—
General Hospital of Los Angeles.
After Noon.
—
After interrogating the ambassador, Phoenix was tired but he knew he had a long way before the trial tomorrow. He was on his way to the hospital to interrogate the paramedics when suddenly Maya called for him:
— Hey, Nick!
— Yes, Maya? — Phoenix asked.
— You do seem to get along well with Prosecutor Niijima… — The medium commented.
— You think so?
— Yeah. Way too well… — The medium said with an inquisitory tone. Phoenix only sighed in annoyance.
— Well, for your information, she is a good person, so we don't have any problems. And is there a problem with us getting along well? — He asked raising an eyebrow.
— Since when did you become so evasive, Nick? — Maya asked slightly irritated.
— I'm not being evasive. It just…
— Just…
— I'm trying to not be too emotional in this case. — Phoenix replied.
— I see… Why though?
— Maya, it's a big case, and I simply afford to lose it. Not because it's my reputation on the line, it's because… Well… I do think something's off in this case.
— What is it?
Phoenix went silent as he looked at Maya, thinking if he should tell her or not.
— Let's just say have a hunch.
— Huh?!
— Come on, Maya. We need to talk with the paramedics.
Phoenix walked away from Maya, who was dumbstruck. She couldn't believe he left her without an answer. The spirit medium could only blink surprised before rushing after him.
— Hey, Nick! Wait!
After reaching the entrance of the emergency, Maya saw Phoenix already talking with one of the paramedics. He was with a serious frown, while he take some notes of the questioning.
— So, can you tell me what happened on the date of January, 12?
— Of course, I can. On the day in question, we received a call from the Marche Hotel. That hotel is famous for its security and to host important people. The call was around 10 pm and when he arrived the victim was convulsing. We managed to stop the convulsions and immobilize him on the board before taking him to our ambulance. But when we arrived at the hospital, we has already dead. He died due to asphyxiation he suffered from convulsions. We tried to resurrect him but he died on our way to the hospital. The esteemed time of his death was around 10:30 pm.
— So, the victim died at 10:30 pm, correct?
— Yes.
— Did you notice anything in particular?
— Actually yes. It was the suspect who called the emergency. He'd even accompany us all the way to the hospital. He looked truly surprised and frightened.
— I see. Did he act strangely on your way to the hospital?
— No. He reacted as any person will react in a situation like that. He looked truly afraid about the well-being of the victim.
— I see.
— Although it was strange that, since when we arrived at his room, it looked like they had a fight there.
— A fight… Can you describe the place?
— There were shards of glass everywhere, and even some things out of their place, but it was odd…
— Odd…?
— It looked like something happened there, but the ambassador looked truly surprised as if he was attacked or something.
— Okay then. Something more?
— Well, there's was one thing off, actually…
— And what is it?
— The wine… the wine bottle was untouched, but something was off about that wine.
— Hm… I see… Thank you for your time.
Phoenix went towards where Maya was and scratched the back of his neck nervously.
— Sorry Maya for leaving you there… I… I… I…
— Nick…
— I'm sorry, okay! Sorry for leaving you behind and for acting so stressed out.
— You haven't apologized enough. — Maya said, puffing her cheeks in annoyance. — Seriously Nick, I know that case is a serious one, but you need to relax, or else…
Phoenix sighed and nodded in agreement.
— Sorry, Maya. It's just I'm too tense with this case. It's not our usual murder case. There is a lot in game now. A smuggling ring. A conspiracy of a man who's now in jail, and probably the involvement of probably the Phantom Thieves. All of that is in game. If we screw here, we'll fall hard, you get it?
Maya then started to slowly realize the pressure Phoenix has held over his shoulders.
"He's right. If he screw on that one that will be an epic fall…!" The medium thought as she saw Phoenix revising the case once again.
— Well, it seems the last person we need to talk to is the bellboy who brought them their dinner that night.
— Well, that should be easy, huh?
— That's something we'll see. I mean, ha haven't the autopsy report yet, and…
— Yeah, there is a few things out of place… True…
— So, ready to go Maya? We have a case to solve and a person to take off the hook.
—
Marche Hotel. Reception
After Noon.
—
Back at the Marche Hotel, Phoenix gently asked the hotel clerk to call the bellboy who attended the ambassador. As he waited, he started to question the clerk.
— Sorry for disturbing you now, but can you answer me a few questions?
— Of course, I can. And don't worry, you're not disturbing me, unlike that man.
Phoenix knew she was talking about Godot. He only ignored and looked at the clerk.
— I'm sorry about that.
— It's okay. I'm habituated with difficult people. So, what do you want to ask me?
— About the ambassador… He's a regular here?
— Actually, in a matter of fact, it was one of the few times he come here. He usually makes reservations at our restaurant, but only that.
— So, he never booked a room or anything…?
— As a matter of fact, no. Only booked a table at our restaurant.
— I see… About Akiho Hanamura, the victim?
— Him? It was one of the few times he book a room here. He usually spends two or three days here. He rarely booked a room for weeks.
— So, he's a regular?
— Kind of. He doesn't spend too much time here but yes, he's a regular. He usually frequented our restaurant. Rarely he asked for room service to eat in his room, except when he had someone in his room.
— By any chance that person was the ambassador?
— Yes. Usually, it's only Mr. Masahiro with him, but there were other people with Mr. Hanamura as well. But most of the time was the ambassador.
— I see. Can you tell me more about the victim?
— Mr. Hanamura? He was a gentleman. Straight to business, but respectful and elegant as a British agent that came from the James Bond movies. He never was rude to anyone. He always was professional, but he was gentle. Especially with women. I think he was a womanizer since he talked with a few women, but he's a gentleman as I said.
— Do you know anything about his relationship with the ambassador?
— Well, their relationship was only professional. Never saw them talking about their personal lives.
— I see. Can you tell me anything more about it?
— Well, usually they discussed about the embassy and a few things related. At least that is as we thought.
— What do you mean?
— Well, no one dared to eavesdrop on their conversation, so we could only wonder what they talked about.
— I see. Something more?
— Well… They talked about the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. I mean, who doesn't talk about them when they were on the international news.
— The Phantom Thieves… — Maya said.
— So, they only talked about that. I see… Thank you for enlightening me.
— We are at your service, Mr. Wright. If you need anything, you can ask me.
Phoenix walked away from the reception desk and waited for the bellboy. Maya walked to his side and looked at him.
— Nick?
— Yes, Maya?
— Can you tell me what you know about the Phantom Thieves of Hearts?
Phoenix closed his eyes and stood quiet for a brief moment, before looking at Maya.
— Well, even I don't know much, but the Phantom Thieves are, or was a mysterious anonymous group who acted for two years. During that time, they managed to cause the change of heart of several individuals, including a rotten teacher, a plagiarist artist, and several individuals. And yes, that includes Masayoshi Shido, a famous politician from Japan who was making a conspiracy to become the Prime Minister of Japan. No matter how big or small is their target, they always made their job. But one day, as they appeared, they disappeared, as if they never existed.
— So, they simply disappeared like magic?
— Yes. The Phantom Thieves became an urban legend pretty quickly, but they make their name, becoming an incredible and dangerous group. Sorry for that answer, I know it doesn't explain much, but…
— I see… Thanks, Nick.
— Actually, there's one thing you could check about them. It's the Phan-Site.
— The Phan-Site?
— It's a webpage forum about them. You can even send messages and post there, although most of the posts were requests.
— I see…
— It's anonymous, so you don't need to worry. Well, you need a translation tool to read the contents of the site, but I know you can do it. Use the computer in our office if you want. I'll send you the link to the page.
— Okay.
Phoenix sighed and looked at his wristwatch.
— We still have some time. I do hope our interview with the bellboy doesn't take much time.
— Hello.
A bellboy appeared out of the blue, surprising the attorney and his assistant. Wearing the hotel outfit consisting of black pants, black shoes, and a white long-sleeved shirt, he came straight from the cargo elevator. His hair was combed in a social hairstyle and was wearing glasses, which he promptly fixed to match his impeccable appearance. Phoenix noticed his perfectionist behavior and suppressed an annoyed roll of eyes. Maya was admired to see such a man and she could only sigh in admiration.
— I do believe you wanted to talk to me, my gentleman friend.
— Yes I do. — Phoenix replied, stoic as he could be, suppressing the annoyance in his voice.
— My name is Hector Florence. Is nice to make your acquaintance.
— Phoenix Wright, attorney at law. Nice to meet you.
— Maya Fey, Phoenix Wright's assistant. Nice to meet you.
— What can I do for you? — The bellboy asked.
— Can you tell me about the day of the incident in question?
— Of course. It was the assassination in room 782, correct? I remember clearly. I was assigned to bring them their dinner.
— They're discussing business, correct?
— Correct, sir. I was with my traying cart when I brought their dinner and a wine glass.
— Can you remember their plates?
— Of course. It was our special ravioli and some premium wine. Also, they asked for a tiramisu, one of the specialties desserts of our restaurant. Needless to say, their choice of wine was special.
— What kind of wine was it? — Phoenix asked.
— Good question, sir. It was a Boccadigabbia Akronte Cabernet Sauvignon, the ambassador's usual choice.
— I see. I've heard about it.
— You do, Nick? — Maya asked in amusement.
— It's a valuable wine. I've heard it can only be found here in Los Angeles.
— That's right, sir. That wine came from the province of Marche IGT, in Italy. The taste and its aroma are so unique it's a difficult task to find it in our city since only a few samples are exported to our country. Even our esteemed rival, the Gatewater Hotel doesn't have a sample of this wine.
— I see… About the incident. Did you have seen the victim and our client behaving strangely, or perhaps they were into a fight or a heated argument? — Phoenix asked Florence.
— No, good sir. As far as I can remember the victim and the defendant was behaving normally. They were talking about a few things when I arrived with their order.
— I see. And after then?
— Actually, that's something I don't know. All I do know is, that when I came back to pick up their plates, the victim was already on the floor, and the suspect was trying to save him with the paramedics.
— That matches with the ambassador's testimony… — Phoenix said.
— That's a good thing, right? — Maya asked.
— If I may…?
— Yes? — Phoenix asked.
— I have seen the crime scene when, as even I could tell a fight happened there. I haven't touched anything when I isolate the room, but I can confirm you something has happened there.
— So we went back to square one, huh… — Maya said.
— Unfortunately, I have found nothing different than the signs of a fight there. If I was you, sir, I do prepare a good defense for him.
— Yes, I will. Did you have something more to add?
— Honestly, no sir. I do not.
— I see… Thank you for your time.
— I'm the one who should be grateful for helping you. Is my duty to aid everyone who needs my help. Now, if you excuse me, I have some rooms to attend to.
Florence left carrying his tray car and Phoenix sighed annoyed.
— For sure that case will be tough. — Phoenix commented annoyed.
— At least it's nothing too big you can't handle it… — Said Maya.
— Why are you saying that? Did you see the cases I had to handle lately? It's not a joke being a defense attorney.
— I know that Nick, but you need to relax, you old grumpy. It's not like the life of someone is lying in our hands.
— The life of the ambassador is lying in your hands, Maya. — Phoenix reminded Maya.
— Oh, right. I forgot.
— Not only that, there something big happening here, but I can't put it on my finger were. Honestly, it kinda scares me…
— Relax, it's just a normal case.
— A normal case and us doesn't mix up well together, you know? — Phoenix said.
— Yeah, I know.
— Still, it's just odd the fact the ambassador is arrested out of the blue; as almost…
— As almost…?
Phoenix stood quiet, but he smiled at Maya and said:
— It's nothing. Nothing you should worry about it.
— Are you sure…?
— Yes, I'm sure. Now let's go.
"Something's wrong with this case, and that involving the ambassador and the SIU tells me that. I hope Sae and I can solve this case together. For now, I just let that slide, for my and Maya's sake. Still, better be safe than sorry. I should ask Miles's help." Phoenix said to himself. Maya could sense him tensing up and she could only wonder about the reason. Phoenix felt again a bad feeling, but he ignored it. For now, he had a case to solve.
—
January, 14. 2019.
District Court. Defendant's Lobby Nº2
10:50 AM. Morning.
—
— Good morning, Mr. Masahiro. — Phoenix said, bowing to his client, and Masahiro did the same.
— Good morning, Wright-san. Fey-san. — Masahiro said.
— How was your night? — Maya asked
— Tiring. I never had slept so badly in my entire life.
— We can relate to that. We were arrested before. — Maya said.
— Is that so? I've heard about your cases as well during my stay in the detention center. Needless to say, I'm not too surprised to hear that. I've heard you managed to prove your innocence.
— If I haven't, I wasn't here in the first place. — Phoenix said.
— True. Sorry about that…
— There's no need to be sorry. Now, back to our talk yesterday, just to confirm: You tried to aid Mr. Hanamura, correct?
— Yes. I called 911 when he started to pass out. I panicked during that time. I should've called them sooner.
— Did some animosity between you two on that day?
— No. Not such a thing happened between us. He had a civilized conversation when he started to feel ill out of the blue.
— One more thing… Did you order to kill Mr. Hanamura or did you have killed him somehow?
— No. He was a reliable confidant and a trustworthy subordinate. Our relationship was strictly professional. I had no intention or any desire to see him dead.
Phoenix who was holding his Magatama didn't see the surroundings change, indicating Masahiro hasn't lied to them. He sighed mentally in relief as he still holding his Magatama.
— But… I can imagine he probably wasn't the target that day. — Masahiro whispered, but Maya and Phoenix managed to hear him.
— Wait, what do you mean by—
— Masahiro-san. Are you hiding something from us? — Phoenix asked interrupting Maya.
Then, everything went pitch black, as chains covered Masahiro and five locks appeared. Phoenix stood quiet as Maya gasped in shock.
"Psyche-Locks… Just as I thought. But what does he mean by "he hasn't the target that day"?" Phoenix thought confused, releasing his Magatama, making the surroundings go back to normal.
— Hey, pal. — Gumshoe said, entering the defendant's lobby with a file in his hands.
— Hello, Detective Gumshoe. — Phoenix said. — What are you doing here so early?
— I'm here to give some files to you, pal. Also, Prosecutor Niijima insisted to give you this. — Gumshoe said giving the files to Phoenix.
— That's…!?
— Yeah. The partial results of the wine analysis. According to the report, a substance was found in the wine bottle, but the forensics haven't figured it out what substance it is, so we'll need some time to find out what substance it is. Also, there's the fingerprint analysis of the bottle. A pair of fingerprints were found.
— The fingerprints of the defendant and the victim. I see… Thank you, Detective.
— You shouldn't thank me, pal. You should thank Ms. Niijima.
— Still, you've helped us, so I should be thankful to you as well. — Phoenix said.
— Thanks, pal! I didn't think you were so thoughtful towards the others…
— Nick may be a heartless doofus, but he's a considerate person, at all. — Maya said smirking proudly.
"Why people close to me think I'm a heartless person…?" Phoenix thought in dismay.
— Geez, thanks for the consideration… — Phoenix said with irony. — By the way, Detective, did the forensics have already analyzed the others pieces of evidence?
— Not everything, pal. The shards still need to be analyzed and the smartphone still needs to be unlocked. The tech guys are having some trouble unlocking it.
— I see… Well, thank you for informing us, Detective Gumshoe.
— No prob! Oh, before I forget, I saw Prosecutor Godot today at the audience bench.
— *sigh* As I thought… Things will not be going to be that easy. — Phoenix said disappointed.
— Sorry about that, pal.
— It's alright… It's better to know like that, I think. Let's… Just go to the courtroom…
Phoenix left the defendant's lobby and Maya and Gumshoe could only look at the empty space where Phoenix was standing.
— What's wrong with him, pal? I never saw him so glum… — Gumshoe commented.
— I don't know… — Maya admitted. — Well, I think I should go as well. Nick is waiting for me…
Maya left the defendant's lobby as well. She couldn't help herself to get lost in thought, thinking about Phoenix's sudden change of behavior.
"That's odd… I have never seen Nick so unsure of himself. Something big's happening here, I'm sure of it!" Maya thought as she rushed after Phoenix.
"Something's not right with this case… I don't know yet what is it, but I'll find it, no matter what!" Phoenix thought as he walked towards the courtroom. He checked all the evidence one last time before he went into the courtroom.
—
District Court. Courtroom Nº1
11:00 AM. Morning.
—
The audience was discussing the case when the Judge promptly silenced them by pounding his gavel.
— The court is now in session for the case of Ken Masahiro, ambassador from Japan. — The Judge announced.
— The defense is ready, your Honor. — Phoenix announced.
— The prosecution is ready as well, your Honor. — Sae announced.
— It seems we have a new face here. Ms. Tichina, correct?
— Niijima, your Honor. — Sae corrected.
— Oh, right. You're…
— From Japan, your Honor. — Sae said.
— I see. You know I may have some doubts about your position since you are from another country.
— Your Honor, I can assure you I am more than capable to fulfill my role as the prosecution in this trial, your Honor. I'd possess a large knowledge of US law and the US constitution, and I'd possess the essential knowledge about the case in question. If there's anyone capable of guiding this trial in the prosecution's role it's me.
— I see. However, I still think a prosecution of our country should rule this trial.
— Your Honor, if I may, this case is related to the Japanese Embassy. All the eyes of my country are looking over this trial today. I'm representing the will of justice of my country, so I can't simply let someone fulfill my role as a prosecutor. I'm representing my entire country here. — Sae said calmly as ever.
— I see. Still, I do have my doubts…
— Any doubts will be cleared in this trial. If you have anything against me as a prosecutor you can report later, your Honor. I'm here to do my job, not to walk over and perform as a model here.
— !
— That were some strong words from her. — Maya noted.
— If I was you, your Honor, I wouldn't underestimate Ms. Niijima. She's fiercer than she looks. — Phoenix warned.
— Mr. Wright, did you say anything? — The Judge asked.
— Yes. I said to not underestimate Ms. Niijima. She more than her looks, you know.
— ! Mr. Wright… Do you know the prosecutor?
— Yes, I've faced Ms. Niijima before in court. She's a formidable opponent, your Honor, and a dedicated prosecutor. I trust her capacities more than anyone present here.
— But, Mr. Wright, she's your enemy…
— Your Honor, at this point you should know already, that this shouldn't be something we should discuss at this moment. Instead, we should discuss the case. So what'll be? — Sae asked.
— Uhh… Well… *ahem* I think… We should resume this trial. Sorry for not believing in your capacities, Ms. Niijima.
— Apologies accepted. Now then, let's start this trial.
— As you said Ms. Niijima. Your opening statement, if you please.
— Gladly. On the night of January 12, around 9:30 PM, the defendant, Ken Masahiro, was having dinner with the victim, Akiho Hanamura, in room 782 in the Marche Hotel. The matter of their discussion is unknown and during that time only the bellboy went there, to give their dinner. Fifteen minutes later the defendant called the emergency, alleging the victim was feeling ill and started to pass out. Fifteen minutes later, the emergency arrived and rescued Mr. Hanamura but he was already dead when he arrived at the hospital. The paramedics tried to revive the victim but there was no avail.
— I see. So, the defendant called the emergency.
— Yes. Here, I want to submit the recording of the call.
Sae submitted the call record and played it for everyone to hear.
[— 911, what's your emergency?
— My name's Ken Masahiro and my subordinate is feeling ill. He's having difficulty to breathe and I don't know what to do.
— Sir, please remain calm and wait for it on the line. I'll send you a unit to help you.
— Send it quickly. He's not breathing. Shin'ainaru omo yo, watashi wa nani o subeki ka wakarimasen…
— Sir, please remain calm. I need you to be calm.
— Hai, I mean, yes. Yes…
— Sir… are you alright…?
— I think he's dead.
— Sir please stay on the line. A unit is arriving at your location…]
— Is that all…? — The Judge asked.
— In a nutshell, yes, your Honor. The defendant tried to answer all the questions and follow the attendant orders until the paramedics arrived…
— I see… That recording will be accepted as evidence. — The Judge said, submitting the recording into the court record. — Ms. Niijima, if I may ask you a question?
— Yes, your Honor?
— What does the defendant has said just now…? — The Judge asked.
— In literal translation is "Dear Lord, I don't know what to do…"
— He must have been desperate.
— As a prosecutor, it doesn't matter the defendant's actions during the time, all that matters is to establish their guilt. However, I do admit that case is more than it looks, so for now, I'll let this by. For now.
— I see… But can you say the main reason Mr. Masahiro was arrested?
— When the bellboy went to the crime scene, he noticed signs of a fight has happen there. He immediately called the police and Mr. Masahiro was arrested once he set his foot in the embassy.
— I see… Well, can you give the details of the arrest?
— Yes, your Honor. The arrest was executed at the entrance of the embassy. According to the officers, Mr. Masahiro offered no resistance and only asked what was going on. Once they explained the situation to him he only agreed to go to the police station to give some explanations about the incident in question. He hasn't lost his composure one single bit during the interrogation, remaining calm all the time.
— So, that's why the police have their suspicion of him? Because of his behavior? — Phoenix asked.
— Yes. The police thought he was the one who killed Mr. Hanamura due to his cold behavior. It's only natural to consider it was him.
— So Mr. Masahiro's behavior was the main reason for his arrest. — The Judge said. — Did Mr. Masahiro's behavior change during the interrogation?
— No, your Honor. He managed to keep his calm behavior, even during the interrogation. — Sae said.
— I see… Well, I think that's enough for now. Ms. Niijima, you may call your first witness.
— The prosecution will call Detective Richard Gumshoe to the stand. — Sae said. A minute later Gumshoe went in and stood on the witness stand. Phoenix noticed he was smiling, which was odd considering the situation.
— Please state your name and occupation for the record of the court.
— Name's Dick Gumshoe. I'm a detective from homicide affairs. — Gumshoe said.
— Very well. Please tell us more about the incident in question.
— Of course, sir! The incident happened during the period of 9:45 and 10:00 PM. During that time, the defendant Mr. Masahiro, called the emergency. The victim died due to asphyxiation. All the details can be seen in the autopsy report.
— The court accept this report as evidence. — The Judge said while he read his copy. Phoenix frowned when he read the autopsy report. — Something's wrong, Mr. Wright? — The Judge asked.
— No, nothing's wrong… — Phoenix replied. Sae stood quiet, thinking as well.
— Very well. Did something have happened on their way to the hospital? — The Judge asked Gumshoe.
— No, your Honor. Nothing happened during that time. — Gumshoe replied.
— And what about the defendant?
— He was with the victim all the time. He insisted to accompany the victim all his way to the hospital.
— Did he show any signs of desperation?
— Yes, although…
— Although what…?
— When the victim died, Mr. Masahiro regained all his coldness, as if he knew that will happened… — Gumshoe said.
— !
— Nick, that's bad! Ms. Niijima was already a case against us! — Maya exclaimed.
— I know. — Phoenix replied calmly.
— So why aren't you objecting!?
— Maya. Haven't you noticed it?
— ! Noticed what?
— Something is off with Gumshoe's statement. And is quite obvious Prosecutor Niijima noticed it as well, isn't that right?
— Yes. Why do bother to kill the victim and followed him all the way to the hospital? That's one good question. And the answer for that is quite simple. Create an alibi. — Sae explained.
— An alibi!? — Maya exclaimed.
— Yes. By simply calling the emergency and accompanying the victim to the hospital he created an alibi. However, it was Mr. Wright said. Something off in his testimony, but it wasn't only that part.
— What!?
— Maya. There's a gap of fifteen minutes. During that time a lot of things happened. For example, they could've talked until Mr. Hanamura started to pass out.
— Or perhaps they went into a fight. Please read the autopsy report once again.
— The autopsy report…? — Maya asked confused.
— !
— Something's wrong, Nick? — Maya asked.
— The autopsy report. It says… There's an impact trauma around the torso area.
— In other words, the victim was punched over the torso. With enough strength that caused asphyxiation… — Sae said.
— …By rupturing the lungs. — Phoenix completed the sentence.
The public commented on the new piece of information and the Judge pound his gavel, to silence everyone.
— So, the victim suffered an impact trauma around the torso… Mr. Wright. I can say for sure this case is an open-and-shut case.
— But the defense believes it's otherwise, your Honor.
— What!? — The Judge exclaimed surprised. — Does the defense have already a theory!?
— Not a theory, but instead a possibility of what might happen during the time the paramedics took to arrive at the crime scene.
— Interesting. Do you care to tell us your possibility?
— Better than tell, I have evidence to back up my claim.
— You do? — The Judge asked.
— Do you? — Maya asked.
— Yes, I do, your Honor. Ms. Niijima, can you do me a favor?
— Yes, I can, that is, depending on what you will ask me. — Sae said.
— Can you play the rest of the record of the emergency call in question?
— What? — The Judge exclaimed confused.
— What are you doing Nick? — Maya asked.
— Trust me, I know what I am doing.
— Mr. Wright, care to explain?
— Of course, your Honor. I've talked with the ambassador, and he said he tried to follow the instructions given to him by the emergency. I do believe the answer to the ambassador's behavior lies in this recording.
— Nick! That's not a good time to bluff! — Maya said.
— I'd hope it's not a bluff… Because if it is…
— Ms. Niijima, you know well better than me, you haven't submitted the entire recording. Not only that, the defense demands the entire record be submitted in court.
To Maya's surprise, Sae smirked.
— So, do you really think there's something in the record that can explain the ambassador's behavior to create an alibi?
— Yes. The defense believes in that.
— Very well. The prosecution accepts the defense request.
— Ms. Niijima, are you sure about…
— Your Honor, in this court we have the duty of pursuing the truth and serving justice. We're not here to discuss what is wrong on my part or not, but to see if the defendant is the sole culprit for the death of Akiho Hanamura or not. — Sae said firmly.
— You are absolutely right, Ms. Niijima. — The Judge said. — Let's hear the rest of the recording.
Sae pressed the play button and resumed the recording of Masahiro conversation with the emergency.
[— Sir, are you there?
— Yes, yes. What should I do? He's not breathing…
— Do you know how to perform CPR? Can you perform it?
— A CPR? Oh, yes, yes I can.
— Do you need help with that?
— Yes, please. What should I do?]
The rest of the recording was the 911 attendant guiding Masahiro to perform the CPR maneuver in Hanamura.
[— I did everything I could, but he still not breathing.
— An ambulance is on the way. Please keep making the resuscitation movement.]
— I believe that's enough. — Phoenix said and Sae stopped the recording.
— I don't get it, pal. What does that mean? — Gumshoe asked with a smug smile on his face.
— Neither I, Mr. Wright. Care to explain? — The Judge said. Phoenix suppressed a sigh.
— Your Honor, the answer to that riddle is rather simple. The recording already explains that.
— Really?! — Both the Judge and Gumshoe exclaimed surprised. Sae sighed and Phonix gave a small sympathetic smile to her. Maya noticed that.
— Your Honor, do you know what happens when you perform a CPR maneuver? — Phoenix asked.
— Of course, I do! I had first-aid course. When you perform a CPR maneuver, you have to press the chest of the victim to make it regain its vitals.
— Yes, in a nutshell, yes. However, there are implications on performing the CPR maneuver. One of that implications is to accidentally to break the rig cage of the victim.
— What?
— If the person performing the CPR maneuver doesn't have the necessary control of his strength, or the person doesn't know what its doing, or even with other circumstances, there is a chance to cause trauma over the area of the torso of the victim. That can compromise the victim's condition.
The public chattered about the new information and the Judge pounded his gavel.
— Order! So, there's a chance of the defendant had worsened the victim's condition when he tried to save him…
— Objection! — Sae shouted. — I need to concede the point the defendant might have caused the trauma to the victim in an attempt to save his life. However, the same can be said about the crime scene. Several things were in disarray, indicating signs of a fight. In other words, the trauma can be caused due to their fight.
— Objection! — Phoenix shouted. — If that's the case, then why the defendant tried to revive the victim? And if there's a fight, why the wine bottle was untouched?
— The wine bottle? — The Judge asked confused.
— As for your first question, you may know already, but it's the defendant's attempt to create an alibi. As for the wine bottle, I admit I may have no clear idea of why the wine bottle is intact. I only have theories about it.
Phoenix heard a sonorous "Ha" coming from the audience and he suppressed again the urge to sigh in frustration. He knew Godot isn't going to let them have a calm trial.
— What was that? — The Judge asked.
— It was me.
— Prosecutor Godot!? What are you doing here?
— I'm here to see if the Kitten over there can deal with Trite. I guess I was right. The Kitten on the prosecution bench is too soft. If it was me, I will prove that detail is irrelevant to the case.
Maya looked at Sae and she saw the prosecutor was surprisingly calm. She only fixed a lock of her long platinum hair and asked:
— Then you may have a good explanation for that, right?
— What?
— Do I need to repeat myself? I asked if you have an explanation for the wine bottle.
Godot stood quiet and he struggled to come up with an answer.
— Mr. Wright, you have brought the possibility the defendant caused the trauma due he had performed CPR maneuver on the victim, and you brought the fact of despite the crime scene condition, the wine bottle was intact. The questions are: why the wine bottle is intact above all the things? Why Mr. Masahiro performed CPR, even knowing the state of the scene will raise the suspicions on him? I will give you a chance to explain that, that is, if you be able to explain it in the first place.
Maya gritted her teeth angrily. Sae managed to corner them easily. She looked at Phoenix and to her surprise instead of being surprised, or even desperate, he was calm. Awfully calm.
— …Nick…? Is everything alright…?
— Yes. It is.
— You're awfully calm.
— I know. — Phoenix replied and smirked. — Prosecutor Niijima, as much my client stated the state of the crime scene was caused by the victim himself, that doesn't answer the wine bottle question properly, however, I do have a proper explanation for Mr. Masahiro's actions.
— Oh, is that so?
— Yes, I do. Let's consider for a moment a fight had started in the room. If Mr. Masahiro managed to punch Mr. Hanamura with enough strength to rupture his lungs during that fight, that might have been noticed in the autopsy report, correct?
— Correct.
— However, according to the same report, the ruptured area is larger than a fist. That can be only caused by a CPR maneuver. Moreover, I asked the paramedic team that rescued Mr. Hanamura and they said the trauma was caused by a CPR maneuver, in other words, that wound indicates Mr. Masahiro tried to save Mr. Hanamura's life. Thar means if some bad blood happened there, Mr. Hanamura fell ill and Mr. Masahiro tried to save his subordinate life.
The public talked about the new brought fact.
— Objection! Even if that's the case, you can't deny the fact the same can be said about the perspective of a fight that had happened there. Moreover, the defendant can easily put more strength into performing the CPR maneuver to cover the evidence of the fight.
— Hmm… The prosecution might have a point, but before to jump into conclusions, I want the detective to testify further.
— I sorely agree. Detective Gumshoe, please testify about the findings in the crime scene. — Sae said.
— Yes, sir! — Gumshoe exclaimed. — As we searched over the place, we found a smartphone, several glass shards, some weird substance, a pen, an embassy pin, and a wine bottle. Except for the smartphone, all the evidence found is irrelevant to the case.
— I see. So, what is the importance of this…
— Smartphone? — Phoenix suggested, knowing the Judge wasn't the smartest man.
— Yes, that. What is that?
— It's a device that is a combination of a small computer and a phone. It can be used for many things, aside from sending messages and making calls. — Sae explained.
— I see. That's amazing! A device that can be a computer. It's fantastic how technology evolved and what have achieved. — The Judge said.
— Yeah… Now let's continue.
— Right. Your cross-examination Mr. Wright.
— Okay. Detective.
— Yes, pal?
— May I ask you: of all the things that were wrecked, why the wine bottle was intact?
— I don't know, pal. Maybe the defendant hasn't used it during the fight? — Gumshoe asked chuckling. Phoenix rolled over his eyes in annoyance and looked at Sae.
— Perhaps the prosecution has a better answer than the detective on the witness stand. — Phoenix said and Sae smirked.
— The defendant and the victim's fingerprints were found on the bottle. However, it is as the detective said, that bottle is irrelevant to this case.
— I disagree. A bottle like that can be useful during a fight. That makes me question why neither the victim nor the defendant has used it.
— Come on, pal! What a bottle can make difference in a fight?
— Perhaps the detective doesn't have the notion of how a fight can end, but I do. If any bad blood happened between the defendant and the victim, that wine bottle will be the first choice of weapon. Not only that, that bottle was intact, indicating something else happened there instead of a fight.
The crowd argued about the new possibility until Sae shouted, silencing everyone.
— Objection! If that is the case, then where is the evidence?
— Evidence, Nick! We need evidence to back up! — Maya said.
Phoenix stood quiet, thinking carefully about his next move.
— Your Honor, the defense has the evidence to support its claim.
— I hope so because if not, I will give you a severe penalty. — The Judge warned, lifting up his gavel.
— I do understand, your Honor. — Phoenix replied. Then he pulled a report.
— ! Nick! That's…! — Maya said surprised.
— The defense presents this!
— What's this? — The Judge asked.
— The wine bottle analysis report. As much as the contents still need to be fully analyzed, the bottle itself was. There are two sets of fingerprints, obviously, they're of Mr. Masahiro and Mr. Hanamura.
— Really!?
— Yes. And according to the analysis, both grabbed the bottle several times, but never grope the bottle as a weapon, since the fingerprints were found on the body of the bottle, not at the neck. In other words, if a fight happened there, at least one of them would have the instinct to use the bottle as a weapon!
The gallery went havoc as the Judge tried to control the audience by pounding his gavel.
— Nick, you did it! — Maya exclaimed. However, Phoenix didn't smile. — Nick?
— Objection!
Everyone went silent as Sae pounded the bench with her fist and glanced furiously at Phoenix.
— That was a nice stunt from you, Mr. Wright, I have to admit. However, there's a flaw in your logic.
— What!? — Maya exclaimed. — What flaw you saw in our logic?!
— That's simple. As the bottle may have been untouched, the defendant may have also planted the bottle there.
— What!? What's your point with that?!
— Do I need to repeat myself? Remember the condition of the crime scene.
— The crime scene…! Then!
— Yes. If a fight happened there, why the bottle remained untouched? The answer is simple. To create a distraction to corroborate the defendant's alibi.
— How?
— Simple, a fight had happened in that room, that was quite obvious, however, during the fight, the bottle was knocked down. Luckily for the defendant, the bottle didn't break, so the defendant decided to put the bottle back on the table and perform CPR to cover the wounds of his fight. But he couldn't cover everything. He told you the victim struggled for air, right?
— Yes, yes he did…
— What the prosecution are talking about? — The Judge asked.
— Your Honor, the defendant testified during his interrogation about the certain issue "He was searching for something while he struggled for air."
— And what about it? — Phoenix asked.
— The mere fact the victim struggled for air is important here. He tried to fight back since the victim was attacked by the victim.
— But according to the autopsy report, there are no signs of strangulation around Mr. Hanamura's neck. — Maya noted, pointing at the information in the autopsy report.
Sae smirked as she toyed with a lock of her hair.
— Did you forget already, Ms. Fey? The victim had his lungs ruptured. In other words, even though he tried, he couldn't breathe, and remembering the crime scene state…
Maya yelped as the audience went down, commenting about the prosecution theory.
— Order! Order! Order! — The Judge shouted. — Ms. Niijima has a point. Unless the defense has a way to counter the prosecution's logic, I will handle my verdict now.
— Nick! — Maya growled. — We need to do something fast.
— Maya. It's not over.
— Huh?
Maya didn't understand what Phoenix meant, and why he was so calm. Then she was taken by surprise by Phoenix's sudden shout:
— Objection! — Phoenix pounds the bench with both hands. — As much as I understand your point, Ms. Niijima, there's something that doesn't make sense in your theory.
— And what is it, Mr. Wright? — The Judge asked.
— I want to present the wine bottle analysis report once again. Let's check the partial analysis of the wine, shall we? — Phoenix said as he took the manilla folder and opened the report until he found the page he want to present. — Here. The wine analysis. According to the partial result, there is an unknown substance found in the wine.
— And how that is relevant Mr. Wright? — Sae asked.
— Let's check the autopsy report for a moment, shall we? According to the report, the cause of death was asphyxiation.
— And what about it?
— Don't you find it odd the fact an unknown substance has been found mixed in the wine?
— !
— Moreover, if I recall well, at the crime scene, we do find some weird substance on the floor. Some spume, I believe.
— Where were you going with that logic, Mr. Wright? — Sae asked.
— The defense has a theory. The defense believes the victim died due to the unknown substance found in the wine.
The public was chattering about the defense theory as the Judge pound his gavel to restore the order.
— Order! Mr. Wright! Are you implying?!
— Let's consider for a moment a fight really happens and the cause of the victim's death has the rupture of the lungs. If that is the case, that will be reported in the autopsy report.
— That's true.
— Still, there's an issue in your theory. That substance hasn't been found in the victim, at least according to the autopsy report. For that, I have two possibilities. — Sae said.
— Which is?
— Or the victim didn't drink any of the wine, which is high improbable, or during the autopsy the examiner hasn't considered the fact of some substance in the victim's system.
The public comment about the mishap of the legal examiner, talking about the lack of information.
— Order! I will have order! — The Judge shouted. — Ms. Niijima, are you saying…
— As much as I hate to admit it, there's a lot of pressure in this particular case. Everything is being taken quite hasty to my taste, I have to admit.
— So, there's a chance of the victim has died for another cause.
— Correct.
— Ha! You're too naïve, Kitten. Naïve and slow. — Godot said.
— Prosecutor Godot! What do you mean… — The Judge said surprised.
— Hey, old man, life is like a good Joe of coffee with a bittersweet blend. When it is drunk by an inexperienced drinker. That person cannot appreciate the flavor of the blend, only being able to taste the bitterness of the coffee.
— I think I don't get it.
"Neither I!" Phoenix thought in dismay.
— I don't follow what you meant by this little charade. — Sae said calmly as ever.
— The issue is simple. If that's the case, then why the defendant hasn't died as well? — Godot asked.
— You're absolutely right, Mr. Godot! — The Judge said.
The public chattered about the point Godot raised. The white-haired prosecutor smirked until he saw Sae calmly toying with a lock of her hair and she smiled.
— Perhaps you can answer that, Mr. Godot.
— !
— If you are so wise and have all the knowledge, perhaps you have the answer for that. — Sae said smirking.
— You…!
— If you've done here, please don't interrupt the trial anymore. Let the legal representatives deal with the case.
Maya was agape. She never expected to Sae reply Godot with sarcasm, and to manage to shut him up with that. She noticed Phoenix was smirking with satisfaction to hear the coffee-addicted prosecutor struggling.
— Are you smirking, Trite?!
Then Godot was ready to throw at Phoenix his coffee until he was stopped by a shout.
— Objection!
It was Sae, who managed to deconcentrate Godot and make him drop his coffee mug on the ground.
— Dammit! — Godot said as he felt the hot coffee hitting his shoes.
— Godot.
Godot's attention snapped to Sae, who was staring at him furiously.
— If I was you, I do hold myself to doing anything stupid. You're not the prosecutor in charge, so I do suggest you stop, unless you do want to get expelled from the courtroom.
Godot grunted as he sat back into his seat.
— Now then, back to the issue here, as our dear spectator has reminded us, there is an issue there. How the defendant hasn't fallen ill or even died? Unless you can bring a proper answer, your theory will fall apart.
— Nick… — Maya said.
— The answer for that, is simple. — Phoenix said calmly.
— Is that so? Because I think you're bluffing. — Sae said with a wide smile.
— What does that mean!? — Maya exclaimed angrily.
— Maya, it's okay.
— But Nick.
— She has a point though. I usually do some bluffs. But I have a theory for that, and it is rather simple. Instead of asking ourselves why the defendant wasn't affected, we should instead ask why the victim was affected.
— I don't follow you, Mr. Wright. — The Judge said confused.
— Why we should do that? — Sae asked.
— Humor me. — Phoenix said smirking. Sae smirked as well.
— Fine, I'll play your game. The victim was sorely affected instead of both him and the defendant. That means, one of them was the target, correct?
Phoenix nods in agreement.
— Correct. Not only that, I think considering the history of Mr. Masahiro, he was probably the target, but that creates a problem.
— Why he hasn't died instead of Mr. Hanamura? If that's the case then, it's safe to say Mr. Masahiro was the only one who can do that.
— True, except for the fact he was with the victim all the time. There was no time for him to put any type of drug or poison in the wine. Plus, it was found in the wine bottle, so, which makes the conditions of the crime more impossible.
— Perhaps Mr. Masahiro has an accomplice to aid him. That explains the contradiction.
— Except for the fact Mr. Masahiro was in Japan in a congress until he came to States, and he was in the embassy before he came straight to the Marche Hotel.
— That means the defendant has planned to kill the victim in advance, in the embassy.
— Or it was someone else.
— But you can't prove it, right? — Sae asked.
— No. Not for the time being. — Phoenix admitted.
The public commented about it until the Judge pound his gavel, silencing everyone.
— Hm… As much as I can see the defense point, the prosecution logic sounds more accurate. — The Judge said.
— What?! — Maya exclaimed.
— Although… without a motive, that case is still without resolution.
Sae has a stoic expression as she shook her head.
— The prosecution has a motive. At least, a theory for that.
— Proceed, Ms. Niijima. — The Judge said,
— While investigating the crime scene, we found the ambassador's briefcase. However, some files were missing from the folder, specifically files about Masayoshi Shido's corruption scheme.
— Sorry, but who this Mido?
— Masayoshi Shido. He was a politician quoted to be the next Prime Minister of Japan. However, it was discovered he had raised in the political world using shady methods, illegal manipulation of political resources, assassination, kidnap and destruction of people's careers and lives, aside from the main responsible for the chaos in Japan's political world. All to become the Prime Minister. He had several schemes and connections to reach the Prime Minister's chair, one of them was involved in the Yakuza and the money laundering and political information traffic. — Sae said calmly.
The public was horrorfied as they talked about the new piece of information.
— Order! I will have order! — The Judge shouted furiously — Ms. Niijima, proceed with the explanation.
— Yes, your Honor. Masayoshi Shido was running in the election poll as the favorite until he confessed his crimes.
— He confessed his crimes…?
— Yes.
— But why?
— The answer for that is simple.
— The Phantom Thieves of Hearts. — Phoenix said.
— Exactly. — Sae said.
The public commented confused as the Judge looked at Phoenix and Sae.
— Mr. Wright, do you know about Mr. Shido? And those Phantom Thieves?
— Yes, in a matter of fact, yes I do. I heard from Ms. Niijima about the Phantom Thieves of Hearts and Masayoshi Shido. The Phantom Thieves are a mysterious group of individuals who has appeared one day, punishing criminals. One of their targets was Masayoshi Shido. He had his heart stolen.
— Oh my, does he!?
— He meant figuratively. The Phantom Thieves caused a change of heart on him. On the day before the election, he confessed everything. He confessed all his crimes and a new election was made. — Sae said. — Needless to say, that caused a huge scandal.
— So, in other words… — The Judge said.
— Yes, that was the main cause of the chaos in Japan for a while.
— Not only that, thanks to the Phantom Thieves, Japan was saved, but… — Phoenix said.
The silence reigned, to a point that tension filled the air to a point it was palpable. Maya felt the tension and she saw Phoenix looking at Sae with a cryptic look, as well Sae who looked at him with a mysterious expression. Both exchanged glances for a while until Sae decided to break that tension.
— But in the end, Masayoshi Shido was acquainted with most of his crimes due to a technicality, only getting a lighter sentence. And that brings us to the motive of the crime.
— Proceed Ms. Niijima. — The Judge said.
— Mr. Masahiro was and is one of the few people who opposed Masayoshi Shido and survived to tell the story. He's tired of dealing with the corruption of the country, so he'll go to any lengths to prove Masayoshi Shido's guilt.
— Wait. Ms. Niijima, are you claiming… — Phoenix said calmly.
— Mr. Hanamura was one of the most loyal subordinates of Mr. Masahiro. A break of that trust was unforgivable, at least to the defendant. Add the fact the files about Masayoshi Shido are missing and we have a motive. The abrasion in their relationship due to the break of trust was enough to cause bad blood between them and consequently Mr. Hanamura's death. In the end, Masayoshi Shido caused another incident, even though he is behind the bars.
The public roared in indignation as they hear the prosecutor.
— I can't believe that.
— The defendant hasn't done something so vile to arrest someone.
— The end doesn't justify the means. No matter how altruistic is the motive.
— Mommy, is the man in the defendant's seat bad?
The public commented about the prosecution theory as Phoenix can only observe everyone inclining themselves to Sae's side.
— Mr. Wright. The prosecution raised a good motive. Unless you have a good comeback, I think I can hand my verdict. — The Judge said with a serious frown.