Vance - 4.3

The conference room, now eerily silent after the mass exodus, felt colder and more imposing than before. Lafayette stood at the head of the table, his demeanor commanding and resolute. I remained seated, my thoughts a whirlwind of disbelief and unease.

"I am not certain that I am a great fit for this restructuring." I responded

"Vance," Lafayette began, his tone firm yet oddly paternal, "We're at a critical juncture. The board's decision to restructure wasn't made lightly. The future of this branch depends on us. We must steer this vessel in a positive new direction."

He paced slowly, his hands clasped behind his back. "Going forward, our focus will be solely on high-paying corporate cases. No more pro bono work, no more helping out the common man. It's time to elevate this firm's status and financial stability. The days of spreading our name thin is over."

His words cut deep, a stark contrast to the values Michael Pembrose had instilled in this firm. But Lafayette continued, unperturbed by the turmoil brewing within me.

"You, Vance, will be at the forefront of this transformation. I'm placing you in charge of this branch. Right now, I want you hiring new talent. We need a team that reflects our new direction—sharp, ambitious, and unburdened by the ideals of the past. You'll have the authority to assemble the best and brightest."

Lafayette's eyes met mine, his gaze intense. "Vance, you're now a senior partner. With that privilege I have given you, I am doubling your salary. With that salary you have received, I am increasing your responsibility. All you need to do is follow my orders, and this branch will thrive."

He paused, a brief moment of softness crossing his features. "I know this is a lot to take in, but we need strong leadership now more than ever. You're the one to help me succeed, Vance."

With that, he left the conference room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The weight of his words settled heavily on my shoulders. The reality of Michael Pembrose losing his life's work struck me with full force. The man who had been my hero, now lay in a hospital bed, his legacy seemingly dismantled piece by piece.

Needing a respite from the suffocating atmosphere of the office, I decided to take a walk. The street vendors were already setting up their stalls for the lunch rush. I gravitated towards an old, familiar stand—a small comfort from my childhood.

"Oi, Vahnce! Lon' time na see," the vendor greeted me warmly. His face was lined with age and wisdom, and his eyes twinkled with a kindness that felt like a balm on my weary soul.

"Hey, Vinny. I would like to have two dogs-loaded," I said, managing a small smile.

As he prepared my order, Vinny glanced up at me. "Ya look like yah've got the weight of the world on ya shoul'ers. Anyt'ing you wanna talk 'bout?"

I hesitated, then shrugged. "Just dealing with some changes at work. Big changes."

He nodded sagely as he handed me my food. "Change is a tricky thing, Vance. It can feel like losing everything you've known. But sometimes, change is just another word for opportunity. You've got a good head on your shoulders. Trust yourself to make the right choices."

His words, though simple, resonated deeply. I waited a few minutes for my food then headed to the park, finding a bench where I could sit and watch the birds. As I ate, I let Vinny's advice sink in. The park was a haven of calm, the gentle rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds offering a stark contrast to the chaos of my thoughts.

A cloud drifted overhead, casting a shadow around me. I watched as the light and darkness played across the grass. The firm's direction might be changing, but that didn't mean I had to abandon the principles that Pembrose had stood for.

As I made my way back to the Pembrose building, my mind began to clear. My mind approved the way to continue. The path ahead might be fraught with challenges, but I resolved to honor Michael's legacy in my own way. I would hire the best talent, yes, but I would also look for those down-on-their-luck lawyers and fresh attorneys straight out of college—people who deserved a chance, just like Pembrose had given me.

Returning to the office, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Lafayette might have his vision for the future, but I had my own. And I would make sure that Michael Pembrose's spirit of justice and opportunity lived on, no matter the obstacles ahead.

Bursting into the office with a renewed sense of purpose, I made a beeline for the secretary's desk. The shock on her face was almost comical, but I had no time for pleasantries.

"Send out a notice. Pembrose & Lafayette is hiring," I ordered, my voice firm and resolute. "I want it known that we're looking for new talent—people who need this job and will truly appreciate the opportunity. No career climbers looking to just advance their title or pay. We need fresh blood with fresh perspectives."

The secretary nodded, quickly jotting down my instructions. "I'll have the message sent out immediately, Mr. Vance."

"And another thing," I continued, my mind racing with the urgency of my plans. "Tell the paralegals to enjoy the rest of the week off. They should come back Monday, ready for a new future."

With that, I turned on my heel and left the office, my footsteps echoing in the now-empty hallways. The weight of my responsibilities pressed down on me, but there was also a spark of determination igniting within. I needed to decompress, to find some semblance of peace.

Back at my apartment, I made myself a strong cup of coffee and settled onto the couch. The evening weather report played softly in the background as I stared into the steaming mug, my mind yet to completely quiet...

Change is a tricky thing, Vance... You, Vance, will be at the forefront of this transformation... I think you have super-durability, super-strength, and super-healing....You may want to be examined for any extraordinary potential... The people here need a hero...

I know I do not want to let anyone else lose their lives or livelihoods if I could help it. The memory of Jessica's tragic end and Pembrose's current state weighed heavily on me. But as I sipped my coffee, the fatigue of the day caught up, and I slowly drifted off to sleep, the mug slipping from my hand onto the couch beside me.

I awoke to the sound of late-night talk show laughter, the host's voice echoing through my apartment. Groggily, I sat up and realized they were discussing a corporate shakeup at Pembrose & Lafayette. My heart sank as I saw Lafayette being introduced as the special guest.

Without hesitation, I grabbed the remote and changed the channel to an old black-and-white rerun, the familiar scenes of noir detectives and shadowy villains a comfort in the unsettling present.

Just as I began to relax, an emergency broadcast interrupted the show. The screen flashed a bright yellow, indicating a level threat—the same as Misconductor's attack. My heart pounded as the news anchor's urgent voice filled the room.

"Attention, a Yellow Level Threat has been declared. An unknown villain is currently robbing a bank a few blocks away. Police have yet to arrive, and hostages are being held inside."

Arial news footage showed several smashed cars in the parking lot of the bank, leading to crumbled concrete scattered around a hole in the side of the building.

...The people here need a hero...

I jumped to my feet, my mind racing. I can stop this. I can be a hero. I hurriedly scavenged my bureau, closet, and laundry bin. I grabbed an old hooded long-sleeve from my bureau. I snatched the tattered duster hanging in my closet. I pulled my sweat pants from my dirty laundry. 

I need something for my head. 

My eyes darted around my room before I carried myself out to the kitchen junk drawer. Perfect-ish! Darkened swimming goggles. I must look like an idiot, but no one would associate a crazily dressed fool to an accomplished attorney. 

I debated with myself as I paced the room, unsure of the best way to leave my penthouse without someone noticing. Finally, I made up my mind. Reluctantly, I opened the window and climbed out onto the fire escape.

Taking a deep breath, I leaped from the fire escape, using the walls to slide down to the ground. My fingers dug into the brickwork and helped to slow the twelve story decent. I landed with a heavy thud, the concrete beneath my feet cracking slightly from the impact.

Brushing off the brick-and-mortar giblets, I waited a moment to steady myself. The bank was just a few blocks away, and the adrenaline coursing through my veins drove me forward. This was a chance to make a real difference, to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

As I sprinted towards the scene, the sound of distant sirens began to fill the night. But I knew the victims couldn't wait for the police. Lives were at stake, and I was determined to save them, no matter the cost.