The formal notification came on a Thursday.
A letter. Actual paper. Delivered to Lena's office because
that was the address on file.
She brought it over at lunchtime without calling first.
I knew what it was before she handed it over.
The envelope had the federal court seal in the corner.
I held it for a moment.
Didn't open it.
"You want me to leave?" Lena said.
"No," I said.
I opened it.
Three pages.
Legal language. Dense and careful.
But the important parts were simple.
Trial date. Eight weeks away.
My name listed as a primary witness for the prosecution.
Nico Hayes. Victor Hayes. Marcus Webb.
All three.
I read it twice.
Then I set it down on the desk.
"Eight weeks," I said.
"That's fast," Lena said. "Reyes pushed for it."
"Why fast?" I said.
"Because the longer i
