Recollection Of The Turnabout - Part 3
Edgeworth steps into the courtroom once more. But what awaits him? Everything he's learned about Mr. Fawles, Dahlia Hawthorne, Valerie Hawthorne... What will he do with this information?
And on top of that, what is Melissa Foster's connection to this case?
He was about to find out.
The Judge bangs his gavel as the court reconvened.
"The trial of Terry Fawles will now resume." He declared. He turned to Melissa Foster, who was standing at the witness stand, shaking. Edgeworth noticed this, and pondered whether she was genuinely frightened or it was just a mere facade. If she really was the killer, then it was most likely the latter. "Witness, are you feeling better?"
"Y-Yes... Your Honor. I'll try my best." She said quietly. The Judge gave her an amazed look.
"Hmmm... You're a brave young lady."
"(Not this again...)" Edgeworth thought in frustration. What will it take for this man to realize that this witness isn't the 'angel' she appears to be?
"I can understand a defense lawyer wanting to get his client off the hook..." Mia Fey spoke up. She had somewhat of a disgusted look on her face. "But to try and pin the crime on an innocent person... Utterly deplorable."
"What are you talking about?!" Edgeworth responded.
"My witness is not the one trial here." Mia answered. "She's simply an innocent bystander who witness a horrendous crime."
"Preposterous! This witness's behavior and testimony are suspicious, if not outright incriminatory!" Edgeworth fired back.
"Even so, what possible reason could this girl have to murder a policewoman?" Mia stated. The Judge nodded in agreement.
"It's certainly hard to imagine this young woman as a murderer..."
"(The motive, huh... I suspected that's what they'd be poking at next.)" Edgeworth mused. "(But do I really have any evidence proving what Ms. Foster's motive is...?)"
"Well, Mr. Edgeworth? Do you have any evidence explaining what Ms. Foster's motive might have been?" The Judge asked. Edgeworth crossed his arms in thought. Did he really have the proof...? No, it isn't a matter of whether he CAN prove it... But that he MUST prove it at all costs! After all...
"A lawyer is someone who smiles no matter tough it guess."
Wise words from wise men... And now it was time to put it up to practice.
"Umm... Excuse me, Mr. Judge?" Melissa spoke up.
"Oh, yes my dear? Is there something you'd like to say?" The Judge chimed. Melissa looked down sadly.
"T-There's something I'd like to say." She said in a fearful tone. "The attorney over there is suspicious of me, right? T-That's why..." She smiled at the Judge. "I wanted you to know Mr. Judge, that none of it is true..."
"Hmmmm! Of course! You are an honest and upstanding young lady!" The Judge said bashfully.
"(Quite the charmer, aren't you...?)" Edgeworth thought sarcastically. It's clear that this witness was a professional. Edgeworth himself had to admit that when she was first brought to the stand, he was entranced by her beauty, but looks can be deceiving. One thing is for sure, he won't fall for her tricks anymore. Because he can see behind that mask.
"Very well. Let's see what the witness has to say." The Judge stated.
-WITNESS TESTIMONY-
-Melissa Foster's History-
"I... I was out of the country the year before last."
"Until I entered college, I had never even been to Eagle Mountain before..."
"And I certainly have no reason for wanting to hurt a police officer..."
"Holding a grudge against the person who testified against you..."
"Or kidnapping a poor, innocent woman..."
"I just think the defendant is a horrible, evil monster!"
END OF TESTIMONY
"Hmm... Out of the country, you say?" The Judge said.
"Exactly, Your Honor." Mia confirmed. "As such, she has no reason for committing murder."
"Indeed, indeed..." The Judge agreed.
"(*Sigh* The overconfidence of the old certainly leaves a bad taste in the coffee... Let's break this testimony apart.)" Edgeworth thought with a smirk.
-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
-Melissa Foster's History-
"I... I was out of the country the year before last."
HOLD IT!
"Which country were you in specifically?"
"We were all living abroad. But after my parents were killed..." Melissa trailed off.
"It was a brutal civil war." Mia finished. "She had to try to make her way back home alone..."
"I lost everything I had..." Melissa whimpered sadly. "I didn't even have any personal identification..."
"(What sort of contrived sob story is this...?)" Edgeworth thought, rolling his eyes. Actually, come to think of it... "Witness, you didn't actually answer my question. Which specific country were you in?"
OBJECTION!
"Your Honor, this line of questioning is childish." Mia interjected. "What country she was in and what languages she can speak are irrelevant. What we're to here to determine is the witness's connection to this case."
"I've lived abroad since I was a little girl... I could have never have known Detective Hawthorne or Terry Fawles." Melissa piped up.
"Yes, a well-established point."
"(Hmm...)" Edgeworth thought. That information... It'll have to be something he keeps in mind.
Melissa continued, "Until I entered college, I had never even been to Eagle Mountain before..."
"And I certainly have no reason for wanting to hurt a police officer..."
"Holding a grudge against the person who testified against you..."
HOLD IT!
"A grudge, you say...?"
"Well, the policewoman's testimony was crucial, wasn't it?" Said Melissa. "Crucial in getting the defendant sentenced to death..."
"Yes, and that's why he hated her so much." Mia agreed, whilst ascertaining a smirk. "So much anger... He had forgotten his own guilt."
"And yet, my client always maintained that he was innocent of those charges." Edgeworth retorted.
"Your client seems like a rather forgetful man, wouldn't you say?" Melissa chimed in. Edgeworth raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?"
"Not only did he forget his actions, he forgot the poor policewoman as well." She explained.
"Elaborate." Edgeworth said simply.
"Your client... he had forgotten what the victim looked like, right?" Melissa inquired. Edgeworth nodded tentatively. What was she getting at...? "He couldn't tell what she looked like without some identification."
"Yes... Your point?"
"I suppose I'm saying that it's a good thing that I wasn't wearing a white scarf that day... Otherwise he may have tried to kill me..." She said, her eyes watery.
"(Oh great. Mr. Fawles's reputation just keeps on deteriorating-)" Edgeworth's thoughts were cut off by something. Did she say what he think she just said...? "Witness... Did you just say 'white' scarf?"
"Umm... Yes. The defendant asked the detective to bring a white scarf as identification, didn't he?" She responded in an innocent sounding voice. It made Edgeworth sick. Hopefully, this next contradiction will make this charade end faster. He slams his desk.
"I want you to take a look at the scarf in question." Edgeworth pulls it out. "Is this what you saw?" Melissa nodded.
"Y-Yes! That's it! That's the scarf she was wearing..."
"Hmm... But that's odd, isn't it?" Edgeworth replied in a tone that would make one think that he was amused. He smirked. "You stated the following, 'I guess I was lucky I wasn't wearing a white scarf'." The Judge look confused for a moment, but then noticed something strange.
"Wh-white?" He fumbled.
"Look again at the scarf." He stated with a smirk. "It's not exactly, 'white' is it?" Melissa started to look nervous again.
"O-Oh...!"
OBJECTION!
"O-Oh come on!" Mia shouted nervously. "It was foggy that day, and it was raining! It's not hard to imagine that she mistook it for white!"
OBJECTION!
"Sorry, but that's not going to work." Edgeworth retorted with a smirk. "The witness just confirmed that this was the victim's scarf!" The Judge looked at Edgeworth confusedly.
"Y-Yes, but... What's the significance, Mr. Edgeworth...? It's true the scarf doesn't look white, but..."
"There's only one explanation for this mix-up." Edgeworth stated. He had her on the ropes now...! "Witness!"
"H-Huh...?" She muttered. Edgeworth pulled out the note.
"Have you seen this note before?"
"I, umm... Err... N-No..." She mumbled, but just loud enough so Edgeworth could hear.
"Well, it's top secret evidence. There's no reason you would have." Edgeworth shrugged in confidence.
"I wonder about that..." He mused. Melissa's sweating to started to increase.
"W-What do you mean by that...?" She inquired. Edgeworth crossed his arms.
"This note shows Mr. Fawles's instructions to the victim regarding their meeting." Edgeworth explained. He began to smirk once again. "It says... 'Wear white scarf for identification'." Mia looked at him perplexed.
"White... scarf...?" Then a sudden realization dawned on her, causing her to reel back and shriek. "AAAAHH!" Edgeworth slammed his desk with vigour. Time for the next blow!
"Witness! You KNEW what this note said!" Edgeworth shouted. "And it's because you knew that you made a mistake and said 'white scarf'!"
"Ugh... Unnn... Err..." She stumbled. She was cornered. No way out for her now. Edgeworth points his index finger determinedly.
"Well, Melissa Foster?!"
"NOOOO!" She screamed. The gallery was stirred, which forced the Judge to silence them with his gavel.
"Order! Order! ORDER!" He bellowed. He turned to Mia with a stern look. "Ms. Fey! Did you show this witness the note before today's proceedings?!"
"I-I'm pretty sure I didn't!" She responded defensively. "And I'm sure it wasn't leaked to the public either!"
"B-But..." The Judge stammered. "Only two people should know about this note! The defendant and the victim!"
"Actually..." Edgeworth spoke up. "There is one other person who should know about this note." The Judge gave Edgeworth a shocked expression.
"D-Did you say... one other person?"
"Yes... A person that no one would've suspected." Edgeworth slammed his desk. He's finally figured it out. "And that person... is Dahlia Hawthorne." Melissa and Mia's eyes both widened at the mention of that name, whilst The Judge looked confused.
"Dahlia Hawthorne...? I haven't heard that name before."
"If you were the read the note again, it says here..." Edgeworth reads, "'Talk to Dahlia, tell her this time...', her name is right here."
"S-So then... Who is this Dahlia Hawthorne?!"
OBJECTION!
"Your Honor, I think I must declare the defense officially insane!" Mia shouted.
"Oh, I'm wounded." Edgeworth replied sarcastically. Mia glared at him.
"Well you have to be if you're trying to bring the dead back to life!" She retorted.
"D-Dead...?" The Judge repeated.
"Dahlia Hawthorne is the victim's deceased younger sister." Mia explained. "She was killed 5 years ago... Kidnapped and killed... By Terry Fawles!"
"Hmmm..." Edgeworth hummed. "I have to wonder... Is she really dead?"
"What are you trying to imply...?" Mia questioned.
"People thought she had died 5 years ago... However, the fact of the matter is that her body was never recovered."
OBJECTION!
"She was declared legally deceased 5 years ago!" Mia fired back. She then flipped her in a smirk. "As far as the law is concerned, Dahlia Hawthorne is dead."
"And yet, it still stands that her body was never found." Edgeworth said. "Let us recall something... 5 years ago, Dahlia Hawthorne was 20 years old. Were she still alive, she'd be about 25 years old present day." Edgeworth smirked at Melissa Foster, who had an apprehensive expression. "Ms. Foster... I believe that's the same age as yourself!" Mia looked at him with a horrified expression.
"M-Mr. Edgeworth... You aren't suggesting that...!" She stammered. Edgeworth nodded.
"That is EXACTLY what I'm saying, Ms. Fey." Edgeworth slammed his desk. "The woman standing before us at the witness bench... is the same woman who was 'killed' 5 years ago!" Edgeworth yelled, "You are in fact, Ms. Dahlia Hawthorne!" The Judge looked absolutely shellshocked.
"W-WHAAAAAAT?!" He yelled out. The gallery started bursting into a commotion as well.
This is it. It's all coming together. Now he needs to tie together all the loose ends, and expose this woman's true nature.
"W-Witness..." The Judge stammered. "Just who are you anyway...?!"
"I... I... I..."
"That's enough, witness." Mia interjected. "You don't have to say anymore." The woman stared at Mia Fey for a brief moment before nodding.
"Yes. I understand." She said.
"W-What?! Ms. Fey! Explain yourself!"
"I honestly didn't think this rookie would actually make it this far... I suppose I have to give credit where credit is due." The Judge looked at Mia, shocked.
"You... You don't mean to say...!"
Mia nodded. "Yes. The prosecutor's office isn't full of incompetent idiots. We naturally conduct background checks on all of our witnesses."
"W-What did you say...?!" Said Edgeworth, who was confused. She knew...?! The entire time...?!
"I suppose it's time. Time to introduce you to..." Mia gestured to the witness. "The victim's younger sister. Dahlia Hawthorne." Dahlia smiled in response to that.
"B-But... I thought she was dead...?" The Judge said in curiosity.
"Well, we thought so as well. But, as you can see..."
"Why?! Why did she hide her identity for five years?!" Edgeworth demanded.
"It has nothing to do with the case." Mia denied. "She was merely an accidental witness to a crime."
OBJECTION!
"Accidental...? Poppycock! For the past 5 years, she's been playing dead! And now, we find her acting suspiciously at another murder scene!" Edgeworth fired back. Dahlia winced at that, which caused Mia to look at Edgeworth disappointedly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Mia tutted. "What a vain strategy. Trying to pin a crime on an innocent witness to win... at any cost."
"H-How dare you!"
"Please, let us think for a moment." Mia requested. "5 years ago, this girl was kidnapped and nearly killed. But 5 years later, she lost something even more precious... her big sister." Mia pointed at Edgeworth accusingly. "The defense must be insane to suggest she murdered her."
Edgeworth stumbled back. "Argh! You...!"
"I'm afraid I must agree with Ms. Fey's logic. Mr. Edgeworth, do you have any evidence supporting your assertion...? What reason could she have possibly had to murder her beloved sister?!" The Judge asked.
"W-Well... T-That..." Gaahhh! What evidence did HE have of a motive? No...! At first, he thought he was winning, but... She somehow turned it around on him...!
...Miles...
"(W-What was that...?!)"
...Miles... You've arrived...
"(T-That voice... F-Father...?!)"
...Miles, you've arrived at the moment of truth. Whether you win or lose... That's up to you. You can do it. A lawyer is someone who smiles no matter how tough it gets...
"(F-Father...)" ...Wise words from a wise man. The man who adopted him as his own son. The one who encouraged him to become a defense lawyer, even after his biological father's death.
If he gave up now, it would be like spitting on his grave.
Edgeworth slammed his desk, filled with determination. "Your Honor, the defense is ready to present evidence proving our claims!"
"Wait, WHAT?!" Mia shouted. The Judge looked bemused, but ultimately said...
"A-Alright then, Mr. Edgeworth. Let's see it. What evidence proves this witness's motive for murder.
"(Here goes nothing...!)"
TAKE THAT!
"The story begins after the defendant's escape from prison." He began. "He called Ms. Hawthorne and told her he wanted to meet. This is the note she left..." He read the last part of the note. "'Talk to Dahlia. Tell her this time, the truth must come out." Edgeworth smirked. "Valerie Hawthorne gave her sister a warning. She was going to reveal to the world the whole truth."
"The... whole truth, Mr. Edgeworth?" The Judge questioned. Edgeworth nodded in response.
"There was a dangerous secret between the Hawthorne sisters..." Edgeworth pointed at Dahlia, who was sweating bullets. "That's why Dahlia killed her. To keep her mouth shut!"
"A terrific story, I'm sure. If you like fiction, that is." Mia scoffed. "So tell us, Mr. Edgeworth, what was this secret that the witness needed to hide?"
Dahlia Hawthorne, her older sister Valerie Hawthorne, and Terry Fawles... There's only one thing that connects them all. And that secret is... "Your Honor! The defense would like to request further testimony!"
"R-Regarding what, Mr. Edgeworth?"
"Why, the kidnapping 5 years ago, of course. I believe it will explain a lot of things." He stated. "Specifically, the secret between the Hawthorne sisters."
"Ugh...!" Dahlia croaked. The Judge thought for a brief moment, before nodding.
"Very well. I'll grant your request for further testimony." The Judge looked at Dahlia once more. "I'm sorry, young lady, I know it maybe painful, but could you enlighten us once more?"
Dahlia gave the Judge a nervous smile. "Y-Yes... Mr. Judge. I'll try."
"(Hmph. Utilizing that entrancing charm once more, eh...? Well, brace yourself Dahlia Hawthorne. For I will rip that cheap disguise to peaces!)" Edgeworth thought determinedly.
-WITNESS TESTIMONY-
-5 Years Ago-
"Five years ago, I was kidnapped by Mr. Fawles."
"The ransom price was raw diamond. My sister, Valerie, brought it to the bridge."
"After she made the exchange, she shot Mr. Fawles in the arm!"
"That's when Mr. Fawles tried to kill me by shoving me off the bridge..."
"I survived, but I was afraid I would be kidnapped again for my family's money..."
"So I decided to change my identity and start a new life..."
END OF TESTIMONY
"Hmmm..." The Judge muttered.
"As you can see, Your Honor, the witness was left emotionally scarred by the whole ordeal." Mia stated. "With her sister's help, she left the Hawthorne family and started all over again." Mia then shook her head. "After all that, you really think she murdered her sister? Ridiculous!"
"Thank you, Ms. Fey." The Judge turns to Edgeworth. "Mr. Edgeworth?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"As you can see, the witness is still traumatized from the kidnapping. So I'll ask you to be gentle in your cross-examination."
"(Hmph. 'Traumatized' my cravat. After all, I know the truth. And the truth is... That kidnapping was a fake. It was staged! And that's the secret this woman is hiding...)" Edgeworth turned the Judge. "Your Honor, in regards to my cross-examination... It will not be necessary." The Judge looked surprised.
"N-No cross-examination?!" He said. Edgeworth nodded with a smirk.
"I don't need to thoroughly examine this testimony when I can see a blatant contradiction already." He stated.
"W-What...?!" Dahlia gasped. Edgeworth wagged his finger at her.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." He tutted. "Ms. Hawthorne... you stated the following. 'That's when Mr. Fawles tried to kill me by shoving me off the bridge...' And yet, I find that highly unlikely."
"B-But it's true!" She insisted. "I-I felt a push on my back... I'm sure it was Mr. Fawles!" Edgeworth simply shrugged, and smirked.
"My apologies. Perhaps that was poor wording on my part..." He said. "I shouldn't have said, 'That's unlikely'... I should've said... that's impossible."
"I-Impossible...?" She repeated.
"I ask that the court recalled the condition of Dusky Bridge. Now, and 5 years ago." Edgeworth said, arms crossed. "That bridge has remained the same for the past 5 years." Edgeworth pulled out the sketch of the bridge. "If someone had pushed you from behind..." Edgeworth pointed at the bedrock. "You wouldn't have fallen into the river... you would've smashed into the bedrock below!" Edgeworth wagged his finger as he tutted. "Meaning if that were really the case, then you definitely wouldn't be standing before us today. And in that case, your body would've definitely been found!"
Dahlia's eyes widened as she stepped back, taking in what the barrister had said. Edgeworth shrugged and smirked. Oh, how he's waited for such a moment...
"Do you see, Dahlia Hawthorne?" Edgeworth slammed his desk and shouted. "The very notion that my client pushed you from behind is impossible!"
"..." Dahlia was silent for a brief moment before screaming... "Aaaaah!"
OBJECTION!
"Your Honor, this event occurred five years ago!" Mia stated. "For all we know, back then, the water level could've been higher!"
OBJECTION!
"But it's 40 feet from the bridge to the river." Edgeworth rebutted. "A small change in the water level wouldn't have made a difference!"
"U-Uggh!" Mia reeled back.
"Y-You're right, Mr. Edgeworth! If the events happened as the witness described, then it's inconceivable that the defendant pushed the witness from behind." The Judge agreed. He gave Dahlia a stern look. "Young lady! What is the meaning of this?!"
"Uh... Uh... Uh... You see, I err..."
OBJECTION!
"Just a moment, Your Honor!" Mia shouted nervously. "It's true that the witness testified that the defendant threw her into the river..." She began. "However! She never stated that she fell from the back end of the bridge!"
"And your point...?" The Judge asked.
"After being shot in the arm, Mr. Fawles must've panicked, and therefore unwittingly pushed her off the side of the bridge!"
"W-Well, Ms. Hawthorne?! Is Ms. Fey's explanation correct?!"
"W-Well..." She muttered but then spoke up. "Now that you mention it, I think-"
"No. That's impossible." Edgeworth interrupted.
"W-What?! But I wasn't finished-" Dahlia tried to say, but was interrupted by Edgeworth again.
"I know what you're going to say Ms. Hawthorne. And once again I must say; that's impossible."
"W-What do you mean...?!" Mia said, sweating bullets.
"Ms. Hawthorne... the notion that you were pushed off the side of the bridge is impossible. And that is proven by your own photograph!" Edgeworth took out the photo she took. "Take a look at the wires supporting the bridge. They extend to about 5 feet off the ground..." Edgeworth slammed his desk. "It would be impossible to push someone off from there!"
"N-NOOOO!" Dahlia screamed.
"B-But! Let's remember the size strength of the defendant!" Mia stammered, sounding desperate. "Wires like that aren't a problem for him! It would be easy to throw a woman of Ms. Hawthorne's stature over into the river!"
OBJECTION!
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... So forgetful... Is your age catching up to you... old woman?" Edgeworth said smugly.
"Why you...!"
"Mr. Fawles had been shot in the right arm."
"Ah...!" The Judge said amused.
"Not to mention, Valerie Hawthorne had her gun trained on him... at point-blank range, no less."
"Eeeeek!" Mia shrieked. Edgeworth sighed and wagged his index finger at her.
"The witness getting thrown off the bridge...? Impossible!"
"NOOOO!" Mia shouted again.
"W-What is the meaning of this?!" The Judge exclaimed. Edgeworth slammed his desk.
"Dahlia Hawthorne!" He points accusingly at her. "You intentionally jumped into that river!"
"W-What?! What is this now?!"
"Y-Yeah! What could you possibly mean by such a ridiculous remark, rookie?!" Mia yelled incredulously.
"Y-Yes! It's ridiculous! M-My sister... She had her gun and her cuffs! Jumping into that river would be suicide!" Dahlia exclaimed.
"Perhaps so... But the fact remains that is exactly what you did!" Edgeworth insisted. "You were probably confident that you could handle the swift current. But even more so... there was a much more compelling reason for you to jump!"
"And what reason would that be, huh, rookie?!"
"The witness is alive. That in itself will explain everything!" Edgeworth stated. "For you see... Five years ago, something else disappeared along with Dahlia Hawthorne."
"Something else...?" The Judge questioned.
"Yes, Your Honor. That something else... was the 2 million dollar diamond that was to be used as the ransom!" Dahlia's eyes widened, as she realized what Edgeworth was getting at. Mia looked especially horrified, as she too realized what he was driving at.
Edgeworth declares, "Yes! She had it all planned from the beginning! The 2 million dollars... She was going to keep it for herself!" Everyone looked at Edgeworth shocked, but regardless he continued. "She forced Mr. Fawles to help her fake the kidnapping... And at the last minute, she betrayed him and threw herself into the river... With the ransom tucked safely away in her purse!" Edgeworth slammed his desk. "THAT'S the truth of what happened 5 years ago."
Mia stumbled back. This rookie... This man who showed up in this courtroom with no cases under his belt... How did he manage to figure all of that out?! "T-This is simply... ridiculous! Are you actually suggesting she came up with such a demonic plan?!" Edgeworth nodded.
"Yes. This woman IS a demon." Edgeworth stated simply. "And there was one person who contributed to the twisted designs of this demon... Her sister. Valerie Hawthorne."
The Judge looked at Edgeworth, shocked. "Y-You mean to say... This woman was in on the kidnapping plot?!"
"B-But she was a detective then! You're saying she participated in her sister's kidnapping?!" Mia shouted.
"Precisely!" Edgeworth declared. "I'm sure it was a heavy burden to bear on her shoulders for these past 5 years. That's precisely why the victim was murdered."
"What do you mean, Mr. Edgeworth?" The Judge inquired.
"On the day of the murder, after Mr. Fawles contacted the victim... Sergeant Hawthorne called her sister, Dahlia, informing her of what she was going to do."
"What she was going to do...?" The Judge inquired curiously.
"S-She was going to tell the truth... Like she wrote in her note...!" Mia said. Edgeworth nodded in response and crossed his arms.
"And THAT is what ultimately sealed Valerie Hawthorne's fate." Edgeworth turned to Dahlia, who was looking away. "THAT is when you devised a demonic planned to kill two birds with one stone. A plan to ensure that neither accomplice lived to tell the tale." Edgeworth slammed his desk once more. "And that's why you murdered your own sister, Valerie Hawthorne!"
Everyone was silent as Edgeworth made his declaration. It was a surprise, to be sure. The kidnapping was revealed to be fake! And it was a greenhorn who debunked it, no less! Edgeworth didn't find it surprising that everyone was shocked.
Suddenly... "Hee hee..." The courtroom was filled with a light laugh.
"W-Who said that?! Laughing at a time like this?!"
Everyone turned to the witness, Dahlia Hawthorne who had... a completely different expression. Unamused. Annoyed. Irritated. Whichever word one would prefer to use, maybe even all of the above. The fact is, her expression made it clear that she didn't seem all too pleased.
"Forgive me... It's just hilarious..." Dahlia said sardonically.
"W-Witness? Is that you?" Edgeworth couldn't blame the Judge for asking that. In that single sentence, her tone of voice had changed to something more... serious. Dark. If Edgeworth was blind and relied purely on his hearing, he'd think that it was an entirely different person speaking.
"You amuse me, sir! MR. MILES EDGEWORTH..."
"...!"
"You can certainly weave an exciting tale..." She scoffed sarcastically. "So then naturally... You have the evidence to back it up, yes?"
"E-Evidence...?" Edgeworth repeated, stuttering slightly.
"Evidence that I planned the kidnapping, of course. Evidence that me, Mr. Fawles and my sister all planned it together." She stated.
"W-Well, I, uh..." He stammered.
"What happened to the 2 million dollar diamond as well? If you can't provide evidence to prove even that..."
"I..." Edgeworth growled under his breath. "I don't know..." Dahlia scoffed.
"How disappointing. YOU, MR. EDGEWORTH... Are you stupid, or something?" She said mockingly.
Edgeworth couldn't believe this. How was he supposed to prove a fake kidnapping that took place 5 years ago?! He didn't even have any decisive proof of Valerie Hawthorne's murder...
The Judge bangs his gavel. "Well, it seems that we've come to an end. Honestly, the witness's behavior does raise suspicions... However, I'm forced to reject the defense's claims!"
"Of course you are." Dahlia said, whilst playing with her hair.
Is this it...?! Is this really over...?! Has he really come so far just to let it end like this...?!
Without evidence, the trial is over...? Who decided that?
"(T-That voice...! Father?!)"
Come on, Miles. Haven't you figured out that you can make your own rules?
"(B-But what do I do?! There's no evidence!)"
Even without evidence, you still have testimony.
"(T-Testimony...?)" He wondered for a moment, before realizing what he needed to do.
On the day in question, Dahlia Hawthorne murdered her sister, Valerie. She hid her body in the trunk of Mr. Fawles's stolen car, and then went to meet with him, disguised as her sister, Valerie Hawthorne.
That's his theory so far. And at this point, there's only person left to testify about the murder of Valerie Hawthorne.
"Your Honor! Edgeworth called.
"M-Mr. Edgeworth?"
"The defense wishes to call a new witness!" He declared.
"A new witness?" The Judge repeated.
"Yes, the defendant, Mr. Terry Fawles!"
"The defendant...?!" Mia said incredulously.
"There's only one person that can she any further light on the situation... and that person is Mr. Fawles!"
The Judge stroked his beard in thought. "Well, Ms. Fey? What is your opinion on this?"
Mia was frozen for a brief moment, before snapping back to reality and said... "Oh. Um... Yes. Okay. The Prosecution has no objections."
The Judge nods. "Very well. Bailiff, bring the defendant to the witness stand."
This is it. Miles's last chance. His last chance to establish Dahlia's guilt. Mr. Fawles's is all he has left...!
"Defendant, you've heard everything that's been said up to this point, correct?" The Judge asked.
"Y-Yes... Your Honor." He responded meekly. "B-But... I don't want to believe it... I'm sure Dahlia died... 5 years ago... Valerie betrayed me..." Edgeworth looked at the man sympathetically.
"Listen to me, Mr. Fawles. I don't know what Dahlia Hawthorne told you 5 years ago, but the truth is that she is very much alive. And she used you, Mr. Fawles. For 2 million dollars." Fawles looked at Edgeworth incredulously, tears filling his eyes.
"That... can't be..."
"Mr. Fawles, there's only one thing I want answered." The Judge spoke up. "Two days ago, on Dusky Bridge, who did you meet?" He asked. "Was it Valerie Hawthorne? Or was it Dahlia Hawthorne?"
"D-Dahlia..." He murmured. "Did you... betray me as well...?"
"Terry..." Dahlia's voiced echoed. Terry looked at her in shock.
"D-Dahlia...! You really are alive...!"
"You don't trust me anymore? That breaks my heart, Terry." She said, in a fake weeping motion.
"Y-You... Tell the truth! Dahlia! I trusted you!" Fawles exclaimed.
"...I shouldn't need to do so. You should already know. But... I think I will say one thing." She gave him that usual, angelic smile, that made Edgeworth sick to his stomach. "My life is in your hands."
The Judge banged his gavel. "Well, Mr. Fawles. Your testimony will be the final one in this trial."
"Y-Yes, Your Honor..." He said weakly.
-WITNESS TESTIMONY-
-Who Terry Saw-
"That day at 4PM, I stopped the car. I was in front of the bridge..."
"She wasn't there... So I waited."
"I watched my car from the bridge. I never put the body in there."
"Finally, a woman came. She stood in front of me."
"We talked... Then she left."
"It... It was... Valerie. Not Dahlia."
END OF TESTIMONY
"Mr. Fawles! You're covering for her!" He exclaimed. "Do you think she would do the same for you?!"
"That's enough, Mr. Edgeworth!" Mia interjected. "His last statement was a fitting way for the final testimony of the trial."
"Well then, Mr. Edgeworth... Please proceed with your cross-examination."
"(Mr. Fawles...)" Is this really how he wants it to end? Another guilty verdict to go along with his death sentence?!
No. There's only one person who can stop him now. "(Me. ...I think.)"
-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
-Who Terry Saw-
"That day at 4PM, I stopped the car. I was in front of the bridge..."
"She wasn't there... So I waited."
"I watched my car from the bridge. I never put the body in there."
"Finally, a woman came. She stood in front of me."
OBJECTION!
"So when you arrived at the bridge, no one was there, correct?" Edgeworth asked.
"Y-Yes... And so I waited on the bridge."
"I'm sorry to say, Mr. Fawles..." Edgeworth wagged his finger. "But that statement is contradictory." Fawles looked at him nervously. "If you want to know who arrived first... Just look at the photo." Edgeworth presented the photograph taken by Dahlia Hawthorne. "Obviously the person that came first would be the one at the end of the bridge."
Mia gasped. "B-But that's the victim at the end of the bridge!"
Edgeworth shrugged, and smirked. "My sentiments exactly. In other words, Mr. Fawles..." Edgeworth looked at him. "You must have arrived before she did."
"Urghh... W-Well..." He stammered. He knew it. He knew he couldn't hide this.
"Please, Mr. Fawles. I am your attorney. I just want to help you." Edgeworth said, changing his voice to a more soft tone. "Please tell us the truth." Fawles looked at him for a brief moment and sighed.
"I got there around 4' o clock. It's true." He said. "I had somewhere to go. A special place..."
"Did you go to this special place before you went to the bridge?" The Judge asked. Fawles nodded.
"Yeah... It's an old temple about 15 minutes from the bridge." He agreed. "5 years ago... Me and Dahlia promised... We swore to never betray eachother." He looked down solemnly. "She brought... a memento... to represent our love."
"A memento...?" Edgeworth asked.
"Yes. A representation of our love... It was placed under the base of a tree 5 years ago... I went to get it. Here." Fawles presented a tiny bottle under a heart-shaped necklace.
"Your Honor! You heard what my client said! He arrived at the scene at 4'o clock! However! He abandoned the car and walked away! He was gone for precisely 30 minutes!" Edgeworth slams his desk. "In that time, Dahlia Hawthorne could've easily killed her sister, and hid the body in the trunk!"
"NOOOOO!" Mia shrieked.
"Indeed... There was certainly enough time for it!" The Judge agreed.
"Well then, Mr. Fawles...?" Edgeworth asked. Fawles looked at him. He wanted to protect Dahlia. He really, really did. But... The woman betrayed him. Valerie betrayed him.
What more could he lose at this point. "The woman... The woman I met at the bridge that day..." He started. He took a deep breath. "I don't know who it was."
Everyone looked on surprised. It was certainly an unexpected answer. But... An answer that isn't so unexpected at the same time. After all... He did forget what Valerie Hawthorne looked like. One thing was for sure, at this point.
Terry Fawles was no longer a prime suspect.
"Dahlia..." He looked at her. "Please. This has gone on far enough. Just tell the truth."
"..." She was silent.
"Even should you refuse to tell the truth... After today's proceedings, the police will certainly look into the incident 5 years ago. Furthermore, your involvement in this case will also be investigated, and any evidence linking you to the crime will be found. My client's guilt has no longer been proven beyond a reasonable doubt." Edgeworth slammed his desk. "There's no point in hiding it, Ms. Hawthorne. Sooner or later, the truth WILL come out!" He declared.
"..." Suddenly... Dahlia started growling. "GrrrRRRRrrrRrrRr..." She looked at Edgeworth demonically. "MILES EDGEWORTH... MILES EDGEWORTH...!" She growled. "Do. You. Think. You've. Won. Well? DO YOU MILES EDGEWORTH?!" She shouted. "Well. That's. Just. Fine!" She huffed. "For the time being... You've won." She said calmly before smiling.
Edgeworth looked surprised. She was... confessing?
"I think I'll go spend some time with the men in blue." She gave Edgeworth a warm smile. "Goodbye... Miles Edgeworth."
The Judge bangs his gavel.
"...Prosecutor Fey. What's the situation with Dahlia Hawthorne?" The Judge asked. Mia looked at him nervously.
"We... We investigated the defense's claims, and..." She stammered. "W-We... found traces of glove prints on the knife used to kill the victim."
"And...?"
"...In comparison with gloves discovered in her home... T-They matched. A-And.." She stuttered. "Dahlia Hawthorne gave a full confession to everything..."
"I see." The Judge said simply. "So I suppose... Mr. Fawles really was framed. Today... and five years ago." The Judge looks at Edgeworth.
"Yes, Your Honor?"
"I must say, your defense today was absolutely superb. Not only were you able to prove Mr. Fawles innocent of this crime, but you've also managed to overturn the verdict 5 years ago! It's almost hard to believe you're a rookie." The Judge commented. Edgeworth bowed.
"Thank you, Your Honor."
"Now then, before I declare my verdict... Mr. Fawles?"
"...Yes, Your Honor?"
"You were not the one who killed Valerie Hawthorne. You were also innocent of the crime 5 years ago." He stated. "However... since you broke out of prison, and stole a car, you will face trial for this at a later date." Fawles nodded.
"I understand, Your Honor." He stated. The Judge nodded.
"It's not... possible..." Mia muttered.
"Ms. Fey?" The Judge asked raising an eyebrow.
"I was beaten... By this... upstart... amateur...?" Mia said, with a death glare that if looks could kill, Edgeworth would be dead. "AAAAAHHHH!" She screamed before slamming her desk and storming out of the courtroom.
Edgeworth blinked at that. Was winning really that important to her? What was the point? He'll never understand, but he suppose that's probably for the best.
"Uh... Very well... Since Ms. Fey won't be coming back anytime soon... Allow me to pass the verdict. On the charge of murder, this court finds the defendant, Mr. Terry Fawles..."
NOT GUILTY!
Cheers echoed through the courtroom, Edgeworth gave Fawles a smile which Terry returned meekly. The Judge bangs his gavel and says... "This court is adjourned!"
February 16
Defendant Lobby
"(Finally... It's all over...)" Edgeworth thought with relief. "(What a messy case... I don't believe that's something a rookie like me should have gotten near, but it's over now...)"
"Mr. Edgeworth." He heard a voice say.
"Mr. Fawles... congratulations on the verdict." He said smiling.
"Thank YOU Mr. Edgeworth. For believing in me to the bitter end." He said with an appreciative smile. "Most attorney's probably would've given up on me after the first testimony."
"Yes..." Edgeworth chuckled. "I'm glad justice was finally served. (Even though you're still going to jail...)" Fawles, seemingly reading his mind, patted him on the shoulder and said...
"It's fine, Mr. Edgeworth. It's not your fault."
"Mr. Fawles..." All of a sudden, he heard a courtroom door open, and the detective from earlier popped in.
"Mr. Fawles! I'm here to escort you back to the detention center! Come with me, pal!" He asked. Fawles nodded and turned to Edgeworth once more.
"Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth. I'll never forget this day for as long as I live." Edgeworth smiled at Fawles before the detective escorted him away.
It was finally over. This wretched case... he could finally put it behind. He was about to pack up and leave, when he suddenly heard a voice call for him.
"Mr. Attorney!" It was a young girl's voice, and it belonged to none other than Ema, Mr. Dumus's daughter. Admittedly, he had forgotten about Mr. Dumus until now. Gah. Some protege.
But that's not what concerned him at that moment. When he turned to face the girl, she did not look fine. Her face was covered in tears, her eyes were swollen red and her lips were quivering. Edgeworth immediately bent down.
"Ema? What's wrong?! Why are you crying?!" He asked.
"D-Daddy... I-I can't find him anywhere...!" Ema sobbed. Edgeworth was shocked.
"M-Mr. Dumus?! What do you mean you can't find him?!"
"D-During the trial after the recess, he s-said he needed to go to the bathroom. I-I didn't notice because I was so interested i-in the t-trial b-but... H-He never came back... I've looked all over him...!" Edgeworth felt his heart sink. There was no way... No way...!
Edgeworth went over to a nearby bailiff. "Bailiff, excuse me, but did you see a man with a brown coat and brown hair come by here?"
"The one with you earlier?" He asked. The bailiff shook his head. "Afraid not. Sorry." Edgeworth began to feel scared. Mr. Dumus...? Where did he go?
He and Ema searched the entirety of the courthouse but his mentor was nowhere to be found.
"Oh no... D-Daddy... D-Daddy...!" Edgeworth felt pang of guilt in his heart. This girl was scared. Scared that something may have happened to her father. She was only 6 years old, of course she was. There was only one thing he could do.
He bent down, and pulled Ema into a warm embrace. It felt slightly strange to him, but right now that didn't matter. She didn't make any movement at first but eventually she returned the embrace and started crying into his chest. He patted her back, and told her it was going to be okay. It didn't stop her crying completely, but it did seem to soothe her just a little bit.
After that, Edgeworth took Ema back to his home and she sat down on the couch. He tried to call Mr. Dumus, but... Nothing. He couldn't get through.
He looked at Ema, who was still upset, so he bent down to her level and asked... "Are you hungry?" She sniffled and said yes, so Edgeworth went to the kitchen to make her some soup.
Ema, after taking a bite(sip?) perked up slightly as she enjoyed the taste of the soup. "Mmm... This is good..."
"Ah, I figured you might like it. My mother used to make this for me and my brother whenever we were feeling upset." Edgeworth said. She smiled and continued eating. Edgeworth went over to his phone, and contacted the police.
"Hello? My name is Miles Edgeworth. I'd like to..."
A Few Days Later
Police Department
"You still can't find him?!" Edgeworth exclaimed. Detective Gumshoe rubbed the back of his head.
"I'm sorry, sir. We've sent out all available resources, but as far as we can tell, Mr. Langley Dumus is missing."
"N-No..." Edgeworth muttered. How could this be happening right now?! Then he realized... Ema! "If he's missing, then... What will happen to his daughter? Ema?"
"Oh, right..." Gumshoe said. "Well, she'll have to go to an orphanage, I'm afraid."
"O-Orphanage?! Doesn't she have any family?! Mother?! Grandparents?!" Edgeworth inquired.
"N-No. We did research, unfortunately she had no other living relatives besides her father." Gumshoe stated. Edgeworth was in shock. And now... She'll go to an orphanage? Edgeworth didn't feel okay with that.
"Is there nothing else?"
"...Well... If you wanted to..." Gumshoe started. "You could..."
Later that day
Edgeworth's Apartment
Edgeworth had brought Ema into his apartment. It wasn't going to be easy to tell her this news. But... he had no other choice. She had to know the truth. "Ema, listen to me. It's been a few days since your father..." He sighed and finished his sentence. "Disappeared. I'm afraid the police have been unable to find him." He said. The little girl just sat there quietly. Edgeworth continued. "So... we need to think about... your future." The girl still remained silent. Edgeworth didn't really know how to discuss this subject but just decided that he should be forward about it. "Now, um... I don't know how to say this, but... You have no other living relatives." The girl was still silent. This was making Edgeworth feel more uncomfortable by the second, but he continued nonetheless. "So, um... I was wondering... If you'd like... You can... stay with me for a while. Just until your father returns." The girl was still silent. "But, uh... If you don't want that... That's... perfectly fine. There's an orphanage the police have recommended for you if..."
"...Mr. Attorney." The girl finally spoke.
"Y-Yes?"
"...Even before yesterday, Daddy told me about you." Edgeworth raised an eyebrow.
"He... did...?"
"He said you're someone I could definitely trust." She said, perking up with a smile.
"H-Huh? Really?" Edgeworth said in surprise.
"Mhm!" She responded. "So, if I stay here... Does that mean you'll be my family, Mr. Attorney?"
"Uh... Yes. Of course. I mean, if you want me to be..." This felt so strange... "Also, Mr. Attorney is a bit of a mouthful, how about just... Miles. Or..." Edgeworth thought this might sound stupid, but. "...You could call me 'Daddy', if you like? I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, but-"
"So... You're my new Daddy now?"
"Um... If you want me to be, of course."
Ema smiled gleefully and immediately tackled Edgeworth into a hug. He was surprised at first, but he slowly returned the embrace.
"You're an awesome lawyer, and a great person! I'd be glad to call you Daddy, Daddy!"
Edgeworth couldn't help but blush at that. The girl barely knew him and she was already so affectionate, even already taking to calling him a fatherly title!
He'll admit it; it felt strange at first. But eventually... It was something he grew to love.
8 Years Later
Edgeworth Law Offices
A 34 year old Miles Edgeworth sat at his chair, looking out the window of his office, drinking tea.
"(8 years ago... That case brings up some painful memories. Although it ended with a 'Not Guilty' verdict, I still feel like I didn't win. After all, I had lost someone precious to me that day...)" He mused. "(But... I gained something else. Something very precious in return.)" He turned in his chair to see a 14 year old Ema, watching TV on the couch. That made him smile .
"(Sometimes, when people vanish, the leave nary a trace. But sometimes... They leave something behind. Sometimes, they leave a legacy. In this case? A child was left behind. And that's how Ema became Ema Edgeworth... My daughter.)" He thought happily. "(I'll admit, I felt lost after Mr. Dumus disappeared that day. But Ema... Happy, smiling Ema... She was my reason to keep going.)"
"Daddy! Daddy! Come over here, the Steel Samurai's on!" Edgeworth chuckled and joined his daughter on the couch.
What better family could he ask for?
Annnnnnd, that's the end of that one. I guess it's worth clarifying; Recollection Of The Turnabout takes place 8 years before the main story. I guess I wanted a sort of 'intense' starter case. Let me know what you think.
Also, before anyone asks, in this timeline, Edgeworth is 20 years older than Ema, so yes, he's old enough in this universe to be her father. Some may find it a strange idea, but eh. It's something that interested me.
Well then, review and let me know what you think.