Chapter One: A Meeting

Luke's steps were nervous as he walked across the cold floor of the prison. He could see the guards staring at him, as if wondering what a fourteen year old was doing in a place like this. In a prison for some of London's most diabolical criminals.

Luke looked up at the inspector, who eyed him suspiciously. "I'm Luke Triton. I…I'd like to visit cell number 49."

The guard looked down at Luke, a hint of concern on his face. "What business have you with him?"

"That's none of your concern," replied Luke. "I've had…dealings with him before."

"Ah…that's who you are. I thought you looked familiar. The professor's former apprentice. This isn't a place for children." He scratched his head, as if thinking it over. "But…well, I've always been a fan of Layton's work…I'll make an exception for his assistant. But make it quick. I'll send a guard to accompany you."

Luke shook his head. "I'd prefer to go alone."

The inspector's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Triton, the boy's a criminal mastermind. Pulled off one of the biggest crimes in all of London, and he almost got away with it. I don't know how safe it is for you to-"

"I can handle him. He's not an idiot; he'd know better than to cross the professor's apprentice." Luke sighed. "Well, former apprentice."

The inspector hesitated, then nodded. "Down the corridor, first door to the right. If he's locked in the cell he shouldn't pose a threat."

Luke smiled. "Thank you, inspector." He hurried for the corridor.

"But, Luke-be careful."

Luke nodded. "I will."

He made his way to the cell quickly. He paused for a moment outside the door, hesitant to reveal his presence. Would he even be able to get help? Or had this trip to the prison been in vain?

"I know you're there, Luke."

Luke stiffened. No mistaking it was him. Years later, he still remembered his voice. He peered in closer to the cell. From inside its dark depths, behind the filthy bars, he could faintly make out the silhouette of a ragged young man, who bore an almost uncanny resemblance to Luke himself.

"Clive Dove. It's been a long time."

From inside the cell came a long, cold laugh. "Two years. Two years since that scheme. That perfectly planned scheme. It fooled Dimitri. It fooled Bill Hawks. It fooled hundreds of people." He sighed. "If only it could have fooled Layton."

"Nothing fools the professor."

Clive laughed again. "That's all too true. How is the dear professor nowadays, anyway?"

"I…I haven't seen him very much. I had to leave. But he writes to me."

Clive turned to face the wall. "He wrote me a letter once. Told me about Claire. Almost made me feel sorry for him. Even though it's thanks to him I'm in here." He sighed. "It sounded like he really loved her. Do you know if he still misses her? Years later?"

"I've written to him about it. He never tells me. But…I doubt he's forgotten about her. I doubt he ever will."

Clive smiled. "I suppose I sympathize a bit with the professor." His smile faded. "That explosion…my parents…what I wouldn't give to turn it all around."

"I think that whole adventure made one thing painfully clear, Clive. You can't turn back time. No matter how hard you try."

Clive nodded. "I know that, all too well. But enough sentimental chat. You don't bother visiting me for two years, then suddenly you show up out of the blue. You must have a good reason for it."

Luke nodded. He turned to face his friend. His former nemesis.

"Clive," he said, "I need your help."

Clive scoffed, a sarcastic look on his face. "The professor's esteemed apprentice? Asking a lowly adversary for help? It must be a very serious problem."

"It is," Luke spoke with concern. "Clive…the professor's been kidnapped."