The next day, when she arrived at the law firm, she was met with countless stares and hushed whispers.
She spent half an hour organizing her things, preparing to visit a client at the hospital, but a colleague stopped her.-
“Hannah, Mr. Jones wants to see you.”
“I’m heading out right now. Can it wait?” she asked.
Her colleague leaned in. “I don’t think so. Mr. Jones looked really angry.”
Hannah took a deep breath and walked into his office, files in hand.
“Hannah, that case you’re on? Put it on hold for now. Help Sandra wrap up hers. It won’t take long.”
Mr. Jones pushed the manila envelope across the desk toward her.
“Mr. Jones, this is a domestic abuse case. The woman was beaten so badly she’s hospitalized, and she’s practically begging me to get this done. How can you ask me to put it on hold?”
“I know, but she’s safe in the hospital. It’s not like her husband can get to her there, can he?” Mr. Jones took a sip from his mug. “Sandra said this case can count as your performance credit. You can wrap it up in a few days. What’s not to like?”
“Performance credit? To you, all these cases are just numbers on a performance review, but behind them are real, living people. Do you really think she’s safe in the hospital? Her husband has had relatives lurking around for days. Every day I delay, the risk for her increases.”
Hannah pushed the manila envelope back. “Since it’ll only take a few days, you can give that credit to someone else.”
Mr. Jones looked up at her sharply. “If you don’t take it, how am I supposed to explain this?”
“I’ll explain it to him myself,” Hannah said, knowing full well who Mr. Jones was referring to.
For Sandra’s sake, Lionel had become a major partner in the firm. She had already guessed it was Lionel who called Mr. Jones to pressure her.
“And what will you say?”

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