Chapter 15: Fool's Gambit: Deceiving the Court (Chapter 14)
Five days passed, and Leo found himself sitting in class beside Saki and Juko, anticipation buzzing in the air. The day had finally arrived; it was time to head to Tokyo to witness the trial. The prosecutor pulled up in the parking lot of the school shortly after, and Leo received a text. He went down and entered the car with Juko and Saki. The lawyer then asked, "So, you have your testimony ready, right?" Leo responded with a swift "yes."
They arrived at the courthouse, the air thick with tension. They walked in, and the defense lawyer was nowhere to be seen. The trial was set to start in 5 minutes. The clock ticked down, and in the last second, the defense lawyer sprinted in, and the trial began. Both defense and prosecution started their opening statements, and soon after, the witness was called to the stand.
The prosecution called Leo Kakai to the stand. Leo testified about the plane incident, recounting how the gang member was seen taking hostages and causing havoc. Then, suddenly, a loud "ahem" was heard. The defense lawyer spoke up, saying, "Well, interesting story indeed. Now, it's time for my cross-examination." The defense lawyer smiled towards the prosecution and asked his first question.
So, Leo Kakai, you are sure it's my client, correct?" Suddenly, a shout of "OBJECTION!" came from the prosecution. The lawyer then said, "Your honor, stop these leading questions at this second." The judge agreed, and the defense was limited. The defense then said, "Very well, prosecution...
So, Leo, what weapon was used at the scene to take these hostages?" The defense attorney's voice cut through the courtroom. Leo answered, "Well, it was a gun." The defense nodded. "Very well. Did all the gang members hold guns?"
Leo hesitated, then looked at the defense attorney and said, "I don't remember." The defense then said, "Well, you had quite a brawl, so it's only reasonable for you not to remember so much. I guess they hit you plenty on the head." The prosecution, visibly frustrated, objected, "Where is this leading towards? This is just plain out badgering!" But the defense pressed on, undeterred.
The defense then asked another question, "Well, Leo, if you actually saw my client, where was he located then? You must remember this, right?" Leo responded, faltering, "I... don't remember. It all happened quite quickly. I remember some gang members hiding behind seats to keep hostages."
The defense seized upon Leo's uncertainty. "That's because my client was a hostage. That's why you don't remember where he was standing." The prosecution yelled "Objection!" but it was overruled. The defense continued its argument, leaving the courtroom in suspense.
The defense kept up their façade, demanding Leo to identify the defendant. Leo pointed towards the man he believed was the culprit whom, was the defendant. But the defense's smirk widened as he declared, "That's not him."
Suddenly, a man from behind the chairs, dressed exactly like the accused, strode towards the podium. The defense explained that this man was the real defendant. The judge, surprised and angry at the defense's deceit, looked towards the prosecution for a response. However, the prosecution seemed unprepared, flipping through pages with a furrowed brow, unable to counter the defense's move.
With no solid argument from the prosecution, the jury came to a conclusion: the defendant was not guilty. The accused smiled with a deadly look at Leo, sending a shiver down his spine.
Saki and Juko looked devastated, their eyes filled with disbelief as they glanced at Leo and the menacing defendant, who bore a murderous intent in his gaze.
Leo stared into the prosecutor's eyes, a sinking feeling settling in his gut. "I'm screwed now. I thought you had it all covered," he muttered, his voice heavy with disappointment.
The prosecutor's expression tightened with frustration. "I didn't know I was up against a darn fool of a lawyer. Don't worry, Leo. This is not over. I'll get him, I swear. Just be safe for now," he reassured, determination gleaming in his gaze.
As Leo absorbed the prosecutor's words, a sense of unease lingered. Despite the reassurance, he couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped in a very dangerous game.
END OF CHAPTER 14
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