Author's Note: "Why are there so many parties in this story?" you ask. That's a great question. It's probably because I, like so many of us, am stuck at home during a pandemic, and I miss seeing my friends, and I miss PARTIES! So, Phoenix and Co will have to go to parties for me, for a while, and here they go!

Chapter Fourteen: Time Is Of The Essence, Part One

Phoenix Wright's Apartment

October 21, 2029

Phoenix waited, and mused, and tried not to worry. Unfortunately, Gumshoe's investigation into Noel Z. Parker didn't turn up any new information. Neither did any of the other efforts made by the police department to track down any evidence of Mrs. Fora Butz's killer.

A week after Larry's "Not Guilty" verdict, no one seemed to have any leads, and the case was still sitting squarely on the "unsolved" shelf.

Edgeworth must be going nuts over this, thought Phoenix sympathetically. Nobody hates loose ends like he does…well, except possibly me. I'll sure feel a lot better when this is all cleared up, and when I can be positive that I was wrong about this case., but as for right now, I've got a REALLY bad feeling about it.

That morning, though, Phoenix had other things to worry about. He and Maya were supposed to be on their way to the Judge and his partner's 50th Anniversary party at the Gatewater, and Phoenix was STILL trying to get all the glitter and cheese dust off of his best jacket.

This is why we can't have nice things, he thought helplessly, brushing fiercely at the slippery stuff for probably the hundredth time.

"Nick!" Maya emerged from Phoenix's home office, which had once been Trucy's bedroom. "I'm done! Here we go." She deposited a vaguely dome-like lump of shiny gold wrapping paper on the sofa beside Phoenix. "Ta-da!"

Phoenix raised an eyebrow at it.

Well, at least he won't be able to guess what it is from the wrapping, he thought. I bought it, and even I don't recognize it under that…creative packaging job.

"Nice work, Maya," he said aloud.

Maya looked impressed. "A gold clock, huh? Was it expensive? And, uh, why a clock?"

"A timepiece is a traditional anniversary present,' Phoenix informed her, "and it isn't gold, it's only gold plated. I got it with a coupon from that personalization place at the mall."

"Wow, Nick, you still go to the mall? Why not just order online?" Maya looked pleased with herself. "I did all my holiday shopping online this year."

"You didn't shop for anything." Retorted Phoenix. "You and Pearl are making holiday cookies for everyone. You can't buy cookies online."

"Yeah," agreed Maya, "but I bought the SPRINKLES online! See?"

Phoenix just shook his head.

"Oh, and the clock says 'Steven and Charles 1979' on it," added Maya. "So….I have a stupid question."

"Go ahead," allowed Phoenix.

"Um." Maya grinned sheepishly. "Is the Judge Steven, or is he Charles?"

I didn't know the answer to that question until two years ago, thought Phoenix, and I didn't spend years in another country studying spirit channeling, so it's not a stupid question, Maya. Actually, there was a long time when I genuinely believed that the Judge's name must be "Judge." Stranger things have happened.

"The Judge's name is Steven," he explained. "His husband's name is Charles. They don't share a last name; they weren't legally married until 2008, and by that time they'd been living as partners for so long under their own last names that apparently they didn't' feel like changing them."

"So," prompted Maya, "what's the Judge's last name?"

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Phoenix rubbed at the back of his neck and shrugged.

"I, uh, don't know," he admitted finally. "He…he's never said."

"I guess I've always thought of him in my head as 'Enma,'" mused Maya.

Phoenix stared at her. "What? Why?"

"Oh, uh, no reason!" Maya shrugged. "Just something Apollo said once. Aaaanayway, let's get going! We're already late! Mr. Edgeworth will be missing you!"

Phoenix flushed as Maya tugged him towards the apartment door. "Oh come on, Maya. I'm sure Edgeworth is doing just fine without me."

The Judge had always been a mild-mannered, modest sort of man, and so Phoenix really had no idea what kind of money he made. Of course, Phoenix was aware of the base salary for a judge in this district, but this particular Judge had been working so diligently for so long that Phoenix was sure there must have been some perks or advancement involved. Phoenix did know, from several conversations with the Judge over the years, that his partner, Charles, was a middle-school English teacher at the local public high school who had never seriously considered retirement. Edgeworth and Phoenix had even spent a couple of very pleasant evenings at the Judge's home, where they'd had a chance to meet Charles, who always seemed to be smiling and covered in ink stains. They lived comfortably and quaintly, without any sign that they were wealthy or well-to-do.

Phoenix was surprised, therefore, when he and Maya hurried into the Gatewater ballroom to find everything lavishly decorated and sparkling, with waiters moving between large, circular tables, dressed in Gatewater uniforms with large, plastered smiles on their faces.

"Whoa," mumbled Phoenix.

"I mean, he is a pretty popular judge," Maya reminded Phoenix. "I bet lots of people chipped in to make this day extra special! Isn't that sweet?"

"Yeah." Phoenix smiled. "Yeah, it really is."

The Judge and Charles were standing by to one of the tables, chatting with Athena and Simon. Phoenix couldn't see for sure, but it looked to him like Athena and Simon were holding hands under the table.

A few feet away, Edgeworth was sitting at a table with Trucy, who looked to be the process of performing a card trick.

"I know this one," Phoenix whispered to Maya. "I think I've even figured out how she does it. Watch, she's sliding that 6 of hearts into her sleeve right now…"

Before Trucy finished the trick, however, she noticed Phoenix and Maya, dropped her cards on the table and jumped to her feet.

"Dad!" she called, waving enthusiastically at him. "See, Mr. Edgeworth? I told you he'd make it!"

"Aw," sighed Maya, "I miss when she used to call you 'Daddy.'"

She still does sometimes, thought Phoenix, but only when she's really upset. She was never really MY little girl, since by the time I met her, she wasn't so little, but…she'll still always be my little girl. Trucy gets it.

Trucy rushed over and gave Phoenix an enthusiastic hug. Phoenix grinned at her.

"Oh," she remarked, brushing at his sleeve. "There's still glitter on your jacket!"

"I know," muttered Phoenix, sighing and raising an eyebrow at her. Trucy looked sheepish.

"Well, why didn't you say something before? Here, I can fix it!" Whipping a magic wand out of her sleeve, Trucy gently tapped Phoenix's jacket. The glitter instantly disappeared. Phoenix gaped.

"WOW!" Maya applauded enthusiastically. "That's amazing! Just like magic!"

I think it really was magic, thought Phoenix. I have NO IDEA how she did that! I've been trying for WEEKS.

Trucy just sparkled at him, all smiles.

"Where do we leave the presents?" Maya hefted the heavy clock she was still carrying. "I want to put this down."

"Oh, there's a table in the back!" Trucy grabbed the clock from Maya. "Wow, this is heavy. Here, I'll show you. Come on!"

Trucy led Maya away towards the gift display, leaving Phoenix to sit down next to Edgeworth.

"The dessert table is also in the back," murmured Edgeworth, with the slightest of smiles. Phoenix laughed. Then Edgeworth glanced at the large package Trucy was carrying. "What on earth," he asked, "did you bring, Wright?"

"Oh, uh, it's a clock," replied Phoenix. "A fancy engraved one. Gold-plated, too!"

"That may look somewhat out of place in their living room," Edgeworth mused. "

"Timepieces," explained Phoenix, for the second time that day, "are a very traditional anniversary gift."

"Exactly." Edgeworth nodded. "That's why I've gifted them each and engraved Swiss watch. Much easier to transport and display comfortably."

Phoenix glared at him. "Well, good for you, you merciless showoff."

Edgeworth, however, no longer seemed to be listening. Instead, he was watching as the Judge and Charles made the rounds of the guests, stopping a few minutes at each table, chatting and laughing as they went. Charles, particularly, was effervescent. He glowed with enthusiasm, his arm linked happily through his husband's.

Or, possibly, thought Phoenix, he's just gotten himself tangled in the Judge's robe. Does he EVER wear anything else?

"Remarkable," murmured Edgeworth.

"What?" Phoenix blinked. "The robes? Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Doesn't he ever take-!"

"No, not the robes," interrupted Edgeworth, shaking his head impatiently. "Time. Fifty years…that seems like an incredibly long time, doesn't it?"

"Oh, yeah," agreed Phoenix. "Sure. Apparently they got together in 1979, and back then, they couldn't even be open about their relationship. It wasn't safe to love another man, apparently. They've been through a lot together."

"It's a long time to spend with one man, to wake up next to the same person every morning." Edgeworth was still watching the couple. "Don't you think they might…get bored of each other?"

Phoenix shrugged. "I don't know," he admitted, smiling. "Getting bored actually sounds nice. I wouldn't mind knowing someone well enough to be comfortably bored with them. That'd be a nice change from the way I live my life now."

He laughed, a little self-consciously. There was a thoughtful sort of look in Edgeworth's eyes as he fixed Phoenix with one of his deep, searching stares. Phoenix found that he couldn't look away.

"Wright," began Edgeworth quietly.

Just then, the band began to play. Edgeworth looked over his shoulder and scowled as the Judge and Charles strode out onto the floor, giggling like schoolboys, and began an awkward waltz around the room, to the sound of their guests' enthusiastic applause. The Judge had to hike his robes up with one hand.

"Why," sighed Edgeworth, "do these events always have to include dancing? I have more than the usual number of left feet, and the enjoyment of this particular art form completely eludes me."

"I'm no good at it either." Phoenix shrugged. "Neither is Maya, but she seems to enjoy herself anyway. I figure she learned some kind of ritual dancing, at least, during her training, so maybe that's why she's into it."

A few more, older couples had now joined the Judge and Charles on the floor. Phoenix didn't recognize any of them, but figured they were friends from the Judge's life outside of the courtroom.

It's strange to think of him having a life outside of the courtroom, Phoenix reflected, but of course he does. We all do. Well…most of us, anyway. Phoenix shot a quick look at Edgeworth, who was moodily drinking from his half-empty glass of water.

"Hey Edgeworth," Phoenix asked, in a flash of mischievous daring, "want to dance?"

Edgeworth nearly spat out his water.

"Wright," he demanded, glowering, "did you not hear what I just said? I could have sworn I said very clearly that I hate-!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," admitted Phoenix, "but maybe it'll be fun. We can step on each other's feet and be hopeless together. Actually, I'm probably the more hopeless one; I'm sure you learned how to waltz in whatever finishing school you went to, right?" He gave Edgeworth a teasing grin, and, for some reason, Edgeworth looked even more embarrassed. "I have no idea how to do it, but I trust you to show me the ropes. Come on. Please? For me?"

Phoenix stood up and held out a hand to Edgeworth. Edgeworth looked furtively around at the other guests, staying firmly in his seat.

"There are people watching, Wright," he hissed. "Sit down, please."

Something about that statement irritated Phoenix. Suddenly, he didn't want to sit down. Instead, he wanted to push his luck.

"So?" he asked. "So what if people are watching? It's not 1979 anymore, two men dancing at a party aren't going to shock or disturb anybody. What's the problem?"

"We are not just 'two men,"" insisted Edgeworth. 'We are the Chief Prosecutor of the district and a celebrated defense attorney, and, at this particular event, there are multiple highly-ranked individuals, both local and from surrounding legal districts. There would be significant discussion on the subject if we were seen…fraternizing."

But I WANT to be seen 'fraternizing,' thought Phoenix. Like I said, this is 2029, we've done incredible work to dismantle the idea of enmity in the courts. There's nothing for us to be ashamed of!

"I don't care if people talk about us," he said aloud.

Edgeworth stood up abruptly. "Well, I do. Excuse me, Wright." Without another word, Edgeworth strode hurriedly off towards the buffet tables, leaving Phoenix with the uncomfortable feeling that he'd crossed an important consent line.

I took it too far, he realized. Edgeworth's not a man to be pressured. When he comes back, I should apologize. I'm sorry, Edgeworth. It's all right if you take your time. I…I can be patient.

The alarm bells in the back of his mind, however, had started faintly ringing. How much, he wondered, did Edgeworth really worry about this stuff? Was he really so frightened of being seen in public being intimate with Phoenix?

That…probably isn't good, thought Phoenix. It sure doesn't' feel great. Maybe we should talk about later.

Edgeworth's cellphone was still lying on the table where he'd left it in in his haste. As Phoenix sat, glumly waiting for his chance to smooth things over, the phone buzzed and the screen lit up, displaying the name DETECTIVE GUMSHOE.

I guess he's still investigating, thought Phoenix. That's probably why he's not at the party. I wonder if he's found anything good…if only I had the nerve to look at that text, but that'd be an invasion of privacy, and I'm already in hot enough water with Edgeworth. Better leave it alone.

Just then, Phoenix's own phone rang. His, too, read DICK GUMSHOE.

Eagerly, Phoenix answered the phone. "Yeah?" he asked. "What's up?"

"Hey, pal, is Mr. Edgeworth with you? You're at that party for the His Honor, right?" Gumshoe sounded distracted. "Listen, I need to talk to him, it's an emergency."

Phoenix glanced around but couldn't see Edgeworth anywhere. "Yeah he's here, but he just wandered off somewhere," he told Gumshoe. "If you give me a second, I'll try to find him."

"I don't have a second, pal," muttered Gumshoe. "Listen up. There's been another murder. Well…actually, it's a double murder. You know those two twins, Fara and Cli, or something? They're dead. I found 'em lying dead in the entrance lobby at the Police Department. They've both been stabbed, bled out before I got here, but it couldn't have been longer than ten minutes ago. The guy might still be lurking around!"

Phoenix exhaled slowly, feeling a cold, weighty lump settling into his chest.

I knew it, he thought. I didn't want to believe it, but I knew. I need to find Edgeworth.

"I gotta go," said Gumshoe on the other end. "Gonna call in some backup, see if we can track this guy down. Have Mr. Edgeworth call me back, all right? See you, pal."

"W-wait, Dick!" Phoenix nearly shouted into the phone, but Gumshoe had already hung up.

"Wright." Edgeworth came up behind Phoenix, looking slightly more composed and less livid than he had when he'd stormed off. "Please forgive me, I shouldn't have-!"

"Edgeworth!" Phoenix turned on him, cutting him off. "Gumshoe just found the Kashun twins dead at the Police Station. I just got off the phone with him. I think…I think we're dealing with a serial killer."

Edgeworth's face darkened. "A serial killer," he muttered. "I didn't want to think…but no, this is four murders in a single month, all linked by the same case. It's unlikely to be coincidence. I fear you may be right. But…what exactly is the pattern?"

"Ms. Ature," began Phoenix, "Mrs. Butz, and now the Kashun twins. They were all witnesses in each other's trials."

"Then we must work under the tentative assumption that witnesses are being targeted." Edgeworth shook his head. "Contact Larry immediately. For safety's sake, we'd better discuss matters with His Honor."

"Gumshoe," gasped Phoenix.

Edgeworth stared at him. "What?"

"Detective Gumshoe." Phoenix gestured frantically at the phone. "He was a witness, and he's still at the police station. You know, the police station WHERE THE MURDER JUST TOOK PLACE."

Phoenix and Edgeworth gazed at each other in horror for a split second, and then they were both moving, grabbing their jackets and heading for the door to the ballroom.

"Maya," called Phoenix, spotting her over by the gift table. "I have to go. There's been another murder. Detective Gumshoe might be in danger. I need you to stay here, and-!"

"What? What are you talking about?" Maya immediately fell into step with him. "What do you mean, 'in danger?' Who's dead? What's happening? Anyway, I'm coming with you. Come on, quick!"

Before Phoenix or Edgeworth had a chance to protest, Maya had them both by the arm and was tugging them out of the room.

Author's End Note: Things are going to get a little more exciting from here on out. Trigger warning for main characters in deadly situations, bad things happening to good people, and angst. Also we're gonna get one of my favorite minor characters, Diego Armando, in there at some point pin the next few chapters. And we're gonna see a lot more of Trucy!