After my very long hiatus, I have decided to continue this. I had half-written this chapter and left it victim to dust. Now months later, school has started, and I randomly decided to continue writing this instead of doing a character analysis for Banquo.
Kristoph was surprised at the number of people in the courtroom. Why would so many people come and watch such a trial? Maybe they wanted to see the 17-year-old prodigy win his first case. He swiftly took his spot at the defense bench and closed his eyes to focus. He slowly opened them to see a shape taking the spot beside him. "Emerich, what are you doing here?"
The unwelcomed companion gave a thumbs up, "to help you of course! We are going to free Leon together!" Kristoph gave a scoff to him, "what do you know, you're not a defense attorney." Emerich laughed, "I can help you even if I haven't gone to law school. My sister's a detective and I've seen probably more trials than you." Kristoph sighed, "I don't see how that'll help, however I do appreciate it." He lied. He did not appreciate his offer at all. He wanted the victory to himself; he wanted to be the only person Leon needs to thank.
Soon enough, the trial has started. The judge slammed his gavel and pronounced, "The court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Leon Justice…" Kristoph couldn't help noticing that the old judge kept glancing over to the prosecution.
The prosecutor is no one other than the "rookie killer" Winston Payne. Kristoph realized what the judge was looking at. On the head of Mr. Payne is a hairdo, which can be only, describe as ridiculous. An old man wearing an afro isn't exactly a pleasant image. However on his face is an arrogant sneer; he is determined to crush the hopes and dreams of another young attorney. "The prosecution is ready, Your Honor."
The judge turned his head to Kristoph, waiting for words to come out. "The defense is ready, Your Honor." The judge smiled and nodded at the defense, "Quite impressive Mr. Gavin. You are only seventeen and yet you are a full-fledged attorney. Not only that, your first case is murder, a very serious charge, and yet you don't seem nervous at all. Do you understand that your actions would determine the fate of your client?"
"Yes, Your Honor. I understand well."
"Very well, now may the prosecution give his opening statements?"
Even though Kristoph seemed calm on the surface, his stomach was already tied into knots. He didn't feel prepared; he didn't look through the case enough, there were still so many questions unanswered. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that he himself was not unarmed and had a secret weapon up in his sleeves.
"Oh ho ho!" boomed prosecutor Payne, "you seemed skilled, but you have no experience. Watch and learn how a professional does his job!"
"Your opening statements please." The judge repeated.
"I have never lost for seven years," Payne continued, "and I doubt I'll ever lose to a rookie!"
The judge slammed his gavel and shook his head, "you always say that Mr. Payne. Now please, your opening statements."
"Ah yes, of course." Payne smiled. "On July 7th, around three o'clock in the afternoon, the victim, Chase Santon has abducted a child at the Homey Havens Orphanage and climbed on to the roof. The defendant, Leon Justice, followed the victim and had a struggle with him. The victim had a knife on him and attempted to stab the defendant several times, however the knife had caught only his shirt. Finally in an act of desperation, the defendant stole the knife and stabbed the victim… right into the heart! Fearing that the victim would somehow recover from his wound, the victim pushed the struggling man off, ensuring his death." The old prosecutor sighed and shook his head. "What a shame… in an attempt to become a hero he has brought himself down as a murderer."
The judge closed his eyes in deep thought, "It indeed was a brave thing to do though, chasing after such a dangerous man…" His train of thought was interrupted by the sound of the slamming of a desk.
"Mr. Payne, I have questions to ask you." Kristoph interjected with clear and loud voice.
Payne raised his eyebrows and smirked, "I will answer them gladly, my dear rookie."
Kristoph re-adjusted his glasses and smiled. "How are you sure of all of this, my dear prosecutor Payne?"
In response, the veteran prosecutor let out a laugh. Obviously, Kristoph's question did not scare him a bit. "That…was something I was about to go over. However, you were a bit… too impatient. Evidence… evidence… have you forgotten? It is your greatest ammunition in the battle of wits. I'm a bit disappointed, you, a supposedly genius, has forgotten about that."
Flustered Kristoph lowered his head and cursed under his breath. Emerich gritted his teeth and protested, "And you… you're not that much better, insulting people like that. Oh? You don't mistakes at all then? Let's see if you'll be able to handle a perfect case. Now hurry up and present the evidence!"
The judge nodded in agreement, "Please… Mr. Payne, show us the evidence. Let us go through this trial with as little bickering as possible."
Payne gave a triumphant grin and pulled out two things: a manila folder, and wrapped in clear protective covering was a pure white shirt, stained with bloody red.
"This is the autopsy report," the veteran prosecutor grinned as he pulled out several sheets of paper from the folder. "Victim, Chase Santon, died at 3:10 due to multiple stab wounds to the heart, and later was pushed off at a height of twenty-feet and by landing on his head, lead to his instant death."
Was it necessary to read it out loud? Kristoph shook his head. Payne was just restating his opening statement. What a waste of time.
"And this is the decisive evidence!" Payne proudly held up the shirt high into the air. "This is the shirt the defendant was wearing on the day of the murder." He handed it to the bailiff who brought it to the judge. "Of course, being the perfectionist I am, I had it checked to confirm that it was definitely the victim's blood."
The judge examined the shirt closely and nodded. "It's definitely blood all right. It shall be submitted to the evidence."
Kristoph narrowed his eyes. How can that old geezer tell if it was blood or not just by that? Finally the judge handed the evidence to the bailiff, whom presented it to Kristoph.
He unfolded the shirt carefully and laid it out on his desk. Seeing the streaks of red slashed across, it looked as if Leon had splashed in a puddle of blood. He adjusted his glasses and peered closer, not noticing Emerich who leaned over to inspect the evidence. "Strange…"
Before Kristoph even finished looking scanning the shirt for any abnormalities, Payne waved his finger and opened his mouth again. "Don't worry youngster, that's not all I have." He pulled out a knife, sealed tightly in a bag. It was passed along just how the shirt did.
Of course, Payne had checked the fingerprints on it. They were confirmed to be victim and Leon and there was no denying to that. Other than that and the fact that the blade was still covered with blood, It was just a normal fruit-peeling knife that you can find in every kitchen.
Kristoph's observations were once again interrupted, this time by the judge. "Well done, prosecutor Payne. I find no reason to doubt that the defendant is guilty. Do you have anything to say Mr. Gavin?" What? The trial hasn't even lasted twenty minutes now and the judge is already thinking about the verdict? He has to say something, but what? If he says anything wrong, it'll surely cost him of his honor.
"Yes Your Honor, Kristoph has something to say!"
Kristoph frowned. He did not say that, for he knew referring himself in third-person would only make him sound like an idiot. Not surprisingly, it was Emerich who gave the attorney a bright look and a cheer of good luck. In return, Kristoph gave him a dark glare and returned his attention to the judge.
He hated acting without thought, but after Emerich's sudden outburst, he was expected to speak. He close his eyes and sighed as he chose his words carefully. He could hear Payne snickering without even trying to hide it. How annoying.
He opened his eyes as he found the perfect words to get back at him.
"Is that all you've got?"
The entire courtroom was completely hushed.
"What?" Payne stammered.
"A few pieces of evidence. That's all you've got? If this is such an obvious case shouldn't you have more? Unless… prosecutor Payne, you might want to get your eyes checked."
That sent Payne to fury. "Oh? You don't think I have enough evidence? Well I'll show you!" He slammed the table in rage. "He'll be guilty as any guilty person could possibly be!"
The judge slammed his gavel in response. "Prosecutor Payne, do please calm down. Is it necessarily to present more evidence? He seems guilty enough."
"Yes! I'm here to show this rookie a perfect trial!"
The judge scratched his beard. "Well, if you insist. I'll permit it. Do please hurry with your evidence."
Payne pointed his finger at Leon accusingly. "I have in fact a very witness who saw this ruthless murder!"
Kristoph looked upwards to see some flies flutter around the lights. A witness? That doesn't seem like a good sign… but at least it gave him more time to think things over.
Um yes I made some edits. I realized that I've forgotten the most important evidence possible (how could I)... the autopsy report.
yes because of that I wasn't able to continue but now it's spring break and hopefully I'll finally get some chapters done