Kiyo Loo & The Dual Destinies

Second Case

As my phone rang with Detective Kenny's name flashing on the screen, I answered with a sense of urgency. "Kenny, what's the latest?" I inquired, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"Kiyo, I've been trying to reach Prosecutor Han, but he's not answering his phone. Is he in his office?" Detective Kenny's voice sounded urgent on the other end.

I hesitated for a moment, grappling with how to deliver the news. "Kenny, I'm afraid I have some grave news. Prosecutor Han... he's... he's dead," I finally revealed, the weight of the words heavy on my tongue.

"Dead?" Detective Kenny's voice echoed with shock. "But how... and why?"

"It's a long story," I began, recounting the events that had unfolded in my office earlier. "And now, my assistant, Cindy, has been arrested as the suspect. They suspect that it was Cindy who poison Prosecutor Han to death."

"That's unfortunate, but let's set that aside for now. Did Prosecutor Han happen to mention his plan for the case he was working on?" Detective Kenny asked, pushing past the grim news of Prosecutor Han's death with a determined focus.

"What news do you mean?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"The diamond case," Detective Kenny clarified. "Prosecutor Han intended to appoint you as the defence attorney for that case. He went to your office personally to persuade you to take it on."

I sighed heavily, the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders. "I'm sorry, Kenny," I apologised, "but I can't commit to any case right now. I need to focus on my assistant's situation first before making any decisions. I promised her that I'll defend her in court."

There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end before Detective Kenny spoke again, his voice tinged with disbelief. "This is unbelievable. Prosecutor Han was confident that he could convince you to take on the case we've been investigating involving the diamond. He specifically asked me to submit your name as the defence attorney, and it can't be changed last minute."

"You did what?" I exclaimed with shock, "Kenny, I can't take on additional case now!"

"I'm sorry, Kiyo." Detective Kenny continued, "I didn't think any of this is going to happen, but you know the rules, names submitted cannot be changed within a short notice period. The case is set to commence in 4 days, we simply don't have enough time to submit for change."

My mind raced as I processed the information. I knew the weight of the decision I was about to make. On one hand, I could focus on the diamond case, knowing that the name on the case cannot be change, and pray that Cindy will be release or let other defence attorney take up the role of protecting Cindy, my loyal assistant who had stood by me through thick and thin. or, on the other hand I have to take both cases together.

Despite the overwhelming pressure and uncertainty, I knew that I couldn't abandon Cindy in her time of need. She had been more than just an assistant to me, she was a loyal friend and confidante. I couldn't turn my back on her now.

"Kenny, I understand the situation," I said firmly, my voice resolute. "I'll handle both cases simultaneously if needed."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Detective Kenny responded, his voice filled with concern. "Are you sure about this, Kiyo? Taking on two high-stakes cases at once... it's going to be incredibly challenging."

"I know. Although the case for Cindy is not confirmed yet," I replied, my tone unwavering. "But I can't let Cindy down. And I won't let Prosecutor Han's trust in me go to waste. I think the poisoning must have something to do with the diamond case, these two cases might be linked. I'll find a way to navigate through this."

With a heavy heart and a determined spirit, I ended the call with Detective Kenny and prepared myself for the daunting task ahead. I needed to formulate a strategy to defend Cindy and uncover the truth behind Prosecutor Han's death, all while preparing for the upcoming diamond case.

As I sat alone in my office, the weight of the responsibility I had shouldered settled over me like a suffocating blanket. But I refused to succumb to despair. With each challenge that lay ahead, I would face it head-on, drawing strength from the conviction that justice would prevail in the end.

First, I needed to focus on gathering information about the diamond case. While Cindy's situation was still under investigation, it was possible that she might not even need my protection in court. Perhaps it was just a simple matter of questioning at the police station, and they would eventually release her once they realised their mistake.

With that in mind, I retrieved the case file that Prosecutor Han had left with me during our meeting earlier. Flipping through the pages, I reviewed the details of the case, noting down key points and potential leads.

The case presented a tangled web of complexity. At its centre was Lee Jun Xiang, the eldest son of the family, slated to inherit a diamond valued at approximately 13 million dollars. The prime suspect in the case was his younger brother, Lee Jun Wei, suspected of orchestrating his brother's murder to thwart his claim to the valuable inheritance diamond.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest, inflicted by a common knife readily available for purchase in any store. Upon examination, the murder weapon was found to be covered in the suspect's fingerprints, further implicating them in the crime.

As I delved deeper into the details of the diamond case, my phone rang once again, this time displaying an unknown number. With a sense of trepidation, I answered the call, unsure of what to expect.

"Hello?" I greeted cautiously.

The voice on the other end was cold and authoritative. "Mr. Kiyo Loo," it began, "I represent the Lee family. I'm calling to advise you to cease your investigation into the diamond case."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "And why would the Lee family want me to stop investigating?" I countered, my voice steady despite the uncertainty.

"That is none of your concern," the voice retorted sharply. "What matters is that you comply. We have conducted our own investigation, and we expect you to simply deliver a guilty verdict for Lee Jun Wei when the time comes."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "But why would they want their own son to be found guilty?" I pressed, my mind racing with questions.

"As I mentioned, Mr Loo, that's not for you to question," the voice replied icily. "Consider this a warning, Mr. Loo. If you continue to investigate, things will get ugly, starting with your wife."

My heart sank at the threat, my pulse quickening with fear and anger. "I'm not asking you to stop investigating," the voice continued ominously. "I'm telling you to stop investigating. If you don't comply, there will be consequences."

With a click, the call ended, leaving me shaken and unsettled. The weight of the threat hung heavy in the air, casting a dark shadow over my resolve.

It was becoming clear that I was entangled in the affairs of one of Singapore's powerful trio families. Dealing with two influential families in two separate cases was unexpected. First, the Tan family insisted on accessing details about the witnesses in Ding Tang's case. Now, the Lee family is pressuring me to secure a guilty verdict for their own son. This situation was becoming increasingly complex and dangerous.

I might need Sally's help in this one... Only she can get access to the Tan family, and maybe the help that I desperately need.

With a deep breath, I steeled myself for the challenges that lay ahead. The road ahead would be fraught with peril, but I was determined to see it through to the end. For Cindy, for Prosecutor Han, and for the pursuit of truth and justice.