The sun shone on the Triton household as Luke awoke from a deep sleep. It had been a few months since the Relics case, and everything was back to normal. At least, for a moment. He turned to his side, and saw his wife, Marina, gently hugging him. He slowly latched out from her embrace and put her arms around a pillow. He tiptoed to the kitchen and began to prepare some food.

When Marina awoke, she stifled a yawn. "Hello dear," she said to Luke.

"Hello, Marina. I'm making breakfast for you."

Marina smiled. "That's why I love you."

Luke laughed. "Well, I love you because you're you."

"Anyway, what's for breakfast?"

"Fried eggs and pancakes."

"Well, at least you can cook something."

"Ey, I can cook. Better than Flora at least."

"Flora?"

"She was another one of the Professor's assistants. She tried to cook but usually failed."

"Well, I hope your cooking is better than her's."

"It better me. Here it is!" Luke placed two plates on the table, one for Marina and the other for him.

Marina began to eat. "This is good, for a man. Probably better than Flora's."

"For a man?!"

"Haha. Just kidding."

When breakfast was over, Marina sat down on the couch and turned on the TV to the news channel. Luke sat down right next to her.

The reporter began: "Breaking News: A journalist from the London times has recently gone missing. Emmy Altava-"

"Emmy Altava?!" Luke exclaimed.

"Quite down Luke!" Marina said.

The reporter continued:" In Bridgefield, Ms. Altava was last seen at the Memorial Hotel checking in. Authorities are searching. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Emmy Altava please inform as at-" Luke turned off the TV and grabbed his coat and fedora.

"Luke, what's gotten into you?" Marina stood up and said.

"The Professor needs to know about this."

"But why? Do you know the journalist?"

"Yes, I do. And that's exactly why the Professor needs to know." Luke ran out the door, with Marina following suit. They got into their car and drove off to the university.

Luke hurried out of the car once they reached their destination. It wasn't quick before they found the Professor's office. "Professor!" Luke said, barging in.

"Luke, Marina, you're just in time," Layton said, looking out the window. "I think something is happening, and I don't know what it is. But I think this letter holds the answer." Layton held the letter up so the two could see it. "We've been invited to a banquet in Bridgefield, Missouri."

"Invited?" Luke asked.

"Yes," Layton said. "Alfonso Martin, a wealthy businessman has invited many famous scientists and researchers to a banquet celebrating the sciences. And in the letter, he said that those invited could bring two guests with them. Would you like to go?"

"Of course! In fact, that's what we were going to talk to you about, Bridgefield, I mean."

"What do you mean?"

"This is what we mean, Professor," Marina said, holding her phone up. On the screen was a news article, the headline being "Missing Journalist in the states."

"Professor, Emmy is missing. She was last seen in Bridgefield," Luke said.

"Emmy, what have you gotten yourself into," Layton sighed.

"How do you know this 'Emmy' person?" Marina asked.

"Emmy was a former assistant of mine. I just can't think of what she would be doing in the states," Layton responded.

"Maybe she was invited to the same event," Luke said.

"Maybe," Layton said, going to the telephone on his table. "But I want to know for sure."

"But how can you know what she was doing?" Marina asked.

"I'm calling Katrielle. Even though she won't be able to come with us, she may be of some invaluable help."

"Hello, Daddy," Katrielle answered the phone.

"Katry, can you go to the headquarters of the London Times? I need you to do some research for me."

"What kind of research?"

"A journalist by the name of Emmy Altava was on an assignment in America. I want you to find out why, as it may be important to me later on. Right now, I'm going to the town she was last seen in, as I've been invited to a banquet there."

"Ooh, that sounds fun. Well, I'll talk to you later when I get the information. Goodbye! Love you!"

"Goodbye. Love you as well," Layton said, putting down the phone. He then turned to Luke and Marina. "Now I'm going to schedule a flight to America."

"I may be of assistance Professor Layton. I grew up around that region of the country," Marina said.

"Well then. Luke are you ready?" Layton asked.

"Yes, I'm all ready," Luke responded.

"Then it looks like we're off to a banquet, and to a missing journalist."

Emmy bolted awake. She looked around wildly. The room was covered with intricate red wallpaper design. A mirror covered one of the walls. "Hello? Anyone out there?" Nobody answered. She looked in the mirror to a peculiar site. "A dress? And who dyed my hair black?"

"Miss Altava?" A door opened and an older gentleman in a tuxedo appeared.

"Yes? What do you need?"

"I am Rodrigo. Please come with me."

"For what reason?"

"Miss A- I mean, Miss Raymore, please come with me and put these gloves on."

"Raymore?" Emmy had a bewildered look on her face but resigned to the fact that she had to play along. After all, the man was an older gentleman, so it wouldn't be wise fighting him. She made her bed and walked over to the man and put on the gloves. One of the gloves had a peculiar and entrancing brooch, inlaid with a mystifying ruby jewel. She gasped. This was the jewel. She knew it.