Ace Attorney: Mask of Deceit

Chapter 7: The Scholarly Turnabout - Trial 2 ~ Part 1

January 26 9:30am

District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 1 ~ Niamh Tenniswood's POV

"... Sorry, but I really have no idea." Jeff shook his head. "I don't really want to associate with things like that, anyway."

"I see." I simply replied.

When my client entered the lobby, I again asked him if he knew about a criminal that could be working with someone in the school. Again, his answer came up negative.

"I can't think of anyone who would want to do that." Kyle, who was also there with us, added. His comment seemed blunt; something else was apparently on his mind.

"Are you okay?" I asked. "You seem to the lost in thought about something."

Kyle nodded slowly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... when did she become a prosecutor...?"

"Are you talking about Little Niamh? She is really young for a prosecutor." Yuri said. "She started out at 14, I think."

"I don't believe it..." was all I heard Kyle mutter in response.

"Defense! Defendant! Proceed into the courtroom!" the bailiff yelled, as loud as ever.

(If I remember, Mr. Carey is to be the prosecution's witness today. We didn't even get to hear all he had to say yesterday. Just what will he say in his testimony...?)

January 26 10:00am

District Court

Courtroom No. 1

"Court is back in session." the judge announced. "Has any new information about the case come to light?"

"A new witness appeared yesterday." Prosecutor Wood told the judge. "He said he had valuable information on the crime, so I'd like to call him to the witness stand, Your Lor- um, Your Honour!"

"... Then your witness may take the stand, Prosecutor Wood." the judge nodded.

Mr. Carey, as calm as ever, approached the witness stand. Again, I noticed something off about him. Something I can't quite describe.

"Please tell us your name and occupation, witness." Prosecutor Wood requested.

"My name is Robert Carey." Mr. Carey told the court. "I am a student at Ashbrooke Boarding School."

"The prosecution has told us that you have some vital information. Is this true?" the judge asked.

"Yes, that's true." Mr. Carey confirmed. "I'd be happy to tell you what I know."

"Then please begin your testimony, Mr. Carey."

- Witness Testimony -

- The Defendant's Guilt -

"I can assure you that the defendant is guilty."

"Not only does he have no alibi..."

"... but I saw the very moment that he suddenly struck the victim."

"Terribly sorry for the inconvenience, Ms. Attorney."

I frowned: he leered in my direction upon finishing his testimony.

"That was nothing like what he told us yesterday!" Yuri exclaimed in anger. "He told us about the thief!"

"Thief?" Mr. Carey repeated. "I have no idea who you mean."

Yuri was clearly about to object, but I placed my hand on her arm to stop her. "Save your objections for the cross-examination." I reminded her.

"Okay, the defense may cross examine the witness!" Prosecutor Wood cried, pointing at us with her fingers.

"Hold on," I interrupted. "The defense wishes to cross-examine the witness psychologically."

"Oh, your psychology analysis thingy? That shouldn't be a problem."

(P-Psychology analysis 'thingy'...?)

- Cross Examination ~ Psychological Analysis -

"I can assure you that the defendant is guilty."

"Not only does he have no alibi..."

"... but I saw the very moment that he suddenly struck the victim."

*GOT IT!*

"You saw when the defendant attacked the victim?" I repeated. "I don't think so."

"Oh? And why don't you think so?" Mr. Carey asked, the same leering look returning to his eyes.

"Witnessing a murder would come as quite a shock to someone." I explained. "And yet, you displayed no shock whatsoever at that statement!"

*THINK AGAIN!*

"W-Well, this witness is quite a calm person!" Prosecutor Wood argued feebly. "M-Maybe he just wasn't as surprised as most people would be!"

*OBJECTION!*

"I find that very hard to believe." I shook my head. "I believe that this witness knew the murder was going to occur, and that's why he was not surprised!"

"But... why would this witness know about a murder, and not say anything about it?!" the judge exclaimed.

I crossed my arms, a victorious smirk on my face. "That's an easy one, Your Honour: this witness knew about the murder because he was the one who planned and committed it!"

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WOW THAT TOTALLY WASNT OBVIOUS AT ALL

NOPE NOT AT ALL

WELL I'LL JUST LEAVE NOW

AUTHOR'S NOTES ARE LIKE USELESS

AceAttorneyFan over and out!