Professor Layton and the Angel's Prophecy

The Turnabout Demon - Part Eight

The gavel struck down, and the room fell eerily silent. All eyes now turned to the stern-faced judge.

"The court is now in session for the trial of Costillos Monriel."

Edgeworth said, "The prosecution is ready, Your Honour."

"The defence is ready, Your Honour," Phoenix stated.

Pulling at his beard, the judge regarded both men, and then his eyes flicked over to where Costillos Monriel would be standing soon. There was no doubt about it, the man was slimy, definitely not the man they all thought he was, but without firm evidence, he was still a free, innocent one. His eyes found Phoenix once more, and he gave a slight nod, his lips curling in, dare he say It, a smile...?

Yes, Phoenix would uncover this, and though Edgeworth hated to lose, the judge was sure now that the proud man didn't mind losing to a friend. Sure, he could be harsh, as sharp as a rock, but this was a friendly rivalry. The only hard feeling to be had here today would be between the winning side and Costillos Monriel.

"Mr Wright," the judge said, eyes examining the whole man. "Are you sure you're alright after last night's... Kerfuffle?"

Phoenix's lip formed a slight grin.

"Of course, Your Honour. All I did was drive the car. If you should be asking anyone if they are alright, it should be Hershel Layton and Luke Triton. They risked their lives to bring in a perp."

The judge's weren't the only eyes now to fall on the Professor and Luke, as everyone in the courtroom looked with an air of disbelief, and awe. The story had made headlines, and it didn't help the group as they sought to just go home and rest for the following day's trial. But after all the interviews, and clearing matters up, they returned to their homes with triumphant grins. They had captured Brand, and this trial was now back underway.

Hershel could feel Brand's vehemence from the next room. He knew that the police chief and Monriel were kept in separate rooms, which was for the best, but now they had two vile men to defeat, otherwise their lives would be infinitely more dangerous. But Hershel had faith, and glancing down to his beaming apprentice, he saw that Luke did too.

"And of course," Phoenix continued, coughing as he nodded in the direction of his friend, Gumshoe, way in the back of the courtroom, almost hidden in the frock. "Detective Gumshoe should be commended for his bravery. If not for him, things might have gotten too ugly. As it was, no one was hurt."

The judge mumbled his agreement, and then tried his best to adopt a grim expression.

"Well, thanks aside, we do have a trial to get on with." His eyes met Edgeworth's now, the prosecutor pleased that the attention was now back on him. "Mr. Edgeworth, your opening statement please."

Crossing his arms, Edgeworth adopted a stern tone. "As the details of the event, and last night's thrilling incident are already quite clear to the court, today we will resume hearing Mr Triton's testimony."

"I see. Very well, the defence may call its witness."

Phoenix nodded, feeling confident – a rare thing for his first day in court, let alone his second.

"I would like to call Mr Triton to the stand!"

As Clark was led up to the witness stand, breaths were held and for once, Phoenix was glad that Costillos wasn't here to interrupt.

"Please..." Phoenix stopped and glanced at the judge. "Do I really have to introduce Mr Triton to the court again? I mean, we all already know his name."

The judge mused it over, but then shook his head.

"That we may, but what do we become if we begin to throw away traditions?"