"Bills don't pay themselves, baby girl."
"No, but we'll figure it out. We always do."
The phone rang. Maya answered, listened, then held it out to her father. "It's someone from CNN. They want to interview us."
Over the next several days, their small apartment became command central for a media storm. Every news outlet wanted their story. Talk shows offered appearances, publishers wanted book deals, civil rights organizations wanted Maya to speak at events.
But the most important call came from the Michigan Attorney General's office.
"Mr. Thompson, Miss Thompson," the AG said over speakerphone. "We've launched a full investigation into Whitmore and Associates. What your daughter uncovered appears to be the tip of the iceberg. We found evidence of systematic discrimination, embezzlement, and racketeering going back years."
"What do you need from us?" Maya asked.
"Your testimony, for starters. But Miss Thompson, I have another proposition: My office runs a youth justice internship program. It's typically for high school seniors, but given your extraordinary capabilities, we'd like to offer you a position. You'd work with real prosecutors on real cases, focusing on wrongful convictions and civil rights violations."
Maya's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Two days a week after school, full days during summer. It's demanding, but I think you can handle it."
"Yes," Maya said immediately. "Absolutely. Yes."
As the call ended, Marcus watched his daughter's face glow with possibility. This was what vindication looked like: not just freedom from false charges, but the opening of doors that had always been closed.
That evening, as they watched the news coverage of Richard Whitmore's bail hearing—denied—and the growing scandal at the law firm, Maya curled up against her father's side.
"I'm proud of you, Daddy."