The Two Sided Coin: Log 4: Calling in the cavalry

[x-invisiblegirl.livejournal.com]

Julian brings hope upto date on the situation so far.

Hope looked up from her book she had been trying to read when Julian appeared at her door. Immediately she put the book down and rose: "What happened?"

Julian dropped his coat into a nearby chair, "Nothing good," he replied as he strode across the room and looked out of the window.  "I need you to tell me what happened today." He did not look at her, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I have been considering the same thing, but nothing I can remember stands out specifically. I arrived, logged on to my laptop and we had our morning meeting. I had my autenticathor with me at the time..." Hope tilted her head a little. "You do believe I am innocent of this, do you?"

After a pause, Julian turned to Hope and nodded, moving to take a seat across from her, "Hope- I believe you- but I need to be able to make other people believe <i>in</i> you."  He settled into the seat, mulling over the events of the day, "I'll do everything I can, but I need you to tell me if there is <i>anything</i> you left out of the official report."

"There is nothing I can think of." Hope shook her head after a few moments of thought. "Though they must know you have given me access to quite a few of your things. Otherwise I would never have had this level of access to sensitive documents."

With a long sigh, Julian sat back in the cushy chair, a long moment of silence passing- it had been a long day for both of them.  Finally, "Hope, like I said, I believe you.  I've reached out to some mutual friends of ours to look into your case, since, again, like I said before, I don't trust that it wasn't someone in the company that betrayed you and I both.  That means they'll probably need to talk to you too."  He leaned forward, "I'll do everything in my power to make sure your job is secure- we'll get through this, okay?"

"I'll do whatever I have to do to clear my name. Even if we cannot make sure I stay in my job, I would at least like to avoid the legal system. Have you spoken with any lawyers?" Hope asked.

Unintentionally, her boss scoffed, then held up a hand in apology.  "Our legal department wants to throw you under the bus and back over you a couple times- sorry...bit visceral."  He sighed and reached out to his coat, floating his phone over to his waiting hand with practiced precision.  "I think we need to get you a good defense attorney for the time being- someone who can act on your behalf against them."

"I have already looked into it. Uncle Arthur has a firm on retainer I can use if I want to. I have an appointment tomorrow morning to discuss the case with them." Hope held up a piece of paper. "And I am not satisfied with those, I have two more here that I can try."

"I was thinking of Matt Murdock," he preempted any objections, "I know...I know, but he's apparently quite good at defending the innocent.  He also knows about this place and can keep operational security intact."

"I am still not sure, Julian. Does he not work for Warren Worthington? I am just wondering what picture that gives if it comes to the worst." Hope asked doubtfully. "Plus, this way I do not have to find the required funds."

"Funds aren't an issue- but if you want to use your family attorney, it is- ultimately- your call," he paused, standing up and pulling his phone from his pocket.  "Contact your legal department, you know the information for ours, I think."  He smiled, weakly, and stepped forward, setting a hand on her shoulder before sinking down to the floor in a smooth crouch.  "For the duration of the proceedings, we'll need to limit communication to just our Xavier's phones."  Giving her shoulder a squeeze, "We'll get through this, Hope- I promise.

"That is probably for the best... And I will talk to my family attorney first. If that does not feel right, I will see." Hope replied. "Wait... did my authenticator ever turn up?"

Julian nodded as he gathered his things telekineticly, "They looked over your office, it was discovered by your laptop.  If the thief took it and put it back there, then we should have no issue since there are cameras in the hallway- that should narrow things down a bit."

"Now we just need to hope they will share those images with us..." Hope shook her head as she sat down again, pulling over a note book and scribbling down a few notes. "Thanks Julian. I have been writing down everything I can remember from today, so I think I am going to finish it"

With a smile, he turned to leave, speaking over his shoulder, "If you need anything, just text...we'll get to the bottom of this Hope, I promise."