x
[MARCUS]
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhRP5SyLEP
"He wasn't there."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWteG9HkS5
"What do you mean he wasn't there?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX2N5CwdET
"I mean, he wasn't there. A source informed me that he was out at a card game that night."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSz8i6NZEa
"And how reliable is this source?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuaetBUaXx
"Reliable. You could say that his life depended on it."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSfC7TQKpF
He smirked. "So does this mean that you won't be able to handle this task?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobOnAlYdUm
"No. It'll just be a bit more troublesome than usual. However, I'd need you to do me a favour."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeKSgDaHvH
"Ah! It's a rare thing for you to make a request of me." He opened his arms, "What do you need?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGHfketbw9
"I need you to use your connections to shut down the train station for 3 days."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrcHrCzsHO
Jones was in thought for a moment. "I'm afraid I can't do that. You know, much business and cargo goes on through the station? If I put a stop to that, just for a day, I won't even make it past sundown."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBURSmnykZ
"It doesn't have to be the whole station, just one train."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyVYeChDp8
"Which line?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVv4qjWeGl
"La Orolica."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB2P08wq71
"Why this one in particular?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbEz244AOY
"It's the only train that goes south across the desert, and my sources tell me Tondo intends on boarding the next trip south."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XktNZkuaP
Jones shook his head. "I still can't help you. Even if I could, apart from the notorious fact that I'd be dead before sundown, the government has been using that line to send soldiers and military equipment down south. There are higher powers I'd rather not upset."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCwyepRgeB
Jones pulled out a cigarette and placed it between his lips as he patted himself for a lighter. "I've stuck my neck out for you Smiley, though not many, but enough times that I've developed a nasty discomfort around my throat."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHMsGr2erb
"And yet here you are, with your head still attached to your neck."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphiqEbVBwW
He chuckled. "Yeah, here I am." He found his lighter and lit the cigarette with one hand whilst sheltering the flame from the elements with the other. "Unfortunately, this I cannot do."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg7YtaMckn
He took in a long draw, blew and placed it between his index and middle finger. "You'll just have to find another way."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOK2hNrZYb
"You won't like the other way."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjDQhEvZWD
"The less I know the better I sleep at night, that's all I'll say."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOt5UbSLWW
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8NBGB26N8
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1u3adG3dJ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9ZeL6GnuS
[Charles Chance]
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1JIojZPeA
"Hey Sarah, any word from our investigator? I've been trying to reach him all morning." He walked in the room.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4pT19L5kW
"Yes I spoke with him earlier. He confirmed he sent over the documents you needed for the motion in the Vinny case."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8BvcFoi3q
"Great. And did you file the application and supporting documents?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG9B4pTexS
"Yup, I filed everything together the moment Sam sent them over. The documents are in order and everything is on your desk."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNmLaOfOw4
Charles went into his office and begun reviewing the documents. "Hmm..." he walk towards the doorway where Sarah was within earshot. "Sarah..."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI4831Sin5
"Yeah?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FzCRz1TtD
"I'm a bit concerned about the witnesses on these affidavits. Do you think they'll be able to testify in court?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6fQAlZTHs
"Well, Sam said they were willing to sign the affidavits but..."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6AMCnDpdO
"But what?" He interrupted.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEberl3OGI
He said they'd be reluctant to appear in court to testify. He had to really push to get them to sign the documents, but they made it clear they wouldn't want to be involved in any court proceedings."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ei9bxb9uc
"Push? Was this before or after Sam incentivised them."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4lnL70tjv
"Do you really want to know?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWEg3oxlDM
"You know what? No. The less I know the better."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5bvpYRJto
"He also said you'd say that."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtibmkoYP18
He began to rub his forehead. "Where is he anyway? I've been trying to get a hold of him for ages and you get through to him?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHszJ6LnUo1
"He says he's been held up lately. He wouldn't say what he was held up with."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh3Pl7l16F
He sighed heavily while shaking his head. "This isn't ideal. We need credible witnesses to support our case, especially in one as high profile as this."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5l5ZN6iaI
"I know, but considering who we're dealing with, no one would want to put themselves out there like that, I certainly wouldn't."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gP6K5HaWW
"Well, its nice to know you have my back." He smirked. "Alright, I'll have to make do with what we have. Do we have a set date for the motion?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vUcHKq7Ox
"Today."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjnjrLIRL4
"Today? How's that so soon?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zPlhUauvX
"I still have some influence from my time in the registry."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjPBLYCQha
"Cheers to that. What time is it coming up?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3oYe7lSIH
"In about two hours."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ShilSP5cu
"You're telling me this now?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcQ8W62wNM
"Its on your calendar."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbTTqhVKFO
"Ok." He exhaled and gathered his things with a look of concern. Has the prosecution been notified?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbbxhSVzmp
"They certainly have."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnme0uEUNiP
"Thanks, I'll head to court now. Wish me luck."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbncWjoQM0T
"Good luck Charlie."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9isY8xIVL
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CB5cpTris
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIdprTaREm
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDtoYHkvH0
"Yes counsel?" The Judge motioned towards Charles as the lawyers on both sides settled into their respective seats in the Judge's chambers.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VFAJa15T4
In the Judge's chambers was a large mahogany table stationed between the attorneys and the judge. It was adorned with a set of law reports, a small bronze statue of the lady justice and a gavel carefully placed near the edge of the table with some Latin inscribed onto its gold plated stand.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtMcX2ZfX7
Charles cleared his throat and swallowed before speaking. "Your Honour, this matter is coming up for an application to expedite the trial date for my client."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5T8EN3WXI
"Yes, I am well aware of the contents of my docket counselor, you may proceed with your arguments." The Judge remarked, briefly staring at Charles from the top of his glasses before returning his gaze to the case file before him.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2DNbMwjpP
"Your Honour, the circumstances of this case...."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJWaExUAc2
"I see here that you have also taken the liberty of filing a certificate of urgency?" The Judge cut him off with a displeased face.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8sWAYaVBs
"We have your Honour."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ7aUCPR5a
"Why, pray tell, would you be so compelled as to consider this matter of such lofty esteem, as to warrant such urgency counselor?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhMOOvkijl
"There are prevailing circumstances that might influence this case, your Honour."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP18f8Soxeu
"Prevailing circumstances? This a homicide case is it not?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5UQYzYlEF
"It is your Honour. It is our humble submission that it is in the best interest of my client that this case be tried at the court's earliest convenience."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACo94VqAZc
He took off his glasses and he stared directly at Charles.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcImLjZQUsw
"Your Honour, my client is facing an accessory to murder charge, and I firmly believe that delaying the trial any further would not only prejudice his rights but also pose a significant risk to his safety."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgTLtQmkAS
"And what are these prevailing circumstances you are referring to?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtWZhiulXb
"Well, your Honour, the alleged crime involves a notorious crime boss who's nephew was killed. There has been a lot of tension and threats circulating within the community. If we don't get this trial moving quickly, I fear for my client's safety. There's a risk of retaliation, and I believe its imperative we resolve this matter as soon as possible to prevent any further escalation."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3hJO5bnEw
The Judge turned to James. "Mr. Rhodes? Anything from The People?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hbWkHYo16
James gently tugged at the sleeves of his suit and straightened his posture. "Your Honour, the people object to this application. There is no concrete evidence to support these claims of threats or retaliation. Mr. Chance is speculating, and your Honour shouldn't be swayed by unsubstantiated assertions."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlnqcb7yFM
"Your Honour, this isn't mere speculation. I've spoken to my client, as well as have several signed affidavits of witnesses who can attest to the fact that the Chinese mob boss, Trolley Chen, and uncle to the deceased is intent on seeking retribution against any and all who are affiliated with the death his nephew. There are credible concerns based on the community's dynamics. Moreover, the evidence against my client is flimsy at best. The only thing linking him to the crime is a coerced confession statement, which we intend to challenge vigorously. Given the circumstances, i believe expediting the trial would not only serve justice but also protect my client's rights and safety."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFxbE4Agwe
"Credible concerns?" James scoffed. "Let these witnesses step forward so that their credibility may be put to task your Honour, at trial. A trial date has already been set. To expedite this case would only serve to derail other cases that have been on the court's docket, and perhaps even longer than his client's case. What about their justice and their time in court? As regards Mr. Chance's allegation of coercion on the confession statement, the prosecution is confident in the integrity of our evidence. The confession was obtained lawfully, and we stand by its validity. We shouldn't rush to judgment based on unsubstantiated claims of coercion."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhZ1HlzDfP
The Judge nodded. "I'll consider the arguments presented by both sides. Mr. Chance, while I understand your concerns about your client's safety and the nature of the evidence, I need to weigh these against the broader interests of justice and the prosecution's right to a fair and thorough preparation. I'll review the case file carefully and make a decision shortly. In the meantime, let's ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard your client, Mr. Chance."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2zp3BWti6
"Thank you your Honour. I appreciate your consideration.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q5ouweA0M
The Judge turned to James. "Do you have anything further to add at this time?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDlqGZf5kB
"No you Honour. We'll await your decision."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB2HKxg59x
"Very well. I'll communicate my decision to both parties once I've reviewed everything. Thank your, gentlemen."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9Ojn6ohI2
Charles and James both stood up, gave a nod and exited the judge's chambers.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyZSLZQnKi
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7TunIgsyh
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiV1ZLjf3M
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxebLI3UuJr
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4O8IbDqNK
[LUKA]
The room was filled with officers and detectives, all ears as a man with a cowboy swagger, dressed in worn jeans and a leather jacket, narrated his story. He leaned against the table, a hint of a smile on his bearded face.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyb9sUnD5y
"....so he pulls up the side of his shirt revealing the gun tucked into his pants. I said to him, 'What on earth are you gonna to do with that?'."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9tPODgQV8
The room was captivated by his tale of a close brush with death while working undercover. A small crowd gathered by the conference room as the man continued narrating, all cheery eyed grasping to every word like children to a campfire story.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbckucSKHl
"So I took a step forward." He continued, whilst dramatically reenacting the scene. "In my head, I was like, I just got to get close enough to grab the gun off him, because I didn’t think he would shoot me! Now the moment I took that step, awww sweet Jesus." He took off his cowboy hat and shook his head. "All I remember hearing were two pops and I was on the ground laying on my back. I saw his figure come over me, gun in hand, and thought, 'This is it. I'm gonna be facin' my maker'."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ko3sDRvIh
"Now that's a story worth writing about." Luka commented as she approached from behind, with a hint of curiosity on her face.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4Zr7BQKwC
He turned and his face lit up. "Luka!"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKDtE9nSoY
"Wyatt!" Her face also beamed with delight as they embraced. "Look at you!" She took a step back and scanned and moved him around like a mannequin. "Where have you been?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfZf8oCI8y
"Lets just say I've been out of circulation for a while." He paced around the room as the crowd slowly dispersed with some giving him a pat on the back as they left.
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGHHr8SdqF
"For like two years?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGhp2dbvZp
He chuckled, "I needed some time for myself. Got burned out from too much work."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiymypCP8Wx
"Clearly. From part of the story I got, it seems like you were nearly burned out for good."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfjgGdYuJL
He smiled, tucked his thumbs into the inner side of his belt near the buckle and walk over to her with the swag that could only be seen out of an old western. His matching boots gave out low rattles with each step until he was face to face to her. "Needed to clear my head."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj1EURZ6hY
"You know, for an undercover cop, the bad guys won't have to see you coming. They'll hear you walking way before you even say, 'This is the police'."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoMegVYue9
He burst out laughing, "You mean these babies?" He rested his right foot on its heal and gave her a view of a lifetime. "These are my sirens, gives the bad guys a chance to get a head start. Makes the job a lot more interesting when they know that you're comin'."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn13ib9bXuA
She laughed in amusement. "Undercover work can be tough huh?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQCBvD2Qov
"Makes for a tougher man."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFeHxcjEqg
"Hmm. But you're back now?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkQopDV4jX
"Yes ma'am."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeyrpzkDaF
"What brought you back anyway?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWYMcLGOdy
He took in a long breath and sighed. "The commissioner personally asked for me. I owe him one, so I came back."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjiuUxNDkJ
"You're assigned to the Chen case, aren't you?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVInIvNIhcc
He stared at the floor for a moment and began nodding. "Yeah, I am . Looks like we'll be working together."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHRK3NeiNd
"It certainly does. How much do you know about the case so far?"
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKtkVk5s8t
"Not much, just that its a high profile hit and the commissioner wants it solved yesterday. I'm still reviewing the case file."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMxjwq80AS
"Well, lets have another go at it. Maybe we can piece somethings together."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIljBdDjpHV
"Lead the way."
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfPEI9zUoY
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nulRPbAZ8
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmivxAwrewF
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRirWYUpJ0V
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWedKVZKoXV
