24 DECISION PHOENIX, ARIZONA
That Same Day
John entered Marissa’s office. The light in her office was dimmed. Marissa’s head was down, buried in paperwork. She was trying to catch up on the Prato case, having been away from the office for some time. Her glazed eyes revealed that she was not wholly present. John could tell something was bothering her.
“Hey, Marissa. How’s it going?”
He waited for her response. However, she continued looking down, reading the document without ever directly facing John. After a while, she spoke.
“I just don’t get it. It’s all gobbledygook to me.”
She rubbed both of her temples with two of her fingers to relieve stress. It didn’t help. So, she buried her face in her hands.
“Are you okay?” John asked.
“I’m fine,” shesaid.
“No, you’re not. I
