For disclaimer, see chapter one.

Author's Note:

Big thanks to you guys for the help. Majority rule says it's a Mystery/Romance. However, had I a third choice, Humor would definitely be in there. I can never write a straight faced fic. Ah, and I changed the rating to compensate for language. Now then, we were searching for a lawyer, correct? Read review, and most importantly, ENJOY!

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

While driving back to Capsule Corporation, Bulma took care of the phone call to Mr. Satan. As she had implied, it only took a few moments on the phone with him to convince the blowhard that it would be a good idea to let his daughter stay with the Briefs family. Passing the phone to Videl, she explained half of the situation to her father, that she needed to prepare for a trial date, and convinced him to let her out of school until the process was completed as well.

That mission accomplished, Videl promised her father she would be by soon to pick up the amenities she would need, and clicked the cell phone shut. "Thanks a million, Bulma, Dad would never have let me out just like that on my own!"

"Not a problem," the older woman replied with a flip of her hair, "One thing I do know how to do is handle a stubborn man." and she smiled sweetly towards the back seat.

Videl couldn't help but smile as well at the growl that erupted from the backseat. Curiosity drove her to turn and look at Vegita. Much to her surprise, the man had already collected most of his composure and sat with nose high glowering at Bulma. This was a relationship, the young woman decided, that she wouldn't be able to enjoy very long.

In the same frighteningly short amount of time it had taken Bulma to cross town one way, she had them returned to the CC driveway. Safely as well, though Videl was afraid she may have left permanent dents in the grip of the chicken bar. As all three were exiting the van, that interesting swoosh sound that they all knew to well accompanied the entrance of the Son family into the front yard.

Chi Chi dropped her bags and immediately went to hug Bulma. "Thank you again, Bulma! I just don't know what we would do with out your help."

"Oh, don't worry about it, Chi Chi. For all of the times you and your family have helped me, this is the least I can do."

The Son woman smiled at Bulma and then turned to her next target. "Videl dear, how are you holding up?"

For all that the young woman would have normally replied that she was fine or that Gohan was the one that needed sympathy, not her, Videl found she could not say those things. Something about the look on Chi Chi's face, the tone in her voice, and the way she opened her arms to let a wayward girl in, brought a tear to Videl's eye. She stepped forward into Chi Chi's open arms and cried on the older woman's shoulder. 'Maybe,' thought Videl, 'this is what it is like to have a mother.'

Chi Chi hugged the young woman tight, murmuring to her that it was all right to cry and that she should just continue until she felt better. Videl collected herself as fast as she could, after all, what would they all think of her now? Breaking down sobbing when things weren't honestly that bad was not a good way, in her mind, to make a good impression on your boyfriend's family. Not that he was her boyfriend, yet.

Pulling back, Videl offered Chi Chi a sheepish smile. "Thank you. I…"

"That's quite all right, dear. This has got to be a stressful experience for you. Now then, my boy said he asked you to find him a lawyer and Bulma said she is helping. I would like to help as well." The tone said she was not asking.

Bulma chose to take over the conversation then. "That's great, Chi Chi. Once you get your stuff put away, we'll get right at it."

"Are you kidding? I'm not taking the time to put my things away right now when my son's future is at stake! Goku will put the luggage in our room and we three are going to look for a decent lawyer to represent Gohan."

Nodding, Bulma agreed entirely, as did Videl. The women left the men behind and headed for Bulma's computer. An internet search would be required, it seemed. After a few moments, the blue haired woman had the lawyer search narrowed down to the Satan City area. "Now then," she typed as she talked, "what specifications do we want to put in for this lawyer? It seems we've got a city full to pick from."

Gohan's mother leaned down to look over Bulma's shoulder. "He must be strict, and to the point on a case. I don't like dawdlers."

Bulma nodded and typed as much into the search. Videl, who was already peering over her other shoulder spoke up. "Gohan just said that he wanted an honest lawyer."

Bulma managed the same flat look that Videl had on first hearing that. "An honest lawyer? Is there such a thing?"

The young woman shrugged. "I've never been taught as such., but it wouldn't hurt to type that in."

"All right, but even if the search comes up with something, we would have to trust that they are being honest on their bio when they say they're honest."

The search only took a couple of moments to run, Bulma after all had internet via satellite connection, and with those few specifications, a list of only three names remained. "Lets see," Bulma read, "Mr. Jeno, who seems to have a wonderful reputation for winning; Mr. Salta, who doesn't hold up so well in court, it seems; and a Miss Sarah Sweena, who has only won one court case in her entire five year career. May I suggest, that Miss Sweena be our last resort?"

Chi Chi sniffed, "I should say so! My boy deserves better odds than that!"

Finding that it was all ready seven by the time they had finished printing out the information that was needed, it was grudgingly decided that further exploits into the business world would have to wait until morning. Videl flew home and picked up her stuff, saying hello and goodbye to her father as fast as she could, and flew back to Capsule Corps. She did not sleep well, part of her wishing she had that warm bed she had had the night before. That thought made Videl giggle into her pillow, and chased her into dream land.

The next morning they were all up bright and early, including all of the kids (the Briefs children had been returned late the night before) and both of the Saiyans. However, most of the family was only up before seven in the morning because of the scents wafting from the kitchen. Chi Chi had taken over and was directing Bulma and Videl about as though she were a master chef. Any that ate the results of her direction, would be inclined to believe she was, at that.

None of the business offices would be open until eight, so after serving and eating breakfast, Videl took Chi Chi aside to ask a special favor. "Umm, Chi Chi? This may sound odd, but will you help me bake a cake before we go?"

"I certainly can, why?"

"Well, I'd like to visit Gohan today. I'll be able to get in because of the status Daddy holds in the city. Any way, I have a feeling they don't serve much in the way of meals in jail, and thought a cake may hit the spot." Videl concluded.

"You'll be able to get in? Are you saying that… that I can't visit him?"

"Well, you will, just not freely. They set up visiting hours, typically. I'll ask them about it when I bring Gohan the cake, all right?"

Chi Chi sighed and nodded. "That will be fine. Now then, lets bake a cake."

The baking didn't take long and the women put it on a wire rack to cool while they were away. Carefully stowing the rack so that none of the Saiyans and/or half Saiyans would find and partake of it. And then they were on their way, with Bulma behind the wheel of her white mini van, to visit Mr. Jeno.

The three women went through a very similar experience with Mr. Jeno's secretary that Bulma and Videl had with Mr. Aka's. However, once again they were permitted to enter the office Via Bulma's name and notoriety. All took a seat and waited patiently while Mr. Jeno finished up a phone call with a client.

Videl took the opportunity to look around. She felt a bit out of place to say the least. The carpeting was of a lush mauve and and two inches thick. Your feet sank into it. And thee room itself was huge, with Mr. Jeno's large red oak desk against the outside wall. Behind that desk was a gigantic tapestry of red and black, with a white swastika smack in the middle. The sight of the thing made Videl want to crawl into her seat.

Apparently, it made Bulma nervous as well. She had to swallow twice before finally managing to ask the man after if he would take the case. "I'm afraid I cannot, Miss Briefs. I will only take on clients of the Arian race, blonde with blue eyes. Great Saiyaman, is of a lesser breed. Good day."

It took them a moment to gather their wits and exit the room. One more option slashed.

******************

Gohan sat idly starring at his boots. It wasn't really fair. He hadn't started the fight, even if he did finish it. Why was he the one punished, thrown into solitary? Gohan snorted. Not that he was upset to be alone instead of with those companions of his. He hoped they enjoyed their bruises. Simon should have ended up with a real pretty black eye. Alone wasn't the punishment. The no food for twenty-four hours however, that was killer.

The half Saiyan's stomach growled in response to his thoughts. The thing was way passed soothing into silence. It had a mind of its own, and Stomach knew that it hadn't had a real meal since Saturday morning. This was Monday evening. Now it howled at the transgression.

Stomach didn't stop at just noise however. It made its displeasure known in other ways. The organ twisted and pulled and sucked at Gohan's insides. At least, that was the feeling he got. He was also positive that the stomach was, as he thought, becoming real up close and personal with his backbone.

Gohan shook his head and rubbed at his eyes beneath the glasses. Thinking on food, did not make the situation any better. He needed another topic. Something to distract his mind, even with the stomach in control. He began thinking of the latest fantasy series that he had read. The author hadn't completed it yet, and Gohan wondered as to where the story would be taken. Probably to that country that served apple crisp. And cherry desert cakes.

A snarl from beneath his belt suggested that thinking of a book hadn't done it. The demi-Saiyan considered again. Allowing his mind the freedom to drift, he waited for it to land on a duly interesting topic. The only thing that came to mind was Videl. She was very beautiful, with dazzling blue eyes. There was something new with her everyday as well. Never a dull moment around Videl. She was also a refreshing mental challenge.

All though, Gohan considered, he probably wasn't as much of a challenge for her. Videl had a whip crack mind, she could register and conclude something before you had finished your sentence. Or, before Gohan could. In a move not unlike his brother's, Gohan began twitching his feet back and forth and starred through them. He couldn't think of any reason why she would ever return his interest.

After all, what did he have to offer in a relationship beside the wonderful Satan Videl.

Gohan closed his eyes and leaned back against the cold stone wall. The narrow bench/bunk on which he sat creaked. He had nothing to offer, really. He was not rich, and would have no way to support her in the way to which she was accustomed. He really couldn't cook to speak of. He could clean. But, who would be interested in a guy just because he can clean?

Laughing, Gohan decided he must be half mad with hunger to be going off topic so far. Or to be laughing to himself for that matter. Which made him laugh harder. Nothing in that barren little solitary cell was really funny, but Gohan had himself gasping for breath.

And that was when the door creaked open.

Halting mid laugh, Gohan had to will himself to close his mouth. As Videl and the guard peeked in, looking as if he had lost his little mind, the demi-Saiyan felt very dumb. Giving a sheepish giggle, he waved a little at them. "Uh, Hi."

Videl raised her eyebrows. "Hi yourself!"

The guard finally pulled the solid metal door all the way open. Thus reveling the big cake that Videl carried. Chocolate, with vanilla icing. She stepped into the tiny cell and the guard closed and locked the door behind her. "Don't drool to much, Great Saiyaman."

Gohan grinned, "I'll try not to. Videl, how did you convince them to let you back here?"

"Convince? Please Gohan, I'm the daughter of the world's champion and savior," she winked, "I get special privileges. I should be asking you how you got put into solitary, Mr. Goody-two-shoes."

"My companions and I had a disagreement. I ah, is this for me?" he pointed hopefully towards the cake.

"Yes," Videl smiled and handed him a plastic fork, "I made it with your mother. I thought you might be hungry…"

Videl dropped off her sentence as she watched the cake fairly disappear right before her eyes. The appetite in Gohan's family still amazed her. Someday, she would have to ask if there was any reason why they had that ability. Dessert gone, Great Saiyaman wiped his mouth and sighed with a smile. "That was delicious, Videl. Thank you! I hadn't had anything to eat since that half a bowl of Special K yesterday morning. Dende, I could kiss you!"

Suddenly realizing what exactly he had said, Gohan looked down feeling that familiar heat rising in his cheeks. There was an uncomfortable moment of silence before Videl spoke up again. "Your ah, welcome. Look, I came by to tell you how the lawyer search is going."

"All right, and?"

"And…. We think we've found one. After several that were straight up jerks."

"You think…"

"Well, OK, we have found one. It's just that, well…."

"Well what?"

"Well, she meets all of the specifications, especially yours Gohan."

Gohan nodded, "That's good, right?"

"Ah…" Videl squinched her nose, "not exactly."

"What do you mean, 'not exactly'?"

"I mean that she is the only honest lawyer in this whole damned city, and… she's only won one case in her career. We had to convince her to take the case, Gohan. She doesn't work in law anymore, for good reason too."

"But, she is honest."

"Yes. She seems really nice too. She also has no interest in fame or glory. She just knows your reputation and wants to keep the city's protector clean."

Gohan leaned back with a smile. "Perfect then. I knew I could trust you."

Videl found herself boosted by the compliment, but the boost didn't last for long. She opened the paper that Gohan had ignored her bringing in. The front page story was of course Mr. Pulaz's murder. She handed it to Gohan. "Skim this."

He gave her a pensive look, but did as told. The story was frighteningly well informed. As he read, found that it was all ready known that Great Saiyaman was accused of the crime. He realized that if the newspapers had it, so did the TV stations. Everyone had to know by now. He closed his eyes and took off his glasses. "Oh dear Dende…."

He sensed Videl sit down beside him, her arm went around his shoulders and she pulled Gohan to her. "It's not as bad as that story sounds Gohan, I didn't mean it as a scare or anything. There are a lot of people out there rooting for Saiyaman, un like the police station. Actually, I had to walk through a picket line to get into the building. Most of the citizens believe you innocent."

Gohan looked up at her, his eyes unshielded, and Videl saw all the pain in them for the first time since Sunday. This whole thing was harder on Gohan than he would ever openly admit. "Thanks, Videl. You do always know the right thing to say to a guy, don't you?"

Videl wore a tiny smile. "For as far as you need to know Gohan, yes."

"Oh sure," Gohan slid his glasses back on, "be all enigmatic on me."

The young woman grinned and picked up the cake plate, she stood and looked at Gohan thoughtfully. "The guars says their going to leave you in here until the trial. Don't go to insane on me, all right? And, your parents should be visiting tomorrow. So… Great Saiyaman will have to admit to parents. But… I gotta go. I'll see you later."

Videl bent slightly and kissed him on the cheek before leaving. Gohan was o stunned to reply before the door closed behind her. Recovering, Gohan tenderly touched the kiss, he could still feel her lips on his cheek. He also looked down, she had left the paper. A large picture of Saiyaman holding up the victory sign smiled back at him from the front page.

The article… Could Our Hero be a Killer in Disguise?