"Witnesses, please state your names and occupations for the court." Van Zieks said.
"..." Roly said, having trouble staying awake. "Constable Roly Beate, SAH! Nothin' to report on the streets, sah. ..."
"And I'm Mrs. Beate! Patricia's my name. I'm proud to say I'm this young town hero's wife!" Patricia chirped.
"..." Roly said.
"Um...what's the story here?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Well, in truth, we've not been married long. In fact, we celebrated our first anniversary only the other day!" Patricia said, excitedly.
"..." Roly said.
"No no, it was your husband I was asking about. He seems...tired." Ryunosuke said, frowning.
"Hardly surprising. Whilst being an honourable occupation, patrolling the beat is the most demanding work in the world." Van Zieks said.
"Oh, really?" Ryunosuke asked, while he thought this to himself. 'I'm sure I've heard that before, actually.'
"Indeed, apart from rare days off, our gallant officers trudge some twenty miles a day, you know. They patrol boarding houses and pubs, collect taxes, survey the streets, check that meters are reading true... And they're responsible for keeping the streets clean, and lighting and extinguishing our streetlights." The Judge said.
"There are a number of items on that list that don't sound much like policing duties at all." Susato said.
"I wouldn't just be falling asleep on my feet, I'd have collapsed long ago!" Ryunosuke cried.
"But it goes without saying that a policeman's primary duty is the apprehension of criminals. Even when he's off duty, a constable is expected to investigate and resolve any crimes on his beat. For the London bobby is a man of honour." Van Zieks said.
"..." Roly said, falling asleep.
"...And a man of slumber." Ryunosuke said.
"Yup." I said, looking down at the floor.
"On the day in question... ...this man and his wife were walking down Briar Road in the opposite direction. And they witnessed the incident as it occurred. ...Is that not correct, Mr and Mrs Beate?" Van Zieks asked.
"That's right, sir! ...Isn't it, Roly?" Patricia asked.
"... Constable Roly Beate, SAH! Nothin' to report on the streets, sah." Roly said, and Patricia woke him up.
"Talk about one sided." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'What a great witness he's going to be…'
"Very good. I'd like to hear your formal testimonies now, please. You will tell the court exactly what you saw on the afternoon of the incident." The Judge said.
"Yes, sah!" Roly said, angrily.
Witness Testimony
- What the Witnesses Saw -
"It was our wedding anniversary, and Roly was taking me out for a meal. There was no time to change after work. Anyway, two silhouettes appeared out of the fog on the pavement in front of us. All of a sudden, one of them just collapsed on the floor. Then the other scattered something before running off! We ran straight over of course, and then went for help at a nearby police box.
It was definitely that Japanese man in the dock. Roly and I both saw him as clear as day!" Patricia said, worried.
"Well...this is extremely compelling testimony, I must say." The Judge said.
"...!" Ryunosuke said, at a loss for words.
"Oh dear, this policeman and his wife are claiming to have positively identified Mr Natsume at the scene. If their testimony is true... ...the alternative course of events that you established in the summation examination will be quashed." Susato said.
"...Its death knell, in fact. Because that 'alternative' was never viable in the first place." Van Zieks said.
"What an unfortunate bechancing. And on your wedding anniversary, too." The Judge said.
"Oh, I know! But I still managed to go out for the evening with my man! I thank the Lord for that!" Patricia cheered.
"Gosh, the life of a London 'bobby' sounds very hard indeed." Susato said.
"Indeed. However... ...this cross-examination will be over in minutes. You may well have time to rest this afternoon." Van Zieks said.
"What do you mean by that?" Ryunosuke asked.
"My learned friend, the witnesses saw the face of the man fleeing the scene. They are testifying under oath that it was without doubt the accused, Mr Soseki Natsume."
"...!" Juror No. 1 said.
"...!" Juror No. 2 said.
"...!" Juror No. 3 said.
"And one of these witnesses is a policeman, no less. So you appreciate the gravity of the situation, I'm sure." Van Zieks said.
"...!" Juror No. 4 said.
"...!" Juror No. 5 said.
"...!" Juror No. 6 said.
"Poor Roly." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Except that the man's so tired, his wife has to do all the talking…'
"Enough preamble. Counsel for the Defence, commence the cross-examination, please." The Judge said.
"Y-Yes, My Lord!" Ryunosuke said, worried.
Cross-Examination
- What the Witnesses Saw -
"It was our wedding anniversary, and Roly was taking me out for a meal. There was no time to change after work." Patricia said.
"Ask for information here." I said, sadly.
"Hold it." Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "No time to change after work, you say? Are you also a member of the police, Mrs Beate?"
"Oh no, sadly not. It's a job for strapping young men only. Women, children and the elderly can't even apply." Patricia said.
"Well...I think you can probably see why children and the elderly can't do the job, can't you?" Ryunosuke asked.
"I think Roly looks ever so handsome in his uniform. ...It suits you down the ground, doesn't it, darling?"
"Hm? Wha...?" Roly asked, talking in his sleep. "...Ah, I'd just finished my beat. Pat and I were heading back to the station. I was actually planning on getting changed there."
"Oh." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Is, is he talking in his sleep? This is creepy…'
"Oh no, Roly. I much prefer you in uniform. Sometimes I don't recognise you when I see you in plain clothes." Patricia said.
"Oh dear, that doesn't seem...healthy." Susato said, letting out a sigh.
"Kindly adhere to the point. You were going for a meal after you had finished your beat for the day, correct?" The Judge asked.
"That's right, sah, yes. Although I was fit to drop, to be honest. After spending the whole day on my feet. But policing is my life, sah! As long as I'm the proud owner of this, I'll serve my city and my Queen to the end!" Roly said, taking out his warrant card.
"...What's that now?" Ryunosuke asked.
"My warrant card, sah! Proof that I'm a London copper. It has the noble founding principles of the force written on it as a reminder to all us policemen of our sworn duty. To patrol the streets of London town and uphold the peace of the common man... SAH! And for such a noble cause, I cover twenty miles every single day without fail and without a grumble! Because the plodding of my boots is all Londoners need to hear to feel safe and secure!" Roly said, angrily.
"So...fighting crime doesn't appear to come into it, then…"
"But SAH! Just on that one particular day, I was looking forward to celebrating my wedding anniversary. Mrs Beate puts up with a lot being married to a bobby like me. I wanted to show my dear wife how much I care!"
"Oh, Pat…" Roly said, looking at Pat.
"Oh, Roly…" Pat said, looking at Roly.
"Oh, what a charming couple! Their young love is such a joy to behold!" Susato cooed.
"...If a little...over-the-top, perhaps?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Yeah. The Ponds were more level headed." I said, looking down at the floor.
"And then...? Kindly describe what happened next." The Judge said.
"Anyway, two silhouettes appeared out of the fog on the pavement in front of us." Patricia said. "All of a sudden, one of them just collapsed on the floor. Then the other scattered something before running off! We ran straight over of course, and then went for help at a nearby police box. It was definitely that Japanese man in the dock. Roly and I both saw him as clear as day!"
"Press for more information here." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"Hold it." Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "But surely you wouldn't have been able to see his face by the light of the gas streetlamps, would you?"
"We absolutely could! Us Londoners have exceptional eyesight, I'll have you know!" Patricia said, angrily.
"...Right." Ryunosuke said.
"The light from the streetlamps was more than enough! And my husband already told you that the fog was only light, didn't he?"
"Haah... Yes, and what of the fog?"
"We're famous for it across the globe, I believe. But it's an absolute menace to those of us who have to live with it, of course." The Judge said.
"Oh, it is, it is. When it's thick, you can't even see the hand at the end of your own arm." Patricia said, shaking Roly.
"...Yes, alright, I take your point. Now...could you stop shaking your husband about?" Ryunosuke asked.
"The constant fog makes our eyes very sharp, you see. That's why we can tell you for sure and certain that it was that little Japanese man we saw. Can't we darling?" Patricia asked.
"Hm? Wha...? ...Ah. Yes. It was the accused and no mistake. The moustache, the hunched back, the cat-like eyes, the taut mouth, the snub nozzz... Unmistakable, SAH!" Roly yelled.
"Their testimony has no flaws." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'As far as this couple's testimony is concerned, there can't be any question... It was Soseki-san they saw running away from the scene of the crime.'
"Um, Mr Lawyer, sir...can I ask you something?" Patricia asked.
"Oh! ...Yes, of course. What is it?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Well, you keep asking us all these questions about everything we've told you, so... ...it seems like you don't believe our testimony! Is that right? Is it? Well? Out with it!"
"What?! No no no! Oh no, it's really not that at all."
"My husband's a policeman, remember! And I know what I saw! I remember every last detail! Everything! Like, like... Oh, I know! What about the books the man dropped? I could tell you the names of every single one, I could! Every single one! And you dare to question how reliable my testimony is!"
"That will do, Mrs Beate." The Judge said.
"No, it won't do at all! That Japanese lawyer has no idea what I'm capable of! Even if I decide to forgive him for insulting us, don't think for a minute that Roly will!" Patricia said, raising Roly's fists.
"...I, I really didn't mean to cause offence. Please, put your husband's fists down." Ryunosuke said, frowning.
"Per-Perhaps you would like the opportunity to supplement your testimony, Mrs Beate? Might that...appease you?" The Judge asked.
"Oh, thank you, My Lord. That would settle things nicely. Wouldn't it, darling?" Patricia asked.
"..." Roly said.
"I could even tell you the names of the four books he dropped at the scene." Patricia said.
"All four books." I said, passing Ryunosuke the Secondhand Book Receipt. "I only see three."
"Objection." Ryunosuke said, presenting the Secondhand Book Receipt. "So...you're saying that there were four books?"
"That's right. I remember all of them. 'The Picture of Monsieur Somebody', 'Whatsit Yearnings', 'A Meal for Someone' and 'The Thingummy's Something'." Patricia said.
"...I'm sorry, Mrs Beate... ...but there is a fundamental flaw in that statement of yours." Ryunosuke said.
"Oh no! What, what flaw?"
"Simply that, at the scene of the crime...there were only three books, not four!"
"What?"
"This is the receipt from the bookshop where the defendant bought his books." Ryunosuke said, passing Patricia the receipt.
"'Yore Books'...?"
"Yes, and it details Mr Natsume's purchases that day. But as you can see...only three books are listed."
"Only three...? But...no...no, that can't be! I remember seeing them! There were four books, I tell you! Four dirty old books!"
"Oh really? Have a good look at this photographic print of the scene of the crime. As you can clearly see from this evidence as well, there are only three books!" Ryunosuke said, angrily.
"But...I just don't believe it! I saw them there! I swear it! I saw them!" Patricia cried.
"No madam, I'm afraid your powers of observation cannot be relied upon."
"Grrr…"
"So it cannot be denied... ...that though you say it was the defendant that you saw... ...you could very well be mistaken!"
"Oh no... Oh no, oh no, oh no... NOOOOOOOOO!"
"Objection." Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "It's plainly evident... ...that it is your powers of deduction that cannot be relied upon, my learned Nipponese friend."
"What?" Ryunosuke asked.
"What cannot be denied is that these two witnesses saw the accused running from the scene. A fact that you know very well you have no hope of disproving." Van Zieks said.
"Ah!"
"So you've striven to avert attention from that by dint of some inconsequential discrepancies. Would that be...fair?"
"...Ugh." Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'He sees right through me…'
"But your plan has somewhat recoiled against you." Van Zieks said.
"What are you talking about?"
"It's quite simple. Let me explain with a toast. To the policeman's wife, and her entirely accurate testimony. ...In every respect."
"Oh!" Patricia said, at a loss for words.
"You see, the matter is not up for debate. At the scene on Briar Road, a total of four books were most definitely found." Van Zieks said.
"Objection." Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "But, but what about the photographic print? It only shows three books!"
"Quite right. Only three can be seen...in that print."
"That print? You, you mean to say...?"
"Allow me to present another! ...One that shows the victim's hand."
"I, I don't believe it!"
"It's...it's the fourth book!"
"As you will observe... ...the fourth book was hidden from view in the original print by the victim's torso." Van Zieks said, taking out the fourth book.
"No... NOOOOOOOOO!!!" Ryunosuke said, worried.
"Ordaaar! Ordaaar!" The Judge said, angrily.
"There! You see? You see?! Look at that! Look, look, look!" Patricia said, excitedly.
"Yes…" Ryunosuke said, letting out a sigh.
"It's just like I said! ...Isn't it, my darling?" Patricia asked.
"Yes, SAH! Patricia's always right, sah!" Roly yelled.
"Let us study the receipt for the books purchased by the accused on the day in question. Mrs Beate, the titles once again, if you please." Van Zieks said.
"Oh yes, of course. 'The Picture of Monsieur Somebody-or-other'..." Patricia said.
"...'The Picture of Monsieur Lecoq'."
"'Whatsit Yearnings'..."
"...'Canterbury Yearnings'."
"'A Meal for Someone'..."
"...'A Meal for Gaboriau', in fact. As the court has just heard, the witness remembers the book titles flawlessly, save for a few minor details. Mrs Beate's powers of recollection can only be described as exceptional."
"Did you hear that, Roly? The gentleman paid me a compliment!" Patricia cheered.
"Yes SAH! Flawless, sah! Patricia is flawless!" Roly said, angrily.
"B-But...there are only three books on the receipt. And Mrs Beate mentioned four." Ryunosuke said.
"There's nothing surprising about that. Clearly the fourth book is that which is shown in this photographic print." Van Zieks said.
"I'm sorry, Counsel, but does that not seem odd? Why should the fourth book be omitted from the receipt?" The Judge asked.
"It's not odd at all, My Lord. As the photograph clearly shows, the fourth book was found in the victim's clutches. In other words...it belongs to the victim."
"Crap." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'The victim...was holding her own book?'
"I wonder...what became of that fourth book?" Susato asked.
"Obviously, it wasn't overlooked by the investigating officers at Scotland Yard. I have it here, as evidence." Van Zieks said.
"You will submit that and the aforementioned photographic print to the court, please, Counsel." The Judge said.
"...My pleasure, My Lord."
The second crime scene photograph has been entered into the Court Record.
The fourth book has been entered into the Court Record.
"The prosecution rests. I have nothing further to add." Van Zieks said.
"Let's look at the book." I said, grabbing the Fourth Book from Van Zieks and looking at the title on the front cover. "Hmm…"
"Let me see... It's a book entitled 'The Lion's Pride'." Susato said, looking down at the book.
"I'm afraid I don't know any English literature at all. So it wouldn't be something I've heard- Wait a minute! 'The Lion's Pride'?" Ryunosuke asked, as he thought this to himself. 'That's strange... ...I think I have heard of a book by that name before. And very recently, too.'
"It's a title I recognise too, Mr Naruhodo." Susato said, grabbing the book from me and flipping it over to the back to see that there's a burnt corner on the back. "Oh! Look at this! The book has been badly burnt!"
"You're right. You'd never be able to read it in this state. Especially not the latter pages." Ryunosuke said.
"What a terrible waste... Judging from the scorched edges of the paper, I think the damage must have occurred very recently." Susato said, sadly.
"Hm...a book...recently damaged by fire…" Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'Why does that seem to raise a red flag with me?'
The fourth book's information has been updated in the Court Record.
"I'm glad Twilight Sparkle isn't here." I said, looking at the burnt corner on the back of the book. "She would be mad at a destroyed book."
"I keep looking at this book, and every time I can't believe how badly burnt it is." Ryunosuke said.
"And I can't believe what a terrible waste it is. The more I look at the damage... ...the more I'm sure it must have happened very recently, too." Susato said.
"A book damaged by fire very recently…" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'Why does that seem significant somehow?'
"That's because it is significant." I said, sadly.
"What?!" Ryunosuke exclaimed.
"You seem surprised, my learned friend. But your resistance until now has been in vain. Entertaining, yes. But futile. The spurious longer route to the accused's lodgings that you tried to establish in your summation examination... ...and the attempted discrediting of the witness's powers of recollection in your cross-examination…" Van Zieks said.
"Futile...?" Ryunosuke asked, as he thought this to himself. '...I walked right into this, didn't I?'
"You see? Everything we've said is true! ...Isn't that right, my darling?" Patricia asked.
"Yes, Pat! Marry me, Pat!" Roly chirped.
"...So, perhaps the ladies and gentlemen of the jury would like to reconsider their positions? Should the court waste any more time on this Nipponese travesty? ...Or is the decision you have to make all too apparent already?" Van Zieks asked.
"...!" Juror No. 1 said.
"...!" Juror No. 3 said.
"...!" Juror No. 5 said.
"You have heard all of the witnesses and seen all of the evidence. This trial has run its course!" Van Zieks yelled.
"Mr Naruhodo! Jared! I'm afraid we are in a terribly precarious position!" Susato cried.
"I know! But... ...if I fight back in the wrong way now, I could very well just make matters worse!" Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'Think, Ryunosuke, think! What do you do now?'
"Raise an objection." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "It can't end here."
"Objection." Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "I'm, I'm not done yet!"
"No, my learned friend. It's over. That last cross-examination was your final chance to establish a credible defence. And you failed. The die has been cast. There is no more room for debate." Van Zieks said.
"Well...it might be over as far as you're concerned, but... but... ..." Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'Argh! I can't think of what to say!'
"... ...If I may, Lord van Zieks? It seems somewhat boorish to close down the debate at this point." Susato said.
"...!" Juror No. 4 said.
"...!" Juror No. 2 said.
"Hmph. Your insignificant little Eastern isle must be a lawless hole indeed. For a lowly judicial assistant to have the audacity to intervene at a moment like this…" Van Zieks said, scoffing.
"Oh! ..." Susato said, frowning.
"... I am, to my shame, still a very inexperienced lawyer. So you will have to forgive me, but I consider my assistant's advice essential and her opinions invaluable." Ryunosuke said.
"Mr Naruhodo!"
"And Susato's our friend." I said, happily. "She's amazing. And very reliable."
"Hmmm... One of this land's great guiding principles is tolerance. So...the court will hear you, madam." The Judge said, looking at Susato.
"Go ahead, Miss Susato. ...Please." Ryunosuke said.
"Very well... Pray, what insight can you give us? What have we all overlooked in this matter that you see fit to pursue further?" Van Zieks asked.
"... Well, the court has been presented with new evidence, but...only after the last cross-examination finished." Susato said.
"I see. And you believe that this new evidence warrants further examination, do you?" The Judge asked.
"...!" Juror No. 6 said.
"...!" Juror No. 1 said.
"Um...Mr Naruhodo? What do you think? It's just possible that this new evidence might be the decisive proof we've been waiting for. The judge is sure to ask the members of the jury to announce their leanings in a moment." Susato said.
"..." Ryunosuke said, in awe.
"And of course, he's sure to ask you to explain what the crucial piece of evidence is and why. So we must take this opportunity to examine the newly presented evidence as thoroughly as possible!"
"Yes, I understand. And...thank you, Miss Susato!" Ryunosuke said, as he thought this to himself. 'This is it. Susato-san has managed to win us one last chance here... I can't let it go to waste!' He then spoke aloud. "The defence wishes to present evidence, My Lord!"
"...!" Van Zieks said.
"...Very well. The defence may present one further piece of evidence. Evidence that has apparently offers a profound insight into this case, and has hitherto been overlooked." The Judge said.
"Here you go." I said, handing Ryunosuke the Fourth Book. "This should help."
"Take that!" Ryunosuke said, presenting the Fourth Book. "The evidence in question is what we can see from the newly presented photographic print of the crime scene. The fourth book, found in the victim's hand."
"Objection." Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "We have already discussed the fourth book at length. Other than it being in the victim's grasp at the time of the incident, no significance has been attached to it. Pursuing the matter further would be a flagrant waste of the court's time...as you well know."
"Agh!" Ryunosuke said, annoyed.
"Hmmm... Yes, I'm afraid, Counsel, I must concur with the prosecution on this matter. When I afforded you this opportunity... ...you led the court to believe that the evidence in question contained a hitherto undiscovered clue." The Judge said.
"...!" Van Zieks said, at a loss for words.
"So I must insist that you elaborate, Counsel. You will identify this clue at once. ...Do I make myself clear?"
"Oh! Um...yes! My Lord! It's...erm…" Ryunosuke said, frowning.
"Mr Naruhodo... ...I believe the prosecution is trying to avoid a thorough examination of the evidence. Which means...you may very well be on the right track!" Susato cheered.
"I... Yes! I think you might be right!"
"You are on the right track, Ryunosuke." I said, happily. "You definitely are."
"So, Counsel... ...precisely where is the vital clue to this case, which this fourth book conceals?" The Judge asked.
"Can't stop thinking about it." I said, looking at the burnt corner on the back of the book. "The burnt corner."
"Same. It's been badly damaged by fire here. So much so that you couldn't read it all any more." Ryunosuke said.
"That's right. ...Such a pity. And do you see the flaking edges of the burnt pages, Mr Naruhodo, Jared? I think that's a sure sign that the damage occurred relatively recently." Susato said.
"Yes, a book damaged in a recent fire…" Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'That definitely rings a bell…'
"You should show this to them." I said, smiling.
"Got it!" Ryunosuke said, presenting the burnt corner on the back of the book. "I would ask the court to observe the back of the book in question."
"The back? What do you- Good gracious! It's been burnt to a crisp!" The Judge cried.
"So we have to ask ourselves, why was the victim clutching what is clearly an unreadable book? It is undeniably...an extremely unnatural thing for her to have been doing." Ryunosuke said.
"Objection." Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "Unnatural, you say? And what of it, my Nipponese friend?"
"Oh!"
"Were I to concede the point, if it bears no relation to the case, there is nothing to discuss. So, should you wish to assert that this fire damage is some veiled clue as to what happened that day... ...pray, do enlighten us all. What truth does this charred book hide?"
"..." Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'A charred book... There is just one possibility here, which I can't quite bring myself to rule out. It's an outside chance certainly, but worth a try…' He then spoke aloud. "Alright. I'll explain my theory."
"Don't keep us waiting any longer then, Counsel. Explain this theory of yours. What are you suggesting that you can ascertain from the fire damage this sorry tome has suffered?" The Judge asked.
"It could be its owner." I said, looking down at the floor.
"My Lord, the burn on the back of this book reveals a startling truth... ...about the book's owner." The Judge said.
"I beg your pardon?" The Judge asked.
"But...we already know who the book belongs to! The victim was gripping it in her hand as she fell to the floor, after all. It's obviously hers!" Patricia said, terrified.
"The question of how this book came to be in the victim's hand has yet to be answered. However... ...as to the questions of who the book really belongs to, and where it originated... ...the defence...has very credible answers!" Ryunosuke said, angrily.
"Good gracious! How can you possibly...?" The Judge asked.
"Very well. I'll play along with this futile attempt to delay your inevitable demise. But do remember, the members of the jury may well burn you if your little gamble goes awry." Van Zieks said.
"Counsel, the defence's response here is very likely to influence the final outcome of this trial. So tell the court...who do you claim is the owner of this burnt book?"
"It could be one of them." I said, looking over at Juror No. 4. "That being John or Joan Garrideb."
"Take that!" Ryunosuke said, presenting Joan Garrideb's profile. "The answer...is that the book belongs to the couple who own the house where the defendant has his lodgings... ...a certain Mr and Mrs Garrideb!"
"The landlords?!" Van Zieks exclaimed.
"And whether this is some extraordinary coincidence, of some kind of fate at work, I don't know, but... ...of all the people in London, one of the six chosen for jury duty in this courtroom today... ...is none other than Mrs Garrideb herself!" Ryunosuke yelled.
"Oh, oh my goodness...ME?! I, I think you must be mistaken, sir. I'm...I'm... I'm not Mr Garrideb's wife! I'm...his...maid!" Juror No. 4 cried.
"...Things would be so much easier if you would just drop the pretence. Alright then, how about a simple question for you? Have you ever seen this book in Mr Garrideb's house?" Ryunosuke asked, holding up the Fourth Book.
"I, I would never presume to know all of the books he keeps, sir!"
"Objection." Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "This is outlandish behaviour! This woman is the accused's landlady, you say? You implicate this hardworking member of the public... You besmirch her without a shred of evidence. Your actions...are unforgivable."
"Objection." Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "This is not mere conjecture. The defence happens to know... ...that on the day in question... ...at almost exactly the same time as the victim was stabbed on the pavement below... ...another 'incident' was taking place in the room on the top floor of Mr and Mrs Garrideb's house."
"Good Lord! What sort of incident, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
"...A fire, My Lord." Ryunosuke said, letting out a sigh.
Flashback….
"'Fraid to say it was. Happened in the blink of an eye, you know. The whole place filled with smoke. Couldn't see a bally thing. Didn't take long for the fire to spread, of course. The bally furniture started going up as well! Worst of it is, I lost my favourite. Book called 'The Lion's Pride'." Garrideb said.
The Old Bailey Courtroom…
"...'The Lion's Pride'..." Van Zieks said, his eyes widening.
"By Jove! The very same title that's the subject of this debate!" The Judge chirped.
"Oh dear me!" Juror No. 4 said, worried.
"Objection." Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "This is risible! All you've told the court is that a book by the same name was involved in a fire. In which case, it would be reasonable to assume that it was burnt to ashes. And entirely unreasonable...to infer that it magically removed itself to the scene of the crime."
"Perhaps it would make more sense...if I told you that the cause of the fire was...marital discord. Without going into details, it appears that Mrs Garrideb was considerably enraged. Apparently she continued to attack Mr Garrideb even amid the flames." Ryunosuke said.
"Oh, how awful! I can't even imagine being so horrid to the one you love. ...Can you, Roly?" Patricia asked.
"Absolutely not, SAH! My Patricia would never raise a finger against me, sah!" Roly said, angrily.
Flashback…
"Had all my favourite old novels in that case. But as soon as the fire got hold of them, that was it. Whoosh! Up in smoke! Then the wife started hurling things at me. There was I, back up against the window, under heavy enemy fire! Incendiary books incoming ten to the dozen." Garrideb said.
The Old Bailey Courtroom…
"The man had his back up against the window...and he had burning books thrown at him? Goodness gracious! Are, are you suggesting... ...that the book was thrown through a window and...and landed coincidentally at the scene of the crime?" The Judge asked.
"Objection." Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "No. A thorough investigation of the surrounding area was conducted the very evening of the incident. And there is no report of the Garridebs' window pane being broken."
"That's quite true. We also saw no sign of broken glass when we visited the Garrideb household. But is it not conceivable that the window was open at the time in-" Ryunosuke said.
"Not even remotely! Let us not forget the season, and the chilling weather that accompanies it. No Londoner would ever leave a window open in the middle of winter." Van Zieks said.
"Ah!"
"Hm... Does the defence postulate this scenario in all seriousness, Counsel? Do you earnestly claim that the book found at the scene was a flaming projectile thrown by Mr Garrideb's wife?" The Judge asked.
"... I believe it's a possibility, My Lord." Ryunosuke said.
"That's quite enough!" Juror No. 4 said, angrily. "Well! I hope that everyone can see you for what you are now, you little foreign trickster! You call yourself a lawyer, but you're just a coward! A mean coward!"
"...Really?"
"Claiming that our little tiff set the whole neighbourhood alight... Honestly! Implying that I'm merely posing as a maid for appearances' sake... How could you?! It's nothing to do with this beastly case, not any of it! All you've done is sully our family's name!" Juror No. 4 yelled.
"No! I, I assure you, that was never my intention!"
"Dragging an upstanding citizen's name through the mud simply to divert attention from your failing defence... I should box your ears, that's what I should do! It's utterly unforgivable!"
"Too right!" Juror No. 1 said.
"Here we go…" Ryunosuke said, annoyed.
"This is going to go well." I said, rolling my eyes.
"How long have we sat here now, listening to this Nipponese spouting out his fancy foreign theories? But...think about it! At the end of the day, the only person who could possibly have stabbed the victim... ...is that little hunchback with the moustache! And he ran away from the scene, too!" Juror No. 1 said.
"I, I do declare you're right…" Juror No. 2 said.
"It's true!" Juror No. 3 said.
"Yes! What did I tell you?!" Juror No. 4 exclaimed.
"Makes sense to me!" Juror No. 5 said.
"...Hm? Sorry? What's that?" Juror No. 6 asked.
"Well... ...it would appear that the ladies and gentlemen of the jury are once again in full agreement. What is your position, Lord van Zieks?" The Judge asked.
"In truth, My Lord...I feel these have been unnecessarily protracted proceedings. But then one must always exercise patience in order to savour the best vintage." Van Zieks said.
"No! Wait! The, the mystery of the fourth book still hasn't been-" Ryunosuke said, sadly.
"If books are your predilection, my learned friend...study them on your own time."
"..."
"..."
"Right, this trial is halfway done." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. '...What, no 'forgive the discourtesy' this time?'
"Ahem! In that case, ladies and gentlemen of the jury... ...you will now state your individual decisions regarding the defendant's culpability for the court to hear!" The Judge yelled.
"Guilty!" Juror No. 1 said, angrily.
"Guilty!" Juror No. 2 said.
"Guilty!" Juror No. 3 said.
"Guilty!" Juror No. 4 said.
"Guilty!" Juror No. 5 said.
"Guilty!" Juror No. 6 said.
All 6 jurors made their vote for guilty, causing the scales to tip to black.
"...Thank you...for that unambiguous response." The Judge said.
"It's not over." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'That's twice now. It's over…'
"Mr Naruhodo, don't give up!" Susato cried.
"...! Miss Susato...?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Have you forgotten? The battle isn't over yet!"
"You're, you're not suggesting...?"
"Of course. The defence has the right to another summation examination at this point. You could still convince the jurors to change their minds. You have one more chance!"
"...My Lord! The defence...asks to exercise its right to a summation examination!" Ryunosuke said, worried.
"Hmph. You believe you still have tricks up your sleeve?" Van Zieks asked.
"I don't intend to trick anybody. I intend to uncover the truth!" Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'This is no time to be downcast. As long as there's a chance, I have to stay strong and determined!'