(Jared's POV)
The Old Bailey Courtroom…
"So this is the article in question, is it? The 'small box' deposited with the pawnbroker by Mr McGilded two months ago." The Judge said.
"...And on the night of Mr Windibank's murder... ...the only item on the shelves that was touched by whoever broke in to the shop." Ryunosuke said, looking down at the small box.
"Quick, quick! Let's open it and see what's inside!" Iris cheered, opening the box.
"Good gracious! This is no ordinary box, it seems!" The Judge cried.
"Yup." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Wow! ...Although in truth, I had an inkling that might be the case.'
"...It would appear that the box houses a miniature music box movement." Van Zieks said.
"..." Graydon said.
"Then...is it too much to expect...?" The Judge asked.
"I think it would be reasonable to assume that it is a device for the playback of this disk, My Lord." Van Zieks said.
"So, here we have the means to play back Mr McGilded's disk, deposited at Windibank's at much the same time."
"Not strictly correct, My Lord. It was not McGilded's disk. It was the disk of his victim in the omnibus."
"But why, for heaven's sake? Are we to understand that the brickmaker was trying to sell this music box disk to Mr McGilded?"
"... I believe the answer will become clear if we listen to the music on the disk, My Lord." Ryunosuke said, reaching down towards the music box.
"Yes, very well. Let the court now listen to this curious disk at last." The Judge said.
"Hold it!" Gregson said, doing the Hold it pose. "Wait! ...My Lord!"
"Good grief! What is the meaning of this, Inspector?"
"The music box and the disk are, um... Well they're unrelated to the case! No, no need to spoil the sombre atmosphere in the courtroom with some silly bit o' music…"
"Objection!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "This disk may very well have motivated the culprit in this case to commit murder! Clearly there's every chance that it's fundamentally important to understanding what happened!"
"The prosecution has no objection." Van Zieks said.
"But, but no! That piece of evidence is police property now! You can't-" Gregson said, sadly.
"Clearly Scotland Yard has some vested interest here. But it is policy of this prosecutor to leave no avenues unexplored. And you, Inspector, have no jurisdiction here to prevent that from happening."
"GA-AAAAAAAARGH!"
"No further delays, please. Play the disk!" The Judge said, angrily.
"On it!" I said, winding up the music box. "Um… Gah. It's not music."
.........
"Wh-What on earth...? That's certainly not what I would call music." The Judge said, frowning.
"It's not." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'No... It's just the same note playing over and over again in an irregular sequence…'
"Hmmm…"
"Ha ha ha ha ha…" Graydon said, laughing a lot.
"Mr Graydon?" The Judge asked.
"This, this really is priceless! After all that, the music box is broken!"
"Broken?!" Ryunosuke exclaimed, and he thought this to himself. 'It, it can't be, can it?'
"Well obviously! In fact, I wouldn't be surprised... ...if the officer sent to fetch it didn't drop it on the way back to the courtroom." Graydon said.
"Well, with much regret... ...I feel the court must accept that this music box offers little in the way of clues." The Judge said.
"..." Van Zieks said.
"Are you ready to move on, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
'Come on...! Yes, alright, it does sound as though it's completely broken, but...is it?' Ryunosuke asked, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Could this 'music' emanating from the music box possibly be a new clue?"
"It could be a clue, Ryunosuke." I said, happily. "I just know it is."
"I believe that it could be relevant, My Lord." Ryunosuke said, smirking.
"Good Lord! But, but how can it be?" The Judge asked. "It's an abomination, Counsel! Mere noise! I fail to see how it can have any meaning whatsoever."
"Gah. I know this. Beats like digits. Ones and zeros." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'It does sound strange, I agree. But there's one thing bothering me... While Graydon stands there chortling victoriously... ...the inspector beside him has a rather telling expression on his face and Jared has an annoyed expression on his face. It's as if Gregson and Jared recognise the sound. As if they're familiar with it somehow... And that's making them appear extremely on edge.'
"If that's the stance of the defence, my Nipponese friend, answer me this…" Van Zieks said.
"Oh!" Ryunosuke said, his eyes widening.
.........
"Just what relevance do you propose this woeful chiming has on this case?" Van Zieks asked.
"... It's the defence's belief that the sound emanating from this music box is…"
"Not supposed to be music. It's not supposed to be." I said, smiling.
"Just because this is a music box, it doesn't necessarily mean the sounds we're hearing are music." Ryunosuke said, smugly.
"...!" Graydon said, at a loss for words.
"Yup." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Look at that. The smile vanished from Graydon's lips as soon as I said it. I'm on the right lines here. I must be!'
"Hehe, making deductions based on how people react to what you say... You're acting just like Hurley, Runo!" Iris said, giggling.
"Objection!" Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "The sounds we're hearing aren't necessarily music? Well, now that you've told us what they are not... ...I'm sure the court would like to hear what they are. Do enlighten us, my Nipponese friend."
"...! Well, um…" Ryunosuke said, sadly.
"Surely you have an idea in mind? Because if not... ...it will be the death of your ill-formed argument!" Van Zieks yelled.
"Exactly. The music box is clearly broken. Refusing to accept that fact is pure foolishness!" Graydon said, angrily.
"Shit." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'They've got me! I don't know what the answer is...yet!'
"Um, Runo... Jared…" Iris said, looking down at the music box. "...I've just examined the music box very thoroughly... ...and I'm fairly certain that it's not broken at all."
"Really?!" Ryunosuke exclaimed.
"Really. The way it's been made, it can only produce a single note anyway." Iris said, sadly.
"Thank you, Iris!"
"I do hope it's that." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Alright, well if the music box isn't broken... ...it must mean that the sounds it's producing have some significance that isn't musical. ... Ah! Could it be...? Is that what these sounds are?!'
"Something's just struck me, Runo, Jared. I feel like recently - in the past few hours even... ...I've heard another sound very much like the one this music box makes." Iris said, looking between Ryunosuke and I.
"..." Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'Yes, it's a familiar sound.' He then spoke aloud. "Actually, Iris... ...I was just thinking exactly the same thing."
"I'm going to have to press the defence for an answer. If your assertion is that the sound produced by this music box is not in fact music at all... ...then what the devil is it, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
"I do hope it's Morse code. Please be that." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'All the evidence we've seen so far... All the testimony we've heard... It's all pointing to one single answer now!'
"The prosecution demands that my learned Nipponese friend presents proof now! Tangible proof of this latest, wild speculation!" Van Zieks yelled.
"... Alright then." Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'This could be the best chance I'm going to get to fight back in this trial. And if I'm right, it's going to join all the dots together!' He then spoke aloud. "The evidence that explains the true nature of the sounds on this music box disk is…"
"This." I said, going into my sling bag and taking out Today's Paper and handing it to Ryunosuke. "Picked up a copy as well earlier."
"Take that!" Ryunosuke said, presenting Today's Paper.
"Today's paper, Counsel? The headline is 'Pawnbroker Perishes in Pickpurse Plunder!' ...Hardly supportive of your cause." The Judge said, looking down at Today's Paper.
"Ah...no, My Lord. I was hoping you'd look a little further down the page…"
"Further down? 'Ministry Mole? Classified Secrets May Have Been Leaked Overseas From Ministry of Justice'... Yes, this is a very serious matter, being investigated at the highest level, I understand."
"I have heard that international transmissions along supposedly secure lines are somehow being intercepted... ...and leaked to various other countries." Van Zieks said.
"And presumably...those transmissions are in the form of wired telegrams?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Of course."
"Juror number five! Your input, please!" Ryunosuke said, looking at Juror No. 5.
"... Stop. Oh! M-Me, sir? Whatever is the matter?" Juror No. 5 asked.
"You told the court before that you worked at the same communication station as Mr Graydon, did you not?"
"Y-Yes, that's correct."
"And the particular station where you work... ...deals with government communications and newspaper reports?"
"Oh, yes! We're not your run-of-the-mill communication station at all. Our work is extremely important."
"Then tell me...is this not a very familiar sound?"
"Hm...? ... You, you don't mean to say...? Is it...?" Juror No. 5 asked.
"That's right, madam. It bears more than a passing resemblance to the sound made by your telegraph machine as you tap it. Jared's been tapping in beats of four with a way similar to that sound. I believe it's called...Morse code?" Ryunosuke asked, watching me tap away in beats of four with my fingers.
"But... I don't believe it!"
"Now correct me if I'm wrong...but when it comes to leaking telegrams from government departments... ...there could be nobody more perfectly placed than a highly skilled communications officer!"
"Are, are you suggesting that the music box disk... ...contains stolen government secrets in Morse code?!" Van Zieks exclaimed.
"Ordaaar! Ordaaaaaar! Please, everyone! Ordaaar!!! But this... This is... This is high treason, Counsel! Deserving of capital punishment!" The Judge yelled.
"Too much new wocabulary! What is this 'treason'? And what is 'capital punishment'?" Juror No. 6 asked.
"Don't know why the Russian revolutionary is still here." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'The sorts of words I'd half expect you to know…'
"For our sovereign government's confidential information, hostile nations would surely pay almost any price!" The Judge said, terrified.
"Yes...and on that night two months ago... ...that was the very negotiation that was taking place inside the omnibus!" Ryunosuke said, worried.
"But in the end, McGilded perished, and the all-important disk lay unclaimed in the pawnbrokery…" Van Zieks said.
"My word!" The Judge cried.
"In which case... ...whoever stole that information in the first place must surely have been beside himself with worry. Because if the disk were to be discovered before it found its way out of the country…" Ryunosuke said, frowning.
"...It would reveal an act of high treason punishable by death!"
"So the culprit had no choice but to retrieve it. And in order to do that... ...he would have to gain entry to the pawnbrokery illegally in the middle of the night. Because the article left behind by Mr McGilded would incriminate him too much if it got into the wrong hands. Isn't that right...Mr Graydon?!"
"... You, you think I've been stealing government secrets? Preposterous! Absolutely preposterous!" Graydon said, scoffing.
"So, in response to the defence's accusation... ...you claim complete innocence, do you?" The Judge asked.
"Well of course I do! I've had to stand here in silence while that pretentious foreign lawyer has been prattling away!"
"Objection." Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "Then by all means...counter the charges, sir!"
"...!" Graydon said, at a loss for words.
"The prosecution demands the witness testifies...in response to the accusations brought by the defence!"
"... ...Delighted, I'm sure."
"The witness is reminded that the crime under scrutiny in this trial is the murder of the pawnbroker, Mr Windibank. That being a most flagitious offence, for which the law of this land sanctions a capital punishment. But the heinous act of high treason is no less serious a crime. ...I urge you to bear that in mind as you testify, Mr Graydon." The Judge said.
"..." Graydon said.
"So then, let us proceed. You may-"
"Hold it!" Nash said, doing the Hold it pose. "Ya gotta let us 'ave a rabbit an' pork 'ere, guvnor! We got things to say!"
"I, I beg your pardon? Who do you think you are?" The Judge asked.
"Name's Nash Skulkin! Occupation is...profeshnal baddie." Nash said.
"Name's Ringo Skulkin! But we ain't baddies enough to sell out our muvverland!" Ringo said, excitedly.
"That's right. We're wot they call…"
"...the Three Skulkin Bruvvers! ..."
"Bad timin', fellas! Very bad timin'." Gregson said, sadly.
Witness Testimony
- Graydon's Counter -
"A mere communications officer couldn't possibly steal confidential government information! Besides, the sounds produced by that music box aren't even Morse code! It was some low-class brickmaker negotiating with McGilded anyway, was it not? I've no relation to the man!" Graydon cried.
"Look, all we dun is break into the gaff the other night like wot 'e told us to do!" Nash said, terrified.
"If we'd known there woz dodgy gov'ment secrets involved, we wouldn't 'ave touched it!" Ringo said, worried.
"..." Ryunosuke said.
"..." Van Zieks said.
"... Erm...Mr and Mr Skulkin…" The Judge said, looking at the Skulkin brothers.
"One mister'll do, guvnor. ...Wot's up?" Nash asked.
"Do I take it that you now admit to the crime? That on the night in question, you did indeed gain entry to the premises illegally? And moreover...you did so as a party of three, in collaboration with Mr Graydon here?"
"..."
"WE DID, GUV, WE DID!!!" Nash and Ringo said, at the same time.
"Quieten down, please. ...What say you to that, Mr Graydon?" The Judge asked.
"...I have no idea what these two ruffians are referring to." Graydon said.
"You little rotter, gettin' us mixed up in all this monkey business! You never said nuffin' about no gov'ment secrets! It woz s'posed to be a straight-up job!" Nash said, angrily.
"An' wot about the geezer whose shop it woz, eh? Poor old bloke didn't 'ave to die, did 'e?!" Ringo exclaimed.
"Agh...!" Graydon yelled.
"I'd rather take River and Jack over those two idiots." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Nice to know who your friends are…'
"Whatever these men say, I deny the accusations." Graydon said.
"Indeed... Well, I certainly wasn't expecting this little music box to become so significant in the proceedings. However, as it has, I will admit it into the Court Record as evidence." The Judge said.
The small music box has been entered into the Court Record.
"Time to open it up." I said, picking up the Small Music Box and looking down at the mechanism in the top compartment. "Wow."
"This is the mechanism that turns the bumps on the disk into sound...isn't it?" Ryunosuke asked, looking down at the mechanism in the top compartment of the Small Music Box.
"Yes, the 'movement'. It's all thanks to the comb with its teeth that are plucked by the passing bumps. Usually, the teeth on the comb are different lengths so that each one produces a different tone. But this comb is very strange. All the teeth are exactly the same length." Iris said.
"Well...what does that mean?"
"It means that no matter which tooth is plucked by the passing bumps, the music box will make the same sound. I've never seen a music box like it before."
"Yes, it is strange. A music box that can only play a single note…" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'There has to be some significance to that, surely.'
"It could be this." I said, picking up the Music box disk.
"You're right, Jared. See how the 'For McGilded' disk sits in the music box the man deposited at Windibank's. It couldn't be a more perfect fit." Ryunosuke said, grabbing the music box disk from me and placing it into the Small Music Box.
"So there's no question then! The disk was designed to be played in this music box." Iris said, happily.
"Yet despite that, the sounds it produces are neither musical, nor do they appear to have any meaning." Ryunosuke said, as he thought this to himself. 'It just doesn't make any sense…'
"I wonder... ...if perhaps there's more to this music box than meets the eye. Maybe we haven't discovered all its secrets yet."
"We haven't." I said, my hand over the knob on the bottom of the Small Music Box. "Awesome."
"...Oh!" Ryunosuke said, his eyes widening.
"What is it, Runo? Jared?" Iris asked, looking between Ryunosuke and I.
"We've, we've just noticed something about this music box... It looks like the bottom of it opens up as well."
"Ah! You're right! Well come on then! What are you waiting for? Let's open it!"
"Okay." I said, twisting the knob on the bottom of the Small Music Box.
"Alright then...here goes…" Ryunosuke said.
"Look at that! There's another movement on the underside!" Iris chirped.
"Yeah." I said, smiling.
"So...does that mean... ...you can set another disk to play back on this side?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Yes, I think so. And it looks like the two movements are linked together." Iris said.
"They're linked?"
"So if you had two disks, they would both play back at the same time."
"Unless it's a DJ turntable where it's able to play two vinyl disks. But that won't happen until the 1970s." I said, looking at the bottom compartment of the Small Music Box. "DJs are the life of the party that replaced the orchestra or a band."
"Who'd have thought there would be a second movement on the underside of the box?" Ryunosuke asked, looking down at the bottom compartment.
"And this movement is like the other one. The comb's teeth are all the same length." Iris said.
"So...this movement also only produces a single tone, like the other one?"
"Yes, it must do. Except that the length of the teeth on the two combs isn't the same. So the single tone produced by this movement will be different to the single tone we've already heard."
"What?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Basically, each movement can only produce a single note…" Iris said.
"...but the notes they produce are different." Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'A music box that can only play two tones…' He then spoke aloud. "That is the ancestor to this turntable Jared mentioned."
Cross-Examination
- Graydon's Counter -
"A mere communications officer couldn't possibly steal confidential government information! Besides, the sounds produced by that music box aren't even Morse code! It was some low-class brickmaker negotiating with McGilded anyway, was it not? I've no relation to the man!" Graydon cried.
"Look, all we dun is break into the gaff the other night like wot 'e told us to do!" Nash said, terrified.
"Press for more information here." I said, looking down at the floor.
"Hold it." Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "Like Mr Graydon told you to do, you mean?"
"That's it, yeah. Who else, eh? Silly me thought 'e woz just poppin' over for a natter after all them years, but the rotter 'ad a dodgy job for us! Eh, Ash?" Nash asked.
"..." Graydon said.
"Let me stop you there, Mr Skulkin! 'After all them years,' you say? Do you mean to tell me that Mr Graydon is an acquaintance of yours?" Ryunosuke asked.
"We're the sociable kind o' baddies, ya know? Sure, let's say Graydon's an old china." Nash said, happily.
"Ringo wants to say something." I said, looking over at Ringo Skulkin.
"'Scuse me!" Ryunosuke said, looking at Ringo Skulkin. "Is something wrong, Mr Skulkin?"
"Eh?" Nash asked.
"No, the other Mr Skulkin…" Ryunosuke said, sadly.
"Wot? Who, me?" Ringo asked.
"When your brother was testifying just now, he said something that seemed to cause you to react."
"Oh. I woz just rememberin' the old days, that's all. We used to 'ave a right old laugh together way back when."
"Together...with Mr Graydon, you mean?"
"Yeah, wiv Ash. I mean, ya look at 'im now in 'is fancy whistle an' flute, an' ya wouldn't Adam an' Eve it... ...but when 'e woz younger, 'e was from the poor part o' town, just like us."
"Is that so?" Ryunosuke asked.
"But 'e woz always a leary one. 'E 'ad the brains. 'E 'ad the savvy. Always comin' up wiv smart ideas like wot would never 'ave gone through our 'eads." Ringo said, smiling.
"Gor blimey, ain't that the troof! Remember 'Milverton & Skulkin's Milk Run'? That woz a corker, eh?" Nash asked.
"Save it until after the trial! Your reminiscing has no place in this courtroom. And neither does your fruit." Van Zieks said, annoyed.
"Oi! The geezer asked us a question, didn't 'e? An' we woz answerin'!" Nash yelled.
"Yeah, we ain't done nuffin' wrong!" Ringo said, angrily.
"Nevertheless, the court is not prepared to accompany you on your trip down memory lane. Counsel, can we turn our attention back to the testimony, please?" The Judge asked.
"Agreed." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'I don't know... Could that sentimental story be relevant somehow?'
"It is. Why not add it to the testimony?" I asked, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"My Lord!" Ryunosuke said, looking at the Judge.
"Yes, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
"The brothers' last sentimental statement...could hold vital information relating to this case!"
"Very well, Counsel. I will permit the brothers to supplement their testimony with that detail. ...Briefly, I hasten to add."
"Say no more! ...A Skulkin's never skulkin'!" Nash and Ringo said, at the same time.
"If we'd known there woz dodgy gov'ment secrets involved, we wouldn't 'ave touched it!" Ringo said, worried.
"'Milverton & Skulkin's Milk Run'... Gor, them were the days!" Nash cheered.
"Press for more info here." I said, happily.
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, looking at Nash. "I'm sure I'm going to regret asking, but...what exactly was that? Some kind of business?"
"Just a little scheme we 'ad goin' back when we woz youngsters. A bit o' fun, really." Nash said, smiling.
"Deliverin' fresh milk to the locals, that's wot it woz all about!" Ringo chirped.
"That sounds alarmingly legitimate. There must be a catch." Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'I suppose since we're here, I should ask them to elaborate. But on what?'
"What about the business name?" I asked, crossing my arms. "It's not 'Saving people, hunting things: The family business.' They're no Winchester."
"So this business was just a bit of fun, you say? And it was just yourselves and Mr Graydon involved?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Yeah, that's it." Nash said.
"'Milverton & Skulkin's Milk Run', was it?"
"Yeah, that's it." Ringo said.
"And where did the 'Milverton' part come from?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Oh right. I thought a clever clogs like you'd 'ave worked that one out. That's 'is-" Nash said.
"Hold it!" Graydon said, doing the hold it pose. "Enough of this! How much longer are we expected to listen to this drivel? I don't-"
"Objection!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "Let me guess? You don't accept anything these two witnesses are saying?"
"...!" Graydon said, at a loss for words.
"Tell me! Why is it that it was only at the mention of the name Milverton that you decided to interject?" Ryunosuke asked.
"B-Because I...well…"
"It weren't the 'appiest of 'omes that one came from." Nash said.
"Yeah, 'is old man woz strugglin' fer money so much, 'is wife walked out on 'im." Ringo said.
"She took the name Graydon then, see."
"But Ash will always be Milverton to us!"
"Milverton... So that used to be your surname, did it?" Ryunosuke asked, looking at Graydon.
"Of course not! This is all bunkum! I've been a Graydon since I was born! Do you really think you can rely on the testimony of these two thieves, hm?" Graydon asked.
"You're a communications officer attached to the civil service. As such, your personal details will have been thoroughly checked at the time of your appointment. It would be a very simple matter indeed to subpoena those records, Mr...Graydon." Van Zieks said.
"Agh!"
"Well. It would appear that Mr and Mr Skulkin's testimony has been reliable...for once. You were born Ashley Milverton, then. Is that correct?" The Judge asked.
"... Very well. Yes." Graydon said, sadly.
'The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton'. Not one of my favorite Sherlock Holmes stories." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'So Ashley Graydon was once Ashley Milverton... That information could change things... And could turn out to be extremely important.'
Ashley Graydon's personal profile has been updated in the Court Record.
"..." Graydon said. "It was some low-class brickmaker negotiating with McGilded anyway, was it not? I've no relation to the man!"
"Liar." I said, taking out the McGilded Case Notes out of my sling bag and passing it to Ryunosuke.
"Objection." Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose and presenting the McGilded Case Notes. "Mr Ashley Milverton... Tell me, why did you try to hide your former name from the court?"
"Because I haven't gone by that name for years. It means nothing to me!" Graydon said, angrily.
"No, I don't think that's the real explanation at all. The truth is...you had a reason to hide that name!" Ryunosuke said, smirking.
"..."
"Explain yourself, please, Counsel." The Judge said.
"I have here the notes from the omnibus case, My Lord. And as we all know, the victim - the man who we now understand to have been negotiating with McGilded…" Ryunosuke said, holding up the McGilded Case Notes.
"Yes...Mr Mason, the brickmaker?"
"That's right. Only 'Mason' wasn't his surname at all. It was his given name. His full name...was Mason Milverton."
"Mil... Milverton?! Do, do you mean to say...? Saints alive!" The Judge said, in awe.
"Mr Ashley Milverton... ...is it not the case that the brickmaker, Mr Mason Milverton...was your father?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Ugh! I, I don't…" Graydon said, frowning.
"As I believe I mentioned earlier... ...your family history will have been thoroughly checked when you joined the civil service. And it really would take no time at all for the court to subpoena those records." Van Zieks said.
"Grrr…"
"The truth is you have been illegally acquiring highly confidential government information... ...and selling it on to McGilded in collaboration with your father!" Ryunosuke yelled.
"Objection!" Graydon said, doing the Objection pose. "This is slander!"
"...!"
"I carved a new life for myself as a respectable communications officer. As a gentleman! I have no idea what my father has been up to. But it has nothing to do with me!"
"And may I remind the court... ...that the assertion that this disk contains some sort of message in Morse code has been reliably disproven. By a professional and independent communications officer, no less." Van Zieks said.
"Hmmm... The relationship between the victim of the omnibus case and this witness is undoubtedly significant. However, the defence's argument remains somewhat incomplete, I feel." The Judge said.
"No!" Ryunosuke said, worried.
"I believe the cross-examination should continue."
"Morse code." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Alright, so Morse code uses two tones. If I could just demonstrate the possibility that this could have been used to generate two distinct tones…'
"Hm...perhaps we should have a really good look over the music box, Runo, Jared." Iris said, looking between Ryunosuke and I.
"We could, but at the same time, it's Victorian." I said, happily.
"You will reiterate your testimony if you please, Mr Graydon." The Judge said.
"If I must, though I maintain exactly what I did at the start of this pointless cross-examination." Graydon said. "Besides, the sounds produced by that music box aren't even Morse code!"
"Press for info." I said, smiling.
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "They're not?!"
"To anyone with a brain, that would be blatantly apparent on listening to that music box for even a few seconds." Graydon said.
"... Of course, of course." Ryunosuke said, letting out a sigh.
"Surely it can't be that my learned friend is unfamiliar with Morse code?" Van Zieks asked.
"I'm not." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Ouch. He looks genuinely shocked at my ignorance.'
"Ha ha ha!" Juror No. 5 said, laughing a lot. "I would be more than happy to demonstrate the basics for you, sir."
"A, a lesson...here in court?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Morse code is a continuous series of two distinct tones." Juror No. 5 said.
"Tones, you say?"
"Yes. A short 'dot' and a long 'dash'. By combining those in different ways, you construct letters."
"I see…"
"For example, this is 'A'... And this is 'B'..." Juror No. 5 said, messing with the telegraph. "But when you listen to the sound produced by this music box, you only hear one tone, don't you?"
"But, but it sounds so similar! The rhythm of it is the same and everything!" Ryunosuke said, worried.
"But there's no discernible meaning to this apparently random sequence of sounds. So your assertion is fundamentally flawed. This is not Morse code." Van Zieks said.
"NOOOOOOOO!" Ryunosuke said, terrified.
"Ha ha ha ha ha…" Graydon said, laughing a lot. "Really, you shouldn't be so surprised. What did I tell you? That music box is nothing but a worthless piece of scrap! Perhaps you might consider studying your subject matter before casting aspersions in future!"
"It's Morse code. It is." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Ugh... Stop. Nothing to say, but... Stop.'
"Oh, it's so frustrating, isn't it?" Iris asked.
"It is." I said, sadly. "Reminds me so much of one of the cases I had with Sherlock."
"I know."
"Iris? Jared?" Ryunosuke asked, looking between Iris and I.
"I mean, if the government secrets were somehow being leaked using the music box... ...so many other things would slot into place so nicely." Iris said.
"Leaking things is as easy as using a computer." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Could there still be something I haven't considered...? Would it really be impossible to use this music box somehow to play back Morse code?'
"Why not give it a try? 'When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.'" I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "Now that's how you use that quote, Iris."
"Thanks, Jared." Iris said, grabbing my hand. "I feel a little better now."
"There's still every possibility that this music box was instrumental in the leaking of government secrets. That's the belief of the defence, at least." Ryunosuke said.
"Objection!" Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "Does it please you in some way, my Nipponese friend, to repeat the same line of argument ad infinitum? It's already been established that to be Morse code, two tones are required. Dots...and dashes."
"Yes, I'm well aware of that." Ryunosuke said.
"Then, what?"
"Well, it would appear the defence has a hypothesis to put forward." The Judge said.
"...!" Graydon said, speechless.
"You had better present your idea at once, Counsel. How do you propose that this music box, which appears to produce only a single tone... ...could have been used to cipher secret messages into Morse code?"
"Hmm…" I said, turning the knob at the bottom of the Small Music Box. "Could this be it?"
"Got it!" Ryunosuke said, presenting the bottom compartment of the Small Music Box.
"Good gracious! What am I looking at here? Another movement on the underside of the music box?" The Judge asked.
"What?" Van Zieks asked.
"...!" Graydon said, annoyed.
"It appears, My Lord, that the two movements are linked together. In other words, you can put two disks in this music box... ...and the sounds of both will play back at the same time!" Ryunosuke said, angrily.
"Good heavens!" The Judge said, terrified.
"As the court has heard, Morse code comprises of two tones: a short 'dot' and a long 'dash'. With a second disk in place, this music box could be used to generate Morse code and convey a message!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!" Graydon yelled.
"The new facts and evidence unveiled by the cross-examination of this witness... ...all come together to reveal the truth!" Ryunosuke said, smirking.
"The, the truth, you say?"
"That you collaborated with your father, Mr Mason Milverton, in illegal dealings with Magnus McGilded."
"By dint of this music box, you mean, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
"Yes. Stealing information being sent in secret government communications, and selling it on to McGilded... Mr Graydon concocted this elaborate scheme of using two music box disks to encode the information... ...as, presumably, a safety measure against the information falling into the wrong hands." Ryunosuke said.
"And a very effective one. I shouldn't have given the scheme any credence whatsoever."
"But the deal with McGilded went sour...and the brickmaker met his end." Van Zieks said, sadly.
"Yes, but before he was arrested, McGilded managed to temporarily dispose of the stolen disk at the pawnbroker. Then, having learnt of the situation, you appeared at Windibank's two days ago... ...in an attempt to recover the two articles McGilded had placed in pawn there." Ryunosuke said, frowning.
"..." Graydon said.
"But that attempt failed." Van Zieks said.
"One of the disks was seized by the police, and the other, you never found. So that same night... ...you enlisted the help of the Skulkin brothers and broke into the pawnbrokery. This time, determined to recover the second disk!" Ryunosuke yelled.
"Are, are you suggesting that the second disk...was inside the music box?!" The Judge exclaimed.
"Eh?" Nash asked.
"We, we never knew nuffin' about that!" Ringo said, worried.
"On the night that Mr Windibank was killed... ...the intruder to the pawnbrokery touched one item, and one item alone: the music box." Ryunosuke said.
"As rather ingeniously demonstrated using the two prints from the security camera, indeed." The Judge said.
"So, the question that naturally begs answering is this: why was only that one article disturbed? The answer is obvious: because it contained the second disk, which the intruder was desperate to retrieve. Since, if it were to fall into the hands of the police, it would be proof...of high treason."
"..." Graydon said.
"Well, Mr Graydon? Do you deny that all of this actually began on that fateful night two months ago?" Ryunosuke asked.
"... I... I... I refuse to accept any of this nonsense!" Graydon said, while there's blood seeping through his jacket sleeve.
"..." Van Zieks said.
"..." The Judge said.
"Sir... ...there appears to be blood seeping through the sleeve of your jacket." Ryunosuke said, letting out a sigh.
"What?! Ah!" Graydon said, covering up the blood on his jacket sleeve.
"Two nights ago... ...we know that three shots were fired at the scene of the crime in Windibank's pawnbrokery. One took the life of the pawnbroker himself... One struck the pouch around Mr Holmes's waist... And the final bullet... ...struck the calendar on the wall of the shop, having first pierced the arm of one of the intruders. Mr Graydon... ...that wound on your arm that you seem to be trying to hide... It's a bullet wound, isn't it?"
"..."
"'E's got ya now, me old china." Nash said, happily.
"Time to call it quits an' croak, I reckon." Ringo said, smiling.
"... Tsk. 'Don't acknowledge my presence there under any circumstances whatsoever.' Those were my terms, remember? And I paid you handsomely to comply. Clearly I was a fool to think I could trust some common back slum thieves." Graydon said, scoffing.
"...!" Ryunosuke said, in awe.
"Fine. I admit it. I was there in Windibank's that night. I paid this pair ten guineas to accompany me. And as you've noticed, I sustained an injury in the course of my adventures. But that is all! I admit to nothing more! Stealing government secrets? Negotiating with Mr McGilded? As God is my witness...I'm sure I recall nothing of the sort!"
'He's not going to go down without a fight. Not until I can show hard evidence, I suppose.' Ryunosuke said, thinking that to himself, before talking aloud. "Nevertheless, the defence has now established a crucial fact."
"Which is...?" Van Zieks asked.
"Well, we know that one bullet was fired from each of the two firearms we have in evidence. The bullet from the Skulkin brothers' gun hit the pouch around Mr Holmes's waist. And the bullet from Mr Windibank's gun... ...clearly must have been the one that caught Mr Graydon on the arm." Ryunosuke said.
"Indeed it must. We can rule out the possibility that the man shot himself." The Judge said.
"..." Graydon said.
"And that leads us to only one conclusion: Mr Windibank was shot by a third gun... ...which can only have been fired by the third intruder." Ryunosuke said.
"Goodness!" The Judge chirped.
"...!" Van Zieks said, speechless.
"That's right, Mr Graydon." Ryunosuke said, smugly.
"Grrr…" Graydon said, annoyed.
"The only person who could possibly have shot Mr Windibank that night...is you!"
"Hold it!" Graydon said, doing the Hold it pose. "Ha ha ha ha ha... You little upstart! You made a grave mistake when you summoned me here."
"What?" Ryunosuke asked, as he thought this to himself. 'What's that supposed to mean?'
"Yes, as you rightly say, I was there at the pawnbroker's. I did my best to hide the fact, naturally. I had no intention of ruining the distinguished career I'd built for myself at the communication station. But did the thought never cross your mind? Did you never consider the possibility?" Graydon asked.
"What, what do you mean? What thought? What possibility?" Ryunosuke asked.
"The possibility that if I was there at the scene... I may have witnessed the crucial moment. You see... ...this makes me a key witness in this case...and I have my hands firmly around the neck of your client!"
"What?!"
"Are, are you suggesting...?" The Judge asked.
"I saw it all! I saw the very moment that pickpocket girl pointed the gun at that poor, defenceless pawnbroker...and shot him!" Graydon said, angrily.
"You... WHAAAAAAAAT?!" Ryunosuke exclaimed.
"Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Ordaaaaaar!!! Well... ...it would seem we are finally entering the last act of this theatrical trial." The Judge said.
"Mr Graydon…" Van Zieks said, looking at Graydon.
"Yes?" Graydon asked.
"I trust you are fully aware of the implications here? If it is shown that your claim is false... ...you will have incriminated yourself as the killer."
"... Oh, I understand fully."
"Then I must ask you to give your formal testimony once more. You will explain to the court precisely what you saw at the moment the defendant allegedly shot the victim." The Judge said.
"...Nothing would give me greater pleasure." Graydon said, smirking.
Witness Testimony
- The Moment of the Shooting -
"While these ruffians were jostling with the broker, I was still near the entrance to the shop. When Windibank threw Nash over the counter, I felt a sharp pain in my arm. I pursued the man but he shut himself in the storeroom. I could see him through the peephole in the door, though. The accused, in a black coat, shot the man in the back as he was trying to flee to safety! I saw the blood spatter all over that wretched girl. Then she tossed the gun out of the peephole. So I picked it up...and made my escape." Graydon said.
"Good gracious! This, this is quite extraordinary testimony!" The Judge said, worried.
"..."
"You claim, sir - under oath - to have clearly seen the defendant pulling the trigger! Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Orrrdaaar!"
"It wasn't my intention to testify in this way. But neither is it my intention to be found guilty of a murder I didn't commit. So you see...my hand has been forced. I tell the truth now as an act of self-preservation."
"...! The truth?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Until now, the prosecution was completely unaware of these details." Van Zieks said.
"Yes...well, um...sorry about that." Gregson said.
"Having shot me in the arm, the pawnbroker was then shot in the back by the accused. And as I said...she was showered in his blood." Graydon said.
"You say the blood splattered over the accused's coat? Are you sure on that point?" Van Zieks asked.
"Oh yes. Quite sure. All over the black overcoat that pickpocket girl was wearing at the time."
"Really? If her coat could somehow be shown to harbour vestiges of blood, that would be conclusive evidence here!" The Judge said, angrily.
"...Such an investigation is entirely possible, My Lord." Van Zieks said.
"What?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Only very recently, a German scientist has developed a technique to identify human blood. So here's to true science...not some amateurish detective's dubious foray into the world of chemistry."
"There's nothing dubious about Hurley's work! His ideas are all sound!" Iris chirped.
"Ideas are no use to us here. In science, as in law, theories must be proven before they stand." Van Zieks said.
"...!"
"In Germany, the technique has already been employed in the courtroom as the basis of evidence. Scotland Yard has a small quantity of the chemical reagent used. With Your Lordship's permission... ...we could shatter all vestiges of doubt within minutes!"
"Hm…" The Judge said.
"This doesn't look good, Runo, Jared." Iris said, sadly.
"You're right." I said, frowning. "Crap."
"Why not?" Ryunosuke asked, looking between Iris and I.
"Well, we know, don't we? That there's blood all over the front of Ginny's coat. If they test it with their chemicals…" Iris said.
"Oh help! You're right!" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'I was forgetting what happened yesterday…'
Flashback…
"Don't move, Ginny! I'm going to shoot!" Iris said, aiming her gun at Gina.
'But that's not Mr Windibank's blood. That stain is from two months ago. That's Mr Mason's blood, from when he was stabbed by McGilded, who was wearing the coat at the time!' Ryunosuke said, thinking that to himself.
The Old Bailey Courtroom…
"My Lord! The defence objects to the test proposed by the prosecution!" Ryunosuke said.
"Overruled. Lord van Zieks. Make it so at once!" The Judge yelled.
"...With pleasure, My Lord." Van Zieks said.
"And while we await the results, the defence may proceed with the cross-examination."
"... " Ryunosuke said, as he thought this to himself. 'Once they find that blood on the overcoat... ...Gina will be…'
"Counsel!" The Judge said, looking at Ryunosuke.
"Yes, My Lord!" Ryunosuke said, terrified.
"Your cross-examination!"
"Of course, My Lord." Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'If this cross-examination doesn't go well... If I don't manage to uncover some decisive evidence or a really compelling clue now... ...I have a very bad feeling about the outcome of this trial.'
Cross-Examination
- The Moment of the Shooting -
"While these ruffians were jostling with the broker, I was still near the entrance to the shop." Graydon said.
"Press for more info here." I said, happily.
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "Mr Windibank emerged from the storeroom, I believe?"
"Ringo and Nash were scouring the counter when he suddenly appeared and flew at them. He already had the revolver in his hand. ...Fortunately, I wasn't too close." Graydon said.
"I've never been so scared in all me life!" Nash said, worried.
"Yeah, we're just yer regular, mild-mannered burglars, that's all. We dun't like violence." Ringo said.
"...Says the pair who carry a gun. What do you mean when you say you were 'near the entrance to the shop'?" Ryunosuke asked.
"I was in the doorway, running my eyes over the shelves of forfeited items." Graydon said.
"Makes sense." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Looking for the music box, of course.'
"The broker went for Nash in the first place. Then Ringo joined in, making it two against one. So I assumed they could handle the situation. But I was wrong."
"I woz tryin' to 'elp me little bruv, but the old geezer chucked me over the bloomin' counter!" Ringo said, terrified.
"So I pulled me gun on the old fella, an' that soon made 'im scarper." Nash said.
"The pair of you setting upon the poor, defenceless pawnbroker together? Shame on you!" The Judge said, angrily.
"Sorry, guv…" Nash and Ringo said, at the same time.
"When Windibank threw Nash over the counter, I felt a sharp pain in my arm." Graydon said.
"Press for more info." I said, smiling.
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "You mean that's the moment you were shot?"
"Yes. Though I didn't immediately realise what had happened, of course. Things crashed to the floor from the counter as the three men were brawling. It was at exactly that moment that it happened. So I didn't hear the gunshot." Graydon said.
"And the bullet went on to strike the calendar in the wall behind you…" Ryunosuke said.
"So it would appear. When I looked at my arm, I saw it was bleeding badly. So I wrapped my handkerchief around it. Seeing as I couldn't explain what had happened to a doctor, I had no choice but to wait for it to heal. I didn't imagine it would still be bleeding two days later."
"Did Mr Windibank intend to shoot you, do you think?" Van Zieks asked.
"Well now...I don't imagine he even noticed I was there, to be honest. Perhaps the gun went off accidentally. Anyway, it didn't quite strike home." Graydon said.
"When I pulled me gun on 'im, 'e tried to shove me out the way." Nash said.
"And then 'e scarpered fru that door out back." Ringo said.
"At which point, what did you do?" The Judge asked.
"I pursued the man but he shut himself in the storeroom. I could see him through the peephole in the door, though." Graydon said.
"Press here." I said, looking down at the floor.
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "You mean you chased after him?"
"I don't recall the reason why. But I ran after him to the back of the shop." Graydon said.
"And what about this 'peephole in the door' you mentioned?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Well, unsurprisingly, the storeroom door's a solid job. Made of stout wood. But there's a small openin' in it about head height that lets you see what's what in there from the outside." Gregson said.
"Oh. Okay." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Actually, I should know that, shouldn't I? I looked through it myself that night.'
"And what about you burgling brothers? Did you see what went on through this peephole as well?" Van Zieks asked.
"N-N-Not likely, guv!" Nash said, terrified.
"D-Didn't see nuffin' o' the sort, guv!" Ringo said, worried.
"I doubt these two buffoons were even aware of the peephole's existence." Graydon said.
"Yeah. They really are idiots." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'So the Skulkin brothers were there, but they didn't see the killing of Mr Windibank take place.'
"Hm…" The Judge said.
"Inside the storeroom, I could see the broker and that young girl standing there." Graydon said.
"The defendant?"
"Yes. Though neither of them noticed that I was looking. The girl raised her gun and pointed it straight at the man."
"And then...? What did you see next?"
"The accused, in a black coat, shot the man in the back as he was trying to flee to safety!"
"Press here." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "Yes, when the crime was discovered, the defendant was found with a gun in her hand. But that was Mr Windibank's gun, from which only a single bullet had been fired. And as we've clearly established, Mr Graydon, that bullet was fired at you!"
"Ah, but no... It wasn't the broker's gun that the pickpocket girl had when I saw her. Yes, the bullet from Windibank's gun grazed my arm... And yes, the Skulkins' gun grounded the detective... But this...was another gun entirely. A third gun." Graydon said.
"The broker's gun was not the murder weapon. So clearly there had to be a third firearm involved. In other words, the accused must have had her own gun with her at the time." Van Zieks said.
"Objection!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "But no other gun was found at the scene!"
"Ha ha ha ha ha…" Graydon said, laughing a lot. "Calm yourself, Counsel."
"Sorry?" Ryunosuke asked.
"You must consider the events in order." Graydon said.
"...!"
"At first I saw the broker and the girl glaring at each other, but then, all of a sudden... ...the broker turned to run. And it was at that moment, that the little gutter rat shot him in the back!"
"...A chilling image, I must say." The Judge said, sadly.
"... I saw the blood spatter all over that wretched girl."
"Press for more info." I said, frowning.
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "All, all over her?"
"Yes, through the peephole, I saw it clearly. Of course, the stains are invisible now, what with the coat being such a dark colour. But I assure you...that garment is sullied with the victim's blood!" Graydon cried.
"Makes sense." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Well...it is sullied with blood, that's for sure.'
"But it's not Mr Windibank's blood, is it?" Iris asked.
"No, that's right. It's Mr Mason Milverton's blood from when McGilded stabbed him two months ago." Ryunosuke said.
"It's so annoying! If they'd only accept Hurley's chemical analysis, we could prove that."
"But they won't. So unfortunately, we can't use it as evidence to support our case."
"And they don't accept blood as forensics. Not yet. At least." I said, looking down at the floor.
"Bother…" Iris said, letting out a sigh. "Jared, can you use your title?"
"It doesn't exist yet. Anyway, press here for more information."
"Hold it!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Hold it pose. "Did, did I hear you correctly? She threw the gun out of the room?"
"That's right. After the broker fell to the floor, she started walking over." Graydon said.
"Over where exactly?" The Judge asked.
"In the direction of the storeroom door. To where I was watching. Of course, I quickly retreated. And then... ...the girl dropped the gun through the peephole onto the floor on my side of the door."
"But why on earth would she do such a thing?"
"...I couldn't tell you. Perhaps she was hoping to distance herself from the murder weapon. Without thinking, I went and picked it up. I suppose I was worried about just leaving it there, in case any more tragedies took place."
"... So it was you, in fact, who took the third gun from the scene of the crime?" Van Zieks asked.
"Yes...it was yours truly." Graydon said.
"Hm…" The Judge said.
"I left the clear-up to my lackeys and left."
"Clear-up?" Ryunosuke asked.
"We'd made a bit of a mess around the counter, so Mr Whistle 'n' Flute 'ere told us to tidy up." Nash said.
"'E thinks 'e's our bloomin' mum sometimes!" Ringo said, angrily.
"Well I was paying you enough, by God!" Graydon yelled.
"Ugh…" Nash said, annoyed.
"Tell me, Mr Graydon, when you left the pawnbrokery that night... ...was it by any chance with the second disk in your jacket pocket?" Ryunosuke asked.
"... You're like a bull at a gate, aren't you? But I admit to nothing of the sort. After all, you can't even show the court such a disk exists...can you?" Graydon asked.
"Gregson and Nash Skulkin are having a situation." I said, looking between Tobias Gregson and Nash Skulkin. "Looks like Gregson is mad."
"'Scuse me!" Ryunosuke said, looking between Tobias Gregson and Nash Skulkin. "Gentlemen!"
"Hahh...hahh...hah...hahh... Hahh!" Nash said, out of breath when Gregson lets go of him.
"Somethin' wrong, sunshine?" Gregson asked.
"That should be my line. You...do realise you were just violently shaking Mr Skulkin?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Blimey, this dee's a bit of an 'ooligan, ain't 'e?" Nash asked.
"What was going on just now?"
"You saw 'im! 'E grabbed me whistle! 'Why the blazes,' 'e said, 'didn't ya mention the third gun when we got ya down the station?'"
"And why didn't you?"
"Cos! We didn't know nuffin' about it! Or that flamin' peephole in the door!"
"Um...sorry about that. I can be prone to losin' my rag sometimes. ...Not hurt, are you?" Gregson asked.
"Gor blimey, see the way 'e's lookin' at me? I'm tellin' ya, this dee gives me the willies!" Nash chirped.
"Wow." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'That was strange... The inspector doesn't normally get quite as worked up as that. He wouldn't normally grab someone…'
"No, that wasn't like Gregsy at all. He's normally all sweetness and light, no matter what I say to him." Iris said, sadly. "And he's normally kind to Jared, no matter what he says to him."
"Yes, well... I think you and Jared might be special cases, Iris." Ryunosuke said, looking between Iris and I.
"Well anyway. That was definitely out of character." Iris said, frowning.
"..." Gresgon said.
"My Lord!" The bailiff said, entering the room. "Requesting Your Lordship's permission to interrupt the cross-examination!"
"Explain yourself, Officer!" The Judge said, angrily.
"I have the results of the test that was ordered earlier, My Lord!"
"Ah...the blood... On the accused's overcoat." Van Zieks said, his eyes widening.
"Thank you, Officer. Very well, the cross-examination is hereby temporarily suspended. I presume you have no objection, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
"Um... No, My Lord." Ryunosuke said.
"... Well, there you have it!" Gregson said, excitedly.
"The report, please, Inspector." Van Zieks said.
"Yes, sir!" Gregson said, picking up the report and reading it. "'Traces of human blood were found on the overcoat of the defendant, Miss Gina Lestrade. From the extent of the stains, it would appear that they were the result of spattering following a gunshot wound.' ...End of report!"
"Goodness me!" The Judge cried.
"...See? What did I tell you?" Graydon asked.
"Objection!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "No! The blood on that coat is not Mr Windibank's!"
"What on earth makes you say that, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
"The coat originally belonged to Magnus McGilded. Just before his coat was deposited at Windibank's, McGilded had fatally stabbed Mr Mason Milverton. So the blood on that overcoat...is the blood of the brickmaker from the omnibus case!"
"Objection!" Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "Well...the dead cannot speak. ...Isn't that right, my Nipponese friend?"
"Sorry?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Two months ago in this very courtroom... ...did you not argue fervently for McGilded's innocence? And yet now that the man is dead...you brand him as a murderer? Your conduct shatters any shred of respect you may have earnt for yourself in this country!" Van Zieks yelled.
"Agh! But, but that was…" Ryunosuke said, sadly.
"I call it a bally disgrace! Treachery, that's what it is!" Juror No. 1 said, terrified.
"Hm, how to determine whether the blood on that coat is two months old or not...? Even a stereoscope couldn't help the answer to that problem pop out. It can't be done!" Juror No. 3 said, worried.
"But...but... ...we used Mr Holmes's specially formulated chemicals-" Ryunosuke said, frowning.
"Mr Holmes is a detective, not a chemist!" Juror No. 4 said.
"Would you put such faith in a chemical formula devised by me, for example, when I'm a communications officer?" Juror No. 5 asked.
"I held out pirozhki to starving boy, and he ran away crying." Juror No. 6 said.
"Sherlock Holmes is barely more than a figment of the public's imagination. His name carries no weight in this courtroom! ...No weight at all." Van Zieks said.
"How could you say that?!" Ryunosuke exclaimed.
"...Victory is sweet indeed. This proves that my testimony is the whole truth from start to finish!" Graydon said, smirking.
"How do you arrive at such a conclusion, sir?" The Judge asked.
"As the witness said, the accused's coat was spattered with the blood of the victim. The only way Mr Graydon could possibly have known that fact, is if he saw it happen. In other words...his testimony is solid, and the conclusion is singular: It was the accused who shot the victim in this case. That...is the whole truth!" Van Zieks said, smugly.
"AAAAAAAAARGH!" Ryunosuke said, breaking down.
"My Lord!" Juror No. 1 said, looking at the Judge. "Been a long battle, this one, but this old warhorse has something to say now, if you please."
"Mr Foreman...?" The Judge asked.
"As of this moment, sir, the squadron has reached its final decision. Ready, men? All for one now!" Juror No. 1 said, looking at his fellow jurors.
"SIR!" The rest of the jury said, at the same time.
"Guilty!"
"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.
Six fireballs were thrown into the scale, making it lean towards the black of guilty.
"Well, it would appear the ladies and gentlemen of the jury have reached a unanimous verdict." The Judge said.
"The defence has consistently failed to unpick this witness's testimony. Here's to any attempt you may make at unpicking the jurors' decisions being...equally successful." Van Zieks said.
"Ugh... UWAAAAAAAAAGH!" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'I don't believe it... After I've come so far... How is it all unravelling on me so fast...?' He looked down in guilt and distress. "..."
"How very distressing... ...to be held in such low esteem." Holmes said, wearing a bailiff disguise. "Wouldn't you agree, Mr Naruhodo?"
"Officer...? You've delivered the report now. That will be all, thank you." The Judge said.
"It occurs to me with some regularity, Mr Naruhodo... ...that scientific truths are determined not by science... ...but by none other than the human mind."
"Yup. Which is why you had two companions, Sherlock." I said, happily. "Me and one of our friends."
"Exactly, Jared." Holmes said, smirking.
'I, I know that voice…' Ryunosuke said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Am I going mad...? AAAAAAAAAH! Mr Holmes!"
"Wha...? WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Ordaaaaaar!!!" The Judge said, angrily.
"What business do you have here, detective? The last I heard, you were recuperating in hospital." Van Zieks said.
"As well I would be...had I not been set upon errands." Holmes said. "One of which was by Jared."
"Right." I said, happily.
"Of course you remember."
"What errands?" Van Zieks asked.
"Hurley! It's really you! You're awake at last!" Iris cheered.
"Yes, good day, Iris. I appear to be rather late to rise. My apologies. Now, My Lord...if you will humour me?" Holmes asked.
"In what manner, sir?" The Judge asked.
"I have something of great importance I wish to give to the young lawyer over there. And I have something of great importance I wish to give to one of my dear friends over there. I need no more than five minutes. Would you be so kind as to spare us the time?"
"Hmmm... What say you to this, Lord van Zieks?"
"... This trial has taken many hours of the court's time. Having spent so long already-" Van Zieks said, annoyed.
"Exactly! Havin' spent so long already, we don't wanna go wastin' any more precious time!" Gregson cried.
"As I was saying... Having spent so long already, it would seem churlish to deny the defence a mere five minutes."
"EEEEEEEEEHHH?!"
"Very well then. Counsel, you have five minutes." The Judge said.
"My dear fellows, I apologise for my tardy arrival." Holmes said, walking over to the defense stand. "Jared, you wanted some snacks."
Holmes took out a box of snacks out of his coat pocket. I opened the box to see macarons, croissants, and chocolate croissants.
"Thank you!" I said, excitedly.
I grabbed the box from Holmes and began snacking on the French snacks.
"Mr Holmes! Are you alright now?" Ryunosuke asked.
"Ah ha ha ha ha hah!" Holmes said, laughing a lot. "Alright? I'm all wrong!"
"Sorry?" Ryunosuke asked.
"I've only just managed to summon the strength to stand, man! I asked the judge for five minutes…" Holmes said, sadly. "...but I fear even that may prove too much for me. Pray forgive me should I pass out."
"Um...let's make this discussion as short as possible."
"Hurley, this place is full of idiots! None of them can see how wonderful your chemical blood analysis is!" Iris said, angrily.
"Ah well...that concoction of mine was really just a bit of sport to assist me in my investigations. I never took the trouble to refine it for appraisal by the scientific community. ...An oversight on my part." Holmes said.
"Right…" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'Modesty? Surely not…'
"And that's luminol. That is Ema's favorite thing. Along with fingerprinting." I said, happily.
"But enough of that. I'm here to give you this, my dear fellow." Holmes said, taking out a wrapped box out of his coat pocket.
"What's that?" Ryunosuke asked, looking down at the box. 'A lavender furoshiki wrapping...?'
"A leaving present. From Miss Susato."
"From Miss Susato?" Ryunosuke asked.
"If possible, matters were to be settled without me giving you this. Those were her instructions when she and Jared asked me to do them this favour." Holmes said.
"I...I don't understand."
"Miss Susato and Jared here foresaw today's events, I believe. They knew that the culprit would attempt to escape justice by means both devious and underhand. And that you, Mr Naruhodo, fighting fairly as you are wont to do, would find yourself in considerable peril. At that very moment of crisis, you were to be given this small parcel. Those were the dear lady's instructions."
"And it's something I talked about with Susato in the middle of night." I said, smiling. "It's her instructions. But it's my plan."
'A leaving present from Susato-san and a plan from Jared... Whatever could it be?' Ryunosuke asked, thinking this to himself, before speaking aloud. "What is this?"
"Oh! It's...it's the machine I made!" Iris said, unwrapping the paper to see what is inside.
"Ah!" Ryunosuke said, looking down at the device.
"Miaow." Wagahai said, walking through a cat flap to enter the courtroom, before walking to another cat flap to leave the courtroom.
"Look! I used this! It's my latest invention!" Iris said, holding up the cat flap maker machine.
"What...what is that?" Ryunosuke asked.
"I call it...the Cat-Flapomat! It can make a cat flap for a little furry friend like Waggy in seconds! What's Susie up to?"
"Miss Susato muttered the following words before she left: 'I'm a failure. I don't deserve to be a judicial assistant.'" Holmes said.
"What?" Ryunosuke asked, and he thought this to himself. 'Didn't she say something like that...?'
Flashback…
"You two really are the best judicial assistants in the world." Ryunosuke said, looking between Susato and I.
"Well...that's extremely flattering. But I'm sorry to say... ...that I've been a complete failure." Susato said.
"Ditto. Ever since Trenzalore, I've been a mess." I said, looking down at the floor.
The Old Bailey Courtroom…
"Whatever did they mean by that, Mr Holmes?" Ryunosuke asked.
"... That night, when you left Windibank's in pursuit of the thieves... ...Miss Susato made use of this contraption for...a certain purpose. That is your answer, dear fellow." Holmes said.
"I can't say why because it's spoilers." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Not, not at all cryptic then... Susato-san used this Cat-Flapomat that night? And Jared won't tell me the answer. But why?'
The Cat-Flapomat has been entered into the Court Record.
"...Your five minutes...is over." Van Zieks said.
"Time to check this baby out." I said, grabbing the Cat-Flapomat from Iris and looking down at the grip and trigger.
"Whew! Those vicious teeth look like they could rip through almost anything!" Ryunosuke yelled.
"They're good, aren't they? They're made of a special alloy I developed just for this job. The cutter rotates ten times per second so it can get through any kind of door in no time at all!" Iris said, excitedly.
"And...what are the two parts at the top there?"
"Ah, those are for attaching hinges to the section of door that gets cut out."
"Right. Of course."
"Nothing can match this machine for power! It can make mincemeat of even the toughest of doors!" Iris cheered.
"... It sounds so charming and friendly when you say what it's for, but... ...it feels like the reality of the Cat-Flapomat is that it's a grim weapon of door destruction." Ryunosuke said.
"Wagahai's so adorable, there's nothing I wouldn't do for him! Even developing deadly weapons!"
"As long as the deadly weapon is Adipose." I said, munching on a macaron with my other hand.
"...!" Ryunosuke said, as he thought this to himself. 'We're out of time already?'
"I'm grateful to you for affording us that brief recess, Mr Reaper." Holmes said.
"I need no thanks, detective. After all... ...the die is cast." Van Zieks said.
"...Is it really?"
"The jurors are unanimous in their leanings. No doubt my learned friend will consider a summation examination... ...but any attempt to alter the verdict now would be utterly futile."
"... I wonder... Mr Naruhodo!" Holmes said, looking at Ryunosuke.
"Yes?" Ryunosuke asked.
"The rest is down to you, dear fellow. What is your plan?"
'The rest is down to me...? I need to be careful here. If I make a wrong move, the trial will end...badly.' Ryunosuke said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "My Lord! The defence requests…"
"You need further cross-examination, Ryunosuke." I said, happily.
"...further cross-examination." Ryunosuke said, sadly.
"Objection!" Van Zieks said, doing the Objection pose. "The jurors have spoken! Protocol dictates that you may not cross-examine a new witness now."
"Objection!" Ryunosuke said, doing the Objection pose. "The defence is not asking for the cross-examination of a new witness. Rather to continue with one of an existing witness."
"What?" Van Zieks asked.
"It would appear that a rather important detail has escaped your attention, Mr Reaper." Holmes said.
"My Lord!" The bailiff yelled. "Requesting Your Lordship's permission to interrupt the cross-examination!"
"Thank you, Officer. Very well, the cross-examination is hereby temporarily suspended. I presume you have no objection, Counsel?" The Judge asked.
"Um... No, My Lord." Ryunosuke said.
"So nobody can say anything then! If Runo asks to resume his cross-examination of Mr Graydon…" Iris said.
"...The court is obliged to allow it!" Holmes said, angrily.
"This...is absurd!" Van Zieks cried.
"... I would remind those present that this is my courtroom. I concur that the defence is entirely within its rights to request the continuation of the cross-examination. However, I will not permit an unremitting protraction of these proceedings. Therefore... ...I have decided to afford the defence one final opportunity in concluding the cross-examination." The Judge said.
"...!" Ryunosuke said, at a loss for words.
"Counsel, you must choose but one statement from the witness's testimony... ...and but one piece of evidence to present in support of your argument against it."
"Shit." I said, while Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'A single chance to present evidence...?'
"If, following that, the situation remains unchanged, I shall move to adjudication. Is that clear, Counsels? You will not press the witness any further!" The Judge yelled.
"My Lord." Van Zieks said.
"Yes, My Lord!" Ryunosuke said, terrified.
"Hm... A single statement and a single piece of evidence. ...Most generous. Well then, Mr Naruhodo. It's high time I...fell in a dead faint. I leave this...in your capable hands…" Holmes said.
*Thud!*
"Mis…" Ryunosuke said, as Holmes fainted. "MR HOOOOOOOOOLMES!"
"Don't worry. I got this." I said, walking up to Holmes, placed my hand on his body, and teleported us to the antechambers. I then teleported myself back into the courtroom to be next to Ryunosuke and Iris. "I'm back."
"Jared, you teleported." Ryunosuke said, happily.
"Sherlock needs rest."
"To stand so insouciantly before the court in a state of such high fever... Either the man has extraordinary strength of mind, or an extraordinary lack of feeling." The Judge said.
"I imagine he's feeling very little now. The detective is sleeping soundly in one of the antechambers." Van Zieks said.
"Talk about being cold." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Strike a man when he's down, why don't you?'
"Well then, Counsel...are you fully prepared?" The Judge asked.
"...Yes." Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'One statement... One piece of evidence... I won't let Mr Holmes down. Or Iris. And I won't waste this final chance that Susato-san and Jared have given me. This is going to decide the entire outcome of the trial!'
"Very well, then. Under the terms I have outlined...you may resume the cross-examination!"