Ace Attorney: Mask of Deceit

Chapter 21: The Defensive Turnabout - Trial 1 ~ Part 1

May 3 9:30am

District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 1 ~ Niamh Tenniswood's POV

"... In that case, it sounds likely that what happened 32 years ago is the motive behind this crime." Mr. Kenway sighed after we explained yesterday's investigation to him.

(It doesn't sound like a pleasant case, so it sounds somewhat plausible that it someone would kill over it...)

The lobby doors burst open and James dashed into the room, skidding to a stop in front of us. "H-Hope you don't mind if I watch the trial!"

"Of course not." I responded. Seeing James actually reminded me of something we saw the previous day. "While you're here, James, I'd like to ask you something."

"Go right ahead, ma'am." James grinned. "I'll answer anything you want..."

"Do you know anyone called Richard?" I asked.

I immediately knew that was a big mistake.

James' jade eyes widened in shock while Mr. Kenway became tense. "Richard...?!" the latter growled. "Where in the world did you hear that name...?!"

"We found a photograph while we were investigating the crime scene yesterday." I explained. "There was a young man who looked a lot like James, and we learnt his name was Richard. We just wanted to know if that meant something."

James himself was awfully pale, eyes fixated on the ground. Despair was stitched into his voice. "I... I.. I...!"

"Defense! Defendant! Please proceed into the courtroom!" a bailiff yelled. Both James and Mr. Kenway rushed away at the signal. I exchanged a confused glance with Yuri; those two knew something we didn't.

May 3 10:00am

District Court

Courtroom No. 1

"Court is now in session for the trial of Edward Kenway." the judge announced. "Are both sides ready?"

"Yes, Your Honour." Prosecutor Bloom nodded, Anton stood nervously by her side.

"Yes, Your Honour." I echoed.

"Very good." the judge nodded. "Prosecutor Bloom, your opening statement, if you please."

"The crime took place at Kenway Law Offices at 8:30am." Prosecutor Bloom explained. "The victim was one Journ Aliste, who was visiting the office on the day of the murder."

I looked down at the evidence in front of me and laid eyes on the autopsy report I had been given.

Name: Journ Aliste
Age: 34
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma to head
Notes: The head was struck once with a blunt and heavy object. The victim died instantly and would have had no chance of fighting back

~ Jasper Kent

"I wonder who Jasper Kent is." Yuri commented.