December 16, 2027 – 9:12AM
Defendant's Lobby No. 3
It was no question that I was nervous. I had to get Mr Starbuck off the hook, pretend that Athena's tell didn't exist, and not think too much about Clay. Juniper gave me a raw lotus root and I ate it without thinking!
(I've gotta calm down…)
When Mr Starbuck arrived, he was sure that he was going to prison. Athena and I tried to cheer him up, even though yesterday's investigation didn't go as planned. Of course, Athena was worried about me, but I had to focus all my attention on the trial.
(And not on Athena's twitch… or Clay…)
Time to give it all I've got.
(x)
December 16, 2027 – 12:03PM
Hickfield Clinic
(What happened and where am I?)
I opened my eyes to a white ceiling. I tried to sit up but I felt like I couldn't move.
I looked to my right and saw Mr Wright, Athena and Trucy standing there.
"Apollo!"
"Polly!"
"How are you doing, Apollo?" Athena asked.
I focused my attention on her. All I could see was her doing her nervous tell.
(Snap out of it, Justice!)
"I-I think I'm alright, what exactly happened?" I answered.
"A bomb went off during the trial, you and Athena tried to make a run for it, but you ran into Juniper. You put yourself over her to protect her from debris, and injured yourself in the process. You did a good deed, Apollo," Mr Wright reassured.
"I remember now, it was Mr Starbuck's trial, wasn't it?" I questioned.
"Yeah, it was," Trucy replied.
"What's happened to Juniper? Did she get hurt?"
The rest of the Wright Anything Agency glanced at each other.
"She's… been arrested," Athena said quietly.
"What?" My chords of steel refused to work.
"The police suspect her for the bombing of the courtroom…" Phoenix sighed.
"That's ridiculous! She wouldn't bomb the courtroom! She wouldn't bomb anything!"
"And since someone was killed during the bombing, she's suspected of murder too," Athena added.
"…Who's defending her?" I asked.
"Well… Daddy and Thena said that they were going to do it…" Trucy began.
"…Mr Wright. I would like to defend Juniper tomorrow," I stated.
"Apollo? Are you in a good condition for defending?" Mr Wright looked shocked.
"I'll be fine. I have to defend her tomorrow, will you let me?"
Athena swallowed, "If it's alright with Mr Wright, I would like to help Apollo."
(Crap! Will I perceive her tell even more?)
Mr Wright looked at both of us, both our eyes filled with determination. "…Alright. You can defend her. Apollo, you'll be leading the defence with Athena as your co-counsel. We will investigate and give you the evidence later today. Rest up for tomorrow, okay?"
"Thanks, Mr Wright," I replied.
"I'll stay here with Polly!" Trucy beamed.
"Take care. Truce, Look after Polly," he said as he and Athena left the room.
Trucy scooched her chair closer to my bed. She rested her wand on the table next to her chair.
"So, do you remember anything else?" Trucy wondered.
"We had made significant process during the trial, and we managed to prove that it was Clay carrying Mr Starbuck, not the other way around. Therefore, Clay was alive after the bomb exploded on the rocket," I remembered.
Trucy jotted it down on a notebook. "Just in case you forget, I wrote it down."
"Thanks, Trucy."
"No worries," she noticed my frown on my face. "I'll cheer you up, Polly!"
She pulled our Mr Hat. (Haven't seen him in a long time.)
"Hi folks! Mr Hat here!" Trucy smiled.
I smiled too. It was always good to see Trucy happy.
"He's happy! Yes! Mission accomplished!"
I laughed. Trucy grinned. "We did it, Mr Hat!" She packed Mr Hat away. The door opened and a nurse came in.
"Here's your lunch," she said.
She placed it on the table next to my bed. "Thank you very much," I replied.
She walked out and shut the door behind her. Trucy looked at the food. "There's a reason why I don't like hospital food," she winced.
"Can I get you something from the café nearby? Like a sandwich?" she offered.
"That would be great, thanks, Truce," I responded.
"I'll be back in ten!" Trucy announced as she waltzed out the door.
I shifted my position on the bed. I then remembered about the case. And Athena's tell.
(It's going to be a long case, all right.)
I noticed Clay's HAT-2 jacket sitting on the chair next to the one Trucy was sitting on. I called the nurse and had her hand it to me. I felt the fabric between my fingers. I decided to make a vow to Clay.
(I'll find your killer. I'll bring them to justice. No matter how long it takes, or who it is, they deserve to be punished. I promise you.)
An image of a yellow-suited lawyer popped into my head. I shook my head.
(Even if it's my co-worker. I will find them.)
I just hoped it wasn't.
A/N: Hey guys! Sorry this chapter is a bit short! I'm doing chapters for each day, so some days might be longer than others. Anyway, please R&R!
-PurplePanda12