"I should have known that stench anywhere," Blind remarked. "Ashley, you reek of desperation…and fish for some reason."

The emerald eyes of Mina's rival in prosecution and love practically ignited with hatred. "And you, William, reek of betrayal and hair lotion."

"The only thing that smells funny here is you two," Whitney's sister remarked. "Is that true, Freckle face? Are they really the lawyers for Himbolake?"

Ashley pointed a gloved finger right at Janey Lila Stabs who looked baffled, confused and a little bit annoyed. "You heard right. Their cat is out of the bag!"

Mina stomped forward with a loud clack from her heel. "Yeah, but you're the one who is a catty bi…"

Ashley shrugged her shoulders. "You got your metaphors twisted, undergrad. I can't be a cat and a female dog at the same time. Go back to third grade English."

Blind, trying to be the bigger person, ignored her semantics and faced Janey. "Please," he said. "We really need a lead on this case, Miss Stabs."

"And an autograph…oww…" Mina added before she got elbowed in the ribs by Blind.

Janey, who was quite attractive herself, gave them an ugly scowl. "No way am I telling you pigs anything. Whitney was my dear sister and she was exploited by everyone. The music industry, the not-so-free press, and especially Mr. Himbolake!"

She crossed her arms and faced the chalk marking on the floor. A dramatic tear landed next to the outline of her sister's corpse. "Oh Whitney…" Janey lamented, "this whole country did you in. Just for a few sleazy pop hits."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Listen…" Mina squeaked, but she was quickly interrupted.

Janey faced Mina and Blind with a phlegm soaked voice and a pair of pink blotchy eyes. "I owe you pigs nothing. You aren't even worth a pile of dirt. This prosecutor has kindly offered to take this case and she was to see to it that not only will Mr. Himbolake remain behind bars, but you'll be disgraced permanently."

"I…uh… uhhhhh…" Mina muttered but her mind was completely blank.

Never in her career had she ever received such a lashing from anyone. She always trusted her client was telling the truth and she stood behind them with the firm resolution of the law. But here was a woman who firmly believed her client was completely guilty. And not only that, Janey defended her sister who was wronged all her life by everyone she knew, including Dustin. Mina was truly at loss for words over the mess she was in.

But at last, after thinking it over, she knew what to say.

She balled up a pair of shaking fists. "I firmly believe Dustin is telling the truth. And I'm gonna prove it, Miss Stabs. Did you ever hear the adage, 'innocent until proven guilty'? It's the first rule of law in the USA!"

It seemed as if the silent curse has been inflicted on Janey. She had no response whatsoever.

Whitney's sister has not expected the lawyer of her sister's accused murderer to come out swinging, but when Mina had summoned the most rudimentary law of her country, it was enough to silence her.

"And you," Mina said, turning around to Ashley with her button nose nostrils flaring. "Your tactics are so under handed, they're basically under-ground-handed! I'm gonna prove it to all of you that…"

Suddenly, the door creaked open to reveal the dowdy young face of Ms. Penny Cilan. Her skin was normally blanched pale, but she turned sheet white upon seeing the crime scene. "Oh..no…oh God…no…" she gasped and turned tail and ran.

"Oh look at that," Mina exclaimed. "Someone other than Dustin acting highly sus. Willy, after her!"

Mina and her boyfriend headed for the door, but unfortunately her blinded boyfriend ran into the wall. He stumbled backwards with a grunt. "Hehe," Mina giggled with her hand behind her head. "I'll handle this, darling! After her, me!"

Mina scampered out the door, ready to chase down Ms. Cilan. It seemed the entire case had come down to the misdeeds of a majorly sus mana-jerk!