Disclaimer: Leaving something lying on the floor is an open invitation to any cat in the area for them to come and lay on it.

AN: I always wondered what happened to this piece of evidence... You'd think de Killer would be worried that the police knew what he looked like.

No Trouble At All

"He made a tape. Engarde caught my face on video.

"When I heard that, I felt like my heart would stop. Not only had my former client betrayed my trust, he had created highly incriminating evidence against me. Evidence that had fallen into the hands of the American police.

"But this danger was not one that could not be eluded. The authorities had not yet viewed Engarde's video, and so there was a chance that I could still spirit the recording away before my visage was revealed. The only thing standing between me and a perfect escape was the precinct's security system.

"My research showed that the Department of Criminal Affairs was woefully unguarded. Their security consisted of basic locks, a handful of security cameras, an easily bypassable alarm system, and two men named Winston and Nigel. The ineptitude of this particular department still amazes me, but I suspected that they would redeem themselves. It was entirely possible, and probable, that their evidence vault was far more well-protected than the building itself. I certainly hoped so, or my task would be completely without challenge.

"At least, that's what I thought. My endeavor went flawlessly. I deactivated the alarms, slipped past the cameras and guards; I even pondered absconding with the police chief's stuffed badger mascot, but decided against it. One theft per night was more than enough. Everything that could go right, did. Until, of course, I reached the evidence vault.

"What happened from then on is the part of the story that you already know. Your friend, Mr. Edgeworth, suspected that I might return for the tape and arranged a welcome for me. When I arrived at the vault I found no less than fifty officers waiting to arrest me. Though I was eventually captured, as you can plainly see, I take some comfort in knowing that of the multitude of officers sent after me, only twelve were able to limp away under their own power after the battle was over."

It took some time before Phoenix was able to respond calmly to de Killer's tale. He had wished for nothing more than this crazed assassin to be out of his life forever, but it seemed fate refused to oblige. What's worse, he now had to listen to this crackpot's story, which involved attacking and injuring several close friends of his, to try and form a defense.

"Well, Mr. Attorney, you said you wished to hear my thoughts from the night I was arrested. Have I given you the insight you needed?"

Oh, he had all right. The story had reminded Phoenix that his new client was not an innocent party, but a self-confessed killer who took pride in his work. Hadn't he had enough of this with Engarde? Wright quickly vowed he would never allow himself to be appointed to a defendant by the state ever again.

"Yes. But you know I won't be able to really defend you, right? Not even a little bit. I can't fight for someone who I know is guilty..."

De Killer just smiled. "Oh, I know, Mr. Attorney. I was never expecting a defense. In fact, I never expected to stand trial either. You've nothing to worry about, by the time you arrive in court tomorrow I will no longer be of any trouble to you. I give you my word. Now, goodbye, Mr. Wright. I do believe visiting hours have ended."

Phoenix watched as de Killer rose and exited with the guards. The last statement that his client, how horrible it was to call de Killer that, had said didn't sit well with him. An assurance that he would "no longer be of any trouble"? What did that mean?

Pondering it now wouldn't get anything accomplished, Phoenix would just have to ask him before the trial tomorrow. With that decision he gathered up his coat and briefcase and departed. It had been a long day and there was still work to be done before he'd be ready for court.

-- -- -- -- --

Though it looked like he was sleeping in his cell, de Killer was actually wide awake and alert to every detail of his surroundings. The guards had left after locking him in, and, from what he had seen of the prison, the halls were relatively unguarded.

He had meant what he said to Wright, he still believed in complete trust and honesty between client and professional more than anything else. While it was odd that he was now the client, his word was still his bond. By the time Mr. Wright would be called upon to defend him in court tomorrow, he would be of no consequence to the lawyer.

Now certain that the coast was clear, de Killer sat up on his cot and removed the false molar from the back of his jaw, revealing a miniature and versatile lock pick. By morning he would be free and out of the country. Then, if he was gone, there would be no conflict to weigh upon poor Mr. Wright's conscience. There would be no trouble at all.