Maxine's POV

As the judge stood and began to leave, the tension in the room thickened. My heartbeat pounded in my ears. Denise sat down beside me, her jaw locked in frustration. A’ishah, across the room, refused to meet my gaze.

I let my eyes look around the courtroom, and the first people I saw were Ashley and Nicolas. Both are sitting quietly, but you can't deny the hope in their eyes.

Behind them is my family. My mom, who is now crying in worry, my sister sitting beside her, trying to calm her down whilst fighting her own tears. Then my brother with my sister in law. And my dad… my dad who's definitely angry but his eyes softened the moment our eyes met. He gave me a quick nod, showing me his full support.

Then, with them are Jana, Sienna, Sasha, John, and Jeremy. All of them are trying hard to look confident, but they can't fool me. I know these people so well, enough to notice the traces of tears on Sienna's eyes, the worry in Jana's features, Sasha's shaking hands, John's tensed shoulders, and the deep breathing of Jeremy to calm himself down.

But what surprised me the most is the person sitting beside Jana.

He wore simple clothes, but there is no denying his authority. I don't know how I would feel to see him sitting there.

Should I be thankful that Clifford chose to sit on my side of the court? Or was he sitting there to see up close how my world will crash later on?

On the other side of the room, I immediately found A'ishah's eyes.

Her gaze lingered for a long time. As if she wanted to say something.

Her eyes, although still held that fierce, look tired. As if she had cried the night before.

But why would I care?

I should move on.

And so, I broke our eye contact. There, I saw Nicole's parents. Tita and Tito looked so exhausted as well.

Tita’s once vibrant face now bore deep lines of grief, her usually styled hair now unkempt, a stark contrast to the polished woman I remembered from Nicole’s childhood. She clutched a rosary tightly in her trembling hands, whispering silent prayers as though hoping for a different reality.

Tito sat beside her, his eyes hollow, sunken with the weight of loss. His suit hung loosely on him, as if he had lost weight in the past few weeks. The sight of them made my throat tighten. They weren’t just grieving parents. They were parents who lost their only child in a senseless tragedy.

And it was my fault.

I clenched my fists, trying to push the guilt back, but it gnawed at my chest. I knew it was irrational. I wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger on Nicole, but I should’ve done more. I should’ve protected her.

Then my gaze shifted, and I found Mara.

She was sitting alone, her arms crossed, her dark eyes glaring at me with such intensity that it felt like she was carving into my soul. Her normally sharp features were worn, exhaustion pulling at the corners of her lips, but the anger in her eyes burned bright.

I knew that look. I knew it too well.

Mara lost the woman she loved, and no amount of justice would bring Nicole back. That kind of pain, it changes you. It twists your heart, makes you question everything.

And despite the resentment in her gaze, I understood her.

I missed the days when she wasn’t just someone who hated me. When she wasn’t just the grieving lover of my best friend. When she was my friend, too. Someone I could count on. Someone who laughed with me, who shared drinks with me after a long day, who stood by my side before everything between us shattered.

Would we ever go back to that?

No.

I knew the answer before the thought even fully formed.

Mara wasn’t just mourning Nicole. She was mourning the life they could’ve had together. Just as I was mourning the past we all lost.

I exhaled slowly, breaking eye contact before I could drown in the memories.

This wasn’t the time to grieve.

This was the time to fight.

Minutes passed like hours. My hands curled into fists on my lap. This was it. This was the moment that would decide everything.

Just then, a commotion erupted at the back of the courtroom.

The doors flew open.

"Gwyneth!" Someone gasped.

Heads turned as Gwyneth stormed in, panting, sweat dripping down her temple. In her hand, she clutched a USB drive so tightly her knuckles turned white.

"Your Honor!" She shouted, ignoring protocol, pushing past the stunned guards. "Wait! You can’t give a verdict yet!"

The judge, who had barely made it past the exit, turned back with a deep frown. "Lieutenant, what is the meaning of this disturbance?"

Gwyneth didn’t flinch. She turned to Denise, her face frantic. "Play this. Now."

Denise shot to her feet, grabbing the USB from Gwyneth’s shaking hands.

"What is this?" A’ishah snapped, standing up as well.

Gwyneth’s chest rose and fell rapidly, but her voice was clear, firm. "This is footage from Nicole’s body cam. The night before she died."

A collective gasp rippled through the room. Everybody looked shocked, except for one person.

A'ishah.

She's… unusually composed. She sat back comfortably on her chair, looking unfazed, no. She looked relieved.

But… why?

A'ishah's POV

Flashback a week ago.

The moment I stepped outside, I spotted her.

Jana stood by a sleek black car, arms crossed, expression unreadable. But I already knew what that look meant. Disappointment. Frustration. And worst of all… doubt.

I barely made it to her before she spoke. "What the hell happened in there?"

I exhaled sharply, my pulse still racing from the trial. "You tell me. Denise should've known better than to let the judge stall the verdict."

Jana scoffed, shaking her head. "Don’t put this on me. I briefed her. She knew exactly what to do.”

"Then why did she let the case slip through her fingers?" I snapped, running a hand through my hair. My voice was low, but every syllable was laced with frustration. "We were this close to getting Maxine out, and now, we, the prosecution, have more time to tighten our case. More time to make sure she never sees the outside of a prison cell again.”

Jana’s expression darkened. "We both knew this case wouldn’t be easy. But Denise didn’t screw up. You're just… fuck!” She exhaled sharply. “You're too good as a lawyer, A'ishah. Can't you hold back?”

“No.”

“Why not? Just how tall is your pride to not hold back even just for today? For Maxine.”

I clenched my jaw, forcing down the swell of emotions tightening my throat. "You think I don’t want to?" My voice was sharp, low, barely above a whisper, but laced with frustration. "You think I want to stand up there, tearing apart every argument, knowing she’s sitting there watching, thinking I want her locked up?"

Jana’s glare didn’t waver. "Then why?”

"Because if I hold back, they’ll notice." I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Nicole’s parents, Mara… they’re not stupid, Jana. If they suspect for even a second that I’m not giving this trial my all, they won’t hesitate to replace me with someone who will do everything in their power to convict Maxine."

Jana's expression faltered, just slightly.

I pressed on. "I am the only thing standing between Maxine and a prosecutor who actually wants to see her behind bars. Do you get that?" My voice was urgent, desperate. "If I don't fight like hell, if I don't push every angle, if I don’t convince them I’m all in, they'll bring in someone ruthless. Someone who won’t have a single ounce of hesitation."

Jana inhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You’re playing a dangerous game.”

"I know that," I snapped. "But I don't have a choice." I forced my breathing to slow, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. "If I don’t keep up this act, Maxine loses. If I do, at least I have a chance to manipulate the outcome.”

Jana watched me carefully. Her eyes showed nothing but concern and worry.

"We need something stronger." I muttered, glancing toward the courthouse doors as if I could still see Maxine being led away in cuffs. My chest tightened at the memory. "We don’t have enough to counter the prosecution’s narrative."

Jana’s gaze sharpened. "A’ishah, don’t—"

"We don’t have time, Jana." I cut her off, my voice edged with desperation. "The only way to force a verdict in her favor is to release Alverson."

Jana’s eyes widened, her posture stiffening. "No.”

I held her gaze, unflinching. "It’s the only way."

"You know what he’s capable of.” She hissed, stepping closer. "We put him behind bars for a reason, A’ishah. If you let him out—"

"I know what I’m doing." I bit out, my voice shaking despite my best efforts to stay composed. "And I know what this will cost me. But I can’t let Maxine take the fall for something she didn’t do."

Jana exhaled harshly, running a hand over her face. "She’ll hate you for this."

I let out a bitter laugh. "She already does.”

Jana hesitated, her expression softening just slightly. "Are you sure about this?"

I looked away, staring at the empty space where Maxine had stood minutes ago.

"No." I admitted. "But for her, I’ll do it anyway.”

“Your love… both of you.” Jana shook her head in disbelief. “Your love for each other is insane.”

“Yeah?” I scoffed. Because I don't think Maxine will still love me after I do what I'm about to do to acquit her.

“But I have to make sure, A'ishah.” She held my gaze, finding any trace of doubt in me. “Are you sure you wanna do this?”

“Yes.” I said without hesitation. "Alverson is the only leverage we have left. The only way to force a verdict in Maxine’s favor before Mara or Nicole’s parents pull the rug from under me. If I wait too long, they’ll take me out of the equation, and then neither of us will have any control over what happens next."

Jana exhaled sharply, her hands gripping her arms. "You do realize what you’re risking, right? Your career, your reputation—hell, your entire life, A'ishah. If anyone finds out—”

"They won’t." I interrupted. "You won’t let them."

Her jaw tightened, her eyes searching mine for any hesitation.

There was none.

Finally, she cursed under her breath. "You’re impossible."

I let out a hollow chuckle. "I know."

Jana looked away, staring at the courthouse for a moment before finally sighing in defeat. "Fine. If this goes to hell, just know I told you so."

I gave her a grim smile. "Noted.”

But as I turned to leave, my heart clenched painfully in my chest.

Maxine was going to hate me for this.

And yet, I was still willing to do it.

The next day.

I didn't waste any more time as I went to prison.

I had expected this to be difficult.

But damn, even I wasn’t prepared for just how much resistance I was going to face.

The moment I stepped into the facility where Alverson was being held, I could already feel the weight of what I was about to do settling deep in my chest. My heels clicked against the cold tile floor as I followed the guard down the hall, past rows of barred doors and inmates who barely glanced up.

I ignored the stench of stale air and cheap disinfectant, focused only on the man I was about to strike a deal with.

The guard stopped in front of a secured room and gestured for me to wait. Moments later, the door on the other side opened, and the man I had come to see stepped inside.

His orange jumpsuit was loose on his frame, his posture relaxed as he took the seat across from me, cuffed hands resting on the metal table.

“Well, well, well.” e drawled, lips curling into a smirk. “If it isn’t my favorite lawyer.”

I crossed my arms, unimpressed. “I don’t have time for games, Alverson.”

“Oh, but I do.” He leaned forward, studying me with a glint of amusement. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Alvarez? Come to finally admit you’ve missed me? Or… your cabin journey failed?”

I exhaled sharply, my patience already wearing thin. “I’m here because I can get you out.”

That caught his attention. The smirk faltered, but only for a second before he leaned back again, feigning indifference. “Now that’s interesting.”

I didn’t react. “You want to walk out of here? I can make it happen. But you’ll have to do something for me.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “And what, pray tell, could I possibly offer you?”

Alverson was testing me. He always did.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a folder, sliding a single photograph across the table toward him. His smirk didn’t fade, but his eyes flickered with interest as he picked it up.

"Nicole’s last known photo before she died." I said, my voice steady. "Taken just a few hours before she was found dead."

Alverson studied the picture, his fingers tracing the edges as if the details would reveal themselves just by touch.

I leaned forward. “Look closely.”

He raised a brow, humoring me. His gaze sharpened as he scanned the image, his amusement slowly fading into something more serious.

"Well?" I pressed.

A beat of silence. Then, he exhaled sharply. "Huh."

"Huh?" I repeated, unimpressed.

Alverson tapped the edge of the photo. “This looks like it was taken by a body camera.”

My stomach dropped.

“What?” I frowned, taking the picture back to study it again.

“The angle, the framing, it’s not from a phone, not a regular camera either. It’s too stable, too level. The depth of field suggests it was taken from a fixed point. Chest level, most likely." He glanced up, meeting my gaze. "Someone was watching her. And whoever it was, they were wearing a body cam.”

I tightened my grip on the photo.

This confirmed my suspicion.

"Can you do something about it?" I asked, my voice firm.

Alverson snorted, leaning back in his chair. “Do something about it?” He smirked. “Kitty, you’re asking me to pull a miracle out of thin air.”

I remained silent, waiting.

He sighed, rubbing his temple. “Look, it's not impossible, but it’s damn close. If I had access to the metadata, I could pinpoint the device that took this photo. Maybe even track down who was wearing it. But there’s just one little problem—” He tilted his head. “I need access to all the body cameras used by the Intelligence Group.”

I clenched my jaw. That wasn’t going to be easy.

"You’re asking me to breach highly classified data." I said.

Alverson gave me a lazy smile. “Well, you did say you could get me out. Consider this my price.”

I stared at him, my mind already racing through every possible way I could get that access. This was dangerous, reckless, and way beyond what I had initially planned.

But if this was the only way to prove Maxine’s innocence, then I had no choice.

I exhaled sharply. “I’ll get it.”

Alverson’s grin widened. “Now that’s the lawyer I know.”

Convincing Alverson was the easy part.

Getting the court to actually approve his parole? That was an entirely different battle.

I spent days preparing my arguments, going through every legal loophole, every possible justification I could use to push this through. Alverson’s record wasn’t spotless—far from it. His history alone made him a terrible candidate for early release.

But I had one thing on my side: his recent behavior.

He had participated in rehabilitation programs, showed signs of ‘reform,’ and hadn’t been involved in any violent incidents since his sentencing. It wasn’t much, but it was something. And if I played my cards right, it would be enough.

I spent hours refining my petition, anticipating every counterargument the board would throw at me. When the day of the parole hearing arrived, I walked into that courtroom with only one thought: I cannot lose this.

The hearing was brutal.

The parole board was skeptical, throwing every doubt they had at me.

"Mr. Miranda has a history of violent behavior. What makes you so certain he won’t reoffend?"

"His disciplinary record isn’t spotless. How can we be sure he’s truly reformed?"

"Many of his rehabilitation programs were mandatory, not voluntary. Why should we believe he wants to change?”

I countered each argument with precision, reinforcing Alverson’s ‘progress,’ highlighting the positive evaluations from the prison’s rehabilitation officers. I framed him as a man who had learned his lesson, who had been given no chances before now.

Then, the final blow.

"Rehabilitation is the goal of our justice system.” I said firmly, meeting each board member’s gaze. "If we deny parole to every individual with a history like Alverson’s, we are saying that reform is impossible. That no matter how much an individual works to change, we will never give them a second chance." I paused, letting my words settle. "That is not justice. That is punishment without purpose.”

They all went silent. I could see the shift, the moment doubt crept into their expressions.

After what felt like an eternity, the lead board member exhaled. "We will deliberate and make our decision within 24 hours."

I nodded, maintaining my composure. But as I stepped out of the courtroom, my hands were shaking.

This was the biggest gamble I had ever taken.

And I still didn’t know if it would pay off.

The moment I stepped outside the courthouse, I didn’t let myself breathe a sigh of relief. There was no time for that. I was running on borrowed time, and every second that passed without a breakthrough brought Maxine closer to a conviction she didn’t deserve.

I had to keep moving.

There was still another battle waiting for me.

Later that evening, I arrived at the police headquarters where they moved the Intelligence Group’s office.

I pushed the door open, stepping inside with the same confidence I always wore in court, even though I knew I was about to ask for something nearly impossible.

Jana was behind her desk, reading a report. She barely glanced up.

“You’ve been busy.”

I took a seat. “I need access to the body camera records of your agents.”

That made her pause. Her dark eyes flicked to mine, sharp and unreadable. “You’re joking.”

“I wouldn’t be here if I was.”

Jana leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “You do realize you’re asking me to hand over highly classified data? That’s not something I can just approve over coffee.”

I didn’t back down. “I know. But I also know that you want this case solved as much as I do.” I placed the photograph of Nicole on her desk. “Someone was watching her that night. And that someone was wearing a body cam.”

Jana’s expression didn’t change, but I saw the shift in her posture, the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers tapped against the desk.

She was considering it.

“Do you have any proof that this came from one of our agents?” She asked.

“Not yet.” I admitted. “But if you give me access to the footage, I can find out.”

Jana exhaled through her nose. “And if I say no?”

I met her gaze, unwavering. “Then you’ll be letting an innocent woman go down for a crime she didn’t commit.”

A tense silence settled between us.

Jana sighed, shaking her head. “This is a terrible idea.”

“But you’re considering it.”

Her lips twitched. “I must be losing my mind.”

I leaned forward, watching her carefully. “Jana, this case is bigger than you or me. If someone in your unit was involved, don’t you want to know who? Don’t you want to know what they were covering up?”

Jana studied me for a long moment before exhaling sharply. “You’re really willing to go this far for Maxine?”

I stiffened at the question, but I didn’t let it show. “I’m willing to go this far for the truth.”

Jana scoffed, shaking her head. “You can’t fool me, Alvarez. I’ve seen desperate people before. They don’t fight this hard unless they’re still in love.”

I kept my face blank, but she wasn’t wrong.

She leaned against the desk, crossing her arms. “It’s honestly insane how much you’re willing to do for her. Even after everything.”

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Don’t tell her.”

Jana raised a brow. “What?”

“Don’t tell Maxine what I’m doing,” I repeated. “She doesn’t need to know.”

Jana frowned, clearly confused. “Why? This could change everything for her—”

“She hates me.” My voice was calm, matter-of-fact. “And she has every right to.”

Jana hesitated, studying me as if trying to figure out if I was lying. “But you’re still fighting for her.”

“I’ll always fight for her.” The words left my lips before I could stop them. A painful truth I had long accepted. “But from now on, I’ll do it from afar.”

Jana’s expression shifted slightly, less skepticism, more understanding. “That’s a hell of a way to love someone.”

I forced a small smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “It’s the only way I can.”

Silence stretched between us before Jana sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Fine. I won’t tell her.”

Relief settled in my chest, though it was bittersweet.

Jana straightened, her voice turning serious again. “I’ll see what I can do about those records. But if this blows up in my face, you’re taking the heat.”

I nodded. “Understood.”

She gave me one last searching look before shaking her head in disbelief. “You really are something else, A'ishah.”

I didn’t respond.

Because at the end of the day, none of this was about me.

It was about Maxine.

Even if she never knew.

~~~

Thank you for reading! 💛