AN: Hello and welcome to finale of Lyn's second case! Hope you all enjoy what I have in store for a conclusion. I'll be the first to admit that writing cases is hard lol, so I hope you guys like what I did here. And well, prepare yourself for the next chapter, because the adventure is starting to get kicked into full gear! I've actually been really excited for this part for a while so stay tuned!
Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: Well, it's good that she has some support haha. Yes, you are correct; her hair is from a wig that she donated to.
THE real assistant: I guess he is a bit like Armstrong, didn't notice that xD. We'll burn that bridge when we get there, but I do have things planned for the AJ timelines...whether or not it goes well, you'll find out with time haha. Thank you so much!
Bowser Jr's Descendant: Oh, you got that right. Things are going to get hot fast. Thank you!
OBSERVER01: Yep, this is the end. I think it'll end alright for her haha.
And as usual, thanks for reading, reviewing, following and faving!
May 18th, 9:30 AM
District Courtroom No. 3, Hallway
(Well, here I am. Today's the big day. Soon it's all going to be over. It's almost done. I'm going to accept defeat gracefully. Or at least not as badly as Payne. I can count on that much from myself.)
It was just me standing around in the hallway all by my lonesome. I sighed. Of course it would just be me. Who was I really expecting to show up? I frowned as an image of that man's face popped into my mind. I tried shaking it off, but the bad feelings clung to me like lint to a sweater.
Truth was, I didn't know how to say sorry. Or say it in a way that was at least sincere seeming. I sighed again and just decided to forget about it for now and handle it later after this case was over.
"Is all the sighing necessary?"
My heart stopped beating for a moment as I felt as though the wind had been knocked out of me. I turned around.
"M-Mr. Edgeworth?!" I paused and looked away. "What are you doing here?"
"I wouldn't miss the last day of trial."
(I don't understand. Why would you still come over here? I don't get you...)
I said nothing, but mustered the courage to stare at him for a bit.
"...I slapped you yesterday."
"Yes, I recall. I remember the sting very well," he remarked arms folded tapping his index finger upon his arm.
"Aren't you angry with me?"
"It's passed. While I don't condone that, I suppose I can understand the high amount of stress you were under."
I felt my lip quivering and eyes watering slightly. Without thinking, I bowed down as far as my back would allow.
"I'mreallysorry!ReallyreallysorryandIdidn'tmeantodoitIwasjustreallyupsetateverythingandeveryoneandI'llneverdoitagainandI'msorryIhurtyoubecauseIreallylookuptoyouandyourworkandIjustgeteasilyfrustratedandannoyedwithmyabilitytolearnthingsand-"
"Lyn."
"IreallyjustwanttobeasgoodasyouareonedayandmaybeevenbettereventhoughthatsoundscrazybutIjustwanttodowellIdon'twanttobejustakidforeverIwanttoshowpeoplewhatIcanreallydoandI'dfeelbadifIeverlostyoursupportbecause-"
"Lyn!" he snapped.
I gasped for air.
"It's forgiven. If you thought I wouldn't come because that, then as you can see, you were incorrect."
"I...I see." I said attempting to regain my composure. "Sorry."
"Let us move on, shall we?"
I was amazed. It was really crazy how cool he was about it. He was all business and seemingly unfazed by yesterday's events. Not a trace of anger. Perhaps I had worried for nothing. I felt a little bad about it still, but I was in a far better place than I was before.
"Okay," I nodded.
"What's the state of the investigation now?"
"Well, I made amends with Ms. Mitchell and managed to get her to talk. I discovered more about Alphonso, who was also in attendance at the club that night. Turns out he was with Collin around the estimated time of death, so I'm pretty suspicious of him. We also found an interesting link between Collin and Rose- they're not lovers, but rather siblings."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah! Oh! And I finally got a lead on that hair. That lady donated and sold it to stores, meaning there wasn't a dead person walking around the murder scene."
Edgeworth closed his eyes for a moment. "It seems like you've covered a lot of ground."
"Not as much as I know the defense will have."
"Hm? Why is that?"
"I still felt bad about before...so I ended up giving Mr. Wright the address to Alphonso's place so that he could investigate. I thought he'd find more than I could."
He pressed a finger to his temple with a slight smirk upon his face.
"Um, was that a good thing to do?"
"Indeed it was. You're starting to get it- that's it not about winning."
"I guess so."
Edgeworth yet again seemed very pleased with himself. He also seemed as if he was waiting for something. I sighed.
"Okay, fine. You were right. The truth is more important than the win, even if it's easier to go for the win."
"I'm glad you're understanding it now."
"But by no means was this fun in any way shape or form! This was one of the worse cases I've been assigned to!" I whined.
"Sometimes it's necessary to learn the hard way. Not all things are meant to be fun."
"Hmph."
Just as he was about to most likely make another remark to me, Detective Gumshoe bounded down the hallway with heightened enthusiasm.
"Ms. Doom, sir! I have what you asked for!" he said passing me a few receipts. "Oh, Mr. Edgeworth! Good to see you!"
"Thank you, detective. This is exactly what we need."
"Likewise, detective," said Edgeworth with a nod.
Gumshoe didn't say anything else, but looked at us with scrutiny at first. However, it shortly changed to an expression of happiness.
"Heh, good luck in court, Ms. Doom, sir! I can't wait to see you crush the enemy!"
"Uh, right," I said. "Lots of crushing to get done today."
"Bye, Mr. Edgeworth!"
With that he bounded off as quickly as he came in.
(Just what exactly was that about?)
"Sometimes, I wonder about the mystery that is Detective Gumshoe," said Edgeworth.
"As do I."
A moment of silence passed between us. I never thought I'd ever be okay with stillness, but here I was quietly staring at my mentor in a hallway. I wished I could figure out what he was thinking.
"I'll leave you to it. I'm sure you'll be fine as long as you remember what is actually important," Edgeworth said.
"Thanks, Mr. Edgeworth."
He gave me one more look with a slight nod, before disappearing out of sight. I sighed yet again, but this time it was out of relief as opposed to frustration. He didn't hate me. He still supported me. I suddenly felt myself smiling, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
"Ms. Doom, trial is beginning," said the bailiff from behind the door into the courtroom.
(Alright, let's do this! It's time to bring this to an end!)
May 18th, 10:00 AM
District Courtroom No. 3
I entered the courtroom like a boss. It was probably the happiest anyone had ever been to lose a case, but I was energized. The gallery was packed on all sides with excitement in the air. The judge had taken his place at his bench as well as the defense. Phoenix had a very determined look on his face today, meaning we'd be in for a good fight.
The judge banged his gavel.
"Court is now in session for the trial of Catalina Bush," he began. "Is the defense ready?"
Phoenix nodded confidently. "The defense is ready, Your Honor."
"Is the prosecution ready?"
"The prosecution is ready, Your Honor."
"Your opening statement, please."
I would still hold to the idea that Rose was guilty, for now.
"The prosecution has done its homework and still stands by the initial claim that the defendant is the guilty party. While the testimony of Ms. Mitchell is questionable, we were able to shed some light on certain facts. One important discovery was one of another witness who was also at the club the night of the crime. With his testimony, I'm certain we'll find all the answers we need to ascertain the guilt of the defendant."
The judge seemed very impressed. Heh.
"This is serious, Nick. This is the most serious Lyn's been," Maya said to Phoenix looking a bit tense.
"Well, today is it- the last day. I'm not surprised," mused Phoenix.
"Mr. Wright," I began.
"Huh?"
"I don't doubt that you already know the identity of the true killer. However, this is the last day and I don't plan on losing without good reason. Therefore, I have one request."
He stroked his chin. "What kind of a request?"
"Don't hold back," I said.
Phoenix said nothing, but it looked like he was steeling himself for what was about to come. I decided to get the ball rolling.
"I'd like to call the witness to the stand."
In a couple of minutes, Alphonso was brought up in front of the court on the witness stand.
(What a dweeb.)
"Witness, please state your name and occupation for the court."
"Why are we wasting our time with that? Everyone should know who I am already being a famous star," he said waving a hand around dramatically.
I slammed the bench in annoyance. "Listen, here. I don't give a fudge who you are. In the court you are just like everyone else. Name and occupation, now."
He shot me a dirty look. "Hmph. Alphonso Lamberton. I'm an actor, one of the best in the business."
"Tell us what happened on the night of the crime."
"I thought you'd never ask. The show starts now!"
Witness Testimony
That Fateful Night
-I went to the club with Phoebe.
-She wanted to confront Collin and that girl.
-But I advised against her going alone.
-When we arrived, she went to find Rose while I went to talk to Collin.
-We talked for about ten minutes before I left.
-I didn't see anything else after that.
Alphonso began bowing and waving to the crowd. "My performance was incredible, no?"
(This testimony was very vague. This may be a trap.)
It would be no problem- or at least I hoped not- for Phoenix. One way or another he'd plow through this guy.
"Mr. Wright, you may begin the cross examination."
"Thank you, Your Honor."
Cross Examination
That Fateful Night
-I went to the club with Phoebe.
HOLD IT!
"Why wasn't it mentioned that you were there?" asked Phoenix.
"Yes, I find that curious myself," added the judge.
"Gentlemen, it is quite simple." Alphonso said shaking his head. "I didn't want to be mentioned."
"What?" blinked Phoenix. "That's all?"
"Yes, that's all. Famous people do tire of attention sometimes. You are boring me now- let's continue."
-She wanted to confront Collin and that girl.
-But I advised against her going alone.
HOLD IT!
"Why was that?"
"Phoebe is a fragile doll. The whole situation was ruining her well being. Something like that would stress, the poor thing further. And besides that, she wasn't getting straight answers from Collin about it either," he said pulling his scarf up over his mouth.
"So, you could get them from him instead?"
"Well, I had a better chance considering I've know him since our salad days in high school. We were quite the duo, we were! I'll miss doing projects with him. But I digress, I had another reason I wanted to be there too."
"And what was that?" asked Phoenix.
"This controversy with the girl, was bringing us bad press! If we wanted this movie to go over well, he needed to stop getting into trouble," Alphonso frowned folding his arms.
"Ah! You mean the Silver Samurai movie, right?" asked Maya excitedly.
"Yes, darling, the one and only," he said flashing a cheesy smile as the movie poster for the Silver Samurai appeared on the giant screens in court for everyone to see.
It looked pretty dramatic just like all the other Steel Samurai related materials in this universe, if I had to say so myself.
"Actually, can you add that statement to your testimony?" asked Phoenix.
"Anything to better my performance."
-I also went to remind Collin about the Silver Samurai movie and how his actions were affecting it.
HOLD IT!
"You seem really passionate about this movie," Phoenix said stroking his chin.
"How could I not be?!" Alphonso asked angrily spinning around on the stand, turning into the anime looking sparkly guy. "I mean, I've always wanted to act. Ever since I was little and this...this was my biggest shot!"
Phoenix looked visibly disturbed by his change in demeanor. I didn't blame for one second.
"Um, okay...what exactly, do you mean by big shot? You've been in plenty of other movies, right?"
Alphonso spun around, returning to his regular jerkass self.
"Well, DUH! Listen spiky, those roles were from movies that you probably never even heard of because they're just that obscure! This movie was different! Everyone has heard of Steel Samurai franchise and this spinoff was associated with it! This was my big break to hit mainstream media!"
"Hm, I see..."
-When we arrived, she went to find Rose, while I went to talk to Collin.
HOLD IT!
"Where did you guys talk?"
"Obvs, the VIP room. Where else?"
"Around what time did that happen?"
"Like, I don't know. I had to wait for a while... I think he showed up around twelve, though."
-We talked for about ten minutes, before I left.
HOLD IT!
"So, what did you talk about?"
"Are you stupid?" Alphonso asked folded his arms.
Phoenix began to sweat. "No, just asking to clarify."
"This exposition material bites," said Alphonso pulling his scarf up over his mouth. "I told him the deal about how the media and press were watching his every move and giving him a bad name and also how it was hurting Phoebe. He told me that there was nothing to worry about since he wasn't doing anything wrong- said that he and Rose weren't actually together. Not that I really believed it, but whatever."
"And then?"
"Then what? I got kicked out. I guess I hit a sensitive spot, because he told me to leave and I did."
-I didn't see anything else after that.
HOLD IT!
"So, after you left the VIP room, where did you go?"
Alphonso shrugged. "Went back outside and waited for Phoebe out there."
"Did anyone see you do that?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. But that's all there is to it. He told me to get out and I went out."
Phoenix was scrunching his face together in thought. He needed a point of attack to start with, but this guy was tricky. The vagueness of his statements made it hard to find faults.
OBJECTION!
"Ugh, was that yelling necessary? Learn some vocal training, why don't you!" yelled Alphonso covering his ears with his hands.
Phoenix shook his head. "I think you need to do some vocal training for yourself!"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I find it odd that Mr. Lamberton didn't see or in the very least hear some of the excitement happening."
Phoenix slams his hand on the bench presenting the tabloid article.
"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Wright?" asked the judge.
"Ms. Mitchell, the girlfriend of the victim testified yesterday that she and Rose got into a dispute in the hallway over how much time the victim spent here. I find it hard to believe that you didn't see or hear anything of it."
Alphonso began to sweat nervously. "That's because...oh! I nearly forgot!"
"Forgot what?"
"I forgot I saw something else after my conversation with Collin."
The judge shook his head. "Witness, please testify about what else you saw."
"Absolutely! I won't screw up this time! It was just rehearsal the first time!"
Witness Testimony
The Other Thing I Saw
-As I was leaving the room, I saw Rose coming out of another room.
-She looked really upset.
-She entered the VIP room to talk to Collin.
-I guess she was just tired of being a girl on the side.
-That's probably when she killed him!
The whole courtroom was left in a stunned silence. Phoenix and Maya were sweating. I was sweating. The judge looked kinda pissed.
"Witness! How could you forget such an important piece of testimony?"
"Sorry, Your Highness. I was just focused on other things. I have so many lines I need to memorize after all..."
The judge shook his head. "Mr. Wright, you may begin the cross examination."
Cross Examination
The Other Thing I Saw
-As I was leaving the room, I saw Rose coming out of another room at the same time.
-She looked really upset.
HOLD IT!
"Upset about what?"
"I'm guessing about being attacked by an angry girlfriend would qualify, don't you think?"
Phoenix began to sweat with his shoulders hunched. "Yeah..."
-She entered the VIP room to talk to Collin.
-I guess she was just tired of being a girl on the side.
-That's probably when she killed him!
HOLD IT!
"Where's your proof?" asked Phoenix.
"Well, there is the fact that the autopsy report says the time of death is estimated between twelve to twelve thirty. And that's around the time I saw her enter the room..." he said smugly.
The autopsy report appeared on the screen.
(Damn, he's right about that.)
Phoenix was glaring him down. "What about you? You could have just as easily killed Collin considering you were around in the same time frame."
"Ha! Me kill my compadre? That's awful. I have no reason to want him dead. Unless you actually have some kind of proof, that is." Alphonso said smirking pulling that scarf up.
"Ngh..."
"Looks like you're fresh out of luck, huh?" he asked spinning around to that glitzy face.
I was gritting my teeth. This guy was hard to stick.
"If you can't find a contradiction in the testimony, we'll have to bring the cross examination to a close," said the judge.
"Do you have a problem with the testimony?" I asked.
"Yes, I do."
"Which part?"
"Err...it's definitely..." Phoenix looked like he was going to make some shit up. "I have a problem with the statement about my client being a side chick."
I snorted.
Alphonso looked annoyed.
"What's the matter with that? I mean, he'd go out to see her almost every night at a strip club no less! There's no way she couldn't have gotten into a fight with him over money or something."
"Crap," he muttered.
"That doesn't seem very contradictory to me. It seems to be a reasonable theory." The judge shook his head and was slowly lifting his gavel. "I think it's time to bring this cross examination to a close-"
HOLD IT!
"Ms. Doom?" questioned the judge.
"Actually, there is a reason why the witness's claim could be incorrect."
"What? My logic is flawless!"
I removed my glasses and spun them. "Perhaps, it's reasonable based off of the evidence we've found."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" asked Maya.
"This," I said snapping my fingers. I brought up the screen that presented the family photo that Gumshoe and I discovered at Collin's house.
"Hm. It looks like a nice family," remarked the judge. "But who is this?"
"Indeed it was. It's too bad it had to end." I began to smirk. "You'll be interested to know that the people in this picture were Collin's family before he was adopted. And what's more interesting is that the girl in the photo just happens to be Rose."
"W-what?!" yelled Phoenix.
The judge's eyes widened. Maya's mouth was hanging open. Alphonso buried himself in his scarf. The gallery was in an uproar.
The judge banged his gavel. "Order! There will be order!"
Suddenly, Rose jumped up to the stand.
"Th-that was my brother?! No!" she said shaking her head furiously.
"I'm sorry. But we found this in Collin's home and we managed to track down his history...he was your biological brother."
"How...why...? I had no idea! He didn't tell me! He looked so different! I..."
I felt really bad for her. It looked like she was about to collapse from the shock.
"So, you know what this means?" I asked Alphonso. "It means your theory is irrelevant. Collin knew that Rose was his sister. I doubt he'd want to fight with her especially over money considering how much she was due to receive in the will."
The will appeared on screen for everyone to see, noting how Rose was to receive $90,000.
Alphonso looked steaming mad, tugging on his scarf. "Well...I...what about other girls?! She could have been jealous, not like she knew they were related! What about that Angie that was mentioned in a note?!"
Now it was my turn to break into a cold sweat. "Uh...that's..."
"Wait. Angie! Angie?!" shouted Rose. "That's what my nickname was! He and mom would call me that all the time..."
"So that note...was meant for Rose!" I stroked my chin. "The only one who would get who that was referring to would be her."
"Collin was always trying to give me things and money, but I couldn't accept it...we were just friends."
"But perhaps, he thought you'd accept it if you knew who he really was."
Rose frowned. "I still don't get why he couldn't tell me regardless of money..."
While, she was dwelling on that, the judge ordered the bailiffs to take her back to the defendant's seat.
"Actually, I have a question," said Phoenix looking at Alphonso. "How did you know about the note addressed to Angie?"
"I...obviously saw it in trial the other day!" Alphonso said sweating.
"Wow, that's funny, because I didn't present this to the court," I said snidely.
I snapped my fingers showing the court the note. "I'm pretty sure it's the first time the court has seen this. It merely talks about how Collin wanted to give Angie, or Rose money."
He was fuming now.
"That's something you'd only know about, if you were present at the crime scene. And as I do recall, you did say you were around between the estimated time of death, right?" asked Phoenix.
"So, what if I was ?! Not like I did anything ! Or that you could prove anything anyway!" he remarked starting to get unnerved.
"Your Honor, I would like to request another cross examination to test that theory."
The judge nodded. "Granted. I'm finding this witness to be in the very least unreliable and at the very most suspicious."
"Feh! I'll show you."
Witness Testimony
About the Note
-Okay, so I left some stuff out.
-I left around 12:10 like I said, but I came back a little after 12:30.
-That's when I saw Collin dead.
-I decided to try to look around for clues.
-That's how I found the note.
-Happy, now?
The defense looked exasperated. For once I was glad I wasn't doing the cross examination. It's like this guy's theories got worse and worse as time went on. I suppose it was a good thing if we wanted to pin him for the murder, but this sucked to fight through more and more bullshit.
Phoenix didn't even say anything. He just sighed.
Cross Examination
About the Note
-Okay, so I left some stuff out.
-I left around 12:10 like I said, but I came back after 12:30.
HOLD IT!
"Why did you return to the room?"
"I thought maybe I could try to get it through his thick skull that I was right again," Alphonso folded his arms.
-That's when I saw Collin dead.
HOLD IT!
"What was the state of the crime scene?"
"What do you think?! It was a mess! I was appalled by everything! The marks on his neck were nasty!" he said fanning himself.
"Hmm..."
-I decided to try to look around for clues.
HOLD IT!
"Why?"
"My friend was dead! Alas, poor Collin," he mused holding an imaginary skull in his hand.
(Not everything has to be theatrical, jeez.)
-That's how I found the note.
-Happy, now?
HOLD IT!
"Not really," said Phoenix stroking his chin. "I find it odd that you would search the deceased's pockets and not focus on the external crime scene."
HOLD IT!
"While it is odd, the witness himself as we can all clearly see is odd. If you have a problem with this testimony, it's going to have to be a bit more concrete."
"I'm anything but odd! I'm a masterpiece, a work of art!" he yelled at me.
"Ms. Doom is right," the judge nodded. "Did you find something wrong with the testimony, Mr. Wright?"
"Hm...actually, yes I do. When I asked you about the crime scene, you talked about Collin's neck."
"And so what? It was horrid," Alphonso said folding his arms.
"You're missing a vital part of the description."
TAKE THAT!
Phoenix slammed both hands on the bench, pulling up an image of the red scarf on screen.
"Like Ms. Mitchell, you didn't mention it either. And why is that? You said you came in sometime after 12:30. By that point Ms. Mitchell had dropped by, saw Collin dead, and opted to frame my client by leaving the scarf on him. You should have seen the scarf."
Alphonso was on the ropes now. He looked like a caged animal, unsure of what the next move would be.
"There is one way you could have not seen the scarf," Phoenix said putting his hands on hips. "And that's if you were the actual murderer."
With that Alphonso began to drop down lower and lower on the stand. "What...I didn't get the role...that can't be..."
OBJECTION!
"How can we be sure that this witness should be suspected of murder? Sure, he's unreliable as hell, but where's the proof that he's the killer?" I asked.
Alphonso, bounced back up. "Yeah, spiky! I bet you don't have a lick of proof on me!"
"Actually," Phoenix began confidently. "I do."
"W-w-what?!" he cried hiding in his scarf.
"Oh! I'm excited." I said. "Don't keep us waiting! What is it?"
TAKE THAT!
On screen appeared a long red wig cut in the very similarly to Rose's hair.
"We found this at your place," Phoenix said triumphantly.
Alphonso turned around and entered shoujo mode. "That can't be! That's not right...I would never have such an item in my possession, sir! It's just not me and you have no proof that it's mine!"
"Urk..."
HOLD IT!
"That's where you're wrong, buster! I had a feeling this would come up, so I came prepared."
TAKE THAT!
I presented the receipts as well as the updated profile on the strands of red hair discovered on the crime scene.
"What's this?" asked the judge.
"After a lot of digging, I finally figured out why Mackenzie Macmillon's hair ended up at the crime scene. Background checks indicates she donated her hair to stores and charities. And these receipts show that our witness purchased the wig at one of those locations!"
"That...this is impossible! There's no way I'm going to go...I'm the best!" Alphonso said sinking down lower and lower on the stand.
"And there's no way out, considering we found those strands under the body," smirked Phoenix.
"This certainly puts our witness under a lot of suspicion now," the judge said gravely. "Witness, this court demands an explanation. Did you kill the victim?"
There was a brief pause.
"Hahahahahahahahaha!" he stood back up with a new expression and demeanor on his face. I didn't know how to describe it other than a psychotic look, honestly.
"So, what? You found some hair? Maybe she took it to throw you off! If you want to play me go ahead...I'll show you, who's the real star of the show!"
(Uh oh. He's serious now. I guess we're hitting the final venture.)
Witness Testimony
My Explanation
-So what, I had a wig? Don't a lot of people have em?
-And even if those strands were found under the body, you still can't prove anything.
-You can't prove that I willingly killed him with my own bare hands.
-No one saw me, but everyone saw that Rose.
-It's dumb to try to pin this on me.
-I have no reason to want Collin dead.
Alphonso was smirking devilishly as Phoenix was glaring him down. This was the beginning of the end.
"I hope you're ready, Mr. Wright."
He nodded back at me.
Cross Examination
My Explanation
-So what, I had a wig? Don't a lot of people have em?
-And even if those strands were found under the body, you still can't prove anything.
-You can't prove that I willingly killed him with my own bare hands.
HOLD IT!
"And why is that?" asked Phoenix.
"Because there isn't a trace of me in the room besides the wig. Wearing a wig doesn't make me a murderer. I just like wigs," he said turning sparkly, but in a creepy psychopathic looking way.
"Really?" asked Maya looking tired.
Phoenix started to sweat at this guy's stupid explanation.
-No one saw me, but everyone saw that Rose.
HOLD IT!
"How did you get by unnoticed the entire time you were there?"
"I'm pretty small, it's easy to over look me. That's how," he smirked.
Phoenix didn't look satisfied with that answer, but pressed on.
-It's dumb to try to pin this on me.
-I have no reason to want Collin dead.
HOLD IT!
"I think you have plenty of reason to want Collin dead, actually."
"Don't be a moron! He called me his right hand man. We were two peas in a pod. We were friends for years and did everything together."
"And maybe that's what angered you."
"And I'd say you reached a dead end, with this line of questioning," Alphonso said folding his arms triumphantly.
Phoenix looked frustrated.
"We almost got him," said Maya. "Almost there..."
"Something's not right here. How could he go unnoticed?"
"Well, men at strip clubs aren't really abnormal," I said.
"No, it's not that... I'm sure someone would have recognized him. He's a co-star in a movie. How could he slip by so easily? Collin's pictures are everywhere," Phoenix kept stroking his chin until he squawked.
He slammed his hands on the bench. "That's the wrong question! The real question is what would have allowed him to blend in with the crowd here?"
"What's that?" asked the judge curiously.
Suddenly, Phoenix began to rub the back of his head sheepishly with a big grin. "Uh, it's going to sound ridiculous, but what if...he was in disguise?"
"Disguise?" I began twirling my glasses. "Wait...Ms. Mitchell did claim that Alphonso was so into acting that he would do every part of a production, even down to the costumes..."
"What, so you guys are trying to say I like to play dress up? I'm an actor, that's what we do. Doesn't make me a killer." he said laughing girlishly.
"Unfortunately for you, I believe it does," Phoenix said seriously. "This was strange when we discovered it, but now it makes sense."
TAKE THAT!
He slammed the bench and thus brought the image of a dress on screen. It was a purple and black corset like dress with a poofy frill like a tutu at the end of it. It seemed familiar for some reason.
"Wait..." I started. "Is this...?"
Phoenix smirked. "This looks familiar doesn't it? It looks almost exactly like Rose's dress that she's wearing."
Alphonso was starting to sweat.
"But interestingly enough, this was found at Mr. Lamberton's home. Isn't it peculiar that he would have an identical outfit to Rose's? With a flaming red wig as well? It almost seems like he wanted to be her," he said placing his hands on his hips.
"Grrr...you...I just really liked her outfit! There's nothing wrong with that!"
"No, there isn't. But it's strange how no one else mentioned you're presence at the club except for Ms. Mitchell. I believe you were masquerading as Rose to commit the murder!"
OBJECTION!
"Something still seems odd about this," I said.
"See, even Ms. prosecutor sees your errors!" scoffed Alphonso obnoxiously.
"Oh, shut up," I rolled my eyes. "What I find strange is the notion of the costume to begin with. With dances, dancers tend to change outfits. They don't wear the same outfit every day. How would he know what she was going to wear for that night?"
"Huh...that's a good point," said Phoenix in thought.
"The only thing I can think of, is that he had been planning this for a while. You must have been attending the club for a while to figure out what outfit Rose would wear on that night," I said.
"I already said, I don't enter places like this because of my beautiful image that I like to maintain," he spat.
"Actually, I'm pretty sure that's the reason you went. You cared a lot about the Silver Samurai production. You didn't like that Collin was spending so much time with Rose. I bet you hated Rose because she was detracting from your screen time, and focus in the media."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I get plenty. They love me," he sparkled.
OBJECTION!
"They don't love you as much as you want. They really liked Rose, though and that's why you tried to get rid of her."
"Get rid of her?" asked the judge. "What do you mean?"
TAKE THAT!
The image of the loose stripper pole appeared to everyone.
"As we investigated the club, we discovered that one of the poles was incredibly loose and it became unhinged after one usage of it. We took notice of it because it was on the side of the stage that Rose would be on the most. Thought that was odd."
"What? So you saying I tried to sabotage her? Feh. You don't have any proof."
"You're correct. I don't have any proof. It's circumstantial, but you see I'm building a story, one that you've already acted out." I grinned. "Mr. Wright."
"Yes?"
"You need to prove that Alphonso masqueraded as Rose that night. The dress and the hair aren't enough as it stands."
"...Stands. As it stands..." Maya was musing aloud. "Ah! Nick!"
"What is it?"
"Remember when you were bothered about Texxxas said Rose couldn't walk in her shoes properly?!"
"Ah!" Phoenix yelled. "The shoes! You took the shoes and pretended to be Rose that night. You left the room at 12:30 and went to the stage area to make it look like she had just killed Collin!"
Alphonso began trembling, but still tried to act tough. "Well, it's just an idea that isn't solid!"
OBJECTION!
"Not for long. We've had mysterious footprints in these shoes, that we haven't been able to track down. I'm certain if we compare your footprints with the ones in this shoe, we'll have a perfect match," I said smirking.
"No! I refuse to submit myself to a public trial of humiliation!" he cried starting to sink.
"Your Honor, the defense requests we do testing on the shoes right now!" said Phoenix pointing.
The judge nodded in agreement. "Bailiff!"
Within a fifteen minutes, the test and comparison had been completed. The analysis came back as a match.
There was nothing Alphonso could do, but sweat.
"So, what do you have to say to that now? Not only do we have your entire costume, but your feet match the prints in the shoe," Phoenix said glaring him down.
This was it. He was fried. There was nothing he could do to weasel his way out of this-
"You may have the shoes, but that doesn't mean anything! I just walked in them! So, what if I like cross dressing?! That's meaningless! You don't know that I was really at the crime scene!"
"But- the hair was under the body! There was blood on the shoes, and your prints are in them!" protested Phoenix.
"I could have left the hairs in there way before the murder. Maybe I've been to the VIP room plenty of times. And as for the blood, it happened after I wore them. This all means nothing! This finale is over!" he laughed viciously.
"Well, admitably, the witness as suspicious as he is, is right. There has to be a direct link," remarked the judge.
(Oh, come on! We showed them fucking everything! What more can possibly be done?)
"But...we came so far!" said Phoenix frustrated.
Alphonso was laughing in our faces.
"If you can't present anymore evidence, I'll have to end the cross examination and deliver my verdict."
I looked at the jerk on the stand, beaming. If he got away with this, I'd be incredibly pissed with myself. If I had ended the case yesterday and gone for the win, I wouldn't have cared. But knowing that this was guy who did it, who was standing in front of us laughing and mocking us, there was no way he'd get away with it. This was the man who made the last three days of my life a living hell. He had to pay for that, with his hipster ass.
The judge looked for an answer to come, but there was nothing but silence. "In that case I'll just-"
OBJECTION!
"Mr. Wright? Did you find something to present?"
"Ah, well, about that..." he said sheepishly. "...No."
The judge sighed. "You're clearly grasping for straws and while I do admire your will, if you don't have any evidence, this case must come to an end."
"But...there must be something we're missing! It can't end like this..."
"Something we're missing..." I mused to myself. "What is it we're missing?"
"This trial has gone on long enough-"
HOLD IT!
"Ms. Doom?" he asked exasperated. "Do you actually have something you want to present to the court?"
"Yes! Yes I do!" I said lying through my teeth.
"What is it?"
"Uhhhhhhhhh..." It was something we didn't use, had to be... I gasped. I remembered. I remembered that piece of crap evidence that annoyed me throughout the whole thing.
That fucking button.
"I got it!"
TAKE THAT!
"This button?" asked the judge.
"Yes! This whole case, the question was, where is that button covered in blood from? And now we know!"
"We do?" questioned Phoenix in confusion.
"We have the evidence! Or at least I think we do!" I said hopefully.
Phoenix had both hands on the bench, squinting deep in thought.
"Ah! The dress! This is from the dress!"
The image of the dress was brought up on the screen and rotated to the part on the back where buttons were. One lone button was missing from the row of three.
"Well, I'll be!" said the judge blinking rapidly.
Alphonso couldn't believe it. His face crumbled from happiness to disgust in an instant.
"No...nOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I was so close! So CLOSE! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO GET IN MY WAY ALL THE TIME?!" he cried aloud. "Every time...every time you got in my way! You got every single role I wanted! You never once asked me if I was okay with it! I was always your side kick! Your best man! I never once managed to do anything without you holding on to me! Gods how I hated you!"
"You were tired of being second best, always being showed up by Collin in every aspect. You wanted to show your talents, but never got that chance as a lead. Always a supporting actor. And it was expected that you'd like it," began Phoenix reading over a document in his hand.
On the screen, the numerous movie posters appeared with Alphonso and Collin together in them. Each poster, Collin was the lead actor while Alphonso was listed as the supporting character.
"Yes...I hated it...I was always his dog. We were never equals...it was always about him. He couldn't even stop screwing up the latest big feature film for me with his scandals! It was my one shot, but it was always about him! When I saw him that night, I knew I could do it. It would be my best act yet...I'd dress up as the girl, the one he cared about so deeply and destroy him once and for all! A tragic comedy in itself! I created a work of art that will always be noticed! I'm not invisible anymore! I'm free! Free! Freeeeeeeee!"
Without warning he started to break down. Alphonso just had these white theater masks, the happy one and sad one and kept alternating between the two of them quickly putting each one on his face, pace speeding up non stop until he bowed, waved at the audience and fell down backward. I had to admit it was something to watch.
After the bailiffs took him out of the courtroom and the judge quieted the gallery. Rose stood at the stand.
"After days of confusion, the court finally found the answer it was looking for. I'm grateful to both of you, Mr. Wright and Ms. Doom for finding the proper solution. It's in good faith that I can deliver the verdict. I declare the defendant, Catalina Bush..."
NOT GUILTY
"Court is now adjourned," the judge said bringing the gavel down.
Thank. Fucking. God. Everywhere I turned, the people were leaving and that's exactly what I would do too.
May 18th, 12:45 PM
District Courtroom No. 3, Hallway
"Amen! I'm Out!" I yelled. I didn't care if I wasn't supposed to yell in the courthouse, because I was finished with that case from hell. Words couldn't describe how happy I was.
I was doing a victory dance in the hallway for a bit when I decided I should probably go to the defense's side of the court to see what was happening. Plus it would make the victory dance sweeter to share it with others.
May 18th, 12:53 PM
District Courtroom No. 3, Defendant Lobby
As suspected, the party was popping on this side of the courtroom. Well, sort of. I saw Rose and Phoebe both crying and hugging each other-
"Oh, God, I'm so sorry, Rose! I-"
"It's okay, I understand."
"If you ever need anything I'll be there, because Collin would have wanted it..."
I guessed they were making up and maybe grieving together. It didn't look something I wanted to intrude on, so I just walked away from it. It was nice that things were getting resolved between them in any rate.
On the other side of the room, was Phoenix and Maya who were chatting away. They spotted me so I had no choice but to go over.
"Hello, Mr. Wright. Maya."
"That was intense!" said Maya.
"You're telling me," Phoenix muttered. "Thank you for your help."
"Eh, it's a whatever. I should be thanking you."
"For what?"
"For giving me a hell of trial to enter. I honestly wanted to quit this case, every day I was involved with it. But, I'm glad I stuck with it since I learned a lot from going against someone like you."
"Um, thanks?"
I laughed. His confused expressions were really cute looking.
Just as I was about to say something else, I heard another voice.
"Long time no see, Wright. Hello, Ms. Fey."
"Hi, Mr. Edgeworth!"
"Hey, Edgeworth. What brings you here?"
He looked at me for a brief moment and turned back to Phoenix. "I came to observe and see the outcome of the trial."
"Ah, that's right, you're mentoring Ms. Doom. I never saw you as the teaching type, so it's surprising."
"Hmph. It's not a difficult thing to do if that's what you're getting at."
As they were chatting, Maya kept giving me stupid looks the entire time- looking at Edgeworth grinning and then looking back at me winking. I internally groaned. Would it ever end?
"I'm just glad everything is over," sighed Phoenix. "I wish a trial could be straightforward for once."
"That's hardly ever the case with you," commented Edgeworth wryly.
"Which is why this trial was awful," I said glaring at Edgeworth. "But hey, at least you don't have to do a follow up trial to convict that guy, like I do."
"You know, that makes me a little grateful that I'm not a prosecutor."
"But Nick, you don't make nearly enough money to take me out for burgers!"
Phoenix looked wounded at the comment. There was no way he could protect his wallet from the beast that resided in Maya.
I chuckled to myself observing the dynamic between Phoenix and Maya. They were like brother and sister in my eyes, which was cool to me considering I had no siblings.
"Well, congratulations, Mr. Wright," I said starting walk away.
"Huh? Aren't you gonna celebrate with us?" asked Maya frowning.
"Naw, I'm sorta busy. Maybe another time," I said waving. "Nice working with you."
"I think I'll depart as well. See you around, Wright."
With that, Edgeworth and I bounced from the defense lobby, both heading to the parking lot. I might have stuck around for a celebration if I wasn't so goddamned tired and exhausted from that mess of a trial. But it simply wasn't in the cards today. I just wanted to go home, but I knew I had to file the stuff related to this case soon. I grumbled to myself in annoyance.
"I would think that you would be relieved after finishing today's trial," Edgeworth said curiously.
"I mean, I am, but all those files need to be processed, then I have to sort evidence and get ready for the next part of the trial and, ugh," I wiped my face yawning.
"You don't have to do all of that today."
"I guess, but I want to finish it sooner rather than later..."
"Get some rest. You earned a break," he said coaxingly.
"But-"
"You won't be able to work as well tired. You also have at least a day to prepare things in advance, so go home."
I sighed. "Alright, fine. I'm taking a nap."
He seemed pleased. "Good."
"Though, it's hardly fair that you stay at the office until all hours of the night working," I pouted.
Edgeworth shrugged. "I'm grown accustomed to it. It's how I've always been."
Even as a child? Then again, according to those flashbacks in the games, he did seem like a bit of a stick in the mud, well not really, but very mature for a child in any case.
"Well, I hope you remember to take breaks for yourself too."
Edgeworth said nothing to the statement. He looked at me briefly, with no hint of an expression.
(Seriously, you're going to drive me to murder one of these days. SAY SOMETHING!)
But there were no more words exchanged between us until we entered the lot exchanging goodbyes. And once more did he tell me- rather insist that I get rest. I assured him that I would as I got into my car. But...
(That's not without getting back at you first.)
I grinned to myself, thinking of my revenge as I began to drive away. I wouldn't be tired if he hadn't made me take the case to begin with. But I would remedy the situation. Mr. Edgeworth would be in for a lovely surprise.
May 19th, 3:35 PM
Prosecutor's Office, Room 404
I was giggling in the sheer childlike delight as I awaited the results of my revenge. I had had a secretary send it up to the 12th floor wrapped nicely in the best wrapping paper I could find. I was waiting to receive a text or a call or some indication of the effects of my prank. This made the boring lawyer stuff I was doing far more fun than usual. Perhaps I should make it a habit to pull pranks more often.
Just then I felt a buzzing in my pocket. I eagerly jumped up and dug my hand down, snatching up the phone. The screen was lit up. The texts were coming in.
Miley: Lyn!
What is the meaning of this?!
Why was this filth delivered to my office?
On your behalf, at that?!
I was howling with laughter, tears streaming my down face. I could only imagine his mangled expression. I decided to message him back:
It's just another form of expression, sir. You don't know until you try it!
Miley: Nghhhhhhhhhhh! I would never!
I wiped my eyes. This was the best idea I had in ages. I thought, what would be the best way to get back at Edgeworth? What was his weakness? And obviously the first thing that came to mind was the Steel Samurai...so I did a little digging and struck gold. I found a video store that had a special Steel Samurai porn parody spoof called the Wooden Samurai. When I saw it, I knew I had to get it. I needed to crush his dreams because that was only fair.
Best part was he didn't even see this coming.
(The element of surprise is the best weapon one can have muahaha!)
I was certain this would launch me into a battle of epic proportions, but I knew deep down, that delivering this "gift" was worth it. And until Edgeworth thought of another way to screw me over, I would enjoy my victory while it lasted.
Profiles:
Maya Fey: Age 19. It looks like we're good friends based on what I know.
Miles Edgeworth: Age 26. My mentor? Likes giving me lectures. It seems we're on good terms.
Detective Gumshoe: Age 33. Lead detective on this case. Looks like we both got the bad end of the stick this time.
Larry Butz: Age 25. Janitor. This guy is a trip, true to his nickname.
Raymond Shields: Age 35. The sassy defense attorney I've faced in court.
Judge: Age ?. Old timer judge. No one know his real name.
Mia Fey: Deceased. I guess my guide or inspiration to keep surviving this place, until that very fatal day.
Collin Card: Age 27. Victim. Was the lead in the next Silver Samurai movie.
Rose: Age 24. Suspect. Popular dancer at the Royale Hotel.
Phoenix Wright: Age 26. The man I'm supposed to be saving. My rival in court for the next case. Somebody save me.
Texxxas: Age 28. A jealous dancer. The main witness.
Phoebe Mitchell: Age 26. Collin's girlfriend. Suspicious of Collin and Rose's relationship.
Lola Parker: Age 22. Yet another baffling dancer at the Royale.
Alphonso Lamberton: Age 26. A stuck up actor who as at the Royale the night of the crime.
Evidence:
Prosecutor's badge: With this, I can prove I'm a prosecutor. Dunno why we don't wear them on our lapels like defense attorneys though.
Magatama: Magical sacred charm that should allow me to communicate with Mia.
Autopsy Report: Time of death between 12:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Cause of death 1 inch puncture wound to the throat. Other puncture wounds and bruising on face, arms, and legs damaging, but non fatal. Death was not immediate.
Stilettos: The heels are covered in blood. Used to kill the victim. Has footprints that don't belong to Rose on the inside.
Scarf: Luxurious red scarf belonging to Rose. Found wrapped around the victim's neck at the crime scene.
Mysterious letter: Addressed to an Angie discussing some type of deal perhaps?
Letter to Rose: About the bag she uses. Sounds very affectionate.
Bloody locker: Rose's locker is covered in specks and traces of blood belonging to the victim at the bottom.
Crime Scene Photos: Pictures of the crime scene taken after the discovery of the body.
Bloody button: Silver button covered in blood. Doesn't belong to suspect or victim. Where'd it come from?
Red hair: Strands of hair belonging to Mackenzie Macmillon, a deceased secretary from New York. Why were her strands found at the scene?
Loose Stripper Pole: Pole that Rose uses, that unhinged itself...
Tabloid Article: Article discussing Collin's numerous rendezvous with Rose.
Collin's Will: Rose is listed as being a recipient of $90,000 in it.
Old photo: Depicts family of red heads suspected of being Collin and Rose.
Movie Posters: Shows Collin as the star in quite a few movies.