The most beautiful roses have their cruelest thorn

Third persons' a charm

They really seemed to be smugly insinuating subtle disrespectful tones at each other. I wonder, do they know each other otherwise?

"Kenji...There were more text messages. Before you are the victim asking Mr. Maloles for proof for the message he sent, to then tell all the seniors." Mr. River elaborated. He went on his laptop, put on his blue and black glasses, and began clicking. Projected on the screen was precisely what Mr. River said. Kenji? That's Prosecutor Kurt's first name? 

"Ridiculous! I would've really like to have known that!" Kurt announced vexed. His head was down, but his eyes were looking up, thus giving River a death glare.

"This was a request from the defendant to check her phone messages. However, she didn't mention Mr. Maloles at all." Mr. River mentioned looking at me with a serious expression. 

"What?! Why wouldn't you tell him about Mr. Maloles, if you knew he was most likely involved?" Asked the judge.

"I didn't think it was important!" I replied. I felt like little tears were starting to build up in my eyes. Daniel... why would you be an accomplice, here?

"Judge!" The bailiff came bursting in. 

"I have the results of the container!" He announced.

"Oh, thank you!" He said eager, with a one-page file in his hand.

"Hm, hold on. Oh, It's a bottle of allergy medicine!" the judge announced.

"What?!" River cried.

"But, where did the real poison go?" Asked the judge. Yeah, why would she keep allergy medicine with her? But, it looked like a full bottle.

"That is currently unknown. but, we now know we know this was all for payback to frame the defendant for a crime Ms. Scarlett and the victim were in on!" River exclaimed.

The gallery began its rupturing chaos. It was at that moment, the prosecution broke through the silence like broken glass.

"Objection!!" Everyone including the bewildered judge and Mr. River who began to lose hope glared at him.

"Now, why would she kill Mr. Taurus and not Ms. Madden? Wouldn't she want to get rid of the woman who got her into trouble?" Asked Kurt in his usual smug tone.

"You're overlooking one important fact. Not only did she want Armando, but she also had plenty of other guys on her list." Mr. River enlightened as Kurt scoffed in disgust by the sound of that.

"Ms. Scarlett had a history of constant dates with multiple guys. Since Mr. Taurus ended up "Falling for her", they worked as a team to protect themselves, and to keep doing what they loved. Which was, as the defendant told me was for drugs. Of course, the next part of the plan was to hide the murder weapon. That proves that Ms. Scarlett could've killed Mr. Taurus!" River exclaimed pointing his finger at Aaliyana. He then walked up to her. 

"The innocent act is up, witness. You might as well confess your crimes to this court!" He enlightened.

"Objection!! Do you have decisive evidence, along with the text messages Ms. Scarlett was behind this? You see, it could be the defendant who was in a secret relationship with Mr. Maloles. It could've resulted in reckless actions. Consequently, the victim heard about the message, and then carried out revenge?" Kurt explained.

"Oh, really?" Mr. River's tone converted to anger.

"Can you verify that?"

"I am not the one who has to prove something, defense..." Mr. Kurt emphasized.

"No... it's not true." I said loud enough for them to hear. I would never partake in such betrayal to myself or anyone else no matter who they are. I admit I've made some mistakes, but does he have proof, somehow? I mean his head is down on the desk, as the sun's rays shine down on him, peeking through the clouds.

"It seems the defense has nothing, meaning this is pure conjecture," Kurt claimed, closing his laptop for good. The periwinkle glowing symbol of the laptop brand became dark and black. Just like my hope becoming lost. No... this can't be it. It can't be over. I felt like breaking down on this witness stand. I look behind me. Aaliyana had a smirk on her face. Although, she was looking at Mr. River.

"I believe you're right, Mr. Kurt. I will have no choice but to hand down the verdict!" The judge declared. No, after everything he sacrificed for me, what else is there. I thought as I began to lose hope.

"Objection!" Called Mr. River, saving the day. I no longer saw that floundering expression anymore. I looked at him appalled, with relief in my eyes. He was able to buy more time! But, how?

"The defense requests..." Started Mr. River.

"That Daniel Maloles take the stand to testify!" Mr. River declared.

"But, he's not in this courtroom." Informed the judge.

"Then let's contact him, why don't we?" Mr. River responded.

"Ms. Madden, do you have Mr. Maloles's number?" He asked desperately hoping for one answer. But, that one answer is the only honest one.

"Yes, of course!" I replied confidently. The gavel bangs.

"Very well, we'll contact Mr. Maloles ASAP! Prosecutor Kurt, do you have any objections?" Asked the judge.

"...Unfortunately, I don't," Kurt replied, glaring at me, for some reason. Did he really think I was behind this, or does he know what really happened? If he does, then there's no need to hold back.

"This court will reconvene!" The gavel bangs once again. I was escorted to another lobby with Mr. River and Angelina. It looked almost the same as the prior lobby. I was silent like I couldn't speak. Although, I didn't feel afraid anymore. I felt confident I will get what I deserve.

"Well, I bought you some time..." River said starting a conversation, breaking the silence. I sat on the sofa taking a small mental break.

"I'm thankful. but, I'm worried you don't have the evidence to prove me innocent." I mentioned.

"Don't worry, we'll find a way," Angelina assured. Though, it was the first time I saw two contagious smiles together.

"Thanks," I replied, smiling back.

"But, now, I think Mr. Kurt had the same idea I had before," Angelina mentioned becoming serious. 

"Why would she not get you, but Mr. Taurus. Since they were partners in crime, why did he have to go?" Angelina added. I can see Mr. river was still figuring it out. 

"You're right. I mean, It was still to frame her, regardless. But, If we have Mr. Turnbull testify, then we can uncover new information." Mr. River enlightened. But, even I was still trying to figure out why. It didn't make the most sense. The bailiff called us about 30 minutes later. I followed Mr. River and Angelina.

3.19.21