Chapter 10 Into the Fire

The office buzzed with an unusual tension when Harper arrived at Lexington & Walker that afternoon. Phones rang more urgently, assistants scurried with armfuls of papers, and the conference rooms were filled with muted but heated conversations.

Harper slipped into her usual spot, setting down her bag and pulling out her notepad. She'd barely settled when Ms. Walker's sharp voice cut through the hum of the office.

"This is unacceptable," she said, pacing the floor just outside the main conference room. A junior associate stood before her, his face pale and his hands clutching a folder.

"I understand, Ms. Walker," the associate stammered, "but the opposing counsel filed the motion late last night. We didn't have time to-"

"Time?" Ms. Walker interrupted, her tone cold and precise. "Time is a luxury we don't have. If this motion isn't countered effectively, we risk losing the entire case."

Harper pretended to focus on her notes, but her ears perked up. She'd heard whispers about the case before-a multimillion-dollar corporate dispute involving a breach of contract. It was one of the firm's biggest clients, and losing it could damage their reputation.

Ms. Walker's heels clicked against the floor as she turned away from the associate, who quickly retreated to his desk. Harper stole a glance at her-sharp-eyed, her jaw set in determination. Even under stress, Ms. Walker radiated control, her tailored black suit and perfectly styled hair a testament to her rigid professionalism.

---

By late afternoon, Harper had finished summarizing her assigned documents and was about to head home when Ms. Walker appeared at her desk.

"Harper," she said, her tone brisk. "Come with me."

Startled, Harper grabbed her notepad and followed Ms. Walker into her office. The room was a pristine reflection of its owner: dark wood furniture, immaculate bookshelves lined with legal texts, and a spotless glass desk.

"Take a seat," Ms. Walker said, gesturing to the chair across from her.

Harper sat, her heart pounding. She'd rarely been in Ms. Walker's office, and the weight of the moment wasn't lost on her.

"We're facing an uphill battle with this case," Ms. Walker began, sitting down and folding her hands on the desk. "I need someone reliable to assist me. Mr. Callahan speaks highly of your work, and I've noticed your ability to grasp complex details quickly."

Harper blinked, her throat dry. "Thank you, Ms. Walker."

"This will mean longer hours," Ms. Walker continued. "Shadowing me during meetings, reviewing documents, and possibly attending court proceedings. The internship will still count toward your college credit, but you'll also start receiving a stipend. $18 an hour, effective immediately."

Harper's breath hitched. $18 an hour? That was more than she'd dared to hope for. It would mean she could afford more than gas station food-maybe even a place to stay.

"Do you think you can handle this?" Ms. Walker asked, her piercing gaze locking onto Harper's.

"Yes," Harper said quickly. "Absolutely."

"Good," Ms. Walker said, her voice softening just slightly. "But understand this: I have high expectations. I don't tolerate mistakes or excuses. If you're going to work with me, I need your full focus and commitment."

"Yes, ma'am," Harper said, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest.

---

The next few days were a whirlwind. Harper shadowed Ms. Walker during every aspect of the case: client meetings, strategy sessions, and even late-night brainstorming sessions with the legal team.

Ms. Walker was relentless, her mind sharp and her focus unyielding. She dissected every argument, every piece of evidence, with surgical precision. Harper couldn't help but admire her, even as she struggled to keep up.

During one particularly tense meeting, Harper sat quietly in the corner, scribbling notes as Ms. Walker grilled the junior associates.

"This clause is the linchpin of our argument," Ms. Walker said, pointing to a section of the contract projected on the screen. "If opposing counsel undermines it, we're done. I need airtight research on every precedent related to this language by tomorrow morning."

"Yes, ma'am," the associates murmured, their faces pale.

After the meeting, Ms. Walker turned to Harper. "Did you follow all of that?"

"Yes," Harper replied, holding up her detailed notes.

"Good," Ms. Walker said, her tone approving. "Keep those organized. They'll be useful later."

---

Late one night, Harper sat at her makeshift desk in the corner of Ms. Walker's office, organizing files while Ms. Walker reviewed a deposition.

"Why did you choose law?" Harper asked suddenly, surprising even herself.

Ms. Walker looked up, her expression unreadable. "Because it's a field where precision and intellect matter. And because it gives me control-a way to shape outcomes rather than be shaped by them."

Harper nodded, understanding more than she let on.

"Why are you pursuing it?" Ms. Walker asked after a moment.

Harper hesitated. "I want to make something of myself. I want to prove that... I can rise above where I came from."

Ms. Walker studied her for a long moment, her gaze softening just slightly. "You're already on your way."

---

The days were grueling, but Harper thrived under the pressure. She learned more in a week than she had in months, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like her hard work was paying off.

But Ms. Walker's rigid demeanor never faltered. She demanded perfection, and while she acknowledged Harper's efforts, she rarely offered praise. It wasn't until the end of a particularly intense week that she stopped by Harper's desk.

"You've done well," Ms. Walker said simply, handing her a folder.

"Thank you," Harper replied, the weight of the compliment sinking in.

"Keep it up," Ms. Walker added before walking away.

As Harper watched her leave, she couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity. Beneath Ms. Walker's strict exterior was a depth Harper wanted to understand.

And as demanding as the work was, Harper knew she was exactly where she needed to be.