Alright, so I'm finally going to stop using those weird italicized quotes (whoooop!). I'll try to re-upload the previous chapters without the italics as well, although I can't promise it'll be soon.

Also, Officer Hammer is a character from the Ace Attorney Investigations manga. If you haven't read it, she's basically a police officer who sometimes works with Gumshoe and Edgeworth, replacing Kay as the usual peppy female sidekick (so you can easily guess what her personality is like).

In any case, enjoy!

Chapter 10: Traces of Jasmine Scent

"Ema, I understand this concerns you, and you wish to participate, but…" Edgeworth turned around to face the girl behind him. "…Kay, could you please give me the reason for why you are here?"

Kay tilted her head to the side: "Whaddya talking 'bout, Edgey? I'm here to help with the investigation of course! The Yatagarasu is your loyal partner in crime, remember?"

"Hey! What about me pal? Have you already forgotten?! We agreed that Mr. Edgeworth has two loyal partners!" Gummy interrupted her.

"First of all, I would appreciate if you would not include me in any of your 'crimes', Miss Faraday. And secondly, would you two stop fighting like children and let us return to the matter at hand? Otherwise please leave."

"But sir, I work here…" Detective Gumshoe replied, before the Chief Prosecutor gave him another menacing glare for him to stay quiet.

"I still don't know what to think about this." Lana interrupted them. She was sitting between Edgeworth and her sister. Like everyone else in the office, she was staring the plastic bag on the desk.

As on most Saturdays, the police station was quiet. Apart from the mechanical sounds of computers and printing machines, the six people that had gathered in Gumshoe's small office were not disturbed by any outside noise. Kay wandered around the room, hoping someone would break the silence.

Officer Hammer finally spoke up: "Umm, I was thinking about what you said, Officer Skye. About how you lost your muffler. The person we're looking for might be a stalker."

Ema added: "They must be, if they know that Lana has been staying at Mr. Edgeworth's place. They even sent nasty letters to his address."

Edgeworth glanced at Ema. The young detective caught his gaze; there was no reproach in her eyes. Ms. Skye must not have told her sibling the whole story about how he had dealt with her correspondence. The prosecutor coughed, and quickly turned his head away.

Lana spoke: "They already did that when I was living with Ema. Before the fire. It started with those letters."

Ema frowned: "Was there something else?"

Lana sighed. After a pause, she replied: "Do you remember the day we went to Gatewater Land, and you lost that pink hat you wore so much?"

Worriedly, Ema nodded: "Yes, of course I remember that. I loved that hat."

Lana sighed again, and continued: "I never told you this, because I didn't want to frighten you, but…the day after the theme park, I got a package. Just like this one. In it was your pink hat. Burnt…"

"…to ashes", Ema finished her sister's sentence.

Lana closed her eyes: "And a few days later, your apartment was the next target. Shall I go on?"

Ema stared back at the plastic bag on the table. "No need. I see what you're getting at." The little group stood still. They all saw what Lana was getting at.

Kay was the next one to break the silence: "But why would they do that?"

Gumshoe, who was slouched against the wall, straightened himself up: "Ah pal, lemme explain! First, the creep writes the letters. Then he sends the package. All of these are warning signs for the real danger, because the time after that, he starts a fire. Which means that Mr. Edgeworth's place is—"

Kay interrupted him, rolling her eyes: "I get all that, Gummy. What I don't understand is why the baddie has to go through all those steps. Why not just blow up the place from the beginning? Why the package? Why the letters? Wouldn't it save them time…and stationery?"

"I dunno, pal, I've dealt with a lot of weirdoes in the past. They always do strange things, and even after they've been interrogated, you're never quite sure why those loonies do what they do."

"I see your psychological insight has considerably evolved during the course of your career, Detective", remarked Edgeworth, getting up from his seat.

He coughed, before pointing at the table: "Though it will be hard to find any signs of DNA, as we are dealing with ashes, I still think this bag should be analyzed. The letters Ms. Skye received should be examined as well."

"I'll do it!" Ema jumped out of her chair. "Leave the great Forensic Scientist to take care of it!"

Officer Hammer looked surprised: "But, Detective Skye, you do not have the license to do that kind of job."

Before Ema could throw her bag of Snackoos at the Officer, Edgeworth raised his hand: "I have my entire trust in Miss Skye's abilities. Let her analyze the contents for now."

Ema looked back at the Chief Prosecutor, her cheeks blushing. Edgeworth walked towards Gumshoe, who was standing on the other side of the room. "I also do not think this affair should be declared an official case. No one else should get involved in this."

Ema thought she could see a faint smile appear on Lana's face. On the other side of the room, Officer Hammer and Gumshoe looked at each other, confused.

"Well, all right sir", Gumshoe said. " If you say so. But I'm guessing this ain't very legal…"

Edgeworth crossed his arms. "Not entirely, no. But you are all capable individuals and equally qualified for this investigation. I will have to ask you to be discreet while conducting it."

Officer Hammer's eyes suddenly twinkled. She let out: "Don't worry, sir! We'll follow your orders, even if it means breaking a statute or two! We have total trust in you! We know how much you are fighting to end the dark age of the law!"

"Ending the dark age of the law?" Lana looked up.

Ema, whose eyes were twinkling as well, turned towards her sister: "Oh Lana! Don't you know? Mr. Edgeworth is working very hard to fight the corruption that has been going on in court and in the police force these past years. He's the first one to have done this in the Prosecutors' Office!"

The expression on Lana's face changed. "Really?" she let out in a quiet voice.

Edgeworth cleared his throat. "Oh…well…I'm sure I'm not the only one. In any case, let us proceed this way. Ema, when you are finished with your analysis, could you report to either Detective Gumshoe or Officer Hammer?"

As he talked, Edgeworth could feel Ms. Skye's eyes fixed on him. Ema's affirmative answer in the background, he turned round. He caught Lana's gaze. In it there was admiration, but also something new. Something he couldn't quite grasp.

Their silent interaction was interrupted, as Kay approached the lawyer: "So now what are you going to do, Edgey? Are you and Ms. Skye going to move to some other place?"

The Chief Prosecutor turned towards Kay. He took off his glasses, and put them in the breast pocket of his coat. He coughed. "Let us not be rash. We should investigate further before making any decision of that nature. Unless, of course, Ms. Skye feels uncomfortable with this…"

He looked back at Lana. She had also shifted her gaze, her eyes fixing the ground. Realizing everyone was waiting for her response, she lifted her head up: "No. No. I completely agree with Mr. Edgeworth. At the present moment, we should stand our ground."

"Sis…" Ema murmured.

"Officer Skye…how brave of you."

Lana got up from her chair, pretending she didn't hear Officer Hammer's compliment. She hung her head low.

"I'm sorry. This is all my fault."

Her statement produced a silence in the room.

Edgeworth approached Lana. His footsteps resonated on the floor. Standing by her side, he told her: "Please do not apologize. You are in danger, and it is our duty to help you. You have nothing to feel sorry for." Gently, he repeated: "You have nothing to feel sorry for."

Ema watched Edgeworth speak. The prosecutor's words did not surprise her: she knew he was a chivalrous man. He was praised by his female acquaintances for being a gentleman (though clearly unaware of these praises). Yet, the tone he was using with Lana was not the same as usual. It was less knightly, more honest. Almost tender.

Suddenly, Edgeworth entered a violent coughing fit.

"Mr. Edgeworth! Are you alright?" Lana lifted her head up; she put a hand on his shoulder.

"Sir! You okay there, pal?" Gumshoe leaped across the room. With force, he patted the prosecutor on the back.

"If you would stop hitting me like that Detective, I will be fine, yes", Edgeworth let out with a croaky voice.

Gumshoe stopped. "Oh, sorry sir! Didn't mean to hurt you sir! You've been coughing a lot like that today. Don't tell me you've caught Ms. Skye's cold."

"O-OF COURSE NOT!" exclaimed Lana and Edgeworth at the same time, both of their faces turning crimson.

"Hey, no need to raise your voices like that! It happens often when two people live together! Being close and all that. I remember when I took in a stray dog one night, and he was—"

"Don't be ridiculous, Detective! That virus has been spreading around the entire city! Why would I only catch it from…from…at home?" Edgeworth said, grabbing his briefcase from beneath his seat. Lana did the same with her paperwork and her purse. Kay raised an eyebrow, wondering why what Gummy had said was so embarrassing for both of them.

Lana said at the door: "Ema, I'll be staying here for the day, so if you need me, you can just drop by at my desk."

"Yes, okay." Ema observed her sister walk out the door. Under a slim trench coat, Lana was dressed in her police uniform. Her long brown hair was tied in a bun, two straight strands still loose on both side of her face. Her head held high, determination could be read in her eyes. Ema was struck by the change that her sister had undergone in a couple of days. She looked different. She looked alive again.

"Alright Gummy, let's go get some noodles before investigating stuff!" Kay took the detective by the arm. Gumshoe started checking his wallet to see if he had enough cash for several lunches. Ema took from the table what needed to be analyzed, and carefully placed them in her bag. She followed the others, Officer Hammer behind her.

Edgeworth was the last one to leave the room. Alone, closing the door, he let out a sigh. No one had asked him what had happened to Ms. Skye on the night she had run away. He had promised her not to tell anyone.

He walked back towards the parking lot, having to drive his car to his office.

"Here, I thought you might like some." Officer Hammer said to Lana. The other woman, who was staring into space, looked up from her desk. She smiled. The Officer was handing her a drink.

"Thank you." Carefully, Lana took the paper cup, where a bag of jasmine tea was floating in the heated water.

"It's imported from Zheng Fa. My brother lives there. It's one of the best brands."

"It certainly smells good. Thank you, Officer Hammer." Lana took a sip.

"You seemed to be thinking very hard, Officer Skye. I'm sorry if I interrupted you."

"Oh no, don't worry. I was just trying to figure out the identity of whoever is behind all this."

"You mean the stalker? Do you think it's someone you might know?"

"It's more probable than if it were a complete stranger. Maybe someone I worked with in the past, either during my career in the force or as a prosecutor."

Lana put her cup down, next to a paper with rapidly scribbled notes. "I've been thinking about what Kay has said. Why would the culprit decide to go through all those steps? By doing so, wouldn't they understand we would figure out their next move? And thus be able to avoid them? I wonder if this isn't a trap."

"Wow!" suddenly let out Officer Hammer. Lana jumped. The same twinkle the policewoman had in her eyes when she had praised Mr. Edgeworth had reappeared.

"Those deductive skills! As expected from the great Detective Lana Skye! I've heard all the stories about your investigations from ten years ago! To tell the truth, I'm a big fan! I was so happy when I knew I would be working with you!"

"Ah really?" Lana blurted out. "I didn't know I had fans. My work wasn't that extraordinary." Her look turned somber at the mention of her past career.

Officer Hammer's smile faded: she had wanted to talk about Lana's cases, but then wondered if she had said something wrong.

The former detective then shook her head. " Anyway, those days are long gone. I'm not the same person I was then. I'm starting all over from the beginning now."

"That's very brave of you, Ms. Skye", said Officer Hammer. "And it's wonderful that your sister is in the force as well. Although Detective Gumshoe just told me the truth, about how she actually wanted to be in Forensics in the first place. Too bad she didn't pass the exam. She must be very ambitious though, if she's still willing to do detective work."

"Ambition… it's in her genes." Lana winked at the Officer.

Officer Hammer looked at her for a while, before saying: "I'll go get my own cup."

Before the Officer turned round, she looked back at Lana, and added: "You know, Officer Skye, you should smile more often. You look really pretty when you do."

Lana watched the Officer walk back to her cubicle. She laughed to herself: "Well, where have I heard that before?"

She looked down at her cup, as if the swirling jasmine tea could provide her with an answer.

2015. LA's Police Station. Detective Skye's Office.

"So, Detective Skye drinks tea in her office now, does she?"

"Nice to see you too, Mia", said Lana, as she offered a mug to her friend. "It's been a while."

"More like a very long while. So long you've changed since the last time we've met. I never thought you were the kind of person who would have a tea set in their workplace."

"Oh, how I've missed that sarcastic tone of yours…that tea set wasn't completely my own idea. My future mentee praises its soothing qualities. He says it works wonders when under pressure. "

"When have you not been under pressure? Unless it's more than usual these days?" Mia laughed. "Your future mentee, huh? Is he the one they call the Demon Attorney?"

Lana lifted a corner of her mouth at the mention of the young prosecutor's less-than-flattering nickname. "Well, I don't call him like that when we're together."

The other woman raised an eyebrow: "Oh, really? What do you call him when you're together, all alone in your office, Detective Skye?"

"Mia, please!" Lana rolled her eyes. She looked back at the defense attorney with an amused smile, realizing how much she had missed her friend's suggestive comments.

Lana poured the hot water from the kettle into another cup. "It's not like that at all. He's a very brilliant lawyer. He understands quickly what he has to do when he's given a task, he has excellent analytical skills when analyzing legal documents…"

"He's young, handsome, probably wealthy…"

Lana ignored Mia's interruption. "He's different from the rest. Not only because he's a genius. He will listen to you." Lana turned to her side table to put her kettle back. "It's refreshing, having a man who takes you seriously for once."

Mia's cup stood in mid-air. The defense attorney let out a small laugh: "You've been having problems with El Hombre, I see?"

Lana didn't reply, her back turned.

Mia changed the topic. "How weird, the way you talk about that prosecutor. The only time we met, I found he had smugness written all over him. At least, that was my impression."

Lana faced her again. "Really? He doesn't act smug at all when he's around me. Although you're not the first to describe him like that. If only you could hear what my colleagues say of him behind his back. They think I can't hear them. They think he can't hear them." She sat down at her desk. "That's right. You have met before."

Mia let out another laugh, bitter this time: "Yes, I have. Not on the best of occasions though."

A pause, as both women recalled the trial from a few years before. Mia had her eyes fixed on the ground. Lana stared at the clouds of vapor coming out of her cup.

The detective spoke up again: "It's weird. In court he displays such a confident air. Yet when you're around him he seems so nervous."

"Nervous?"

"Yes, at least around me. Why are you smirking like that?"

"Oh nothing. Go on."

"I wonder why. Although, it makes sense when you know he's Prosecutor Von Karma's pupil."

"Manfred Von Karma? The Unbeatable King?"

"Yes. Apparently, he took him under his wing when he was still young, right after his father was killed. You've heard of Gregory Edgeworth."

"Of course. He's a legend in Grossberg's office." Mia moved her eyes from her tea to the window. "Yes. That case…"

Again, both women stood still. Lana understood what the DL-6 case meant to her friend; she felt guilty for having been so indelicate in mentioning it.

She bought back the subject to her mentee: "I wonder how he deals with it. Being an orphan, yet always in his father's shadow." She sighed. "I know how the former feels like. But to have to cope with the latter, especially in the position he's in…."

"He's your subordinate," let out Mia. "You are his superior. His past is none of your business." She put her empty cup back on the desk. Her tone had become blunt, like the one of a mother telling her child not to repeat her own mistakes.

Lana parted her lips. She quickly closed them again. She got up from her seat, taking Mia's cup back: "Yes, you're right."

She walked towards the other side of the office, and stopped in front a small sink. She murmured to herself: "Yes. It's none of my business." She stood with the cup for a few seconds. She then put it into the sink, and threw the leftover tea bag into a garbage can. The bag fell with a sharp thud.

"Speaking of hierarchy", she heard Mia say behind her back, "I haven't come here just for teatime. Lana, what is the real story behind this promotion of yours?"

Lana turned on the tap. The water loudly splashed in the sink. "What?"

"I mean, how come the new Chief of Police has so suddenly offered you the position of Chief Prosecutor? And why have you so readily accepted it?"

Lana turned off the tap. She turned around, with a stunned expression on her face: "What do—of all people…Mia…you know me better than anyone else. You followed me all those years in Law School. Haven't I worked all this time to reach the top?" A hint of exasperation appeared in her voice: "You know how important my career is to me."

Mia kept her smile, but her look became serious. "You're right. I know you better than anyone else. And I did follow you all those years in Law School. And it's precisely because of that that I'm asking you this."

The defense lawyer stole a glance at the Law books on Lana's shelf. "All of the department students called you a genius. In the eyes of all of our professors, you were the most ambitious student they had met in the last fifty years. I thought the same, when I came to watch you in that large auditorium during those first weeks." She paused. "But when I got to know the real Lana Skye, the one outside the auditorium, my perception changed."

Mia turned her head towards the detective's desk. On it was a frame, with a picture. Lana was in front of the station, dressed in her police uniform, her younger sister by her side. "Ambition isn't what drives you, Lana. It's love."

Mia's eyes locked with Lana's. The detective didn't reply.

"You didn't go to Law School because it was your dream to become LA's top prosecutor. You went because you were worried. Your parents had left you and Ema completely alone, with practically no financial security to secure both your futures. Your relatives were all back in Europe; they weren't around to help."

Mia persisted: "Ema wants to become a Forensics Scientist, doesn't she? But at the time, you didn't have the money for her studies. There was only enough for yours. So, after lessons, on the side, you had to do police work. You took all those late-night shifts, even going so far as to become a detective to ensure that if law didn't work, you'd always have a back-up plan. And to ensure that Ema can also get the job she wants so much when she grows up."

Lana walked towards the window.

"How old is Ema now? Fourteen?"

"Mia…"

"If you accept this position, you won't have as much time to take care of her as you have now."

"Mia…"

"And you're perfectly aware of that. You're Lana Skye. You must've thought of all the possible consequences of such a promotion."

Mia stared at her friend. Lana remained motionless.

"The man who offered you this job. Damon Gant..."

At the mention of the name, Mia thought she could see the other woman's back shiver.

"…What kind of person is he? I've heard many stories about him. And most of them don't inspire confidence."

On the other side of the room, no reply.

"This promotion sounds fishy, Lana."

The detective suddenly sneered: "Hm. Is that the spirit medium in you talking?" Lana turned round. "Do you Kurain women possess psychic powers I haven't heard about?"

A few seconds passed. "Lana. That snide tone doesn't suit you." The defense lawyer got up. Her tone became softer: "Lana. What is going on?"

The detective watched her friend approach her. In her throat, she felt a lump. Her vision became blurry. She turned back toward the window. "Nothing."

"Lana…"

"I'm sorry…" Lana whispered. She stared at the parking lot outside. Amongst the grey police cars, a shiny red vehicle stood out.

"I'm sorry, Mia. You're right. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

She laughed. "'Lana looks lovely with a smile'. That's what you always used to say. Maybe I'm losing too much of my college self. Maybe I should smile more", she said, knowing Mia could see her troubled look in the reflection of the window.

2026. LA's Police Station. Cubicles.

"Officer Skye? Officer Skye?"

Lana swung round, her eyes blinking. "Yes?!"

"It seems like you were in a daze at the window, Officer Skye. Oh, but I've interrupted you in your thinking process again. I'm so sorry!"

"Oh. No, I wasn't really thinking."

Lana sat back at her desk. "I'm the one who should apologize. I have to focus. Not daydream."

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Officer Skye?"

Lana was about to say 'no', until an idea went through her mind. She looked up from her papers: "Do you know the defense attorney Phoenix Wright?"

The policewoman's eyes widened, as she replied: "Well…uh…yes. I mean, yes of course I do! What about him? Wait…you don't think he could be-?!"

Lana shook her head: "Oh no, it has nothing to do with the case at hand! It's just out of plain curiosity. I wanted to know: does he still have his office? Could you get his address for me?"

Officer Hammer's eyes widened even more. "Officer Skye! You haven't heard? About the scandal?"

Lana stared back at the policewoman: "What scandal?"

The traffic jam continued. Edgeworth waited in his car, grunting to himself, asking the imaginary traffic reporter in his head why there were so many people on the road on a Saturday.

He turned the radio on. The first station let out a series of loud trashy music. He switched to another one, and did so several more times. On one of the programs, an upbeat country song came on.

Edgeworth immediately turned the radio off. This was really the last time he wanted to listen to cowboy music.

He then remembered: wasn't she supposed to see him this evening? Hadn't she said something about getting her belongings back? He grunted. Country music had never irked him as much as it did now. Just the accent was a disagreeable reminder of…

Beethoven. Symphony n°6. Edgeworth reached for his pocket: his phone was ringing. Taking his cell, he looked at the screen. Ema was calling. He shifted his eyes back up: through the windshield, the vehicles in front of him were immobile. He was not the kind of person to answer his phone while driving, but nothing was moving, and if Miss Skye was calling, it was probably important.

"Miss Skye?"

"Hello, Mr. Edgeworth. I hope I'm not bothering you. Have you gone back to work?"

"Well, going to work, I would say. You are not bothering me at all."

"Ah, good. I'm in the lab, examining the bag."

"Have you come up with anything yet?"

"Actually, I've found some fingerprints on that little bit of cloth that got half-burnt. I'm comparing them to the ones in the police record."

"Any results?"

"Well, before going through the record, I compared them with Lana's. It didn't match. So it might be the ones of our culprit. I'm still waiting for everything to process."

" I see." Edgeworth paused, thinking that Ema couldn't have called him only to announce him that. "Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"

"Yes, there is." Ema inhaled deeply before going on: "Mr. Edgeworth, do you really think it's safe for you and Lana to stay at your place? I just can't help but worry."

"I understand your concern, Miss Skye. But your sister and I both agree it's best not to for now."

"If it's because you don't know where to stay, I have a friend who might be able to—"

"That's very kind of you, Miss Skye. But that is not the reason why. You see, if this individual is really watching us, they could strike wherever we go. And we would only put the lives of others in danger."

"I understand. But that person seems so close. To not even ask the police to—"

"Like I said before, it is best that no one else should get involved at the moment."

"Is it my sister who wants that?"

Silence. All of a sudden some static noise came between them. "Mr. Edgeworth? Hello? Mr. Edgeworth?"

A few seconds passed before the prosecutor answered: "Yes I'm here. Something must be wrong with the communication."

"Yeah, you're right. Stupid phones. I thought we were in the 21st century. Technology should be at its height by—"

Edgeworth quickly interrupted the science fanatic: "By the way Miss Skye, I had wanted to ask you: what is happening with your apartment?"

"With what? Oh yes! I talked to the owner yesterday, and he said that the renovations are progressing well! It should be ready soon! I haven't told Lana yet, but I'll do so when everything will be done. We still have so many things we need to buy, almost all that we had got burnt in that fire…But the minute we're settled down, we'll invite you over, Mr. Edgeworth!"

Not hearing anything from the other side of the phone, Ema waited: "Mr. Edgeworth? Mr. Edgeworth?"

"Yes", Edgeworth replied. "Miss Skye, I don't think it would be such a good idea."

"Why not?"

Edgeworth looked through the windshield: in the distance, the traffic light stayed red. "Your sister has been living with me for months now. After she moves out, I don't think she will appreciate my company anymore."

"Mr. Edgeworth. Do you really believe that?"

Another silence. Ema sighed: "You and my sister are so alike. If you're worried about intruding, Mr. Edgeworth, don't be. She is very grateful for everything you've done. She might feel indebted for it, but she won't ever hold it against you."

"Miss Skye…"

"I never understood her when I was younger. Why she would turn down any offer of help. Why she would act so cold. I thought she was being selfish. Keeping everything to herself."

The girl paused. "But I was wrong. It was the other way around. Everything she does is for the sake of others. So much she's not living for her own self. I don't know if I'm coming through."

"I can hear you just fine, Miss Skye."

"I hope that it will be different now that everything's changed. I want my sister to be able to live a real life this time. Someone has to help her through that. I don't know if I can do it. I don't think Jake Marshall is the right person either." She paused. "But I might know someone who can."

Edgeworth stood silent. He coughed, and cleared his throat: "Umm…"

Ema let out another sigh: "Aaah, it really does pain me to confess such things to you, Mr. Edgeworth!"

"Ah—uh, wh-what do you mean, Miss Skye?"

The lawyer didn't expect the soft laughter that came out of the phone. "Oh, Mr. Edgeworth! You always seem so oblivious to how popular you are! But that just adds to your charm I guess."

The hand holding the phone started to sweat. In the back of Edgeworth's head, a vague idea was developing as to what Ema was insinuating.

He pushed the idea further back. When it came to those kinds of matters, ignorance was more comfortable. In those situations, he felt like a tea bag, hanging over a boiling hot cup, waiting to be plunged into the greyish green waters, his leaves being lost one by one…But then...

"Why do the waters seem less dangerous now?"

"Mr. Edgeworth? Did you say something?"

A memory from that fateful night sprang to mind. The warmth of the svelte body against his…like a cloud of steam the sensation overtook him. He let himself be transported in the soft remembrance.

"Mr. Edgeworth? I can't hear you anymore."

Oh, how much longer could he go on without drowning?

A beep. Edgeworth looked up. The cars were slowly starting to advance again: the traffic light had become green.

He turned the engine back on, and put his foot on the accelerator. As he started driving at a more rapid pace, he thought he should hang up. Before he could say anything, he heard a gasp: "Ah! I found one!"

"Miss Skye?"

"I found a match for the prints! All right! Let's see whose profile it is!"

Suddenly, Ema's voice trembled.

"Oh…"

"Miss Skye?"

"No…no…it can't be!"

"Miss Skye?"

"It can't be! How is this possible?!"

Hearing Ema's voice rising, Edgeworth pressed her: "Miss Skye? What is the matter?"

"It can't be, Mr. Edgeworth! It's impossible! It's absolutely impossible!"

"Miss Skye! Please tell me what is the matter! Is it the result? Have you found a match?"

Ema caught her breath, then whispered, with an unsteady voice: "Joe…Joe Darke."

The car swerved to the right. Edgeworth let go of his phone. He grabbed onto the wheel with both hands, and reached for the brakes. Abruptly, the vehicle stopped.

For a few minutes, Edgeworth stayed motionless. The sudden halt had not injured him. He had managed to stay on the far side of the highway, almost having ended up in the middle of a large advertising sign.

The whole scenery was still, apart from the rushing cars on the road. In Edgeworth's head ringed the sound of the tires on the concrete. Then came the echo of Ema's voice, pronouncing the name of a man he had presumed dead for years.

Because I love those cliffhangers when the reader goes: "…Whaaaaat?!" Nah, just kidding.

No decent fic about Lana would be complete without Mia. Or maybe I just love those two BFFs together…

It's September, meaning summer is over, and that my next upload will probably take more time. See you with the next chapter, and, as usual, don't hesitate to review!