Ace Attorney: Mask of Deceit

Chapter 22: The Defensive Turnabout - Trial 1 ~ Part 2

May 3 10:45am

District Court

Courtroom No. 1 ~ Anton Burke's POV

Mrs. Rivera approached the witness stand, seemingly avoiding meeting the defendant's eyes. There was an uneasy feeling in court today, and I didn't know why...

"Name and occupation, witness." Polly demanded.

"My name is Bernadette Rivera." Mrs. Rivera responded. "I am employed at Kenway Law Offices as a defence attorney."

"Rivera!?" The judge gasped. "Would you, perhaps, be related to a Ms. Emily Rivera!?"

Mrs. Rivera turned away from the judge, fiddling with the ring she wore on her index finger. Polly sighed aggressively. "Your Honour, this has nothing to do with the case at hand..."

"Ah, yes. My apologies. What shall you have this witness testify about, Prosecutor Bloom?" The judge asked.

"She shall testify about the defendant's motive for committing the crime." Polly explained. "That should be enough to prove his guilt."

"In that case, proceed with your testimony, Mrs. Rivera."

"Yes, Your Honour." Mrs. Rivera nodded.

- Witness Testimony -

- Mr. Kenway's Motive -

"As the detective earlier stated, our office was involved in the CT-2 Incident 32 years ago."

"My co-worker Xavier Thurman was the defence team leader, while I stood on co-counsel."

"It was the murder of a judge... and our client was found guilty."

"Mr. Kenway did his best to cover up the case... but the media still knew about it..."

"As you'll recall, the victim was a journalist. She, as the witness just testified, would have heard of the incident." Polly concluded. I glanced over at the defendant, who had his eyes on the ground. I kind of believed in his innocence...

"What's wrong, Niamh?" I heard Yuri mutter. I looked up to find them whispering to each other. I heard the word 'emotion' once or twice...

"Your Honour." Ms. Tenniswood turned to face the judge. "The defense is ready to carry out the analysis."

"A-Analysis...?" I whispered, turning to Polly.