The sun shone brilliantly that day, a rare spell of beautiful weather.
In the offices of Nelson and Murdock, sunlight streamed through the blinds, cutting bright stripes across the desks. The small office held cabinets full of files, along with plenty of cheese, balls, game cartridges, and other things that seemed to have nothing whatsoever to do with a law firm, lending a touch of homey warmth to the old, austere workspace.
The firm's two founders had headed to court early that morning with their case files, leaving only their secretary, Karen Page, to hold down the office.
After organizing the paperwork, she saw that it was still early and went over to the coffee machine by the window to brew herself a rich, fragrant cup.
Just as the coffee machine started up, the office door was gently pushed open. The bell above it gave a crisp jingle, announcing a visitor.
A client?
Karen's eyes lit up.
Their private law firm was tiny, with Matt as its only dependable lawyer. Most of their clients had nowhere else to turn, or were innocent people Matt had taken the initiative to help, so the legal fees they paid were naturally pitifully small. Every client who came through the door was therefore crucial to them.
Karen quickly put down her coffee cup. By the time she turned around, a warm, professional smile was already on her face.
"Hello. Are you here for legal advice?"
As the words left her mouth, she got a clear look at the person in the doorway.
It wasn't the anxious adult she had expected, but a young-looking girl.
The girl looked about fourteen or fifteen, with a slender build and long black hair falling naturally down her back. She wore a long pink dress beneath a beautifully made