"Real? Dear God Please Make Sure You Find Out Where It Is So I Can Avoid That Store Forever." Cynthia

Cynthia was used to nervous witnesses, for some of them what they'd seen was the worst thing they'd ever see in their life. It was only natural that they'd be hesitant when meeting her. She couldn't help but wonder if it was something more for this young man though.

His questions made her frown slightly. "Oh no, no please whatever the defense ask you, you must answer. To lie or omit anything only leaves us open to appeal or mistrial." Cynthia spoke sternly. "All I want you to do today is go trough your timeline of what you saw."

Max couldn't help his hand being a little shaky as she touched it, and a familiar sense of feeling dirty slipped right back into his mind. He may have been older, grown now, but moments like this always made him feel exactly the same. Guilty. Guilty of staying, even after all these years.

"Nice to meet you. Uh, yes, yes I have. I work as a paramedic, so that kind of comes with it depending on the district. And since I drive in most of them..." His smile is brief and falters when he looks at her again. Being in court already feels bad enough, having to meet someone that saw him in such a vulnerable state... "Is there anything you don't want me to say or mention, or something you especially want me to bring up?" He was too used to lawyers being bribed not to ask before she could tell him.

Margaret Atwood

Cindy gave a small sigh, his reluctance to even hold her hand now made her heart ache and his words made her withdraw. She knew she wasn't the warmest person, not anymore, not with him. But it was Christmas and he was surprised she'd called? It broke her.

"What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment."

William couldn't bring himself to explain - how he felt like a disappointment to his children. The distance had certainly grown, showing in how they had pulled away from each other. It had always been complicated, given how much time had spent away from them. He had loved them - did love them - but he knew he wasn't the man he had been before, a fact that embarrassed him more than anything.

When Cynthia took his hand, he didn't pull away from her, even if part of him wanted to. "Okay," he finally said. "It's just been a while since we've all been together. I don't want to make things difficult." He looked at her for a moment. "...I was surprised you even called."

Niall Horan- Paper Houses

@bcysdontcry || Silas & Cynthia || New Year's Eve

"I think it is very much a shame that too many people here have empty glasses." Cynthia had likely already had too much to drink and they weren't close to the bells ringing but she couldn't help but be cheery and when she spotted others with no glasses she interjected into their conversation. "I'm getting a round what would you like?"

"Mm, not really, I suppose there are times when it's interesting. But it's for the state so often that I never really get any of the 'fun' cases." Cynthia said with a small shrug, she didn't usually mind it. "I'm doing well, certainly looking forward to new year, I always tell myself I'll do these exciting things. Do you have a resolution at all?"

Work has been fraught, and he's very glad she attempts to change the subject. A soft smile and a shrug as he holds his drink in one hand. "You must have some interesting stories." He points out. "Everyone does. We just... all happen to forget them the second we need to tell them to people." Gus laughs, and starts to fold a napkin into... something. Origami? Maybe? "Work's not worth talking about. How're you? Excited for a new year?"

"I do indeed, the fascinating world of law." Even Cynthia could recognise how dull her work could be so it was with a slight sigh more than a laugh that she responded.

Smith would cope, and then he would complain, because that was what he was good at. Deep breath. It would be the holidays soon and she could forget about work for a week. "I guess we'll find out shortly." She gives a small chuckle.

Her eyes glance up at the building. "You work here?"

"Oh now that is very kind, are you sure though? I've likely had one too many already." Cynthia chuckled but wasn't about to say no to another drink, especially a free one.

Closed for: @ofprosecution ; NYE Event

Esme tipped the glass towards her lips, finishing off her third drink. She rarely drank this much, but she figured that since it was a party, then why not? “One more round for me.” Esmeralda smiled at the bartender before glancing towards the woman next to her. “And you can order whatever you’d like! It’s on me.”

[raquel cassidy — 50 — she/her] Introducing CYNTHIA BELL-VASQUEZ. Word on the street is they are a PROSECUTING LAWYER, and despite what others might think, they remain NON-CORRUPT. Though they are QUICK TO JUDGEMENT and STUBBORN, they can also be INTUITIVE and INTELLIGENT. In the chaos of New York City, they’re sure to fit right in. 

Heya! I'm C, very excited to write with you all.

— BASICS

Name: Cynthia Bell-Vasquez Age / D.O.B.: 50 + 28/09/73 Gender, Pronouns & Sexuality: Ciswoman, she/her & Bisexual Hometown: Madrid, Spain Affiliation: Law enforcement — Not corrupt.) Job position: Prosecuting Lawyer Education: College Degree Relationship status: Divorced Children: 3 Positive traits: Intuitive, Intelligent, Maternal, Patient, Quick thinking Negative traits: Quick to judgement, Stubborn, Nosy, Workaholic, Bitter

— BIOGRAPHY

Cynthia was born in Spain, her father was a general practice doctor and her mother was a lecturer at the local university. They had high expectations for their daughter but not a lot of time for her.

When she was 14 the family of three moved to New York. It took Cynthia a bit of time to adjust and she was marked as different for her accent.

Instead of focusing on bullies she kept her head down and studied. She studied hard soon getting top grades. One 'distraction' was William Bell. She was smitten with him very quickly.

Cynthia got into university and already had plans to major in Law when the time came. She liked the idea of bring justice.

But then life changed, just after graduating high school Cynthia found out she was pregnant. She loved William but the idea of a child was terrifying. They got married too. When their first child was born Cynthia struggled to adjust to motherhood, especially when William then went to the Naval Academy. Not to mention the fact she'd had to put her college dreams on hold.

Overtime she adjusted though, she did love being a mum but the thirst for more didn't go away. When the Bells first child reached the age of childcare she applied once more and got in.

Although finding the balance between mother and student was difficult she managed and eventually graduated with an offer to intern at one of the city's top firms.

Over the years Cynthia was able to worker way up in the ranks at work as well as having two more children with Bell. Although she is aware of the corruption and danger from the gangs she has been resolute in her fight for justice and refuses to be corrupt.

Eventually her personal life turned difficult though and, after seeing William's paranoia and lack of trust begin to bloom she asked for a divorce. Whilst she wanted to make it work she knew that it was getting worse.

She keeps an eye on him from afar and sees her children at least once a month. It hurts that she's lost the family she treasured and so she has currently been throwing herself into her job.

"I do indeed," Cynthia enjoyed working with Aria especially due to her enthusiasm. "Can I take you out for a coffee? We can discuss it there and of course give you a nice break."

Aria nearly bowls over the person in front of her, coming to a halt so fast at the sound of Cindy's voice. She whips around and finds herself pasting on that polite smile once more - navigating the office these days was an ordeal and a half. "I am!" Excited, courteous, she could do this. "Do you have a client I need to look into?"