I meant to post this sooner, but I kept thinking I already had. Luckily I noticed before posting Chapter Five!
"It was an accident."
"What are you talking about? That doesn't happen accidentally."
"It's not like you're fatally injured. When did you get so soft, Edgeworth?"
"I am not soft."
"Well you're not tough."
A group of prosecutors in the lobby sighed after Prosecutors Edgeworth and Coldstare, who had Missile on a leash, walked by. This had been happening for a few weeks now. If everyone was lucky, they would come to work at different times. Or they just wouldn't talk to each other. If one of them said something though, it quickly escalated into an argument that would last until they reached the 12th floor. Most people in the building had heard their posturing and bickering at least once. Not because they raised their voices, they just didn't stop using them.
"Oh, but you're as hard as rock?" Miles said, glaring at his foe.
"My skin might be a bit thicker," Maria replied curtly as they walked up the stairs.
"Excuse me, but who's the one that gushes over Missile when she thinks no one's looking?" Miles gestured to the little police dog.
"I do not gush!"
They walked and continued their level-voiced yet heated argument until they were standing between the doors of their offices. Then they stood and argued. They were feeling particularly resentful today.
Detective Gumshoe saw the two of them and his shoulders sagged.
"Not again," he moaned to himself, for he had been in this position before.
Missile yapped and wagged his tail when he saw Gumshoe.
"Hey, hey. What are you two- ahem- debating?" Gumshoe said.
The prosecutors opened their mouths to speak, only to close them.
"Well, Coldstare, answer the man," Miles said nonchalantly, gesturing to Gumshoe.
"You've forgotten, haven't you?" Maria said. Her arms were crossed and she was tapping a book against her left arm.
"No, but you have."
"You're avoiding the question," Maria was starting to raise her voice.
"So are you," Miles said accusingly.
"Don't change the topic."
"Would you like me to remind what the topic is, or do you remember that much?"
"I know what the question was!"
"Then answer it."
Gumshoe sighed. "You've both forgotten, haven't you?"
"Why are you here anyway, Detective?" Miles snapped.
"I have something for both of you, actually," Gumshoe said carefully.
"Well, what is it?" Maria said.
"Case files, I can't believe you're both prosecuting murder cases," Gumshoe handed each of them a file. "Everything should be in there. Evidence, victim data, the suspect data, you name it."
"Good work, Detective, I'll check out the crime scene again after I read through reading this," Miles said.
"Yes, sir," Gumshoe said. He saluted at the prosecutors before patting Missile on the head and walking away.
Maria immediately started reading her file. She unlocked her office door and walked Missile inside.
What did start that argument? Miles shook off the thought and entered his office. He opened the file and read the contents at his desk. He read through the summary of the autopsy report, there was nothing new there. Next he flipped through the evidence list and made sure his organizer was up to date. He skimmed through everything and eventually came across the suspect data.
A couple pages held information on Mark Ontha; his physically description, family, etc. Attached with a paperclip was a mug shot of the suspect. Miles stared at the picture. How could this man be in practically two places at once? His gaze bore into the photo, searching for an answer. He didn't find it, but he started to feel like something was wrong with the picture. He flipped to the profiles in his organizer and found a small picture of Mark Ontha. Miles raised an eyebrow when he compared the photos. They didn't match.
"Nngh, Gumshoe," Miles mumbled as he collected his file and marched out of his office. He knew where the suspect photo was. He knocked on Maria's door and waited. Curiously, nobody answered. But she walked in not ten minutes ago. He turned the doorknob and found it was still unlocked. He opened the door and stepped in. He closed the door behind him and turned around.
He wasn't sure what to make of the scene in front of him. Maria was reading her files while spinning in circles around her office.
"Coldstare?" Miles said.
"A ballet, on the grove. Still growing young all alone. A ragdoll, a best friend, the voice of Mary Costa," Maria sang, completely oblivious to Miles.
"Where is the wonder, where's the awe? Where's dear Alice knocking on the door? Where's the trapdoor that takes me there? Where the real is shattered by a mad March hare?"
Where is her mind right now? "Ms. Coldstare? Ms. Coldstare. Coldstare!" He got louder with every attempt. She still didn't notice. He did manage to attract the attention of Missile, who had been resting. The tired, little dog looked up at Miles, then went back to sleep.
She eventually stopped singing, but continued to dance while reading. Must be an instrumental solo. Now's my chance, I guess.
"Coldstare!" he shouted.
"Ai!" Maria shrieked, and ear buds fell out of her ears. She clutched her file to her chest. "What are you doing?"
"I was about to ask you that question," Miles said.
"I-I- um- don't tell anyone, please," Maria said, her eyes pleading.
"I wouldn't even know what to say."
"Why are you here anyway?" she snapped, her face red.
Miles took the mug shot off his suspect data. "I believe this is yours."
"Why do you have a picture of him?" Maria asked. She flipped through her and found her suspect data. "This isn't right."
"I believe Detective Gumshoe mistakenly swapped the photos."
Maria brought out a photo and sure enough, it was Mark Ontha. The prosecutors exchanged photos.
"They do look quite similar," Miles commented.
"I suppose they do. What's your case anyway?" Maria said as she replaced the photo.
"A murder that took place two days ago."
Maria's head perked up. "That's the same as my case."
"Really?" Miles said. Well, this is interesting. "For curiosity's sake, who is your suspect?"
"His name is Rocky Roade."
"Rocky?" Miles asked.
"Yes, why?"
"Let me check first," he mumbled and looked through the suspect data again.
"Eureka," he whispered.
"What?"
"Mark Ontha has a younger brother named Rocky."
"Are you suggesting that our suspects are related?"
"It's a possibility; they are quite similar in appearance."
"Hmm," Maria said, pondering.
Could this be what I'm missing? Is it possible these cases… connected? This might be worth investigating. Miles suppressed a groan. Of all the other prosecutors, it had to be her… The truth comes first. What am I so reluctant about? I just have to be polite.
"Two murders on the same day, and it's possible the suspects are related. Ms. Coldstare, do you think these cases are connected somehow?"
"Connected?" Maria spoke slowly. "I'll admit; there are a few gaps in my case. I suppose it would be a premature to discredit the theory."
"My thoughts exactly. I need to find the truth to this case; do you think you could brief me on your case?"
Maria considered it for a moment. "Alright, you can read this file once I've finished it. I'll even let you see the crime scene. Under my supervision, naturally."
Being the gentleman he was, Miles bowed slightly. "Thank you, Ms. Coldstare."
"On one condition," Maria added.
"What would that be?"
"Afterwards, I get to see your crime scene."
"I see no problem with that."
"Excellent, let's go. Missile should be asleep for a while, so now's a perfect time."
"I thought you wanted to finish reading?"
"I am going to finish. Reading and walking is pretty basic, you know. At least for me," she smirked.
Maria walked to the door with her head held high.
"Wait, do you hear something?" Miles inquired, looking around the room.
Blushing, Maria quickly pulled her MP3 player out of her pocket and turned it off. She grabbed her purse and shoved it and the ear buds inside.
Miles suppressed a smirk. He hadn't heard a thing.
That was a real song Maria was listening too. It's called, "I Want My Tears Back" by Nightwish. I love the band and would personally recommend it. Anyway, please review!