Turnabout Beginnings (Part 2)
February 16, 1:14 PM
District Court, Defendant Lobby No. 4…
"Mr. Fawles, I…" Mia said, sadly.
"UGGAAAA!" Fawles yelled.
"Eeeeeek! I'm sorry! I-I'm sorry!"
"I wanna say thanks. You're real good! You really hooked me up!" Fawles said, looking at Mia.
"Thanks! We're almost there! Once I prove that she committed the crime…" Mia said, happily.
"Mia, we still have a huge obstacle we need to get past." I said, sipping on my bubble tea.
"Ob-Obstacle...?"
"Yeah. Her motive. Why would Melissa Foster kill that policewoman anyway?" I asked, while Mia thought this to herself. "Motive, huh…"
"Anyway... We're still badly in need of information." Armando said.
"Information... Right…" Mia said.
"What we need the most is info about this Melissa Foster herself. All we know is that she's a student studying literature. And one more thing."
"...What is it?"
"Well, the incident that happened 5 years ago, of course. The kidnapping-murder case that Zebra Boy is on death row for…" Armando said.
"I din't do nuttin'! I din't kill nobody! I never lie!" Fawles said, worried.
"Mr. Fawles! In that case... Tell us more about it. ...About what happened 5 years ago." Mia said, looking at Fawles.
"... OK. I trust you. That day. 5 years ago. I dream of it. Every day. This picture. It reminds me everything. Bridge looks same. Just like then... 5 years ago... Like it could fall apart... Fall apart any minute…"
"So the bridge has been broken for at least five years." I said, frowning.
"Ha...! Sorry buddy, but you sound like the one that could fall apart at any minute." Armando said, looking at Fawles.
"It true. I did... ...I did kidnap her. ...Five years ago. I kidnapped. My girlfriend. Dahlia Hawthorne." Fawles said.
"Y-Your g-girlfriend? Huh...?" Mia asked.
"Hey, hold on there! Did you say, 'Hawthorne'!?" Armando asked.
"Isn't Hawthorne the victim's last name?" I asked, still sipping on my bubble tea.
"Dahlia Hawthorne... Valerie's little sister." Fawles said.
"Wh-Wh-Whaaat!? Are you serious!?" Mia exclaimed.
(Open POV)
The girl... Let her go!
Shut up! C-Come closer... And I kill her!
Sorry, but you're not going to get the chance...
(Jared's POV)
District Court, Defendant Lobby No. 4…
"Mia, the detective back then was Valerie Hawthorne." I said, letting out a sigh.
"At first I thought shooting someone for a kidnapping was crossing the line, but... If it was to protect her little sister, I can understand why she did it…" Mia said.
"Wrong! No protect sister! Valerie betray me! Betray us!" Fawles said.
"What do you mean she betrayed you!?"
"Everything. All lies. All make-believe. Kidnapping, too…"
"A make-believe kidnapping?"
"Dahlia. My girlfriend. My love. My Teen Angel."
"Teen Angel? Looks like someone watched too many soap operas." I said, rolling my eyes.
"I do anything she says. Anything Dahlia says…" Fawles said.
"Did you just say you would do anything Dahlia says?"
"H-Hold on a minute! What you're saying is that the kidnapping 5 years ago was planned by…" Mia said, her eyes widening.
"Yeah. Me and Dahlia... ...And Valerie, too." Fawles said.
"So Valerie was in on it." I said, frowning.
"Yeah. Dahlia's family rich. Jewelry business. We get one jewel... That's what we thought... Me and Dahlia wrote kidnap note. We send to her dad. Asked for 2 million dollar diamond. Tell him make exchange on Dusky Bridge. ...We tell him Valerie make transfer 'cause she new detective." Fawles said.
"Having a police detective in your pocket is a useful thing alright. In the end, you were planning on splitting the 2 million three ways, huh…" Armando said.
"Yeah, but! That woman! That woman! Valerie! She do it for real! She shoot at me for real! Me and Dahlia!" Fawles said, remembering a gunshot noise. "I was shot in arm. Dahlia... She jump in river."
"Jump...? You don't mean she jumped on purpose, do you?" Mia asked.
"I couldn't do it! I could never push her...! Anyway, I blacked out... Wake up with police all over."
"...And that's when they decided to give you the death sentence." I said, sadly.
"I couldn't believe it. That woman. She betrayed me."
(Open POV)
Dusky Bridge…
"That man... Terry Fawles... He killed her! He threw her off the bridge! He threw my beloved sister into the roaring river 40 feet below!" Valerie yelled.
(Jared's POV)
District Court, Defendant Lobby No. 4…
"...These 5 years... All I wonder is... Why! ...Why! ...Why! ...Why! Why did she lie!? That's all I want to know!" Fawles said.
"So that's why you called her. You wanted to hear the truth from Valerie herself." I said, sipping on my bubble tea.
"Yes... but I forget what she look like. So I tell her to wear scarf. I don't want to hurt her! ...Just ask why! Why! Why did you lie...? Why did you betray me...? I just want to hear answer come from her mouth. That's all!" Fawles said.
"And that's why you made a crazy escape the way you did."
"Just one thing, Zebra Boy... My senses are tingling all over. Tell me, Mr. Fawles... Where is it?" Armando asked, looking at Fawles.
"...Huh? Where's what?" Mia asked.
"Come on now, Kitten... The ransom. The 2 million dollar diamond. Remember that now? Did you give it back to Pops? Did the police take it?"
"...I dunno." Fawles said.
"Huh? You don't know?" Mia asked.
"No really. I dunno. It's gone. With Dahlia."
"...With Dahlia?"
"That day. On the bridge... Dahlia put it. In backpack... Now gone. With Dahlia. Gone... Forever... Into Eagle River…"
"Wait, that diamond disappeared with Dahlia. Gah! How did I forget that?" I asked.
"...You can come back in now! We're about ready to go!" The Bailiff said.
"Mr. Fawles! Just one more question! When you said, 'with Dahlia', do you mean the diamond is still missing...? Along with the body of Dahlia Hawthorne?" Mia asked.
"... Never found her... My sweet Dahlia…" Fawles said, sadly.
"Mia, they never found Dahlia." I said, taking out a mocha frappuccino after finishing my bubble tea.
"Swallowed by river... Gone... Dahlia... My Teen Angel…" Fawles said.
"Your 'Teen Angel'...? How old was she anyway?" Armando asked.
"Just 14…"
"F-F-Fourteen!?" Mia exclaimed, before thinking to herself. 'I guess you were robbing cradles before diamonds…'
"She plans a fake kidnapping and disappears into the river with a rock worth 2 mil... Man oh man... Angels these days." Armando said.
"At least they aren't Weeping Angels." I said, while Mia thinks this to herself. 'Fawles takes the fall... And gets a one-way ticket to Death Row... Is Dahlia Hawthorne an angel or is she really a…'
"...It's time, Kitten, Jared. It looks like we have a few more aces up our sleeve now." Armando said.
"...You bet!" Mia said, happily.
Diamond added to the Court Record.
"The training wheels come off now, Mia! You've got to strike while the iron is hot! That's one of my rules. Remember it." Armando said, looking at Mia.
February 16, 1:49 PM
District Court, Courtroom No. 4…
"Now then, let's continue with the trial of Mr. Terry Fawles. ...Witness. Are you feeling better?" The Judge asked.
"Y-Yes, Your Honor... I-I'll try my best." Melissa said.
"Hmm... You're a brave young lady."
"Here we go…" I said, as Mia thinks this to herself. 'Not this again…'
"I can understand a defense lawyer wanting to get her client off the hook... However! To try to pin the crime on an innocent student is…" Edgeworth said.
"What are you talking about!?" Mia exclaimed.
"My witness is not the person on trial here. She's an innocent bystander who witnessed a violent crime. ...That's all. What possible reason would a girl like this have for murdering a policewoman!"
"Hmm... It's certainly hard to imagine this woman as a murderer…" The Judge said.
"Mia, try and figure out her motive. That's all." I said, smiling.
"Well, Ms. Fey? Do you have any evidence of a motive?" The Judge asked.
"... Err, yes! Of course! ...I think." Mia said.
"Hah...! You're still acting as tame as a kitten... Kitten." Armando said, looking at Mia.
"Mr. Armando…" Mia said, blushing a lot.
"Listen... A lawyer is someone who smiles no matter how bad it gets."
"...!"
"Smiling on the outside while your guts are twisted in knots is the mark of a pro."
"...Maybe so, but I wish you would quit grinning at me like that."
"Umm... Excuse me... May I speak, Mr. Judge?" Melissa asked.
"Of course! Mr. Judge is ready anytime you like!" The Judge said, happily.
"I'd like... I'd like to say something. Some people here are suspicious of me, right? Th-That's why... I... I at least wanted you, Mr. Judge, to know that it's not true…"
"Hmmmmm! I see! You're such an honest and upstanding young lady."
"This witness is a real professional. A master at her craft." I said, smirking.
"I agree." Armando said, looking at Melissa.
"Wh-What do the two of you mean!?" Mia exclaimed.
"Look at that 100-watt smile. ...Just when things are darkest for her... CLICK. She lights right up!" Armando said.
"Very well then! Let's hear what the witness has to say!" The Judge said.
Witness Testimony
-- Melissa Foster's History --
"I... I was out of the country until the year before last. Until I entered college, I had never even been to Eagle Mountain before… And I certainly don't have any reason for wanting to hurt a police officer. Holding a grudge and killing the officer who testified against you 5 years ago… Or kidnapping a poor girl... I just think the defendant is a terrible, horrible monster!" Melissa said, angrily.
"Hmm... Out of the country, eh…" The Judge said.
"Precisely. Furthermore, she has no possible motive for committing murder." Edgeworth said.
"Hmm, indeed…" The Judge said.
"You're up to bat, Kitten. Sharpen those claws and put on your best smile." Armando said.
"Y-You bet!" Mia said, nervously.
"Mia, try and tie her to this case. Somehow." I said, sipping on my mocha frappuccino.
Cross Examination
-- Melissa Foster's History --
"I... I was out of the country until the year before last." Melissa said.
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "So, what country were you living in then?"
"We were all living abroad, but after my parents were killed…"
"It was a brutal civil war. She had to try to make her way back home alone…" Edgeworth said.
"I lost everything... I didn't even have any personal identification…" Melissa said.
"Mia, ask her for more information." I said, drinking my mocha frappuccino.
"Okay." Mia said, looking at Melissa. "...Witness. Answer my question. I'll even repeat it for you. What country were you in?"
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Your Honor, this line of questioning is childish. What country she was in and how many languages she may speak are irrelevant here. What we're here to evaluate is whether this witness has any connection to this case."
"I've lived abroad ever since I was a little girl... That's why I could never have known Mr. Fawles or Detective Hawthorne." Melissa said.
"Yes... I think we've established that point."
"Yes, indeed. Well then. Shall we add what you've just stated to the official testimony?" The Judge asked.
"Yes, please. ...Mr. Judge." Melissa said. "Naturally, I didn't know either the victim or the defendant."
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "You didn't know either person? Are you certain of that?"
"Yes. I'm afraid I'm rather shy around people." Melissa said, sadly.
"Hmm... Oh well, that can't be helped." The Judge said.
"God…" I said, while Mia thought this to herself. 'Why is he just agreeing with everything that comes out of her mouth...?'
"The first time you saw either of them was when they were on the bridge, correct?" The Judge asked.
"Yes... It really was a coincidence." Melissa said.
"Until I entered college, I had never even been to Eagle Mountain before…" Melissa said.
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "So what made you decide to go to Eagle Mountain anyway?"
"I just love being outdoors... Picnics, hiking... You know, that sort of thing." Melissa said, smiling.
"She doesn't look much like a hiker. Maybe you like digging for gold or silver. Maybe diamonds." I said, sadly.
"But Eagle Mountain is a two-hour drive from here and no trains run through there. There are plenty of mountains that are closer and easier to get to." Mia said, looking at Melissa.
"Well, I went there once with the college Hiking Club. I fell in love with its stark, desolate beauty and its cold, yet romantic, gloominess…" Melissa said.
"She doesn't look much like an introvert. Or a goth." I said, frowning.
"By the way, what's the name of your college...?" Mia asked, looking at Melissa.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "The prosecution objects to any questions that involve the witness's private life."
"...!" Mia said, at a loss for words.
"All that matters is that she is a material witness to a crime. The witness doesn't need to respond to questions that are clearly malicious in intent."
"Thank you! She's really gone too far...!" Melissa said, as she is starting to cry again.
"Hmmmmm! Ms. Fey! You're treading on thin ice here!" The Judge yelled.
"Geez." I said, and Mia thought this to herself. 'I hardly said anything! Talk about sensitive…'
"And I certainly don't have any reason for wanting to hurt a police officer." Melissa said.
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "Perhaps, but your behavior that day was very suspicious! Not only have you contradicted yourself here in court, but you know things you shouldn't. For example, the scratches on the trunk of the car."
"Well th-that's…"
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Unfortunately Ms. Fey, your last statement proves nothing."
"Oh really!? And why is that?" Mia asked.
"The witness came to the police station once to identify the suspect. It's entirely possible that, at that time, an officer showed her this photo." Edgeworth said.
"Hmm... That seems like a rather serious mistake." The Judge said.
"Mia, that's the oldest trick in the prosecutor's book!" I said laughing a lot.
"Th-That's not fair...!" Mia said, looking at me.
"That wicked inmate... I'll never be able to forget that horrible day…" Melissa said. "Holding a grudge and killing the officer who testified against you 5 years ago…"
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "A grudge...?"
"Well, the policewoman's testimony was crucial, wasn't it? ...Crucial in getting the defendant sentenced to death."
"Yes, and that's precisely why he harbored such deep anger against her. So much anger that he forgot his own guilt…" Edgeworth said.
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "My client has always maintained that he's innocent of those charges!"
"He seems rather forgetful. ...Your client, I mean." Melissa said.
"...!"
"Not only did he forget about what he did, but he forgot the poor policewoman as well."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Your client... He forgot what the detective looked like, right? It's too bad for her that he didn't forget about her testimony as well." Melissa said.
"He is kind of forgetful. But how can he forget what the detective looked like?" I asked.
"Witness, you said, 'he forgot what the detective looked like.' What did you mean by that?" Mia asked.
"Well he couldn't tell who she was without some kind of identification, right?" Melissa asked.
"Quite right... That's why the victim was wearing a scarf as identification." Edgeworth said.
"Why, if I had been wearing a white scarf that day... ...then he probably would have tried to kill me…"
"Hmm... That's true. He's clearly a bitter man!" The Judge said.
"Mia, add it to the testimony! Quickly!" I said, grabbing Mia's hand.
"Your Honor! What the witness said just now was tremendously important! I'd like it added to the official testimony!" Mia said.
"The prosecution has no objection... After all, the defendant is a killer and a mentally unbalanced one at that... That testimony only helps to further prove that point…" Edgeworth said.
"Hmm...!" The Judge said.
"N-No, that's not why I…" Mia said.
"Enough. ...Witness, if you would?"
"My pleasure, Mr. Judge." Melissa said. "I guess I'm lucky I wasn't wearing a white scarf."
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "Witness... I want you to look at this photo you took. It's hard to see in the photo, but look at the scarf the victim wore as identification."
"Ah, you are talking about this scarf right here, eh?" The Judge asked, looking at the photograph of the victim
"Y-Yes! That's it! The scarf the policewoman was wearing…" Melissa said, her eyes widening.
"Mia, don't mess this up." I said, frowning.
" ...But that's strange. In your testimony, you stated the following... 'I guess I'm lucky I wasn't wearing a white scarf'." Mia said, looking at Melissa.
"Wh-White?" The Judge asked.
"...This is the scarf you identified as belonging to the victim. But it certainly doesn't look white to me!"
"Oh...!" Melissa said.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Well, it was foggy that day... And it was raining as well! It's not surprising that she mistook it for white!"
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "Sorry, but not this time. The witness just confirmed that this was the victim's scarf!"
"Yes, but... What's the significance...? It's true that the scarf doesn't look white, but…" The Judge said, looking at the scarf.
"There's only one explanation for this mix-up! The reason why the witness thought the scarf was white is...!"
"Because of this." I said, passing the Victim's Note to Mia.
"Take that!" Mia said, showing the Victim's Note to Melissa."...Witness. Have you ever seen this note?"
"N-Note...? I, err... No, never…" Melissa said.
"It's top-secret evidence. There's no reason that you would have." The Judge said.
"Hmm, I wonder about that…" Mia said.
"Wh-What do you mean...?" Melissa asked.
"This note shows Mr. Fawles's instructions to the victim regarding their meeting. It says... 'Wear white scarf for identification'."
"White... Scarf...? AAAAAAH!!!" Edgeworth yelled.
"Witness! You KNEW what this note said! There's no other possible reason for you to mistake the scarf's color!" Mia said, looking at Melissa.
"Ugh... Unn... Urgh...!" Melissa said, clutching her head.
"Well, Ms. Foster!?"
"NOOOOOOOOO!"
"Order! Order! Order! Mr. Edgeworth! I'm waiting for an explanation!" The Judge yelled.
"I'm quite sure this note wasn't leaked to the public!" Edgeworth said, looking at Mia.
"And yet...! This witness knew exactly what the note said! At the time of the murder, the number of people that knew were quite... limited. Terry Fawles is one. The person who wrote the note, Valerie Hawthorne, is another. And finally... One more person." Mia said.
"Did you say... 'One more person'?" The Judge asked.
"Yup, a third person no one would have suspected. Have you figured it out, Mia?" I asked.
"Yup! The third person that knew the contents of the note was...!" Mia said, doing the Take that pose. "Take that!" She presents a profile of Dahlia Hawthorne. "And that person is... Dahlia Hawthorne!"
"Dahlia Hawthorne...? I've never heard that name before." The Judge said.
"Look at the victim's note. This is what it says... 'Talk to Dahlia. Tell her this time…' There is her name, right there." Mia said, showing a part of the note.
"Wh-What's this... So who is this person!? This... Dahlia Hawthorne…"
..." Edgeworth said, letting out a sigh. "Ms. Fey must be desperate if she's trying to bring the dead back to life."
"The d-dead...?" The Judge asked.
"Dahlia Hawthorne was the victim's deceased younger sister. She was killed in a crime 5 years ago."
"Killed in a crime...? Y-You don't mean...!?"
"Yes. She was kidnapped... And killed. By Terry Fawles!"
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "You said she was 'killed'... But was she really?"
"What are you implying...?" Edgeworth asked.
"Of course, people thought she had died 5 years ago... ...when she fell off of Dusky Bridge and was lost in the Eagle River. However! Her corpse was never found!" Mia said.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "She was declared legally dead 5 years ago! As far as the law is concerned, Dahlia Hawthorne is officially dead."
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "But the fact remains that her body was never recovered! Dahlia Hawthorne was 14 years old, 5 years ago. If she were still alive, she would be 19 now. ...Melissa Foster. I believe that's the same age you are!"
"Ah...!" Melissa said, her eyes widening.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Even you couldn't...! Ms. Fey...! You're not saying...!"
"But I am. That's precisely what I'm saying. This 'witness' before us is the girl that was kidnapped and killed 5 years ago! This girl is in fact Ms. Dahlia Hawthorne!" Mia said, looking at Melissa.
"WHA...! WHAAAAAAT!" The Judge yelled.
"Ha...! Nice work... That was like tossing a grenade into a 3-alarm fire! But unless you can tie all the loose ends together... ...you're nothing but a hit-and-run arsonist." Armando said.
"I... I understand." Mia said.
"Mia, all you need to do is expose her true nature. And then you can turn this whole case around." I said, smiling. "And maybe catch Edgeworth off guard."
"Hmm... Hmm... Hmmm... Witness! Just who are you anyway!?" The Judge exclaimed.
"I... I... I'm…" Melissa said, sadly.
"I didn't think it'd come to this. That's enough... You don't have to say anymore, witness." Edgeworth said.
"... Yes. I understand." Melissa said.
"Wh-What! Mr. Edgeworth! Explain yourself!" The Judge said, looking at Edgeworth.
"Your Honor. I have an admission to make. I honestly never thought the defense would pursue the matter this far…" Edgeworth said.
"You don't...! You don't mean...!"
"...Yes. The prosecutor's office isn't filled with fools, you know. Naturally, we conduct full background checks on all of our witnesses."
"Wh-What did he say...?" Mia asked.
"Ha...! It looks like the kid knew. He knew her true identity from the get-go. As well as Jared." Armando said.
"No way...! But then why...!" Mia said.
"If you hadn't revealed her secret, they weren't going to say anything about it. All Edgeworth wanted was her testimony, so he made a little trade." Armando said.
"Finally! Mia, let me introduce you to the victim's little sister. Gah, this hurt saying this. This is Ms. Dahlia Hawthorne." I said, looking at Dahlia.
"But... But... I thought she died 5 years ago...?" The Judge asked.
"We thought so as well... But... Well, as you can see…" Edgeworth said.
"Why!? Why did she hide her identity for 5 years!?" Mia exclaimed.
"That has nothing to do with the current case. She was merely an accidental witness to a crime…"
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "Accidental...? I don't believe that for a minute! For the last 5 years, she's been playing the role of victim! And now we find her acting suspiciously at another murder scene!"
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "...Really, Ms. Fey! Your strategy is clearly obvious. You're trying to pin your client's crime on an innocent witness in order to win... ...At any cost."
"H-How dare you!"
"Please, let us take a moment to think. Five years ago, this girl was kidnapped and nearly killed."
"Hmm…" The Judge said.
"But even worse than that... 5 years later... ...Dahlia Hawthorne lost something much more precious. Her big sister. Ms. Fey must be insane to even suggest that she murdered her." Edgeworth said.
"Whaaaaat!?" Mia exclaimed.
"...I'm inclined to agree with the prosecutor's logic. Ms. Fey! Do you have any evidence to back up your assertion!? What possible reason would this witness have for killing her beloved sister!?" The Judge exclaimed.
"W-Well you see…" Mia said.
"Mia, you're still winning." I said, squeezing Mia's hand.
"Ha...! I think you need a little push in the right direction, Kitten…" Armando said. "The defense is prepared to present evidence supporting our claim!"
"Ah! That wasn't me! It was this guy... This crazy coffee addict…" Mia said, looking at Armando.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "I think we've heard enough empty threats from you, old man."
"Ha...! What makes you think they're empty, boy?" Armando asked.
"Because your protégé looks like she's sweating bullets!" Edgeworth said.
"Ah...!" Mia said, sweating a lot.
"Mia, you sure think you're in a tough spot." I said, smirking.
"Of course! Aren't I?"
"Nope. You just arrived at the moment of truth. If you win or lose, that's up to you. I learned that over the years by taking on cases with Sherlock Holmes or by traveling with the Doctor." I said, happily.
"Up to me...?" Mia asked.
"Yup. It's so up to you."
"..." Edgeworth said, letting out a sigh. "The rashness of youth. How charming."
"It really is, isn't it?" I asked, as Mia thought this to herself. 'This coming from someone younger than me!'
"Now then, let's not waste any more time. ...Ms. Fey. What motive would this witness have for murdering her own sister, Valerie Hawthorne?" The Judge asked.
"Take that!" Mia said, presenting the Victim's Note. "...The story starts after Terry Fawles escaped. He called Valerie and told her he wanted to meet. This is the note she left... It says, 'Talk to Dahlia. Tell her this time, the whole truth must come out.' ...Valerie Hawthorne gave Dahlia a warning. She told her she was going to reveal to the world the whole truth."
"The whole truth...?" The Judge asked.
"There was a dangerously important secret between Valerie and Dahlia. That's the reason Dahlia felt she had to kill Valerie... To keep her mouth shut permanently!"
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "A terrific story, Ms. Fey! If you like fiction, that is. Enlighten the court, Ms. Fey. What was this secret that was so important? Where's your evidence!?"
"Dahlia and Valerie Hawthorne, and Terry Fawles... There's only one important secret that connects them all…" Armando said.
"Oh, yes... I know this secret. ...Your Honor! The defense would like to request further testimony." Mia said, happily.
"Wh-What testimony?" The Judge asked.
"Regarding the kidnapping 5 years ago. We believe it will explain a lot of things. Such as the nature of the important secret between the Hawthorne sisters!"
"Ugh...!" Dahlia said, annoyed.
"...Very well. I'll grant your request for further testimony. I know it will be painful for you, but can enlighten us once more, my little maple leaf?" The Judge asked.
"Y-Yes, I-I'll try. Mr. Judge…" Dahlia said.
"Good luck, Dahlia. You'll need it." I said, and Mia thought this to herself. 'Putting on the old charm one more time, Dahlia? But this will be the last time you hide behind your womanly wiles!'
Witness Testimony
-- 5 Years Ago --
"Five years ago, I was kidnapped by Mr. Fawles. The ransom price was a raw diamond. My sister, Valerie, brought it to the bridge… After she made the exchange, she shot Mr. Fawles in the arm! That's when Mr. Fawles tried to kill me by shoving me off the bridge from behind! I survived, but I was afraid I might be kidnapped again for my family's money… So I decided to change my identity and start a new life…" Dahlia said.
"Hmmm…" The Judge said.
"...The kidnapping left her emotionally scarred. With her sister's help, she left the Hawthorne family and started all over again. And we're to believe after all that, she murdered her sister? Preposterous!" Edgeworth said, angrily.
"Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth. ...Ms. Fey?" The Judge asked.
"Y-Yes, Your Honor." Mia said.
"As you've heard, the witness is still traumatized from the kidnapping. ...I'll ask you again to be extremely gentle in your cross-examination."
"We got them where we wanted them." I said, as Mia thought this to herself. '...Mr. Edgeworth got the jump on me again…'
"Ha...! Jared's right. If we're not allowed to fight, then let's twist some arms. ...Listen up. We've still got that info... That ace up our sleeve." Armando said.
"...What info?" Mia asked.
"Come on, Kitten. Don't say you've forgotten already. The fact that the kidnapping 5 years ago was staged!" Armando said.
"Yup. It was. Penny in the air…" I said, and Mia thought this to herself. 'That's right, it was a fake kidnapping! Terry Fawles told us that in the lobby.'
(Open POV)
District Court, Defendant Lobby No. 4…
"I do anything she says. Anything Dahlia says…" Fawles said.
"Did you just say you would do anything Dahlia says?" Jared asked.
"What you're saying is that the kidnapping 5 years ago was planned by…" Mia said.
"Yeah. Me and Dahlia... ...And Valerie, too." Fawles said.
(Jared's POV)
District Court, Courtroom No. 4…
"And the penny drops." I said, while Mia thought this to herself. 'Yes! That's it! The fake kidnapping is your best shot, Mia! That's her secret!'
Cross Examination
-- 5 Years Ago --
"Five years ago, I was kidnapped by Mr. Fawles." Dahlia said.
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "Did you and Mr. Fawles have a relationship?"
"...Y-Yes. As a tutor…" Dahlia said.
"You were tutoring him? Mr. Fawles?"
"N-No, of course not! Don't be ridiculous! Mr. Fawles came to the house to tutor ME!"
"Mia, you forgot that five years ago, Dahlia was only 14 years old." I said, sadly.
"He probably came up with the kidnapping plan during that time. The Hawthornes are in the jewelry trade and are quite wealthy, you see." Edgeworth said.
"Hmm... Quite the clever fellow, that Mr. Fawles." The Judge said.
"Um…" I said, while Mia thought this to herself. 'Did I hear him right!? Did he just call Mr. Fawles a clever fellow?'
"The ransom price was a raw diamond. My sister, Valerie, brought it to the bridge…" Dahlia said.
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "I heard the diamond is valued in the neighboorhood of 2 million dollars."
"2 million dollars!?" The Judge exclaimed.
"It was still uncut, so it was about the size of a pint of milk." Dahlia said.
"HMMMMM!!! A 2 million dollar pint of milk... I don't know what to think about that!" The Judge said.
"The defendant demanded that her sister, Valerie, make the exchange. Not as a detective, of course, but as an individual." Edgeworth said.
"By the way, I want to ask you, Mr. Edgeworth. Why do you think he wanted to make the exchange up there on that mountain? If he ever got surrounded, it would be hard to escape…" Mia said.
"There's one thing a kidnapper wants to prevent, and that's police involvement. In a place like that, it would be easy to tell if he was being followed. With only one entrance to the mountain, he was ensuring his safety."
"What a wickedly clever man that Mr. Fawles is…"
"Yeah, right. It was all YOUR plan…" I said, sadly.
"Anyway, Valerie brought the diamond to the mountain and…" Dahlia said. "After she made the exchange, she shot Mr. Fawles in the arm!"
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "That was a dangerous thing to do considering you were being held hostage."
"Yes, but... Actually, that saved my life." Dahlia said.
"What do you mean?" The Judge asked.
"You see, Mr. Fawles was holding a knife in his right hand... Somehow, I just KNEW he was going to use it. I knew he was going to use that knife to kill me!" Dahlia said.
"...!" Mia said.
"That's why my sister shot him! It was to save me!" Dahlia said. "That's when Mr. Fawles tried to kill me by shoving me off the bridge from behind!"
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "I'd like to hear more about what happened right at that moment!"
"Well, when Mr. Fawles was shot in the right arm, he let go of me... I-I was dazed. I turned to try and run away, but Mr. Fawles turned to grab me as well... As I ran past, he and I locked eyes for a second, and he gave me a large, bloodthirsty grin."
"B-Bloodthirsty grin... Oooh…" The Judge said, smiling.
"And in the next instant…" Dahlia said.
"I advise the court to remember that the river is 18 feet deep and incredibly swift…" Edgeworth said.
"I-I was a strong swimmer, but I was knocked out... When I came to, I had been carried away by the river to a strange place. I'll never forget that day. The crumbling bridge, nowhere to run... Then just one little shove from behind. That was it. Before my sister could catch me... ...I fell into the river." Dahlia said.
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose and showing the Dusky Bridge Map. "You say that Mr. Fawles pushed you into the Eagle River... However, that's hard to believe."
"B-But it's true! I felt a push on my back... I'm certain of it! It was Mr. Fawles!"
"I'm sorry... I guess I wasn't clear enough. I shouldn't have said, 'that's hard to believe'. I should've said, 'That's impossible'."
"I-Impossible...?" Dahlia asked.
"I ask that the court recall the condition of Dusky Bridge, now and 5 years ago. That bridge hasn't changed one bit in these last 5 years. If someone had pushed you from behind as you have claimed... ...instead of being carried away by the river... ...you would have been smashed by the bedrock below! A most certain death." Mia said.
"..."
"Do you understand now, Dahlia Hawthorne? The very notion that my client pushed you from behind is impossible!"
"... Aaaaaah!"
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Your Honor, this event occurred 5 years ago! Why, for all we know, the water level in the river may have been higher back then."
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "But it's 40 feet from the bridge to the river! A small change in the water level wouldn't have made a difference!"
"Ugggh!" Edgeworth yelled.
"Y-You're right! If the events occurred just as the witness has testified... ...then the defendant couldn't have pushed the witness into the river. Young lady! What is the meaning of this!?" The Judge exclaimed.
"Uuuh! I... I... I, err... You see, I…" Dahlia said.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Just a moment, Your Honor! It's true that the witness testified that the defendant pushed her into the river... However! She never stated that she fell from the back end of the bridge!"
"What... What do you mean?" Mia asked.
"After being shot in the arm, it's plausible that Mr. Fawles panicked! Therefore, he could have unwittingly pushed her off the side of the bridge!"
"If that's true, she would have fallen into the river! Well, Miss Hawthorne!? Is Mr. Edgeworth's explanation correct...?" The Judge asked.
"... Now that you mention it... I do remember now. When I fell off the bridge... ...my skirt got caught on one of the bridge's side wires!" Dahlia said, her eyes widening.
"You can't be serious! That's bullshit!" I said, squeezing Mia's hand.
"Order! Order in the court!" The Judge said, angrily.
"It seems Ms. Fey's assault has finally reached its conclusion." Edgeworth said.
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose.
"Now isn't the time for a retreat, Mia! Go win the fight!" I said, excitedly.
"Unfortunately for you... this is just the start of Ms. Fey's assault!"
"Wh-What?" Edgeworth asked.
"I believe your reasoning went something like this, Mr. Edgeworth. 'After being shot in the arm, it's plausible that Mr. Fawles panicked! Therefore, he could have unwittingly pushed her off the side of the bridge!' However! Once again, I'm forced to say, 'That's impossible!'" Mia said.
"R-Ridiculous! What's so impossible about it!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"Because your flawed logic contradicts the Court Record!" Mia said, doing the Take that pose. "Take that!" She shows the court the Witness's photo. "Your Honor! All of the answers are right here in this photo! Take a look at the wires supporting both sides of the bridge! They extend up to about five feet off the ground... It would be impossible to push someone off from there!"
"NNNNOOOOOOO!" Dahlia said, worried.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "B-But let's remember the size and strength of the defendant! Wires like this wouldn't be a problem for him! He could have easily picked up a 14 year old girl and thrown her over!"
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "So young, and already so forgetful, Mr. Edgeworth. Mr. Fawles had been shot in the right arm."
"Ah...!" The Judge said, his eyes widening.
"And more importantly... ...Valerie Hawthorne had her gun trained on him... at point-blank range!"
"Ugh...!" Edgeworth said, annoyed.
"So! Mr. Fawles throwing the witness off the bridge? That is clearly impossible!" Mia said.
"GWAAAAAAAHHH!"
"Order! Order! Wh-What is the meaning of this!?" The Judge exclaimed.
"Dahlia Hawthorne! You jumped into the Eagle River intentionally!" I said, looking at Dahlia.
"What...!? What is this...!?"
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Indeed! What do you mean by such a ridiculous remark!?"
"Y-Yes! It's ridiculous! My sister was there to help me! She had her gun and handcuffs. She could have saved me... Jumping into a raging river like that... That would have been suicide!" Dahlia said, worried.
"Objection!" Mia said, doing the Objection pose. "Perhaps... But still, that's exactly what you did! You were probably confident that you could handle the swift current. But even more so... ...the witness had a much more compelling reason for jumping into the river!"
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Oh? Then what was it!? What was so important that she'd want to jump into the river!?"
"The witness is still alive. This fact alone explains everything! This is why she risked her life by jumping into the rapids of the Eagle River!" Mia said, doing the Take that pose. "Take that!" She then presented the diamond to the court. "Five years ago... ...something else disappeared along with Dahlia that day. The item that Valerie brought up the mountain with her... The 2 million dollar diamond!"
"...!" Dahlia said.
"AAAAAHHH!! N... No... It-It can't be...!" Edgeworth said, looking at Mia.
"Yes. Dahlia had it all planned from the beginning! The 2 million dollars... She was going to keep it all for herself! She forced Mr. Fawles to help her fake the kidnapping…" Mia said, with me imagining a gunshot. "At the last minute, she betrayed him and threw herself into the river... ...with the ransom tucked away safely in her backpack…"
"Why that's... that's simply ridiculous!" Edgeworth said.
"Order! Order! Order!" The Judge said.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "Y-Your Honor! Five years ago, the witness was only 14 years old! Do you really think a 14 year old is capable of such a demonic plan!?"
"This woman IS a demon. And there was one more person who helped make a demon out of her. Her sister... Valerie Hawthorne." Mia said.
"Y-You mean the victim was involved in the kidnapping plot as well!?" The Judge asked.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "But she was a detective then! You're saying she participated in her sister's kidnapping!?"
"Precisely! I'm sure that it weighed heavily on her conscience for the past 5 years. This is the sole reason behind the victim's murder." Mia said.
"What do you mean by that?" The Judge asked.
"On the day of the murder... ...after receiving the phone call from Mr. Fawles, Valerie called her sister, Dahlia. And then she told her what she was planning to do."
"'Planning to do'...?"
"She was going to tell the whole truth…" I said, squeezing Mia's hand. "As she wrote in her note!"
"THAT is what sealed Valerie Hawthorne's fate... THAT is when you hatched your demonic plan to kill two birds with one stone. A plan that would ensure neither of your accomplices to the kidnapping would talk. And THAT is why... ...you killed your sister, Valerie Hawthorne!" Mia said, looking at Dahlia.
"... Hee hee…" Dahlia said, laughing a lot.
"Wh-Who is that!? Laughing at a time like this!" The Judge said, angrily.
"Forgive me. It's just hilarious…" Dahlia said.
"W-Witness? Is that you?"
"You amuse me, woman! MS. MIA FEY…"
"...!" Mia said.
"You can certainly weave an exciting tale... Naturally... you have the evidence to back it up, don't you?" Dahlia asked.
"Ev-Evidence...?"
"Evidence that I planned the kidnapping, of course... That at 14, I plotted it with Mr. Fawles and my sister."
"W-Well, I…"
"And one more thing. What happened to the 2 million dollar diamond? If you can't provide evidence to at least show that…"
"Hmmmmm... Well, Ms. Fey?" The Judge asked.
"I... I don't know…" Mia said.
"What a joke. YOU, MS. FEY... Are you stupid or something?" Dahlia asked.
"Nnrgh...!" Mia said, as she thought about this to herself. 'How can I prove a fake kidnapping that happened 5 years ago!? I don't even have decisive proof of Valerie Hawthorne's murder…'
"Well it seems... that we've come to the end. To be honest, the witness's behavior does raise certain suspicions... However, I am forced to reject the assertions made by the defense." The Judge said.
"Of course you are." Dahlia said.
"Mia, don't give up!" I said, as Mia thought this to herself. 'Is this it...? Is it really over...? That girl has made a fool of me and there's nothing I can do about it!'
"Since when is a trial over without evidence? Who the hell decided that?"
"Jared!" MIa said, looking at me.
"Mia, you got this. Haven't you figured this out yet? You can make your own rules. Even if there's no evidence, there is still testimony!" I said, excitedly.
"T-Testimony...?"
"Jared's right, Kitten. On the day in question, Dahlia Hawthorne murdered her sister, Valerie Hawthorne. She hid her body in the trunk of Mr. Fawles's stolen car and then went to meet with him... ...disguised as her sister, Valerie Hawthorne. That's what you think, right?" Armando asked.
"Y-Yes, that's right…" Mia said, sadly.
"In that case, there's only one answer, right? There is only one person left who can testify about Valerie Hawthorne's murder!" Armando said.
"There is one person that can testify to that demon woman's crimes. There is no proof. You're not wrong there, Mia. Your client can help you." I said, smugly.
"Take that!" Mia said, doing the Take that pose and presenting the Terry Fawles profile. "Your Honor! The defense wishes to call a new witness!"
"A new witness?" The Judge asked.
"Yes! We would like to hear the testimony of Terry Fawles!"
"The defendant...!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"There's only one person that can shed any further light on the situation... Only one person that knows what Dahlia's role in the kidnapping was... Only one person that can say whether the person in the photo is Valerie Hawthorne... ...or whether it was in fact her younger sister Dahlia, disguised as her. There's only one person who can solve this riddle once and for all... And that person is... Terry Fawles!" Mia said.
"Well, Mr. Edgeworth? What is your take on this?" The Judge asked.
"... Why not? The prosecution has no objection." Edgeworth said.
"Very well. Bailiff! Bring the defendant to the witness stand!"
"Mia, this is your last chance. Terry Fawles will be able to help you expose Dahlia's guilt. He's all you have left!" I said, squeezing Mia's hand.
"Defendant, you've heard everything that's been said up to this point, yes?" The Judge asked, as Fawles is at the witness stand.
"Uhh... Umm... I don't believe it! No way! Dahlia died! Five years ago! Valerie betrayed me!" Fawles said.
"Mr. Fawles... I don't know what she said to you 5 years ago, but one thing is clear. Dahlia is very much alive. And you were used. For 2 million dollars." Mia said.
"That's... Not... True…" Fawles said, sadly.
"Mr. Fawles. There's only one question I want the answer to. Two days ago on Dusky Bridge... who did you meet? Was it Valerie Hawthorne? Or was it Dahlia Hawthorne?" The Judge asked.
"Dahlia... Dahlia... Did you... betray me? ... Five years ago she promised... She promised... Never, ever betray each other…"
"Terry…" Dahlia said, frowning.
"Dahlia! It-It's true! You are alive...!" Fawles said, looking at Dahlia.
"You don't trust me anymore? That makes me sad."
"Tell the truth! The real truth! I... I believed in you!"
"... I shouldn't NEED to say it. You should already know…"
"...!"
"But... There is one thing that I WILL say. My life is in your hands right now, Terry."
"Dah...lia…" Fawles said.
"I will allow Mr. Fawles to testify once and once only. Well then, Mr. Fawles. Yours will be the final testimony in this trial." The Judge said.
"..." Fawles said.
"Witness!"
"GAAAAAAAHHH!!!!"
"Eeeeek! I'm sorry! I apologize!"
"Uwah! Uwah! UWAAAAH!! W-Water! P-Please! Water!" Fawles said.
"Hmm?" Mia asked.
"Can't talk... Need water…"
"Here you go." I said, going into my backpack and tossing Fawles a bottle of water. "Enjoy. Some Dasani."
"UWAAAAAH…" Fawles said, drinking the bottle of water.
Witness Testimony
-- Who Terry Fawles Saw --
"That day... 4 PM... I stopped the car. I was in front of bridge… She wasn't there...So, I waited on bridge. I watched my car from bridge. I never put no body in that car! Finally, one woman came. She stood front of me. We talked... Then she left. That was... That was Valerie. Not my Dahlia!" Fawles said.
"Mr. Fawles! You're covering for her! Do you think she would do the same for you...!?" Mia exclaimed.
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "That's enough, Ms. Fey! His last statement was a fitting way to end the final testimony of the trial…"
"...!"
"Well then, Ms. Fey... Please proceed with your cross-examination." The Judge said.
"Mia…" I said, and Mia thought this to herself. 'Is this how you want it to end, Mr. Fawles? Another guilty verdict to go along with your death sentence!?'
"There's only one person who can stop it... You, Kitten. ...I think." Armando said, looking at Mia.
Cross Examination
-- Who Terry Fawles Saw --
"That day... 4 PM... I stopped the car. I was in front of bridge…" Fawles said.
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "According to the note, the meeting was supposed to take place at 4:30. You certainly arrived early, didn't you?"
"It was raining... Already dark, too…"
"You waited on the bridge for 30 minutes?"
"..."
"Mr. Fawles...?"
"Eagle Mountain... That spot... Strong, strong memories…" Fawles said.
"..."
"Mia, he's hiding something." I said, sipping on my bubble tea. "The photo could help him open up."
"She wasn't there... So, I waited on bridge." Fawles said.
"Hold it!" Mia said, doing the Hold it pose. "You were quite early, so you waited on the bridge, correct?"
"Yeah... I like waiting. I'm used to it." Fawles said.
"I'm sure he is. Zebra Boy waited 5 years to ask a single question... To find out why a woman betrayed him. To him, 30 minutes must've been like a blink of the eye." Armando said.
"Objection!" Mia said, presenting the Witness's Photo. "So when you got to the bridge, no one had arrived, huh? So you waited on the bridge... You're sure of that?"
"... Yeah. I'm sure." Fawles said.
"You're sure, huh...? Well then I'm sure too, Mr. Fawles... I'm sure that you're lying." Mia said.
"Huh! Uhh... Wah... Wah! Wah! WAAAH!!"
"Oh? I would love to hear your rationale on this, Ms. Fey…" Edgeworth said.
"You want to know who arrived at the bridge first? Just look at this photo. It's perfectly clear. Obviously the person that came first would be the one at the end of the bridge, right?" Mia asked.
"B-But that's the victim at the end of the bridge!"
"Precisely my point. In other words, Mr. Fawles... You must have arrived at the bridge after she did."
"Nng... Urkkk... Ahhh... Ggggaah... Blah…" Fawles said.
"... Umm, Mr. Fawles. Please don't get so worked up. We just want the truth." Mia said.
"... I got there around 4 o'clock. It's true."
"...!"
"I... I had somewhere to go. A special place…"
"Did you go to this special place before you went to the bridge?" The Judge asked.
"Yeah... It's an old temple about 15 minutes from the bridge. Five years ago, me and Dahlia... We promised each other... We swore we wouldn't betray each other... She brought a memento... To represent... our love." Fawles said.
"A memento...?" Mia asked.
"Five years ago, I hid it under base of tree there. It's a special memory for me. This is it... This is what I went to get." Fawles said, taking out the memento.
"This little bottle on a necklace is your memento? It's quite charming... but it looks empty." The Judge said.
"Your Honor! You heard what my client said. He arrived at the scene at 4 o'clock. But he then left his car unattended and walked away! He was gone for approximately 30 minutes!" Mia said.
"Urk...!" Edgeworth said.
"With that much time... ...Dahlia Hawthorne could have easily hidden the body in the trunk of his car!"
"N-NOOOOOOO!"
"Indeed... There certainly was enough time for it!" The Judge said.
"Mia, you still have a chance to save him!" I said, excitedly.
"Mr. Fawles! There's no mistaking it!" Mia said, looking at Fawles.
"... Urp!" Fawles said.
"Huh? Mr. Fawles...!?" Mia asked.
"Th-That's enough... Please…" Fawles said.
"W-Witness?" The Judge asked.
"I-I promised her... 5 years ago... If it ever happens... ...that we can't trust each other no more... Then... ...we're supposed to... drink... bottle…" Fawles said, untwisting the bottle to open it up. "Ugh…"
"N-No! Stop the trial! Your Honor! We need a recess!" Edgeworth said, worried.
"I... I was stupid... Couldn't... keep... promise... So I did it... I... drank... this…" Fawles said.
"No! We are so close! Just a little more... I was going to prove your innocence!" Mia said, looking at Fawles.
"No... Don't want that... Don't... trust... self... Maybe kill again... Kill sweet Dahlia... again…"
"Mr. Fawles!" I said, looking at Fawles.
"Mr. Sh... Shay... Th-Thanks... For the... water…" Fawles said, drinking the liquid.
"MR. FAAAAAAAAWLES!!!!" Mia yelled.
"And so my first trial ended... Suddenly, and tragically. It ended with no winners... Only losers. I ended up with a wound that cut so deep into my soul, I thought it'd never heal. I'm sure it was the same for the young prosecutor as well." Mia said, looking at Armando and I as Dahlia is walking out of the courtroom. "But one person... The true criminal, Dahlia Hawthorne... She left the courtroom with a secret smile on her demonically sweet face."
"Damn it!" I said, smacking my fist onto the table. "We were so close! Curse you Dahlia Hawthorne!"
"Yeah. It's unforgivable... That witch…" Armando said, sadly.
"M-Mr. Armando…" Mia said, letting out tears.
"We were so close to the truth. It was right there in front of us. You were just a little too soft, Kitten…"
"It's my fault! It's all my fault that Mr. Fawles killed himself!"
"Don't cry, Kitten. You're going to make my coffee all salty." Armando said, hugging Mia.
"I-I knew it...! I kn-knew I wasn't cut out for this...!" Mia said, crying a lot.
"... Mia…" Armando said.
"...!"
"Don't you get it? You can't cry yet. The only time a lawyer can cry is when it's all over." Armando said.
"Mia, your journey has just begun." I said, smiling. "You can't give up after this."
"Jared…" Mia said, looking between Armando and I. "M-Mr. Armando…"