APRIL 5, HIGH PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

"There you are, Mr. Wright. I thought I'd have to call you again." Edgeworth's face held no expression.

Pinkerton had taken a seat on the sofa in Edgeworth's office. Phoenix was shocked by how different Pinkerton looked without his usual cocky grin.

"We were just asking Ms. Puccini some questions," Phoenix explained.

"I see," Edgeworth said. He frowned, then closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "You'd better have a look at this. Pinkerton's already got a copy." He took the envelope containing the updated autopsy report from his desk, then thrust it into Phoenix's hands.

Phoenix slowly opened the envelope and pulled out the report. He wasn't sure that he wanted to see it, but maybe it would help his case. Maybe.

Estimated time of death: 8:45 P.M. Cause of death: Poisoning (the lethal dosage of atropine and traces of almond were found in the victim's bloodstream). Notes: Stabbed once in the chest postmortem. Stab narrowly missed the victim's heart. The wound alone would not have been severe enough to cause death.

"Do you know what atropine comes from?" Edgeworth asked when Phoenix had finished reading the report.

Phoenix shook his head.

"It's a poison found in a plant called belladonna," Edgeworth explained. "The symptoms of poisoning include a fever, delirium, and hallucinations."

Phoenix's heart sank. Hadn't Licia mentioned that Luciano had had a fever before he died? Hadn't Don Octave testified that Luciano had been delirious in the moments before his death?

"And guess what kind of plant we found growing in the Puccinis' backyard?" Pinkerton interjected. "Oh, and guess what? Some branches are missing. Part of the roots were taken, as well." Pinkerton folded his arms and smirked. "I win, Firebird."

No. No, it can't be, Phoenix thought. His heart began to pound so hard he was worried it might burst out of his chest. He tightened his grip on the updated autopsy report.

Pearl tugged on Edgeworth's sleeve. "But Mr. Edgeworth, how could she have poisoned him?"

Edgeworth shrugged. "She could very well have poisoned him at home. Forensics is looking for evidence right now."

"Oh..." Pearl looked down and frowned.

But my client doesn't have a motive! Phoenix thought. And there's something else that bothers me about this.

"Something's bothering you too, isn't it?" Edgeworth asked.

Pinkerton threw his hands up. "Pah! You shouldn't be bothered by anything! The simplest solution is usually the correct one. Occam's Razor."

"Enough, Bram," Edgeworth warned, turning his head toward Pinkerton.

"I can't understand why someone would stab the victim if he was already dead," Phoenix said, slowly.

"Finding that out may be the key to this case," Edgeworth said, ignoring Pinkerton's short, sardonic laugh.

"Did you have any luck finding that witness?" Phoenix asked. If that missing witness testifies, I'll definitely be able to help Licia...right?

Edgeworth shook his head. "Gumshoe is looking for her."

That's a great way to guarantee that you never find her.

"I should get going," Phoenix said after a long pause. "I've got some more things to do before court tomorrow."

Edgeworth nodded.

Phoenix smiled politely and turned to leave, only to be stopped by the familiar tugging at his sleeve and a soft whisper.

"Mr. Nick, the locket." Pearl looked pointedly at Pinkerton.

Oh yeah. Phoenix pulled the locket out of his pocket and walked over to Pinkerton. "My client wanted you to see this." He held it out in front of Pinkerton.

Pinkerton's eyes widened. "That...where did you get that? That's the locket I gave her back then..." He carefully took the locket and opened it. He gasped, and his hands shook. His mouth opened and closed a few times, as though he were trying to find something to say. After a few moments he closed the locket and jammed it into one of his pockets.

"Th-thank you, Firebird," he stammered. "I-I've got a lot to do to prepare for tomorrow, so if you'll excuse me..." He stood up and hurried out of Edgeworth's office.

"What was that all about?" Edgeworth asked.

"There's a picture of Licia's son in there," Phoenix said lamely.

Edgeworth nodded. "I see." He looked away from Phoenix and gripped his left sleeve.

"Why didn't you tell him when you visited Licia that day?" Phoenix asked. "Why did you even go ask Licia about it?"

"I simply thought that it would be better if he didn't know," Edgeworth said. "Perhaps I was wrong." He frowned heavily. "I have a lot to do before the trial tomorrow, as well. Good evening, Wright." He ushered Phoenix and Pearl out of his office and shut the door.

Pearl looked up at Phoenix. "Do you think Mr. Pinkerton will be okay?"

"I hope so," Phoenix said.

I hope we can find a way to prove Licia innocent, too.

A/N: Dear reviewers: y'all rock! Thanks for reading and for all the nice reviews. Get ready for some more courtroom drama!