Greyout (HeiKazu detective/assassin fanfic)

Suspicion

“What do you mean, there will be another trial?”

“The lawyers of the accused have voiced doubts concerning the sentence and requested another hearing.”

Heizou stares at Kujou Sara in disbelief.

“Doubts? There are no doubts. That man is guilty and you know it. The judge knows it. I know it. How can there be doubts when all the evidence is there? I made sure the evidence is there. How–”

Heizou breaks off and runs his hands through his hair in frustration.

“I know, Shikanoin. I dislike this just as much as you do but it’s already decided.”

Heizou presses his lips together, thinking and debating whether he should say the thought that came to him immediately out loud or not.

“The judge might be bought.”

Madam Kujou narrows her eyes at him.

“Watch your tongue, Shikanoin. I know this must be disappointing for you but you should be very careful making these kinds of accusations. You’re lucky this is a private conversation. If word gets out that you’re insulting the higher ups I might not be able to make more excuses for you. I do that enough as it is.”

Heizou wants to tell her that it’s not an insult if it’s true but he keeps his mouth shut. He shouldn’t push her. Her patience is limited, especially with him. The past weeks, months actually, work at the police station had been stressful. It’s taxing even for Heizou and unlike her he doesn’t carry the brunt of all the responsibilities. It’s no wonder her nerves are frayed.

“You’ll be expected to make another statement and present your evidence.”

Heizou has done that already months ago. By the book. Nothing about his investigation in this particular case could be criticized. He'd been so thorough. And in the end it was obvious that the accused was indeed the sick fuck who had raped a child and sold the video material to others much like him. Heizou had fought so hard to bring justice to the brave fourteen year old who’d gone through hell and back. These cases are horrible but they are the ones that remind Heizou why he chose this career in the first place.

It had felt good when the man had received a long prison sentence. But this, this is a slap to the face not only for him but the victim as well. Is this what justice has become?

“I’ll go prepare my statement then.” Heizou says stiffly and marches out of General Kujou’s office without waiting for her to dismiss him.

It’s all for nothing in the end. Heizou feels sick when he watches the self-satisfied smile of the defendant’s lawyer at their victory. Heizou had tried so hard. And he feels terrible for letting down the victim and her loved ones. But he doesn’t know what he could have done differently to change this outcome. He still thinks the judge is bought. He hasn’t dared to voice it again and as infuriating as it is he has neither the resources nor the time to investigate a corrupt judge.

The reasoning was ridiculous. The girl looked mature for her age. How was the accused supposed to tell she was a child if she didn’t look fourteen? There were no signs of struggle. Not in the videos and not on the victim's body. Maybe she consented. Heizou’s evidence was lacking. The videos were of too poor quality to be relevant.

Heizou had been sitting in his seat with clenched fists and gritted teeth trying to hold back an outburst of frustration. He’s usually relaxed in court but this case was too important to him. He’d been aware of Kujou Sara side-eyeing him carefully during the trial. She could tell how upset he was, probably torn between sympathy and feeling responsible as his superior to make sure he didn’t do anything stupid.