One of my New Year's Resolution is to post one chapter a month for any of my stories. Just to see if I can keep the creative juices going. This month's will be the Law School AU.


Wednesday,

For the day's objectives, Judy, Jack, and Giovanni focused on two things: their presentation before the panel and sending the information to them. For the first part of the presentation, they needed to settle on the order of their information.

"Honestly," Jack said. "The order is irrelevant after the introductions. The board can decide what to ask. We only need to be ready to answer."

Judy, who had been arranging the papers, halted the process. "I guess you're right. I only want to be certain that we cover as much as possible."

Giovanni admired their efforts. "The best way to know is to practice. Here's an idea. You two can do each part, and then we can determine who does which the best."

Jack had a thoughtful look. "Hmm, I like that. The only question then is between Judy and me: who should go first?"

Judy wasted no time volunteering. "I will."

Jack and Giovanni accepted her decision, and the three prepared the table for the mock hearing. Judy stood before the other two and made herself presentable.

"Okay, I'll start with the introductions." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Good morning, Council. We wish to begin by expressing our gratitude to the panel for granting Mr. Meyers the opportunity for this hearing. My colleague and I will present evidence that will prove our client is no longer a danger to the public and should be granted parole. To start, he will read a statement expressing remorse for his actions and the desire to change."

The doe rabbit decided to end it there. "How was I?"

"You sounded good," Giovanni said. "Let's hear Jack now."

Judy switched places with Jack, and the buck began once his friend sat down.

Jack adjusted his tie before beginning. "Good morning, Council. Thank you for granting our client the privilege for the opportunity of parole. My colleague and I have worked extensively with Mr. Meyers to ensure he receives the best possible outcome. That which is being granted an early release. Mr. Meyers has prepared a statement in which he will express his remorse for his crimes and the desire to reform his behavior."

When Jack finished, he returned to his seat. "What do you think?"

"It's rather close. You both were eloquent and stuck to the facts. It's just a matter of who sounded better. But I believe we should see how you perform with the rest of the sections before deciding who does what."

"Good idea," Judy said. She then stood up and took her place at the end of the table. "Now, Jack and I are being asked of Giovanni's attempt to reform, and I'm the one answering." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Mammals of the board, my colleague and I have spoken to and collected statements from acquaintances of Mr. Meyers testifying to his good behavior under their watch." Judy picked up the statements. "One from Mr. Rupert Sailire, manager of the prison commissary. One from Miss Lumi Frigus, a teacher for the prison classes. Lastly, Mr. Cornelius Somnus, the prison librarian. In summary, the mammals attest that Mr. Meyers has caused no trouble, dutifully completed his tasks, and made strides to reform himself."

She set the papers down. "If they ask us to read excerpts or the entire thing we'll do that. We can pick out the excerpts later today."

Jack stood from his seat. "My turn."

He and Judy switched places at the table. "The board has asked about Giovanni's plan once he is released." Jack cleared his throat. "Mammals of the board, we have reviewed Mr. Meyers' packet that contains the contact information for his future residence and occupation. My colleague and I have verified the locations and phone numbers and concluded that Mr. Meyers has a resolute contingency in place should he be granted parole." Jack brought up the papers. "These documents list the addresses and contact information to his residence and occupation. Mr. Meyers will be more than happy to go in-depth."

He sat back down. "I doubt they would want to ask to see the documents directly, but we'll be ready for the possibility."

"You both did a rather wonderful job again," Giovanni said before chuckling. "This is going to be more difficult in the decision process, but I should consider that a good thing."

"We should focus on the material first as you mentioned." Jack proposed. "You may not even have to decide for some of the sections in the end."

"Good idea. Now, I haven't studied law that much, but I know enough to contribute something. Don't worry. None of what I want to say is considered legal advice."

Judy smiled. "Any feedback is welcomed."

Line Break

With only witness statements and the video surveillance no good, Nick and Skye had the tall task of trying to convince the board that Randall didn't stab Leonard. The mammals decided to listen to the recordings and see what they can extract.

"Let's start with the facts," Skye began. "We know that somebody stabbed Sanchez. And that you, Badgerson, was not seen on camera stabbing him. And lastly, no one else but you and him were taken away by the guards."

Even aware of the fox stereotype, Badgerson still had doubts. "How do these facts help me?"

"Simple," Nick said. "Through the witness statements, the conclusive argument can be made that you didn't injure Sanchez. A third mammal is possibly involved in the incident that has yet to be identified."

The tod's answer gave the badger hope. "Perfect! So, I'm in the clear if we find the mammal?"

Skye shook her head. "As much as Nick and I would love to investigate further, there is not enough time to pursue that route. Should the board overturn your solitary confinement, and if Mr. Alces permits, you can request him to have other law students work on finding the mammal."

"Skye and I are limited to one case per semester because we're first-year students. Strict rules set by the college." Nick explained.

Randall let out a sigh of disappointment. "Very well. I wouldn't want the both of you to get in trouble for trying to help a mammal."

In the middle of their tasks, the mammals heard the door open and turned to see Mr. Alces entering.

Skye wondered the reason for the moose's presence. "Mr. Alces?"

The attorney pointed to Nick. "I need to speak to you."

Feeling a mixture of curiosity and anxiety, the fox complied. Skye and Randall shared his sentiments.

Nick and Alces stood on the opposite side of the door and leaned in to whisper.

"Is something wrong?"

"Sanchez wants to speak to you."

Hearing the coyote's name almost caused Nick to jump for joy, so he settled for wide eyes. "Now?!"

The moose nodded. "But only to you. Aside from you speaking the same language, I can't think of any other reason for the condition. I'll take you to him when you're ready."

The fox nodded and rushed back into the room. The display caught the attention of Skye and Randall.

The arctic vixen watched her friend search through his and her bags. "What's going on?"

Nick spared them only a glance. "I'll tell you later. It's related to our case, but it's time-sensitive." He finished packing and ran out of the room before Skye and Randall could inquire further.

During the walk, Nick realized Mr. Alces was escorting him to the visitor's section of the prison instead of the cells. He began to wonder why when he found his answer upon entering the area.

Mr. Alces pointed in the direction of the mammal of interest. "Sanchez is over there. I'll be here waiting when you finish."

Nick nodded and followed the direction. When getting closer to the table, the fox could see Sanchez sitting with a professionally dressed coyote. He assumed the mammal must be a relative or friend of the inmate. Nick also heard them talking in Spania, with Sanchez showing off his bandaged arm.

Nick put on his professional look and introduced himself. "Hello."

The coyotes halted their conversation and turned to Nick.

The fox took it as a cue and joined them. "I'm Nicholas Wilde with the University Law Assistance Program. I'm involved in a hearing on who stabbed Leonard Sanchez."

The other coyote brought forward a paw. "I speak small Anglo. Roland Sanchez. Leonard Sanchez's brother."

Nick accepted the paw and shook it. "Hi, Roland. Your brother asked me to come here because he needed to speak to me."

Roland understood and let Nick take over.

"Señor Sánchez, has dicho que querías contarme algo. ¿De qué se trata?"

"Si, voy a testificar que Badgerson no me apuñaló. Pero nada más. No voy a hacer una entrevista sobre lo que ha pasado."

For the second time that day, Nick's jaw nearly dropped. "How come you didn't tell us before?"

Roland interjected into the conversation. "Because he only trusts me." He then gave a knowing look to Nick. "And now you."

The fox was just grateful that Sanchez was finally willing to talk about the incident. "De acuerdo, entonces, ¿quieres firmar una declaración? Así no tendrás que aparecer a la audiencia."

After a moment of hesitation, Leonard quietly nodded, and Nick took down the coyote's statement before having him sign it.

"Thank you for your time. Both of you. If I can, I'll give an update on the hearing."

"Gracias." Roland said.

Leonard quietly nodded.

Line Break

Back in the room, Skye and Randall tried to get back to work, but Nick rushing off in a hurry proved to be too much on their minds. The two debated on the reasons.

Badgerson was concerned that Alces would replace Nick and Skye. "Are you sure that won't happen?"

The vixen shook her head. "He can't unless we break the rules or Nick and I both consent to leave. It could possibly be a mammal that is willing to come forward and testify in the stabbing incident."

"If so, then whoever the mammal is, I'll be sure he doesn't get shanked for snitching. I can understand why the inmate would only want to speak to one of you.

"Let's hope for something positive."

The door opening caught the vixen and badger's attention, and they saw a smiling Nick standing in the doorway. The display nearly set the two over the edge, and they wasted no time asking.

"Well," Badgerson asked. "What happened?"

His smile never waning, Nick pulled out a piece of paper from behind his back. "Leonard Sanchez finally talked."

Nick didn't know how it was possible, but suddenly he felt Skye's arms around him and an excited squeal.

"Let me see! Let me see!"

The tod let the vixen take the document and watched her scan it through. Skye saw the coyote's signature along with that of Nick's, certifying as the translator. She then read the contents, finding the words were of Sanchez's version of events. When she finished, the vixen beamed at Nick and Randall.

"Looks like we have just about everything we need for the hearing! Leonard testifies that you didn't stab him."

The badger was equally joyful. "See, Nick? I told you that if you kept trying, you would get through to him."

"Count our blessings. I was of the mindset that we would be without Sanchez for the hearing." Nick and Skye returned to their respective seats. "Okay, we have two days to prepare our arguments and evidence."

Skye brought out the witness statements. "First, we need to establish a positive image of Badgerson." She paused and gave a knowing look to the badger. "Though that part might be difficult given what we've heard of your history from you and your acquaintances."

Randall shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry."

Nick helped Skye with arranging the documents. "Just as long as you stay out of trouble until the hearing. I know you feel the need to express your discomfort with the prison treatment, but since you claim to study law…"

The badger raised a single paw. "I give you my word."

Once the group finished the preparations, they were ready to begin.

Skye stood up first. "I'll start off. The panel has asked why Badgerson should be released from solitary early." She paused for a moment to get into the role. "Mammals of the board, we believe that Mr. Badgerson was unjustly placed into solitary because of his history with the prison. Could it be possible that this is the case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time? We have witness statements from inmates testifying to that fact. Therefore, it is our hope that he would be released and have the days spent in solitary credited to his sentence." Skye stopped pacing and turned to Nick and Randall. "How was that?"

Nick made a so-so motion with his paw. "It's good, but the tone is carried more with emotion than logic."

Randall disagreed. "Well, I say it was eloquent."

Despite the attempted flattery, Skye erred on the side of caution. "No, Nick is right. Randall, you can show emotion, but Nick and I need to remain unbiased."

"And," Nick said. "My other concern is they might ask if we know the mammal responsible."

"I doubt they would ask that question," Randall said. "But even if they do, it's not relevant to our particular case as you said."

Skye sat back down. "He's right. We can't postpone the hearing to investigate further. The warden might blow his top if we try. No, we stick to the material found and pursue the goal of raising enough doubt."

"Whichever you two decide," Randall said. "I affirm my decision to defer to your judgment."

Line Break

3:30 PM

Nick, Judy, Jack, and Skye arrived back on campus after finishing their visit for the day. Ben and Fru Fru immediately greeted them.

"Hey, strangers!" The cheetah exclaimed. "What's going on?"

Ben brought Fru Fru closer. "We missed seeing you around. Don't you ever have time to get bogged down with studying anymore?"

Nick smiled and shrugged. "And that is why we have you two to cover for us! Who else is going to stay behind while the rest of us get to practice being lawyers!"

Ben chuckled. "When you put it that way, it sounds almost as exciting as my Property work."

"Speaking of which," Jack said. "How are the outlines?"

Fru Fru waved her paw. "It's taken care of as promised. When do you want them?"

"How about at Finnick's Tavern?" Judy proposed. "Nick and I are working tonight. We can have dinner and review them."

Ben smiled. "Sounds like a good idea! See you then!"

Just before the six mammals dispersed, a boar suddenly bumped into Skye, causing the vixen to drop her bag and spill some papers onto the ground.

"Hey!"

The boar realized what he had done and became apologetic. "Oh, I'm sorry! Let me help you." The mammals assisted Skye in gathering the papers, taking care not to look at the contents."

Having gone through a mentally exhausting day, Skye simply was in no mood to be upset at the porcine. "Just be more careful when walking. Okay?"

The boar nodded, and with everyone else's help, they cleaned up the mess in no time. "Sorry again, Miss." He then looked at the rest of the group. "You all have a wonderful rest of the afternoon now!" The mammal quickly walked away and disappeared into the crowd.

The study group was left standing confused at the exchange.

"That was weird." Jack said.

The others agreed before the group dispersed to their business.

Later that evening,

It was a slow night at Finnick's Tavern, which benefited the group. Nick and Judy used the opportunity to meet with their friends and study.

Finnick managed to catch the rabbit and the fox at the same time when they were picking up another completed order. "Yo, Nick! Bunny girl!"

Nick and Judy stopped upon hearing the fennec call their names.

"Yes?" Judy asked.

"I need a favor. Can either one of you work the dinner shift Sunday?"

"If you really need us to." Nick said.

"I wouldn't ask if I really needed to. Didn't you say you were strapped for cash? Those hours could help."

Judy nodded. "Fair, but Nick and I are too far behind on our studies at the moment."

"Not to mention," Nick added. "Our little extracurricular with volunteering for the prison."

"Ah, I heard about that from some of the students here," The fennec leaned in closer. "Any juicy details you can tell me, or is that supposed to stay confidential?"

Judy's expression became deadpanned. "Finnick…"

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding." He then pushed two mugs of beer forward. "Go on break. I can take the reins since it's a slow night."

Nick smiled as he and Judy accepted the drinks. "Thanks, buddy."

Finnick smiled and took over their duties as the two walked over to the table where their friends sat.

"Alright," Judy said, sitting down. "Finnick's letting us rest a bit. Time to get to work."

But before the group could, a large shadow came over the table. The mammals turned to see a serious Mr. Humphrey. Though by expression, he looked to be on the verge of anger. Even Ben and Fru Fru could feel the tension.

Judy knew it had to be serious if the camel sought them out. "Mr. Humphrey?"

The professor reached into his suit and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He then opened it up and handed it in the direction of Skye and Nick. "Mr. Wilde. Miss Frost."

The foxes became confused before Skye mustered the courage to ask. "What is this?"

"Contraband. Which you two smuggled from the prison today."

The camel was lucky no one at the table was drinking at the moment. The vixen slowly accepted the paper, and Nick voiced his objection.

"What are you talking about?"

"Those are the facts." Humphrey pointed to the paper. "The piece was written by Randall Badgerson. It contains specific details about his case. About his solitary confinement. His ill-treatment. His repression. And it had to have been written within the last 24 hours. You two were the only ones to have spent time alone with him and could have smuggled it out."

Skye became filled with shock and anger. "We didn't smuggle anything!"

Nick quickly interjected before emotions boiled over. "Does this in any way affect our involvement with the case?"

"You two are acting as an attorney for a client. I can't remove you without your consent. Consider yourselves lucky that this letter did not reach my friend. He is less forgiving than I am, but I must warn you. Both of you are being used. Believe that. Please," He quickly continued before they could object. "Remember, the only issue is whether or not the prison put him into solitary unjustly." With that, Mr. Humphrey took his leave, and the others were speechless.

The anger finally boiled over for Skye. "I cannot believe he would accuse us of doing that! Nick and I were watching the prisoner the entire time. There was no way he could have-"

Her memories went back to a moment where she celebrated with Nick over Sanchez's statement, where she momentarily left the table and their belongings with Randall. "That conniving little! That explains the boar who bumped into me earlier!"

Nick agreed with her assessment, having figured it out only moments before. "The mammal must be an acquaintance of Badgerson and delivered the paper to Humphrey."

Still fuming, Skye responded by grabbing her mug and chugging her beer.

Judy became worried for her friend. "Calm down, Skye. Don't do anything rash."

Jack agreed. "She's right. Just cool off tonight, and then tomorrow you and Nick can properly reprimand Badgerson."

Skye soon found her mug to be empty when nothing entered her mouth. She stared at the object in her paw. "I'm going to need more beer."

Nick quickly took her mug away. "Uh no, I don't need you drunk tonight or hungover tomorrow."

The vixen gave him a glare. "Killjoy." Her eyes then fell on the fries, and she quickly swooped the basket. "I need these." Before diving into them.

Because of the unexpected development, the study group decided to end the session early. Fru Fru and Clawhauser departed for their dorm or residence while Nick and Judy returned to their shift. But Jack remained with Skye, which raised questions with the vixen.

"Why are you still here?"

"Somebody needs to watch over you, and Nick and Judy can't always be close by to watch."

The action softened the vixen's anger, and a small smile appeared. "I appreciate the gesture. Does this mean you are going to take me back to my room as well?"

Jack winked. "Only if you want to."

The gesture finally caused her to giggle. "I'll think about it."

Skye proceeded to plop her head onto the table and let the emotional toll take over. Wanting to give Skye space and comfort her, Jack simply put a paw on her back and began stroking it. She appeared to not respond negatively to his action, so the buck continued. While doing so, Jack glanced back at the bar to find Nick and Judy looking in their direction. The buck could see their appreciative smiles, and he returned with a nod.

One question lingered as Jack continued to stay by Skye's side: why was he caring so deeply about her despite barely knowing the vixen for only a few months?


Much thanks to ZAA for their continued assistance and Spanish translation.