Response Time: To Sonny April, I couldn't really find places where he could fit, but he is indeed back. I'm certain everyone's missed him. To VerucaBeyotch, I must say, I appreciate your compliments. This won't be the last story, though. In fact, I'm not certain when it will end. But thank you for saying that. Hard to believe this all started because of your request, huh? To Tessa, Thank you so much! I'm assuming you've read all the parts to the series, and if so, you probably set a record for reading my stories in a matter of hours. I'd shake your hand, but I can't phase through the computer. Still, thank you, and you usually won't have to worry about updates, as they come in rather quickly. On with the story!

Chapter 4: First Day of Trial

The first day of trial was rather brutal. Violet was up first to be questioned, and she was practically at Ada's mercy. "State your name for the record."

Violet moved to the microphone and said, "My name is Violet Lillian Beauregarde."

"Now to begin questioning. This isn't your first time in court, is it?" Violet shook her head no. Ada continued, "I see. This is your third time. The first time was testifying against Willy Wonka, and after that was testifying against Clive Dove and James Novak. I'm betting everyone will remember what happened in between those two cases, am I correct? After all, it has been almost a year since you murdered Wonka with a crowbar and then parading around as the supervillainess, Malicious Minerva!"

Phoenix stood up and shouted, "Objection! Ms. Attra had no right to bring up Ms. Beauregarde's criminal record! While it is true she pleaded guilty to her crimes, she worked with the National Crime Agency to take down two high-profile targets. If anything, she deserves recognition for her bravery!"

Ada said, "If it's on the record, I have every right to use it if it proves her intent." The judge allowed her to continue. "During that time, you caused large amounts of property damage by destroying buildings, and you injured and killed countless people. Now, what happened when your sister Vera appeared? She and your brother Victor, who is also a fugitive, caused large amounts of property damage, as well as injured and killed countless people. Does this ring a bell?"

"I didn't know they were going to do that! They did that on their own! We fought them off!" Violet protested.

"I'm sure you didn't know anything about that, just like you couldn't possibly be perjuring yourself right now." Phoenix slammed his pen on the table, which cued Ada to say, "Withdrawn. Nothing further."

Phoenix got up and said, "Violet, what did you do after that case?"

Violet answered, "I did everything I could to make it up to the people I hurt, and I even helped out the ones my siblings hurt. I can't turn back the clock, but I wish I could. I did terrible things, and they haunt me all the time. I was unstable, and I turned to a psychopath who manipulated me for his own gain. I want everyone to know what I did was my fault. I made stupid decisions and I was unable to forgive myself for it. I don't blame anyone for saying it's my fault."

Phoenix asked, "Do you believe you're a good person?"

Violet said, "No, I am not. Because no matter what, I hurt those people. I have to be honest and say I'm not a good person. But I never want to commit the atrocities I have already committed a second time. When you see what I've seen, it changes you."

Phoenix smiled and said, "Thank you for being honest, Violet. Nothing further."

The court took a recess, so Phoenix took them to a diner to eat.

"You did the best you could, Violet." Mike said.

Charlie held her as he told her, "He's right. I'm proud of you for owning up to that. I'm glad I'm your boyfriend."

Suddenly, Layton arrived, and Phoenix said, "Good to see you, Hershel! Any good news?"

Layton sadly said, "Afraid not. You remember Detective Foxhill? He was just murdered a few blocks from here about an hour ago!"

Phoenix and the others jumped out of the seats and made their way to the crime scene.

This is awful! Was this a murder? Or something more? Stay tuned, and have a great day!