Phoenix, Arizona
Later That Early Evening
As Marissa walked outside the Mendoza law firm towards the elevator bay, Carl rushed out after her.
“Hey, Marissa. Wait up,” he said as he lugged his briefcase over his shoulder. He grabbed it tighter so he could walk faster to catch up to her.
Marissa was determined to get away, away from the office and the memory of that day. Carl wondered why. Before the elevator doors closed, Carl put his right hand in between them so the doors would automatically open as part of the safety feature.
Seeing Marissa facing toward him, unfazed and deep in concentration, Carl asked, “Didn’t you hear me? What’s wrong Marissa?”
Once the elevator doors slammed closed, it was as if Marissa snapped out of a hypnotic trance. Her stony smile upset Carl.
“Are you ma
