Mingle and an Intro: Welcome to the Box!

[gravemanagement]

[ On today, a long-time business has been bought for the day and paid well. Whoever paid it wants people to eat and make merry for some reason. Must be a holiday? Huh, all devices showing the date day it's the new year. It doesn't matter what day it was for you before now, it's not the new year. And you? You are at the Chloe Café at 1:30PM.

Waiters and waitresses will take your order. Really, it's a chill time. Even if you're supposed to be dead? You're alive now, somewhere in Los Angeles, Japanifornia. Welcome and have a good day, because eventually there's gonna be a murder to solve in this big ol' city. ]

Comments

[marlonmajesty]

Rook keeps me busy. As does a certain ex-boyfriend. ...He still thinks we should get back together.

[ She has her tea. ]

[unjustjustice]

...

[ He makes a face. As a father in his own right, he has opinions about Veno. ]

You really, really shouldn't associate with that man. He's nothing but trouble.

[marlonmajesty]

He also is a good father to Rook. He shows up for every holiday he can, and if I'm busy he'll make time to watch him if 'Fina can't.

[ Besides. Everyone is trouble in this town it's fucking LA. ]

[unjustjustice]

Yes, but that hardly makes up for the trouble he brings with him. I swear if I see him in my courtroom again I will personally beat him to death with my gavel.

[ HE'S SO TIRED, CHESSA. SO TIRED. ]

[marlonmajesty]

It's not his fault that apparently he makes a convenient patsy. I know he can be obnoxious, but really.

[unjustjustice]

He really ought to try not being in the worst place at the worst times at every single moment. I swear, it's like he's made a career out of being as inconvenient to the law as possible.

[ A long, drawn-out sigh. ]

And I still am not entirely sure I understand what his line of work actually is.

[marlonmajesty]

I wish I knew, but it pays well so he definitely can pay child support.

[ Listen. She's not gonna judge on lifestyle. ]

[unjustjustice]

... I don't like him.

[ Gallerian is a serious, no-nonsense kind of guy most of the time. Of course he doesn't like him. ]

You should find someone safe to settle with instead of letting him invade your life.

[ You know, like he did, with his relatively loveless marriage. Clearly. ]

He does seem to rather pine after you.

[marlonmajesty]

[ The look she is giving you. ]

I live with Fina, anyway. He's still my friend.

[unjustjustice]

... Mmh.

[ He takes his tea. Takes a drink. It's clear his opinion of Veno is... low. ]

... How is Rook? I imagine it's going to be tough once you're busy in court to work with him.

[marlonmajesty]

He's doing well. And he's old enough I think he'll do fine with me being busy. We're looking into extracurricular activities for after school.

[ She is!!! Very proud!!! ]

[unjustjustice]

... That's good. I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. I've been very busy.

[ He hopes she won't ask about Michelle. He really does. He doesn't want to have to explain why he stopped bringing his daughter over to see them. ]

[marlonmajesty]

And how's Michelle doing?

[ Listen. Of course she'd ask about your daughter. ]

I haven't seen her in awhile.

[unjustjustice]

... She's fine. She's at a boarding school at the moment.

[ This is a lie, but it's a lie he's told many people at this point. ]

[marlonmajesty]

You always did want the best for her. I'm sure she'll do fine.

[ Of course. Kachessa wanted Rook close, so... ]

[unjustjustice]

[ Ahhh.

... His soul aches.

He wants to be with her right now. But she's lying in a hospital bed, comatose. And there's little he can do about it. ]

... It's expensive, but I want her to get the best education she can. There's nothing that would be too good for her. I'm sure you feel the same way about your own child.

[marlonmajesty]

Oh, of course. He goes to a premier private school. It's a privilege, honestly. He's already working hard and making friends... The teachers all seem nice.

[unjustjustice]

... Which school, anyway? I'm curious.

[ Because he remembers where he took Michelle. ]

[marlonmajesty]

Crystal River Academy. It's a lovely place.

[ She's making sure he gets the best start. ]

[contemptiblecourtmaster]

... I think that's where I took Michelle back in the day. It's a good place, yes.

[ He is proud of her for doing her research, at least. ]

You've always been rather thorough, haven't you?

[marlonmajesty]

I wouldn't be in this new line of work if I wasn't.

[ She's smart. Not a prodigy defense attorney, but smart. ]

[contemptiblecourtmaster]

I'm sure you'll go far. Just try not to frustrate me too much, if you can avoid it. I think I've had enough of that for five lifetimes.

[ He would seriously rather not have to deal with her... if he ends up in a case with her, it's going to be a nightmare. ]

[marlonmajesty]

[ Better pray, Gallerian, that she's not as good at this job as she seems she'd be. ]

I'll try not to.

[unjustjustice]

Look, I trust you more than some attorneys I've met. You've got a good head on your shoulders, and your heart's in the right place. I'm sure you'll do fine.

[ His smile is honestly genuine. He's sweating bullets inside, but part of him... does want her to succeed. ]

In a lot of cases I've ruled over, the wrong person was often indicted with the crime. That happens a lot in this system.