Morix: Web of Mistrust

Turnabout Deception, Part 1

Cotoli didn't give me a response, instead focusing his attention back on the case at hand, but I knew that he was thinking it just as much as I was. Why the hell had Mr. Strann insisted on asking us about Oracle rather than telling us about his alibi? What a frustrating man. 

"The defense would like to know what it was that the victim and defendant were discussing the day of the crime," Cotoli declared, frowning slightly as he looked to Prosecutor Shield. "I'm afraid that we didn't hear much on the subject of this case since we were put on it at the last minute."

"I was thinking that perhaps we could do something better," Prosecutor Shield said. "After the detective investigating the case testifies, we could have her come to the stand and explain what happened the day of the crime. She's the only one who can tell us about what happened at the time aside from our other witness, though she would naturally know more on the matter."

"Other witness?" I echoed, realizing belatedly that I was loud enough for the prosecution and judge to hear me. I didn't really care though, too shocked by the idea that there was another witness in the first place. I sure as hell didn't see that one coming. 

"Yes. There was one other witness who was present at the time of the crime, but we won't be hearing from him for quite a while since we need to hear the details behind the case first," Prosecutor Shield replied. "For the time being, I suggest that we call the lead detective to the stand to ask her about the details of the case. She can perhaps fill in a few gaps in what we know about the case."

"Of course," Cotoli nodded. "I think that hearing from her would greatly benefit us. We didn't even have time to speak with the defendant due to how long it took us to take on this case, so that would help us out more than we could possibly tell you."

"The prosecution wishes to call Vera Wattson to the witness stand!" Prosecutor Shield declared, pointing to the stand. 

A few seconds later, Detective Wattson appeared and walked up to the stand, taking her place. She had a small smile on her face, and I must admit that it was calming to see her looking so relaxed and calm. It helped me a little bit to calm the screaming of the storm raging in my head, and I took a deep breath, trying to focus on her and relax. 

"Please state your name and occupation for the court," Judge Frost instructed gently. 

"My name is Vera Wattson. I'm a homicide detective working at the local precinct," Detective Wattson replied with a small nod. "I'm also the lead detective on this trial, in case you haven't already noticed."

"Would you please give the court a few details about this case? We would like to hear a breakdown of the events that took place the day of the crime in order that they occurred," Judge Frost told her. 

"Of course," Detective Wattson nodded. "I'll start from the beginning. If you have any questions, feel free to ask for more detail. I get the feeling you'll need it."

~ Witness Testimony ~

~ The Events of the Assault ~

-"The victim went to visit the defendant at his house yesterday when the crime took place."

-"I'm afraid we aren't aware as to what they were discussing, but the victim herself can explain that in more detail later on."

-"The conversation escalated into an argument, and the two began to yell at each other in anger."

-"The victim was hit on the back of the head by a vase, knocking her unconscious immediately."

-"The vase somehow remained intact, and while there was blood found on it surface belonging to the victim, no fingerprints were lifted."

-"The defendant called the police soon after the crime took place, and when they arrived, he was arrested as the primary suspect for the crime."

"I suppose that helps us out a little bit..." I murmured. I already knew exactly what Cotoli was going to aim for when it came to finding a weakness in that testimony. It was a rather glaring contradiction when looked at from a logical standpoint, and he had never been the type to let things like that pass him by. 

"I think that this is going to be rather easy," Cotoli said, nudging me gently with his elbow. "See? I told you that we would have everything under control, Chrysalis."

"I just have to wonder where this is going to lead us afterwards... Perhaps she'll get off the stand after this initial testimony and let Polly tell us about what happened," I said with a small shrug. "Only time will tell."

"Please begin your cross-examination now," Judge Frost instructed. 

"We'll get right to it," Cotoli nodded. 

~ Cross-Examination ~

~ The Events of the Assault ~

-"The victim went to visit the defendant at his house yesterday when the crime took place."

-"I'm afraid we aren't aware as to what they were discussing, but the victim herself can explain that in more detail later on."

-"The conversation escalated into an argument, and the two began to yell at each other in anger."

-"The victim was hit on the back of the head by a vase, knocking her unconscious immediately."

-"The vase somehow remained intact, and while there was blood found on it surface belonging to the victim, no fingerprints were lifted."

-"The defendant called the police soon after the crime took place, and when they arrived, he was arrested as the primary suspect for the crime."

"Objection!"

Cotoli placed one hand on his chin as he thought aloud. "I have to ask you... Why would the defendant call the police if he was the one who committed the crime? That would draw attention to him, wouldn't it?" he asked. "Perhaps it would make more sense if someone else committed the crime and then called the police. After all, why would the culprit be the one who call for help?"

"I must admit that it doesn't make much sense," Detective Wattson murmured. "I wasn't involved with making the arrest. I was placed on this case belatedly as well, and all that I heard came from the officer who was looking over the incident initially."

"Perhaps he called the police to draw attention away from himself. After all, if he called the police, then people wouldn't think that he committed the crime," Prosecutor Shield suggested. 

"I think that it's time for us to hear from the victim of the crime herself. Perhaps she'll be able to shed a bit more light on what happened when the crime took place," I said. "I believe that she will be able to fill in the missing gaps of information that we aren't aware of at the moment."

"I agree," Judge Frost agreed with a nod. "Witness, you may step down from the stand at this time."

Detective Wattson and stepped away from the podium. "If you need anything else from me, feel free to ask later on," she said. She walked back to her place soon after, leaving the witness stand vacant once again. 

"Alright, prosecution," Judge Frost said once the stand was open. "You may call your next witness at this time. I assume the defense does not object to this."

"No, the defense doesn't have any objections," Cotoli confirmed. I could tell that he was proud that we were able to get through the first testimony without any major hiccups. Maybe this wouldn't go as horrible as I thought. 

"The prosecution calls Polly Burke to the witness stand!" Prosecutor Shield declared. 

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New book ayyyy

I'll give it a cover soon promise

-Digital