chicago ♔ i wish you could see | how apart we've all grown

[lawofsurvival]

WHO || The Failboat, Rafael Giovanni, Isabella Alessandro, Hiro, Jaka, Burt Becksworth, DA of Chicago [closed]
WHAT || The trial of Rafael Giovanni
WHERE || Chicago courthouse, Chicago, IL
WHEN || Friday, Nov 22nd  [backdated]
HOW || Actionspam

The big day has finally arrived.  As media coverage rises to a frenzied fever pitch, Jaka's final preparations are completed, and the team assembles to head down for the trial of Rafael Giovanni.   

Large crowds are gathered outside, some of whom tote signs condemning Rafael as a murderer, others pledging their support and love for the singer.  Police officers keep order, and hold the crowds back as the stars are led up the steps and inside the courthouse.  

They'll have some time to convene with Burt and Jaka in a private room before the trial itself begins.  Unfortunately, Jaka still hasn't shared the change in plans that he and Des discussed in private... 

Comments

[witchwoman]

[The hairs on the back of Myri's neck have been standing up since the start of this.]

Apparently Jaka thought otherwise.

[nothingsodivine]

[With an intense will save of 25, Des meets Morrison's eyes and holds his gaze, completely unperturbed by the implications.

On the inside, however, he is screaming. And still wondering if maybe he made a huge mistake in cutting that deal with Jaka.]

[romanticidal]

[ and with a 29 will save, rafael is as stone faced as ever, so it's hard to say what he's thinking about jaka's unusual approach ]

[llllllaurel]

Thank you, Officer Morrison. That will be all.

[She shifts some papers before calling her next witness.]

The prosecution calls Roberto Umbici.

[behindcloseddoors]

[ the italian man who approaches the stand to swear in is about 6'2" with a light build, a nice tan, green eyes and short, wavy black hair which is a little brittle. he has a seat politely, although his eyes move to meet rafael's. ]

[llllllaurel]

[She makes her way around the front of her table and meets the man's eyes with a small smile.]

Mr. Umbici, you are a member of the defendant's orchestra, correct?

[behindcloseddoors]

[ he leans forward, hands folded. ] Si, for the last six years, I have worked with Signor Giovanni.

[llllllaurel]

Did you also know the victim, Eterna Jade?

[behindcloseddoors]

[ he nods ] She was Signor Giovanni's singing partner years ago.

[llllllaurel]

But they weren't partners at the time of the concert?

[behindcloseddoors]

[ he shakes his head ] We had heard she would be there, but it was the first time I had seen her since they went their separate ways.

[llllllaurel]

And when was that?

[behindcloseddoors]

December of 2010.

[llllllaurel]

Two and a half years ago.

[Just for emphasis.]

Do you know why they parted ways?

[behindcloseddoors]

I assumed it was... personal. The two of them seemed to have shared a relationship. Things had seemed tense.

[llllllaurel]

Had the defendant mentioned that Ms. Jade would be joining him for the performance that night?

[behindcloseddoors]

I was not aware that that would be a part of the program, no. We were informed on stage, during the show.

[llllllaurel]

Do you have surprise changes like this often?

[behindcloseddoors]

Not at all. We usually have a very strict program.

[llllllaurel]

So this sudden change must have struck you as odd.

[behindcloseddoors]

Y...es. [ he glances towards rafael again uncertainly ] But I assumed he had good reason for it. Signor Giovanni has always been very professional.

[llllllaurel]

[Arianna pauses, pushing that last yes a little more (sense motive 15).]

Has he? That kiss didn't seem very professional.

[behindcloseddoors]

[ another beat of hesitation, as it's clear he's not saying everything. ] Well. He always has had a very strong... romantic streak. It seemed to me like a reunion. Perhaps they'd finally worked things out.

[llllllaurel]

[And she's going to push a little more.]

He had been on stage all night. You said you didn't know she was supposed to be there. Did you know if he had seen her before the concert?

[behindcloseddoors]

There were rumors that Mr. Becksworth had been trying to get her to agree to sing a duet on the program with him.