Another late update! Believe me, this chapter has been my hardest one yet. And also my longest one. But I don't want to damage my story by rushing things. I'm sure you guys understand exactly what I mean.

Many, many thanks to all my wonderful reviewers—tifafenrir09, Bokmal14, suzanne (),FlamingIce94, allie oops and BBleached.


Chapter 19

'It seems only yesterday that Max and I were sitting at the café, discussing our next move. Back then, we had nothing. No evidences… No clues… No proper suspects… No witnesses… nothing! We were stranded without a hope. Then, as luck would have it, a face suddenly pops up into my head. A face I haven't seen for years. A face I can never forget… the face of Kai Hiwatari aka the Vampire. 'Vampire'—that's the first word I had blurted out, confusing the hell out of poor Maxie. And then before you know it… We're off to Russia.'

'So much time has passed since then, and so many developments have taken place. All through this time, Kai seemed to be only person who knew his next moves. What he was aiming at never made any sense to me. In fact, if I didn't know him (reasonably) well enough, I might not have held on to him. But thankfully, I did. And that's why we're now where we are… Just hang in there for the few more hours, Ray. We're coming to get you. No one can stop us now! It has begun… The beginning of the end!'


The sky was completely conquered by darkness, with no sign of the sun. It was only a matter of hours before the rain came down in torrents. Every vehicle, in the bustling street of Tokyo, seemed to be in a hurry to get some cover before being hit by the rain. Amidst the heavy traffic, Tyson's Chevrolet, followed by Michael's Honda, was seen making its way towards the court.

From time to time, Tyson found himself glancing at the vacated passenger seat. Somehow, over the last few days, he had gotten used to having certain someone next to him. But Kai's absence was felt more distinctly on that particular day.

Tyson knew that the tables had finally turned, and the whole case was now in his hands. All he would have to do was step up in front of the jury, say everything that Kai had told him the previous night…, and enjoy the expressions on McGregor and Balkov's faces while he was at it.

Yet, Tyson couldn't help but wish that Kai would somehow make one of his last second, out-of-thin-air appearances before the trial began. For some reason, he wanted to see the Phoenix before facing Boris Balkov.

Glancing at the empty seat next to him, Tyson sighed.


The Court, as always, was bustling with lawyers, cops and other people. Tyson made his way through the parking lot, before he finally spotted the car he was looking for. He parked his car next to Mr. Dickenson's black limousine.

"Well, looks like Ray's already here." He spoke once they got out.

It was true, since Mr. Dickenson had taken the responsibility to escort the neko-jin directly to the court. Neither Tyson, nor Max had been able to visit him in the Isolation Ward, which left them both rather restless. Tyson's only reassurance was that the last person to visit Ray, before the trial, had been Kai. If there was anyone who could beat some sense into Ray's suicidal mind, it had to be Kai.

"Well team," Hiro announced. "One hour left before the case starts, so we might as well get ready. Michael, Garland and Kenny." He nodded towards the three. "You guys better go and get your seats. I'll have a few words with Mr. Dickenson first."

After the three had left, Hiro turned towards Tyson and Max. "So what about you two? Are going to visit Ray before it starts?"

"I think we'll pass, Hiro." Max replied. "For all we know, Ray might not be ready to see us yet. I don't know what Kai had told him, but whatever he said, it's bound to have some effect. And I have a good feeling that Ray's finally come to his senses. Besides, he'll be free within a few hours!"

Tyson nodded in agreement, his face filled with determination.

"Then I guess, I'll see you during the trials. Good luck, Ty. Just do your thing."

Once Hiro had left, Max looked at Tyson.

"He'll be coming, won't he?"

Tyson closed his eyes. "I wish I knew."

"But… Today's the day! Today's when it all ends. Surely, he wants to wait and see how everything turns out…"

"Max," Tyson sighed. "This is Kai we're talking about. Kai Hiwatari never waits for anything. He already knows how everything's going turn out… up to the last detail. He can probably even say the number of times I'm going to blink, or the number of strands Boris is going to rip off his head."

"But still, he didn't say that he would leave."

"Does he ever? He didn't say that he'd stay either."

"But there still is a chance, right? I mean, there's no harm in hoping."

"It's true…. When it comes to Kai, you never know. He just might turn up…"

"And he will." A voice answered behind them.

Turning around, Tyson and Max saw two strangely familiar-looking figures heading their way.

"Hey… I know you…. Wolf!" Tyson exclaimed, as he recognized the flaming red hair.

"And Falcon!" Max added, eying the burley silver-haired man, next to Wolf.

"Granger. And Tate, right?" the redhead said as he shook hands with the two, while his companion simply nodded in acknowledgement.

"And you're Tala… and Brian." Max spoke.

"So what brings you guys here?" Tyson asked.

"Kai."

"Kai?"

"Actually we're in Tokyo due to a certain mission. But Kai asked us to deliver something to him, while we were at it. So that's why we're here."

"So… you're meeting him here, today?"

"Exactly."

"That means…" Tyson face brightened with realization and relief. "He's going to be coming!"

"That's what I said. And we're rather curious about this case. It's not every day Kai Hiwatari takes up such cases."

"It must have something to it, to be able attract his attention." Bryan added.

"Stick around till the end, and you won't be disappointed." Tyson grinned.

Tala smirked. "I'm looking forward to—"

Tala cut off abruptly as noticed something behind Tyson. His pale face hardened and his eyes suddenly grew dark. He pressed lips together tightly, though that did not prevent a low growl from escaping his throat. At that moment, he resembled an angry wolf more than ever.

Bryan's reaction was similar, only more murderous. The deadly look on his face actually made Max take a couple of steps back.

"Uh, is something wrong?" Tyson asked unsurely, as he turned around to see whatever it was that had brought about such a drastic reaction from the usually collected Russians. His eyebrows rose as he spotted a familiar limousine, similar to the one Mr. Dickenson owned, making its way towards them. The vehicle parked a few yards away from where they stood, and almost immediately, a neatly dressed, middle-aged chauffeur stepped out. He briskly strode up to the passenger door, and held it open.

Tyson frowned in confusion, as Tala and Brian continued their visual assault. Next to him, Max whispered quietly, "Doesn't that car belong to—"

"Boris!" Tala snarled venomously, as Brian growled something in Russian.

Sure enough, the extensively polished shoe clad foot that stepped onto the pavement belonged to none other than Boris Balkov. Balkov, one of the most reputed lawyers of Japan, was known, not only for his undisputed winning scheme, but also for his strong hold over the underworld. The later statement, though true, had yet to be proved officially. Boris' shrewd and cunning mind, along with his financial powers had been enough to pull a few to strings, to gain him a clean record, and his current post as a counsel.

Tyson himself had never liked the greasy, purple-haired man, and the feeling was mutual. Boris, for some reason, never had any liking for anyone related to the BBA and could not even stand the name of Stanley Dickenson. Yet his dislike for Tyson was more on a personal level. Despite the difference in age and experience, Tyson had almost become as popular as Boris, in the field of law. Wealthy clients usually preferred Boris because of the fact that he could win any case, no matter how unfair he had to be, as long as his pocket was filled. But Tyson's friendly and comforting personality, along with his determination and skill to fight for the truth, had won him the hearts of many people.

However, Tyson had already had two defeats in his career so far, while Boris, despite his means, remained officially undefeated, which gave him an edge over the Dragon. Despite that, it was believed by many that Tyson Granger would soon outshine Boris Balcov. And the idea of a 'BBA amateur with no proper training' surpassing him, was something Boris did not like to think of.

Granger and Balkov facing each other, was some thing that had been long anticipated by the press and the public. Mariah Wong's death finally put an end to their wait. Boris Balkov was hired by the Director and the Managing Director of the Saint Shields company, while Tyson Granger was prepared to defend his best friend. As a result, Tyson and Boris ended up on the opposite sides of the battlefield.

So far, Boris seemed to be having the upper hand. But Tyson was ready to change that. Ray's innocence would be proved soon. Tyson was sure of it. However, there was one thing he wasn't sure of, at all…

'What's up with Tala and Brian? I know Boris isn't very pleasant to look at, but they look ready to kill him!'

Both Tyson and Max gulped as they distinctly heard Brian's knuckles crack. And they weren't the only ones…

Boris, who had been telling something to his chauffeur, turned his head to see the origin of the thunderous cracks, and spotted the four. He eyed Tyson and Max with his usual disgust, and then turned his hideous, expensive goggles on to the remaining two. His shrewd eyes widened for a second, in recognition, before narrowing down. Without looking away, he dismissed his chauffeur with a grunt. Then, with slow, calculated steps, he strode towards the quartet.

Tala's face, if possible, hardened even more as Boris stopped at a distance. The later's thin face twisted into a sneer as he spoke, eyes never leaving the aforementioned Russian.

"Well, well, well… I did hear the rumor that you'd gotten some…er, reinforcement for this case, Granger. But I never thought even you would resolve to seek help from such… unbred spongers."

"Brian!" Tala threw out an arm in front of the enraged Falcon, who was about to lunge at Boris.

"My, my…" the said lawyer taunted, completely unfazed. "I see you're still as courteous as ever, Kuznetsov. Then again… I suppose that is to be expected… from the likes of you."

Brian growled something in Russian again, but Tala cut across him.

"I see you haven't changed so much yourself, Boris," he spoke in a calm but icy voice. "I'd expected that you would've at least learnt a thing or two from your past couple of failures… but I guess I wrong."

Boris' eyebrows twitched a bit, but he maintained his composure. "I don't tend to ponder over history, Ivanov."

"But doesn't history tend to repeat itself?"

"Whatever happened back then," Boris hissed, his temper beginning to rise for some reason, "was an accident. Nothing else!"

"Really now?" a ghost of a smirk appeared on Tala's lips. "I don't think so. In fact, I think you're afraid."

"Afraid? Hah! That's ridiculous! Afraid of what?"

"Of facing the truth."

"What are you trying to say, Ivanov?"

"Isn't it obvious? You've always been, and still are, too scared to face the truth! Why, you ask? Because it terrifies you! It terrifies you to even think about the fact…the harsh reality that… you lost everything you'd worked for throughout your life… All your malicious plots and fantasies… Everything! It took him only one night to destroy your whole life's work! One night… and you were utterly defeated… Defeated for pushing your luck against a boy, whose life you had been making an absolute hell!"

"IVANOV!" Boris raged, his self-control long gone. Clenching his fists tightly, he launched into streams of Russian curses, which were returned with as much vigor.

Though Tyson and Max could not make out what they were saying, but it was easy to guess that whatever their topic of argument was… it wasn't pretty. Both of them found themselves to be quite useless at that point, since neither had any idea what to do.

"Fools!" they heard Boris hiss in English. "You two are way out of your league! There is no room in this world for weaklings!"

"Then what are you still doing here?" a deep voice cut across the dispute.

Boris whipped around impossibly fast, and almost immediately took a step back. His eyes widened in disbelief as he gaped at the unexpected, but familiar figure standing in front of him.

The baritone voice no longer had any of its earlier childlike traces. It had grown deep, with a distinct huskiness. And it wasn't the only thing that had changed. The huge innocent eyes were now sharp and dangerously hypnotizing. The sky-blue bangs that swayed before them had turned into a darker shade of slate; while the cropped navy blue hair was now midnight black and falling past a strong set of shoulders. The face, though smooth, had lost all its roundness, highlighting its now sharp, firm features. And needless to say, the strongly defined, lithe physique was not that of a child's. The figure that stood in front of Boris did not belong to the determined boy he had remembered… but to a skillful perfectionist.

"KAI!!" Boris spat venomously, after finally recovering from the shock. He shot a glare towards Tyson, and then turned back to Kai. "So he is your secret weapon, eh Granger? Kai Hiwatari! How pathetic!"

"Speak for yourself, Balkov!" Tyson retorted sharply.

Boris, however, seemed to be ignoring him (and everyone else) completely, as he focused on one particular individual. When he spoke next, his voice, although calm, held unconcealed hatred, along with a suppressed horror.

"So," he began tauntingly, "we meet again."

He gave Kai look over, like the one, a headmaster gives an old student, before continuing:

"My, my… you've grown, I see. Quite a fine specimen now, aren't you? Strength, determination, self-motivation, vigilance, talent, a craving for power, a desire to be the best… the traits of a true Hiwatari. You possess them all, young Kai. It's all in your blood. Your could've made your kin so proud. You could've made him proud. But alas…" he sighed sardonically. "You failed. You failed miserably. You disgraced your blood the moment you walked out of your training. You dishonored him that very night, when you had proved yourself to be an ungrateful traitor!"

Clenching his teeth, Boris took a couple of deep breaths to collect himself. Then he once again started speaking in his mocking tone.

"It's shame, young Kai. You really had the talent… but you decided to waste it all on such—(he glowered at Tyson, Max and the two Russians)—pitiful excuses. You see now where your naivety has led you? Working under an useless old man! Under! A Hiwatari is born to rule, not serve! But look at you! What have you become, young Kai?"

"What about you, Boris?" Kai finally spoke, quite calmly.

"Me?"

"What have you become? Just another lousy egotist with another lousy scheme to take over the world. Talking is the only thing you've ever done and that's as far as you'll get."

"Quite a complement, coming from you, young Kai. You've taken your little 'accomplishment' quite seriously. But let me tell you, challenging me was a great blunder. If you think your witty little mind is any match for my experience, then you're greatly mistaken. You see, this time you won't be so lucky… because this time I'm not going to lose!"

Most people would worry about the deadly seriousness in Boris' tone, but Kai wasn't affected in the least. In fact, much to Tyson and Max's surprise (and Boris' annoyance), he looked…rather amused.

"You know what?" Kai smirked. "Throughout your life, you've never been able to win, because you always focused on defeating me. And I've never been defeated, because I always focused on winning."

Boris eyes narrowed with utmost rage and hatred.

"Is that so?" he scorned. "Then we'll just have to wait and see who prevails in the end. I hope you don't take losing too badly, young Kai."

Without another word, he walked away towards the main court.

"Guess he won't be in a very jolly mood today." Tyson said staring after Boris.

Bryan murmured a few choice words in Russian.

"Kai." Tala said softly, before saying something to him in Russian.

Kai nodded and replied in the same language, addressing Bryan as well.

The Falcon grinned uncharacteristically.

"Yeah," he said. "Don't wanna miss the action now, do we?"

"Good luck, Granger." Tala added, before he and Bryan made their way towards the court.

"The two of you should get going, as well." Kai said, before he started to walk.

Tyson and Max shared a look before following.


"So," Tyson voiced, when they were walking along the busy corridor of the court. "What's with the 'young Kai' thing?"

"Boris headed the Abbey." Kai stated simply.

Max looked bemused, but Tyson's eyes widened.

"No way!" the later exclaimed. "Balkov! He was the one who… But then Tala and Bryan! Were they—?"

Kai nodded once.

"Ah man! That sneaky bastard!" Tyson growled angrily.

"What's this all about?" Max interjected. "What's the deal with Balkov? What Abbey?"

"Er… Max, it's a uh…" Tyson indicated towards Kai.

"Oh! Sorry." Max said quickly, as he understood. "I was just curious."

"Ask Tyson or Mr. Dickenson later. They'll explain everything."

"Huh?" Max looked at Kai, surprised. "You don't mind letting me in on your personal information?"

"You're one of BBA's most trusted members and a reliable doctors. You'll need to know it sooner or later."

"Just a sec!" Tyson interrupted. "Are you trying to say what I think you are?"

"Boris' career as a counsel isn't going to last long."

"Great! The BBA's gonna be on his case, eh? I'm sure—"

"You can worry about Boris later. Concentrate on this case first."

"C'mon Kai! We're in charge of the game now. We're gonna win! I can almost taste victory."

"Boris thinks he can too."

"Who cares? We know what the truth really is. You know what the truth really is. So why bother on whatever fantasy that goofball in goggles is having?"

"It's all very fine, Ty," Max said. "But just don't get over confident."

"I assure you, Doc. I won't."

"Give Mr. Dickenson a message from me, when this is over."

"Sure thing, Kai. What is it?"


"Raymond Kon…accused for murder… Mariah Wong… July 20…. Dead… revolver…"

It was the same as his last trial. Boris' voice… rows of faces… accusations… evidences… summons…

"Raymond Kon please step up…"

Exactly the same.

Ray felt himself under going some sort of sick déjà vu, as he walked up to the witness stand. Ever since the beginning of the trial, he had not even once looked up from his hands. He knew Tyson, Max and a few other people had been trying to catch his eye. But he had never looked. He couldn't. He didn't have the guts to face the only people, in the whole world, who still had faith in him. Especially not Tyson and Max. Not after his performance last night.

Tyson and Max, his two best friends—his family. They had been working breathlessly day and night, just for him. And how did he repay them? By lying. Without waiting to consider the feelings of others, Ray had decided to act martyr. He took the false blame on himself. And proved that he had no faith in Tyson's work.

"Chairman of the BBA, Stanley Dickenson…"

That unexpected name brought Ray out of his musings with a jolt. Never before had the old man ever been called to the witness boxes. And Ray's eyes widened as he saw the BBA head stand opposite to him. Spontaneously he turned his eyes towards Tyson, hoping to share a bewildered look. But much to his surprise, Tyson looked… calm?

'What the—?'

"Mr. Dickenson," the name was pronounced with a slightly more emphasis than required. "I believe you were responsible for escorting Raymond Kon to the BBA Isolation Ward, a couple of nights back?"

"I sure was." Mr. Dickenson replied firmly.

"Could you tell us the reason why Mr. Kon, here, needed to go to the Isolation Ward?"

Mr. Dickenson squared his shoulders. "Raymond came up to me that night to give himself up for murdering Ms. Mariah Wong."

The news was greeted with a wave of murmurs. But Mr. Dickenson, spoke up almost immediately.

"I believed that Raymond was undergoing a trauma and acted out of emotional pressure. He showed symptoms of fatigue and stress. Therefore, I thought it appropriate to give him some time alone, so that he could get some peace of mind and collect his thoughts properly. It seemed to be effective, since Raymond, with completely awareness, admitted to me yesterday that he had indeed acted in a state of oblivion."

Boris did not seem to have heard the last statement as he dismissed the chairman. He turned towards Ray.

"Mr. Kon, what would be your explanation for your abstract behaviour?"

Ray's eyes flashed towards a particular audience, in the gallery. Julia gasped softly, as her hand unconsciously moved over the bulge in her stomach. She felt Miguel's comforting squeeze on her shoulders. Ray turned away from Julia, to look at his inquisitor. But along the way, his eyes met someone else's. And that was when… it struck him—

Everything was not the same. This is time something was different. He could feel it… He could see it… in Tyson's eyes.

Unlike the last time, Tyson was not tensed. Throughout the questioning session so far, he had yet to make a single comment to the jury. He wasn't even paying much attention to Boris! In fact, it seemed as though Tyson had been trying to catch Ray's eyes for quite a while… to tell him something.

"Mr. Kon, we're waiting."

As Ray looked into the determined eyes of his best friend, he suddenly realized what it was that Tyson had been trying to say—

'Go for it, Ray.' Tyson's voice echoed in his mind. 'No one can stop us now. We've won…'

"Mr. Kon, I believe—" Boris began impatiently.

"Mariah Wong," Ray spoke firmly, "was no less than a sister to me. Mariam Shane is engaged to Lee, whom I used to consider my elder brother. And Gary Tan was one of my closest and most loyal friends."

To say people were surprised to hear the unfaltering words, coming from the once reserved and defenseless Ray Kon, would have been as under statement.

"These people," he continued. "Used to be three of the most important beings in my life. But now two of them are dead … murdered! Mariam has been lucky enough to be still alive, but she too had undergone a near-death experience. And each time, I had been nearby just before the attack took place. Mariah was killed soon after I'd left her house. The day Mariam was admitted to the hospital, I had been at the lake, which is quite near her house. And Gary's body was found at the very spot where we had a fight a few hours before."

Ray paused for a breath.

"All the three victims were related to me closely, and each of them had been attacked in such a way that the initial suspicion fell on me. The murderer, whoever he might be, definitely has something against me. And perhaps, he chose this way to get his revenge— by targeting my friends and making me look like the culprit. I have no idea why he wants to make me suffer. But that isn't my main concern. I don't care what he wants to do to me, as long as my friends are unharmed. That night, after losing Gary, I had first come to realize this. And it scared me… the killer wasn't done yet and I wasn't ready to lose anymore of my loved ones. I panicked. I wanted to stop him. But I didn't know how. Finally, I decided that if the killer wanted my agony, then I would give him what he wanted. And that's why I took the blame on myself, hoping that it would satisfy him if I was condemned."

A long silence followed this speech. Even Boris looked like he was caught off guard. He cleared his throat at last and spoke.

"Then why the sudden change of mind, Mr. Kon? Why turn away from the noble martyrdom?"

The room faded away into nothingness, as Ray suddenly found himself staring into a pair of brilliant crimson eyes. A rich, husky voice filled his ears…

"Either through the truth or through a lie; but they always give themselves away. Always. Every single one of them… And just so you know…You're no different."

Ray blinked a few times to clear the image of those ruby eyes, from his mind. Taking a deep breath, he spoke softly.

"Because I was wrong…"

"Wrong?" Boris raised an eyebrow. "Wrong about what, Mr. Kon?'

"I beg your pardon," Tyson's voice suddenly interrupted. "But I believe that I have the answer to that question, your lordship, gentlemen of the jury. And it's best if I get the permission to explain."

After getting the affirmation of the jury, Tyson stepped forward, while Boris, with some reluctance, regained his seat.

"Before I begin, I would like to summon… Ms Mariam Shane."

Both Lee and Ozuma, who were seated on either side of the summoned person, frowned simultaneously, at the name. Even Boris and Johnny looked somewhat bemused. Mariam blinked a couple of times in confusion, before standing up. Her physical condition still had not made much of an improvement.

"Ms Shane," Tyson began, once the frail woman stood in the witness box. "When and where did you first meet your fiancé?"

"Two years ago, in Rome. He used to work under me then."

"You promoted him to his current post?"

"I did."

"When did you get engaged?"

"A week after he was promoted."

"What the hell!" Lee murmured back in his seat. Ozuma threw a questioning glance at him. Unaware of the fact that he was talking to one his most-loathed relations, Lee elaborated:

"That's exactly what that Hiwatari freak had asked me during our first interview!"

Johnny, who had occupied Ozuma's other side, frowned skeptically, before turning his attention back towards Tyson.

"What is your relationship with Mr. Ozuma Shane?"

"We're cousins."

"Related by blood?'

"Yes."

"In that case, why have a matrimonial relationship with him?"

Mariam's eyes widened in pure shock, as a silence descended in the room. All eyes were focused on the figure standing in the witness box.

"WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING AT, GRANGER?!" Lee hollered jumping up from his seat. "How dare you insult my wife!"

Ignoring the enraged neko-jin completely, Tyson spoke to the bluenette in front of him.

"Ms Shane, I believe I asked you a question."

The said female blinked a few times, before regarding the young lawyer with a cold glare.

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"You deny that Mr. Ozuma is your husband?"

"Absolutely." It was Ozuma, who spoke this time. Though he looked calmer than Lee, but the hardness in his voice was distinct.

"Mariam and I share no such relationship," he continued. "Whatever you are trying to imply, Mr. Granger, is nothing but utter nonsense."

"Is that so?" Tyson replied calmly. "Then perhaps you could explain this—" he went up to his desk, and held up a few sheets of paper. "This, Mr. Shane, was recovered from the Saint Shields' headquarters. It's a marriage certificate that legalizes your marriage to your 'cousin.'"

For the first time, Ozuma looked like he had no response. The calm and hard facade gave away to shock. "I…I…" he tried to speak, but couldn't form a coherent sentence.

Lee stared at his 'brother-in-law' with disbelieve. He then looked at Mariam, only to find the same expression on her face. With a stunned expression, he fell back to his seat.

"May I inform your lordship," Tyson said. "That this document has been certified to be completely genuine. In addition to this, certain other documents were discovered in Mr. Shane's highly private vaults, located in his company's main building. The BBA has been able to gather evidences, stating that Mr. Ozuma Shane had made deliberate efforts to keep his marriage confidential in order to—"

"It's a conspiracy!" Ozuma interrupted, almost hysterically. "My… my… vaults! It has been searched without my knowledge… I had received no search warrant. The BBA! They… they raided my office! I—"

"Mr. Shane. Sit. Down."

Ozuma stared at the speaker of those words unbelievingly. The speaker, who turned out to be… Jonny McGregor!

The Scot looked beyond enraged. His eyes were hard as he glared daggers straight ahead of him. His folded arms were shaking with fury, as his nails dug into his skin.

"Sit down!" he hissed venomously at his client, once again, through gritted teeth.

Ozuma glared at him, but obeyed nonetheless.

"I appologige for Mr. Shane's behavior." Boris said standing up. "But I do not see any connection between Mr. Granger's presentation and this case. I believe he was permitted to explain his defender's last statement, and not to publicize my client's personal life. I fail to see where you are taking this, Mr. Granger."

"Then allow me to justify this." Tyson replied. "Mr. Kon said that he was wrong to have accused himself, which absolutely is true. His false statement would have been impossible to prove, because he is innocent. To put it simply—Raymond Kon couldn't have committed the murder."

"Oh?" Boris raised a sarcastic eyebrow. "And why is that?"

"I'll tell you exactly why." Tyson's lips stretched into a mysterious smirk. "The reason Ray couldn't have killed Mariah Wong is because… Mariah Wong wasn't killed in the first place! Isn't that right…"

Tyson looked directly into a shocked pair of green eyes.

"… Miss Shane, or should I say… Miss Wong?"


I've never been inside a court (thankfully!) and don't know much of its rules and regulations, considering that my knowledge is limited to Hollywood movies. So forgive me if the court scene was not according to order.

Only two more chapters to go, and the beginning of the next chapter might not be what you expect.

So, what happened to Mariah, if she hadn't been killed? What role does Mariam play in this? Why's Johnny going against his own client? What's Boris' relation with our hot Russians? Will Ray finally get justice?

And I'm sure you've noticed Kai's absence throughout the trial. We all know that he isn't the type to hang about after finishing his job. So did he just… leave (!!!)?

I'll leave you to figure out these questions along with Tyson's last statement…

See you in the next chapter!

With lots of love,

KPR.