After Nick Beard's massive (and "rather breathless" as Raven would say) admission of guilt, the jury's deliberation was faster than anyone could have imagined. Mina still sat tense with Star and Artie, in case there was a unwanted surprise for her clients. On the opposing side, Goldie was smiling staring into space, but the comedian brother of Dirk Lord, Ritchie Lord wasn't laughing. Blind had his hand in his luscious brunette hair, knowing that one of his witnesses had completely lost the trial for him.
Everyone rose as a young woman with curly orange hair and grey business suit spoke for the jury. She read the verdict in her hand.
"We the jury find the defendant, Star E. Skye, not guilty on all counts!"
Immediately, Star faced Artie, her director and screamed with joy. There were tears streaming from her eyes like miniature waterfalls and as she turned Mina, she smiled warmly. "I know a strong woman like me isn't supposed to cry...but Mina..."
"Yes, Star?" Mina said, wiping some tears away herself.
"Thank you!" Star exclaimed and with her musclebound arms, she squeezed Mina so hard she was afraid her eyes would pop out.
Fortunately, they didn't, but she was gasping for air in a way similar to Nick Beard. "Ack....ack....Star! Lay off the testosterone!"
Star dropped Mina's wimpy body and she collapsed to the floor. "Oh no!" Star said, and she scooped a dazed Mina up and placed her on her feet.
Mina wobbled back and forth as Star flicked a finger gun at the dizzy attorney. "You're free to take me up on that date I promised you, cutie!"
"I think..." Mina muttered as she panted for air. "I have a date with an iron lung!"
Raven ruffled her hair as Mina finally came to. "I just think this kid needs to do more cardio. I swear, adding that elevator to our law firm was the worst decision ever and..."
"Ahem..."
Ritchie Lord stood before them with his enormous water squirting carnation overwhelming his suit. "I hope this isn't the wrong time to say this," Ritchie smirked and adjusted his glasses, "Because I'm normally a master of comedic timing."
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
"Thats debatable," Mina muttered, her hand still tingling from the joy buzzer.
"But I just wanted to apologize to this er...little lady...I was suing," Ritchie said pointing at Star. "You see, Miss Muscles, I loved Dirk like a brother, because, well, he was my brother. No doubt if your brother got shot with a pistol, you'd want to sue me!"
Star was silent. Her crystal blue eyes observing Ritchie with a look of distrust.
"Yes..." Ritchie said, nodding his head. "I get you are a little shaken and stirred from all of this, sweetheart. But..." he extended his hand. "I'm willing to fully admit defeat and work on honoring my bro and all of his accomplishments rather than suing the pantsuit off a gentle giant like you!"
Star raised her eyebrows showing off the cracks in her forehead. But at last, her brow eased. She reached out for Ritchie's hand.
"Wait!" Mina shouted and stifled a grasp. "Noooooooo!"
But it was too late, as soon as their hands clasped each other, Ritchie's joybuzzer went off. "Psych!" the comedian said as Star looked completely frazzled.
Ritchie walked off, laughing like a maniac. Raven muttered beneath his breath, "What a Richard Lord! Ah well, there's nothing he can do to you, Miss Actress. His joybuzzing hands are tied."
Star grimaced. "I just wish I could fold him into a pretzel!"
Blind Justice also approached them, and Mina could feel a lump from in her throat. "Can I see, the rookie alone, please?" he asked.
"Er...sure," Mina said, giggling nervously. "I'd love to be alone with you!"
"I just meant over by my table!" he snapped.
"Aww man," Mina muttered, but she came with him anyway.
As soon as they reached the table, the blind folded prosecutor turned around. Mina stumbled over her words. "N-n-nice job out there, Willy!"
"I prefer Mr. Justice, rather than my childhood name, rookie," Blind muttered. "But I just wanted to say to you, you had it easy this time. That 4chin dwelling Nick Beard character is the worst witness I have ever had the displeasure of relying on. Normally, I prune them much better than that."
"Please don't ever give that guy prunes!" Mina said with a smile. "He's already full of enough crap!"
If his eyes were visible, Mina knew Blind would be rolling them. Instead, he brushed aside his brown locks of hair. "Juvenile and inexperienced is what you are, rookie," he scoffed. "Just a warning that next time, I'll have better witnesses and..."
"I WAS FRAMED!"
The staff of the Business Hospital had arrived to take Nick Beard away on a stretcher. But as they did, the murderous nerd screamed at the top of his lungs. "I WAS FRAMED!"
Unfortunately, he did not elaborate on this and had passed out again. They carried him away, leaving Mina to ponder the truth of his statement. Much like Dupree shouting about the aura, she feared there'd be no easy answers waiting for her.