A/N: This will likely be the longest arc of this entire story, on concept alone. But a case like this must be told in full. So sit back and dive into the darkness that inhabits this case. It's time for mystery!
The source of my strength presents...
As I've said before, I always try to answer every question I can in a case. Why? Because each case has a heartbeat. Every person involved in a crime has a personal reason for doing what they do.
I failed to do this for the Shadow incident, and because of that I was blinded when I got involved in that incident. When I presided over my first case as a Prosecutor….
Arc 5: The Promised Turnabout
September 23, 2029
Location: Near Vitamin Square
Time: 1:06 p.m.
Juniper and Robin walked through the empty park, chatting casually for the first time in a long while. Lately life had become very stressful for the both of them. When they found themselves beginning to be snappish with each other they decided to do something about it.
This date they were on was so that they could spend time alone together, to get away from it all. They had even chosen a specific date when they knew that Vitaman Park would be empty roughly a week in advance. Now they wandered around with each other, and the topic at hand was of a recent milestone one of them had reached.
"Has the Prosecutor's office given you your first case yet?" Juniper asked curiously.
"Not yet," Robin said. "But it's only been a week since I got my badge. I still haven't settled in at my office!"
Juniper smiled and giggled at this, but there was also a look of melancholy in her eyes.
"What's on your m-i-n-d?"
Juniper sighed. "Hugh's become a defense attorney, you've become a prosecutor-even Myriam's settled in at the news agency that hired her. But I still have a long way to go until I can be a judge. And even then, I can't ever work with you."
For once, Robin had nothing she could say even if she wanted to say something. In particular the fact that conflict of interest kept the two of them from ever being on the same case had been a sore spot for quite a while.
Robin wracked her mind for any kind of reassurance, but couldn't think of anything that didn't sound like an empty platitude.
"Well-"
*bang*
Both women's blood went cold as the sudden sound faded.
"Was that-was that a gunshot?" Juniper asked in a quivering voice.
"I think it came from that way," Robin replied, pointing in the direction of the path to a playground. "C'mon!"
As the two of them reached the park they were met with a horrifying sight:
There were two other people in the park, standing a few feet apart from each other.
Pitch-black sweater. Yellow mask. Gun smoking at their feet. A mysterious person stared straight at Juniper and Robin.
The other person was Athena Cykes, and the first thing Juniper's eyes were drawn to was the hole in her torso that was leaking blood. Athena herself turned towards Juniper and Robin, but before she could say anything Athena collapsed face first onto the ground.
"YYYYOOOOUUUUUU!" Robin howled as she dashed at the hooded person. The hooded person was visibly startled by this, as they bolted from the scene with Robin in hot pursuit.
"Juniper!" Robin shouted behind her. "Call an ambulance! I'll call the police!"
Trembling fiercely and feeling just about ready to pass out, Juniper managed to take out her cell phone and call for an ambulance. After that she kneeled by Athena.
"*cough* Please, Athena," Juniper sobbed. "Please be okay…..*cough* *cough*"
Chapter 22: Waking Nightmare
There are many s-i-d-e-s to every case, of course. There are Prosecutors like me, and then there are the defense attorneys. Always fighting to the bitter end for their clients.
This is what Apollo told me about this case that we were all plunged into.
September 24, 2029
Wright Anything Agency
3:42 p.m.
Apollo Justice felt his mind slowly turning into mush. There had been no cases for the past month, which was par for the course for this Agency. It didn't make it any less soul-crushingly dull.
"Guess what I've got," Trucy said in a sing-song voice as she approached him.
"Is it actual lawyer work?" Apollo asked, deadpan.
"No, silly!" Trucy answered. "I've got a special guest with me."
Mr. Hat sprung up from behind her, it's wooden mouth clacking away.
"I've had tough crowds before, but you two take the cake!" It said.
"Of course you do," Apollo said, laying his head on his desk. He loved his little sister, he did. But this was only marginally helping.
Across from him, Hugh O'Conner stared sullen at Apollo.
"You know, when I started working at this agency," He said. "I was under the impression I would actually be trying cases in court."
Join the club, Hugh.
Apollo picked up the tv remote and switched on the t.v., flipping through the channels.
"What are you doing?" Hugh asked.
"Looking for a case to work on," Apollo answered. "Mr. Wright told me he often found clients through the news."
Hugh's disbelieving expression told Apollo he wasn't very impressed with this, and Apollo couldn't really blame him. Hopefully this wasn't going to be a wasted effort. When the sound of the local news came through the speakers, the two defense attorneys focused their attention on what the reporter was saying.
"...there has been an update regarding the shooting at Vitamin Square," The reporter said. "A suspect has now been arrested, and is to stand trial tomorrow. The name of the suspect is currently being withheld from the public."
"Seems like your Agency's methodology for finding clients has some merit," Hugh said. "So our we going to defend this suspect?"
"Let's see what else we can learn about this incident." Apollo said.
"For the viewers now just joining us, here's a recap of the story so far," The reporter continued. "Yesterday the police received a tip off that a shooting had occurred at Vitaman Park. The shooter managed to initially allude authorities. The victim of the shooting is renowned defense attorney Athena Cykes."
There was a clattering sound as Apollo dropped the remote control in shock. Athena had been shot yesterday?
"So this is why neither of us have seen or heard from her since yesterday." Hugh whispered in horror.
"The victim is currently in hospitalization….." The reporter said, but before she could say anything else Apollo was sprinting towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Hugh asked.
"To the hospital to see Athena, where else?" Apollo shouted.
September 24, 2029.
Hotti Clinic
4:10 p.m.
The nearest clinic to where the shooting had taken place was a place known as the Hotti Clinic, which is where Athena had been taken. Apollo and Hugh had been allowed to visit Athena, mainly because there was already a visitor in there that could watch over them.
As they approached Athena's room the two men heard the sound of someone softly sobbing. Apollo immediately recognized the voice and wasn't quite sure what to do next.
"Hello? May we come in?" Hugh called into the room.
"C-come in."
Inside the hospital room lay Athena, sleeping peacefully and hooked up to medical equipment. Her hair was out of its usual ponytail, fanning out behind her. To Apollo, seeing Athena so still was jarring.
Sitting in a chair besides Athena's bed was Ema Skye, who was holding Athena's hand and still crying a little. At the sound of the defense attorneys entering the room she tried to pull herself together, but Apollo could tell she was a mess.
"Took you two long enough to get here," She spat out.
"Hello, Miss Skye," Hugh said. "Forgive us for arriving so late. We only received news of this shooting earlier today."
"Just what exactly happened to Athena yesterday?" Apollo asked. "We're considering taking on this case, but we're lacking information."
"I don't actually know that much," Ema said, wiping her eyes. "But I'll tell you whatever I can."
Ema took out her notebook, flipping through it until she found the relevant entry.
"Yesterday Athena told me she was going to meet with someone," Ema said. "And while she was at the meeting place someone shot her."
"Does you know who the shooter is?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Ema answered. "Investigation is still underway, and a lot is still being kept under wraps."
"Fortunately, someone called an ambulance," She continued. "So Athena's life was saved. According to the EMTs, she kept thrashing around shouting about how she needed to stop someone, so she's been sedated. The doctor assigned to Athena told me that no one is allowed to talk to her until her wounds heal completely."
"There goes any chance of getting an early lead," Apollo groaned. "Thank you for your time, Ema."
Ema abruptly slammed her fist into her leg, her devastated mindset coming through loud and clear.
"When Athena wakes up, I'm going to let her have it for worrying me like this," She said, her voice thick with emotions. "And the shooter better hope they don't find themselves alone with me. I don't know what I would do to them."
"We understand, Ema," Hugh said sympathetically. "We're going to do what we can to solve the case from our end."
As defense attorneys, there's only so much we can do, Apollo thought to himself. We should probably return to the agency for now.
September 24, 2029
Wright Anything Agency
4:22 p.m.
There was already someone at the agency, facing away from Apollo and Hugh when they entered. At the sound of footsteps behind them the mystery person whirled around- and Apollo's face suddenly started burning in pain.
"My eyes!" Hugh screamed right next to him. Apollo made the mistake of rubbing his eyes, which just made everything worse. When the two men could see again, they lay eyes on their unexpected visitor.
The visitor turned out to be a young woman wearing a police uniform. Her black hair was done up in a pair of pigtails, her black eyes peered out from behind square glasses, and in her hands was a bottle of pepper spray.
She actually looked vaguely familiar to Apollo, and Hugh seemed to recognize her as well. But neither of them could remember what the woman's name might be.
"I'm sorry!" The woman exclaimed, bowing down. "I'm rather nervous around strangers, and I kinda reacted on instinct."
"Well, this is our law office," Apollo explained, his face and eyes still burning. "I'm Apollo Justice, senior partner."
"And I'm Hugh O'Conner," Hugh said, attempting to pull off is usual cool demeanor. "I was hired recently to this firm, but I assure you I am very well qualified."
"Greetings, civilians!" The woman said, saluting. "I am Lisette Sullivan, and I'm a police officer charged with keeping the peace around here."
The name was enough for Apollo to remember where he'd seen Lisette before. During the incident where someone had ransacked Ema's office, she had been a cadet training to join the force. She had been briefly investigated but found to have an alibi, and the true culprit turned out to be someone else.
Hugh also seemed to recognize Lisette, but Apollo couldn't remember if they had ever met. Making a mental note to ask Hugh about it later, Apollo turned to the officer.
"So could you tell us more about yourself, and why you're here?" Apollo asked.
"As I've told you before, I'm a cop," Lisette said, proudly pointing to the badge on her hat. "Every morning I keep my body in shape, and every evening I unwind with some shows. Otherwise, you can see me as I patrol my beat."
"Do you have anything else to add?" Hugh asked.
"Nope. I'm a pretty simple girl," Lisette answered.
That was certainly a straightforward answer. Apollo thought, amused. "So why are you here? Do you need a defense attorney?" He said out loud.
Indeed I do," Lisette said, her expression a lot more grave. "I'm sure by now you've heard of the shooting at Vitamin Square. Well, my brother's been arrested as the primary suspect. His trial starts tomorrow."
The information matched up with the earlier news report about the shooting, which meant that Athena's shooting was something that he could very much investigate. Provided the client was actually innocent.
"Your brother. Would his name happen to be-"
Before Hugh could finish speaking something rang on Lisette's person, which turned out to be a pager. She glanced at it before facing the two attorneys.
"Go to the detention center, and tell them that I sent you," Lisette said. "I'd join you myself, but duty calls."
She dashed out the door without a word, leaving Apollo and Hugh with many questions, and profusely watering eyes. Nonetheless, they decided to listen to the cop's words and head out as well.
September 24, 2029
Detention center, visitor's room
4:39 p.m.
The moment Apollo mentioned Lisette's name the officers seem to know exactly who the suspect was, and they were escorted to the visitor's room in short order. The suspect turned out to be a young man, with unkempt black hair and dull black eyes behind a pair of round glasses. His face was noticeably covered in uneven stubble, and he wore stained a gray stained hoodie and sweatpants.
"I knew it. You're Logan Sullivan!" To Apollo, Hugh added quietly. "His sister looks just like him, so when I saw her at the agency I was reminded of him."
"So where did you meet Logan?" Apollo whispered back.
"Where else? He was the Shadow." Hugh said, contempt clear in his tone. "What I'm wondering is what he's doing out of jail."
Hugh's story cleared up the last of Apollo's questions. He had heard about this "Shadow" that had harassed Robin before trying to get her sent to jail, albeit only after the fact. He had been working the trial where he'd met Lisette on the same day.
"Are you two supposed to be the attorneys Lisette said she would send me?" Logan asked from the other side of the room. "Why are you just whispering to yourselves?"
So Lisette wants us to defend him? I suppose the least we can do is hear him out.
After Apollo and Hugh seated themselves, Apollo decided to open up with the usual introductory questions.
"So Logan, could you tell us more about yourself?"
"Why bother? I'm betting Mr. O'Conner told you all about me already," Logan answered tersely.
"Don't worry about Hugh, he's new. Just speak openly with us." Apollo said, glaring at Hugh and hoping that not too much damage had been done.
"I haven't actually hired you as my defense attorney," Logan spat out. "Nor do I plan to get one."
"Really? Don't you wish to get a not guilty verdict?" Hugh asked.
"What I want….doesn't really matter," Logan said moresly. "It's more to the point that my case can't actually be won."
Apollo narrowed his eyes so he could see if he could trust Logan's words- only for his eyes to start stinging fiercely. The faceful of pepper spray from earlier had effectively robbed him of his talent.
Looks like I can't rely on that, at least for now.
"Believe me, Logan, I've heard that one before," Apollo said in his best reassuring voice. "But before I can do anything I need you to talk to us."
Logan shifted uncomfortably in his chair but didn't say anything further. Hugh, feeling humiliated at being chastised, decided to try again.
"Forgive me for being so hasty," He said graciously. "Let's start over. When were you released from jail, and what have you done since then?"
Logan stared pensively at the ground. "I was released a few months ago, on good behavior. I returned home and tried to get back on track to becoming a Prosecutor, but no law program would accept me with my criminal record. I….haven't really done much else since then."
Hugh almost made a comment about how Logan should have thought twice before committing his crime, but the look on the man's face stopped him. The blue-suited defense attorney certainly didn't want to step anymore on someone that was already down.
The door behind Apollo and Hugh opened, and someone entered the room.
"Oh, hello there Logan. I didn't think I'd ever see you again. *cough cough*"
Juniper Woods seated herself in a chair between Apollo and Hugh, facing Logan directly. The two attorneys were caught completely off guard at their friend's sudden appearance.
"Juniper! Why are you here?" Hugh exclaimed.
"I…. needed to see the suspect of this crime face to face," Juniper said, her expression filled with resolve. "*cough cough* *cough cough* So I could ask them something."
Logan squirmed as he was pinned under Juniper's intense gaze, yet he seemed to be unable to avert himself away from his erstwhile crush.
"Logan, I'm only going to ask this once," Juniper said. "Did you shoot Athena?"
A tense silence filled the air, and after a long while Logan answered, "No, I didn't shoot Athena."
Juniper reared back in shock. "He's telling the truth! Logan's innocent of this crime."
Hugh and Apollo shared a concerned glance. Apollo certainly wasn't used to just taking his clients at their word, but right now there was no other choice. If Logan really was innocent….
"I have to go now," Juniper said suddenly. "Now that I've spoken with Logan, there's something I absolutely have to do."
Juniper rushed out the door before anyone could stop her. Apollo dug around in his pocket for the client agreement form and a pen and slid both in front of Logan.
"Please, consider letting us represent you. We'll fight for you as hard as we can."
Even as he began scowling again, Logan picked up the pen and signed the form. After that he stood up and left the room, presumably back to his holding cell.
"I guess that's that. Let's go, Hugh. We have to get started on our investigation."
As Hugh followed Apollo back outside he couldn't help but say, "Thinking of Logan as our client is going to take some getting used to."
"Better get used to it. We're the only thing standing between him and the false charges hanging over his head."
Though that did raise the question- who was the prosecutor that was building the case against Logan?
September 24, 2029
Prosecutor's office, Robin Newman's office
4:50 p.m.
Juniper quietly entered her girlfriend's small cubicle office. As expected from Robin, her personal belongings were scattered all around, such as her art supplies or several kinds of files. Robin herself was seated at her desk, filling out paperwork. As Juniper approached the desk she noticed that right in front of Robin was a picture of Juniper herself. It made the task ahead infinitely harder.
The moment Robin noticed Juniper she busted out one of her wide, cheeky grins, albeit one belied by the stress evident in her eyes.
"Juniper! I'm so happy you stopped by to see me. I didn't think I would get this case, but the Chief Prosecutor personally assigned it to me. Something about being useful overseeing the case since I witnessed the crime."
"Oh, that's interesting to hear," Juniper said, suppressing a cough. She'd been plagued with them all day, and she really didn't want to worry Robin anymore. "What are you working on?"
I'm preparing my witnesses for tomorrow's trial," Robin answered. "Which reminds me- here you g-o go!"
She handed Juniper a piece of paper, which turned out to be a procedure of some kind.
"You're going to be one of my witnesses. You're going to be an invaluable part of my case!" Robin's expression grew incredibly somber. "I know how hard it must be to remember seeing Athena get shot, so if you don't think you can testify just tell me. I'll figure something out."
Placing the paper down, Juniper grabbed Robin by the hands to make sure she was paying attention. She had to put a stop to this before it went any further.
"Robin, I don't think you should be prosecuting this case. *cough cough*"
When Robin fell silent Juniper took this as her cue to continue. "I visited Logan in the detention center. I asked him if he shot Athena and he said he didn't. The thing is, I actually believe him. Logan didn't commit this crime."
Robin's expression quickly became incredibly confused. "Are you okay, Juniper? Did you just say that the Shadow is innocent? That guy?"
Juniper staggered back, unable to believe the words coming out of Robin's mouth.
"Well, if you believe that then I guess you must have some evidence to prove it," Robin said, her tone almost demanding for said evidence to appear.
No, I don't have any evidence," Juniper said shakily. "But the look in Logan's eyes wasn't of someone that could do something as horrible as this."
"Huh? But this is Logan we're talking about!" Robin said, her voice raising. "You probably only saw what he wanted you to see."
"It wasn't like that! Please believe me," Juniper said, her own voice becoming ragged with hurt.
"I've spent the past two days investigating this crime with the detective before I made my arrest," Robin said. "Are you telling me all of that was wrong? Are you?!"
No! But maybe it's too soon to decide something like that," Juniper said. "Evidence has been wrong before. You know this, Robin."
"But this time's different!" Robin shouted, becoming increasingly unwound. "This my first trial, and you're telling to just abandon it for no good reason!"
"Are my words not reason enough?" Juniper shouted back. "Do you honestly not believe in me? After all we've been through together?"
"It's….IT'S NOT LIKE THHHHAAAATTTT!"
Robin slammed her fist into her desk, cutting off any further conversation. The silence that followed felt jagged, as if something had just broken between them.
"I want to believe you," Robin finally said, her voice filled with pain. "But even if I wanted to ditch this trial, the Chief Prosecutor wouldn't let me. Not without any real evidence."
Most of the pain in Juniper fled, replaced with determination. If that's what it would take to get through to her girlfriend, there was only one thing to do.
"Where are you going?" Robin asked as Juniper started leaving.
"To find some evidence to convince you," Juniper said softly, before closing the door behind her.
"What- what have I just done?" Robin asked herself, left alone in a cold office.
Now you've done it, said the familiar sinister voice. You've finally driven her away, just like I always thought you would.
"NO! I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT!"
You know what you must do, as a Prosecutor. Get that scumbag Logan the verdict he deserves. You know he did it. He's guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty guilty-
As her eyesight began dimming and Robin felt her head collide with the desk, the same word echoed over and over again in her head, like some kind sick chant.
September 24, 2029
Vitamin Square
4:50 p.m.
The next destination was the crime scene, a playground known as Vitamin Square, where forensics were already hard at work. Among them was Ema Skye, who briefly acknowledged Apollo and Hugh before continuing her work examining a large plastic strawberry.
In the middle of all the chaos was what appeared to be an older teen. The teen had black hair that was parted down the middle, a serious, studious expression, and narrow, dark-colored eyes. He wore a grey overcoat over a black-spotted red hoodie and dark slacks. Oddly enough, he carried around a notepad emblazoned with "The Mighty Moozilla", and the footprints he was leaving in the sand were shaped like cow hooves.
"Hello? May we speak with the detective in charge of this crime scene?" Hugh called out.
The teen heard this and approached the attorneys. " That would be me. Detective John Marsh. Now did you call me over for a reason or are you just wasting my time?"
"Wait, you're the detective in charge?" Apollo asked, shocked. "Aren't you an actor?"
"He was. The Mighty Moozilla series were a favorite at my household, at least before I left," Hugh said. "Although, I did hear that you abruptly dropped off the face of the earth a few years after being involved in some incidents."
Apollo had remember hearing much about the young child actor as well. He had found the reboot of Mighty Moozilla to be okay enough, if a bit heavy handed with its message about the environment. John had gone on to act in a few more movies before stopping for unexplained reasons.
"Hmph. Shows how much you know," John answered. "A few years ago into a fell into a rut in my acting career. Didn't feel like I was going anywhere in life. So while filming in Europe I decided to explore new career options. Decided to go into law enforcement. Felt like it's where I would start making a difference, among other reasons."
Europe. Well, that does explain how he's already a detective.
"At least you didn't spout some nonsense about how I'm too young to be at a crime scene," John Marsh added. "Though I suspect you two already know all about that."
The three men shared a moment of intense kinship over the fact that they all looked much younger than they truly were. Apollo decided it was time to get down to business.
"Detective Marsh, we're defense attorneys," Apollo explained. "I'm Apollo Justice and this is Hugh O'Conner. And we'd like to ask permission to investigate the crime."
"So you're the ones defending Mr. Sullivan," Detective Marsh said. "As long as you don't get in the way, knock yourselves out. I doubt you'll find anything helpful, though."
"One more thing," Hugh said. "Would you happen to know who is prosecuting this case?"
John smirked. "I don't need to tell you that."
That's a really odd answer. Is Blackquill or Klavier prosecuting then? No matter. We need to start investigating. Crime scene, here comes Justice!
Vitamin Square was a well-known locale, although that was mainly due to the infamous places in it's vicinity. If Apollo remembered correctly, one of Mr. Wright's cases even took place at a dining place near here. The first place Apollo's eyes were drawn towards were the splotches of blood in the middle of the playground.
"That's where the victim landed after she fell over," Detective Marsh explained.
"So what exactly happened to her? All we know so far is that she got shot."
"That's about it, Mr. Justice. This copy of the report from the Hotti Clinic should explain it better."
Hospital report added to the Court Record
"'Shot once in the gut, from the front from a distance of at least 10 feet.'" Hugh read the report from behind Apollo. "By the looks of it, Athena got lucky that the bullet didn't end up somewhere more damaging."
Apollo felt his mind shudder violently at the thought. "Let's not think about that. Though speaking of bullets….Detective Marsh, can you tell us what kind of gun was used?"
Jon shook his head. "You'll know soon enough, at the trial tomorrow. Or did you expect me to give away everything? I'm not that generous."
"Gah!" His mood took a dive pretty fast.
Hugh studied the ground around the crime scene. "I see that four sets of footprints have been marked by the police. Two of them would belong to Athena and the shooter, but what about the latter two?"
Detective Marsh grabbed a file from his overcoat and opened it. "Those footprints belong the two witnesses. Before you ask, neither of them could possibly be the culprit, so don't get any funny ideas."
"Of course not. Because that would be far too easy." Apollo muttered under his breath.
Detective Marsh grabbed a paper from his file. "Here, come look at this map of the crime scene."
The map in question depicted the playground and all it's equipment, with relevant markings made by the police.
"The defendant and Miss Cykes faced off against each other here, near this large plastic strawberry," Detective Marsh said, pointing to the indicated place. "Shortly after Mr. Sullivan fired the shot, the witnesses came upon the scene. At that point he fled the scene with one witness in hot pursuit. All four people that were on the scene that day entered from the large gate."
If even half of what Jon is saying is true we're already in trouble. But then again, what else is new.
Vitamin Square Map added to the Court Record.
Asking for the name of the witnesses seemed like the next logical step, but Apollo had a feeling Detective Marsh would just clam up again. Instead, he looked towards the aforementioned plastic strawberry, where Ema was currently working. Apollo and Hugh walked towards her.
"What happened to your faces? It looks like a swarm of bees got to them," Ema said by way of greeting.
"We we're pepper sprayed by our client's sister," Apollo said tiredly. "That's not even the worst thing to happen today."
"Investigation not going so hot, huh?"
"Is this supposed to feel like we're tripping around in the dark?" Hugh asked, grasping the proof of friendship around his neck.
"Pretty much. And every few minutes we hit ourselves against endless walls," Apollo said, looking at the two bracelets around his wrists: The golden bracelet from his mother and the red clay band from Robin. Both were comforting to look at.
"Well, as it happens I might have just the thing for you!" Ema exclaimed, her passion for science glimmering in her eyes. "See this strawberry?"
"I suppose so," Hugh answered. "The culprit was standing near it, judging by the footprints near the base."
"So you would think. But with a little help from forensics, the inside of this plastic fruit tells a very different story."
Apollo and Hugh obligingly looked inside the strawberry. The bottom was covered in sand from the playground. Ema, entering from another hole, proceeded to spray liquid at the bottom. In a matter of seconds, a pair of footprints began to shine in the dim light.
"Ah ha! And just like that, the culprit goes from being outside the strawberry to being inside of it!" Ema said, almost glowing with satisfaction.
This certainly is new information. I wonder how it ties into this case? "So about what you just discovered…"
"It certainly won't be finding it's way into my report, if that's what you're asking."
"You certainly are a great ally, and a commendable researcher," Hugh said, impressed.
Hollow Strawberry added to the Court Record
Apollo peered at Ema. "How have you been holding up?"
Ema looked down, pained. "I've been managing. As much as it hurts thinking about Athena in the hospital, it also reminds me of why I follow the path of forensics. Because a long time ago, I swore to myself to use science to help out my sister."
Right. The incident that she was tied up in where Mr. Wright defended Lana Skye, the Chief Prosecutor at the time.
"You know, it was science that brought us together," Ema continued, a small smile now on her face. "Athena always told me how much she admired my passion towards forensics. Then she started teaching me about her ears and how they connect to Widget and we fell for each other from there."
Ema's eyes lit up with determination. "So I'm going to solve this case, for her and for myself. Which means I can't waste anymore here." With that, she bustled off to a different area of the crime scene.
"I think it's time we pay Logan another visit. There's a lot of question surrounding this case," Hugh said. "Maybe he can answer some."
Now that we have a general picture of the crime, that does seem like a good idea.
September 24, 2029
Detention Center
5:19 p.m.
On the way to the detention center they ran into Lisette going the same way as them.
"So how's the investigation going?" Lisette asked.
"Well, we've managed to get a general idea of what happened, so we're going to see Logan to clear up some details," Apollo said.
"That's not good enough!" Lisette shouted, pouting. "I thought the lawyers of the Wright Anything Agency would be better than this?"
"We're doing all we can, but even a natural genius would have some trouble here," Hugh said, distressed.
"Well work faster, or I'll place you both under arrest!" Lisette declared, waving her nightstick in front of their faces.
And just what exactly have you been doing?
As Logan was brought into the visiting room he had the same troubled expression as before. As he took notice of his visitors, however, his mood immediately shifted.
"Lissy!" He said, brightening up for the first time. "You're here to visit me! How have been?"
"Of course I'm here! I visited you in jail, didn't I?" Lisette chided gently. "As for how I'm doing, I've been on the clock non-stop. I've hardly had time to breathe! What about you, Logan?"
"There hasn't been much to do, really," Logan said, his cheer deflating. "Just lay on my cot all day. Of course, I'm pretty used to it."
Hugh looked in between the two siblings. "You two really look alike."
"Of course we do! We're fraternal twins," Lisette said.
Apollo felt the need to mention that fraternal twins didn't work like that, but decided it wasn't worth the headache. All things considered, it was plausible and he'd seen stranger.
"Lissy and I have shared almost everything our whole lives," Logan explained. "We've shared beds, toys, even clothes. Not a day goes by where we don't do something together."
"I remember when I told Dad I wanted to marry you," Lisette said teasingly to her brother. "I think I was about six at the time."
Logan chuckled at the memory. "He actually thought you were serious and panicked for a good two days until you had to tell him you were joking."
"That's just great," Apollo said, a bit miffed at how this had nothing to do with the case. "I'll bet you two even weigh the same."
Lisette and Logan seriously contemplated the thought.
"You know what, I think we did weigh the same at one point," Logan said thoughtfully.
"I was kidding!" Apollo shouted, horrified.
"But you've slimmed quite a bit, so probably not," Lisette said, ignoring Apollo completely. "I've been meaning to diet, so maybe we can embark on one together-"
"Stop. Talking!"
"So why are you two here?" Logan asked, addressing his attorneys.
"We were hoping to ask you about the day of the crime," Hugh said. "So we can prepare the best defense for you at tomorrow's trial."
"Oh. About that." Logan scowled at the ground. "I'm not sure you want to hear this."
"Just tell them," Logan," Lisette said. "They'll get you off the hook no matter what you say."
"If you say so. On the day of the crime, I was supposed to meet with Cykes at Vitamin Square."
"Wait. WHHHHAAATTT?!" Hugh and Apollo shouted.
"You heard me the first time," Logan said irritably. "I called her a few days ago because I wanted to talk to her. So she set up a meeting at that playground. But when I went there on the day of the crime, no one was there. I returned home wondering why Cykes didn't show up, but then the police showed up to arrest me."
"Did you know that Athena was going to meet up with Logan?" Hugh whispered to Apollo.
He shook his head. This was very bad for their case. Logan's hesitance certainly made a lot of sense given the bad light this painted him in.
"Are you sure this is the truth?"
"It is," Logan said. "I don't know what other evidence the prosecution has planned, but the detective seemed very confident in his arrest of me."
"Apollo, do you know where the shooter fled after they left the crime scene?"
The attorney leafed through the papers that Detective Marsh gave to them. "According to this report, the shooter was chased for about five miles before slipping into an alleyway."
"Then that should be the last stop in our investigation," Hugh said, adjusting his glasses. "We need more clues if we hope to stand a chance tomorrow."
The day is already almost over. We should wrap things up soon.
September 24, 2029
5:31 p.m.
On the way to the alley they ran into Juniper again. Hugh immediately tensed upon seeing his close friend; she was noticeably looking exhausted, physically and emotionally.
"Juniper, where have you been all day?" Hugh asked.
"Actually, I've been looking for you two," Juniper answered. "I wanted to ask if I could join the defense team."
"Hugh turned to Apollo. "I think Juniper could be a wonderful asset. What do you think?"
The offer was a welcome one, and yet there was something about this that was far too simple. A question nagged in the back of Apollo's mind, and as much as a part of him didn't want to he had to ask it.
"Juniper, are you involved in this case?"
Juniper flinched at the question. "I….*cough cough* I witnessed the crime. *cough cough cough*"
"I was afraid of that," Apollo sighed. "That probably means you'll take the stand tomorrow. Which means we can't let you accompany us. If we did the police could accuse us of tampering with you."
"….No! *cough cough* I c-can't- I can't do anything right!"
Before Apollo could stop her Juniper ran from them. Hugh glared at Apollo in disgust.
"I didn't know that's how you treated witnesses. Feh, but I'm sure you've got it all figured out."
Great. Now I'm the bad guy here. Then again, maybe I could have been less blunt about it.
Juniper ran without any destination in mind. She just wanted to get far away from everything. From how her life seemed to be falling apart before her very eyes. Eventually, she ran out of breath and she stood in the middle of nowhere, trying to catch her breath.
"Now what am I supposed to do?" Juniper asked into the world, looking at the setting sun while a feeling of complete helplessness began to overwhelm her. "I can't go back to Robin, not after what I said to her. *cough cough* But I'm not allowed to be on the defense, either. I can't do anything…"
She sank to her knees, clutching onto her proof of friendship. Right here, right now, Juniper was completely alone in the world. No matter to whom she called out, there wouldn't be an answer.
That doesn't mean there's nothing left.
Juniper started at the words in her head. They sounded a lot like Judge Courtney. But what was she saying?
Turn your thinking around. Remember what a Judge is, and you will find your answer.
As Juniper stood up, the memories came flooding back. A judge was someone that was neither prosecutor or defense attorney. Despite that, they could still sway a case, in their own unique way.
"I guess in a way, a witness is a lot like a judge," Juniper said aloud, processing the ideas. "Neither of them have the same authority as an attorney or a prosecutor."
The idea hit Juniper like a bolt of lightning. Maybe she couldn't do anything right now, but she was still a witness. There was still something she alone could do.
Juniper rushed in the direction of her home. She needed to take down as many details of the crime that she could. Somewhere in there, there was a truth that no one else knew, and she was going to find it.
September 24, 2029
Outside the alleyway
5:54 p.m.
Waiting outside the alleyway was the last surprise of the evening- Robin Newman, looking into the alley as sounds of police issued from the corridors.
"Hello, Robin!" Hugh called out joyfully. "So you're the one assigned to this case? I feel better already."
Unfortunately the relief didn't last long; much like with Juniper, the moment Robin turned to face them Hugh could tell something was horribly wrong. Robin's eyes gazed at them, dull and lifeless.
"Oh, it's you. Of course it's you," She said, monotone.
"Hello to you too, Robin?" Apollo said uncertainly. "I guess the case hit you pretty hard as well."
"Right, the case. Of course that's all you're thinking of," Robin said, her expression filled with contempt.
Hugh made to ask Robin what was wrong, but Apollo stopped him. They needed to ask about the alley first.
"Robin, we need to investigate-"
"That's not going to happen, I'm afraid," Robin said, gesturing to the setting sun. "We're not finished here, and there's not going to be light soon."
Apollo gnashed his teeth in frustration. She was right- they could barely see as it was. If only we had started this investigation sooner.
Unexpectedly, Robin pointed her finger at Apollo. "Let me make one thing clear, right now," She said angrily. "This is one case you're not going to win."
Before anyone could respond to this she marched into the alleyway. Leaving her friends with nothing but an endless pool of questions, with no answers in sight.
To be continued.
A/N: Does everyone have their Court Records ready? The trial starts tomorrow, and the defense has quite an uphill battle. Yet, the case has already done a lot of damage. Is it possible to get a happy ending from this? Everyone will surely try. Until then, this has been Orion Fowl, and thank you for visiting my Corner of Romance.