x
[MARCUS]
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj5kzy7ZZL
"He wasn't there."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IKFqd88Az
"What do you mean he wasn't there?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K1PiJycOe
"I mean, he wasn't there. A source informed me that he was out at a card game that night."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ6LKGSaby
"And how reliable is this source?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmvZKTI0N7
"Reliable. You could say that his life depended on it."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xga9N4VhV
He smirked. "So does this mean that you won't be able to handle this task?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU0k4YJTxu
"No. It'll just be a bit more troublesome than usual. However, I'd need you to do me a favour."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8fp0xbEXH
"Ah! It's a rare thing for you to make a request of me." He opened his arms, "What do you need?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qSIFo9PTh
"I need you to use your connections to shut down the train station for 3 days."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbzqqCBb8l
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6jr91rcwq
"It doesn't have to be the whole station, just one train."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt6ib0pA6o
"Which line?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyIvUy89Il
"La Orolica."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JYBUdCouZ
"Why this one in particular?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxcrjxKtyY
"It's the only train that goes south across the desert, and my sources tell me Tondo intends on boarding the next trip south."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtOSPuiTYz
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUwmtv7Rxv
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSZBnS6Rgv
"And yet here you are, with your head still attached to your neck."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQba1Gkxwd
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vuKOJc9zV
He took in a long draw, blew and placed it between his index and middle finger. "You'll just have to find another way."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDsKPTI9fS
"You won't like the other way."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9GF4HBI89
"The less I know the better I sleep at night, that's all I'll say."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWC2qrWoBQ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3snI1yMbhp
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTVZcrGR65
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPROJGV0rZ
[Charles Chance]
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oaKUXTlXd
"Hey Sarah, any word from our investigator? I've been trying to reach him all morning." He walked in the room.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYdA2aLLNQ
"Yes I spoke with him earlier. He confirmed he sent over the documents you needed for the motion in the Vinny case."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7K2EBgmOy
"Great. And did you file the application and supporting documents?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdTgVRHmzU
"Yup, I filed everything together the moment Sam sent them over. The documents are in order and everything is on your desk."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh25pVTsdv
Charles went into his office and begun reviewing the documents. "Hmm..." he walk towards the doorway where Sarah was within earshot. "Sarah..."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM7iuu9uuz
"Yeah?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TjrEvznvG
"I'm a bit concerned about the witnesses on these affidavits. Do you think they'll be able to testify in court?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn9Ee77qK7
"Well, Sam said they were willing to sign the affidavits but..."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKRuKrfe6J
"But what?" He interrupted.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL7vpqyYJT
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvztVLI5Sp
"Push? Was this before or after Sam incentivised them."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbe2nHskrd
"Do you really want to know?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6dLc7smPc
"You know what? No. The less I know the better."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTxAweu7FC
"He also said you'd say that."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq5K1LgpKu
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?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ck5wB39U6
"He says he's been held up lately. He wouldn't say what he was held up with."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJzo86cPxw
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbANyu9NOS
"I know, but considering who we're dealing with, no one would want to put themselves out there like that, I certainly wouldn't."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvM1ri8oCg
"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?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97dA836a8S
"Today."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhAsnivAl1
"Today? How's that so soon?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacfNSvqwby
"I still have some influence from my time in the registry."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYChHHdt04e
"Cheers to that. What time is it coming up?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcwuCofImY
"In about two hours."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLnmQaOFJP
"You're telling me this now?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmriH1OmTW
"Its on your calendar."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpXMaIQFVg
"Ok." He exhaled and gathered his things with a look of concern. Has the prosecution been notified?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3bWaDSmxf
"They certainly have."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApm1f4ZHuf
"Thanks, I'll head to court now. Wish me luck."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvPItsVN0j
"Good luck Charlie."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZJruVzn5S
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegUNbuknDw
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhbmB1xLYI
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnftcwOieL
"Yes counsel?" The Judge motioned towards Charles as the lawyers on both sides settled into their respective seats in the Judge's chambers.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3iaDSgnTX
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.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ244Z0xX0Op
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsY7iFFraU
"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.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBItt2dRLck
"Your Honour, the circumstances of this case...."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNE6EQ88Mb
"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.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qu5KGNinw
"We have your Honour."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI3b1fyNGp
"Why, pray tell, would you be so compelled as to consider this matter of such lofty esteem, as to warrant such urgency counselor?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg2MpeJWQG
"There are prevailing circumstances that might influence this case, your Honour."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CsEUWlX5g
"Prevailing circumstances? This a homicide case is it not?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HIxmhspA3
"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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKerzxUwyMZ
He took off his glasses and he stared directly at Charles.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TXcVkrShc
"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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtPpOOPede
"And what are these prevailing circumstances you are referring to?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJKP7NZaEQ
"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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPcmyW3A2q
The Judge turned to James. "Mr. Rhodes? Anything from The People?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqx8ffRn0J
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkF3VwtlZZ
"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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NsUUeArz4
"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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U7CYyhIug
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0PkfpfjhV
"Thank you your Honour. I appreciate your consideration.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkwtHUpSK7
The Judge turned to James. "Do you have anything further to add at this time?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4M0AVDa10
"No you Honour. We'll await your decision."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjjEgkFA6I
"Very well. I'll communicate my decision to both parties once I've reviewed everything. Thank your, gentlemen."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsgWQ8qbJp
Charles and James both stood up, gave a nod and exited the judge's chambers.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaOmTrfkOB
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXin0VWYCeH
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbb2f0Tzvk
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtYKqNdxRh
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k2AwXom3n
[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.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd5QMIq2p3
"....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?'."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl8sver0NT
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.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv71DlY9ZXh
"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'."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTGpQVZ86E
"Now that's a story worth writing about." Luka commented as she approached from behind, with a hint of curiosity on her face.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9uUAM4vG5
He turned and his face lit up. "Luka!"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wRtIDPHJt
"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?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIxWFaOMYj
"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.
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr08gS6FZ5
"For like two years?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRQJmaxkIb
He chuckled, "I needed some time for myself. Got burned out from too much work."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTXxJL52a1
"Clearly. From part of the story I got, it seems like you were nearly burned out for good."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKPK6vsdIR
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."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7VGUoz4c7
"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'."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxSYPgctnO
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'."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT3ilVXW87
She laughed in amusement. "Undercover work can be tough huh?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYr9ps3RmT
"Makes for a tougher man."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmLgIpxgN6
"Hmm. But you're back now?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4KkovEYmU
"Yes ma'am."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDJIDm5MSS
"What brought you back anyway?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5VWTSA0uK
He took in a long breath and sighed. "The commissioner personally asked for me. I owe him one, so I came back."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQnRitR1p1
"You're assigned to the Chen case, aren't you?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr9sJeL4wc
He stared at the floor for a moment and began nodding. "Yeah, I am . Looks like we'll be working together."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIBOWDEpEs
"It certainly does. How much do you know about the case so far?"
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOFfVMfEwr
"Not much, just that its a high profile hit and the commissioner wants it solved yesterday. I'm still reviewing the case file."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1dVnftxuA
"Well, lets have another go at it. Maybe we can piece somethings together."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu2Da3Vvzm
"Lead the way."
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRscM9sl0X
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkiFnv0MEc
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVw1ekwZwQ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvilvUQhfhK
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUYtNOvNj6
