Several months ago
Case 001 — The Turnabout Begins.
—
Courtroom District
Defendant Room No.3
9:50 AM. Morning.
—
Ren was waiting inside the defendant's room, waiting for the trial's start. Checking his attire once again, he adjusted his scarlet red tie again with some impatience, then he adjusted his glasses and his attorney badge as well. When he's done, he picked up his smartphone and checked the time, trying to keep himself calm.
"Okay, I need to calm down. Everything's going to be alright. I can do this." Ren said to himself in his mind, trying to relax.
-Hello Ren.
Ren got scared when he heard that voice, making him take a few steps back. He became more nervous due to see the voice's owner who suddenly appeared behind him.
-H-Hello Chief Nick! — Ren said after he quickly recovered from his scare.
-Hey, relax Ren. You don't need to be so much nervous like that. You're not usually like that.
-Well, I'm sorry for being nervous, because I have to deal with the pressure of being Chief Miles and your apprentice, Phoenix Wright, International Defense Attorney.
Phoenix laughed when he heard that.
-Sorry about that. I can understand your nervousness though. Handling your first case on your own, without our help.
-And the fact I'm your apprentice made things even worse...
-Yeah... No wonder why you so nervous like that. — Phoenix said.
-Yes, and I have the honor of defending your first client as well. There are too many coincidences in this case. That's not a reason to be nervous, don't you think? — Ren asked sarcastically, feeling his head hurt.
-Yeah, but you don't need to be so sarcastic to express your nervousness.
-Sorry, Chief. — Ren said toying with a lock of his hair, a habit of him when he was nervous. — I'm just nervous and this headache…
-No worries, take a deep breath to calm down and take a painkiller to help you with that headache. — Phoenix advised. — But I need to confess, I'm surprised to see you're handling this well. Even better than me when I was a rookie.
-Is that so…? — Ren asked, taking his medicine. After a moment, he took a deep breathed and sighed relaxed a few seconds later, answering in sequence. — Thank you for the advice, I'm relaxed now. — Ren checked the files and the evidence once again. — By the way, about the person, I going to defend…
-Yes?
-Chief Nick, honestly speaking… he's an intriguing person… For someone without any common sense.
Phoenix laughed again.
-That's a good way to define him. — Phoenix answered with a faint, but widen goofy smile, showing his embarrassment. Both the men inside the defendant lobby heard a scream of a crying man, making them get uneasy and bothered. — Speaking of him…
A man entered the room. He had a big tuft hair and a goatee, wearing a lame outfit, and with a lame mood, crying a lot in a depressed state.
-Not again... I haven't killed her… — He commented crying. — NNNIIIICCCKKK, help me, please…
-I'm going to help you, please Larry, stay calm and breathe…
Ren looked to the man a little thoughtful. He clearly wasn't the type of person who was going to commit a murderer, but he clearly was the type of person who going to make a stupid thing without thinking twice. Of all the things, Ren gets the most unusual client, and in the most unusual situation for his first case.
"That's what I call a lucky strike!" The young attorney made an ironic mental comment, with a faint smile, seeing his mentor having a difficult time convincing his long date friend to calm down and accept him as his lawyer.
-But Nick, I thought you're gonna help me on this one...
-Larry, I'm solving a case already, and I can't deal with your case. But don't worry, I've called my apprentice to defend you in my place.
-But Nick…
-Larry…
Phoenix stared at him seriously, making Larry stop complaining.
-Okay… — Larry said, defeated. — Where is he?
Phoenix went towards Ren's side, holding the teenager's shoulder.
-Larry, this is my new apprentice, Ren Amamiya. Ren, that's one of my childhood friends, Larry Butz.
-Is nice to meet you, Mr. Butz. — Ren answered bowing to Larry in respect, then extending his hand for a formal greeting. Larry stared at Ren with a serious expression with his childish-looking face for a few seconds before glance back at Phoenix.
-Hey Nick?
-Yes, Larry?
-That kid is the apprentice who gonna be my lawyer?
Ren stared at Larry with a forced smile, keeping an annoyed glance. A vein jumped under his right eye, showing his irritation.
-Larry, I should warn you to not upset Ren. He may be young, but he possesses a sharp mind and tongue, high intelligence, wisdom, and the maturity you usually can't see in someone in his age, and he's passed at the bar without being in a law school or a high renowned college, so you better not underestimate him.
-That kid can't be a lawyer. I haven't made high school but I bet he can't be that smart.
-Said the one who simply gets in the middle of another murderer. No less, you had yelled to the officers since you get arrested and you been crying since then. Not only that, your attitude is completely childish for someone who is almost forty years old and hasn't even done the supplementary exam to at least complete high school. You don't have any right to make a plea towards my age. You're acting like a brat and you have enough age to be my father.
Larry started to cry again and Phoenix laughed.
-NICK! — Larry yelled irritated.
-Sorry, but Ren got a valid point. You can't make that claim, since you're not the best example of a mature person.
-Nick…
"Great, that's my first client and I'm almost ready to giving up…" Ren thought nervous.
-Chief Nick…
-Relax Ren. Larry isn't a bad person, he's just a guy with bad luck.
-I can see that clearly… — Ren answered with a tired tone. — And it's not only that...
Phoenix sighed.
-Well, that wasn't something new being honest. When I was a kid, in my old school there was a saying: "When something smells, it's usually the Butz."
-I can see he keeps that saying alive…
-Yes. Sometimes he can be a big nuisance in certain situations… — Phoenix admitted.
-HEY, I HEARD THAT! — Larry yelled angrily.
-Calm down… — Phoenix said, a little annoyed. He turns his head towards Ren —You got a grasp of the situation, right?
-Yes, I read all the files and I checked the evidence. Honestly, this is kind of an easy case, although, the situation surrounding the murder is quite too fishy for someone who doesn't pay the necessary attention.
-True, you did a great job at the investigation. You know all you need.
-Yes, but I want to check one more time. — Ren turns in Larry's direction. — Larry, when you entered the place when the murder happened, did you notice anything strange?
-Well… Kinda…
-… "Kinda"?
-It was the whole situation! At one moment I was arriving at my girlfriend's apartment, and the other one was when I was arrested out of the blue after I found her dead. Seriously, why this is happening again…? — He asked between his sobs.
-That was awfully similar to your first case Chief Nick. — Ren commented. — But I noticed the time in the reports doesn't match up. I should try that approach.
-True. You should explore that on the trial.
-I know that. That gap is our way to find what's happened on that day.
-Well, you're right about the similarities. Isn't this a type of Déjà vu? — The veteran asked with a smile.
-Yeah, an awful case of Déjà vu… — Ren commented. — Larry, that's all we need to know. Thank you.
-Okay...
-Now, keep calm and let me do my part. I hope this became a quick and calm trial.
-Me too… Me too… — Phoenix said.
-Oh, right, you're gonna defend me… Ken?
-It's Ren… — Ren corrected Larry.
-Right. Well, Nick, he's like Franzy. She's started young too, huh?
-Franny…? — Ren asked confused.
-Franziska von Karma. That's the way Larry directs her.
-Oh, I see… Prosecutor Von Karma, huh? She started to prosecute when she's thirteen, right?
-Right… — Phoenix answered feeling a shiver through his spine. Remembering her always brings him bad memories. — She reminds me of a few people I met before…
-Speaking of prosecutors, I heard the prosecutor in charge of this case is Winston Payne, isn't that right?
-Yes. AKA, the Rookie Killer, or he was known by that title years ago. That's the first time I heard of him being taking a case in another country, but he's not a big deal anyway.
-Yeah, I just need to point the clues he missed and bring the facts we discovered in the crime scene.
-I don't need to tell you anything more. You're ready to take your first case.
Ren smiled.
-Well, I learned all I knew with the best lawyers I know, so I can at least do something on your level.
-That's the spirit, although I have my doubts about your statement. Are you sure I'm one of the best lawyers you know?
-C'mon, I'm the apprentice of Phoenix Wright, one of the best defense attorneys, and of Miles Edgeworth, one of the best prosecutors both in States and in the international legal system nowadays. There's no way you two can't be the best after all you two had done. I have the best mentors I could ask.
-WHAT!? That kid knows Edgey!? Hey, how'd you guys had met each other? — Larry asked, surprised.
-It's a long story, Larry. We don't have time to explain that. — Phoenix answered checking his wristwatch.
-And that is something we shouldn't be talking about now. Remember, we're dealing with your situation now… — Ren said, annoyed to being called a kid again. He checked the time on his phone — It's about time.
-Yes. Let's go. — Phoenix said, exiting the defendant's lobby.
-It's showtime!
—
Courtroom District
Courtroom. No.1
10:00 AM. Morning.
—
The audience is arguing about the trial that was about to start. The Judge once he was ready he hit the gavel, making the entire courtroom went silent.
-Court is now in session, for the trial of Larry Butz. — The Judge announced neutral as always. — Are both defense and prosecutor ready?
-The defense is ready, Your Honor. — Ren answered calmly.
-The prosecutor is ready, Your Honor. — Said Payne, calm as well. The old prosecutor was wearing a lime suit, with a light red tie, and his usual foggy glasses. His top bald head, with a single and lone strand of hair and his long sides hair of his head, was one of the most ridiculous things Ren saw in his entire life. He heard about hair-loss complex, but that clearly surpassed the normal limit of that. The Judge looked to both before directing his attention towards the frizzy-haired attorney.
-Before we start the trial, I should ask you, Mr. Wright, why is a young man is standing at the defense bench? He looks too young…
-Your Honor, the person on my side is Ren Amamiya. He's my apprentice and he's the one in charge of the defense of this trial.
-I'm sorry, but he looks like he is a teenager. — The Judge commented.
-If you don't mind Mr. Amamiya, can you tell us your age? — Payne asked.
-Yes, I can. I'm seventeen years old. — Ren answered calmly. Payne smiled, tossing his hair over his shoulder.
-A kid like you shouldn't be defending on this trial. You don't have the necessary age to be a lawyer. — He said with an arrogant smile.
-I believe my age shouldn't be an issue on that trial. And I'm a very capable attorney. If the matter is my age, you shouldn't be worried to deal with someone younger than you if you are afraid in that case. — Ren answered.
Winston gulped in the response to Ren's statement and Phoenix gave a small chuckle.
-And Ren had passed the Bar Exam with mastery when he had only sixteen years, your Honor. If the matter is that, he's actually qualified to be an attorney, I'm absolutely sure he's more than capable to do his duty without any problem.
-If you still have any doubt's Your Honor, please examine my attorney badge.
Ren walked towards the Judge and gave to him his badge.
-Well… It's in fact a real attorney badge! These young people of nowadays… — The Judge said after checking Ren's badge. — Here's your badge back Mr. Amamiya.
-Thank you, your Honor. — Ren answered, taking back his badge.
-But, due to your age and since it's your first trial, I think it's necessary to contest if your knowledge about this case is accurate for the sake of your client.
-Yes, your honor. "Damn, I thought that case was going to be easy, at least without this type of inconvenience…"
-Well then… Who is the defendant of this case?
-Larry Butz. He was arrested at the crime scene, the victim's apartment.
-Correct. Next, who the victim's name?
-Hiromi Inafune. She was the defendant's girlfriend.
-Okay. The last question. How the victim died?
-According to the autopsy report, it was due to a single blow that caused head trauma, making Ms. Inafune died due to blood loss.
-That's correct. Well done Mr. Amamiya. — Said the Judge.
-The murder weapon was a statue, which was used to make the blow. Sounds familiar Wright? — Payne asked.
-Right. Just like my first case. — Phoenix answered.
-And the defendant was the same as this time. Larry Butz.
-Right. — Said Ren. — But the question now is the main reason the defendant came here to Japan. As we know, he just said he came with Ms. Inafune for vacation.
-Well, can you explain that, Mr. Butz? — The Judge asked.
-Oh yeah! I came here to Japan for a visit trip with Hiromi. We came to visit her parents. — Larry replied.
"That answers why he is here after all." Phoenix and Ren thought.
-Well, then. Your opening statement, Mr. Payne, if you please.
-Of course, your Honor. The case is rather simple. Around the time of 1:50 PM the murder happened. Ten minutes later the cops arrested the suspect, who was standing now in the defendant's chair. He has trying to call someone to help him. As we can see, he calling you! — Payne points Phoenix.
-Objection! — Said Ren. — You don't possess any proof to hold your claim.
Payne smiled.
-You're just a rookie. Don't you remember he was found in the apartment? And a witness was on the scene.
-A witness… — Said Ren. "That's great, with that I can establish if that claim from the prosecutor is true or not." — Ren thought calmly. — About that witness in question…?
-He was close to the area, so he saw everything. When the defendant broke the door as he killed the victim!
-That we going to establish today in this court. — Ren answered. "I have my doubts about the witness statement."
-Now, if the defendant can explain something to us in court…
-I'm innocent. I haven't killed Hime-chan! — Larry answered crying.
-Yes! Yes! We know that! All of you claim the same thing after all.
"That guy is way too arrogant and confident for someone who always fought against rookies." — Ren thought, keeping to himself his comment.
"Always subtle like a horse…" Phoenix thought sarcastically.
-Well if you are innocent as you claim, why you are in the apartment in the first place? With your history, it's very easy to think you're dumped again.
-I'm sorry to ask but, how many girlfriends he had before? — Ren asked his mentor, surprised because of Larry's track record.
-Don't ask me. I'm lost track on the third. — Phoenix answered.
-Wow… I don't know how he managed it…
-Neither I…
-The answer it's simple. I was living with her actually. We're sharing the apartment while we're here.
-It was obvious. That was a stupid question. — Ren said calmly.
-But that doesn't mean she's not planning to break up with him. The police found that on her desk with the victim, inside her pocket.
Payne presented a small note.
-Well let me see that… What!? It's a breakup note! Written by the victim no less!
-WHAT!? — Larry and the defense yelled surprised. The public argued about the new evidence.
-Order! Order in the court!
Payne smiled happily.
-As you can see the defendant does have a reason to kill his girlfriend. Maybe you should give up kid, while you can.
Ren smiled, adjusting his glasses.
-As if I'm going to do that. Mr. Payne, unlike you think, this case is not that simple as you claim. I'm going to defend my client until the very end of it.
-Well, it's your loss…
"Is that guy trying to test my patience?"
-Well, then. The court accepts this note as evidence.
Ren put the small note information inside his court report.
-Not only that, there was the murder weapon as well. A statue made by the defendant found standing on the blood pool of the victim.
-I see… Is an athlete, right?
-Right. — Larry answered. — It's based on the occupation of Hiromi. She was a trainer and a triathlon pro athlete.
-I see… The court accepts this as evidence.
Ren noted that as well in his court report.
-Mr. Payne, do you want to call the witness to testify? — The Judge asked.
-No, first I want to call Mr. Butz to the witness stand.
-The defendant itself!? Well, if the defense possesses any objections towards the prosecutor's claim…
-No, the defense accepts the prosecutor's request.
Payne smiled and just tossed his hair again.
-You're going to regret it. — The prosecutor said.
-We'll see… — Ren answered.
-Well then, the defendant can come to the witness stand.
Larry went to the witness stand and he looked around.
-I wished to not stay here as a defendant once again… — He said crying.
-Name and occupation, defendant. — Payne ordered.
-Larry Butz. I'm a book artist and a freelance artist, by the name Laurice Deauxnim.
-He has dumped recently. — Said Payne.
-I wasn't being dumped! — Larry yelled furiously. — I'm coming with her on a visit trip. She was nervous to come here for some reason though.
-That makes sense since the victim has a native from this city, and decided to visit her parents. — Payne said calmly. — Especially with a person like him as a boyfriend, even if I was her, I should've been nervous about that.
Ren ignored Winston's acid comment, and Larry stared at the prosecutor indagated.
-HEY DUDE! What's your problem? She loves me and I love her, and I come with her to propose her hand in marriage to her parents!
Phoenix and Ren were caught in surprise. Phoenix almost choked in shock.
-Hey Chief Nick, did we hear that right? — Ren asked, worried and shocked.
-I'm not sure… I could swear I heard Larry saying he going to ask his girlfriend in marriage. — Phoenix answered.
-But I said that. — Larry said, dumbfounded.
-WHAT!? — Phoenix shouted even more surprised. "I think she was going to dump him when he was going to ask her" Phoenix commented mentally, surprised with that. He was sweating nervous, in shock with this new information.
-Why haven't you told us about that? — Ren asked irritated.
-I thought it was Nick who's going to defend me, not you!
Ren facepalmed his own face as he nodded his head in disappointment.
-When I thought that was going to be an easy case… — He mumbled.
-True… — Phoenix answered, surprised as well. — I was expecting the total opposite of that…
-What do you mean by saying that Nick!? — Larry asked angrily.
-Nothing. It's nothing… — Phoenix answered, hiding his surprise. — Well then, we should continue the trial, right? — He said calmly with a goofy smile, trying to bring the attention back to the trial.
-Right… — The Judge said, coughing to hide his nervousness. — Well then, what are you doing on the day of the crime, defendant?
-I was in the market near the apartment, buying food for lunch.
-It's pretty late for lunch. — Said Payne.
-It's because we had nothing in the fridge. So, I came to the local market.
-What time was it when you went out of the apartment?
-Around 12:30 pm.
-And you come back at which time?
-Around 2:00 pm.
-So, you came back to the apartment after the crime. Can you testify about that?
-Sure. — Larry his hand on his chin, trying to remember the events of that day. — I arrived around 2:00 pm at the apartment. I tried to unlock the door, but the lock was strange, like broken. I open the door and I saw the body. The statue has there, standing up on the blood. I tried to call the police, but they arrived and arrested me without reason. I just got in there. I didn't kill Hiromi.
The Judge looked at Larry and asked:
-That's all?
-Yes. I was arrested just for I was there!
-That means you killed her, after arriving at the apartment. — Said Payne. — That's the fact.
-Objection! — Ren shouted — I suggest for you Mr. Payne to not state these claims without proof. That is what are we going to determine in this trial.
-True. Although the defense needs to admit the situation is not in favor of your client. — The Judge said, turning his glance towards the defense bench.
-I know that well, your Honor. However, as I said, we're going to determine if the facts found so far is accurate, and for that, I suggest the prosecution present evidence to prove his point. Otherwise, the prosecution should stay quiet and avoid badgering the defendant. — Ren answered.
-What do you mean by that? — Payne asked.
-I think I was clear with my statement. — Ren countered. — Your Honor, if you please.
-Yes Mr. Amamiya, you can cross-examine the defendant.
-Yes, Your Honor. — Ren answered. — All right. Time to find the contradictions behind this.
-That's the spirit. — Said Phoenix. — You want to proceed, or do you want me to repeat what you should do in the cross-examination?
-I'm okay, you don't need to explain to me that again. What I need to do is to find the contradiction in his testimony, simplifying lies. I need to point the lies in his testimony, even if he's not doing that on purpose. Then I need to explain the reason for the discrepancy with the testimony and the evidence. Is that correct?
-That's correct. Now go ahead.
-Ok, got it. — Ren turns to Larry. — Defendant, I mean Mr. Butz, can you repeat your testimony?
-OK. Like, I have said, I arrived at 2:00 pm at the apartment.
-Hold it! — Ren shouted. — So, you did grocery for both of you in the day in question, right?
-Right!
-Why did you take so much time in the market?
-Well, we planned to make dinner for her parents in the evening, to meet each other. There are very surprised to find she was dating me.
-Because…?
-Maybe because she was dating a dubious person like the defendant in question. He looks like he's not so good for a standard working citizen. — Payne answered.
-Hey! What d'you mean with that!? — Larry yelled.
Ren slammed the defense bench with his left hand, glancing daggers at Payne.
-Or perhaps they simply don't know much about their daughter's personal life. Mr. Butz, can you tell the reason?
-'Course. It 'cause she's living in Los Angeles, and we met each other in a hangout some of our friends had made up. She just said about me to her parents recently, before the trip.
-I see… Well, can you continue, please? — Ren asked.
-Of course. — Larry put his hand on his chin, remembering the events of the day of his arrest. — I tried to unlock the door, but the lock was strange, like broken.
-Hold it! What you mean by…
-Objection! — Payne shouted. — That's impossible. The door was broken at that moment you tried to enter. The victim was alive at that time, so it's impossible.
-Prosecutor Payne, do you have proof?
Payne smiled, tossing his hair again.
-The forensics team has confirmed the lock has forced at the time. And the only one who could that was the defendant.
"Strange… Prosecutor Payne is desperate to prove that point…" Ren thought.
-The prosecutor has a point. — The Judge glanced at the defendant. — You may…
-Hold it! Your Honor, I think we should take a better look at that point in question.
-Well, if you think that's important…
-Objection! — Payne shouted. — The defense request is meaningless. That point was already established.
-Objection! — Ren shouted. — The prosecution doesn't have established it was the defendant was the one who broke the door lock. That goes against the police reports as well. The prosecution's argument is pointless.
Winston gasped and The Judge nodded his head in the negative.
-The defense has a point. Please, Mr. Amamiya, proceed with your questioning.
-Very well. Mr. Butz, what do you mean with the door looked strange?
-Well, looked like it was broken. As if someone had broken the lock.
-Objection! You broke the door! Your fingerprints all over the lock of the door.
The public started to comment on the new fact.
-Can you prove your claim? — Ren asked.
-Yes, I can. — Winston pulled from the Court Report a photo and a report. — There's a photo of the doorknob in question. The forensics have dusted for fingerprints and they found a pattern at the doorknob. That matches with the defendant's fingerprints. You can see clearly the defendant's fingerprints here, proving my claim.
-Ok, I see… The court accepts this as evidence. — Said the Judge.
Ren noted the new evidence in the Court Report and looked to Payne.
-Well, as you can see, there's no way Mr. Butz is innocent. The fingerprints prove it.
-That's true. The fingerprints prove he tried to open the door.
-See, Mr. Wright, even your apprentice agrees with me. — Payne tossed his hair in a fabulous mood, as Ren found that ridiculous. — There was no way the defendant could open the door! Not without break the lock!
Ren sighed nodded his head in the negative, holding his glasses with a finger.
-Unfortunately for you, Mr. Payne, yes, there is a way for him to open the door without force the doorknob.
-WHAT!? But you said the fingerprints prove it!
-Yes. Prove the point he tried to open the door as I stated. And I have evidence to support my claim!
-Do you have evidence — Payne said nervously.
-Yes, I have. Here, take that! — Ren presented a keychain.
-Is that a keychain? — The Judge asked surprised.
-Yes, your Honor. That's keychain is from the defendant. The keys in question are the spare of Ms. Inafune's apartment keys. That raises the question, why Mr. Butz needs to break in if he's possessed the keys to the apartment? The answer is simple, he never needed to break in, because he's already had a way to enter!
-NNNNNOOOOOOO! — Payne shouted surprised. — But how you…
-The police confiscated his keychains, as a normal procedure in an arrest. They've confiscated his belongings and submitted them as evidence. You should know that too as well Mr. Payne.
-But…
-However, you have ignored that point. You should know that at least a normal thing in an investigation. Especially due to the fact, the forensics team has also tested the keys and they confirmed the keys open the door. As Mr. Butz has stated, he tried to open the door, but the lock was already broken before his arrival. That means he couldn't break it at the time he arrived! Neither could he kill the victim!
-What!? — Payne yelled surprised.
-That's right. If you claim he killed his own girlfriend, the whole situation of the apartment should be entirely different! Starting by the door lock condition for starters!
The public commented the new facts were brought into light as they questioned the prosecutor's claim.
-Order! Order in court. — The Judge ordered. — Well, Mr. Payne. The defense raised a good point. Can you explain that contradiction?
-Well… You see… This situation is rather simple to explain. — Payne said with his confident smile.
"I really doubt that buddy…"
-I forgot we had a witness to hear about, and according to him, the state of the door was already broken.
-What? — Ren asked in disbelief, seeing how Payne insist on that point. Payne snorted.
-You should know Mr. Amamiya, I'm not the type of person who makes the same mistake twice. So, you better get ready to be destroyed in court.
"You're right. You usually the type who makes the same mistake more than twice…" Ren thought sardonically, preferring to not answer the prosecution provocation.
-Well then, bring the witness to the witness stand.
The witness came into the room, taking his position. He was wearing a black and blue athletic outfit, with yellow patter details over the shirt and black gloves. He was relaxed and excited as he stands on the witness stand.
-Witness, please state your name and occupation.
-My name is Kotaro Musou. I'm a pro athlete which works at the local gym as an instructor. I'm also training for the next triathlon. — He said with a cocky smile stamped on his face.
-You were really close to the place where the crime was committed if I'm right, correct? — Asked Payne.
-Yes. I saw the suspect at the local when I was training around. I was on the ground at a certain distance from the building, making my usual sprint, when I saw everything. I saw him breaking the door and attacking the victim.
The public starts to speak once again, talking about the witness declaration.
-Order! Order! Order in the court! — The Judge ordered angrily, seeing the public reaction. — Well then, can you give us more details about that?
-Of course, your Honor! — Musou answered calmly. — Everything started when the defendant came to the apartment that day. He had a package of something in his hands. When he arrived, he tried to get into the apartment, but the victim didn't open the door. Furious, he broke the door and enters the apartment. In a few moments, he killed the victim. I called the cops at the same moment he started his attack.
-I see… Mr. Amamiya, your cross-examination, please.
-Yes, your Honor. — Ren snapped his attention towards Mr. Kotaro. — Well witness, can you repeat your testimony, please?
-Of course. Everything started when the defendant came to the apartment that day. He had a package of something in his hands.
-Hold it! According to Mr. Butz, he was coming back from the market.
-Yes, I saw the groceries bags in his arms, as he tried to open the door. — Kotaro answered.
-Did you see something more? Any small detail which was caught your attention?
-Well, he tried to open the door, using a keychain he took from his pocket.
-Can you give details about this keychain?
-Of course.
-Your Honor, I like for the witness to amend this part of his testimony.
-Very well. Can you do that Mr. Musou? — The Judge asked.
-Yes, I can. — He said, looking at Larry. — The keychain looked like a red motorcycle with white details.
-Objection! — Ren shouted. — Mr. Musou, are you entirely sure about that? About the description of the keychain in question?
-Of course, why would I lie about that?
-Because the keychain you described, doesn't belong to Mr. Butz.
-What? — Kotaro asked.
-The keychain of Mr. Butz is this one. — Ren showed Larry's keychain once again, with a pendant with the shape of a color pallet. — As the court can see, that the keychain of Mr. Butz. Even his name is engraved here.
The court started to comment once again, as they absorbed the newest information.
-Is clear that the supposed keychain Mr. Musou said doesn't belong to the defendant. — The Judge commented.
-But we know who they belong to. — Ren answered.
-Really!?
-Yes, your Honor. We found the keychain Mr. Musou mentioned, close to the victim's body.
-You better tell us who is the owner of this keychain. That is if you can. — Payne provoked.
-It's simple, Mr. Payne. Please have a look at this with the Judge.
The Judge and Winston take a look and both are surprised.
-That's yours. Mr. Musou! Do you have any explanation about that!?
-Well, I got myself confused, that's all. I thought that was his keychains since I keep my keys with me when I go to train.
-I see… Mr. Amamiya?
"That's an awful lie."
-It's weird to see a keychain with your name, especially due to the fact that wasn't with the belongings of both defendant and victim. Besides, the keys were found outside the apartment and it was tested as well, and only Mr. Butz's keychains had a match with the door lock. That means these keys were used by someone else.
The public started to comment once again, as the Judge hit the gavel, making everyone went silent.
-Mr. Kotaro do you have an explanation for that?
Kotaro was sweating nervously, then he got suddenly surprised as he had remembered something.
-Oh, I remember now. I have lost my keys during my sprint earlier that day. I usually ran around that area almost every single day. I just have noticed after I come back home. — Kotaro answered, looking at his wristwatch in embarrassment. — I think she may have found it. Perhaps she was waiting for the owner, in that case, me, but she never was able to give me back. — He completed with some sadness in his voice.
-I see... That a plausible explanation. Mr. Payne? — The Judge asked.
-I don't see any point to question the witness. — Payne answered.
-Mr. Amamiya?
-I don't see any point to question that as well. That's not important for now. — Ren answered.
-Very well. — The Judge said. — Well, there are several details that need to be more accurate testimony about the situation. Mr. Kotaro, can you explain more about the scene you saw?
-Of course. Like I said before I saw that he tried to open with the keys, but he failed. In the next moment, he breaks the door. He attacked the victim when he entered the apartment. I called the police at the same time. The time has before midday.
-So, you saw the defendant trying to open the door? — Asked Ren.
-Yes, and he doesn't get it. So, he breaks the door.
-Now your cross-examination Mr. Amamiya.
Ren nodded as the witness tells once again his testimony.
-Was I said, he tried to open with the keys. When he couldn't, he breaks the door. He attacked the victim when he entered the apartment. I called the police when that happened. After ten minutes they arrived and arrested him.
-Hold it! About the last time, can you say the time when that happens?
-Yes. Before midday.
-Can you be more specific?
-The time was 11:30 am.
-Objection! — Said Ren. — As the prosecutor knows, this testimony contradicts the evidence. According to the autopsy report, that happened after midday.
-Objection! — Payne shout, nodding his head in denial. — As expected from a rookie. You haven't paid attention, did you? — Payne asked, waving his hand and smiling. — Mr. Kotaro, I believe you can explain that.
-Oh, my apologies. I forgot my wristwatch is actually delayed. It was a delay of one hour and twenty minutes. The time was 1:50 pm. — Kotaro said, slightly embarrassed.
-Is that so? — Ren asked.
-Yes. I forgot to adjust it back. I'm so sorry, I forgot to say about that.
-Okay, please amend that part to your testimony, Mr. Kotaro. — The Judge ordered.
-Okay… As I was saying, I called the police when that happened. After ten minutes they arrived and arrested him. The time that happens was 1:50 pm.
-Hold it. Are you entirely sure about that? — Ren asked.
-Yes. As I have stated before my wristwatch is actually delayed. — Kotaro answered, looking at his wristwatch again.
-The gap of your wristwatch is eighty minutes off, correct?
-Yes.
-And took ten minutes for the police to arrive at the place according to your testimony. Which matches with the autopsy report and the police report. — Ren said, covering his mouth with his right hand, thoughtful. — But that's odd because according to the defendant report, he was arrest when he arrived at the scene, more specifically the time he found the victim's body.
The audience commented loudly, noticing the strange precision on the witness testimony.
-Objection! — Payne shouted. — As you may know, that not supposed to be an issue. That clearly shows the witness has in fact witnessed the moment.
-However, we can't deny the fact the witness has called the police at the same time the victim died. In addition, the ten-minute interval is too short to commit such a crime.
-Objection! That's not true. Ten minutes is enough time to commit a murder.
-So why the defendant instead of clean the place, or even ran away, why he tried to call the police? There's even in his phone history call and with such gap is impossible for him just to stand in the place without doing anything. I simply doubt someone will simply act like that, even if that person was in shock due to the situation.
-You doubt too much and you underestimate the defendant in question. It's obvious the defendant is the only one who could do that. — Payne said with a cocky smile.
"Said the one who underestimates everyone and ignores the essential…" Ren thought avoiding sighing in annoyance.
-How you can be sure about that? As I have said, ten minutes is not enough time to commit a crime, at least not without doing anything about it after the act. Unless if the defendant killed the victim during that interval of time.
-Hey, what're you plannin'? — Larry asked.
-Are you saying the defendant killed the victim during the ten-minute interval? — Payne asked with a smile.
-I just raised a possibility, one you don't have thought about it.
-Objection! That possibility has been brought during the opening statement.
-True, however, we need to remember if the estimated time of death is correct, ten minutes interval shouldn't be enough to kill someone, because we still have the issue of the broken door.
Payne smiled, waving his hand.
-What do you mean? I do believe that not an issue, since the defendant is capable to break the door. And I have proof. Here, a photo of the scene in question.
Payne presented the photo in question.
-Oh my, the whole place is destroyed.
-That's the work of the defendant. He was the one who only could do it.
Phoenix started to sweat, but he noticed Ren's behavior.
- The court accepts this as evidence. — Said the Judge. — Mr. Amamiya, I do believe only the defendant was capable to do that. If you don't have any objections, I will give my verdict.
-You just have to accept your defeat, Mr. Amamiya.
Ren sighed and shook his head in negative, with his right hand on his face.
-Your Honor, do you haven't notice anything strange in this photo? — Ren asked.
-Well, no. There's something on it?
Ren nodded his head in affirmation and adjusted his glasses.
-As I thought.
-Good for you, because I can't see the defense point. — Payne said with a smile. — There's nothing wrong with the scene.
-I have to agree with the prosecution, Mr. Amamiya. — The Judge said, nodding his head in negation.
-You two are jumping to conclusions too quickly. Please look at the grocery bags on the ground. — Ren pointed at the groceries bags in the photo. — That detail indicates an important detail on the scene.
-I don't see what is so important in that.
-Why the groceries are there Mr. Payne, can you answer me that?
-That should be obvious. He dropped after he broke the door. Anyone can see that, even a rookie like you.
-But Mr. Payne… If the defendant dropped his groceries when he broke the door, they shouldn't appear in the photo. — The Judge pointed. Winston gasped in shock.
-Exactly my point your Honor. Unlike the prosecutor claimed, making the crime in a gap of ten minutes is simply not possible. More specifically, is not possible to make such a crime and left the crime scene in the conditions showed in this photo. And do you remember Mr. Payne the defendant keychain? They are in the door lock. You can see that clearly in the photo you have submitted. And that proves my point of Mr. Butz has not the one who has broken the door lock.
-NNNOOOOOO! — Payne yelled surprised.
The public commented fervently and the Judge hit his gavel to calm the crowd down.
-Order, Order I say! Mr. Payne, what is the meaning of this?
-Er… Well…
-Your Honor, I believe I can state the actual facts until this point. — Ren said, pushing back the photo from the Court Report. — As the defendant, Mr. Butz stated, he arrived at the victim's apartment around 2:00 pm. Since he was living with the victim, he tried to open the door with his key copy and when he couldn't open it, he simply noticed the door lock was broken. Until he gets inside, he went into the kitchen and he saw the body there, which made him drop the groceries bags in the process. That explains why the groceries are on the floor, and also why some of the products have some bloodstains on them. When Mr. Butz tried to call the police the police officers came in. The issue now is, if the victim was already dead, how the police arrived around the same time as the defendant?
-That's a good question.
-Objection! That's ridiculous! It was the defendant. He was the one who could that. — Payne exclaimed.
-Actually, there is evidence which shows otherwise. — Ren countered.
-Then show that evidence!
-Mr. Amamiya, if you have evidence to support your claim, I suggest you present it. If you fail to prove it, I will have to give you a penalty.
-I understand, your Honor. — Ren said, nodding in affirmation. — Your honor, I present to this court this receipt.
-A... receipt? — The Judge asked.
-Yes. — Ren answered. Payne smiled and tossed his hair.
-The defense point is baseless. This receipt proves nothing.
Ren nodded his head in the negation and gave the receipt to the Judge.
-Your Honor, if you please can you read the date and hour stamped in this receipt?
-The Judge shook his head in affirmation and started to read the receipt.
-It says the day was the day of the murder, and the time was... Oh my, the time-stamped on this receipt is 1:40 pm.
-Exactly my point your Honor. The defendant was he claimed he took some time buying his groceries. And unlike the prosecution claims, he couldn't have time to commit the murder, because he barely has time to even broke the door, heck, he barely has time to arrive in time to commit a murder in the first place and flee, because at the time he was arrested, it was after he arrived and was asking for help! — Ren shouted.
-NNNNNOOOOOOOO! — Payne shouted surprised. The entire court started to argue about that when someone shouted.
-WAIT!
Everyone's attention went towards Kotaro who was sweating nervously.
-What is it, Mr. Musou? — The Judge asked.
-That simply not possible.
-Come again? — Ren asked.
-Yes, as I said, that simply not possible.
-Because...
-Because I saw the officers went into the apartment. Actually, I saw the moment when the officers arrested him, and more.
-You saw the whole moment, huh? — Ren asked, doubtful. — Can you tell me more about it?
-Of course. When the police arrived at the place, the place was already messed up, and not only that, the defendant was acting violently, trying to resisting the arrest. It was quite the scene.
-I see… "That's an interesting comment from you…" — Ren thought, checking the Court Record once again.
-Mr. Amamiya, is that part of that testimony important? — The Judge asked.
-Yes, your Honor. I request the witness to amend this part in his statement.
-Very well. Please, Mr. Kotaro, add the last part to your statement.
-Yes, your Honor. — Kotaro said. — When the police arrived at the place, the place was already messed up, and not only that, the defendant was acting violently, trying to resisting the arrest. It was quite the scene.
-Hold it! You saw the very moment Mr. Butz was arrested, correct? Can you tell me how that happened?
-Yes. The police arrived at the apartment briefly after Mr. Butz went inside. I think they took ten minutes to arrive. Not only that, once they arrived, he was on the phone, trying to call someone. The whole place was messed up.
-Messed up? — Ren asked.
-Yes. The whole place was destroyed. I dare to say, if that guy wasn't a killer, he could be a good athlete. I never saw someone threw a sofa like that.
-He threw a sofa? — The Judge asked.
-Not exactly a sofa, more like an armchair.
-The defendant threw an armchair!? — The Judge asked in disbelief.
The court mumbled about it. The Judge hit the gavel, silencing everyone.
-Order in the court! Order! Mr. Musou, are you entirely sure about that?
-Absolutely.
Payne smiled.
-As you can see your Honor, only the defendant could do that.
-Mr. Amamiya, your thoughts about that.
-Yes, your Honor. — Ren covered his mount with his right hand thoughtful. — Mr. Musou, do you claim you say everything from the ground, the very moment of Mr. Butz's arrest, and even more... I need to say that simply not possible.
Payne smiled.
-I see the defense is… — Then Winston gasped surprised.
-It's something wrong Mr. Payne?
Ren sighed and shook his head in negative.
-I think Mr. Payne noticed the same thing as us.
-What do you mean Mr. Amamiya? I thought the issue was the time.
-The delay on Mr. Musou's watch isn't the issue here, at least not anymore. The real issue begins when he meant he not only watched what happened, he was close to the place the crime occurred. Remember what he said earlier in his testimony, he said he saw Mr. Butz attacking the victim, but the photo of the crime scene. The details he gave to us show us proves he couldn't witness the entire situation from the ground as he claims!
Kotaro almost choked in surprise as the public commented in shock as well.
-Order! Order! Order! Order in the court! — The Judge ordered. — Mr. Kotaro, what do you have to say about that?
-Mr. Musou. I think it's time for you to be earnest with us when you can. Otherwise, that's going to come straight back towards you. — Phoenix warned.
-You should listen to Mr. Wright, Mr. Musou. Otherwise, you going to suffer from the consequences of your lies. Perjury is a serious crime. — The Judge warned.
-I understand, your Honor. — Kotaro answered, sweating nervously. — I went back to the building that hour. I thought it was that hour due to my watch delay as I said.
-I see... But that doesn't explain how you know so much about the facts and the condition of the crime scene. — Ren said calmly, with a cocky smile on his face.
-I-I can e-explain that as well. — Kotaro answered, sweating nervously.
-Great job Ren. Now let's end this. — Phoenix said, proudly.
-Okay. I want to finish this once for all. — Ren said after a small sigh.
-It is tiresome to deal with that, isn't it?
-If the matter is to test your own intelligence dealing with a bunch of morons, yes that way too tiresome.
Phoenix laughed after hearing that.
-Well then, let's end this. Even I'm too tired to deal with that.
-Okay, let's do this. — Ren said.
-Now then, Mr. Kotaro, can you explain what you witnessed and how you managed to witness that? — The Judge asked.
-Of course, your Honor. — Taking a deep breath, Kotaro started his testimony. — As I said, the door was forcibly opened and he entered the room. He attacked her with fury. She tried to escape, but he gave her a deadly blow with something I don't recognize at first. I saw almost everything. He used the statue as a weapon at that moment. I watched everything behind a wall.
Ren heard all of it thinking in a way to break the testimony of the witness.
-The defense can start the cross-examination now.
-Yes, your honor. — Ren looked at the witness. — Okay witness, can you repeat your testimony?
-Yes. The door was opened and he entered the room. He attacked her with fury.
-Hold it! You have been watching all of this?
-Yes. I was too shocked to react.
-So, you had seen everything, correct?
-Not everything. I was hidden, in a blind spot. I was climbing stairs at the time of the crime and I hid against the wall.
-The witness can continue. — The Judge said.
-Ok. — Kotaro makes another pause. — She tried to escape, but he gave her a deadly blow with something I don't recognize at first.
-Hold it! Can you be more specific?
-Maybe. It happened too fast. I can't remember very well. It's sort like a small bat. Like a statue or something similar.
-Okay. Please continue.
-I saw almost everything. He used the statue at that moment. I watched everything, hidden behind a wall.
-Hold it! Can you be more specific about where you were at that moment?
-I was hidden, behind a wall, next to the stairs.
-The defense thinks this part is important?
-Yes. I want the witness to amend it.
-Witness, can you do this?
-Yes. — Kotaro makes another pause. — I was hidden next to the stairs, watching everything.
Ren looked again at the court record, searching the evidence he looking for. After he found it, he shouted.
-Objection! The witness is lying, and I can prove it.
-Oh, I want to see it. — Said Payne.
-Simple. I like the court look to the floor plans of the building. — Ren showed the floor plans to the court on a tv. He pointed to the witness position. — That's the place, the only possible spot for the witness can hide.
-And?
-That's obviously a blind spot.
-There's not wrong with it. — Payne said. — He can saw everything at this point.
-The prosecutor has a point! Mr. Amamiya, what is the meaning of this?
"Fast as always to jump conclusions…" Ren and Phoenix thought.
-Your honor.
-Yes?
-May you take a look closer look at the blind spot. — The Judge looked to the point. — As you can see, neither the victim has a clear vision of that. His radius of vision has been blocked by the position he is in. Obviously, he can see someone get in and out of the apartment, but almost everything he said he was able to see is impossible in that position!
-The defense has a point. — The Judge said surprised. Ren was astounded by the judge's reaction. The public is now commenting on the new information. — Witness. Explain yourself!
Kotaro was nervous.
-Objection! — Shouted Payne. — Maybe he's at another point.
-Objection! Not this time, prosecutor Payne. — Said Ren — In the witness testimony, he stated he was hidden behind the wall next to the stairs, and now as established, he could not know about the statue and what happened in the apartment at that point.
-NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO! — Payne shouted in astonishment. — But that means…
-Yes. The witness had come before the defendant at the victim's apartment!
-NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO! — Shouted the witness.
The public as well as the jury in the video room was talking about the new information he heard. The Judge hit the gavel.
-Order! Order! Order! What the meaning of all of this? — Asked the Judge. — Prosecutor Payne, can you answer me?
Payne was nervous about the whole situation.
-Err… The defense points are baseless.
-You mean…?
-I mean, if the witness has there before, he still saw the defendant. And can you explain the witness's motive to be there?
-That's a good point. Mr. Amamiya, can you explain that?
"Great. Now it's time."
-No. Not now. — Answered Ren.
-So, this was simply a whole waste of time. — Said Payne.
-The prosecutor has a point! — The Judge said. — The witness has no relation with the victim.
"Jumping conclusions like always…" Ren thought disappointed.
-Your honor. I'm not finished yet.
-Really?
"He's not serious about that!?"
-He is. — Phoenix answered.
"Wow. Thanks for reading my expression Chief Nick…" Ren thought with a bored expression and Phoenix smiled at him in response.
-Your Honor, you may have noticed the witness mentioned the murder weapon, the athletic statue; But if he was in fact on the stairs as he mentioned, he couldn't have seen the statue as he claims. He could only see that statue if he was in the victim's apartment. And there was his keychain close to the crime scene. And by elimination, he's obviously the killer of Ms. Inafune.
-And his motive? Care to explain?
-Yes. There is evidence that can prove their connection. I present this trophy, for the court, and as well this plate of the trophy it was found inside a plant vase at the crime scene. Your Honor, you can look at this for me, please?
-Okay. Let me see… — The Judge gasped in shock after seeing the trophy. — This… This trophy is from Mr. Musou and Ms. Inafune.
-WHAT!? Hiromi… Why…? — Larry asked himself.
-The question isn't why, but when.
-When what kiddo? — Larry asked confused.
-First, I'm not a kid. I'm a lawyer. Second, the question I mentioned is when you two broke up, Mr. Kotaro Musou. After all, you two had a relationship a few years ago.
Musou started to sweat nervously as Ren approached him.
-Yes, I discover the connection between you two because of that trophy and because of Ms. Inafune's parents. They've told me everything about you.
-I see… Wait, there's blood in the base of the trophy.
-Yes. I asked for forensics to check the trophy blood, and they found this statue isn't the murder weapon. It's the trophy itself.
-But… The statue. — Payne said perplexed.
-You saw the statue laying on the blood pool, which made everyone thought it was the murder weapon. But as the evidence points, that's not only the murder weapon but that the connection between Mr. Musou and Ms. Inafune!
Musou yelled in anger as the public started a commotion due to the new evidence.
-ORDER! ORDER IN COURT! Mr. Musou, due to the new evidence that was brought to light for the defense. Do you have any explanation for that?
-Well…
-OBJECTION! — Payne shouted, laughing a little. — That was an impressive show… for an amateur.
-What…?
-Mr. Amamiya, you had brought good points, however, this is only circumstantial evidence. They barely can be used as decisive evidence in court. And you should know, in court evidence is everything.
Everyone commented on that. The Judge hit his gavel.
-Mr. Payne possesses a point. Do you have any decisive evidence to hold your claim, Mr. Amamiya?
-Well… "Damn! I almost got him. If I can…!"
Ren toyed with a lock of his hair, trying to figure out something he could use as decisive evidence.
-Mr. Amamiya, if you don't present any evidence right now, I'm gonna annunciate the jury verdict.
-Dammit! — Ren whispered.
-Calm down Ren. Let's revise the Court Record once again.
-Okay.
Ren checked all the evidence registered in the court report, trying to find something he could use against Kotaro. But after check all of them he couldn't find anything incriminating against the pro athlete.
-Nothing…
-Let's check once again. — Phoenix suggested.
-Well, looks like the defense couldn't prove their point. Well then…
-Dammit!
Ren knocked the bench with his first and accidentally dropped the statue. He grabbed the statue and noticed a small gap in the base.
-Chief Nick, look.
-Ren, it's…
-I shall announce the…
-OBJECTION! — Ren shouted. — The defense has an objection.
-Mr. Amamiya, what is the meaning of this!? — The Judge asked irritated. — You better have a good reason for that.
-Yes your honor, we have. We discovered a secret from the statue. Look, the statue base possesses a small gap. The base's hollow.
-OBJECTION! — Payne yelled. — Your Honor, the statue…
-Objection overruled! — The Judge said to prosecutor Payne who gulped. — Mr. Butz, could you explain why the base of the statue is hollow?
-The statue it's a table clock. In fact, that's a new version I'm developing, but I need to fix the clock mechanism. Hiromi liked the statue, so I gave it to her, promising I was gonna finish the project.
-How do we open this? — Ren asked.
-Just pull the cover off. Is quite difficult to take off.
Ren pulled the cover off and looked inside the athletic statue and found a piece of paper. When he opened up, his eyes widened.
-Ren?
-Chief Nick, the decisive evidence.
Phoenix read the paper, understanding what Ren meant.
-Your honor, we the defense have in possession the decisive evidence, found inside the statue. It's a document from a bank about a shared bank account.
-And the relation of this to the case.
-The persons who own the account, are Ms. Hiromi Inafune and Mr. Kotaro Musou. According to this document, it's a transfer request, passing all the belongings of Ms. Inafune to Mr. Musou.
-What!? That means…
-Yes. Ms. Inafune broke up with Mr. Musou. Not only that, she showed to be afraid to visit her parents, according to Mr. Butz. All of that leads to one point. You had threatened her since you two were dating, Mr. Musou!
The public started to comment, as the Judge hit his gavel.
-Order! Mr. Amamiya, please explain.
-Of course, your Honor. — Ren nodded in affirmative. — Everything started when Mr. Musou and Ms. Inafune started dating. Although both had a good relationship, and both shared even their bank account, that wasn't enough for Mr. Musou. He planned to take everything from her when it could get the best opportunity. Then he waited for a chance, he took advantage of her, until the point she founds out. It was something you weren't expecting, right? — Ren asked Musou who was angry. — He tried to convince her it wasn't what she was thinking, but once she found out, she takes all the measures to keep you away for you and for her money.
-That explains why she lives in the USA. She was avoiding him.
-Exactly. And he can't threaten her parents as well, due to the danger that could bring to himself. Then he decided to wait for an opportunity he could invade her apartment to take the documents to get her money. But you weren't expecting she was there! Neither she hides that away from you. Frustrated you killed her in revenge and tried to escape from your crime towards her using Mr. Butz. That's the reason he killed Ms. Hiromi. It was for her money!
-No! It wasn't my plan to kill her! — Musou shouted nervously. — I mean, I haven't killed her. He killed her. — He pointed to Larry.
-No. You killed Hiromi and you had confessed it. The only culprit… — Ren pointed to Musou with Phoenix. — It was you! Kotaro Musou!
Kotaro cannot restrain himself anymore. He shouts a scream of anger and fear.
-NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Kotaro collapsed on the floor. A few minutes passed.
-So, how is the witness? — The Judge asked.
-He was arrested and has confessed everything. He killed the victim in fact. — Payne answered. — He's a person who steals everything from their victims. He usually dates vulnerable women which have emotional issues.
-So, he's the killer after all and tried to pin the defendant to save himself. How unfortunate. And he tried to get the money of the victim. How horrible… — The Judge looked at the statue again. — In fact, the victim was very smart to hide the memo inside the statue. It's a very well-made project, Mr. Butz.
-I know that, after all, I made it.
-Now Mr. Payne, what did you said again? I am an amateur? This trial proved it you nothing just an arrogant selfish and unprepared lawyer, who can't even win against a kid, as you called me. — Ren points to Payne. — Now, who the real amateur here?
Payne was sweating. After he heard that, he realizes what Ren said with that and shout.
-NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NOT AGAIN!
Payne lost the rest of his hair in the process. Phoenix and the Judge were surprised after seeing that scene.
-Wow. — That's the only thing Phoenix said. The Judge coughed again.
-After all these events, I cannot prolong much longer this trial. Now I going to announce the verdict. — The Judge looked to all the courtroom. — The court finds the defendant, Larry Butz… Not Guilty!
The Judge hit the gavel. The public celebrated the verdict.
-Now the court is adjourned. — The Judge hit the gavel again.
—
Courtroom District
Defendant Room No.3
2:00 PM
—
-Good job. — Phoenix said to Ren.
-Thanks, but I wasn't able to do that without your help and guidance.
-What are you saying? You did almost everything.
-But I had to learn, and you guided me and Chief Miles on that path, teaching me all knowledge you two have. I have a lot to thank you two for.
Phoenix put his hand on his neck, with a shameful smile on his face.
-You welcome. — Phoenix answered. — I'm glad you could make this trial by yourself.
Ren blushed a little in embarrassment.
-Thanks. — Ren looked around. — Hey, where's Larry?
Larry arrived in the room crying.
-Nick…
Phoenix and Ren got surprised after saw Larry in that way.
-Larry, what's wrong?
-Hiromi… I never had the chance to ask her hand in marriage…
Ren has perplexed.
"He even doesn't care about what happened to him!"
-Hey Larry, calm down. — Said Phoenix.
-I can't even say I love you to her.
Larry was crying a lot, for the despair of Phoenix and Ren. They look at each other before talking to Larry.
-Hey Larry, calm down. You're innocent. We won.
-Yeah but, what the meaning of this when she's not alive.
Ren fussed the hair of the back of the head even more. He was thinking of a way to calm down Larry. Suddenly, he remembered something.
-Hey Larry. I have something for you.
-Yeah?
-An evidence that proves she knew you love her.
-Oh right. I almost forgot about that. — Phoenix said. — This is evidence we found at the crime scene.
-So, show me this evidence! — Larry ordered.
Ren picks up a small box from his pocket.
-Here. We found it near Hiromi's body. Maybe she dropped during the fight.
Larry recognized the box. He picked up and open it.
-It's the wedding ring box. The rings there here. But I don't remember having a paper inside here. — Larry picked up the paper and started to read. He started to crying again. — No!
Ren and Phoenix don't understand what's happened.
-What's wrong?
Larry gave the paper to Phoenix.
-Read it.
Ren took the paper and read it. He had understood it's a letter from Hiromi. He was in shock after reading that.
-What's wrong Ren?
-Here says…
-Yes?
Ren started to read the letter.
-Here says "Dear Larry. For a long time, I knew about your fame. You always jumping your love from a woman to a woman. At least I have the expectation to finish everything with you. I just wanted to be happy, and you too, but when I discover this, I was, no, I still very happy. I know you aren't the most mature person or a hard-working one, but I know you can be a great person. When you read this, you going to check if everything has all right. The answer to your proposal it's yes. I want to marry you, and I want to be happy with you forever. Signed with love, your Hiromi"
Larry was crying again. Lesser this time. Phoenix was almost crying.
-Oh, now I see… — Phoenix looks to Larry. — Do you need anything?
Larry shook his head in negative.
-I'll be okay. And she doesn't want to see me crying right?
Phoenix was surprised, but he recomposed himself and extended his hand to Larry.
-Right.
Phoenix gives Larry a handshake.
-Anything you want, you know, you ask me.
-Right. — Larry suddenly starts to remember something. — Hey Nick, do I have to pay your assistant?
Ren was angry and upset after hearing that.
-First, I'm not an assistant. Second…
-You have to pay him. — Phoenix complete the sentence. — After all, he defended you.
-Well, you see…
Phoenix sighed.
-Don't worry Ren. I will pay you.
-Thanks. — Ren looked to Larry. — By the way… You haven't paid Chief Nick too many years ago...
-Well…
-Larry. I'm your friend, but he's right. You have to pay him and me.
Larry sighed.
-Ok. I'm going to pay him and you. — Larry picks up his wallet. — Do you accept checks?
-Larry! — Phoenix and Ren exclaimed.
-Okay, okay... I'm going to the bank and make a deposit in your bank account.
-Thanks… I guess.
Larry left the place. Phoenix looked to Ren.
-Where are you going after that? I mean…
-After that incident? Tokyo, remember?
-Yes, I remember. Your probation is going to be there…
-Yes. I'm going to stay with a friend of my parents for a year. At least, that's what I heard from them. After that, I'm going to live an honest student life. Without courts, or any involvement with anything or any problem.
-You going to be alright? — Phoenix asked. Ren looked in his eyes, ready to answer this question.
-In fact, I don't know. Honestly, I'm scared. But I have to be strong, and I have to win my fears. If anything happens, you are the first person with Chief Miles to know I need help Phoenix. But before that, don't worry. I'm going to be fine.
-Okay. But you know, if you need help, don't hesitate to call us anytime. Miles and I have a lot to do here, and we promised to help you. So if you need, call us. At any time. Okay?
-Okay.
-Well then, I see you later Ren. Good luck there…