THREE

The door to the cramped elevator was about to close before the toe of someone's shoe stopped it and caused the elevator door to open again.

"Hi."

Rick greeted Hazel kindly and got into the elevator with Hazel, who immediately leaned closer to the elevator wall. Several people who saw Rick enter openly voiced protests that Rick was making the elevator even more crowded. But Rick's thick face was completely unfazed by whatever protest was being carried out for his actions just now.

"How are you?" Rick started the small talk with a smile on his face.

"I'm fine, Rick. You don't have to worry about me. "

"In fact, I'm always worried about you. Since you moved out of my apartment two months ago, I haven't stopped to think about some of your carelessness."

Hazel glanced slightly at the people who were listening to their conversation. Even though she seemed to pretend to be busy with her cellphone, she knew that some people in the elevator were actually listening to Rick's annoying chatter.

"I'm not a kid. I can take care of myself."

“In fact you often forget to put your car keys, you often forget to eat food when you are drowning in cases that you need to learn, you also often forget to bring a cellphone charger. You..."

Ting

The elevator doors opened wide and people burst out of the electronic box after arriving at the lobby of the prosecutor's building. Hazel felt anxious to get away from there so Rick wouldn't have to open up her disgrace in front of so many people. Sometimes Rick forgets about their status which is no longer together. According to rumors, Rick is currently trying to get her heart back. But Hazel never wanted to believe the rumors. She didn't want Rick to try to bring her back into his life. Instead, she wanted Rick to quickly find another woman who was more suitable for Rick's tough days.

"Wait Hazel, don't avoid me like this."

Hazel exhaled violently in front of Rick, then swept her gaze around the parking lot, which was fortunately quite lonely tonight.

"I'm tired Rick, tomorrow I have to preside over quite an important trial. Please take your hand off mine."

Rick paused in front of her, but he didn't let his hand grip her arm. "I have something to talk about my client."

"Are you sure it doesn't violate the code of conduct?"

“No, as long as you are the judge for the case tomorrow morning. Follow me."

Either Rick who was too smart or Hazel who was too passionate about the Calvin case, she simply followed him without a fight after Rick lured her with the Calvin case. Indeed Rick really knows her weakness. Since long time ago, she would never be satisfied if the problem she was handling had not found a clear bright spot for her.

"What would you like to drink?"

“No thanks. What do you have to say about Calvin?"

Rick seemed to raise his eyebrows briefly, then chose to sit according to Hazel's wish.

"He told me that the murderer was not him."

"He told me that too."

"But all the evidence right now points to him. Plus he also didn't have a strong alibi at the time the incident took place."

"Zinny. Only that girl is his only alibi. But we obviously can't use a girl who is still delusional as a witness at trial so that we can ease Calvin's charges."

"You are right. Moreover, the murder weapon was found under the seat of the car he used to take Zinny Duffal away. Calvin's position from the start was not profitable."

Rick looks so tired with the new case he received today. Becoming a lawyer for Calvin who has been clearly proven guilty is tantamount to doing futile work. Previously he thought, at least he could help Calvin get relief for the sentence given to him. But so far Calvin has not given him the slightest explanation, other than information that he was not the figure behind the shooting that was carried out on the Duffals.

"How was that weapon found?"

"According to Richmond, the gun was found under the passenger seat occupied by Zinny Duffal. When checked, the gun contained Calvin's fingerprints and ten bullets were missing. The amount of bullets is the same as the amount of bullets found in the bodies of each member of the Duffal family who died."

"Is the dining room and the building far enough for the servants to not hear the explosion sound from the main house?"

"I don't think they noticed the explosion sound. After all they used to eat noisily, and they always believed that their noisy voices would not be able to be heard by the Duffal family who always ate seriously."

"Are they the kind of strict family?"

“Richard is a man who is strict and always structured, whereas Jane is a mother in general, affectionate and also gentle. The family barely had any scandals. They were last year named the ideal family and received an award at a prestigious annual event."

"I know." Hazel answered languidly. Even then she was there. She had just remembered when Rick started talking about the ideal family. Last year she was invited to a prestigious event that usually collects votes via social media. For two months the committee will count each of the votes acquired by the nominees they have categorized based on themes that are trending on social media and in the community.

Last year the Duffals were nominated as the ideal billionaire family along with several other equally popular families. At the peak event was held to give awards to each winner, the event committee specifically invited her as a guest of honor because she was considered a great woman who had successfully pursued a career in the legal world. And like the others, that evening Hazel came very captivatingly to watch the winners receive a trophy as well as a prize that had been prepared by the organizing committee of the event. It was there for the first time Hazel saw the Duffal family on stage to receive an award.

At that time she remembered little Zinny who was very active on stage. Several times she waved at the camera, tried to snatch the heavy chalice from her mother's hand, and occasionally embraced her twin brother’s shoulders with enthusiasm. At that time even Hazel felt anxious about little Zinny who looked carefree. In contrast to Zinny, the two twins actually look more restrained. Whether it was Simon or Steve, at that time she remembered that one of Zinny's brother twins whispered next to his active younger sister to warn her to shut up because their father was making a speech.

"The reason why the Duffal's youngest daughter is near the Aurora Bridge with Calvin is still a mystery," said Rick looking exasperated. During the five hours he was with that man, he did not get the slightest information about it.

"Calvin really doesn't want to be helped. I think so." Rick continued, who then grabbed his coffee glass and squeezed it until it was firm. The ups and downs of Rick's Adam's apple didn't escape Hazel's sight. But she didn't feel anything when she saw that. If she was really interested in Rick, things like that could have increased her interest in Rick, but she wasn’t.

In the past, friends at school often paid attention to little things on men they thought was sexy. The Adam's apple that looks up and down at that time can be categorized as a sexy movement that can invite arousal. But so far she didn't feel anything about Rick’s Adam’s apple movement. So it was obvious that she didn't like Rick intimately at all.

"Has anyone tried asking Zinny Duffal about that matter?"

“At first I planned to do it. But I thought about it because it was a waste of time. Why ask a little girl who still has an imaginary friend. The words that come out of her mouth can't be accounted for at all."

It's true, Hazel thought bitterly. Zinny Duffal will not be able to give an objective testimony based on what happened to her with Calvin. But at least a little story from that little girl can be used as the key to finding other puzzle pieces.

"What were you talking about while I was going to buy coffee?"

"Not much. He also told me he wasn't the Duffal murderer. Besides that he told me that he never asked you to be his legal attorney."

"That's the facilities given to him," said Rick angrily. Hazel realized that these words would indeed cause his rage, but she was doing it on purpose to provoke other information she had yet to get.

"But..."

“Who else will be his attorney for him if not me? You know for yourself that Calvin is just a driver in the Duffal family. He will not be able to pay for expensive legal services. Tch, he views himself too high. In fact, no one is willing to voluntarily become his attorney other than me."

Rick patted his chest vigorously many times. The exhaustion and rage that had been enveloping him was like a fuel triggering an emotional outburst within him. Even so, Hazel understood, and she had absolutely no problem seeing Rick exploding like this in front of her.

"He has the right to appoint anyone a lawyer for him."

"I know. But the prosecution decided not to give him that right because he was an extraordinary case. The public will be even more nervous if he is handled by another lawyer who has the potential to tell a controversial story to journalists. Instead, the prosecution appointed me because I had been in the legal world with them for many years."

“Well, I never knew why you volunteered to become a public lawyer since long ago. Come on, Rick, you are a potential lawyer with a bright future. Sacrificing yourself to become a public lawyer really isn't your style. You know, of course, that the salary of a public lawyer is very little compared to being a lawyer personally."

“I like my job. Ah, it's late." Suddenly Rick rose to his feet, glancing at the watch wrapped around his left wrist. And after that he quickly cleared his belongings that were scattered on the table.

“Be careful, don't be careless while driving. See you tomorrow morning in the courtroom."

Rick's hasty departure made Hazel frown deeply. There was no way she could accuse Rick of any ulterior motives in this case. But the man's gestures were quite suspicious according to her.

While exhaling, Hazel then walked away leaving the prosecutor's lobby which was now very quiet. The people came home a few minutes ago. Only her and a few night shift officers were left walking back and forth along the lobby. Tonight she obviously didn't sleep well. Dozens of emails were sent to her waiting to be read. Yeah, whoever the murderer is, Calvin has managed to get the entire prosecution on their toes because of his attitude.

-00-

Hazel's black robe fluttered in the breeze from the air conditioner that had been installed just above the chancel for the judges and ranks. Usually that place is the hottest place among all the places in the court because in that place the officials in the court will usually work hard to decide to give a sentence to the defendant.

Thirty minutes ago the first trial for the Duffal murder case officially began. Before the trial actually started, Hazel ran into Calvin, who was seen being dragged by police officers into the courtroom. Their eyes had met. Hazel could see another side of Calvin, who looked even brighter this morning. The man was filled with anger and determination which somehow managed to tease Hazel. Dressed in a prison suit and handcuffed, Calvin just walked past her after he managed to send a strange shiver down Hazel's hair.

"The first witness please testify."

Hazel gave the instructions after the clerk said she was ready to record whatever testimony she would give. This time the first person to testify was the butler, Mrs. Amanda Priston.

“That day at ten past four I had already asked Sharon to prepare the ingredients for cooking dinner. Whereas the other three, Jill, Gladys, and Gabe, I ordered to clean the rooms in the mansion. Every day we cleaned the mansion twice. Morning and evening. All this was done because the mansion was facing south. Winds from the south often blow away fine dust which if not swept up will build up and make the floor very dirty."

"Okay, then what did you do afterward?" Hazel asked, still calm. The tail of her eyes had been trying to trace every corner of the quiet courtroom. Everyone was clearly tense right now as they listened to Amanda's word for word. But there was only one person Hazel didn't think seemed tense in the first place.

Calvin McAdam is not at all tense like the others. In his gaudy prison suit and no longer handcuffed, he was busy tapping the tips of his nails against the handle of the chair. Meanwhile, the look on his face had been showing a strange calm combined with a thoughtful expression that was very disturbing to Hazel. What could he be thinking, Hazel thought curiously. And just as she was watching the man, Calvin suddenly turned his gaze towards her. The man gave Hazel such a thrilling glare, and after that he showed a faint grin that maybe only she was aware of.

"Like that Your Honor. I walked out of the main house at about six fifteen minutes past. "

Hazel's gaze then turned again to Amanda Priston. Her time to testify is over. Now he is allowing other witnesses to testify from their point of view.

"Are you Gladys Stimel?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, my name is Gladys Stimel."

"You worked for the Duffals since you were eighteen?" Hazel asked, glancing at the papers containing Gladys's personal data. Just to be sure, she needed to ask trivial questions before getting to the point of the matter.

“The Duffals are a nice, wealthy family. I accepted the generosity of Mrs. Jane to work as a maid in her house because I had to earn money to support my three little sisters. "

"Alright Gladys, you can present your testimony."

While listening to Gladys speak, Hazel occasionally stole glances at Calvin. She was still curious about every look on the face the man showed. Such facial expressions are clearly not the kind of expression the murder suspect shows.

He had worked on murder cases before, and the suspects involved in the murder case did not look relaxed, tapping their hands on the armrests or looking like they were deep in thought behind their flat faces. Usually the suspects will be more serious ... yes serious! Those who have come into contact with murder cases are usually less tense, but more serious about listening to every trial run so they have a chance to get around.

From what she saw in Calvin, so far the man has not heard every witness. He was mostly lost in his own thoughts. As for the other witnesses, they had been looking tense. Most of them were tense, except for an old man who sat in the fourth row from the front. The man was not as tense as the other witnesses, but he showed a keen interest in every testimony brought by his fellow workers at the Duffal family mansion.

"Every testimony you say here will really help us in upholding justice, ms. Stimel. So you don't have to be afraid to tell us anything. You're protected. "

Hazel tried to calm Gladys' nervousness which was making her choked up as she spoke. Every now and then Gladys glanced at Calvin who didn't even glance at her. However, Gladys' baseless nervousness succeeded in influencing her story, which now comes to a halt halfway through. For that Hazel had to persuade Gladys so that she could calm down a little while presenting her testimony.

"I I ..." said Gladys stuttered. Hazel gave her a gentle look and a reassuring smile as a sign that she would be patient to wait for her to speak.

"I once saw Mrs Jane sneak into Calvin's room."

Instantly Calvin turned his head towards Gladys. This sudden movement without a thought process did not escape Hazel's attention. Now she knew that Gladys' testimony brought a little tension to Calvin.

"Do you know the reason why Jane Duffal snuck into Calvin McAdam's room?"

"I don't know, Your Majesty. It was two in the morning. I woke up because I wanted to fetch water in the kitchen. The position of the kitchen is adjacent to Calvin's room and Mr. Edgar, but at that time I was sure if Mrs. Jane had sneaked into Calvin's room because the position of the door to Calvin's room was on the left, while the position of the door to Mr. Edgar is on the right. "

"How long has Jane Duffal been in Calvin McAdam's room?"

“I don't know, I guess it's over ten minutes. Because for ten minutes I was still there. " Gladys shyly admits that she is a source of gossip in the mansion. “I thought I could make a story the next morning by watching Mrs. Jane sneak into Calvin's room. But because Mrs. Jane never came out, and I was very sleepy, I finally decided to go back into my room without ever knowing when Mrs. Jane came out of Calvin's room. "

"OK. Do you have anything else to say, Gladys? "

"No, Your Honor."

"Then you can sit down. Next I want to hear testimony from Mr. Edgar, the gardener of the Duffal home. "

From the judge's seat, Hazel watched Mr. Edgar, who looked exhausted to just walk towards the specific place for witnesses to testify. While waiting for Mr. Edgar, Hazel took the time to read the man's personal data on the sheets that were now scattered on the table. The man was named Edgar Antonio. A middle-aged man who comes from a small town in southern Texas, named Marfa. Since two years ago, Edgar suffered from moderate heart disease, which made him always take medication and not be too tired. Edgar Antonio looks physically like a frail old man. His really slow gait made Hazel wonder at the kind of work Edgar Antonio was doing at the Duffal home.

"Mr. Antonio, how long have you been working as a gardener at the Duffal home? "

"About two and a half years ago." the man replied hoarsely. His small, slightly wrinkled hands lay limply on the chair handle. Hazel saw that the man was very weak to be there.

"Are you all right, Mr. Antonio?"

"Yesterday my heart ache recurred a little, this problem made me sleep deprived. And on a day when..." Edgar Antonio suddenly stopped his sentence as he stared at Hazel's gloomy face.

"Can you continue?"

"And the day Mr. Duffal and his family died, I had diarrhea."

The deputy judge next to Hazel then whispered, "They found pectin in his blood when he was tested yesterday."

Hazel nodded faintly at Wyne, her focus then returned to Edgar.

"What did you do when the Duffals were having dinner?"

"I was with the others. At seven eighteen I went to the bathroom because I had another stomachache. You can ask Willow, he knocked on my bathroom door because I was in the bathroom too long."

Hazel glanced reflexively at a woman named Willow. The woman is one of two babysitters who work at the Duffal home. Another babysitter, Catherine Hawkin, was unable to attend today because Zinny started whining uncomfortably while staying at the witness shelter.

"So what time did you join the others?"

"It was half past eight. But it didn't last long, because after that we were startled by the excitement in the main house."

"Who discovered the Duffals' body first?" Hazel asked sharply. One by one she looked at the faces of the witnesses to convince herself that Calvin deserved punishment. But the more she looked into their faces, the more doubt she had for Calvin. The man was too calm to be a murderer.

"Gabe, she was screaming hysterically and inviting tension from us who were eating Amanda's risotto."

"All right, you can come back Mr. Antonio. Next I asked Mr. Calvin McAdam to speak. After the testimony of the three witnesses, Mr. McAdam had the opportunity to defend himself."

Calvin's eyes were sharp and straight into Hazel's, who was currently also staring at him. Just like yesterday, that man only said that he was not guilty of the murder of the Duffals. It sure got a rage on Hazel's mind. Again the man was not cooperative to solve this case.

"Can you tell us what time you left the Duffals' house to pick up Zinny at her ballet school?"

Hazel caught a glimpse that Calvin was surprised by the information she learned that the man had gone to pick up Zinny Duffal to her ballet school, as he usually did.

"Six o'clock."

"The Duffals 'body was found at seven forty minutes, what time exactly did you leave the Duffals' house?"

Those eyes, Calvin knew that at this moment Hazel didn't believe him. He didn't leave the house at six. He deliberately lied to lure the real murderer to get out of his hiding place.

"Judge, Mr. Edgar is experiencing shortness of breath!"

A scream from the direction of the witness bench broke Hazel's concentration for a moment. After that she saw people starting to crowd around mr. Edgar, now the bridge of his nose, couldn't even be seen by Hazel because of the many people who were teasing him. It is clear that this trial cannot be continued. The man needed immediate help before an unexpected heart disease took his life.

"Today's trial is temporarily suspended until news of Mr. Edgar's condition is declared stable by the medical team." Hazel broke out quickly over the podium.