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"Once I started there, I heard about the records division and how they were looking for help to transcribe notes for detectives."
"Was that a better fit for you?"
"It was the same kind of work, really. Just a different keyboard."
"That would be a nightmare for me." Miriam flexed her hands. "I couldn't switch back and forth like that."
"It was actually easier to go to transcription instead of court reporting, since transcriptions are done on QWERTY keyboards and I was used to using those. A steno machine is like learning short hand and I wasn't very good at learning that in school. I guess using both hands was better than using one hand to scratch on paper. The other reason I was eager to work in the records department... now this might sound silly, but... I liked the idea that my work would help the detectives catch the people who were harming others.
"As a court reporter, which I still do off and on as the need arises, I feel like I'm only on the back end of it where I'm just recording the outcome instead of being involved in the investigation." She winced, knowing how stupid that sounded to her own ears. "I mean... I know I'm not involved in solving crimes, but-"
"You don't have to justify it, Molly. I think what you do is amazing."
"I feel silly. You're working in the 911 Call Center. You're directly involved with things. You get people where they need to go and help others. You must think I'm so silly to think I'm making a difference."
Doctor Webb's phone rang, and he leaned over to look at the screen. "It looks like Detective Rafferty is ready to grovel and beg your pardon."
Molly felt her heart kick against her ribs and she stayed still as the doctor answered his phone.
Miriam held out her hand again and Molly put her hand in hers. Miriam, still holding onto Molly's hand, stood and moved to sit down beside her. "Breathe, Molly."
"I don't think I can. I'm not expecting him to apologize. I should be the one to say I'm sorry. I invited myself up here. I knew that I should stay and talk to him."
Miriam leaned her shoulder against Molly's. "You should do what you need to, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed. I can see why you were upset. You've already had something messing with your head. You're in uncharted territory here, Molly. I felt the same way when Callen and I were struggling to see eye to eye when we were starting out."
Molly pulled back a little, unsure if Miriam had used the phrase intentionally or if it was just something she'd heard over the years.
"Anything worth having is worth fighting for." She added, "Sometimes love happens even when we have to fight with the ones we love."
Molly smiled. "You can say that again."
Miriam shook her head. "No, I'm sure you'll remember it, right?"
Molly laughed and squeezed Miriam's hand. "You're right. I do."
The doctor ended his call and moved so that he sat on the edge of the sectional. "Ladies, you were half right. Jacob is coming up a little later, It seems that there’s someone in Center City who gets to speak to you first."
Molly felt her forehead furrow with concern.
"The District Attorney is here to see you, Molly."
Molly knew exactly who he was talking about. She'd been a court reporter during several cases where DA Wielding was the prosecutor. The woman was as elegant as she was formidable in a courtroom. And she oozed elegance.
Turning toward Miriam, she swallowed at the sudden knot in her throat. "Why do I feel like I'm about to be put in detention?"
Miriam held tighter on to her hand. "Just let her try. I've got your back, Molly."
Molly smiled and felt some of the tension settling into her spine fade away.
Doctor Webb stood up and headed toward the door, but before he passed by, he leaned in to place a kiss on Molly's upturned cheek.
Then he turned to look at Molly and he walked backward a few steps. "We mean that, Molly. We won't let anyone make you do something you don't want to do."
"Yeah," Molly drew in a shaky breath. "Miss Wielding is very skilled at the art of persuasion."
"And I," Doctor Webb answered back, "can be a first-class asshole when I want."
Miriam sighed like a fan girl and put her free hand over her heart. "I love that man."
