"No..."

Maya's tears were warm upon his skin, splashing intermittently against his hand and wrist. Her back was pressed up against Phoenix, who at that point, wasn't certain if he was restraining her or comforting her. Perhaps it was also a response to the traumatic event. It was one thing to see a body and read the cold report of what had happened, but to witness an assault in action was something else entirely.

If there was any kind of race against time, this was it. Phoenix couldn't blame Maya for needing to be certain of the outcome. That burning necessity to know-to know a friend was all right, that something or someone would save the day, that the bad guys would be dealt with and the world would once again be safe. Even if it was nothing more than a slim chance, or a childish wish...to have that end result was worth putting oneself through the agony of the preceding horror.

Neither Maya nor Phoenix would get to witness a more favorable outcome. The camera cut out just after it happened, Phoenix thought. He shivered slightly, realizing then that he was fighting back his own tears. Adrian...damn it...you didn't deserve that...

"Oh my God..." Maya choked out. "Is...is she...? He hit her so hard. Ms. Andrews...she..."

Phoenix sighed. Not knowing whether or not she survived that...it's agony. I should know. He desperately wished he could travel back in time to prevent Matt from attacking Adrian...or at the very least, grab a nail-studded baseball bat and spend five minutes with the man in a locked room.

"She was putting her life together. She risked her own life to save Ms. von Karma's. Why...why now...?"

"Maya..."

"Oh no..." Physically, she had calmed down to the point where she was no longer fighting Phoenix's embrace. She started to turn around, prompting the man to slowly release her. "Nick... Mr. Edgeworth... he doesn't know. He was going to find out what happened, but now...this..."

"I know. Listen, if something else happens and he doesn't find her there for some reason...better he hears it from a friend. I'll tell him."

"I'll tell him with you," Maya offered.

"Maya, no, you don't have to-"

"Please don't treat me like a kid. I saw what happened. How he treated Ms. von Karma was bad enough. But hurting Ms. Andrews too..."

Phoenix lowered his gaze. "...I know you aren't some naive kid, Maya. I appreciate you wanting to be there. It's just..." He let out another sigh. "I don't know. I mean... is...is this what he wanted all along? All for the sake of revenge? Just...seeing a man at his absolute worst...and then watching someone bear the brunt of that, especially a friend, and there was nothing I could do...it's- damn it. I just..." He couldn't help it; he had started trembling again. "...right now...I just...I want to beat the hell out of him. And that scares me too."

"Nick." Though the tears were still running down her cheeks, Maya placed her hand upon his in comfort. "It's okay to be angry. You're supposed to be. But don't forget that Matt is the monster here. He's the one hurting people on purpose...all for his own gratification. You'd have to sink pretty low to be as awful as that, even for revenge. And even then...I don't think you're capable of treating someone else that way."

He gazed at her, glad to have the reassurance of a friend. "I...I know...thanks, Maya. Thanks. But I still want to make sure he gets what's coming to him. The only thing I'm grateful for is the fact I'm incapable of defending him for what he's done now."

"He won't get away with this. There are two witnesses, plus the recording. When Ms. Oldbag gets back, we need to ask her if there's a way to copy the video. Not that I'm happy about getting a copy, but it's worth it if they catch him."

If. "The police are on their way to WorldWide Studios. If he's planning on escaping, he won't get far. On the other hand, if Grayson is involved, who knows."

"Yeah...it's almost funny how that worked out. Almost." Maya lowered her gaze, her expression somber.

Knowing what she meant, Phoenix shook his head. "Maya...you know it had to be done. I warned Edgeworth not to go back up there by himself, but there was no stopping him. And I'm sorry I got you involved, but we couldn't use the company phone again or we'd get Ms. Oldbag in trouble."

"It's fine. I'm just glad Ms. Oldbag had a charger that fit my phone. But what I mean is, I can't get over the fact the police needed to be involved after all. I don't mind if they search my phone too. I'll risk being in jail if it means Ms. Andrews is...is..." Her face contorted, and she simply threw her arms around Phoenix.

Stunned, he put his hand on her shoulders. "M-Maya? What is it?"

"I...I'm..." Trembling, she squeezed him more tightly. "I'm so glad...something worse...didn't happen to you. I mean...after the car thing...if Matt or Grayson...if...if they had..."

"Hey..." Finally relaxing, Phoenix brought his arms around her, lightly resting his chin against the top of her head. "I get it. I'm grateful you haven't shown up on their radars, and I hope you never do. And as much as they did to Franziska, and tried to do to Trucy and Pearls, they're still here. I just pray...this isn't the end. Not for Adrian." Not for Edgeworth.

"I know. Me too." She sniffled, then started to pull away. As Phoenix let her go, she stepped out until she was in front of the counter. "What was it all for, Nick? What was he thinking? How could he hurt so many people? Even for revenge, this is too much."

"I don't know, but if he's willing to hurt Adrian and Franziska the way he did, and help Grayson put the rest of us in danger, then we can't have him running free. He's a damn menace. I wouldn't be surprised if he's responsible for hurting anyone else."

"...such as the various murder victims in the mountains?"

"Huh?" The sound of the second male voice prompted them both to look around, seeking the source.

Phoenix had just directed his gaze toward the back room when he heard, "Nick...!" Quickly turning around, he saw a panicked Maya locked tightly in the hold of a different man. Both arms were wrapped around her, but positioned next to the young woman's neck was a gloved hand with a silver blade. Wondering who on earth could have entered the company building completely undetected, Phoenix focused on a familiar-looking face, one with stitches spanning from crown to chin, and a monocle resting against the left eye. "D-de Killer...?! Damn you! Get away from her!"

"A pleasure to see you again, Mr. Wright," Shelly simply greeted him. "Oh, and your precious item."

"Maya!" the young woman declared, gripping at the man's arm in a meager attempt to get him to release her. "My name is Maya! Let me go!"

"No can do," Shelly told her. "I'm here for a reason. There is something the two of you need to know. But first, I must ask you to lower your voice. It would not do any good for me to get captured again at this point."

"Forget that!" Phoenix shouted. "How the hell did you get in here? How did you know we were here? No, nevermind that, how did you even get out?! Oh, I get it...it's Grayson, right? It's not enough Matt's trying to kill off our friends, now you're in on it too?!"

"...Mr. Wright, I believe I asked you to lower your voice. If you must know, it was easy to find you once you walked by the building cameras to get in here. Rather, it was easy once someone passed along that very tidbit to me. As for your other questions, I received a certain request today to eliminate the both of you. Had I desired, you two would be on the floor already with my calling cards, and I would be long gone before the old woman discovered you. The fact that you are still alive is proof of my good will. You will listen to what I have to say, or I will carry out my original mission as planned."

"Nnnrrggghhhh..." Phoenix clenched his fists, fighting to control his rage...and lack of inside voice.

"Well, I suppose that is a little better. You too, young lady, stop fighting me. This will take but a minute."

Phoenix could see Maya tense up, but then her arms dropped. "Ugh..."

"Good girl. Now, as I said, I received orders today to kill the both of you, but I was also given a window of three days. Truthfully, I have no desire to carry out this mission, but as fate would have it, he holds my life in his hands."

Phoenix rolled his eyes. "Oh, of course. It's not like it's your fault or anything. The devil made you do it."

"Mr. Wright, surely you have noticed that this object around my neck is no mere ornament?"

Phoenix in fact hadn't. He had been so focused on just the matter of Shelly's return, he hadn't at all observed the man's attire. "No...I mean...what? Is that a...shock collar?"

"Yes...and no. It has other features as well, those which suit Mr. Grayson's purposes. There is a reason I mentioned the three day window to carry out your assassination. Once the third day passes, and I fail to carry out the mission, or even just fail to return, this collar will explode. Consider it a more efficient way of executing criminals."

Maya let out a squeak. "You're wearing a bomb?! Then..."

Shelly nodded. "Yes. Grayson intends to end this cleanly, in one way or another."

"Well, of course," Phoenix said with a scoff. "God, he's behind everything. But ordering a hit and putting a literal time bomb on you? That's pretty damn gutsy of him. Let me guess... if he has you kill us off, it'll be less blood on his hands...at least, publicly."

"Yes, Mr. Wright. You are correct. Right now, I am being used as a means to eliminate that man's enemies, and when the time comes, to also take full responsibility for the crimes. In exchange, he has offered to hand over the life of Matt Engarde."

"And you believe him?"

"No, but as he pointed out, I am in no position to say otherwise."

"So what are you talking to us for? You want us to save you or something? After that crap you pulled last year, kidnapping Maya, and then lying in a court of law...?"

"We were all guilty of lies in that case last year," Shelly told him. "I suppose I can't blame you if you do not believe me now. But you should listen anyway. I will do whatever I can to leave prison with my life intact. I have no intention of carrying out the orders of someone so dishonorable, but thankfully, my current situation also leaves me with some advantages. I cannot be your ally, but for the next three days, I am able to move about the city to some degree. If I hear anything else, or if I figure a way out of this, I will find you. But if not..."

"Are you threatening us?"

"I am simply warning you of the possibilities. You have my word that I will not attempt to harm you or your friends for the next three days. But anything can happen in that final hour. You'd be wise to stay aware of this fact."

Well, pardon me if I can't bring myself to express my gratitude. Phoenix knew better than to voice this thought; he had likely tested Shelly's patience enough. "...is that all you came to say?" he finally asked. "Or was there something you needed us to do?"

Maya gasped. "Nick...?!"

Shelly chuckled. "Why, Mr. Wright, are you that desperate for a job?"

A flush took over Phoenix's face. "N-no! That's not what I-"

"It was a joke, Mr. Wright. You should develop a sense of humor sometime."

...and you should stop saying things that are so WRONG, even in jest, thought Phoenix.

"But since you asked, all I can say is to keep your eyes open for anything. Grayson is absolutely up to something. I'm not thoroughly convinced he is no longer working with Engarde, but I am not surprised he is attempting to get rid of him. Grayson... in some ways... has learned from the mistakes of his predecessor...no, his father."

"So you know about that?"

"Of course. That man had tailed me as well for many years. To stay several steps ahead of him, I also did my research on him. I suppose it's not common knowledge they are related, but thanks to internet records, it's not exactly a closely guarded secret either. I have had to verify the information in other ways, but I can say I did find out for certain."

"What do you mean when you say Grayson has learned from Gant's mistakes?"

"Damon Gant...though he initially had good intentions, became desperate and drunk with power. Believing he was untouchable, he carelessly dirtied his hands while leaving just enough evidence to finger someone else as the culprit. Now think about it carefully, Mr. Wright. Think about Grayson's relationship with Matt Engarde, and his relationship with me, and what he possibly stands to gain from either. You should know Grayson mentioned that Engarde was becoming a danger to this city in recent months. And now, here I am, an assassin who was captured only a week ago, someone who surely holds a grudge against that same man. Once we are both eliminated, how do you think that will go over with the public? I will not deny being a murderer, but you know as well as I do that not every murder in Los Angeles can be credited to me. I will say it again, Mr. Wright. Think about it very carefully." With that, he suddenly whipped back the hand that had been positioned at Maya's throat, folded the knife, and with great force shoved the young woman in Phoenix's direction.

Phoenix caught Maya as she stumbled, and helped her regain her stance. When he looked up, he saw that Shelly was gone, and in his absence, the clicking of a latch. "Where did he...?"

"The door, I guess," Maya remarked. "As quickly as he appeared..."

Shelly's words began to sink in. "...not every murder 'can be credited to him'? So? I already know that. Why the hell mention it now?"

"Maybe someone was murdered recently, and he doesn't want to be blamed for it?" Maya suggested.

"Well, I could understand that, even though it probably won't affect his sentence. I wonder who he's talking about, though. I can't think of any public figures or celebrities who've been recently killed..."

"Me either..."

The sound of the door opening again startled the two, and they quickly spun around, eyes trained on the sudden visitor.

Phoenix's heart stopped pounding when he saw that it was the security guard, Wendy Oldbag, returning from her visit upstairs. "Oh...it's just Oldbag."

"Is that any way to greet me, whippersnapper?!" the woman snarled, but her fury was quick to dissolve. "Ugh..."

"What's wrong, Ms. Oldbag?" Maya asked. "You didn't get fired, did you?"

"No...thankfully...Mr. Faust calmed down as I entered his office. Turns out he just wants to get to the bottom of everything. He understands that the would-be kidnappers were really trying to rescue their friend. It happened on that other whippersnapper's clock, but I said I gave him permission to use his judgment as he saw fit. I may be demoted at the end of this...maybe, once Mr. Faust collects his thoughts. I don't know about my subordinate."

"I...see. I'm...I'm sorry, Ms. Oldbag. I really was trying to help..."

"I know that, dearie. But I can't deny if I had been there instead of the other guard, I may have done the same thing. Not for your sake, mind you, but for my Edgey-poo. It seems...those close to him are being needlessly hurt..."

At those words, Maya burst into tears and turned away.

Seeing Wendy's confusion at the reaction, Phoenix spoke up. "Um...Ms. Oldbag, I'm really sorry. We know we shouldn't have, but a few minutes ago, we were looking at the cameras on the computer, and...and..."

"And...?" Wendy asked, clearly impatient. "Out with it!"

"...it was horrible," Phoenix completed. "He attacked Adrian...and...we think she may have been killed. She was hit in the head-"

"What?!" the old woman fumed. "Who? Who did this?!"

"It was Matt Engarde," Maya wailed. "It was almost like watching an animal stalk its prey...except...animals behave better than that."

"Matt Engarde?! Why that evil, scum-sucking little...! So that's how he treats a former manager, huh? Where the hell is that tape?! I'll make enough copies to bury him with in court...!"

"Ms. Oldbag-" Phoenix started to say, but Wendy had already disappeared into the backroom. Unintelligible ramblings were heard as metal drawers were pulled out from somewhere. "Wow. We didn't even have to ask."

"What's she doing?" Maya asked.

"Looking for some DVDs to burn, I'd wager." Seeing the confusion on the face of his technology-challenged friend, he added, "To make copies of the video."

"Oh, right..."

"Something wrong?"

She shook her head. "No, it's just...I'm surprised she believes us about everything."

"Of course I believe you!" Wendy shouted from the back room, then appeared a moment later with a roll of blank discs. "I know when someone is stirring up trouble. But even a couple of whippersnappers like you wouldn't lie about something like this. Not when your friends' lives are at stake." She had approached the main computer when Phoenix thought he heard her say something else.

Apparently, he hadn't been the only one.

"What was that, Ms. Oldbag?" Maya asked.

"I said, 'or their happiness,'" the elderly woman clarified, inserting a disc into the tray. "Your friend, Miles Edgeworth. No doubt, he'll be crushed if that young lady is truly gone. And even if she isn't, I'm sure this incident will make things difficult for them. I can't say I've been her biggest fan, but she deserves far better than that. They both do."

"Yeah," Phoenix tried to say, but it came out more as a wordless sigh. Having seen the attack on Adrian, he was all the more appreciative of the ones who were still in his life. Something brushed against his hand then, and he turned to see Maya standing there, her hand lightly resting atop his. Edgeworth lost so much at a young age, and had to live with a frightening lie for fifteen years. He nearly lost himself in the process...only to overcome his trauma and turn into a better person. I know he was so worried about Franziska, even if he didn't let on about it. Thankfully, we found her...hurt, but alive. But now that Adrian has come into his life...what will he do? Keep to himself, no doubt, and pretend he's fine, that he doesn't have to talk about his feelings. Though it was highly inappropriate, something about that rubbed Phoenix the wrong way. But she had feelings for you too, Edgeworth. Oldbag's right...Adrian deserved better than that. Damn it. You owe it to Adrian to not bottle that up inside, Edgeworth. You-

Phoenix stopped, briefly shaking his head. No...that's just me...trying to escape the guilt of not keeping her safe, arrogant as that sounds. Edgeworth...owes no one anything, least of all me. Especially when he doesn't even know yet. Whatever happens, he's going to need our support, even if he doesn't want it. I just pray that this is not the end. For even the tiniest sliver of hope, no matter how childish it may be, I'll hold out for it.

At the very least, that's something I can do...for the both of them...

That final thought was interrupted by a collective rattling around the room, a familiar and initially soft sound that only increased in volume and intensity over the following moments. Immediately, he made a rush for the doorway, Maya and Wendy following suit. As loose computer peripherals and random office items vibrated and gradually dropped to the floor, Phoenix shared a glance with Maya. There was no need to ask what was on her mind; this was one time their thoughts were in sync.

Edgeworth.