put together. Whatever the case, there was a nagging sense of intuition she had a hard time shaking off, it was as though something was waiting for her that she wasn't prepared for. 

Collin's office was within a modern extravagant building located in the financial district, a place that was adorned with power and privilege. The glass walls in the lobby were filled with art pieces and beside the elevator banks, a waterfall gurgled, providing a sense of serenity. But Emily wasn't here for the aesthetics. She was here for one thing: results.

As the elevator doors opened on the 32nd floor, she exited and made her way through an elongated walkway with a gentle tap of her heels against the glass floor. The door that led to Collins' office was at the end of the hallway. The towering glass door had a man stroking his beard while he briskly walked from one end of the room to the other. To say that he was built would be an understatement. He had a very powerful aura that can be felt even when someone does not speak.

After knocking, she opened the door without waiting for an answer. 

Richard Collins stood motionless, whiskey glass in hand, his back facing her. As she stepped into the room his body remained still, he took a sip from his glass before swarming the whiskey around and placing it on the desk. 

"Ms. Hayes," Michael finally spoke, his voice hoarse and deep. "I trust you are prepared for what is coming next. I have not requested your assistance, but unfortunately it seems that I do not have any options, do I?" 

Emily was quiet for a moment while she observed him. Richard Collins was in his mid fifties with dark hair, grayed in some areas. His face showed the wear of a man beaten down by years of corporate fighting. He had a demeanor that stated he had been through a lot and had perhaps done unspeakable things that would cause any person to shudder.

'My purpose is to ensure you are well prepared,' she spoke, her tone relaxed yet unwavering. She sat down in the chair available opposite the desk and unbuckled her briefcase. 'You will be the target of the prosecution's report. That is why we need to emphasize on your testimony.' 

He finally shifted his body towards her. His eyes appeared analytical and dark. "Solid?" He let out a chuckle as he leaned back on his chair. "You are kidding me because why would anyone believe what I have to say?"

Collins remained silent for a moment. Eyebrows frowned, he commented, "You look like you need help." Emily responded, "I don't believe that it is necessary if anyone purchases it or not." Collins, with a hint of defensive anger, responded, "Surely it matters…what speaks of value is whether you are prepared to assist me or not." Emily replied. "If you're not, then neither are we. Now, for the most part, Collins' nose was pinched in expectancy. She felt Collins' piercing stare gazing at her deep and cynical, as if he was trying to determine her worth in decision-making. Then he succumbed with a long deep breath and fell back into his chair, with his brows tilted and frowning to fulfill her expectations. 

"You have no idea," he uttered, softening his voice. "I am already well beyond the surface. I am a part of these people who… they don't respect the norms set by the state… and they do not value anything except achieving their purpose. If I have the guts to speak, then I am headed to the grave. My professional life will cease, and I…I wish it never happens." For a moment there was pin-drop silence after Emily's facial expressions lightened, accompanying the glimmer text added above. Having lost track of her remarks, she was willing to support him with all the struggles that he ought to face. 

Staring down watching his fingers intertwined in confusion, Collins issued, "Do not misunderstand me." Emily cut through, "I'll explain. Tell me when we're done with the promises you do not want to keep." Lastly, Collins rose again, "I hope we are still in agreement."

Collins stared at her for a long moment, and for the briefest instant, Emily thought she saw a flicker of hope in his eyes. But just as quickly, it vanished.

"I'll think about it," he said quietly.

Emily got to her feet, collecting her belongings. "You don't have time to think it over, Richard. The clock's ticking. We're meeting with the prosecutor's office in two days. You need to decide."

As she turned to leave, the door swung open, and a figure entered the room. At first, Emily didn't recognize him—he was tall and broad, dressed in a dark suit that seemed to engulf him. Yet there was something about him that drew her in. His gaze was intense, and when their eyes met, a surge of recognition coursed through her, though she couldn't quite place it.

"Ethan Knight," he introduced himself, extending his hand. "I've been brought on to help with this case. I'm here to ensure everything goes smoothly."

For a moment, Emily felt her breath catch. There was something magnetic about him—something mysterious and undeniably intense. His presence seemed to fill the room, and for the first time in a long while, Emily felt a spark inside her. But she kept her composure. She was a professional, after all.

"Emily Hayes," she said, shaking his hand. His grip was firm and unyielding. "I hope you're ready for the ride."

As they exchanged brief pleasantries, she couldn't help but wonder—could this man be a distraction she didn't need, or was he someone who could help her navigate the treacherous waters of this case?

The room seemed to grow quieter as they continued their conversation, a strange tension hanging in the air. Emily couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting, this case, was only just beginning—and she sensed that things were about to get much more complicated