A/N: I am back with the next exciting chapter of "Play Misty for me". One a good note, I have determined this story will have fifteen chapters and will end the first week of February so there's only seven months to go. In this chapter, the investigation of Misty heats up and a new lead comes forward.
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.
In his office, Ash Ketchum was deep in thought. His was racking his brain trying to figure out a way his girlfriend Misty could be innocent despite evidence mounting against her. However, his thoughts were disturbed when a knock came on the door.
"Excuse me sir, may I enter?" asked Kristi outside.
"Yeah of course." answered Ash nonchalantly.
"Than you. Sir, it's about the case involving Misty." began Kristi careful of what to say next.
"She's fucking innocent!" spat Ash clearly upset.
"I believe in "innocent until proven guilty" myself and she hasn't been even charged yet so that is not where I'm going." replied Kristi.
"Okay. Sorry." sighed Ash, "This whole thing is just crazy."
"It's fine but, I wanted to ask why are you so sure she's innocent?" asked Kristi, "I'm just wondering."
"You've meet Misty. She's so..kind and caring. She'd never kill anyone." answered Ash.
"I'll agree you have a point there." stated Kristi.
"I'm really not trying to take my emotions out on you." said Ash rubbing his face.
"Yes I know." said Kristi.
"I can't believe that Gary think she's guilty." said Ash.
"Well, it seemed Gary did have some reservations of her guilt." noted Kristi.
"He questioned her. He did, no, he does believe at least somewhat that Misty is guilty!" snapped Ash.
"Gary is just doing his job. You can't be angry at him for that." replied Kristi.
"Damn." sighed Ash reclining in his chair.
"I'm sure that Misty will have her day in court is she's charged." said Kristi.
"So, you do think she's guilty?" asked Ash clearly upset.
"I'm just saying if she is innocent she will proven it in court." answered Kristi.
"There should be no reason she'll be charged." said Ash.
"It's hard to ignore evidence." noted Kristi cringing.
"You do believe she's guilty!" cried Ash.
"The evidence does seem to point that way so she might be arrested. The she will have her day in court and if she's innocent she'll be cleared of all charges." explained Kristi.
"She could still be wrongly convicted or railroaded." mumbled Ash worried.
"I'm sure that won't happen." said Kristi.
"You can't be sure." replied Ash.
"You need to think positive." said Kristi.
"Maybe you're right." sighed Ash.
"Exactly. Don't worry, everything will be fine." said Kristi.
"I hope you're right Kristi." said Ash clearly concerned.
"Don't worry about sir." said Kristi.
"Maybe..." said Ash distracted.
"You're really worried about her huh?" asked Kristi.
"Misty means the world to me. I love her. She's somebody I could see myself with forever." answered Ash dreamily.
"Sir, I'm here for you." stated Kristi.
"Thanks Kristi." replied Ash.
"Hey, enough sentimental stuff. This is getting too teary eyed." said Kristi laughing.
"Yeah I agree." laughed Ash.
"Great. Well then I'll get back to paperwork." said Kristi.
"Okay and thanks." replied Ash.
"No problem." said Kristi who left.
At the Vermillion City Aquarium, the day was progressing as normal. Visitors were coming in and the shows were filled. However, Marina couldn't help but, notice her friend Misty seemed more distant than usual. During a break in between shows, Marina decided to talk to her.
"Can I ask you a question?" asked Marina.
"Well, you just did." answered Misty with a laugh, "But, seriously of course."
"Hey Misty, are you okay?" asked Marina.
"Oh yeah. I'm fine." answered the redhead becoming more solemn.
"If anything is wrong then you can tell me." said Marina.
"Look, it's really nothing you need to concern yourself with." replied Misty.
"That makes me even more worried than before." said Marina concerned.
"If I tell you then you cannot tell anybody." said Misty.
"Sure. I promise." replied Marina.
"I'm being investigated in connection to a homicide." confessed Misty.
"What the hell?!" cried Marina surprised.
"Keep your voice low." begged Misty hushing the girl.
"Oh right. I'm sorry." said Marina scratching her head.
"Somebody got killed and my ring somehow got at the crime scene. I don't know how but, I am innocent. I swear it." explained Misty.
"I believe you. I've known you well enough to be sure of that." replied Marina.
"Thank you for that. I'm glad that somebody else believes in me." said Misty clearly relieved.
"Well, the other person is obviously Ash." said Marina.
"Yup." confirmed Misty, "He's been my biggest supporter."
"He's a great guy." said Marina.
"I agree with that." said Misty smiling.
"Still, I can't believe you'd be investigated for that." said Marina shaking her head.
"Me either but, it's happening." sighed Misty.
"Don't worry. I know you're innocent and you'll be fine." replied Marina.
"Do you really think so?" asked Misty hopeful.
"I know it." answered Marina.
"Thank you for that." replied Misty.
"It's no problem." said Marina, "In fact, I'm going to help prove your innocence."
"No." said Misty concerned.
"Why not?" asked Marina.
"I don't want anyone getting caught up in my business." answered Misty.
"But, I want to help you prove you're innocent." replied Marina.
"And well I appreciate that, if you get involved you might be hurt." said Misty.
"I know that and I am okay. I want to help you." said Marina.
"Look, I am glad you're trying to help but, I want you stay out of this." replied Misty.
"Dammit Misty. I am going to help you." said Marina.
"I know you're trying to help but, I am warning you stay out of this." said Misty.
"But..." began Marina.
"I said you need to stay out of my affairs." said Misty.
"No." replied Marina determined.
"I said stay out of it!" cried Misty.
"No need to get loud." said Marina.
"I'm sorry." sighed Misty.
"It's fine." said Marina.
"Thanks. It's just, this is something really personal." replied Misty who got a text on her cellphone, "Oh man! I have to go!"
"Where to?" asked Marina.
"Just out. Please, cover for me." answered Misty who left.
"Okay." said a confused Marina.
In her room, a woman was returning back home. She quickly kicked off her shoes and threw her things down then grabbed her phone making a call.
("Hello.") said Giovanni on the other end.
"It's me sir." replied the woman.
("Oh hello. I am confident your news is good.") said Giovanni.
"Indeed sir." said the woman, "I killed him. Tracey Sketchit is dead."
("Perfect.") replied Giovanni.
"No problem sir." said the woman.
("It seems that everything is progressing as scheduled.") noted Giovanni.
"Yes sir. I am very grateful for this opportunity." said the woman.
("You're one of my best agents. I knew I could trust you to spearhead this mission.") replied Giovanni
"I will help bring Team Rocket back from the brink of oblivion." said the woman.
("Good. Your loyalty is unquestioned.") said Giovanni.
"Sir, I've heard there's somebody who might have taken my picture." confessed the woman.
("How did you find that out?") asked Giovanni.
"Pierce sir." answered the woman.
("I'm surprised you were caught.") said Giovanni.
"Actually sir, this might work out to our advantage." replied the woman.
("Explain.") said Giovanni
"By removing this person I can further our agenda by using his death to our advantage by fulfilling the earlier plan I laid out." stated the woman.
("Alright. You have Pierce as well as Butch and Cassidy so feel free to use them. I am trusting you.") replied Giovanni.
"Yes sir." said the woman before the phone call ended.
At the police station, Gary was looking over the case yet again. As he did, a knock came on his door.
"Come in!" called Gary.
"Hey Gary. It's me." said Jenny outside.
"Come in." replied Gary who stopped as Jenny came in.
"Any luck Gary?" asked Jenny walking up to his desk.
"No. I haven't found a damn thing." answered Gary, "However, I did hear something about a witness which is why I'm sure you're here."
"Yes indeed." replied Jenny, "Come in."
"Hello. My name is Todd Snap." said a man entering the room.
"I understand from Officer Pierce you actually took a picture of the culprit." said Gary.
"Here it is." said Todd handing him the picture.
"Damn. This is amazing." said Gary looking at the picture.
"Thanks. I am an armature photographer and was taking pictures of the city at night when I took this. A redhead woman running away near the scene of the homicide. I only wish her face wasn't blurred when I snapped the picture." explained Todd.
"When did you know this was tied into a murder?" asked Jenny.
"Well, watching him run away seemed suspicious and when I heard there was another murder occurred I decided to give you this." answered Jenny.
"We're lucky you did. This might be connected to three murders. This could be the break we need." explained Jenny.
"Wow. I'm really happy to help." said Todd.
"Nice. You're picture is really helpful and you'll likely need to might need to testify." said Gary, "The girl in this picture looks like Misty."
"Okay." said Todd.
"Good. Now we'll protect you." replied Jenny.
"Was...was that Sketchit guy connected to this case?" asked Todd nervously.
"Yes he was. But, don't worry you'll be protected." answered Jenny regretful.
"Indeed. We will talk again later. Officer Pierce will show you out." added Gary.
A/N: Well there is chapter nine and as you can see there is trouble on the horizon. Next chapter, there is more trouble strikes while Marina and Ash try to prove Misty's innocence. Please review.