March 18, 1997

Celia parked her van in a handicapped space in the parking garage next to the FBI building in downtown Los Angeles. She was wearing her black blazer with a sapphire blue blouse and her sandy brown hair was pulled back into a pony tail.  She enjoyed the last few notes of Bruce Springsteen’s “Brilliant Disguise” as she slowly closed her eyes and did a slow nod with the rhythm of the drum beat. Celia opened her eyes and said, “Ahh, musical nirvana. Maybe one day he and the E Street Band will get back together.” Celia shook her head and put her work bag in her lap and activated the opening process. She wheeled her chair into the lift and lowered it. As the lift lowered her chair her cell phone rang and Celia pulled out her phone. She kind of liked the flip phone action because it made her feel like it was something out of “Star Trek” Unbeknownst to the rest of the world Celia was a huge “Star Trek” fan. Although she wasn’t sure how she felt about “Deep Space Nine” or the new one called “Voyager.” 

Flipping the phone open she said, “Dr. Carter.”

A voice on the other end said, “Dr. Carter this is Eddie and I thought I would let you know that the DNA test from the Henderson case finished up late last night.”

Celia slightly twisted her upper body as she pressed a button along the side of the lift which gave her chair a gentle push out off of the lift. Once her chair was clear the lift began to fold up and Celia closed the door and locked it. She said, “It’s a match for the husband isn’t it.” 

As she began to wheel away from the van Eddie replied, “98% match and we got more than half the markers we need.”

Celia smiled and said, “Great! Get the report started Eddie I’ll get the D-A on the phone I’m guessing we’re in court sometime next week. Do you want this one?”

Eddie replied, “Really? Dr. Carter, I don’t know what to say. This is gonna be my first time in court”

Celia said, “You might as well bust your court cherry on this one. You were the one you pushed for the DNA testing of the sock drawer.”

He said, “Wow, umm yeah okay sure yeah. I just hope I don’t let you down.”

Celia began to wheel herself along the sidewalk as she said, “Don’t worry Eddie I’ll help prep you just tell the truth and give direct answers. As it was said in ‘Philadelphia’ ‘talk to me like I’m a four-year-old.’ Same concept here kid.  I’ll be in there in a couple of minutes.” 

She closed her phone as she pressed the handicap door button and wheeled herself into the building. Celia pulled out her badge and flashed it to the on-duty security guard. He looked at the badge and said, “Good morning Dr. Carter.” Celia put her badge away and said, “Hey Jack, how’s the family?” Jack replied, “Great Dr. Carter.” 

Celia gave a wink and a smile as she wheeled her way to an opened elevator. As she approached the elevator several people moved to make room for her. Celia kept her composure and said, “I’ll get the next one.” Celia wheeled back as the doors closed. For the most part Celia had made peace with her paralysis, but there were moments like that where she felt like people were willing to help more out of pity than common courtesy. It made her feel like a freak or less than what she was.  Celia closed her eyes for a brief moment and everything that happened on that night 4 years ago flooded back in the blink of an eye. 

The doors opened up for another elevator and Celia quickly opened her eyes. As she wheeled herself into the elevator. Celia pressed the button for the 5th floor and waited patiently as other people began to board.