The Judge banged his gavel. 'Order, I will have... Hmm... Wait.' He gasped in shock. 'The courtroom isn't in a pandemonium. This... I haven't had to deal with a situation like this in a long time. Mr Justice!' He twisted the mallet in his fingers, as if he were confused by the complete order of the court. '...what is the meaning of this, er, silence?'

Apollo looked to Chuckpeck, and then to the Judge. 'Your Honour, this witness has just revealed something very interesting to the court: he knew about the victim's drug use.'

The Judge frowned. 'I'm afraid I don't follow, Mr Justice.'

I guess I'll just have to do this the old-fashioned way, then. Apollo rummaged through the autopsy report, flicking over various page numbers before withdrawing a particular sheet of paper that read: 'Extra Notes & Findings." He held it up as he spoke. 'I would like the court to think back to when Detective Skye took to the stand. Your Honour, do you remember the secret she revealed to us?'

'Hmm, was it not that the victim was found to be a drug user?'

'That's correct, your Honour. And,' continued Apollo, relishing in the moment, 'did the prosecution not state that no-one, including the victim's closest family and friends, knew about this secret of his?'

The Judge nodded. 'Yes, quite true. Where are you going with this, Mr Justice?' There was slight pause before a wave of realisation swept across the elderly man's body. 'Oh. Oh, you mean...?'

Apollo slammed his fists onto the bench. 'That's right. This witness has only been present in this trial for a few minutes, yet...' A flash of determination appeared in his eyes. '...somehow, Mr Chuckpeck knew of the victim's secret: the secret that could ruin his career and the secret that he kept hidden from everybody!'

The crowd exploded into chaos, the courtroom was filled with electricity, and the witness was sweating, contorting, struggling to keep his cool.

'This,' said Trucy with a big grin,'this, is just like old times.'

'Objection!' yelled Kay, cutting through the clatter. 'This witness could have found out about the secret, easy! Mr Chuckpeck probably learned about it during the trip to the premiere.'

'Objection!' came Apollo's reply. 'The fact that no-one knew about it definitely means the victim worked hard to keep it hidden.' He folded his arms with a smirk. 'I sincerely doubt he would have just let it slip out.'

'Objection!' Kay threw both hands onto the bench, a competitive energy overtaking her. 'In that case, Mr Justice, tell us how the witness found about the secret.' She too, crossed her arms with a smirk. 'If it's as well-hidden as you say it is.'

Apollo stood still, thinking, the world seemingly dissolving around him. Here we are, this is where this case gets turned on its head. The question is not how the victim found out about the secret... He met Kay's stare with his own. ...the question is: why does he know the secret? Of all the people in the world to know, why him? And when you think about it like that... Apollo stood up straight. '...the answer is simple.'

The courtroom went quiet and leaned in to listen.

'Mr Chuckpeck is Mr Fist's drug dealer. That's all there is to it.'

Silence reigned. Each person took in the conclusion on its merits, and each person formulated their own opinion of it - most agreed with Apollo. However, conclusions are subject to disagreement, so the attorney was prepared for some opposition.

He was not expecting it from Edgeworth.

'Objection!' came the man's regal tone. 'Mr Justice, with all due respect, I ask that you have a little more trust in the ability of the Prosecutor's Office.' He indicated with an open palm to Mr Chuckpeck. 'If this man is who you say he is, a drug dealer, then it would have taken nothing more than a quick background check to have ratted him out in an instant. And I can assure you, this man would not be standing here if that were the case, in fact, none of us would be.'

Apollo started to sweat, his bravado slipping away. Maybe I was wrong...? Maybe...

'Don't think like that, Polly.' Trucy slapped him lightly, earning a surprised yelp. 'You were on to something there, just look at the way Mr Chuckpeck's reacting.'

The attorney glanced over to the witness stand - Chuckpeck could barely stand he was that nervous. Apollo felt his hopes rise. 'You're right. He might be Edgeworth, but that doesn't make him automatically correct.' Actually, speaking of the prosecution... He looked towards Kay: she was twiddling her fingers, unable to look over in the Chief Prosecutor's direction. 'Miss Faraday.'

The woman jerked at the mention of her name.

'You've been awfully quiet since Mr Edgeworth spoke.'

This caught said man's attention. 'He is correct, Kay. Is there something troubling you?'

'Er...' Her twiddling increased. '...maybe.'

Edgeworth felt the colour drain from his face, he had a feeling he knew where this was going. 'Kay...'

'I may have, um...' She slumped her shoulders, letting out all the air in her lungs. 'I may have neglected to, er...check Mr Chuckpeck's background.'

'...what...?'

'I was excited that we had a decisive witness,' she said, like a child caught drawing on the walls. 'And, he looked the part. I'm sorry...'

Not a sound was heard, except a defeated sigh from Edgeworth, his cheeks red from embarrassment. '...young lady, we're going to have a talk about the importance of thorough investigating, later. However,' the Chief Prosecutor regained his composure in a heartbeat, 'the prosecution's point still stands. The defence has yet to present any solid proof that the witness in front of us is, in fact, a drug dealer.'

'What?'

The Judge closed his eyes. 'I'm sorry, Mr Justice, but Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth is indeed correct. The slip of the witness' tongue, although suspicious...' He shook his head. '...is not enough to discredit his testimony.'

'You can't be serious!' Apollo balled up his fists. Ugh, I was doing so well too...

Trucy could only look on, wanting to say anything to change their position, but also found herself at a loss.

The Judge smacked his gavel - it didn't have its excited ring. 'Without any further evidence to support the contrary, I'm afraid the witness' testimony stands as the truth, and I will have to end this cross-examination here.'

Apollo racked his brain, searching for anything, anyone to help. His fingers flew across the bench, over turning pages, photos and testimonies - nothing was standing out to him. That is until, a particularly messy-looking page fluttered across the top of the rest: Jet's testimony.

Suddenly, Kay's voice could be heard. 'Hold it! Your Honour, the prosecution would like to investigate the background of this witness. We can't be sure that his words are true until he's checked out.'

The Judge was surprised to say the least. 'But, Miss Faraday, you would be damaging your case-'

'That's not important to me, your Honour. What's important is the truth, and nothing else.' She slapped a hand against the bench. 'Unless we know who Mr Chuckpeck really is, the truth could be lost forever if we end this cross-examination now.'

The Judge grew slightly annoyed. 'Now see here, Miss Faraday. The defence has attempted to prove who the witness is and has failed to supply the sufficient evidence in order to do so. And...'

The lecture washed over Apollo and became a dull drone in his ears. He was still staring at Jet's testimony, and continued to stare at it when Trucy tapped him on the shoulder.

'Hey, Polly. You know how Daddy says: "you have to turn your thinking around"...?'

'Yes. What about it?'

'Well, I just had a thought.' She tapped a finger to her cheek. 'The Judge says we failed to prove who Mr Chuckpeck is. So,' she flashed Apollo a grin, 'what if we can prove who Mr Chuckpeck isn't?'

Apollo just stared at her, confused. Then he stared at Jet's testimony. There was a beat, then all of a sudden his eyes lit up. 'Trucy... That's brilliant! You've just saved our necks!'

The magician could only tip her hat and stick out her tongue. 'Aww, don't mention it.' Suddenly, her face grew serious. 'But we haven't got time for this - the Judge has already made up his mind. So go and get 'em, Polly!'

The attorney nodded, determination filling him once more. Consider your noodle order tripled. He gripped Jet's testimony and flew back into action. 'Your Honour...?'

'Oh. What is it, Mr Justice?'

'The defence can disprove Mr Chuckpeck's testimony, and we shall do it through his identity...'

The Judge frowned at Apollo. 'I told you, Mr Justice that-'

'...by proving who he isn't.' The courtroom fell silent, so the attorney continued. 'Mr Chuckpeck was introduced as a professional limousine driver. However, we, the defence, are inclined to believe that this is a lie, along with the rest of his testimony.'

'Objection!' Kay may have thrown a defiant finger towards Apollo, but her eyes told a different story. 'Mr Justice, that is a big claim. Do you have any proof of this?'

She wants me to prove her wrong. He slammed his fists down. 'Of course. The defence would like to present this photograph as it's evidence.'

'That's...' The Judge squinted at the picture. 'This is the victim entering his limousine, correct?'

'Yes, your Honour. But don't you notice something odd about it?'

'I'm afraid you've lost me, Mr Justice. Although the victim is dressed rather oddly, there is nothing out of the ordinary in this image. Why, you have the vehicle, the passenger...'

Apollo folded his arms, radiating smugness. '...but where is the driver?'

The Judge fell silent.

'Your Honour, when you hire a limousine, what do you expect along with it?'

'Well, I would like some shrimp cocktails, punctuality and service, and of course, a valet to open the door...for me... Ah!'

'I'm glad to see his Honour has noticed it too.' He threw a finger towards the prosecution. 'The victim was opening the door to his own, hired limousine!'

'Objection!' Both prosecutors opened their mouths, but Edgeworth was faster. 'This is trivial. This company of hired vehicles simply didn't offer that level of service.'

'Objection!' retorted Apollo. He slapped a piece of paper onto the bench. 'I have here the testimony of Mr Slater regarding these limousines, and I quote: "They were my favourite company too, best of the best. Best valets, service, you get the idea - Brad always spends too much." Mr Fist is known for spending exuberant amounts of cash, so I ask you, Mr Edgeworth: what sort of expensive, top-of-the-line valet service, doesn't open the door for you?'

Edgeworth reeled back. 'Nghooooh!'

Kay could only look on at Apollo in delighted disbelief.

The attorney continued. 'Your Honour, the defence believes that the reason why this witness can't be seen in this photograph is because he is not a "professional limo driver." Therefore, if Mr Chuckpeck has lied to this court about his occupation, and his knowledge of the victim...' He looked to said witness - the man's face was twisting into a combination of anger and apprehension. '...then it isn't too much of a stretch to say that his testimony is complete bogus as well.'

The Judge leaned back. 'Mr Justice... Are you insinuating that this witness has made up a completely false testimony?'

'I am.'

'But... Why...? Why would he lie about such a thing? What is there to gain?'

Apollo deadpanned. Honestly, your Honour, I thought it would have been obvious at this point.

'Are you ready for this, Polly?' Her eyes met Apollo's. 'There's no backing out if you say it.'

He nodded, giving Trucy a knowing smile. 'I know, but this is the only way to save Mr Slater, and we're way too far into the fire to turn back now.' He threw an accusing finger at the witness stand. 'Your Honour, the defence hereby indicts Mr Edward Chuckpeck on the murder of Brad Fist. He is the true murderer, and lied in court today to throw suspicion onto my client!'

'Wha... What?!'

The courtroom exploded into chaos - the Judge was near-splitting his gavel trying to keep the people under wraps.

Amongst the volleys and flurries of excited voices, however, Apollo's mind remained clear. He's definitely the killer - there is no other reason why he'd make up such a crazy story about the events of the trip to the premiere. His eyes fell to the prosecution - Kay watched with a waiting smirk, curious to see what explanation Apollo had for the real crime. I owe Faraday for helping us before, but... I'll have to make it up to her later - I'm not letting this guy slip away.

'Mr Justice,' exclaimed the Judge, flabbergasted. 'This is a weighty accusation. I do hope you have some strong evidence to back up your claim.'

Apollo nodded. 'Of course, your Honour. The defence does have some evidence, but it's not here with us - in fact, it hasn't even been found yet.'

The Judge went wide-eyed, then glared. '...you better not be wasting our time with this. I'm warning you, a heavy claim comes with a heavy price.'

'Well-'

'Actually, if you don't mind, Mr Justice...'

Everyone was surprised to hear Kay's voice, even Edgeworth.

'...would you allow me to explain to the court this theory of yours? If we're on the same page, that is.'

Apollo almost said no, but, a small part of him held it back. It's...odd... Ever since she saved us... I feel as though I can trust her. He merely nodded. I never thought I'd trust the prosecution with my own case.

Kay smiled. 'Thank you. Now to start, I'll sum up the theory simply: the defence believes that the murder didn't occur during the trip to the premiere - it actually happened at the pre-screening party, before 5:45pm and after 5:30pm. This due to Mr Chuckpeck's shaky testimony, and their reasoning that he made up the story to change the scene of the crime. Therefore, the defence is hoping for some evidence to be found if they are given the chance to organise a search of the studio.' She indicated to the witness stand. 'In light of recent findings about this witness, and the lack of a, um, proper background check, the prosecution would be willing to grant the defence a chance to perform this action.'

Apollo and Trucy looked to the other, excited grins abound.

Suddenly, Kay slammed the bench with a sharp crack. 'However, we won't.'

Their faces dropped.

'Or rather, we can't, because the defence hasn't shut down the prosecution's case.' She shot Apollo a serious look. 'I told both the court and you, Mr Justice, earlier, that the prosecution's case is based off of two things: one, Mr Chuckpeck's testimony, which, admittedly, is useless without his credibility, and two, this photo of the victim alive and entering his vehicle.' She flashed it up for the court to see. 'Sure, he looks a bit smaller than usual, but that's because he is entering the limousine. But, we interviewed the cast and crew who turned up to the premiere after the body was found...'

She's not...

'...the last time they saw the victim was when he walked passed the party, and in his outfit designed only for him.'

She is.

'Ergo, the victim was alive by the time he entered the vehicle, meaning the murder had to have occurred during the trip to the premiere.' She threw a finger towards Apollo. 'Our case still stands!'

Edgeworth nodded, impressed. The crowd whooped and cheered, enthralled to see both sides throwing big punches.

Trucy was about to throw a few of her own. 'That... That... Ugh! I can't believe she used our own theory against us!'

'H-hey...' said Apollo, slightly scared of the magician's reaction - he had never seen her quite so worked up before. 'Normally, I'd be thinking the same thing, but look at Faraday.'

The teenager sucked her annoyance back into herself and glanced at the prosecutor's bench - it clicked immediately. 'Those eyes... Polly... I think she knows that Mr Chuckpeck is the murderer.'

Apollo tensed up. 'I agree. But unfortunately,' he shook his head, 'she can't prove it for us, that's not her job - we have to do it ourselves.'

The Judge smacked his gavel. 'An excellent argument from the prosecution. I can see that Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth has taught you well, Miss Faraday.' He turned to Apollo. 'Does the defence have anything to counter it?'

The attorney looked to Kay, then to the photo at his bench. This is the final obstacle in our way, if we can disprove this... 'Of course, your Honour. The defence can counter the prosecution's case.' The whole world seemed to fade away, slowing down, and Apollo was left with his thoughts all focusing in on the case at hand.

Alright, the prosecution's case is based on two things: Mr Chuckpeck's testimony, which we have discredited, and the photograph.

Now, if we are to assume that Mr Slater is innocent, then the victim must have already died before he entered the vehicle - there's no way around that, he has to have died at the pre-screening party.

But, that photo... How can that photo exist if the victim was already dead?

I know! The person in the photo can't be the victim, so that must mean that Brad Fist was already in the trunk of the second limo by the time the photo was taken.

But how did the victim end up there unseen? Mr Slater stated that he argued with Mr Fist ten minutes before everyone saw him in the astronaut outfit, walking past the party.

He must have been murdered outside, but someone would have heard, not to mention everyone else left minutes after Brad Fist...

Alright, so that's not it. Think... The last time the victim was heard was in his dressing room with Mr Slater...

That's it! The murder must have occurred during the party, after the argument - it's the only time that fits inside the autopsy report. The victim was killed inside his own dressing room!

But, how did the killer move the body to the vehicle? There aren't any windows in the dressing room, apparently... Meaning, they had to sneak the body past the party...

...wait... The victim walked past the party, after the murder happened, dressed in his costu-

It all came crashing together.

'ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?!'

The courtroom jumped in surprise from the attorney's outburst.

'Mr Justice!' stammered the Judge. 'For the sake of my old age, please refrain from shouting so suddenly.'

Apollo felt his cheeks redden. 'Er, my apologies, your Honour.' He scratched his head. 'It's just that... I've come to realise the truth of this case.'

'The truth...?'

'Yes, and it's because of that photo. You see, that isn't the victim inside that image.'

The Judge frowned. 'Then who is it?'

Apollo felt his fire return. 'The killer. It is Mr Chuckpeck entering the first limousine, after dumping Mr Fist's body in the second.'

'Objection!' came the shout from Kay. 'Mr Justice, I understand that you want to disprove the contents of the photograph, but why would this witness put the suit on in the first place?'

'Simple, Miss Faraday,' said Apollo with a smug grin. 'Mr Chuckpeck used it to transport the body past the party.'

The courtroom fell silent - no-one dared to breathe, they were too busy thinking Apollo had lost it.

The attorney took it as his chance to elaborate, holding up Jet's testimony. 'My client, as well as many others, testified that they saw the victim walk past the party at 5:40pm, ten minutes after the argument between him and my client, at 5:30pm. However, considering the timeframe the murderer had to commit the crime, he would only have had time during the ten minute interval after the argument, in which no-one saw the victim until 5:40pm. Therefore, the killer must have killed Mr Fist in his dressing room.'

Kay felt her eyes widen, as well as her mouth slowly unfurl.

'Since the victim was expected to leave before everyone else, the killer had a problem - people would be looking for Brad Fist soon, and if someone saw him leave the crime scene he'd be finished. So, he killed two birds with one stone, by both covering his identity and moving the body into the trunk of the second car, using the suit to literally walk the body away from crime scene. After getting past the party, he dumped the victim and entered the first vehicle - that was when this photo was taken.' Apollo sighed, the weariness of his brain finally getting to him. 'And that, ladies and gentlemen of the court, is how Mr Brad Fist was murdered.'

Everything went quiet. Then, a wave of whispers circled the stands, everyone discussing what they had just heard - no-one could confirm nor deny the explanation.

Edgeworth readjusted his glasses, a spark of nostalgic dumbfoundness yanking the corner of his mouth up into a smile. Just like Wright...always pulls out something incredible...

The Judge couldn't stop widening his eyes. 'That's...quite the theory.' He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. 'However, Mr Justice, this is a court of law, and I must ask that you provide evidence to support your claims.'

Apollo slammed his fists down. 'That's why we need to able to search the studio, your Honour. Neither the defence nor the prosecution have had a chance to look, or had a reason to - I can assure you that we will find the evidence there. Please, your Honour.'

The Judge hung his head, mulling over the attorney's plea. After a good ten seconds, he turned to the prosecution. 'What are your thoughts on this, Miss Faraday?'

Kay was struggling to hide her happy grin. 'The prosecution has no objection, your Honour. After all, if we can't find anything, then the defence doesn't have a case.'

Thanks for the vote of sympathy.

The Judge, after some thinking, nodded. 'Very well, the court grants permission for the studio to be searched.'

Edgeworth pulled his phone out of his pocket. 'I'll ask the team that is searching for the plank of wood to turn around.' He tapped a couple of buttons and held it up to his ear. 'I suspect that it won't take more than twenty minutes.'

Trucy looked near to exploding she was so happy. 'You did it, Polly! That was so cool - even Daddy would be jealous of you!'

Apollo had to resist the urge to explode back. 'Thanks, Truce, I couldn't have done it without you.' He looked to Kay. Or her, for that matter. 'Though, we're not out of the clear yet.'

'I wouldn't worry about that, Polly...'

A crumpled thump echoed around the court - it was Edward Chuckpeck, frothing at the mouth, unconscious, defeated.

'...something tells me you hit the nail on the head.'

THERE WE ARE, FIRST CASE OVER. That took more than I thought to get it out (and even then, I still have to wrap it up next chapter, as well as tie up the loose ends.)
If you read through the entire thing, thank you very much! Much appreciated. Let us know if you enjoyed it, because the next few chapters will be character interaction and whatnot, so nothing as dense as this.
As always, R&R, criticise, and have a good day!