John Phoenix and friends returned to the crime scene, hoping to get a bit more info about the kid. Storm once again knocked shave and a haircut, with Ms. Valencia letting them in.
"Totally random question," Richard started, "but did your son ever contemplate suicide?"
Ms. Valencia gasped, seemingly shocked that Richard would ever suggest such a thing. Storm and John Phoenix both covered their ears, but instead of her exploding, she merely let out a solemn, "More than you would imagine."
"He seemed to be leading a good, happy life! Why would he end it over a fanfiction?" John Phoenix asked, still hesitant to remove his hands from his ears.
"Elias was always prone to overreactions. But he was also incredibly stressed about life as a whole, ever since his father left. He kept all of that Sal Manella merchandise to keep up the illusion that he was happy. I guess the fic pushed him enough. A real shame, too, he looked like he was finally over suicidal contemplation." Julia breathed, looking like she was ready to break down.
"Another seemingly random question," John Phoenix interjected, reaching an arm around Julia for her to cry on. "Did your son ever have a problem with bad steamy content?"
"It was one of the first things that made him suicidal, right up there with bad stories and lack of a father." And yet he doesn't have a problem with pseudo-impenetrable handwriting. John Phoenix cracked to himself.
"Slightly funny story," Julia continued. "He has actually drafted 12 suicide notes in the past year or so. I still have every single one of them with me. You want me to get them for you?"
"That would be appreciated." John Phoenix said.
However, Julia only returned with three. "These are the only three notes that say things that can pertain to the case. He actually repeated these upwards of five times across them all." She said, snickering through her tears.
"Never thought someone would have the guts to go through with it." John Phoenix said. "Alright, Storm, let's see how Justin's doing."
"I'm feeling kinda lucky, John Phoenix." Justin stated bluntly. "Suspicion has been diverted from me onto Jack Kidd, but the judge needs to bang that gavel for me to get out of here."
"I'm feelin' good, too." John Phoenix agreed. "We've got everything we need to convict your son's indirect murderer."
"She told you, huh?"
"It wasn't hard to figure out."
"Yeah, I'm not the best liar in the world."
"Well, in an occupation like this, lying isn't in the job description." John Phoenix sniped, wondering why the fanfiction writer wasn't saying anything back.
"This coming from the lawyer?" That phrase drove both Justin and Richard into hysterics while John Phoenix slouched in his chair. It was only a matter of time, John Phoenix realized.
Richard rubbed John Phoenix's shoulder as he was making contact with the table. Over. And over. And OVER.
"Looking back, I think that's just about everything."
"Wish us luck, Justin!" John Phoenix said, walking out the door.
The next day, John Phoenix and Storm had gotten enough sleep and time to prepare this time around. They felt ready to convict that writer for the indirect murderer he was.
"Court will now reconvene. Mr. Edgeworth, were you able to obtain this witness?" His honor stated, looking at Edgeworth.
"And prepared him to testify for the court. I am set to believe he is also set."
"Very well, please, bring him in."
Some time later, what many would describe as the definition of "redneck" walked up to the stand. She had unkempt facial hair, a hand-me-down In-n'-Out shirt, jeans torn up to the boxers, and a heavy smell of nicotine and other drugs.
"State your name and occupation for the record." Edgeworth said, seemingly already impatient.
"Jolene Phoenix. I am currently unemployed."
Some members of the audience started whispering to themselves upon learning that the author named her profile after herself. Half of the mutters talked about her ego.
"Objection!" Edgeworth hollered. The judge stared at him funny, about to ask why the prosecution was objecting to his own witness, when Edgeworth elaborated. "Your Honor, this woman does have a job, it's just one that should not exist. This woman trafficks drugs, specializing in marijuana and cocaine."
That drove everyone into a frenzy, forcing the judge to call for order. "I suppose these crimes will have to be heard at a later date, but for now… eh… what did you want this witness to testify about, Mr. Edgeworth?"
"I would like for the witness to testify about her fanfiction writing hobby. Particularly about her content."