Chapter 5

Evidence? He went to the girl's house as well to prove that he was not wrong. He wanted to ask his junior to testify in front of Gio's parents. However, what happened was that he ended up being slandered.

Moreover, the content of slander could be more generous. San will be subject to multiple articles, and who knows how long the sentence he will receive later.

The problem is San has no evidence or witnesses. He came to the girl's house alone.

The attorney adjusted his slightly drooping glasses. "You know? In a case like this, the possibility of winning is slim." He continued after a long sigh. "The victim's family asks you to be punished as severely as possible."

Victim's family? Thought San. That is true. Instead of the girl's family, why did Gio's parents come to him yesterday?

"They are the girl's close relatives." The attorney seemed to understand what San was thinking.

"What?"

"You have already dealt with an important person in this city. Mr. Anthony is the most respected person. Moreover, he is a candidate for mayor!" There was a tone of exasperation mixed with annoyance. "Being your lawyer is like slitting my own throat." He used the expression exaggeratedly. "My career is at stake. The public will not forgive a criminal like you!"

The child's gaze made the attorney a little uncomfortable. "I've already looked into your background, your family—you see, regardless of your current thoughts, it's useless." This time his voice sounded quieter.

It's too complicated for San's brain, which is not as bright as usual. His head was suddenly dizzy. So, Gio and the girl are still related? But why did Gio bother the girl to the point of harassing her?

"You can't even reach your guardian," the attorney continued.

San couldn't call himself alone, but now he had no one to rely on. Who do you want to ask for help? Asking for help from this lawyer also costs money. San is sure his uncle has lost his savings since he found out his nephew was in prison.

The youth, currently wearing a prison uniform, fell silent, his head lowered and his gaze fixed on his bare feet.

"I'm full," he said suddenly, making his interlocutor frown confused. "I also sleep pretty well even though sometimes it gets cold at night, but the officers give me a blanket. I don't need to be confused about where to sleep when Uncle doesn't give me the door when I get home from work." he chuckled.

San raised his eyes and looked at the lawyer. "I get what I expect when I'm not here." Then he laughed. "Wow, maybe this is what a wise man once said: every disaster must have a silver lining."

The attorney was silent. He did not understand why the boy suddenly spoke like that.

"Sir, when is the trial taking place?"

***

The news about the murder of a female student at a top university became hot news. News headlines from television to social media have received scrutiny, and few have responded.

San's face has also been scattered. And in less than a week, Santiago, the young man in his early 20s, became famous and much talked about.

What made the public anger was the fact that the victim was a relative of the Mayor Candidate. The candidate gets a concerned response, and many are talking about it.

"Very ironic," said one owner of a roadside food stall. The middle-aged woman shook her head in disbelief as she listened to the news on television. "No wonder his behavior is lecherous! The man is an orphan!" Then, he glanced at his customers, who were still busy eating. "Yes, right, Ma'am? People like that should be jailed for life!"

A woman, neatly dressed in a suit and long skirt, with back-length hair that she put in pigtails, scrolled through the eyes of the figure who spoke to her. She gave a faint smile after wiping his lips with a tissue.

"Miss is a attorney. As an ordinary citizen, I want to ask one thing," continued the stall owner.

The 27-year-old woman only nodded slowly.

"Does criminals like him deserve a defense before the law?" She pointed at Santiago's photo plastered on the TV screen. "I mean, why bother holding a trial? If it's barbaric, yes, just barbaric. Just put him in jail right away. If necessary, the death penalty is the most appropriate for him!" She had a daughter about the same age as the victim, which made her emotions run high.

The attorney didn't show any expression for a few seconds. Until she muttered under his breath with a faint smile, "Death penalty, huh?"

"Yes?" The stall owner looked confused.

"Everyone has equal rights in the eyes of the law, ma'am. They can defend themselves personally and be assisted by their attorneys." He took a sip of hot tea, then continued, "After all, if criminals are immediately punished without trial, there is no attorney profession."

The mother nodded in understanding, but from the look in her eyes, it was clear there was still judgment for Santiago.

The beautiful attorney got up from the table and handed out some money to the shop owner. "The rendang is delicious, ma'am," she praised. "Tomorrow, I will stop by again if I get a client nearby."

"Ah, yeah. Ouch, it's nice to have regular customers like Ms. Vera." Hers face, which had been somber before, turned bright. "Always don't forget to compliment my food."

"The food here reminds me of my late mother. It feels similar," Vera answered with a genuine smile.

"Ms. Vera must be proud because she has a beautiful, smart, accomplished child. I often mention Ms. Vera to set an example for my children."

Vera just chuckled, her dimples showing. "I'm not that great."

After that, Vera said goodbye. Just as he turned around and was about to reach the exit, she looked back at the stall owner and said, "Oh yes, ma'am. Everything that is seen in our eyes is not necessarily the truth. This conclusion in our minds could be the most terrible poison for others. I say this according to experience."

Then, the woman who wore heels matching her jacket left.

***

San is no longer as down as yesterday. In his temporary detention cell now, he is a calmer person. Previously, he had been quite talkative, screaming for his release and trying to convince the police to let him go.

"Your trial is in two days, right?" asked the man.

San just glanced at her, then nodded. Only that man spoke to him while he was behind bars.

"You look desperate, boy." The person being spoken to needs his opinion. "There's still a chance. Isn't there anyone who might be able to help you?"

"Sir," San called instead of answering.

"Yes."

"Why are you here yourself?"

"Oh, you're finally curious." The man muttered for a moment. "If I tell you, you probably won't want to talk to me anymore."

"Not as bad as my case, right?"

"It's better if you don't know for mutual convenience."