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[MARCUS]
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"He wasn't there."
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"What do you mean he wasn't there?"
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"I mean, he wasn't there. A source informed me that he was out at a card game that night."
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"And how reliable is this source?"
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"Reliable. You could say that his life depended on it."
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He smirked. "So does this mean that you won't be able to handle this task?"
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"No. It'll just be a bit more troublesome than usual. However, I'd need you to do me a favour."
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"Ah! It's a rare thing for you to make a request of me." He opened his arms, "What do you need?"
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"I need you to use your connections to shut down the train station for 3 days."
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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."
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"It doesn't have to be the whole station, just one train."
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"Which line?"
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"La Orolica."
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"Why this one in particular?"
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"It's the only train that goes south across the desert, and my sources tell me Tondo intends on boarding the next trip south."
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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."
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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."
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"And yet here you are, with your head still attached to your neck."
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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."
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He took in a long draw, blew and placed it between his index and middle finger. "You'll just have to find another way."
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"You won't like the other way."
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"The less I know the better I sleep at night, that's all I'll say."
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[Charles Chance]
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"Hey Sarah, any word from our investigator? I've been trying to reach him all morning." He walked in the room.
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"Yes I spoke with him earlier. He confirmed he sent over the documents you needed for the motion in the Vinny case."
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"Great. And did you file the application and supporting documents?"
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"Yup, I filed everything together the moment Sam sent them over. The documents are in order and everything is on your desk."
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Charles went into his office and begun reviewing the documents. "Hmm..." he walk towards the doorway where Sarah was within earshot. "Sarah..."
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"Yeah?"
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"I'm a bit concerned about the witnesses on these affidavits. Do you think they'll be able to testify in court?"
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"Well, Sam said they were willing to sign the affidavits but..."
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"But what?" He interrupted.
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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."
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"Push? Was this before or after Sam incentivised them."
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"Do you really want to know?"
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"You know what? No. The less I know the better."
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"He also said you'd say that."
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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?"
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"He says he's been held up lately. He wouldn't say what he was held up with."
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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."
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"I know, but considering who we're dealing with, no one would want to put themselves out there like that, I certainly wouldn't."
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"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?"
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"Today."
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"Today? How's that so soon?"
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"I still have some influence from my time in the registry."
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"Cheers to that. What time is it coming up?"
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"In about two hours."
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"You're telling me this now?"
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"Its on your calendar."
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"Ok." He exhaled and gathered his things with a look of concern. Has the prosecution been notified?"
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"They certainly have."
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"Thanks, I'll head to court now. Wish me luck."
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"Good luck Charlie."
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"Yes counsel?" The Judge motioned towards Charles as the lawyers on both sides settled into their respective seats in the Judge's chambers.
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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.
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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."
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"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.
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"Your Honour, the circumstances of this case...."
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"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.
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"We have your Honour."
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"Why, pray tell, would you be so compelled as to consider this matter of such lofty esteem, as to warrant such urgency counselor?"
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"There are prevailing circumstances that might influence this case, your Honour."
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"Prevailing circumstances? This a homicide case is it not?"
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"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."
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He took off his glasses and he stared directly at Charles.
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"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."
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"And what are these prevailing circumstances you are referring to?"
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"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."
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The Judge turned to James. "Mr. Rhodes? Anything from The People?"
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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."
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"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."
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"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."
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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."
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"Thank you your Honour. I appreciate your consideration.
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The Judge turned to James. "Do you have anything further to add at this time?"
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"No you Honour. We'll await your decision."
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"Very well. I'll communicate my decision to both parties once I've reviewed everything. Thank your, gentlemen."
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Charles and James both stood up, gave a nod and exited the judge's chambers.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ9ABUE4ht
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[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.
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"....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?'."
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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.
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"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'."
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"Now that's a story worth writing about." Luka commented as she approached from behind, with a hint of curiosity on her face.
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He turned and his face lit up. "Luka!"
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"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?"
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"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.
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"For like two years?"
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He chuckled, "I needed some time for myself. Got burned out from too much work."
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"Clearly. From part of the story I got, it seems like you were nearly burned out for good."
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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."
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"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'."
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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'."
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She laughed in amusement. "Undercover work can be tough huh?"
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"Makes for a tougher man."
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"Hmm. But you're back now?"
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"Yes ma'am."
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"What brought you back anyway?"
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He took in a long breath and sighed. "The commissioner personally asked for me. I owe him one, so I came back."
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"You're assigned to the Chen case, aren't you?"
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He stared at the floor for a moment and began nodding. "Yeah, I am . Looks like we'll be working together."
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"It certainly does. How much do you know about the case so far?"
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"Not much, just that its a high profile hit and the commissioner wants it solved yesterday. I'm still reviewing the case file."
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"Well, lets have another go at it. Maybe we can piece somethings together."
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"Lead the way."
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