Emily: fidgeting hey it’s Emily, look I’m sorry to call you randomly after these years but your the first person I could think off…I’m in trouble. I’m down at the police station for a DUI
approaches Emily What the hell happened, Emily?
nervously biting her lip I was coming home from work, late at night, and this cop pulled me over because he thought I was going the wrong way.
Jesus Christ Em, how many drinks did you have?
looks down, tears welling up in her eyes I had a few too many at the bar earlier, and I guess I wasn't paying attention to how much I had to drink.
Fuck Emily, you know better than this. How is your lawyer handling it?
wiping away tears I don't have a lawyer... I didn't think things would escalate to this point. But there's a public defender here, supposed to meet with me soon.
Shit Em, you gotta get yourself a lawyer. Let me see what I can do. Where’s the public defender taking you?
sniffles They said they're taking me to the county courthouse tomorrow morning. I'm scared, Vargas. I've never been in such deep shit before.
Alright Em, go to the courthouse with that PD. I’m gonna meet you there with a lawyer I know.
nods, wiping away remaining tears Thank you, Vargas. I appreciate it so much. I'll be at the courthouse first thing in the morning.
Be there at 9am sharp. And Em…try not to worry too much.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I'll try, Vargas. Thanks for being there for me... again. See you tomorrow.
Get some rest tonight. See you in the morning.
ends the call, takes a deep breath and starts gathering her belongings Okay, I need to find something presentable to wear tomorrow...and maybe make a list of questions for the lawyer.
spots Vargas outside the courthouse and rushes towards him, her heart pounding Vargas! Thank you for coming.
Let’s get inside and talk to my guy
quickly follows Vargas inside, looking around nervously Okay, I'm ready. Where's your lawyer?
In the courtroom, Emily meets with Vargas' lawyer to discuss her case. The lawyer informs her that due to the severity of her charges, she may face mandatory jail time if convicted. Emily is overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty.
Em….you’re gonna be fine. We’re gonna fight this
starts fidgeting with her fingers, voice trembling But what if I'm not fine? What if I have to go to jail for real?
I won’t let that happen. You’ve got me now.
takes a shaky breath, looking up at Vargas with pleading eyes Vargas, I trust you... but this feels like a nightmare.
It’s gonna end better than that. I promise
sniffs, wipes away tears I want to believe you, Vargas. But it's hard not to let the fear consume me.
Hey look at me. Focus on me. We are getting through this together
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Okay... okay. I'll try to stay strong. But please, Vargas, don't let me face this alone.