Objection, your Honor

Chapter 1 What do you plead?

The day for the arraignment came and it is vital for the accused to have a lawyer with him so that he will be aware of his rights and explain the information being read to him.

The accused is already there when Althea arrived however, his counsel is not with him.

"All rise, the Honorable Sixto Gamboa presiding. Silence is hereby enjoined." the Clerk of Court started and the judge entered the courtroom

Then the Clerk of Court started to read the case.

"For arraignment, Criminal Case number 27-0586. People of the Philippines versus Segundo Ventura for Multiple Homicide."

"Atty. Allegra Theadora Henares appearing as a prosecutor for the government, Your Honor." Althea introduced herself to the judge

The session already started but the counsel of the accused is nowhere to be found.

"Baka naman umatras na." she thought to herself

Since no legal counsel is there for the accused, the judge asked him.

"Mr. Ventura, do you have a lawyer or do you want the court to appoint a lawyer for you?"

Just when the accused was about to answer, the doors of the courtroom opened.

"Your Honor, I apologize for my tardiness." Leona apologized and entered the bar

When Althea saw her, she was frozen in her seat.

"Your Honor, I am Atty. Mara Leontine Guanzon, appearing as the defense counsel for the accused." Leona introduced herself

"Leona?!" Althea said in surprise

"Hello there, Atty. Henares." Leona responded

"Atty. Guanzon, you may be the best defense lawyer in Massachusetts but I do not tolerate tardiness during trial." the judge reprimanded her

"My apologies, your Honor. My flight was delayed but of course, it is still not a reason to be tardy and I do understand that tardiness does not have a place in our profession." Leona responded

"Very well. You may take your seat." the judge told her and she went to her seat so that the arraignment will be able to start

"For the case of multiple homicide, what does the defendant plea?" the judge asked

"Not guilty." the defendant answered

"We'll see you in trial, Atty. Henares and Atty. Guanzon."

After the arraignment trial, Leona went up to Althea.

"Gulat na gulat ka naman yata na ako ang hahawak sa kaso na 'to Allegra?" Leona asked her

"I-it's just that I did not expect that it was you. That's all." she responded

"I see. Good to see you again, Atty. Henares." Leona said and left

Kaia was waiting for her mother outside the courtroom and she approached her upon seeing her.

"Mama, you are so good in there." she told her

"Thank you, anak. What do you think? Maipapanalo ba ni mama?" she asked

"I must say, it will be a very tough fight. Napakagaling din noong prosecutor. You seem to know each other." Kaia responded

"We knew each other. It was in the past." Leona told her daughter

"So, you and Atty. Henares were what? Former best friends then had a bad blood, ganun?" Kaia asked her

"It was more than that, anak. Let's go?" Leona said changing the subject

"How was your online classes? I haven't asked you these past few weeks since I got this case." Leona asked

"It was fine, ma. My subjects were interesting." Kaia responded

They entered the car and Leona drove to their condo.

When they arrived, Kaia prepared their lunch so they can eat.

While setting the table, Kaia told her mom out of the blue.

"You know ma, I like Atty. Henares. She's so intelligent and beautiful."

"Indeed, she is." she responded