Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Runaway Killers #Wattys2015

Chapter 9: Turnabout Model-Trial 2

February 13 9:30am

District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 2

Maya was sat on the sofa whilst I stood in front of her, pacing backwards and forwards. (How was the crime committed? Why did he have to commit it? There's so many questions I have to answer today... where do I begin?)

"Mr. Wriiiiiiight! Maaayaaa!" a female voice suddenly cried out. I jumped and turned towards the courthouse entrance. Rose was rushing towards us with a smile spread across her face. Her bright pink handbag hung loosely from her fingers. Maya jumped up from the sofa to greet our client. "Good morning, Rose! You seem very cheery today." Rose nodded. "Yeah, well, today's the final court day! After today, I'll finally be able to go back to modelling!" (Rose is really excited... Does she believe in me that much?)

The court's doors opened again and Mrs. Style entered the lobby, holding a black binder, almost filled to the brim with papers. She looked better than yesterday, what with that loud argument between her and Mr. DaFabulosi. "Good morning, everyone." she said. "Apologies for my late arrival. I had a little... something to collect." She gestured to the binder. That binder really piqued my curiosity. What was in it?

Rose and Maya were happily chatting away on the sofa while we waited for court to start. That's when I noticed lots of noise coming from outside. I moved towards the window and peered outside, Mrs. Style quickly following behind me. "What's wrong, Mr. Wright?" she asked.

My eyes widened at what I saw: floods of people were gathered outside, from members of the general public to multiple cameramen, all dying to take pictures. A dozen police officers were holding back the onslaught while a few others were guiding someone-a woman- towards the courthouse.

Seconds later the courthouse doors once again flew open and the woman, as I suspected, was Amethyst.

"Amethyst!" Rose cried, standing up, immediately distracted from her conversation with Maya. An awkward silence hung in the air. I exchanged a glance with Maya and she shrugged. Nobody spoke until the bailiff emerged from the courtroom. "Court will commence in two minutes. Will the defense and defendant please proceed into the courtroom." Amethyst gave me a curt nod and rushed into the courtroom. Rose stared after her sister, sighed, and followed her.

I was about to enter the courtroom with Maya, but Mrs. Style stopped me. "Mr. Wright, please take this." she whispered, slipping me the black binder. "I'm sure you will need it in the trial." Will I need it? Only time will tell...

February 13 10:00am

District Court

Courtroom No.2

"Court is now in session for the trial of Rose Quartz." the judge announced.

"The defense is ready, Your Honour." I said. I looked across at the defendant's chair and saw Rose staring around at the gallery. (She must be looking for Amethyst...) With no luck, Rose turned back around and noticed me staring at her. She gave me a little smile and a wave, with a blush rising in her cheeks. I could feel the heat rising in my own face. (Agh! Th-this is no time to get embarrassed, Phoenix! You've got to focus on the trial!)

"The prosecution is also ready, Your Honour." Prosecutor Mitchell said, adjusting his glasses and a smirk playing on his lips. That smirk meant bad news, I was sure.

"Prosecutor Mitchell, did the added day of investigation turn up any new evidence?" the judge asked.

"Well," the prosecutor started. "As we are all aware, a certain... incident that happened yesterday here in court delayed the proceedings. The prosecution used this oppurtunity to investigate for more evidence and witnesses. The fruits of our investigation did, in fact, turn up a witness who..." He pointed at Rose. "...saw the defendant sneaking in to the victim's room!"