Chapter 5

“Yvie, I don’t care whether you really have issues or you’ve been wronged. I’m giving you three days. If you haven’t moved out after three days, I’ll have someone throw all your things onto the street.”

Then, she hung up with a sharp click.

The holding cell fell back into silence.

Officer Wright’s face carried an undisguised trace of satisfaction. “Did you hear that? Feels bad being abandoned by everyone, doesn’t it?”

He nodded toward his subordinates. “Take her away.”

I was escorted down the long corridor. This time, no one whispered anymore. Their stares were colder than insults. It was like they were looking at something already condemned.

I was pushed into a police car, heading to the city detention center. There, I would wait for what they called 'trial'.

Outside the window, the noise of the city slowly faded. I leaned against the cold metal interior, feeling the vibration of the vehicle. Despair surged in like a tide from all directions, slowly, steadily, swallowing everything.

Then, a calm, professional female voice sounded in my ear. “Ms. Lane, this is Grace Quinn from the Municipal Legal Aid Center. I’ve been assigned as your attorney. Your case is now under my responsibility.”

I was slightly startled.

Legal aid? I never applied for it.

“It was requested by the police, in accordance with the law.”

It was as though she anticipated my question. Her tone remained steady.

“Under the regulations, your case requires legal representation.”

I understood.

Procedure. It was just a procedure.

The lawyer named Grace was probably just like the others. She was already convinced I was guilty. Her job was simply to make everything look more 'lawful'.

“I have nothing to say.” My voice came out dry. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

A brief silence followed.

I expected her to begin pressuring me into a confession like Officer Wright. Yet she did not. Her tone remained precise, controlled.

“I’ve reviewed the information provided by the police. A pair of binoculars and a camera containing explicit photos were recovered at the scene. The victim’s statement is detailed, and multiple neighbors have given unfavorable testimony.

“Based on the current evidence, the case is heavily against you.”

Every word was calm and almost clinical yet completely devoid of emotion.

“If you insist on pleading not guilty, once the case proceeds to trial and the evidence is admitted, your sentence will only be heavier.”

I closed my eyes. The hollow sockets felt dry and empty. “So you’re here to tell me to confess too?”

“No.” Her answer was immediate. “I am your defense attorney. My duty is to protect your legal rights, not to decide guilt for either side.”

She paused for a moment. Then, her tone deepened and sounded more focused. “Now, I need you to answer a few questions truthfully. First, are the binoculars and camera yours?”

“No.”

“Second, do you know Curtis Lowe? Have you had any contact with him?”

“No. I don’t know him.”

“Third…” She paused for a fraction of a second. “Other than vision, do your hearing or tactile senses show any abnormal enhancement?”

That question made something in me tighten. She was the first person to notice that.

“Yes.”

There was a brief silence on the other end.

Then, “Good.” It was just one word from her. However, her tone had shifted ever so slightly. It was as though something crucial had just been confirmed.