Legally Magnus

Whipped Into Shape: Part One

When everyone was seated inside the boardroom they were working out of, Professor Morgenstern walked over to the tv in the room, and turned it on. On the screen was a girl with long brown hair and with grey eyes. She was dressed in leggings and sports bra, which a jump rope in one hand. Morgenstern pressed play on the video, and everyone sat silent watching.

"Hi! I'm Tessa Gray, and welcome back to the Gray Work Out Disc Two Challenge and our daily commitment to being the best that we can be!" the peppy girl said looking into the camera. Magnus knew her. Not personally, but he's watched her workout video's before, and they went to the same college except she graduated a few years before Magnus arrived. "So grab your CardioWhyp 5000 'cause if you want to get ripped you've got to get whipped!" She said with a big smile. "Do you want an easy miracle? Or do you want to lose a pound or two? Then turn this off because my workouts aren't for you. I'm talking to the people who want it all, 'cause you've got to pay for what you get. In life, size two clothes don't come to those, too lazy to sweat!" She said, as started to jump rope. "I want you whipped into shape! When I say jump ask 'how high?' because you're not doing it right unless you start to cry. Sorry folks, there's no escape, until you're whipped into shape! Work it out! Get whipped into—" Morgenstern paused the video.

"We've got a lot to cover, so let's get started. Meet our client Theresa Herondale, or better known as Tessa Gray from her workout empire." Some people snickered. "I don't suggest laughing, because she's made more money in a week then you all will make in your lifetime. And you all are lawyers. Anyways, she swears that she was happily married to her sixty year old husband Will Herondale, till her sister in-law came downstairs and saw Tessa all covered in his blood. If she took a plea, i'd have her out in three to four, but she says she didn't do it."

"Did she?" Helen, who was the fourth chosen student, asked.

"I don't know. All the evidence suggests she did. Hands, who thinks she's guilty." Everyone in the room raised their hands except Magnus. "Here is where you kids come in, Tessa is having trouble trusting me, but I'm her only chance to win. I need you guys to place some sense between her ears. Tell her that it's a plea or the chair. You see when I talk to her I get nothing, no plea and no alibi. So to quote Tessa Gray, 'I want her whipped into shape'!" Alec took the file from Morgenstern.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked.

"I need you to take these four to the jail and get me an alibi. Got it?" Alec nodded.

"Let's get going guys." he said, and all four interns got up and followed Alec out of the building.

When they arrived at the jail, Tessa was waiting for them all at a metal table in the visiting area. She was even prettier in person. Alec sat down in front of her, while the rest of the group stood behind him.

"Hi Tessa. My name is Alec Lightwood and I'm your co-council from Morgenstern Law Firm." he shook her hand. Then he motioned to the students. "These four are the brightest and the best Harvard Law has to offer. We're here to whip up your legal defence." she laughed at his pun. "We'd like to go over your case, and discuss some pathways you can take. Our plan is to free you a soon as possible so that you can continue to make content for your fans.

"That's all I want to do. This looks like it'll be easy." she said relaxing a bit.

"Great. Morgenstern briefed me on your meeting, and there is a significant amount of evidence against you. To free you, the jury will need an alibi." Without hesitation, Tessa answered,

"Not going to happen."

"Even though it could save you?" Alec asked. She nodded.

"If you put me on that stand, then I'll lie." Malcolm stepped forward before Alec could say anything.

"Ok, Mrs Herondale but if we can't hear an alibi, then you should accept a plea bargain." Malcolm said. Tessa looked disgusted.

"And admit to something I didn't do?" She asked. Annabelle stepped forward.

"With a plea bargain you'll be out in a few years. That sounds reasonable, right?"

"Reasonable to do time for my husband's killer? No, not really." Tess replied. "You know what?" Tessa stood up. "I need a legal team that believes I'm innocent. So just leave. Guard!" she said. Alec, Helen, Malcolm, and Annabelle left the visitors room, but Magnus stayed back.

"Tessa?" he called. She turned around. "I know you don't know me, but I went to UCLA like you, and your workout video's helped me lose ten pounds for spring break." Tessa's eyes softened.

"That's great! I'm so happy at least one of you has a brain."

"I believe you're innocent, Tessa, and I will fight as hard as I can to see your good name cleared."

"Thank you so much." she hugged him.

"But I need an alibi."

"No, I can't. It's cosmic! If it get's out I will loose my fitness empire, and now it's the only thing I have left." she paused. "If I tell you will you swear on the UCLA's flag that you will keep it secret?"

"I double swear."

"Okay." she took a breath. "On the day Will was shot... "