This chapter was written by coolfr123. All Phoenix chapters will be handled by him.

September 13

Forklifting Company

2:30pm

Employees of the fork lifting company knew the routine. At its essence, it wasn't too difficult at all. Clock in, get your schedule for the day, and do your job until the end of your shift. One work day was hardly ever different from the last and while things might get stressful at times, it never got out of control. Even if the workers were accustomed to hectic days, however, it's doubtful that they would have anticipated how the day was going to turn out.

Everyone in the warehouse perked their head up in attention upon hearing the high-pitched whining sound of the speakers turning on.

"Would all staff members please exit the premises immediately? Security has detected a bomb!" the voice from the speaker said.

The entire area was absolutely silent. The calm only lasted a moment, though. Once the words sunk in, mass chaos broke out. People operating machinery immediately abandoned their posts, adding to the swarm of people dashing for the exit. Sirens from emergency response vehicles outside were barely heard over the screams of frightened workers running for their lives.

"Help! Help!" The head of the company added his voice to the confusion as he ran, gasping for breath with every step. Since his office was on the highest floor, he had inevitably fallen behind from the rest of the faculty.

"Come on, everyone, we're almost there!" one of the people in the back of the crowd said.

The boss looked at the person who had spoken, and the color drained from his face as the man stopped running and turned around. "It can't be you, you…"

"Oh, yes, it's me," the man said, cutting him off. "Bad thing you won't be alive to testify."

"No, please!" the boss said. "Help! Help!"

Unfortunately, his cries were lost in the sea of panicked voices.

Near the entrance, two officers surveyed the swarm of people as the last few employees ran outside.

"Is that everyone?" the first officer said.

His partner nodded. "Yeah, that should be everyo-"

He was cut off by the sound of the gunshot. The public just grew more scared, screaming.

"Was that what I think it was?" the first officer said.

"I think so," the other said. "It sure sounded like a gunsh-"

There was another loud bang, and the crowd screamed again. Some people started to run away, but were stopped by officers.

"Please, remain calm and stay where you are!" a policeman shouted. He turned to a squad of officers. "Check the area, boys! Look everywhere, even the mountains!"

Stein was having a bad day, all things considered. Actually, this was bad day number six of what was turning out to be a bad week. He loved his job as janitor, most of the time, but the person with the shift before his only made it harder by leaving all the big messes for him. He had been considering asking for a raise for the extra time he had to put because of it, only to find out the company wasn't even paying him enough for the work in his job description. Of course, the all the people in charge of finances were "too busy" when he tried to confront them about it. Now, there had been an explosion of all things.

One of the policemen, clad in the trademark blue uniform, approached Stein.

"Officer, I think I speak for everyone here when I say we'd like to all go home for now," Stein said.

"Actually, you'll be coming with me," the officer said.

"I didn't see any more suspicious activity than most other people here, questioning me won't tell you much," Stein said.

"I'm not here to question you," the officer said, taking out a pair of handcuffs.

The maintenance worker's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"You were seen hanging suspiciously around the location where the explosive detonated," a man said, walking up to them.

"And it was captured on tape, so don't try to talk your way out of it," the officer said.

"Who are you?" Stein said, staring at the man.

"Cameron Burney," Cameron said. "I saw the whole thing with my own eyes. You had just come out of that room, looking around to make sure no-"

"Save it for the trial, Mr. Burney," the officer said.

"Sure thing, buddy. I mean, sir. Of course, sir," Cameron said.

Stein looked at Cameron incredulously as the officer cuffed his wrists. "But wait I was in the supplies closet when-"

The second cuff clicked into place. Stein looked at the cuffs, the sight dimming his already weak resolve. "You know what, why bother?"

"That's right, now come with me," the officer said.

Stein sighed and began walking. "I still get a phone call, right?"

September 13

Detention Center

3:00pm

Stein looked at the wall phone in front of him blankly. He had been brought inside the blank, oppressing, gray walls of the detention and placed in front of the phone for his one phone call. All he did was stare at the phone, though. Who am I supposed to even call?

That wasn't the only question on his mind, however. How did that Cameron guy know where I was? And what was up with that "buddy" stuff? This just isn't right, I'm innocent. Right…

Suddenly, he remembered seeing a name in the newspaper a few days ago. That defense attorney, what was his name? Something Wright. Phoey, Phoix… Phoenix!

September 13

Wright's Office

3:30pm

Behind a desk piled high with stacks of paper and office supplies was a man in his early thirties. He wore a blue suit with a salmon colored tie around his neck. On his lapel was golden badge. However, most people noticed his spiked out hair first.

An 8-bit melody rang out, the ringtone version of the Steel Samurai's theme song. The attorney took out his phone and answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Is this Phoenix Wright?"

"Yes, can I help you?"

"I'd love it if you would. I was accused for a bombing."

"That sounds pretty serious, I'll be right over to ask you some questions in person. What's your name?"

"Stein Lifter."

"Alright, see you in a few minutes."

"Thank you."

TO BE CONTINUED...