x
[MARCUS]
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhydho7NgG
"He wasn't there."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCCyCGDhhg
"What do you mean he wasn't there?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5CJavOh8l
"I mean, he wasn't there. A source informed me that he was out at a card game that night."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE8Ez9S9or
"And how reliable is this source?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVpkKaYuGq
"Reliable. You could say that his life depended on it."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMObfm6ZHP
He smirked. "So does this mean that you won't be able to handle this task?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1uvVUYaTv
"No. It'll just be a bit more troublesome than usual. However, I'd need you to do me a favour."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8loW0El20U
"Ah! It's a rare thing for you to make a request of me." He opened his arms, "What do you need?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7E4A11x1M
"I need you to use your connections to shut down the train station for 3 days."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9LhNUXKqF
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPaHsoWJUI
"It doesn't have to be the whole station, just one train."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu6dChuSeO
"Which line?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpdQ14O7sH
"La Orolica."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdV82kTe7v
"Why this one in particular?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8VFfU7mlb
"It's the only train that goes south across the desert, and my sources tell me Tondo intends on boarding the next trip south."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmpqXrLPQN
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0xvkzWK3w
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB0jAyjrsD
"And yet here you are, with your head still attached to your neck."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTi6pxRwEg
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jxzUmevvt
He took in a long draw, blew and placed it between his index and middle finger. "You'll just have to find another way."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocsK5mO5CS
"You won't like the other way."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe6JyJB0fk
"The less I know the better I sleep at night, that's all I'll say."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJGLbKfsCr
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmxYrjZjsM
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJU658ZF7M
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQsYmjQTAn
[Charles Chance]
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDOSTqFpoQ
"Hey Sarah, any word from our investigator? I've been trying to reach him all morning." He walked in the room.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGjMnmxv46
"Yes I spoke with him earlier. He confirmed he sent over the documents you needed for the motion in the Vinny case."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNosIykq4M
"Great. And did you file the application and supporting documents?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KDUTCfXYa
"Yup, I filed everything together the moment Sam sent them over. The documents are in order and everything is on your desk."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ngn522938
Charles went into his office and begun reviewing the documents. "Hmm..." he walk towards the doorway where Sarah was within earshot. "Sarah..."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KbtprkVOc
"Yeah?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmzBftXUi7
"I'm a bit concerned about the witnesses on these affidavits. Do you think they'll be able to testify in court?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQBv5WAMKx
"Well, Sam said they were willing to sign the affidavits but..."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeiD6PTxdX
"But what?" He interrupted.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUICu9mzCT
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiFJgctIWr
"Push? Was this before or after Sam incentivised them."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46JwHsgEto
"Do you really want to know?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iLTd8lBct
"You know what? No. The less I know the better."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xj1FLVq1U
"He also said you'd say that."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb5ou7wv8h
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?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBgOwb8otB
"He says he's been held up lately. He wouldn't say what he was held up with."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfhKo8876U
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhs18z33Gf
"I know, but considering who we're dealing with, no one would want to put themselves out there like that, I certainly wouldn't."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0klXyfOSmR
"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?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcjqOYHZ8v
"Today."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdthHWAGppd
"Today? How's that so soon?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepEreDB5Bd
"I still have some influence from my time in the registry."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTkxvtWGoA
"Cheers to that. What time is it coming up?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY210NfWsn
"In about two hours."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OjpXOPtaA
"You're telling me this now?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqapSNPBsk
"Its on your calendar."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRm9lfF7Ph
"Ok." He exhaled and gathered his things with a look of concern. Has the prosecution been notified?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOfISON6Tk
"They certainly have."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A8O8lM8mr
"Thanks, I'll head to court now. Wish me luck."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiacC20aYr
"Good luck Charlie."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzbF0EjeYt
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZTNZUiwIZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc9G3WhVIa
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RUi8vYUWN
"Yes counsel?" The Judge motioned towards Charles as the lawyers on both sides settled into their respective seats in the Judge's chambers.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYBr5hPYxk
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.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6m00JwxgF
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicVaXuxfMc
"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.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uECTJ4bHR
"Your Honour, the circumstances of this case...."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCu3vf9Wjr
"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.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJbkDMNN6e
"We have your Honour."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v3sOCgVgL
"Why, pray tell, would you be so compelled as to consider this matter of such lofty esteem, as to warrant such urgency counselor?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohfH3fMnpI
"There are prevailing circumstances that might influence this case, your Honour."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgbcWA4Yew
"Prevailing circumstances? This a homicide case is it not?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AXfmIRWkP
"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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEJiJZU5xZ
He took off his glasses and he stared directly at Charles.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzL0zuoVe2
"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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs0jG9hsVr
"And what are these prevailing circumstances you are referring to?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvz8FYuU3A
"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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIRoqis64O
The Judge turned to James. "Mr. Rhodes? Anything from The People?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiXltMsAaL
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxM33lciiR
"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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR3yK3R6AS
"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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UbVlOVSjm
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjrIwlh3fS
"Thank you your Honour. I appreciate your consideration.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCagn1Kjars
The Judge turned to James. "Do you have anything further to add at this time?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1WPzDe2MR
"No you Honour. We'll await your decision."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8WA3vMmNO
"Very well. I'll communicate my decision to both parties once I've reviewed everything. Thank your, gentlemen."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtaO3M1VRq
Charles and James both stood up, gave a nod and exited the judge's chambers.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u6bp2kjpj
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9r7yZMWrM
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9ttqqekLZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPt7wcYqLL
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNJgbrWyAl
[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.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKCjBkZ0CY
"....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?'."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T2bEcoQCu
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.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIerYGNw1Ru
"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'."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuRdttdNpb
"Now that's a story worth writing about." Luka commented as she approached from behind, with a hint of curiosity on her face.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgYhMH2TQ1
He turned and his face lit up. "Luka!"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquWvSRjQsB
"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?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhMwtPwhRE
"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.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkeYd0iaNo
"For like two years?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ4Fyr0f8M
He chuckled, "I needed some time for myself. Got burned out from too much work."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS4XlBhMu7
"Clearly. From part of the story I got, it seems like you were nearly burned out for good."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPCheHQU5G
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."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgCxghjvB8
"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'."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklXGK877FO
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'."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdFawz7iVq
She laughed in amusement. "Undercover work can be tough huh?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2kTWBtMdZ
"Makes for a tougher man."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0n9Mlbh6W
"Hmm. But you're back now?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4pwZ01wNZ
"Yes ma'am."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiJufHPnK5
"What brought you back anyway?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOyMFQyVBo
He took in a long breath and sighed. "The commissioner personally asked for me. I owe him one, so I came back."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC0KeGAK4N
"You're assigned to the Chen case, aren't you?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA5EoSK2CS
He stared at the floor for a moment and began nodding. "Yeah, I am . Looks like we'll be working together."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsmPmJOXvz
"It certainly does. How much do you know about the case so far?"
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopFs53iUnC
"Not much, just that its a high profile hit and the commissioner wants it solved yesterday. I'm still reviewing the case file."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXpmoUQDyi
"Well, lets have another go at it. Maybe we can piece somethings together."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArmJxsTXzY
"Lead the way."
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9EZ72PnS7
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMhN6aM6Hw
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19VBudLykD
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0HKupaN8z
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaRh7RxkG7
