Ms. Rivera’s presence shifted in a way that wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by anyone there that day, almost as if she could sense his authority and presence as well, her temperature seeming to lower as to focus in on the gravity of the situation, a bit much for your model grade school teacher.

He has that effect on everyone?, Juniper mused, trying to ignore the gust of jealousy that shot through her as Ms. Rivera’s eyes looked him over.

As the deposition began, Juniper tried to lighten the moment. “If Sophia was here, she’d know exactly what to ask,” she said with a smile. “Don’t you just love her…”