Part 2 - Court
April 19th, 10:42 a.m.
District Court House, No. 23, Lobby
Rachel: (Still not feeling very prepared…I just hope everything comes together in today's case…)
Ramie: Yoooo, R-DAWG! Wussup?
Rachel: Nothing much. How about with you?
Ramie: NOTHING much with me either, y'know? Just primed to win today!
Rachel: (she's so much more competitive than me…)
Ramie: I mean, no offense, hey? Jus' that I've got all the evidence I need.
Rachel: Not usual for a defense attorney…
Ramie: …
Rachel: (She's giving me a very cold, calculating stare…)
Ramie: Welllll, not like you can blame yourself, kay? I mean, it's the PO-lice that should be blamed.
Rachel: I…have to say I agree with you on that…Urk!
Ramie: *Thbbt* Prosecutors shouldn't speak against the police department, y'know!
Rachel: (She just blew a raspberry at me…very classy)
Ramie: Whatever, you don't hafta be all uptight, everyone knows it was, like, way too abrupt of an arrest.
Rachel: (Yes, but that only puts a lot of pressure on me.)
Ramie: I guess we'll both meet the defendant for the first time in today's court, huh?
Rachel: Yes…speaking of which we only have minutes before the trial…Ughhh….
Ramie: Whussa matter? You look really sick!
Rachel: Don't make me think about it.
Ramie: Well, I'm-a-headed to the defense lobby! Smell ya later!
Rachel: (Good riddance…) *sigh* I really don't have any evidence…except for this piece of torn cloth here, which seems to belong to the teacher's cloak…and this pin; but I'd hardly consider the pin evidence. And then the knife which hasn't exactly been identified as anyone's yet…
?: Excuse me, Miss Lupis? May I speak to you for a moment?
Rachel: Hm? Who goes there?
Deaseup: It is just me, the mother of the victim…no need to panic yourself.
Rachel: Ah, yes…I realize it must be painful for you to be here today…
Deaseup: My husband and my daughter…listen, I am about to explain something to you…It may sound as though I'm speaking in riddles but I must watch what I say.
Rachel: Well, go on, please. The trial is starting soon…(I'm eager to hear what she has to say)
Deaseup: As for my husband…let us just say I knew what I was getting involved with when I married him. Another thing you should know…I am actually German by birth. My husband was French. But as for my daughter…I didn't want it to happen…but perhaps it was inevitable…
Rachel: (She was right about the riddles) Excuse me, what did you not want to happen?
Deaseup: *sigh* this is as specific as I shall get, so listen closely: My husband was involved in some…risky business, you could call it. Ever since we fell in love, he had told me that it was likely he would die because of it, and he would likely die young…but when he wanted to involve our daughter…I was extremely reluctant…I should have never let him…*sob*
Rachel: Please, don't cry. I understand how you feel. Please, we only have minutes! You have to tell me-just answer me one question!
Deaseup: Right…but only one.
Rachel: (she's back to her stern self again) Are you trying to tell me you think both your husband's and your daughter's murders were linked? Performed by the same…person?
Deaseup: Not by the same person, but by the same…group. It is confusing, I understand. But I have a strange feeling…
Rachel: (I have…a feeling…) Mrs. Deaseup, please, take a look at this…I don't know if it has any significance, but it…here.
Deaseup: What is this a pin? . . .! Oh my goodness! No! It…it can't be!
Rachel: What is it?
Deaseup: This…mask, it's just as I feared! Listen to me, quickly! The girl, the defendant!
Rachel: Yes?
Deaseup: She may not be who you think she is! Her, or her family. Be careful and watch carefully. She gives me an uneasy feeling, and this pin…it is not a pin, but a badge. Let me give you this…it was to be Amaurie's…
Rachel: It's a pin…like the one with the mask…but this looks like a fencing sword?
Deaseup: I would recommend presenting this to one of the Armallo family members in court…refer to it as the badge for the young L'Epee.
Bailiff: Miss Lupis! There you are! Trial time! Good luck today!
Rachel: Thank you, Bailiff…thank you so much, Mrs. Deaseup. Again, I am sorry for your losses. But thank you…(for what, I'm not completely sure, yet)
Deaseup: Just find the culprit. I'm sure you can.
Rachel: I will.
. . .
Judge: Ah, I feel ready for another court case! I got plenty of sleep last night, you know! How are you doing, Miss Chase?
Ramie: AB-solutely fabulous!
Judge: Wonderful! And you, Miss Lupis?
Rachel: What she said. (I'm feeling pretty good right now, actually. Much better than I did when I came in).
Judge: Excellent! We'll begin with the defense's stance on the matter?
Ramie: Well, your h-o-n-o-r….
Rachel: (That is the first time I've heard somebody spell out the judge's name…)
Ramie: I think it's pretty cut-and-clear that the defendant is positively…*ahem*… Not Guilty.
Judge: M-miss Chase! It's my job to declare the verdict like that!
Ramie: Sorry, J-Dawg, but I'm just that positive the defendant's inno-cent!
Judge: Right then! Um…the prosecution's stance?
Rachel: Right, your honor. It is, of course, the prosecution stance that the defendant is guilty of the murder of Amaurie Deaseup. She approached her and stabbed her in the stomach on the night of their dance recital.
Judge: Hmm, I see…any ideas on a particular motive?
Rachel: (this is where I'm not completely sure of what happened…However, I'll just say what I know for now, and save my secret weapon for later…) Well, your honor, it seems the motive was extreme jealously and a lust to win…you see, the two girls were in a dance competition against each other last night. They were both serious dancers from what we can gather. Carmella Armallo wanted to win…so desperately that she had to take a life for it!
Judge: Hm, harsh indeed! Well, then, would the prosecution like to call their first witness to the stand?
Rachel: Yes…(this is the name I received last night…) Would, erm…Lauren Evansworth please take the stand?
. . .
Evansworth: So this is what these big fancy courts look like. Hmph, not so impressive.
Rachel: Would the witness please state her name and occupation?
Evansworth: Excuse me? Name and occupation? *pfft* you already know that, don't you?
Rachel: I don't want to repeat myself. State your name and occupation. Now.
Evansworth: Urk! Very well, then, no need to get all out of sorts!
Rachel: (Ballet must be a very international sport! This studio is in America, and we've got a Spanish girl, a French girl, a Swedish teacher, and now a British girl!)
Evansworth: My name is Lauren Evansworth, I'm 17 years old, and I'm a ballet dancer. Happy?
Rachel: Not quite. You still need to give testimony.
Evansworth: I meant for the part about my name, idiot!
Rachel: Excuse me?
Judge: M-miss Evansworth! You'll refrain from name-calling in court!
Evansworth: She knew perfectly well what I was referring to.
Judge: Er, right, yes…well then, you say you saw the crime take place?
Evansworth: Good heavens, no! Honestly, you should all pay better attention to things. I saw what I think was the murderer walking to the crime scene…to perform the murder.
Rachel: Well then, if you would please testify what you saw.
Evansworth: I don't see why not…
- Lauren Evansworth's Testimony -
I was part of the competition, that night, but I won't lie, I was no challenge to the other two.
I had finished my part and was heading back to my dressing room, which was next to Miss Deaseup's.
I passed by a suspicious figure in the hall, however. They were wearing a long cape and mask, like one you'd wear to a masquerade. They also had a large hat on.
I thought it was just another dancer, or an extra, you know, so I didn't think much of it…that is until…
I saw a glint in their left hand. I looked closer and it was a knife! So naturally I walked quickly past the figure and then proceeded to sprint out of the hall.
And one last thing…well, two actually. One: I never returned to my dressing room or that hall, so I wouldn't know of any murder, and two: the figure I passed was about the same height as Miss Armallo.
. . .
Rachel: And that's all?
Evansworth: Yes, that's all. Honestly.
Rachel: (I was just asking!)
Judge: Very well, Miss Chase, you may proceed with your cross-examination.
Ramie: Rooooger that!
- Begin Cross-Examination -
I passed by a suspicious figure in the hall, however. They were wearing a long cape and mask, like one you'd wear to a masquerade. They also had a large hat on.
Ramie: Hold the phone!
Rachel: (That was certainly not normal…)
Ramie: You say they were wearing a cape? Suh-weet! Wuzzit the same color as…this, maybe?
Evansworth: What atrocious language!
Rachel: (somebody agrees with me…although I'm sure she's not the only one)
Ramie: Whatever man, everyone's got their own digs, y'know?
Evansworth: No I don't know. But I can tell you this, for your "digs"…that is the cape I saw.
Ramie: Awesome-possum!
Rachel: (In the words of my best friend… "crap")
Ramie: You know who this belongs to, L-Evvy?
Evansworth: I'm not answering to that ridiculous nick-name.
Ramie: Fine then, Lauren…do you know who this belongs to?
Evansworth: I'm happy to see you're talking normal. But I'm afraid I can't tell you who that cape belongs to. I don't know.
Ramie: Les' see if this rings a bell! Henrik…Bjorkland…anything ringin'?
Evansworth: Henrik? My dance instructor? I…I don't see…ah, yes! Yes! It is his! He wore it for one of his shows! And…No! He'd NEVER!
Rachel: (Dear heavens, that was a shriek! I hope my eardrums are still intact)
Ramie: Woah, nice scream! 10 points, really! But what about the mask? We found this in the teacher's room las' night. It was the only one…we searched all over the studio, teach's home, all the stuff. We even checked the trash, yo! So…see anything, familiar?
Evansworth: Hmm…no, that isn't the mask I saw.
Ramie: Wha? No kiddin'…
Rachel: (Even the great Ramie Chase looks shaken)
Ramie: Does it even look at all like the one you saw?
Evansworth: No…I can't say it does.
Rachel: Hold it! It's time I step in here. Miss Evansworth, the mask you saw…did it look at all familiar to this one?
Evansworth: How could it, that's only a pin! Hold on, let me take a look at that! Ah…AAAHH!
Rachel: Well?
Evansworth: That's it! It's almost identical to the one I saw!
Rachel: Woah, really?
Evansworth: Yes!
Ramie: What?
Evansworth: Where…where on earth did you find this!
Rachel: At the crime scene…does it belong to you?
Evansworth: No, of course not! But it…seems familiar…I can't remember where from, though.
Rachel: Well, please try to remember. For now, though, I'd like to proceed. You said in your testimony you sprinted out of the hall. Why on earth did you not alert anyone about the suspicious, knife-wielding figure you saw?
Evansworth: For all I knew, it could have been a prop! I was just frightened!
Ramie: I'd say that makes you a little S-U-S-P-I-C-I-O-U-S, L-Evvy!
Evansworth: I told you not to call me that! And I know I didn't alert anyone, but honestly! I wasn't the murderer! You have to believe that!
Rachel: I think it's a little early to jump to conclusions, Chase. I understand where you're coming from, Lauren. However, next time you see someone with a knife, please alert the police. It could save someone's life.
Evansworth: …I understand.
Ramie: Hold the phone! Maybe you is forgetin', Lupis, but this be my cross-examination!
Rachel: You're not a gangster, Chase, don't try to be one. I understand this is your cross examination, but I'm allowed to step in and say things.
Ramie: Well, fine, ya said whatcha gotta say, so it's my turn!
Rachel: …
Ramie: *thbbt* Don't raise your eyebrow at me, R-Lizzle!
Rachel: (I just told you to stop speaking like a gangster)
Ramie: Any-whoo, movin' on…So, Laurenita, you said the perp you saw be 'bout as tall as Miz Armallo?
Evansworth: My name is Lauren. Learn to call me by it, or I won't answer your foolish questions anymore. But yes, the person I saw was her height, perhaps a little taller…
Ramie: Just tall enough to maybe jus' be…Your Hip Dance Instructor, H-Bjork!
Evansworth: I…can't say I ever thought of Mr. Bjorkland as hip, per-se, however, I…suppose they could have been tall enough.
Ramie: Welp, I think thas' 'bout all we can learn from you, L-Dawg. Smell ya later!
Judge: So am I to assume you are finished cross examining the witness?
Ramie: Yerp! I can say I am! Well, one more Q&A, y'know? Lauren, did you see long curly black hair spilling down that cape?
Evansworth: I did not.
Ramie: *smirk* Well, that clears things up a doozy!
Rachel: Not so fast, Chase. I'd wipe that smirk off your face if I were you.
Ramie: What'chu gotta bore us with now, Lupis?
Rachel: Urk! (Am I…really that boring?) Just one thing. You say you saw a large hat on the figure's head…
Evansworth: Ah, yes, that's right. Very good.
Rachel: Excellent. I think you see the point here Chase.
Ramie: Hmmm…nope! Care t' explain?
Rachel: (She knows what I'm talking about) Fine, if you need an explanation. With a hat as large as that, I'm sure that long curly black hair could certainly all fit in the top.
Ramie: Whatever, sure we'll find out sooon enough!
Rachel: You're right, I'm sure we will. Will the defendant please take the stand?
Judge: Yes! Would Carmella Armallo take the witness stand?
Rachel: (I don't know if it's the time of reckoning yet, but I have a feeling that things are going to speed up here)
. . .
Armallo: Ah…hello…
Rachel: (She's awfully quiet. But that has to be an act. I'll drag her dark side out of her, if that's what it comes to) Very well, then, would the defendant state her name and occupation?
Armallo: Yes, I can. My name is Carmella Armallo. I am nineteen years old, and a ballet dancer.
Rachel: Right. You know what you are being accused of.
Armallo: Please…please, do not mention it. It is horrible. I…I would never do such a thing! Amaurie was a friend of mine!
Rachel: We'll see…if you didn't commit the murder, perhaps you could describe your movement last night?
Bailiff: Your honor!
Judge: Hmm?
Rachel: What in the world?
Bailiff: Oooh! Miss Lupis! You're doing so good! Maybe we could get dinner later to celebrate?
Rachel: We…we're in the middle of a court case, sir! But perhaps later, if indeed I have anything to celebrate!
Judge: I hope you didn't come in here to merely flirt with Miss Lupis, Bailiff…
Rachel: (that's a very stern look from the judge…I've fallen under that glance before) *shiver*
Judge: *blush* Ha-ha! No, sir, it's just, the autopsy report finally came in! The murder happened so late last night, and all…
Rachel: Ah! (Just in time!)
Judge: Here you are, Miss Lupis.
Rachel: Thank you, your honor. (Let's see…Cause of Death: A single stab in the stomach, death due to loss of blood. Time of Death: Estimated between 11:00-11:10 p.m.) Got it.
Armallo: Um…were you planning on reading it to the rest of us?
Rachel: Nice try, Miss Armallo, but to make sure you're going to tell the truth, I think I'll hold onto these facts for now.
Armallo: Hm…
Rachel: (I'm getting there…that was a very dark flash across her face just now) Please give us your testimony to your movements that night.
Armallo: …yes, alright.
- Carmella Armallo's Testimony -
I was part of a dance competition that night. I will admit, Miss Deaseup was one of my big competitors, but that was hardly reason for me to kill her!
You have done competition before, yes? You would not kill someone merely because you were afraid they would beat you!
I preformed my dance early in the night. I was actually very confident I would win. Another reason for me not to kill her!
I sat in the side stage for a while, never returning to my dressing room…except for once, to collect a book of mine to read.
I returned to side stage. I never saw anything suspicious that night, I promise.
. . .
Rachel: Alright then, that's all?
Armallo: . . .Yes.
Judge: Well, then, you may proceed with the cross-examination, Miss Lupis!
- Begin Cross-Examintion -
I returned to side stage. I never saw anything suspicious that night, I promise.
Rachel: Objection!
Armallo: Excuse me?
Rachel: (I've got you now, Carmella Armallo) you never saw anything suspicious?
Armallo: No…I did not.
Rachel: Funny…seeing as upon arrival, the police found a knife at side stage!
Armallo: But…but I was at right stage!
Rachel: Precisely where the weapon was found…
Armallo: You…humph. You think you've got me?
Rachel: (I'd say it's starting to look like it)
Armallo: Well think again. You're far from it. don't you think it's entirely possible that the murderer left as soon as she heard the witness coming and then dropped the knife? The witness immediately shrieked and called the police. I moved out from there. I would not have seen it.
Rachel: So you say. It must have been pretty convenient. You seem to know the murderer's movements pretty well…Something I would think the murderer themselves would know!
Armallo: You're wrong! I am no murderer!
Judge:…
Ramie:…
Rachel:…So you say (she's snapped.)
Armallo: It's common sense! Anyone could think that!
Rachel: I'd like to ask Miss Evansworth.
Armallo: …!
Judge: Very well! Miss Evansworth!
Evansworth: Yes, what is it now? I though your were done with me.
Rachel: We though so too, but may I ask you something? Just quickly.
Evansworth: *sigh* I suppose so.
Rachel: Right. How often were you at the location of stage right? Off stage, of course.
Evansworth: That's where I ran to after I saw that mysterious figure!
Rachel: Did you stay there long?
Evansworth: For quite some time, yes! I was shaken up, so I remained over there until close to…hm…11:15?
Rachel: And you didn't see anyone there?
Evansworth: No, I cannot say I did. I heard Mrs. Deaseup scream, and bolted to the bathrooms immediately.
Rachel: Was there a knife there when you were present?
Evansworth: …no.
Rachel: Very well, thank you Lauren. You're free to go. So, what do you think, Armallo?
Armallo: …this isn't over yet. Don't act so smug. You think you've gotten to the bottom of this? Think again.
Rachel: Very well. Explain yourself.
Armallo: Hmph, if I must. You see, I've been watching this trial closely. I don't just let things slip. And don't you think it's suspicious that most of the items the murderer was wearing belonged to the dance instructor, Henrik Bjorkland?
Rachel: Don't you think it's entirely possible that one of his dancers could have taken the items to frame him?
Crowd: *mumble* *shout* *murmur*
Judge: Order! I will have order!
Armallo: Either thing could have happened!
Rachel: So we'll recognize the possibilities. (here's where I'm flying by the edge of my seat…I'm going out on a whim…) There is one possibility I myself would like to bring to light.
Armallo: Oh? Enlighten us with your silly fantasies, then…everyone here can see the plain truth!
Rachel: Don't count on it. (here goes nothing). Last night during my investigation I noticed a huge mirror Amaurie's dressing room. The chair had been pushed out, so it obviously had been in use. At the time right before the murder, it was likely that Amaurie had been sitting in that chair preparing herself for her show when her killer walked in. Due to that big mirror, it's safe to say she saw the killer. At first I thought the killer would be someone she knew and trusted…
Armallo: Which would clearly be Henrik! You see, everyone in our dance studios knows that costume her wears, with the mask and the cape!
Rachel: Can I remind you of something? Evansworth didn't recognize the figure in the hall wearing the costume!
Armallo: She doesn't think! That girl is all dancing, no brains!
Rachel: Which it would seem our murderer is as well…at least, it would seem that way at first. You see, the reason Evansworth didn't recognize the figure in the hall was because the person wasn't wearing Bjorkland's usual mask! A "thinking" killer would have taken the mask as well. But what if the killer was thinking? What if there was a different purpose behind that mask they wore? Surely you remember what it was that sparked Ms. Evansworth's memory of the mask earlier. You never let a detail slip.
Armallo: . . .!
Rachel: Do you recognize this pin? It has a mask like the killer's. I have reason to believe it was on the edge of their cloak that they wore. Amaurie recognized it, so she tore it off, hence the torn piece of cloth right by it at the crime scene! And with blood no less…blood from Amaurie Deaseup's hand!
Armallo: Ugh…!
Rachel: Why would Amaurie need that pin? Because it was significant! It is my belief there was an organization out to get the Deaseup family. The same one that killed Amaurie's father!
Ramie: What the HEEEEYY? That's just fool, right there, man!
Rachel: Miss Armallo doesn't seem to think so!
Armallo: I…I have no idea…what you are talking about!
Rachel: I think you do! I believe new members of this group are given pins, or "badges" when they begin. That's why the mask was different! It had to signify this organization!
Armallo: . . .!
Rachel: And this organization is not the only one! The Deaseup family was part of one too…because of their nationality! The French group has it's own name…and this evidence proves it, Carmella.
Judge: You have evidence! Well, go on, then! Present it! Present it!
Rachel: (I was planning on it, your honor) Take That! This was given to me by the victim's mother, Ivanka Deaseup! It is a pin as you see…another "badge" with a fencing sword instead of a mask. It is the badge for the young L'Epee.
Armallo: That's…!
?: Carmella! Stop now!
Rachel: Who was that?
Judge: Someone in the court shouted it!
Rachel: *sigh* It doesn't matter now. What matters is…do you recognize this, Miss Armallo?
Armallo: . . .no. I don't. See? You're theory turned out to be a ridiculous fantasy after all.
Rachel: Well, have it your way. But I have a feeling you are lying. Your honor, I'd like to request a recess.
Judge: I was just about to say the same thing! Well, I mean, I was about to issue a recess. It will be for 30 minutes, since it is lunch time.
Rachel: After the recess, could I please have Mrs. Deaseup testify, and then Henrik Bjorkland following her?
Judge: I think that will be possible!
Ramie: I don't know what'chu up to, R-Dawg, but things are different than I thought they would be…
Rachel: I'm just getting started.
Judge: Very well! Court is adjourned for a 30 minute recess!
. . .
