Chapter 110: Murderer!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Saena would be the one to prosecute Kimiko and her manager.

Kuon glanced at his phone for the time. Finally, she would be home soon. Her last text said they were fifteen minutes out. He had the evening off and wanted to surprise her. He pulled out the little dishes that Kyoko often used to plate the side dishes for their dinners.

He opened the rice cooker and filled two bowls of rice, doming the top as she taught him. He reached for the bag of food he brought with him and opened the containers. He ladled miso soup into two other bowls. The broth was still steaming. He continued plating the pickled vegetables, grilled fish, skewered beef, and salad. He left the food and started setting the table. He laid a white linen cloth over the coffee table first. Next came the candles and a floral arrangement for the centerpiece. It would have to do for a romantic celebratory dinner.

When he finished, he began setting the food on the table. It would be ready as soon as she walked in the door. He initially wanted to take her on a date, but her schedule, unfortunately, ran later than expected. Kuon had to improvise.

When the food was set, he sat at the table and folded his latest note. By now, he memorized every fold required to make the perfect crane. He put the decorated bird on her side of the table. He pulled out another sheet of paper and his unicorn notebook from his pocket. He flipped to the page he was looking for and smiled. This is a good one to use.

As soon as he finished writing his note, he folded the paper into another crane. He stuffed the extra crane and notebook into his bag, cutting it close. She could arrive at any moment and catch him in the act. He wanted to keep this game going until he reached his goal. She seemed to genuinely enjoy his notes, and as he hoped, she saved each one.

Kuon used his phone to take a picture of his table setting, focusing on the crane. He logged on to their social media site to post his picture. Before posting, he chuckled at the picture she posted this morning of her with the other leads and some extras: Epic battles are rarely pretty!

They were a mess. Their backdrop was a smoldering war-torn set. Kyoko stood in the middle next to Koga. She had foliage in her hair. Soot, fake blood (at least he hoped it was fake), and dirt covered her entire person. Although her face was a disaster, her bright eyes shone with happiness. Everyone held a "thumbs up" sign with their hands. Kuon's heart swelled with pride. He received an excited voicemail from her earlier detailing her participation in the scene. It indeed sounded epic.

He took a few minutes to read some of the comments. Many fans voiced their impatience for the movie to be released and were grateful for the mini spoiler. Kuon left a similar message of congratulations to the cast and crew anonymously. Of course, he had to single out his devotion to the actress starring as Momiji without sounding like a creepy fan.

He finally posted his picture: Dinner by Moi for my one and only Kunoichi. I had a little, okay a lot, of help to create this meal for her. I hope she enjoys it.

The comments and likes were instantaneous. Kuon was pulled from his phone by the sound of the front door. He jumped to his feet and rushed to the door. She was finally home.

"Oh!" Kyoko squeaked as she lost her balance from the sudden door opening. Kuon swept her into his arms.

"Welcome home!" He greeted, squeezing her tight.

"I'm home," she replied, smiling into his chest and inhaling his scent. Yes, this is home. She wrapped her arms around him in return.

"I missed you," he confessed, stroking her hair. They stood in the opened doorway for several seconds before he pulled away.

"Sorry. Let me help you." He reached out for her overnight bag and held the door open for her. "I made dinner."

Kyoko raised a brow skeptically. "I promise I didn't ruin the kitchen. I had help."

"Help?" She asked curiously. Who did he invite into their apartment to help him?

"Come and eat. I'll tell you all about it once you've tasted it."

Kyoko sat at the low table and stared at the food. It had all her traditional Japanese favorites and appeared to be cooked perfectly. She glanced at Kuon.

"You made all this for me," Kyoko whispered, awed by the spread.

"I had help," he answered with a smile and sat across from her. "I hope you like it."

Her eyes landed on the crane sitting on her side. She reached out and opened it eagerly. Kuon had the joy of watching her face light up with a soft blush as she read his note. She raised on her knees and kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you," she murmured against his lips and sat back down.

Kuon blushed at her loving gesture. He handed her chopsticks to distract himself from jumping her bones. Kyoko took them and bowed. "Itadakimasu!"

He watched her take a few satisfying bites before he joined her. After a minute of eating, she stopped. Her eyes widened in surprise as she mulled over the food in her mouth.

"Corn?"

"Yes," he asked, pausing mid-bite.

"Did Taisho help you cook this food?" She questioned curiously and took another bite.

"Wow, your taste buds are incredible, but yes, he helped me."

He laughed when Kyoko gazed at him like he was a heroic being who could slay demons and move mountains.

"How did this happen?"

"You, see, I initially wanted to take you out to celebrate, but...I didn't think you would be up for going out after an exhausting day. At least I wouldn't be if I was in your shoes."

"I'm sorry," she bowed her head. He lifted her chin to stare into her eyes.

"Don't be, baby. Your work is important. We're together now," he said, moving to thread his fingers with hers. "Anyway, I thought I would cook for you instead, but I didn't want to ruin it. I dropped by the Darumaya to ask the couple about your favorite recipes. I noticed you always eat the same thing when we dine at the restaurant, so I thought Taisho could help me with a grocery list. I was terrified when he let me into his kitchen."

Kyoko giggled. "I'm very impressed! Taisho must really like you if he made you touch his knives."

Kuon held his hand up to show a bandaged finger. "His knives are deadly. I never want to cross that man ever."

"It's delicious. Thank you for entering the lion's den for my sake."

Kuon rolled his eyes and smiled. They continued eating until every bite was gone. Kuon found he had an appetite again now that she was home. Yashiro would probably rat him out for skimping on meals these last two days.

For dessert, Kuon brought out bowls of matcha ice cream prepared by the Okami. Kyoko was in heaven as she took a scoop of the treat.

Kyoko paused eating when her phone buzzed for an incoming call. She looked at Kuon and stood to retrieve her phone from her bag.

"Hi, Father. Is everything alright? I have you on speaker."

"Kyoko, I'm sorry to disturb you two after you've only returned. I'm downstairs in the lobby. Do you two have a moment to talk? It can't wait."

Kyoko paled and tears swam in her eyes. Her voice caught in her throat, leaving her speechless.

"Of course, Tadashi-san. Please let security know they can call for permission," Kuon replied, intervening on her behalf and wrapping an arm around her.

"Thank you, Ren-kun. I'll let them know." Kuon hung up the phone.

"Hey, we don't know what he wants to talk about. It could be nothing," he assured her, kissing the top of her head.

The home phone began ringing. "That's downstairs." Kuon gave permission and headed to the bathroom to put on his contacts.

He waited in the hall for Tadashi to come up the elevator. Kyoko didn't know he was outside. She was in a frenzy cleaning up the dinner dishes. He tried helping, but she pleaded to do it alone. It would help get her mind off of things.

Tadashi stepped off the elevator startled to be confronted by Ren.

"Is something wrong?" Tadashi asked worriedly, glancing at the apartment door.

"You tell me. She's upset," Ren demanded, folding his arms across his chest. "Are you here to tell her you're leaving?"

"What? No. I'm not leaving...yet. Wait, she's upset because she thinks I'm leaving?"

"She lives each day thinking you're just going to up and disappear," Ren sighed.

"I've tried to reassure her whenever she asked. I guess she just doesn't believe in me yet," Tadashi replied solemnly. "No worries," he said, perking up. "Hopefully, what I have to say tonight would ease her mind."

Ren nodded, opened the door, and let Tadashi in. "Kyoko, Tadashi-san is here," Ren called loudly to give her a warning.

"Father, welcome. Please have a seat," Kyoko greeted, carrying out a serving tray of tea and cookies without the slightest crack in her smile.

Ren exchanged glances with Tadashi and shrugged. Oh boy, she's in full Okami mode right now.

"You didn't have to trouble yourself, sweetie. I won't take up too much of your time," he replied, kneeling at the low table. Her hand shook as she poured tea into his cup.

"I'm here tonight because of real estate. I came to ask for your permission. It's time-sensitive, and I don't want to let the opportunity pass me by, but if you two are even a little against it. I'll walk away."

Kyoko blinked, confused. "Real estate?"

"Yes, my friend Sota…you remember Sota, right?" He asked, looking at them for confirmation.

They both nodded. Her father's friend was hard to forget. They owed him a debt of gratitude for his help with Kimiko, even if he was on the shady side.

"Anyway, he just got wind that one of his clients is selling his home and thought I would be interested in it. The seller would be putting it on the market first thing tomorrow. I just came back from visiting the place. There are some things I would like to change, but other than that it has good bones. He's giving me one hour to decide if I want to place an offer. I had to ask you both first."

"Wait, a moment," Ren said, trying to piece together what Tadashi told them. "Let me get this straight. You are trying to buy a home."

Tadashi nodded.

"A permanent one. Right here, in Tokyo, not New York City."

"Yes. Why would I buy in New York? I'm trying to sell my home there," he asked, confused by the question.

Kyoko grabbed Ren's hand and smiled joyfully from her heart. She finally understood what was happening. Her father was trying to buy a home to live permanently in Tokyo.

"Yes! Yes, buy it!" Kyoko squealed enthusiastically. "I hear ownership is the better investment."

"Yes, that was the idea. Are you sure? You don't think it's too weird. We'll practically be neighbors. I mean six floors are separating us but still very close."

"The place you want to buy is here? In this building?" Ren asked.

"Yes, did I not mention it? That's why I wanted your permission. I don't want you two to think I'm intruding on your private lives. If it's a problem, I can look elsewhere. And please don't spare my feelings. Tell me the truth if it's weird."

Kyoko shook her head. She was elated at the idea of having him not only permanently living in Tokyo, but close by as well.

"I'll agree on two conditions," Ren said seriously.

Kyoko and Tadashi went rigid. She was so excited that her father was serious about staying here that she didn't even consider Ren's feelings before agreeing.

"One, no drive-bys," Ren needed to protect his identity. He wasn't ready to come clean to his future father-in-law.

Tadashi nodded in understanding. "Agreed, I promise to call first."

"We'll also extend the same courtesy," Ren responded, glancing at Kyoko. She nodded her agreement.

"And two, we will take turns hosting family dinners on Sunday night. Effective immediately, non-negotiable. We'll host until you're settled in."

Tadashi gasped, and his wide eyes turned glassy. Kyoko threw her arms around Ren and squealed, peppering kisses on his face.

"Babe, please stop. Your father is present. I want to live a very long life with you."

Kyoko pulled herself together and apologized.

Tadashi laughed and swiped the tears forming in his eyes.

"Thank you, Ren-kun. I appreciate you sharing her with this old man."

Ren chuckled as he watched the father and daughter hug and cry tears of happiness. They were so alike in that regard. He hoped he didn't regret this decision.

Tadashi called his realtor and asked him to broker the deal as soon as possible. He hugged his daughter, shook Ren's hand, and left for the night.

Ren locked the door behind him and pulled her into a hug.

"Happy?" He asked, tipping her face up to his and pecking her button nose.

"Very. What can I do to thank you?"

"I didn't do much, but should you feel so inclined. How about we start with a shower?" The Emperor whispered seductively into her ear.

Kyoko giggled and removed his arms from her waist. She clasped his hand and led him to their room. She supposed she did owe him a shower.

Kyoko took her days living life after Momiji in stride. She attended school regularly and settled into a routine. After school, she divided her time between LoveMe duties and the LME training school. She did have new work, but it wouldn't start for another week. She continued her music lessons and resumed acting classes to fill the time.

On this particular day, she sat nervously at the table beside her mother and stepfather. Today was the trial for Kimiko's manager and cousin, Kusanagi Yuri.

Kyoko twisted in her seat and smiled at Yashiro, Ren, her father, and a plain-dressed Lory sitting in the general seating area. Yashiro and Ren would be called upon as witnesses to testify against Yuri. Her mother stated that a verdict could be reached as early as lunchtime.

Given the nature of the case and the parties involved, the judges agreed to close the courtroom off from the public and media. Kyoko was grateful for that decision. She wasn't sure if she would have been able to hold it together under all that scrutiny.

Kyoko nodded to Erika and her butlers sitting on her side of the courtroom. Erika appeared to have a full recovery from her injuries. Aside from them, she didn't recognize anyone else. The others had to be important to the case if they were present. There were several foreigners in the crowd. Her eyes lingered on a pair of foreign men sitting toward the back that had the suspicious bearing of police officers.

Her eyes shifted to another dubious-looking individual wearing thick eyeglasses and a surgical mask over his face. His get-up was so familiar that she openly stared at him, trying to place his appearance. The man caught her staring. Kyoko quickly turned away, but curiosity won out. She sneaked another glance. This time, he pulled his mask down and lifted his glasses to wink at her. Kyoko's eyes widened with recognition. How did he get in here?

Her eyes shifted quickly to Ren so she wouldn't draw attention to the man. He looked at her with concern. Ren's eyes bore into hers, asking her the silent question, what's wrong? He looked over his shoulder but had no clue what or who he was looking for that startled her. Kyoko shook her head and smiled. She faced forward in her chair and looked at the defendant's table where Yuri sat with her lawyers.

The woman looked worn out and skittish. She jumped whenever her lawyer turned to talk to her. Kyoko didn't feel an ounce of sympathy for her. Her eyes narrowed with hostility. She reminded herself that this was the woman who killed Rick. She ran from the scene and left him to die on the street like roadkill. She deserved whatever punishment befell her today.

That side of the courtroom was filled with whom Kyoko assumed was the Morizumi clan. Kyoko could feel their harsh, cold stares directed at her. Even in the wrong, they banded together to support their own.

Her mother mentioned the defendant's lack of supporting witnesses. According to Susumu, the defense's strategy was not to get their client acquitted of the charges but to reduce the time served. They would try to play up her innocence in the whole situation.

The courtroom stood as the men and women judges filed into the room. There were nine judges in total: six citizens and three professionals. The six citizen judges were Japan's version of a jury in Western society. Following the judges came the various court officials, including the stenographer who would be recording all conversation in the room on paper. Kyoko watched a man come around and sit behind the defense table. He removed a pad of paper and pencils from his bag and began sweeping the pencil over a clean sheet of paper. Kyoko heard a scratching sound coming from behind her. A woman sat behind her, similar to the man, and was...drawing?

The head judge made a statement regarding the purpose of today's trial and turned the floor over to the lawyers to plead their case.

Kyoko watched in awe as her mother stood in her element and delivered her powerful opening statement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on September XX, 20XX, the defendant Kusanagi Yuri entered the workplace of my client, Morimoto Kyoko, under the guise of a delivery woman bearing a gift of luxurious chocolates she claimed was ordered by none other than my client's beau, Tsuruga Ren-san. No one questioned her motives. She was a regular delivery woman on the set for a few weeks prior. It was common knowledge to those working on the set of The Sacred Lotus in the Mire that Tsuruga-san is notorious for sending gifts to my client daily," Saena stated, pinning Ren with a neutral stare.

Ren shrunk under her gaze as the attention in the courtroom fell on him. She made it seem like the fault lay with him for his overindulgence.

Saena went into the backstory that led to the fire incident that night, and Yuri's participation in delivering the tainted chocolates. She mentioned the failed attempt to throw Kyoko over the balcony when Kimiko lost the part of Momiji and her past participation in other victims such as Erika.

"And this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we know today. We have no idea how far back into the past her crimes extend without other victims coming forward, but that is irrelevant now. The statement she gave police the night of the fire blames everything on her younger cousin. The question you need to ask yourselves is, why a woman of her accomplishments and pedigree upbringing would take direction from someone almost ten years younger than her? Kusanagi-san was the adult in this relationship. In our society, the senior is respected by their juniors. As the senior, Kusanagi-san should have steered her charge in a positive direction...to take up the challenge and return better than ever at the next opportunity. And yet she didn't. Not just as her manager but as a family member, a cousin, and a loved one. Kusanagi-san condoned and participated in every one of her charge's actions. The evidence I present today, combined with various witness testimonies, shall provide proof that Kusanagi-san had to play the lead role in these events. I hope you make the right decision and that justice will be served so my client and others in the industry may have peace of mind."

Saena bowed to the judges after finishing her statement and took her seat. Kyoko gazed at her mother with admiration. Her focus turned when the head judge asked the defense team to provide their opening statement.

The Morizumi's defense attorney, Kento, stood and smoothed out his designer jacket before addressing the judges.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the prosecution has painted a picture of my client as calculating and cruel...as the mastermind behind these incidences. Though I can't prove Yuri-chan's innocence in these situations, I can vouch that her actions were a direct response made out of love and loyalty for the young woman she considers a sister…"

For the next fifteen minutes, Kento played up the ineptitude of his client. Her soft and caring nature for wanting her cousin to succeed in the industry her family loved was what led her to participate in such crimes. He shifted the blame of her actions to the cut-throat industry of show business. Her repeated failures at pursuing a career as an actress and a model, and then seeing her cousin fail as well led her to make poor choices. Kento pulled out all the big guns. He talked about her battle with depression and bulimia to gain sympathy but also showed her strength in overcoming those obstacles. His strategy was not to get her off the hook but to garner sympathy and shift blame. He hoped the judges would feel remorse for the woman and lower her sentence. Unfortunately, he was throwing Kimiko under the bus in the process. He figured it was a small price to pay given that she had the plea deal locked in place.

Seana and Kento took turns bringing up their witnesses to give their testimonies. Kento focused on people that he vetted on Yuri's list. It was a short list, but it was enough to accomplish what he intended. He made sure to keep things positive. Saena did her best at cross-examining those witnesses. She succeeded in making a few of those witnesses break down and cry. One woman caved under Saena's scrutiny. She confessed that she always hated Yuri for stealing the boy she liked in high school when they were supposed to be best friends. The woman's vehemence continued into adulthood since Yuri slept with her now ex-husband. The head judge called for order as the witness was removed from the courtroom.

Erika, Yashiro, and Ren eventually took their turns on the stand. After Erika's testimony was given, the balcony video was played for the judges to review. Their faces were grim. Kento did his best to water down the situation by turning things on Kimiko again and blaming love for clouding the ladies' visions.

Kento tried to pick apart Yashiro's character due to Kimiko's injuries. Saena, on the other hand, stated that Yashiro should be commended for his heroic deed, not chastised. She reiterated that it was Kimiko's fault from the start for attacking her client.

The topic of Yashiro's past work experience with Yuri and Kimiko on Purple Down was brought up for discussion. He explained the discord that Kimiko caused on the set and Yuri's superb managerial skills to navigate her client out of the sticky situation by blaming costars for their baseless assumptions. Yashiro made it public knowledge that he was given strict orders by Ren to not accept another job offer involving Kimiko.

Kento tried to turn the Purple Down incident on Ren while on the stand. Unfortunately for him, Tsuruga Ren was not one to be trifled with. The man remained calm and collected through the whole interrogation. He even provided specific examples of Yuri's competence as a manager when Saena questioned him.

Ren had the opportunity to recount his version of the night of the fire incident and mentioned Cedric. Cedric wasn't present in the courtroom. It wasn't from lack of trying on Saena's part to wrangle him in. Cedric refused to get involved, and Saena left it at that. She had more than enough evidence to nail Yuri without his testimony. In fact, it was at this point that she shared the security footage from the set with the judges. They heard the conversation between Yuri and Kimiko. They saw Kimiko decide to throw the lantern out of hurt, anger, and desperation. They even noted Yuri's proclamation to take full responsibility.

Things were not looking good for Kento. His last witness was Yuri herself. Her parents thought having Kimiko testify would have helped the case, but Jiro was against it. He made it clear that Kimiko was mentally unstable to be in the same room as Kyoko and Ren; therefore, they couldn't rely on her testimony. Kento didn't think Yuri would do any better. She was too frazzled right now.

Using the right questions, he managed to spin a tale of a perfect big sister who acted out of love not malice. It was one that indulged her younger sister in all her desires. Kimiko would only have to hint at something, and Yuri wouldn't hesitate to help her achieve it. Yuri's action came from a place of love but also made her guilty. Kento's questions became more specific. They were attacking in nature, pouring all the blame on Kimiko. He wanted the judges to know that every crime committed was initiated by Kimiko. He was able to achieve his bottom line. Yuri only involved herself to minimize the damage of Kimiko's crimes. At the end of the day, Kyoko was never seriously harmed thanks to Yuri's interference.

Saena wanted to laugh out loud at the bullshit Kento and his client were spewing. No one would believe from the evidence provided that Yuri was trying to help Kyoko. Saena stood to cross-examine her. She had listened to the sweet stories they shared as kids and caught on to when things had taken a drastic turn for the worse. It lined up with Kimiko's change in behavior at school following the hit-and-run accident in Tadashi's report.

Susumu and his assistants had dug deep into Kimiko's past. The purpose was to establish that it wasn't until she returned from the United States that her behavior turned to physically harming others. They found old friends, classmates, and teachers willing to testify against Kimiko. One teacher noted the change in the spoiled girl when she returned from a trip abroad. The teacher had called for a parent-teacher conference to discuss an incident that took place in the girl's restroom. What she got was Yuri. Kimiko, with the help of her cousin, threatened the teacher's employment. Needless to say, she buried her complaint in fear of losing her job.

Susumu even found witnesses willing to testify and bring to light some of Kimiko's and Yuri's misdeeds that took place in Los Angeles.

"You mentioned a few instances earlier that Morizumi-san became bolder in her actions. That it was becoming cumbersome for you. Why didn't you tell her parents?

"Kimi didn't act bad all the time. I couldn't bother her parents with something so silly that only happened once in a while," Yuri explained, wringing her hands together. "It was my job to handle it."

"Attempting to murder someone is silly to you?" Saena asked, raising a brow.

"Ah, no, sorry. That's not what I meant. We weren't trying to kill anyone. We just wanted to...I don't know. I wasn't thinking straight."

"You just wanted to hurt my client so severely that she wouldn't be able to work. This would only leave Morizumi-san as a suitable replacement, correct?"

"Objection, your honor. She's leading the witness," Kento exclaimed.

"Sustained," the judge responded and nodded to Saena.

"I'm sorry, sir!" Saena replied curtly. Saena took a moment before asking her next question. She had purposely made the last statement to put it all in their minds.

"Kusanagi-san, you have a degree, you studied abroad, the world was in your grasp. Why would you choose to be a glorified nanny for your cousin?"

Yuri laughed weakly before answering. "You're right! I could have chosen a different career, but show biz is in my blood. If I couldn't be in the spotlight, I wanted to at least be a part of it somehow. I found my calling as my cousin's manager. I wanted to help Kimi succeed where I could not. "

"So it's safe to say you enjoyed the job, yes?" Saena continued

"Yes, it was fun standing on the sidelines and meeting celebrities. I learned a lot on the job."

"Your cousin had a fairly successful career both in Japan and in the United States. Can you please tell the court who was responsible for finding her work and who negotiated her contracts?

"As Kimi's manager, it was my job to do all that for her. If she expressed any interest in a certain role, I pursued it for her. Kimi's tastes were very specific. I've known her for so long that I knew what her expectations were for each contract. Sometimes, I would have to rein her in to weigh the pros and cons of a job if a director wasn't willing to compromise. She could be reasonable most of the time and easy to handle."

"It sounds like you had a real knack for managing not only your cousin but her career as well."

"I—" Yuri squirmed. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish. She realized she had said too much. The picture of incompetency Kento tried to paint was immediately dashed away by her big mouth.

"Well, you see, it wasn't all easy. Like I said earlier, it has been more difficult to handle her lately. She wanted the Momiji role at all costs. I knew what we were doing was wrong, but I had no choice. I had to help her. I feared for my life," Yuri gushed, trying to cover up her mistake. She smacked her hand over her mouth. She didn't mean to say that.

"Can you please elaborate on your last statement? Why would you fear for your life?"

Yuri turned to Kento for guidance. He was angry, but he nodded for her to proceed.

"Please answer the prosecutor's question, Kusanagi-san," the head judge prodded.

Yuri trembled in her seat as tears dripped onto her lap. Saena handed the woman a box of tissues from her table. She gave Yuri a moment to compose herself.

"Has Morizumi-san threatened to take your life if you don't help her with her schemes?"

Yuri shook her head no and then nodded her head yes.

"Can we get a verbal response for the court's record?"

"Yes, she threatened my life, but not in the sense you think. She threatened to ruin my life forever, which equates to the same thing," she reiterated, sniffing and dabbing at her tears.

"How could she possibly do that? You're her loving older sister. You've helped her for so long. Why would she want to ruin your life?"

Yuri let out a long defeated sigh. She glanced at Kento again and gave him an apologetic smile.

Kento shook his head from left to right. He had no clue what she planned to divulge, but it couldn't be good.

"Your honor, can we take a short recess? My client is clearly distraught," Kento interjected. He had to damage control.

"Denied!" The head judge responded without hesitation. "Kusanagi-san, can you please tell the court why your cousin is threatening you? Let me remind you that you are under oath."

She mouthed the words to Kento, "I'm sorry."

There was a hush throughout the courtroom. Everyone waited with bated breath for the answer.

The tension was thick, and no one spoke, waiting for her to continue. The silence was broken by snickering, then a giggle. The sound became louder and became a full-blown cackle echoing throughout the once-quiet room. It was coming from someone on the Morizumi side. The manic laughter continued even while the head judge slammed his gavel down repeatedly, calling for order.

Everyone turned in that direction to see who could be laughing at a time like this.

"Bailiff, please remove that person from the room," the judge commanded.

The nearest police officer moved to do his bidding, but a woman stood up abruptly. She was dressed in all black and had a veiled hat protecting her anonymity.

She screamed across the room and lifted her hand with an accusatory finger, pointing at the defendant, "Because she's a cold-blooded murderer!"

AN: Thank you for continuing to read. Sorry for the abrupt ending. I got tired. Please feel free to call me out on my bullshit. I'm not a lawyer, nor do I know Japanese law. I will take advice to make corrections. I hope you enjoyed it.

I appreciate all the reviews of the last chapter! I heart all of you!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^