Ace Attorney: Mask of Deceit

Chapter 18: The Defensive Turnabout - Investigation 1 ~ Part 1

"So would it be okay if I asked you some questions?"

"That case was 32 years ago! Why did you have to remind me about that?!"

"Amelia... I'm sorry I let this happen to him..."

"The boss of this agency is innocent! I know him, he wouldn't hurt a fly!"

"Yeah, she... she passed away 32 years ago... Seems like it was just yesterday I sat in the defendant's chair..."

"Th-This is... m-my father..."

"Five, six, seven, eight... no one can escape their fate!"

May 2 10:00am

Morix Law Offices - Yuri Rinko's POV

"Niaaaaaaaaaaaamh!" I cried out into the office. "I'm booooooooored!"

"I'm sure a case is waiting right around the corner." the strawberry blonde said calmly. "We just have to be patient."

I huffed; business had been unusually slow. We used to get clients every other day, but now it's here and there. Don't tell me another law office was stealing our spotlight!

We were in luck, however; there was a knock on the front door. Where there was a knock, there was a client! I ran to the door and pulled it open, greeting our visitor with a smile. It was a boy around my age, with white-blonde hair. His eyes were green and the jacket he wore was light blue, his jeans being a darker blue. He wore fluffy brown boots, so I assumed he lived in a cold place. "Th-This is Morix Law Offices, right?" he stammered.

"It sure is!" I nodded. "Come on in!"

I stepped aside to let the boy in. Niamh, hearing our conversation, entered the room. "Oh!" she exclaimed upon seeing him. "You're...!"

"So you remember me, do you?" the boy smirked. "My name's James. James Devine. An old friend of mine has been taken into custody for murder." James explained. "I'd really appreciate it if you heard him out."

"Yaaaay! We got a case!" I cheered, throwing my hands into the air. "Come on, Niamh, let's go!"

I dragged Niamh's arm and dragged her out of the office, hearing her sigh as we went. James quickly followed us; he probably thinks we're a bunch of weirdos now.

May 2 12:00pm

Detention Center

Visitor's Room

"James?" a man called out as we entered. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to help you!" James responded, running up to the glass. "You're innocent of this!"

"Thanks alot, kiddo." The man smiled before turning to us. "I assume James asked for your help? Greetings. My name is Edward Kenway. Much like yourselves, I am a defense attorney."

Our new client wasn't that old, but he was definitely in the later stages of his life. His grey hair matched his suit, and his blue eyes looked tired.

"Niamh Tenniswood." Niamh introduced herself. "This is my partner, Yuri Rinko. James did indeed ask us for your help. And, if you are innocent, then help you we shall."