AN: We all know Franziska kept the last piece of evidence from the fourth trial, but the real question is: did she ever return Detective Gumshoe's coat?
Evidently Lacking
The view from the airplane window was stunning. A thin layer of clouds blanketed the sky under the plane, twisted into delicate shapes by the wind, while far below the Atlantic Ocean glittered and seethed in the evening sun. But Franziska wasn't paying attention to the natural beauty unfolding around her, every ounce of her laser-like focus was directed at the small card in her hand.
It was fairly unremarkable in itself, just a small white rectangle of heavy cardstock with a doodle of Phoenix Wright's face scribbled over the pink shell printed on the side. Anyone looking at it would never guess it had been a piece of evidence (though unused) against a professional assassin. It didn't radiate any malicious aura or unsettling vibe; the only clue that it was even remotely important was the intensity with which the young prosecutor was staring at it.
She knew the significance of the card. She knew that the drawing sketched around the shell emblem was drawn by Maya Fey while she was held hostage by de Killer. Most people would say it was unutterably sweet that, when Maya was in mortal peril, Wright was the person foremost in her mind. Not being "most people", Franziska just wondered.
As a von Karma she had never had the time or opportunity to be very emotional. And, due to her inexperience, matters of the heart were difficult for her to rationalize. Loyalty, responsibility, and camaraderie had their places, like in her relationship with her little brother. But the card had dredged up a question, a dilemma.
Everyone else she knew had someone who depended on them. Wright had his junior partner and sidekick, Ms. Fey. Miles had his faithful (thought rather inept) subordinate, Detective Gumshoe. Both men had someone to help them, someone who admired and respected them, while she... She had no one.
Then again, did she, Franziska von Karma, really need anyone to do anything? She had survived comfortably on her own for nineteen years, why should she require any support now?
The question was indeed interesting and philosophically important. Was she isolating herself? Was she truly alone, or was there someone who was there for her too? If so, were they even necessary? The subject would serve as the basis of several future debates to be sure; but what really perplexed Franziska was how something as simple as a marked-up calling card could evoke such a strong response from her.
She would, of course, keep it around, if only as a reminder. And if she kept it, it would have a purpose, earning its keep in some way. Yes, de Killer's card would make a fine bookmark.
AN: That's what I'd do with it...