[MARCUS]
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH1CZ4IJcQ
"He wasn't there."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAMLV172X5
"What do you mean he wasn't there?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjH2ROVsty
"I mean, he wasn't there. A source informed me that he was out at a card game that night."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2tIsiVZoU
"And how reliable is this source?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKGfEw444w
"Reliable. You could say that his life depended on it."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu52nfPmoa
He smirked. "So does this mean that you won't be able to handle this task?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C1ases9h5
"No. It'll just be a bit more troublesome than usual. However, I'd need you to do me a favour."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CrLwlG5WH
"Ah! It's a rare thing for you to make a request of me." He opened his arms, "What do you need?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxu3AFQZzC
"I need you to use your connections to shut down the train station for 3 days."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvXDX8QgrK
Jones was in thought for a moment. "I'm afraid I can't do that. You know, much business and cargo goes on through the station? If I put a stop to that, just for a day, I won't even make it past sundown."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7k2Hm6BCa
"It doesn't have to be the whole station, just one train."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tWUh0EJw7
"Which line?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUTKjtv5cF
"La Orolica."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhXQ4r6kB1
"Why this one in particular?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw2cY9od4q
"It's the only train that goes south across the desert, and my sources tell me Tondo intends on boarding the next trip south."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFF8u5dJri
Jones shook his head. "I still can't help you. Even if I could, apart from the notorious fact that I'd be dead before sundown, the government has been using that line to send soldiers and military equipment down south. There are higher powers I'd rather not upset."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3E8uOdZmm
Jones pulled out a cigarette and placed it between his lips as he patted himself for a lighter. "I've stuck my neck out for you Smiley, though not many, but enough times that I've developed a nasty discomfort around my throat."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEnDoxHczK
"And yet here you are, with your head still attached to your neck."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBUOf6SnUG
He chuckled. "Yeah, here I am." He found his lighter and lit the cigarette with one hand whilst sheltering the flame from the elements with the other. "Unfortunately, this I cannot do."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60pQ6wukYm
He took in a long draw, blew and placed it between his index and middle finger. "You'll just have to find another way."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJR8twpzfx
"You won't like the other way."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPULXEWcjTv
"The less I know the better I sleep at night, that's all I'll say."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMweyfWmwC2
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimwNS9nML0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdWlo8yekX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkr3ViAstp
[Charles Chance]
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOlPj7TGhd
"Hey Sarah, any word from our investigator? I've been trying to reach him all morning." He walked in the room.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMZYIKDYNQ
"Yes I spoke with him earlier. He confirmed he sent over the documents you needed for the motion in the Vinny case."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDOV4xFl5C
"Great. And did you file the application and supporting documents?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivhCJhkU2R
"Yup, I filed everything together the moment Sam sent them over. The documents are in order and everything is on your desk."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP7SqceMtR
Charles went into his office and begun reviewing the documents. "Hmm..." he walk towards the doorway where Sarah was within earshot. "Sarah..."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEx4Q7UaHl
"Yeah?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxmmPLRzZf
"I'm a bit concerned about the witnesses on these affidavits. Do you think they'll be able to testify in court?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qOu6lOsvI
"Well, Sam said they were willing to sign the affidavits but..."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXsBmyt7wx
"But what?" He interrupted.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAkETHs0M8
He said they'd be reluctant to appear in court to testify. He had to really push to get them to sign the documents, but they made it clear they wouldn't want to be involved in any court proceedings."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mz726I2Zo
"Push? Was this before or after Sam incentivised them."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5JXea8gFE
"Do you really want to know?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tz45PKuRO
"You know what? No. The less I know the better."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp68pkhiDBX
"He also said you'd say that."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy486Bq4Us6
He began to rub his forehead. "Where is he anyway? I've been trying to get a hold of him for ages and you get through to him?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZxef68O8f
"He says he's been held up lately. He wouldn't say what he was held up with."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIok9gUcsvQ
He sighed heavily while shaking his head. "This isn't ideal. We need credible witnesses to support our case, especially in one as high profile as this."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjazsyPI1kT
"I know, but considering who we're dealing with, no one would want to put themselves out there like that, I certainly wouldn't."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpU3gYIxOX
"Well, its nice to know you have my back." He smirked. "Alright, I'll have to make do with what we have. Do we have a set date for the motion?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPUoWWCDxT
"Today."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyKmQZuLoZ
"Today? How's that so soon?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMjiAMzLtv
"I still have some influence from my time in the registry."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7jzl2JK4k
"Cheers to that. What time is it coming up?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I7rzUl2pI
"In about two hours."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbMDqXF4oc
"You're telling me this now?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAESzC9keC
"Its on your calendar."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8AZ6fdEix
"Ok." He exhaled and gathered his things with a look of concern. Has the prosecution been notified?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqzubS61FY
"They certainly have."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorebSnmmxd
"Thanks, I'll head to court now. Wish me luck."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpmK6dKOGn
"Good luck Charlie."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbLJDYmWi9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQDFY1nGIM
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbK9gN6nNm
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wVMwIKc3j
"Yes counsel?" The Judge motioned towards Charles as the lawyers on both sides settled into their respective seats in the Judge's chambers.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LgcpoZnVa
In the Judge's chambers was a large mahogany table stationed between the attorneys and the judge. It was adorned with a set of law reports, a small bronze statue of the lady justice and a gavel carefully placed near the edge of the table with some Latin inscribed onto its gold plated stand.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL5qzNHDQB
Charles cleared his throat and swallowed before speaking. "Your Honour, this matter is coming up for an application to expedite the trial date for my client."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2hNygTeV3
"Yes, I am well aware of the contents of my docket counselor, you may proceed with your arguments." The Judge remarked, briefly staring at Charles from the top of his glasses before returning his gaze to the case file before him.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9f7FJOrvL
"Your Honour, the circumstances of this case...."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8C7NukILY
"I see here that you have also taken the liberty of filing a certificate of urgency?" The Judge cut him off with a displeased face.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Dzxb2uVT
"We have your Honour."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98EIUtg6p6
"Why, pray tell, would you be so compelled as to consider this matter of such lofty esteem, as to warrant such urgency counselor?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbdTnrMvyS
"There are prevailing circumstances that might influence this case, your Honour."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvqSejcHI8
"Prevailing circumstances? This a homicide case is it not?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xI58kUsq3
"It is your Honour. It is our humble submission that it is in the best interest of my client that this case be tried at the court's earliest convenience."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiHdct1p1d
He took off his glasses and he stared directly at Charles.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk7DVI5sBq
"Your Honour, my client is facing an accessory to murder charge, and I firmly believe that delaying the trial any further would not only prejudice his rights but also pose a significant risk to his safety."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wCQG7LAkj
"And what are these prevailing circumstances you are referring to?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRpWo7YJNZ
"Well, your Honour, the alleged crime involves a notorious crime boss who's nephew was killed. There has been a lot of tension and threats circulating within the community. If we don't get this trial moving quickly, I fear for my client's safety. There's a risk of retaliation, and I believe its imperative we resolve this matter as soon as possible to prevent any further escalation."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqLLO3hqxF
The Judge turned to James. "Mr. Rhodes? Anything from The People?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQLqOH30Tr
James gently tugged at the sleeves of his suit and straightened his posture. "Your Honour, the people object to this application. There is no concrete evidence to support these claims of threats or retaliation. Mr. Chance is speculating, and your Honour shouldn't be swayed by unsubstantiated assertions."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhUmZrk877
"Your Honour, this isn't mere speculation. I've spoken to my client, as well as have several signed affidavits of witnesses who can attest to the fact that the Chinese mob boss, Trolley Chen, and uncle to the deceased is intent on seeking retribution against any and all who are affiliated with the death his nephew. There are credible concerns based on the community's dynamics. Moreover, the evidence against my client is flimsy at best. The only thing linking him to the crime is a coerced confession statement, which we intend to challenge vigorously. Given the circumstances, i believe expediting the trial would not only serve justice but also protect my client's rights and safety."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHNfCRWuRD
"Credible concerns?" James scoffed. "Let these witnesses step forward so that their credibility may be put to task your Honour, at trial. A trial date has already been set. To expedite this case would only serve to derail other cases that have been on the court's docket, and perhaps even longer than his client's case. What about their justice and their time in court? As regards Mr. Chance's allegation of coercion on the confession statement, the prosecution is confident in the integrity of our evidence. The confession was obtained lawfully, and we stand by its validity. We shouldn't rush to judgment based on unsubstantiated claims of coercion."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UdZWhLGth
The Judge nodded. "I'll consider the arguments presented by both sides. Mr. Chance, while I understand your concerns about your client's safety and the nature of the evidence, I need to weigh these against the broader interests of justice and the prosecution's right to a fair and thorough preparation. I'll review the case file carefully and make a decision shortly. In the meantime, let's ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard your client, Mr. Chance."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SiG6q3UdT
"Thank you your Honour. I appreciate your consideration.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxAhpFAxyj
The Judge turned to James. "Do you have anything further to add at this time?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCULip8rKDL
"No you Honour. We'll await your decision."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGU4WqQT2g
"Very well. I'll communicate my decision to both parties once I've reviewed everything. Thank your, gentlemen."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz8SUHqyKm
Charles and James both stood up, gave a nod and exited the judge's chambers.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDJdFw6Jny
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFhdy8kA7O
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNFUV54aiN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclYgj45SME
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiVYN131CB
[LUKA]
The room was filled with officers and detectives, all ears as a man with a cowboy swagger, dressed in worn jeans and a leather jacket, narrated his story. He leaned against the table, a hint of a smile on his bearded face.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInlIvMujcX
"....so he pulls up the side of his shirt revealing the gun tucked into his pants. I said to him, 'What on earth are you gonna to do with that?'."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi9OIZAfqO
The room was captivated by his tale of a close brush with death while working undercover. A small crowd gathered by the conference room as the man continued narrating, all cheery eyed grasping to every word like children to a campfire story.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylJpS0gTuh
"So I took a step forward." He continued, whilst dramatically reenacting the scene. "In my head, I was like, I just got to get close enough to grab the gun off him, because I didn’t think he would shoot me! Now the moment I took that step, awww sweet Jesus." He took off his cowboy hat and shook his head. "All I remember hearing were two pops and I was on the ground laying on my back. I saw his figure come over me, gun in hand, and thought, 'This is it. I'm gonna be facin' my maker'."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHFrerodfD
"Now that's a story worth writing about." Luka commented as she approached from behind, with a hint of curiosity on her face.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxErK5HfOrm
He turned and his face lit up. "Luka!"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns1JNWLWZE
"Wyatt!" Her face also beamed with delight as they embraced. "Look at you!" She took a step back and scanned and moved him around like a mannequin. "Where have you been?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJA7upbbAK
"Lets just say I've been out of circulation for a while." He paced around the room as the crowd slowly dispersed with some giving him a pat on the back as they left.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7q3MezivN
"For like two years?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbjb28xlRv
He chuckled, "I needed some time for myself. Got burned out from too much work."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0L407NB6f
"Clearly. From part of the story I got, it seems like you were nearly burned out for good."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gnrUg2zit
He smiled, tucked his thumbs into the inner side of his belt near the buckle and walk over to her with the swag that could only be seen out of an old western. His matching boots gave out low rattles with each step until he was face to face to her. "Needed to clear my head."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj8BOO1OBV
"You know, for an undercover cop, the bad guys won't have to see you coming. They'll hear you walking way before you even say, 'This is the police'."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemt5RktEle
He burst out laughing, "You mean these babies?" He rested his right foot on its heal and gave her a view of a lifetime. "These are my sirens, gives the bad guys a chance to get a head start. Makes the job a lot more interesting when they know that you're comin'."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPhPjpAX9p
She laughed in amusement. "Undercover work can be tough huh?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JeAmsahBv
"Makes for a tougher man."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL01nioGFn1
"Hmm. But you're back now?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdGyLcGbg2
"Yes ma'am."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpNxyNtywG
"What brought you back anyway?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWSrdBnhgI
He took in a long breath and sighed. "The commissioner personally asked for me. I owe him one, so I came back."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kjyq8RDKv
"You're assigned to the Chen case, aren't you?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUcNgmNxUE
He stared at the floor for a moment and began nodding. "Yeah, I am . Looks like we'll be working together."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOqhnAbjDR
"It certainly does. How much do you know about the case so far?"
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk4hkKZaRY
"Not much, just that its a high profile hit and the commissioner wants it solved yesterday. I'm still reviewing the case file."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXczo1QDMAr
"Well, lets have another go at it. Maybe we can piece somethings together."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZS1dElow0
"Lead the way."
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVwmJYUcEL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHHUlrxG4g
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5122eJUhP
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vKuyVRCGa
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgBGM6jtFe
and then Add to home screen.