"That's... intense," Mia said in the defendant's lobby.

"Yeah, tell me about it," Dahlia said. She had just explained her recent investigation to her older cousin. "Just when things were going my way, I get this screwball."

"Phoenix seems to be taking it hard too," Mia said, unable to look away from Larry and Phoenix. The latter was steaming.

"What do you mean you don't know what's going on?" Phoenix said.

"I'm serious!" Larry said in retaliation. "I have no idea what that's about!"

"He's showing progress," Dahlia said. "I'm proud of him."

Mia shook her head. "Adding you to the Fey & Co. Law Offices was the most interesting choice I've made in my life."

"What can I say?" Dahlia said. "I'm a delight."

"You're serious about Lana?" Mia said. "I know she's a bit shrewd sometimes, but she'd never take anything this far."

"I don't want to believe it either Mia," Dahlia said. "But it's really starting to look like she was involved."

Mia sighed. "I guess it's hard to stop you once you're set on something. I can't say I believe what you're saying, though."

"You don't have to," Dahlia said, putting a hand on Mia's shoulder. "We'll just see if I can prove it to the court."

"Alright then," Mia said. "I'll be watching from the gallery this time around, so make sure you know what you're doing."

"Don't worry," Dahlia said. "As usual, I have everything under control."

"Are you trying to kill me?" Larry said.

"You're killing me here!" Phoenix said.

"Yes, as usual," Mia said. She walked out of the lobby, and Dahlia watched her go.

I wish there were another way. Dahlia shoved her emotions aside and turned to Larry. "Okay man, cough it up."

"I'm telling the truth I don't know what the deal is with that letter!" Larry said. "Von Karma sent a letter to me!"

"He did?" Phoenix said, his features softening.

"Yes!" Larry said. "He told me he wanted to talk to me, said we'd meet at the lake at 10 and get on boat and talk. It didn't say much more than that, but I went along with it because I was curious about what he had to say."

"No Psyche-Locks, you're telling the truth," Dahlia said.

"No what?" Larry said.

"Long story," Dahlia said. "Point it, I believe you."

"I do too," Phoenix said. "I was just frustrated. I mean, why do you do this to us? You're still getting in trouble all the time."

"You know I didn't want to get arrested," Larry said.

"Yeah I know," Phoenix said. "Still, because Miles took the letter for handwriting analysis the police has that much more evidence on you."

"He took it for handwriting analysis?" Larry said.

Phoenix nodded. "Said something about 'needing to verify the authenticity of this evidence' or something like that."

A familiar jaunty smirk formed on Larry's face, only this time it felt proud as opposed to jeering. "Good to hear."

Phoenix and Dahlia tilted their heads like confused puppies. When the prosecutor offered no additional information, they just looked t each other. "When something smells it's usually the Butz."

"Hey Wright?" Larry said. "Who drew on your face?"

It was then that Dahlia noticed a tiny three-legged raven, flower, and attorney's badge drawn in a row on Phoenix's jaw. He must have missed it when he washed his face. She smiled fondly at the memory of drawing on her assistant's face with Kay and Franziska. Looks like we all left our mark.

Phoenix went cross-eyed looking for the drawings.

"Wouldn't a mirror make things easier?" Larry said.

"It would if I had one," Phoenix said.

"Just cover it up with your scarf," Dahlia said. "The trial's about to start."

Moments later, with everyone in position, the judge brought the day's trial to a start.

"I'll cut to the chase," the judge said. "Ms. Skye, were the police successful in locating the witness from before?"

"Yes Your Honor," Lana said. "The boat shop caretaker was found unconscious in bar with a wine bottle in his hand."

Yeah, that feels like something he would do. Dahlia brushed the hair out of her face. Hmm, I wonder if he's still intoxicated. That could make getting him to confess a lot easier.

"Is he fit to testify?" the judge said.

"Oh, he's testifying," Lana said. "The prosecution would like to call him to the stand right now to sort this all out."

"Very well then," the judge said. "May the boat shop caretaker come to the stand."

Soon after those words were spoken, a man in a drab lilac coat was swaying behind the witness stand.

"So, uh, why am I here again?" the man said.

"Witness, you are here to answer a few questions," the judge said. "For starters, why did you flee the courtroom?"

"Zzz," the man snored.

The judge hammered his podium, and the witness awoke with a start.

"Oh, right right right," the man said. "I remember now. The prosecutor lady there told me what I needed to talk about."

"In that case, begin your testimony," the judge said.

Testimony

Sorry about that thing folks, but I had my reasons.

I remembered I had to go buy some food for Polly, see, so I left.

I thought I was done here anyway. I told you everything I know.

Even the judge didn't look convinced. "You left to buy food for your parrot?"

"Ayup," the man said.

"That's it?" Dahlia said.

"Ayup," the man said. "Does that clear everything up for you all?"

"Actually, Ms. Hawthorne still has to cross-examine your testimony," the judge said.

"Oh, alright," the man said. "Fire away."

Dahlia exhaled, thinking.

"Something wrong?" Phoenix said, recognizing her look.

"It's Lana," Dahlia muttered to her assistant. "She's been pretty much mute this whole time."

"I guess she has," Phoenix said, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

"No use thinking about it now I guess," Dahlia said. "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."

Cross-Examination

Sorry about that thing folks, but I had my reasons.

I remembered I had to go buy some food for Polly, see, so I left.

"Hold it!" Dahlia said. "Then why were you found in a bar?"

"Eh, guess I got sidetracked. It happens sometimes," the man said.

"That's ridiculous!" Dahlia said, pounding her desk.

"Yeah, I know it is," the man said, tiredly. "You'd think with all I'd forgotten about my past there'd be room for things like that. But I guess that's not how it works."

"Surely you remember something!" Dahlia said.

"Nope," the man said bluntly. "Heck, without Polly I wouldn't even remember where I keep the keys to the Wet Noodle. She remembers everything for me."

Grr! With him playing the forgetful old man I can't make a dent with this line of questioning! Dahlia rubbed her temples. Wait. Did he just say…?

"So as I was saying," the man said.

I thought I was done here anyway. I told you everything I know.

"Objection!" Dahlia said. "I don't think that's the case here!"

"Did I forget something again?" the man said.

"Oh no," Dahlia said. "You haven't forgotten a thing, Mr. Yogi."

"Uh, are you talking to me?" the man said, looking even more lost.

"Yes I am!" Dahlia said, pounding her desk. "Yanni Yogi is your name after all!"

"Objection!" Lana said. "The witness has lost his memory!"

"Objection!" Dahlia said. "He could easily be lying! And let's not forget, his parrot stated quite clearly that her owner wasn't to forget DL-6!"

"Polly said what?" the man said.

"Earlier, you more or less stated that you teach Polly to remember everything important to you," Dahlia said. "What could be more important than the case that shamed you into hiding?"

"Uh, Dollie I think you're mistaken," the man said. "Tell her Feenie."

The courtroom was dead silent, no one even moved. Everyone was, however, wearing an amused expression on their face. Phoenix pulled his scarf up over face. Both were bright red.