“I must say I came in skeptical, but I am impressed.” Rose frowned as her train of thought broke. She couldn’t believe that in the midst of the most important interview of her life, her mind had been lost in a day dream; an issue which had been occurring all too frequently lately. Of course it wasn’t entirely her fault, nor were they entirely her day dreams, but that was a whole separate issue. Rose straightened up as Siobhan reviewed her transcripts. “No offense of course.” she added, her voice carrying a slight lilt.
“None taken.” Rose said a bit too quickly and loudly. She took a sip from her water. The conference room chosen for the final round of interviews was surprisingly first class. Far from being cold and impersonal as expected, the room was warm; colorful paint was splashed on the walls and the chairs offered comfortable seating. Rose wasn’t sure if the inviting atmosphere actually more her feel more nervous. She sat opposite one of the foremost Jury Foremen in all of Aesos: Siobahn Cathair. Siobahn not only carried a lot of importance in the firm, but had gained either fame or infamy, depending on who was asked, from the largest case in history. Rose had not expected to be interviewed by a Juror considered nothing short of a luminary. Siobahn was about knee height to Rose and had white fur, except for the long, dark red hair on the top of her head. She wore a nice navy blue blazer and granite skirt.
“Based on your transcript...you’ve really been studying.” Siobahn said. She leaned forward. “To switch to Law from what looked like a concentration in...public policy? What is that?” Siobahn asked. Rose fidgeted in her seat.
“It’s sort of how the laws are crafted and how the government works on the back end. But, I decided late that my talents would be of better use in this kind of environment.”
“So politics? Power. You a big fan of politics and power Rose?”
“A lot of the academies are expecting the government to stick around a grow so they’re offering students the chance to get involved.”
“I know time is perceived differently to humans, but it just feels like yesterday people were finally talked into putting down their wands and hammering out a deal. And now...we’re raising students of public policy.” Siobhan tapped her paw on the table. “You realize this isn’t the door to influence and prestige right?”
“I’m sorry?” Rose said. Siobhan let out a sigh.
“I’ve never been accused of being too genteel so let me be straightforward: a lot applicants walk through that door thinking this is the low hanging fruit on the tree of power, I’d rather not waste any further time if you are one of them.”
“I’m not one of those.” Rose replied and her body went rigid.
“There’s a whole lot of important people out there and most of us will never be one. You nor I come from the kind of families that will ever sniff the levers of power under this new system. Of course under the old, we wouldn’t have made it this far. Still there are people who, rather than face reality, think they can beat the system and find avenues to ascend the ladder of prestige. What they don’t realize is that by the time you’ve seen an opening, it’s already been closed. In the meantime they hamper the good work done by those of us desperately fighting to make Aesos just a bit better for the rest.” Siobhan leaned forward on the desk. “I abhor those people. And you spent three years in Academy on the student council, until you switched to law last year. Why?”
“I’m not sure I have the stomach for the weight of political decisions.” Rose replied, her voice wavered. Siobhan eyed her then sat back in her seat.
“You’d do well to develop one. Technically, we’re equal to, but separate from, the judiciary. We’re a private organization officially grafted onto the muddled mess that tries to govern around here. The mayor, judges, attorneys, even our former ‘ruling class’, we answer to none of them. Of course, they don’t see it that way, and have no problem applying pressure when certain outcomes are more desirous than others.
“What do you do?” Rose asked.
“Expect it.” Siobhan said. “Have you ever heard the phrase ‘the butcher is paid for his pound’?” Rose shook her head. “It means some things are unavoidable. Whether you pay a high price for all the meat, or he cuts off the best parts and charges you less for the rest, the butcher always gets his full due.” Rose watched Siobhan pull a mirror out of her purse and began tapping on it. “It’s me. Could you bring the forms? Ah you’re too nice.” She said. The surprising level of sweetness in her voice nearly caused Rose to fall out of her chair. It was a complete departure from Siobhan’s earlier tone.
Siobhan looked back up at Rose. “Again your aptitude test was very impressive.” She said, then grabbed her purse and began to dig around.
“You’re welcome by the way.” A voice said from deep within Rose’s head.
“I didn’t say thank you. Cheater.” Rose mumbled. Siobhan looked up from her paper and Rose smiled.
“Of course this job is as much practical as it is theoretical.”
“Ouch. You hurt me. You know, I wonder how strong the protection spells are on this place.” The voice said. Sophia felt her arm twitch.
“Don’t you dare-”
“A lot of people know what we do but don’t understand how or why.” Siobhan said as she looked up. She had a deck of cards in her paws and began shuffling. “We aren’t attorneys, we don’t make the arguments. We’re not judges to execute the law, and were not City Guards, we don’t technically solve the case.” She began to deal out cards. “We’re truth merchants. We shut out all the noise and dig as deep as we can to find kernels of truth before they pull us back to the surface. After that we let chips fall where they may.” Siobhan looked up at Rose. “While we wait.” She offered. “You ever played Regicide?” Rose shook her head. “It’s beyond fitting for one, but also an old game we like around here.”
“Count me in.” Rose said with a hesitant nod. Siobhan created five piles of cards in the middle of the table.
“We split the deck into the five moon phases. The king is dead and we are trying to avoid the gallows. Each phase we reveal is a chance to prove our innocence. Whoever plays the higher ranked card with the same phase that was revealed wins the round loses an accusation. First to get rid of their three accusations wins.” Siobhan said. She started to deal out cards but stopped.
“You don’t have any innate abilities like x-ray vision or clairvoyance or anything do you?”
“No. I-I don’t have any magical aptitude at all.” Rose said and cleared her throat.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to come off as if it were a negative. With the suppressors and synthetic mana, more people these days are born without significant magic abilities. What that means for non humans, like myself, I don’t know, but some people are sensitive one way or the other. Around here, no one will care. I just enjoy a fair game. So no using magic. Your eyes are fine of course.”
“My eyes?”
“Yeah changing to a shade of violet occasionally. No set pattern or rhythm I can tell, but whether that’s the extent of your magic abilities or not, nobody likes a cheater.”
“Wow. Observant. Rose said with a forced laugh. Truthfully, she had only recently noticed it herself.
“Observation is probably the second most important skill for a juror to have.” Siobhan said. Rose grimaced and groaned inwardly, that could not a have been a good interview moment.
“Did you not observe how she dealt herself a card? Maybe you shouldn’t be a whatever after all.” the voice said. “If you mention it, it might save this disaster of a commissioning and save me from second hand embarrassment.” One of the first rules Rose had given herself was to not take any advice from the mysterious voice inside her head; however, considering what had just happened...
“So it’s probably good I picked up on that Wizard you slid to yourself two cards ago.” Rose stated. Siobhan stopped dealing and smiled.
“Innocent mistake.” She shuffled the cards again and began to deal them out once more. She slid a trio over to Rose. “Those are your accusations, don’t look at them until you win a round. Losers have to draw from the revealed stack for their replacement, but the winner uses the accusation for a replacement.” Rose picked up her hand and looked at her cards; they found were thoroughly mediocre. “The next round you have to reveal a card from a different moon phase, and so on, until all five phases have been revealed and it resets.” Siobhan started to flip over the first card when the door to the conference room burst open.
“So then I’m like not guilty doesn’t count, that’s two drinks. Oh..sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” A lanky man with thick mustache and matching bushy eyebrows stood in the door way. At least Rose at first Rose thought he was a man. But upon taking in his height and the ears peaking out of his shoulder length hair, she realized he was Elven. The man held a several folders under one arm and had been yelling to the hallway before he turned and noticed Siobhan and Rose.
“No interruption just passing some time in an inteview.” Siobhan said without looking at him. “Regicide?” she asked. The man rubbed his hands together.
“Fantastic! I love that game. A little too much my banker might say, even though I don’t pay him for his opinion. But when I pay him, I don’t have to hear his opinion.” The man added with a laugh.
“Rose this walking bacchanal is Elnaril Brokkr. I can call him that and you can’t because he’s a partner Foreman along with myself and a couple of others. He’s actually in charge of assigning jurors to pools and metering out high profile cases.” Siobhan said.
“Right. So if instead of digging through paper work, you would prefer the kind of cases that solve themselves I’m the guy to know. And by that, I mean really be within the good graces of.” Elnaril said. Siobhan shook her head.
“Ignore him.”
“What?” Elnaril looked around. “We both know there are cases...and there cases.” Rose watched Siobhan roll her eyes, then reluctantly nod. Elnaril turned to Rose. “Some are stressful, and others come with ‘suggested’ results attached.” He made quotation marks with his fingers. “Obviously I take our oath very seriously. But I also like free time.”
“He’s kidding. And he should know better than to even joke like that. Right?” Siobhan said sternly. Elnaril put his hands up.
“Of course! Gotta have a sense of humor around here.” Elnaril said and he threw a quick wink at Rose.
“Did you hear the mayor’s speech? He and other interested parties are supposed to be putting a stop to any undue influence from outside. Maybe this time the mayor isn’t all talk and you may want to watch what you say.” Siobhan said. Elnaril laughed.
“Yeah. He got elected, I’m sure he said a lot of great things. Same as all the others. You know, I went to school with-”
“With Mayor Wilhelm. Yes, I do in fact know.” Siobhan finished. She turned to Rose and sighed. “And you’ll know every conversation if you’re hired.”
“I’m just saying. That guy was no chump and they still chewed him up like a griffin at breakfast.” Elnaril shook his head. “All I know is that those cushy cases may not be going away anytime soon, and are good work. If you can get it.” he said and nudged Rose.
“How will I know what’s supposed to be ‘cushy’ case?” Rose asked.
“It will come with a conclusion and your signature already on it for convenience.” Siobhan said dryly. “Assuming you’re hired.” Elnaril took a seat opposite Rose. Siobhan had just picked up her cards when a chime rang out from her purse. Siobhan pulled out her mirror and frowned, then turned to Elnaril.
“He’s here?” Elnaril asked. “Never was one for sticking to a schedule.”. Siobhan motioned with head towards Rose and gave a dirty look. Elnaril covered his mouth with his hands.
“My apologies Rose. Important Juror business. I promise I will be back shortly, and if the paper work hasn’t arrived, we’ll commence the game.” Siobhan said as she pushed back her chair and stood up.
Stolen story; please report.
“No problem.” Rose said quietly. The door closed and Rose turned back to the table.
“These cards suck.” Elnaril complained. He was flipping through the top of one of the moon phase piles.
“Isn’t that cheating?” Rose asked as she pushed strands of hair out her face. Elnaril shrugged without looking at her.
“Oh, I like him.” the voice said.
“How far did she get in the interview? She ask if you liked pulling all nighters?” Elnaril asked. Rose shook her head. “I once knew a guy. First two cases, back to back, six straight sleepless nights. Turns in his second case, Foreman overrules his recommendation. He snapped.”
“You guys do that?” Rose asked.
“Not Senior Foremen, I mean we can, but I meant the jury pool Foreman. The ones you’ll report to case to case. They can override. They need a damn good reason, but they can.” Elnaril said.
“What was the reason?” Rose asked. Elnaril looked at her and tilted his head. “Oh...So what happened when he snapped?”
“He was a broom enchanted with life, and he was so tired he tripped, fell and literally snapped in half. But when he was repaired...clocked out for the day, never came back. Three full, but short days to go from zero to jury presentation is a lot of pressure. Think he works on a farm now or something.”
“I thought the standard was a minimum of five days.” Rose asked.
“Legally, sure, but practically...get it done in three.” Elnaril replied. “Say what you will but preserving your sanity is plenty ethical to me.” Rose started to ask a question but was interrupted by another chime. This time Elnaril took out his mirror out and cursed as he rummaged around in Siobhan’s purse. “I told her she would forget it, gonna blow the whole deal...sit tight.”
Rose watched Elnaril hurry out of the room and sat back in her chair.
“You peasants live such entertaining lives.” the voice said.
“I told you, we’re not peasants.” Rose snapped.
“Peasants, small folk, what have you. Regardless, there’s something fascinating about the chaos in which you exist.”
“I have no idea what’s happening right now. This day just gets weirder and weirder.” Rose said.
“Good. You’re here.” a voice said from the doorway. Rose looked up and saw a brown owl wearing glasses and three piece suit standing just outside. He was taller than Siobhan but much shorter than Elnaril.
“I think you have the wrong room, I’m-”
“I know who you really are. Glad to make face to face contact at last.” The owl said checking each direction in the hallway. He quickly walked into the conference room. “We don’t have much time. Were you debriefed?”
“Excuse me?” Rose asked and raised her eyebrow.
“Did your bosses explain to you what was happening?” The owl said.
“You mean Siobhan and Elnaril?” Rose asked slowly.
“Perfect, they got my letter. I’ve arranged a meeting with the pair now that I’ve narrowed down the source of corruption in this office.” he said.
“Yessss! Now the fun is really starting.” the voice hissed.
“Wait. There’s been a mistake.” Rose s quickly. The owl looked at Rose then down at the desk.
“I see...you already set up my plan. I am amazed. I had heard the Dept of Magical Affairs was proficient, but I am impressed.” he said with a clap. Rose’s eyes widened.
“You think I’m an agent at the DMA?” Rose asked in a panic. The owl chuckled.
“Of course. Strict cover. I stand impressed once more. Now, we don’t have a lot of time. Elnaril loves to gamble, so we’ll bait him into winning a wager. Once he collects the spellbound gaeld, we can track who he’s paying and working with. The other hope is that we might yet cause division among them.” The owl took a seat next to Rose, who sat with wide eyes and mouth agape.
“I think I’m going to lea-”
“Mr. Hoots!” Siobhan said, her voice full of surprise. Before Rose could stand up Siobhan and Elnaril walked into the room. “Sir.”
“Sir.” Elnaril echoed. The owl, who Rose now knew was named Mr. Hoots tented his hands and nodded in recognition. His wings nearly knocked over a cup of water that had been sitting on the table.
“This is Rose, we’re wrapping up an interview.” Siobhan said. Unsure of what to do, Rose turned stiffly in her seat and held out a hand.
“Nice to meet you.” She said, her voice holding a slight quiver. She sat with her hand out while he Mr. Hoots silently stared at Siobhan and Elnaril . She sheepishly put it away.
“Rose,” Siobhan finally said. “This is Crius Hoots. He’s a Partner at the agency. One of three.”
“I’ve met Rose.” Mr. Hoots said. “I’ve been wondering where you were.”
“Oh.” Siobhan and Elnaril looked at each other. “Well, Elnaril had a juror emergency and I pitched in to help. Nothing major. Rose and I were waiting on some paper work to come back. She’s an excellent candidate, with amazing aptitude scores.”
“Once again...you’re welcome you ungrateful b-”
“You’re too kind!” Rose said loudly. Everyone looked at her.
“I need to meet with the both of you so I consider this good fortune. I’ll sit in for the rest of the interview since we’re all already here.” Mr. Hoots said. Siobhan and Elnaril exchanged glances again. Mr. Hoots voice was calm, but eerily calculated. Rose could see why he cut such an intimidating presence.
“Great. Perhaps you’ll join our game while we wait for the paperwork that really needs to hurry up.” Siobhan said taking a seat. Mr. Hoots nodded. “I think it would be hilarious and great if you won Mr. Hoots. You know, be in a good mood the rest of the day.” Siobhan glanced at both Rose and Elnaril, who paid her no attention.
“Alright the boss is playing.” Elnaril said as he sat down. “How about we make it interesting? Regicide, Maiden rules, wager say...two hundred gaeld?” Rose nearly gasped. Setting aside that she barely understood the game, and had no clue what Maiden rules were, that much gaeld was her monthly salary; if she even got the job, which she wasn’t sure she still wanted. Mr. Hoots looked at Elnaril and frowned.
“What do you think this is?” he asked. Rose let out a quiet sigh of relief. “I never play for less than four hundred. And if there’s gaeld on the table, we play Fae Park rules or not at all.” Rose nearly collapsed out of her seat.
“It’s the same game, except, for two rules.” Siobhan said, as if she read Rose’s mind. “We all have a card in front of us, and one of them is guaranteed to be an Empress. Faced down cards stay face down all game but you can flip it over instead of one of the moon phase piles. Whatever is on that card has to win the round or you lose immediately.”
“And you’re out what I only assume is a lot of money to a peasant.” the voice mocked.
“If it is the Empress, everyone loses, she declares us all guilty in the death of her husband.” Elnaril said. “The other difference is the Emperor. It’s in a separate pile with a bunch of junk cards and you only get one shot at pulling from that pile. If you pull junk, that’s considered your card for that round and the round plays out normally. If it’s an Emperor card, the moon phase is considered the phase of whatever Emperor was played and the round continues like normal. However, if you win that round, you win outright. But it only be played if that moon phase has already been revealed...it’s difficult to pull off and you have to get the timing right, just stick to honest winning.” Elnaril said.
“Let’s get it on with it. I’ve already cast the binding wager spell.” Mr. Hoots said, his voice filled with impatience.
“The binding what?” Rose asked quickly. Nobody paid her any mind as the cards had already been dealt and everyone checked their hand. Just as before, Rose once again had a series of so-so cards. She picked out her first card, a winter moon wizard. In a flash the first round came and went with Elnaril taking the win and Rose receiving a sour glance from Siobhan and an approving smile from Mr. Hoots. She looked through her hand for the next round as Elnaril prepared to reveal the moon phase.
“Not that one! You’ll never win playing that card.” the voice said with mockery.
“I’m not going to win playing any card! I have no idea what I’m doing.” Rose replied. She held her cards up in front of her face to block the sight of her mouth. She didn’t know much about the voice, or how it spoke to her, but Rose was able to communicate effectively with barely audible speech. She was not, however, able to do so without moving her lips and giving the appearance of constantly talking to herself.
“You like to gamble Rose?” Elnaril asked.
“No. I don’t have the best luck.” Rose replied.
“Me either. No fun when things aren’t in your favor. I was never great with running the numbers, like say the odds of getting a really smooth case or a really time consuming and complicated one. That’s why I don’t like to wager unless I feel I have something in my favor.” He flipped over the card, meanwhile Rose wanted to flip over the table and strangle him for such an obvious comment. She never agreed to be in collusion with Elnaril and wanted to make sure that was perfectly clear if and when the jig was up. Statements such as that did little to help.
The rounds continued with Siobhan and Mr. Hoots winning in turn, and Rose receiving alternating unpleasant looks from the other players depending on who won. The only time they all managed the same expression was the one round she won, which had earned three disgruntled faces.
“Sorry sir, perhaps your luck will turn around.” Siobhan said, her eyes fixed on Rose after a misplay caused the to win her second round.
“I just hope I have better luck dealing with the pressure of catching the saboteur. As you two well know, this corruption investigation is wearing on me.” Mr. Hoots said.
“Are you supposed to tell the people you’re investigating about the investigation?” the voice asked.
“I am so lost.” Rose whispered.
“You two are my most trusted foremen. That’s why I plan to meet with you today. I believe I may have narrowed down the culprit.” Mr. Hoots said.
“Really? That’s...wow” Elnaril said.
“A big break was discovering that fraudster. We had them sentenced to sixty years in The Dark Keep for the impersonation of a DMA agent.” He shuddered. “You should have seen the all the wailing...Anyway, we got them to give us some dirt.”
“That’s great news sir. That’s why you’re one of the best.” Siobhan said with a pasted on smile.
“The real good news will be my wife returning to me, and my children will once again being able to look upon their father with pride. And I won’t have to step down from my position.” Siobhan looked at Elnaril.
“Yeah....maybe...but the main relief is the removal of corruption. Right?” Siobhan asked.
“Certainly.” Mr. Hoots stood up. “That is why I am willing to make the offer right here and now, to my two most trusted agents on the reputation of my word: whoever comes finds this traitor, I will see to it theirs is a life of ease and comfort in the highest halls of power and legally safe from any and all previous actions taken. And I will accept any proof. Any at all, be it anecdote or hardcore evidence.”
“Okay...well...that’s good to hear. Anyway, back to the game, Rose your pick.” Siobhan said. Elnaril furrowed his brow. “Looks like you’re the kingmaker.” Siobhan said. Rose looked around the table. Everyone was down to one accusation, while she still had two left. No matter which phase she chose, someone was going to win, and based on the most recent card draws, Rose had a strong indication about which phase favored which player.
“You know, I was just thinking and I realized that with an extra twelve-hundred gaeld, I might take a trip to Brimside Island. You ever been, Rose?” Elnaril asked.
“No. I didn’t travel a lot growing up.” Rose responded more tersely than she had intended. Her focus was entirely on how to get out of paying a lot of of gaeld.
“Hey if you win, it should cover a pretty good vacation there. If your case load gives the time I mean.”
“I dream of the day I am carefree enough to go on a vacation. Maybe with a family made whole once again. But that all depends on how my days goes today.” Mr. Hoots said ruefully.
“Let’s hope that luck is on our sides then.” Siobhan said. Rose looked at the discarded accusation cards, the moon phases, and the pile of cards used during each round.
“Time to pick Rose.” Elnaril said.
“Yes, you must make the right choice.” Mr. Hoots added.
“Just pick something good.” Siobhan said and she angled her head towards Mr. Hoots.
“You know I’ve been keeping track.” the voice said.
“Do you even know what card games are?” Rose replied. She tented her hands in front of her mouth.
“No. They seem like vulgar entertainment for the baseborn, but you do.” the voice said.
“One, no digging around in my brain. Two I don’t know how to play this game.” Rose said.
“I’m not exactly deep diving around here. Fortunately we’re not limited to just your aptitude. It was on your mind so I picked up how they work in general.”
“And?...”
“And if you put us both in the poor house working the farm mines, or whatever it is you people do all day, I’ll never be freed. So in the interest of myself, here’s what you can do...” Rose’s hand hovered over the moon phase cards and she flipped the summer moon. Elnaril’s eyes lit up as he slammed a high ranked card on the table. His excitement vanished as Rose flipped over her face down card revealing the Empress. Siobhan, Mr. Hoots, and Elnaril looked at each other in surprise. Rose stood up.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think this job is for me. So everyone loses. Game over.” She swiftly walked from around the table to the door and paused. “I hope your family comes back to you.” She swung open the door and rushed out into the hallway, not breaking stride until she rounded a corner and collapsed into the wall.
“Myr, Myr, what was all that? What did I just do?” Rose said, breathing heavily. She felt tears sting the corner of her eyes.
“I think you quit before actually working there. Typical peasant work ethic.” the voice said. Rose was in too much of a frenzy to even respond.
“I don’t have a job. I don’t have a job or money. I can’t even afford a trip back to the province. Maybe I should go back and apologize. No, they are all crooked. Terrible, crooked people. The entire system is terrible and crooked. Maybe I should tell somebody. I don’t have a job!”
“We’re not that bad.” Rose turned as she heard Siobhan’s voice. “I mean Mr. Hoots overacts, but he’s mostly harmless.” Siobhan stood in the hallway, arms folded. Rose backed away.
“I’m sorry. I’m normally a nice girl, I didn’t mean to say those things, and I definitely won’t reveal any of the corruption from today you don’t have to kill me.”
“Nobody is going to kill you, well maybe Elnaril since that was a real binding spell so if he won...” Siobhan said
“You asked me earlier why I wanted to be a juror. Two years ago...I had to go home from Academy and while I was there not doing well, some...person showed up and made a terrible mess of things.” Rose’s voice broke as she talked and she sniffled. “And a neighbor, someone I grew up around tried to intervene. This person accused my neighbor of something heinous and the authorities, nobody gave my neighbor the benefit of the doubt. Even other people who lived in that town started to turn. No one person stood up for what was true, except for one person. One lone juror who showed up one day and would not back down until he got to the bottom of what happened. That juror saved my neighbor’s life, and I thought if I could do that, if I could give just one innocent person that chance...” Rose looked away and wiped her eye with her sleeve.
“Everything we told you about cases coming with preferred outcomes was true.” Siobhan said after a moment of silence. “Prosecution, defense, judges, doesn’t matter. They all want you to just approve whatever they submit. Lots of pressure thrown at you. Every day is a battle. Not against the forces of evil or a horde of gorgons in a clandestine showdown. No, the war is against those who are weak of character and poor of spirit, and it is a war we are desperately losing. I need every soldier I send in and out of this place to be stalwart like the heroes of legend. Any juror that succumbs to office politics is no upholder of justice.” Siobhan started digging in her purse. “Here.”
“Thanks.” Rose said quietly as Siobhan handed her the handkerchiefs.
“To be fair, most either call out what’s going on by round two or sell out in the first. Nobody has actually played it out. I’m not sure what that means, but you did literally beat us at our own game, so that must count for something.” Siobhan said. Rose wiped her nose but stopped when she felt something solid in the other napkin. Rose unfolded the floral print handkerchief and drew in a sharp breath. She was holding a silver badge.
“If you’re still interested in working with some terrible and crooked people, I would like to officially extend the offer to have you come aboard.” Siobhan said. She extended her paw towards Rose.
“Yes.” Rose said, still without her voice. Siobhan smiled.
“Welcome. Juror number nine.”