Time: Unknown (From the look of things, 1986 or so...) Scene: Julia is sitting alone at the Orient Express staring at a wrapped present of gold paper and a red ribbon on the table when Mason comes up behind her.
Mason: "Happy Belated Birthday."
Julia, looking over her shoulder, clearly surprised, and a bit off-guard: "Mason! How...uncharacteristically sweet."
Mason goes around to sit across from Julia.
Julia: "What...made you think today wasn't my birthday?"
Mason is clearly pleased and a bit amused at Julia's reaction. "Tools of the trade. Fear and omnipotence isn't the only access that comes with the DA's office." Mason nods to the gift. "Open it."
Julia smiles, "Yeah." She begins opening her gift. "Santa Barbara can rest easy now knowing that you're in office to see that justice prevails and..." Julia opens the card and gives a quick glance. "...privacy evaporates."
Mason: "Well, I'll concede that I did go through your records as public defender."
Julia is a bit dismayed. "You mean you know how old I am?"
Mason: "And also that I went through your files, both personal and personnel, and that's when your date of birth just leapt out at me..."
Julia: "Like a trout."
Mason: "Exactly. So I immediately cast about to pick up something for you."
Julia lifts out a gold-plated plaque out of the box. Inscribed is "Julia Wainwright, Assistant District Attorney". She gives Mason an amused but exasperated look, hiding a smile. "I thought I said no?"
Mason knocks on the table. "Hear that, Julia? That's opportunity. It stands for you to cast off the sack cloth of servitude and join the ranks of the steadily employed."
Julia takes the nameplate and places it on her chest, a small smile on her face. "I'll always wear it as a brooch."
Mason stares at Julia. "I don't have to tell you the gratification that your acceptance would give me."
Julia is smiling. "I don't think I like the sound of that."
Mason: "Ah, you don't have to give me an answer tonight, Julia." Mason begins to stand up. "I'll be satisfied as long as I get an answer by the crack of dawn."
With that, Mason walks over to where Julia still sits. Kissing the top of Julia's head, Mason once again says, "Happy Birthday", as Julia smiles. Mason walks away.
