The source of my strength

Lost in a fog of lies

A/N: Time for the second day of investigation! As our defense attorneys search for the truth, several stories head towards their climax. It's time for mystery!

Chapter 24: Lost in a fog of lies

September 25, 2029

Wright Anything Agency

1:00 p.m.

The scene at the Wright Anything Agency was rather similar to the from the previous day: Apollo and Hugh lay resting their heads on their respective desks, while Trucy tried her hardest to motivate them. Except instead of boredom, the two defense attorneys were swamped with exhaustion.

"For her next trick, the lovely magician will need a volunteer," Trucy said, brandishing her Magic Panties. "Will one of you step up?"

Apollo and Hugh remained unresponsive, a distinctly glazed look settling over their faces.

"Okay, now you're both starting to scare me..."

At this, Apollo lifted his head. "Sorry, Trucy. But after the trial we've just had, I'm not sure I can muster up the energy to do much."

"I almost feel like curling up and sleeping for the rest of the week," Hugh added from his side of the office.

"C'mon, guys! Is that really all you can say?" Trucy chastised. "Where are the defense attorneys that tore through the prosecution's arguments just a couple hours ago?"

"Well for one, that's not what actually happened." Apollo said pessimistically.

Hugh looked curiously at Apollo. "What do you mean? We did manage to secure another day, even if we cut it really close."

"Think about it, Hugh. Right up until Juniper interrupted the trial, Robin was leading us by the nose," Apollo answered. "She lead us straight into that trap with the bullet, and if it weren't for Juniper we would have been dead in the water."

Hugh grimaced at this. Normally he would be proud of his best friend for such a masterful play, but it was different when it was directed at him. There was also the question of where the dark mindset she was currently operating under had come from.

Trucy lightly smacked Apollo on the forehead with her wand. "Well as the manager of this agency I'm ordering you to keep investigating this case! For the Athena's sake, if nothing else."

"You're right. I could never face Athena if I couldn't get to the bottom of this. It's time to hit the pavement, starting with having a talk with Logan." Apollo stood up, pumping his fists to get himself motivated again. "Thanks, Trucy. I needed that."

"Someone has to keep you in line with Daddy gone," Trucy teased.

September 25, 2029

Detention Center, Visitor's Room

1:10 p.m.

Thankfully, Logan agreed to meet with his defense team. Less so was his demeanor, hunched shoulders and a grim scowl, which indicated that he was more closed off and angry than he was yesterday.

"We may need to take a slow approach here," Hugh whispered to Apollo. "I have the feeling that one wrong move will set our investigation back."

"Mr. Justice? About the trial today, I'd like to say something."

"Sure, go right ahead." Apollo said, surprised that Logan decided to speak up first.

Logan looked away. "I understand that you both tried your best. You even managed to knock Newman off her game briefly. But I believe that this might be an impossible case to solve."