A/N: I realize how long it's been since I last updated this story. To explain why would take too long to get into here. What I will say is- when I said I would finish this story, I meant it. So starting today, I will start publishing Episode 2 of this tale. So I hope you all enjoy it, whoever reads this. Enjoy, my fair readers!

Running a law agency means that I have seen many different types of cases in my career. One I will never forget, however, is when I was tasked to defend a movie actress. What seemed like a simple case at the outset ended up being more important than I could ever believe…

Episode 2: Turnabout Starlet

A brown-skinned man wearing a black domino mask ran towards the edge of a cliff, which was facing the ocean. He had a burlap sack over his shoulders, the sack clearly heavy with ill gotten gains. A few steps behind him, a heavy-set, pale-skinned woman moved with surprising velocity, right behind the mysterious thief, wearing a sparkling white mask of her own.

"Stop right there, Miguel!" The woman called out dramatically. "You have nowhere else to run!"

"That's what you think, mi dulce Carmen," Miguel said, facing the woman while standing on the edge of the cliff. "It didn't have to be like this, you know. We could have run away together!"

"I couldn't have done that. I can't leave my family behind," Carmen sobbed, tears forming in her eyes. "You're the one that ran away, Miguel! I need to bring you in to face justice!"

"I have my reasons for needing this money. So unfortunately, I must leave you now," Miguel said ruefully.

"And how do plan to do that? There's nowhere for you to go!" Carmen shouted, advancing on the man.

Miguel reached into his pocket, taking out a single bluebell flower. "That's what you think. Adios!" Miguel threw the flower directly at Carmen- then spread his arms as he fell backwards off the cliff edge.

Carmen ran to catch him, but was too late. The woman could only look at the ocean below the cliff as she held the bluebell flower in her hand.

February 23, 2029

O'Conner and Co. Law Offices

8:00 a.m.

Greetings. You've probably heard of me. My name is Hugh O'Conner, and I am a stellar defense attorney. I have won every case I have defended in my career, including my very first. I even have my very own law office, and a rising star as a pupil.

"Good morning, Hugh!" Juniper greeted as she walked into the law office. Well, law office was being generous- it was a hole in the wall in downtown Los Angeles, with only two rooms- a large room with two small desks, and a single bathroom. Hugh's desk had a single landline phone and Juniper's desk had a potted sunflower.

This is my pupil. Actually, her name is Juniper Woods, and she is one of my best friends from high school. Juniper is training to be a judge, so she's working under me as an attorney to gain experience in court. Juniper also won her first case just last week, with my help, of course.

"Good morning, Juniper," Hugh greeted back. "I hope that making your way to the office hasn't been too difficult for you."

"I think I've gotten used to it by now," Juniper said, smiling softly. "Have we had calls for a new client yet?"

"Not yet, but the day's barely started," Hugh said, with his usual air of confidence. "I'm sure that we will be busy before long."

"But we haven't had any cases since last week," Juniper said, pulling her hat's brim down over her eyes. "I worry sometimes that people don't have enough confidence in us to let us defend them."

This was a concern that, privately, Hugh had battled with before. Being a defense attorney was Hugh's dream career, so the idea that he wasn't good enough gnawed at him sometimes. As the head of this law firm, however, Hugh had to put up a strong front.

"We're just having a slow period right now, that's all," Hugh assured, smirking and adjusting his glasses. "I am confident that our next case is just around the corner."

As soon as Hugh said those words, the phone on his desk began ringing. Hugh picked the phone, outwardly calm but inwardly nervous about a potential new client. "Hello, you've reached the O'Conner and Co. law offices. This is Hugh O'Conner speaking."

"Good morning, Mr. O'Conner," a deep male voice said on the other end. "My name is Emmett Strong. I am a manager that represents an up and coming movie actress."

"And does this movie actress require legal help?" Hugh said, gripping the phone slightly out of nerves. It almost seemed too good to be true.

"Unfortunately, my client does require legal help," Mr. Strong said, in a matter-of-fact-tone. "I have perused the local law firms, and your advertisement flyer convinced me that your law firm would be the correct choice."

Hugh placed a hand on the receiver of the phone so he could sigh in relief. Then he uncovered the phone and continued, "You have indeed made the correct choice. Now, could you tell me more details about this movie actress?"

"It would be better to meet her at the detention center," Mr. Strong said. "So that she can tell you herself. I will meet you there as well."

"So was that a new client, Hugh?" Juniper asked, as Hugh hung up the phone.

"Indeed it was, Juniper. We're heading out to the detention center."

February 23, 2029

Detention Center

8:30 a.m.

Awaiting them at the detention center was a man in his late thirties. This man was notably taller than Hugh by a few inches. His black hair was parted to the left, with a greasy shine to them, and he wore a gray visor. The man's blue eyes, in contrast, were sharp and attentive, and his expression was otherwise hard to read. To top off the confusing image, the man was dressed in a white tank-top and denim pants.

"Hello, would you be Mr. Strong?" Hugh asked as he and Juniper approached the man.

"I am. Then I assume you are attorney O'Conner," Mr. Strong said with the same deep voice he used over the phone. Emmett gave Hugh and Juniper a once over. "And who would be the lady next to you?"

"Oh! My name is… Juniper Woods. I'm an attorney that works with Hugh… *cough cough*" Juniper took a couple of steps away from Mr. Strong, still coughing.

"So is this your intern, Mr. O'Conner? Perhaps she could wait outside while I introduce you to the actress I manage," Mr. Strong said.

"She is an attorney that successfully defended a case just last week," Hugh said, an edge in his voice. "I'd like for her to meet our new client."

Mr. Strong shrugged. "If you insist. If you'll follow me…"

Mr. Strong led Hugh and Juniper into the detention center, and the trio entered one of the visitor's room. At the other side of the glass screen was a woman in her early twenties; she had dirty-blonde hair, dark green eyes, a narrow nose, and thin lips. The woman wore a pair of pearl earrings on her ears and a pearl necklace on her neck. From what Hugh could tell, the woman wore a dress that was a deep blue, with white sequins embedded in it. The last thing Hugh noticed was the the woman was… heavy set, but he didn't plan to bring that up.

"Ms. Moon, I have brought you an attorney," Mr. Strong said to the woman.

"It is nice meet you. I am Hugh O'Conner, attorney at law," Hugh said in his most gracious manner.

"And my name is Juniper Woods. I'm an attorney as well, and I work in the same office as Hugh," Juniper said, offering Ms. Moon her best smile.

Ms. Moon looked at Hugh and Juniper. Then she sighed and rolled her eyes. "Emmett, who are these no names supposed to be?"

"I assure you, Ms. Moon, this is best attorney I could find," Mr. Strong said, his tone even. "Their flyer states that they provide 'the best possible legal service'. More importantly, their legal fees are well within my budget."

That's what Mr. Strong thought was more important? Hugh thought to himself, suddenly feeling disheartened.

"I should have known that was the real reason, you cheap old man," Ms. Moon snapped, glaring at Mr. Strong. She turned her attention to Hugh and Juniper. "I suppose you are my attorneys, for better or worse. My name is Starlight Moon, lead actress of the soon to be hit movie, 'The Thrill of the Chase'!"

"I think I've heard of that movie, actually," Juniper said, to Hugh's surprise. "If I'm not mistaken, it's being produced by Global Studios. It's a movie about a masked heroine hunting for a masked phantom thief."

"Oh ho ho! Looks like at least you have a refined taste, Miss Woods," Miss Moon said. "The big release this year for Global Studios is "The Steel Samurai vs. The Plumed Punisher", starring a… Mr. Powers, I think. I do know it's in collaboration with a Khurain'ese movie studio."

"So where does your movie fit into this?" Hugh asked. He was still curious about how Juniper knew about Miss Moon's movie, but that could be saved for later.

"Global Studios is renowned for their TV productions for children. For the first time, however, they have decided to take a risk with a movie aimed for more mature audiences," Miss Moon explained. "And I was picked as the lead actress for this project! They must have seen my varied career and known I would be a perfect fit for the heroine."

"Come to think of it, I think I've seen your name in other movies," Hugh said. "But if I'm not mistaken, it's never been as the lead."

"You would be correct. All of Miss Moon's previous roles have been as the comic relief," Mr. Strong said, surprising Hugh and Juniper with how suddenly he spoke.

"Hey, why'd you tell them that for?!" Miss Moon snapped, glaring at her manager again.

"We're getting off topic. Why do you need a lawyer, Miss Moon?" Hugh asked. So far, nothing in this conversation seemed to hint at why Miss Moon was under arrest.

"Because this morning, Miss Moon's co-star was found dead. Miss Moon has been arrested for his murder," Mr. Strong said, with his usual even tone.

"Wait, what?!" Juniper exclaimed, putting her hands up to her mouth.

"I'd prefer to hear more about this from Miss Moon herself," Hugh said, wondering why Emmett had volunteered this information so casually.

"My co-star's name is Enuno Scene," Starlight said, after a brief glare at her manager. "He is- or rather was a talented actor that's well renowned in the acting world! He is able to do any scene in one take!"

"You seem to have nothing but respect towards the late Mr. Scene," Hugh noted, listening carefully to his client.

"Of course I do! I was quite honored to act alongside him," Ms. Starlight exclaimed. "I would never dare to hurt Mr. Scene! At least, not intentionally."

"'Not intentionally?' Could you clarify what you mean by that, Miss Moon?" Hugh asked. The answer to this question would determine if Hugh would be able to defend Starlight or not.

"Well yesterday, Mr. Scene and I were called in to do a rehearsal together, for a key scene in the movie we share," Starlight said. "It was meant to be a scene where my character, the tragically misunderstood heroine Carmen, was forced into pulling a sword on Mr. Scene's character, the dashing rogue Miguel."

The more I hear about this, the more this movie sounds like a tawdry drama, Hugh thought to himself.

"I recited my lines and preformed my actions exactly as I was supposed to," Miss Moon continued. "I even made sure to grab the prop knife that was needed for the scene. I was supposed to approach Mr. Scene and pretend to stab him. But-"

At this point Starlight shuddered, gripping onto her pearl necklace. "The knife went into Mr. Scene, and then there was blood! I panicked, and ran off of the set. I didn't know what happened to Mr. Scene after that until the police came to arrest me for his murder."

"So you're saying that you stabbed Mr. Scene… but you didn't mean to?" Hugh asked, unsure of what he felt about this account.

"You do seem to be genuinely distraught about this. We'd like to believe you didn't mean any harm," Juniper said, just as unsure.

"If you want to clear up any doubts, then visit the scene of the crime," Mr. Strong said suddenly. He took out a notebook, scribbled on one of the pages, and tore out, handing it to Hugh. "This is the address of the filming studio."

"What exactly are you expecting us to find, Mr. Strong?" Hugh asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at the other man. Something about his attitude rubbed Hugh the wrong way.

"The answers you're looking for. Nothing more, nothing less," Emmett said, his expression carefully blank.

"We were going to investigate the crime scene regardless. But we appreciate your help," Hugh said, accepting the address. "Let's get going, Juniper."

"Okay, Hugh! Oh, and don't worry, Miss Moon," Juniper said, smiling at Starlight. "We will do our best to get you the not guilty verdict you deserve."

"You'd better, for what I'm paying you," Miss Moon said, playing with one of her pearl earrings. "But then, you are Mr. Strong's bargain bin attorneys."

That was not the best note to end a meeting with a client. Hugh was getting the feeling that this case would be difficult.

February 23, 2029

Global Studios Filming Studio

9:30 a.m.

Hugh and Juniper went to the address that Mr. Strong gave them, which indeed led to a movie studio building. Unfortunately, they were stopped by security at the front gate.

"We keep telling you, we're defense attorneys that are representing Miss Moon," Hugh insisted. "Here, this is my attorney's badge." Hugh flashed his badge to the security personnel.

"You are not on the list of people we are allowing into the crime scene," The officer said, not budging an inch. "And since you are not on the list, you aren't allowed!"

"Listen, we need to find information to defend our client! So if you could just let us through this once-"

"What's all the fuss?"

Hugh and Juniper turned towards the sound of the voice- and saw that the source was an older woman. The woman had brunette hair tied back in a ponytail, blue eyes, and wore a white lab coat and khaki pants, with an armband on her right arm.

"Oh, these must Miss Moon's defense attorneys. I was expecting them to arrive," The woman said. "My name is Ema Skye. I'm a forensic investigator that was assigned to this case."

"Nice to meet you, Detective Skye. My name is Juniper Woods," Juniper said. "And your name sounds familiar. Do you know Thena?"

"Do you mean that defense attorney that's always dressed in yellow? We've run into each other a few times," Ema said, pouting. It was clear Athena had left quite an impression. "But this is the first time I've met either of you."

"My name is Hugh O'Conner. I am the lead defense attorney representing the defendant," Hugh said, once again flashing his badge.

"If you have that annoying habit, you're definitely a defense attorney," Ema sighed. "And you probably won't leave until you get into the crime scene, right?"

"Heh. That's just how we defense attorneys are. Of course, you probably know all about this by now, Detective Skye," Hugh said, smirking while adjusting his glasses.

"Yeah, yeah. Just follow me," Ema said, walking off. "Oh, and put these two on the list of people allowed on the crime scene," Ema added to the security guard.

Hugh and Juniper followed Ema inside this studio. However, Hugh couldn't help but smirk smugly at the guard on the way in.

Walking into the movie studio, Hugh's eyes immediately went to what he assumed was the crime scene: a giant movie set painted to look like the edge of a cliff. The set seemed to be made up of two parts- a floor, and a wall painted on one side. The set was spattered with blood, and on the floor of the set was the outline of a body.

"So Miss Moon was telling the truth. Mr. Scene really did die during rehearsal," Juniper said, staring at the scene in horror.

"So you've already spoken with the client. Then I can't help but wonder why you're still willing to defend her," Ema said.

"Simply put, I don't believe I know the full story. Until I do, I am going to keep fighting for Miss Moon," Hugh said, eyes dead serious.

"That's fair enough, I suppose. Then I will tell you anything you want to know," Ema said, smiling for the first time.

Hugh was happy enough that Ema was being cooperative, and decided to ask the most pressing question: "What can you tell us about your victim? We heard from Miss Moon that his name was Enuno Scene, and he was the costar of the movie that he was being filmed."

"I can give you the autopsy report," Ema said, taking the report out of her carrier bag and handing it to Hugh.

"'Time of death: February 22, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.' So the victim died yesterday," Hugh said, reading the report out loud for Juniper's benefit. "'Cause of death: blood loss from being stabbed in the back'. Huh? But Miss Moon said she stabbed the victim in the front."

"If you keep reading the autopsy report, you'll notice that there was an open wound on the victim's torso," Ema said impatiently.

Indeed there was. However, this caused Hugh to notice that the report also mentioned blunt force trauma on the victim's head.

Whoever did this really wanted Mr. Scene dead.

Autopsy report added to the Court Record

The autopsy report came with a picture of the the crime scene. Mr. Scene was lying face down in a pool of his own blood. The young man appeared to be wearing a classic thief's costume, with black tights and a black suit. Barely visible was a hole in the Mr. Scene's back, presumably where the murder weapon had been stabbed.

"Still, I find it odd that the Mr. Scene died from the stab in the back when Miss Moon is already admitting to stabbing him in the front," Hugh said, rubbing his chin.

"You've got me. You'll have to ask the prosecutor if you want to know more," Ema said, before sighing again. "Just when I'm used to working in Khura'in, I'm called back to working this country and assigned under a new prosecutor."

"Well, do you know where the prosecutor is?" Hugh asked curiously. Hugh was familiar with prosecutors like Simon Blackquill and Klavier Gavin and wondered who he was up against this time.

"At a flower shop, I think." Ema told Hugh the address of the flower shop. "I don't know why a flower shop, but I've given up trying to figure out how prosecutors think by this point."

"Even if it has nothing to do with the case, we could swing by the flower shop later," Juniper suggested. "We could use some sunflowers to brighten up the office."

That would be for later, however- Hugh wanted to investigate the scene of the crime. "Detective Skye, what can you tell me about this movie set?"

"How should I know?! I'm not a part of the staff for this movie," Ema snapped.

"Then can you at least tell me about these blood splatters?" Hugh asked, one of his eyes twitching.

"Fine, fine!" Ema took out a bag filled with chocolate snacks, then started wolfing them down. "You annoying defense attorneys *munch munch munch* and your annoying investigations *munch munch munch*."

"Detective Skye seems really stressed," Juniper noted, pulling her hat over her eyes.

Once Ema finished eating, she explained, "Most of the blood is where you would expect, on the floor where the victim was lying." Ema gestured to the large puddle of blood around the outline of the body. "Some if it is on the set itself- probably blood spatter from when the victim was stabbed."

This time Ema pointed to the wall side of the set, where there was a smaller amount of blood. Something about the pattern of the blood spatter bothered Hugh, however. He just couldn't put his finger on what it was.

"The blood on this set is definitely the victim's. So this does seem where the victim was killed," Ema said, putting a finger on her chin and swaying slightly.

In other words, very incriminating evidence against Miss Moon. I'm not sure what else I expected, Hugh thought to himself, sweating profusely.

Cliffside set added to the Court Record.

"Oh! What do I spy with my little eye? Two strangers in this land of fantasy?"

An unfamiliar voice rang out. Then suddenly, a man lept in out of nowhere, landing in front of Hugh and Juniper. The man was dressed in a white bodysuit, was wearing a belt with a large yellow star, and was wearing comically large gray shoulder pauldrons. The man had curly brown hair, a curly brown beard, and had black eyes.

"Welcome, my fair guests. You stand before the humble understudy Icarus Iscariot!" The man declared, adjusting his belt so the the light shined on the star.

"Ummmm…" That was the only thing Juniper could say, her hands over her mouth.

"Did you say you were an understudy? Then that means you're a part of this movie's staff," Hugh said, trying to focus on the case despite Mr. Iscariot's attire. "Could you tell me more about this movie then?"

"Of course. I will take on this role with aplomb!" Mr. Iscariot shouted, pointing dramatically to the sky.

"Were you the understudy to Mr. Scene?" Juniper asked.

"You are correct. My lot in life was to support my fellow thespian from the shadows," Mr. Iscariot said, putting his head in his hands sorrowfully. "It was a task I was proud to accomplish. But his light was snuffed from the stage permanently."

"So what can you tell me about this movie set, Mr. Iscariot?" Hugh asked. Hugh hadn't decided what he felt about the understudy, but his testimony was valuable either way.

"This pocket of illusion was meant to house the climactic showdown between Miss Moon's character, Carmen, and Mr. Scene's character, Miguel," Icarus explained. "Carmen tries to bring Miguel to justice by knife-point, despite their star-crossed bond. But then! Miguel goes on to defy fate itself by leaping off the cliff, diving right into the ocean's embrace!"

"Ah! What happens after that?" Juniper asked, leaning in.

"As much as I don't want to disappoint you, fair maiden, you'll have to wait until the movie hits the big screen!" Icarus exclaimed. "Wouldn't want to ruin the fun for you."

"Do they still plan to film the movie even with one lead dead and the other arrested?" Hugh asked.

"I am but a bit player on the larger stage. I do not make these decisions," Icarus said, tugging on his beard. "And besides, aren't you defending Miss Moon? It is in your hands if she returns to the stage."

That's true. But now I feel more pressured to win tomorrow's trial. There was now a familiar pit in Hugh's stomach.

Hugh had to ignore that feeling, however, because he still had questions. Hugh showed Icarus the crime scene photo. "Mr. Iscariot, do you know where the Mr. Scene's costume might be? It could be an important clue."

Ema was the one who answered. "Oh that? The police made sure to take that in as evidence as soon as the investigation started."

"That's pretty reasonable. Can you at least tell us about the state of the costume, Detective Skye?" Juniper asked.

"I don't see why not. It's all information most people could figure out," Ema said. "As you can see in the crime scene photo, there is a hole in the back of the costume. There is also a hole in front of the costume, which matches up with the defendant's claim."

"Anything else? The smallest detail could help," Hugh said.

"Just that the inside of the victim's costume was soaked with blood. Given that he died from blood loss, that does line up with the facts." Ema said.

Victim's Costume added to the Court Record

Juniper, meanwhile, was looking at the set. Suddenly, her eyes widened. "Hugh, come take a look at this!" Hugh followed where Juniper was pointing. He saw what appeared to be two nubs protruding from the wall side of the cliff.

"Good eye, Juniper. I wonder what this is for?" Hugh asked.

"Oh that? The audience usually does not see these inner workings. It would kill the fantasy," Mr. Iscariot said. "What Miss Woods noticed, for example. Those are merely there so that Mr. Scene knows where to stand."

"Oh. That wasn't the explanation I was expecting," Juniper said, her shoulders slumping.

"An unfortunate side-effect of being a lawyer. You lose any illusions you have pretty quickly," Hugh stated bluntly.

Cliffside set updated in the Court Record

"It seems like we've finished our investigation of the crime scene," Juniper said. "So now what?"

"We should go to that flower shop that Detective Skye mentioned. We need to pursue any potential leads," Hugh said.

So far, we haven't made much progress. But I can't let that stop me! I will prove Miss Moon innocent!

To be continued.

A/N: This kicks off Episode 2! As is AA tradition, we are going to be in Hugh's head for this case. And it's quite the case- a body found on a movie set with mysterious injuries. Learn more in the following chapter. I'm looking forward to seeing the theories that you guys can come up with, so feel free to give me your thoughts! See you next time! Please review.