I guess it was obvious enough that I wasn’t really here for her job. Mom’s been working here for awhile, the last time I ever visited here was when I was twelve. And it was for a parent work day function. Scanning her desk, “Do you ever dream of fixing the current system?” I ask her.

She watches me, “There are already people doing so. Florian for example, took office a few years ago and seems to be really upholding the Enforcer’s Oath. The one the officers are supposed to be upholding. Not sure what one lawyer can do to fix the current system. I am doing what I can to uphold the Oath of Truth and The People’s Law, as much as I can.”

“Would you ever entertain the idea to uphold those values through a vigilante?” I ask her.

She looks at me, “What are you getting yourself into? Quentin.” she uses my name firmly, but with a concerned look, “Considering your past. And history, you should be focused on your studies and graduating without getting arrested.”

I shake my head, “It’s not me.” I tell her.

She seems to let down her guard, “As the adult in the room, I want to say that vigilantism doesn’t work. However.” she pauses, “Considering how the Traditionalist started as a small group, who uprooted their way into a system like weeds, vigilantism works for some.”

“You know the recent deaths?” I ask her.

She clicks her tongue. My heart is pounding. I don’t know if I am nervous or excited. I’ve never done something like this before.

“Please don’t tell me you’re involved in those,” Cassandra responds, she looks very concerned.

“No,” I tell her, “But I might know who it is?”

Cassandra looks at me, “And who might that be?”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Karma,”

She laughs, “Karma.” she states, “What a name. What do they want with me? I am not going to be involved in something like that.”

“Well, they figured you could help with police information,” I tell her.

“I may have connections with the police, that is certainly true, but it is a violation of even the Transparency Act to release that information to someone not involved,” she states.

“True,” I watch her, “But you’re thinking about retiring. And you have no faith in your system. Why continue to be an accomplice of a system you hate?”

My heart races further. It violently beats in my ear drum. Is she going to contact my Mom? Is she going to tell the police? She’s thinking. There is silence between us. Something is heavy in the room. I am not scared of being caught, however. I wonder why that is.

Cassandra hangs her head low, “Fine. But I don’t want to hear your name, I don’t want to hear that you’re involved in this. You contact this Karma, and he or she has to promise me that you aren’t involved or won’t be involved. Is that fair?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I nod.

Cassandra nods, but she looks disappointed, “You should go. Your Mom is probably waiting for you and I am sure she’d like some lunch.”

“Your email?”

She hands me her business card. I accept it while getting up from the chair, “Thank you.”

“Just go Quinn,” she tells me flatly.

Leaving her office with her business card in hand. That went, well - I think. Easier than I thought actually. I am not scared. I wasn’t scared. In fact I think that for the first time I felt like I had - control. Is that the right word? I wonder why she agreed to help. I guess the police couldn’t really do much even if she told them. So, I suppose I don’t have much to worry about. Heading back to the receptionist desk. Mom looks up from her computer, “How did it go sweetie?”

“Well,” I tell her.

“That’s good, Cassandra is full of knowledge,” Mom tells me with a smile, “I admire her.”

“Really?” Daphne looks over at Mom.

“Of course,” Mom tells her, “You’re never too old to admire others.”

“I really liked her too,” I smile back.

“It’s good that you see the good I see in others,” Mom begins to gather her things, “How about we go get some lunch and I can take you back home before I return to the office?”

“Where do you think you’re going?” Daphne ask curiously.

“What do you suggest?” Mom ask her with a curious expression.

“Sorry am I barging in too much?” she ask.

“Of course not dear, I appreciate your insight,” Mom states.

Daphne turns away shyly, “You’re so kind. I know of a place, it’s casual, inexpensive-

-how about you come along dear?” Mom suggest.

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to interrupt a Mom and Son-

-Quinn is okay with it, right?” Mom looks at me.

I smile, nodding, looking at Daphne, “We would be delighted to have you.”