I stared at the envelope in my hands, a sinking feeling settling deep in my stomach.
Jury duty.
For a case happening in one week.
That wasn't normal.
Jury duty summons usually arrived weeks, sometimes months in advance. This wasn't just expedited—it was deliberate. Someone wanted me in that courtroom, and they wanted me there fast.
I exhaled sharply. It didn't matter. Whether it was a coincidence or a setup, I couldn't refuse. That would raise more suspicion.
I grabbed a pen, signed the confirmation, and dropped it into the return mail slot.
Done.
Now I just had to survive the week ahead.
The Week Before the Trial
The following days were a blur of preparation.
By day, I read through endless legal texts, case precedents, and courtroom procedures. The knowledge I had gained from my Case Precedent skill made things easier, but I needed more.
By night, I drilled the girls in their roles.
