A/N: This is the end of Episode 3! One final, big push to solve this case once and for all. How close did you come to reaching the truth? Read on to find out. Enjoy, my readers!
April 28th, 2029
District Courthouse, Courtroom #4
1:40 p.m.
-Witness Testimony-
Mr. Iraman's alibi
"At risk of sounding redundant, when the crime was committed I was signing autographs," Mr. Iraman said. He gestured to the crowd around him. "I have witnesses that will testify as much."
"Sure, I will admit that I had Miss Scribe on stage with me, because she won the raffle." Mr. Iraman narrowed his eyes. "I hope the defense isn't about to suggest that I murdered her on stage?"
"After all, I did not get close enough to her to kill her. Miss Scribe walked off of the stage under her own power, of her own free will."
Mr. Iraman played with his pen with his fingers. "I believe that clears up everything. I am not the culprit."
End Testimony
"You know, something about this seems way too familiar," Athena said, her face dripping with sweat.
"I know what you're talking about, Thena. And I don't think Mr. Iraman is lying about the crime not being committed on stage," Juniper said, tugging on her pigtails.
Which leaves the question of how exactly Mr. Iraman pulled it off.
"I believe at this point, it would be good if we had a second recap of the crime so far, to take all the new information we've learned into account," The Judge said. "Prosecutor Newman?"
"I'll get right on it! On the day of the crime, Miss Scribe entered the Los Angeles Convention Center. At some point before 3:00 p.m, she entered the main hall to participate in Mr. Iraman's meet and greet," Robin explained. "Then, she entered the private room situated in the same hall with an unknown person, where she was murdered!"
"That follows logically. But what happened after that?" The Judge asked.
"The killer then summoned Mr. Solomon, who helped cover Miss Scribe's body by wrapping it in wallpaper!" Robin continued, her fists shaking. "Mr. Solomon carried the body away, before passing it on to Miss Sapling. She broke into Mr. Artisan's trunk, and placed the body in there. Then, she called a taxi so she could pretend to discover a murder in the parking lot!"
"In other words, the final question to answer is who went into that private room with Skylar," Juniper concluded. And I have to prove it in this testimony!
"HOLD IT! You have avoided questions about your raffle before. But this time, you must answer. Why did you rig it?" Juniper asked.
Call it a fit of pique. I wanted to see who would get the lucky ticket," Mr. Iraman answered. "That it was Miss Scribe could only be chalked up to luck."
"If you were the true culprit, you could have rigged the drawing to make sure Miss Scribe would approach you," Athena pointed out.
"In response to your assertion, I direct you to my next statement." Mr. Iraman said.
About the crime not happening on stage. "What did you do while Miss Scribe was on stage? Please don't leave out any details," Juniper said.
"It's simple. I treated her as I would any of my other fans. She left with a smile on her face," Mr. Iraman answered smugly.
"Then please answer this. Did you ever once leave the stage at any point?" Juniper asked. This was the most important point.
"... If I did, you can't prove where I went," Mr. Iraman answered simply.
"Does the defense have an objection to the witness's testimony?" The Judge asked.
Juniper nodded. "TAKE THAT! The defense has one of Miss Scribe's possessions. A book that she took for explicit purpose of having it signed."
"The prosecution had the book dusted for fingerprints, and we have confirmed that Miss Scribe had it on her," Robin added. "There is also testimony confirming this!"
"But this book, in fact, isn't autographed. Even though that's what she wanted, and she was even on stage with you. Mr. Iraman…" Juniper pointed at him. "Why didn't you sign this book?"
"I happened to not sign it, that's all," Mr. Iraman said, despite how he was nervously brushing his bangs with his fingers.
"But you signed a book for me, and I didn't even ask for it," Juniper pointed out. "So why would you not do the same for Miss Scribe? Unless… you knew she was going to die. You knew, because you killed her!"
The crowd around him did not get angry- instead, they all looked doubtful, even worried.
"You really didn't do it, did you?"
"He never would! This is Mr. Iraman we're talking about!"
"To be honest, I don't know what to believe anymore…"
"You were warned. Please leave the courtroom at once!" The Judge demanded. The crowd felt begrudgingly filed out of the courtroom.
For the first time in her life, Juniper could feel genuine fury building up inside her. "All that Miss Scribe wanted was to have her book signed. She… she looked up to you. But then you did something so horrible to her… how could you?"
Mr. Iraman didn't answer, but glowered at Juniper.
"You don't have anyone else protecting you anymore, Mr. Iraman. So I would start talking if I was you," Athena said, grinning.
"If I'm going to talk, then let me say this. I can show that I held absolutely no ill will towards Miss Scribe," Mr. Iraman said. He started laughing again. "Ah ha ha ha! A kind fan gave me this, and now I give it to you!"
He presented a photo, which the entire court studied. It showed a view of the stage, where Mr. Iraman and Miss Scribe were standing near each other. The timestamp on the photo itself read 3:20 p.m. Miss Scribe was indeed holding her book, and smiling widely.
"So then, let me ask you this- does this look like someone that believes she's in danger?" Mr. Iraman asked.
"NNNNNOOOO!" Robin screamed, swooning before collapsing to the ground.
"WWWHHHHYYY?!" Juniper yelled, snapping her pigtails into her eyes.
"The court cannot deny what this witness has presented. If Mr. Iraman was truly the murderer, I do not believe the victim would be so relaxed around him," The Judge said. "There seems to be no reason to continue this cross-examination."
"Your Honor! You can't seriously be letting someone as fishy as him get away!" Athena exclaimed.
Robin got back on her feet, but she had no words. She only stood there, trembling with rage.
"As dubious as the circumstances surrounding the witness are, there is no direct proof he committed the murder," The Judge said, shaking his head.
" Give it up. I'm not the one on trial here," Mr. Iraman said. "So sit back, and wait for the end of-"
"You're right. You are not the one on trial here."
Robin spoke up suddenly. Her bangs were obscuring her eyes, but she had a small grin on her face.
"This trial convened to determine Andres Artisan's innocence in this murder. And I do believe…" Robin's eyes revealed themselves- and they were burning with a fierce passion. "That the witness's evidence has just proven it once and for all!"
Where did the prosecution get this intense aura from?" The Judge asked.
"No kidding! It's like standing near blazing fire!" Athena exclaimed.
Robin's entire demeanor had changed- her entire body was emanating a scorching determination, and her eyes were especially sharp and focused like nothing that Juniper had ever seen before.
"Previous testimony establishes that Miss Scribe died shortly after she left the stage. We now have an exact time when this happened!" Robin declared. "So Mr. Iraman. You were on stage, with full view of the stage and the entrance into the hall. Did you ever see the defendant enter?"
"I don't see why I have to be the one-"
With a sway of her hips, Robin smacked the gallery stand behind her with her left palm. "I don't remember asking for your opinion. Answer the question!"
Mr. Iraman actually recoiled, drawing his arms into himself. "No, I don't believe I remember I remember seeing the defendant enter the hall."
"But if Skylar died after this photo was taken, that could only mean one thing," Juniper said. "It's impossible for Mr. Artisan to have killed her!"
"In which case, then there's no reason to continue this trial," The Judge said, closing his eyes. "I am ready to dismiss this witness and move onto the verdict. Before I do, does the defense has any final assertions?"
"It looks like we couldn't quite prove Mr. Iraman's guilt. But at least Mr. Artisan will go free!" Athena said. Then she gave Juniper a knowing look. "Unless… there's anything else we need to examine?"
Juniper knew that she had fulfilled her role as an attorney. But Juniper wasn't just an attorney. I want to be a judge… and not just any judge. But one that can arrive at a verdict that will give closure to the entire case at hand.
"No, the defense does not want the witness to be dismissed. We have one final piece of evidence to present!"
Robin… it's because of you that I could reach this point. Together, we've saved Mr. Artisan from false charges. So the least I can do… is bring this to the end!
Now, before I go any further, I need to go back and look at the case in full. What evidence is going to solve the case once and for all?
The arch
Skylar's book
Raffle cage
The book that brought Skylar to Mr. Iraman. It was never signed, and it has a single drop of blood on it. We all assumed that the blood was hers, but we never confirmed that for sure. Now, is there evidence that can clear this up?
Autopsy report
Business card
Wallpaper Scrap
That's it! The report reads that Skylar suffered a wound to the back of her head. But shouldn't it be impossible for her blood to end up in her book, then? That could only mean that the blood belong to…
The real killer
Mr. Artisan
Miss Sapling
If Mr. Iraman killed her, that means the blood in the book can only belong to him. If I had to guess, Skylar fought back, and injured him. But I need to make sure there's no room for argument. What is evidence that corroborates my theory?
Mr. Iraman's photo
The golden envelope
My autographed book
The photo that Mr. Iraman presented just now. It proves one very important fact-
Mr. Iraman was the last person seen with Skylar
At last. Mr. Iraman planned to exonerate himself, down to the last detail. But in the process, he overplayed his hand, and didn't even know it!
"Defense. You stated that you needed to present one final piece of evidence. Please do so now," The Judge demanded.
Okay, I need to put everything I have into this. Here goes nothing! "TAKE THAT! In our earlier debate, there is a point about Mis Scribe's book that we didn't discuss- the drop of blood in it."
"Ah right, that! I wanted to bring it into Criminal Affairs for testing, but the riot yesterday stopped it," Robin explained. "The prosecution's theory is that the blood belongs to the victim."
"Then why the riot? Why stop a test from revealing what we 'already know'," Juniper pointed out. "The defense would like to submit a different interpretation- this blood belong to none other than Mr. Iraman!"
M-me? Why on Earth would it belong to me?" Mr. Iraman asked, nervously brushing his bangs.
"OBJECTION! It's unclear if Mr. Iraman was injured on the day of the crime," Robin said. "But both the autopsy report and a luminol test reveal that Miss Scribe was injured at the crime scene!"
"Robin, do you remember where the book was found? And where Skylar's injury was?" Juniper asked.
"The book was found under a sofa. Skylar probably kicked it under there during the struggle. The autopsy report states that Skylar's wound was... ahhhhh!" Robin cried out, rearing back.
"Exactly. Skylar was wounded on the back of her head," Juniper said. "So there's no way her blood could have ended up in the book. Which means the blood could only belong to her killer!"
"H-hold on! Even if you find my blood in that book, that doesn't prove anything," Mr. Iraman said. "I… yes, I had a nosebleed. I must have dirtied her book by mistake."
"OBJECTION! I'm sorry, but your actions have betrayed yourself. Or rather, your own photo has," Juniper declared. "You are clearly not injured or bleeding in it. And since Skylar died shortly after it was taken, this can only mean one thing- you were injured during the crime!"
"I… I'm the greatest author alive! I can make people believe anything. I decide the ending!" Mr. Iraman exclaimed, gritting his teeth.
"It's over. You can't control anything anymore. There's only one way this story can end for you, Edward Iraman." Juniper drew her arm back, pointed at him, and shouted, "With you paying for all your crimes!"
"I'm still in control. Watch, everyone, as I throw in a last second twist!" Mr. Iraman hit the poles behind him- so hard, that the poles hit the stacks of books before bouncing back.
The poles hit Mr. Iraman on the back, pinning him to the witness stand. "This is all part of my plot, so next I will- what's that sound?"
Behind, the towers of books swayed in an unstable manner, before books started to rain down, pelting Mr. Iraman.
"I refuse to accept this! I refuse to believe that I was beaten!" Mr. Iraman shouted, struggling to get the poles off of him. "My books! My glory! It's all-!"
The rain of books covered Mr. Iraman completely, leaving only a single arm sticking of a pile.
"It is a relief to see that no serious harm has befallen the witness," The Judge said. "Thanks to the bailiff rescuing him."
Mr. Iraman was significantly more disheveled, and now sported ugly bruises on his face.
"...Even with my pen-name, everyone at 'Worlds Collide' knew me. They all expected me to win yet again," Mr. Iraman said. "I expected it too. A grand celebration was prepared and everything. Then, when visiting Mr. Solomon's office, I saw that envelope. I… couldn't help but take a peek inside."
"And that's when you found out that in fact, you lost." Juniper was filled with horror. This was the truth of the case- this was the reason Skylar had died so painfully.
"Even now, I don't want to acknowledge it. Yet, seeing that name, I was filled with a powerful urge," Mr. Iraman continued. "To find that author that beat me… and erase every trace of them off the face of this planet."
Robin smacked the gallery stand. "So then, why the big conspiracy? Why frame Mr. Artisan?"
"Because it did not take long for Mr. Solomon to see things my way- it would be bad if 'Worlds Collide' got embroiled in a murder. So we agreed that all traces of the murder should be removed," Mr. Iraman said, grinning madly. "Mr. Artisan's name meant nothing compared to mine. No one would care if he was convicted."
"That is where you were very wrong. A lot of people cared about him," Juniper said quietly.
"I'm guessing securing Miss Sapling's cooperation wasn't a problem either. She would do anything for you," Athena said, fury clear on her face. "Not that you cared!"
"Everything else was as you guessed. I used the rigged raffle to get Skylar on stage. I whispered into her ear to meet me in the private room. Once we were there…"
"Mr. Iraman, I must say it's such an honor to meet you!" Skylar exclaimed, holding her book to her chest. "Your writing inspired me to be an author myself."
Mr. Iraman didn't say anything, locking the door behind him.
"Actually, I decided to enter 'Worlds Collide', just to see how I would do. But does that mean I might be in the same contest as you? I know you've entered before," Skylar continued. "Oh, but I'm rambling! Could you… sign this for me?"
Skylar held out her book- the book with Mr. Iraman's name on the cover. He didn't even look at it, but reached out towards Skylar's neck.
"Mr. Iraman? Edward? What are you-?!"
"And then, it was done. Just like that, I'd wiped Skylar from this world. I barely even noticed my injured face."
The court at large was at a loss for words, but there was a universal feeling of revulsion.
At the witness stand, Mr. Iraman was still grinning. "But it's okay. Everything will be fine."
"...What are you talking about?" Juniper asked, becoming scared.
"You're the one that did this to me. So if I erase you too, then everything will go back to how it was!" Then Mr. Iraman made a mad dash at Juniper, who found herself paralyzed.
"Bailey, stop him!" Robin called out.
Bailey burst into the courtroom, brandishing her nightstick. "Oh no you don't! Juniper cannot come to any harm!"
Mr. Irman swung a fist at Bailey, but only caught her hat. Bailey smacked him over the head with her nightstick, and he slumped to the ground.
With her hat off, Bailey's face was exposed for the first time. Juniper observed that she had ash-brown hair that was styled in spikes, light brown eyes, and most of all…
"Your face… it looks familiar. Why does it feel like I know you?" Juniper asked.
Bailey quickly put her hat back on, backing out of the courtroom. "It seems we are destined to clash earlier than I believed. At the center of all darkness…"
"Edward Iraman has been arrested for the murder of Skylar Scribe! He has also been restrained so he doesn't try anything like that again!" Robin announced.
"This case is one that has taken on aspects I can scarcely believe," The Judge said. "To think so many people would scheme to bury the truth, lead by an utterly mad individual."
"He must have been a normal author, once. But as he gained fame, he lost sight of himself. Until he bought into his own image," Robin said, scowling. "And then caused all of this misery and pain."
"Defendant, you have suffered greatly throughout this trial. This court would offer you an apology," The Judge said.
"No, there's no need to apologize. After all, it was because of this court that I know what happened to my friend," Mr. Artisan said, teary-eyed. Then a smile spread across his face. "And it's all because of you. I can't begin to express my gratitude to you both."
"You're welcome, Mr. Artisan!" Athena exclaimed, grinning.
He probably meant me and Robin. But Thena doesn't need to know that.
"Prosecution, do you have any closing remarks before I render my verdict?" The Judge asked.
"...You really solved the case, Juniper. I always knew you would," Robin said softly.
"The only reason I could stand in court at all is because I knew you'd be standing across from me," Juniper said, smiling from the bottom of her heart.
"No, you've got it backwards! Knowing I'd be working with you kept me going even through the worst parts of this case," Robin exclaimed, wearing her own wide grin. "You are someone I can trust with anything!"
"And you are someone I can rely on too, Robin. I want us to keep working together," Juniper said, grasping into her right wrist. "Through whatever happens, I want to share it with you."
"I'd be honored if I could help you reach your goals! So if you'll have me…" Robin said, caressing her left bicep.
"What exactly are the defense and prosecution…?"
"OBJECTION! I think the defendant has waited long enough for his verdict!" Athena cut in.
The Judge nodded. "That is far too true. In which case, I won't delay any longer. This court finds the defendant, Andres Artisan…"
NOT GUILTY
Confetti rained from the ceiling as the crowd burst into cheers, but they may as well have not existed for Juniper and Robin. They held each other's gazes the entire time.
"That is all. Court is adjourned!"
April 28th, 2029
District Courthouse, Defendant Lobby #3
2:20 p.m.
"That trial went on forever. But we finally won!"Athena exclaimed, giving Juniper a celebratory hug.
"Thank you, Thena," Juniper said, hugging her best friend back. "A part of me still isn't sure how we survived it."
"It's simple. As a defense attorney, you did your best," Hugh said, as he entered the defendant lobby.
"Hello again, Hugh. It's been a while since I've seen you," Juniper said. "But I'm glad you watched the trial!"
"I knew it would be safe to leave the case to you. You are my star attorney, after all," Hugh said, smirking. Then he looked around. "But where's your client? I'd like to congratulate him."
"He's kinda late, isn't he?" Athena said. "Maybe he's talking with Robin."
This case was saved because even though she's a prosecutor, Robin refused to suspect Mr. Artisan. That faith… that resolve… I want to understand it.
At that moment, Mr. Artisan entered the room, holding a canvas. "Hello, Juniper. I know I've said this perhaps too much, but thank you. For everything."
"I'm so glad I could help you, Andres," Juniper said. "And I learned a lot in this case. About myself, and our legal system. It still has corruption, and I want to be able to fight against it."
"Come to think of it, we never did find out who in the police department arranged the tampering of the crime scene," Athena said thoughtfully.
"Robin fought against it too. Actually, she gave me this." Andres patted the canvas. "She told me that with this, I will always carry Skylar in my heart. I thought I would show it to you, since you helped me through this all."
Come to think of it, Robin's been working on a painting throughout this entire case. So I'll finally get to see it. What did she put so much effort into making?
Andres held out the canvas, and Juniper took it. As soon as her eyes fell onto the painting, she felt something change inside her.
"Wow. That painting is… wow," Athena said, her mouth gaping.
"So that's what Robin has been feeling this entire case," Hugh said, his tone contemplative.
When I saw your painting, Robin, I finally understood. I understood you as a person, completely. And in that moment, I made myself a promise.
As long as I remained an attorney, I would do anything in my power to support you. Little did I know that soon, I would face a test of not only that promise, but a test of everything I have as a person. But that's a story for another time.
Episode 3, The Erased Turnabout: END
A/N: That's it, everyone. By fair the most ambitious case I've worked on so far. Because of that, Episode 4 is going to be much shorter and simpler. I hope to deliver it onto everyone soon! Tell me what you thought of Episode 3. To see the painting that Robin made, please visit my Tumblr blog Snowthefirst, where I'll have the painting uploaded. See you next time! Please review.