ACE ATTORNEY: THE FAZBEAR TURNABOUTS
The Disappearing Turnabout: Mid-Investigation
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria: Dining Area
November 12th, 2019
12:35 PM
Edgeworth walked from the right hallway as he saw Franziska getting investigation details from one of the officers as he took a deep breath starting to walk over to his sibling. The officer saw Edgeworth and pointed him out to Franziska as she turned around to see her brother. She dismissed the officer back to the crime scene and took his investigation report to keep for her evidence collection looking up at Edgeworth.
"Did you manage to get anything out of the day guard?" Franziska asked with a very determined look like she could whip Edgeworth at any moment.
"She was very easy to get the information out of considering she is a big fan of mine. She heard a scary roar which made her leave the restaurant and wait for the manager. She did not spot anything on the cameras when she checked them," Edgeworth replied as he crossed his arms and looked at his sister.
"A roar? For the love of-I do not know what ghost stories are being told at this foolish place, but they have no place in my perfect case. I will have to make sure she does not mention that statement," Franziska stated.
"You can't tamper with a witness's testimony if it happens to be true," Edgeworth reminded her.
"I can't believe you actually believe her. She's an old woman and she could just be losing her memory," Franziska retorted as she tugged on her whip.
(As strange as she is, I know Wendy would never lie to me. She knows I expect nothing, but the truth and I've seen stranger things before. Like a body reappearing after my father's last case.) Edgeworth thought.
"What were the findings in the investigation report you have there?" Edgeworth asked as he pointed to the piece of paper his sister received.
"Nice try, but my lips are sealed on my investigation," Franziska replied.
"I thought I could know information if I wasn't in the way," Edgeworth reminded.
"You only needed to know the basics so you weren't in the dark, but you served your usefulness and aren't needed anymore," Franziska stated with a triumphant smirk.
(Still arrogant as the day we met. She does know how to corner anyone that gets in her way, but I have defeated her in a battle of wits before.) Edgeworth thought.
"So you're going to throw me out?" Edgeworth challenged.
"Unless you walk out now. I hate for you to suffer the embarrassment of being thrown out on your back, but it would be joyous to see," Franziska replied.
"Then how about a round of throwing logic around? You must have some sort of idea on where to find the body," Edgeworth stated with a smirk.
"You are a very foolish, persistent stain on my sleeve. I think I have this matter solved anyway and I do love to prove you wrong in every aspect," Franziska beamed with excitement.
(I have her interest in a challenge. Time to pull out my hand.) Edgeworth thought.
"Then you can explain to me your perfect theory in detail. However, if I can prove it wrong with a few contradictions, you must let me stay and access the crime scene," Edgeworth offered.
"Like that's going to happen…but you're on. Get ready to face defeat, Miles Edgeworth!" Franziska declared as she held her whip above her head.
(Franziska will not be easy to beat as she has demonstrated some smart points, but they will pale in comparison to logical deduction. Time to see your plan, Franziska.) Edgeworth thought.
LOGIC BATTLE
MILES EDGEWORTH VS. FRANZISKA VON KARMA
"Where do you wish for me to start, Miles Edgeworth?" Franziska asked as she tugged on her whip.
"Very well. I say tell me how you think the murder happened based on your facts and investigation findings," Edgeworth replied.
"If you insist, I'll lay my perfect theory out on the table," Franziska boasted as she cleared her throat.
THEORY
~HOW THE MURDER HAPPENED~
~The night guard had conducted his shift like normal around midnight since that is his confirmed start time.~
~However, it's all entirely possible the murderer waited for him in the security office.~
~The security cameras and the victim would have captured them on the scene at any other time even if they weren't recorded.~
~Therefore, it's only likely that the culprit murdered the victim in cold blood right there!~
(So she's saying that this murder is premeditated. However, she could just be goading me into debunking things for her. Time to see what I can assess.) Edgeworth thought.
"Not a bad theory in hindsight, but I'm sure you have your reasons for believing this notion of premeditated," Edgeworth explained.
"It's the only way this murder could have happened. Although, I'm amused to see you try to debunk it," Franziska challenged extending a mocking left hand to her brother.
"Then allow me to dazzle you with the real facts," Edgeworth stated with his own confident smile.
REBUTTAL
~HOW THE MURDER HAPPENED~
~The night guard had conducted his shift like normal around midnight since that is his confirmed start time.~
HOLD IT!
"Can we actually be sure he came in around that time?" Edgeworth asked as he pointed at his sister.
"Why would he not? Unless he foolishly wanted to lose his job," Franziska replied.
"Without the body, the time of death is up in the air and we can never be too sure on a proper time without more details," Edgeworth explained.
"If you must know, the manager's account to the police revealed that he waits on every night guard hired at around closing time which is 8:30 PM. From there, staff are required to clean the tables and the kitchen before 10 PM when the overnight cleaning crew show up to do a through inspection and sanitation of the whole pizzeria while the manager handles any business ventures related to the restaurant until midnight. That's when he clocks in the night guard and does not return till the morning," Franziska explained.
(So that closes that route and I'm sure if the murder happened before the night guard's shift, Mr. Twinkle would have mentioned it sooner. Just needed to tie that loose end up.) Edgeworth thought.
~However, it's all entirely possible the murderer waited for him in the security office.~
HOLD IT!
"What makes you so sure?" Edgeworth asked.
"Think about it, Miles Edgeworth. There would be no other common place to strike and if the killer just waited in the exact location where the victim needed to be, he could be ready to strike and hide the body where he wanted to," Franziska replied as she waved a finger at her brother.
(Not to mention that Wendy said the cameras didn't record anything that night so the murderer was not caught on camera. I can't exactly argue against her point on this front.) Edgeworth thought as he crossed his arms.
"If your point is true, perhaps the body was stuffed in one of the restrooms or a supply closet," Edgeworth tried suggested, but Franziska had to shake her head.
"A police perimeter check revealed that the body was nowhere to be found in any of these suggested places. The building also has vents placed around, but they are too high to reach and too small for a human body to fit inside," Franziska explained.
"Then that is out of contention. Carry on," Edgeworth stated.
~The security cameras and the victim would have captured them on the scene at any other time even if they weren't recorded.~
HOLD IT!
"I think Mr. Twinkle said the cameras had a tendency to be buggy. We already know from Ms. Oldbag that nothing was recorded last night as well. However, it's entirely possible that the murderer could have conducted the murder later," Edgeworth suggested with a smirk.
"Without making a noise and alerting the guard? I'd even go as far as to argue that the night guard is required to do routine checks throughout the night," Franziska explained as she wagged a finger at Edgeworth.
(I can't exactly prove the culprit was a ninja. I don't have much ground to stand here.) Edgeworth thought.
~However, it's all entirely possible the murderer waited for him in the security office.~
OBJECTION!
"I just have one question for you, Franziska. Who do you think is the real culprit?" Edgeworth asked as he pointed towards Franziska.
"My best guess would have to be a random outsider. The employees seem to have had a good relationship with the victim," Franziska replied as she crossed her arms.
"That's a very misinformed conclusion. Considering a random outsider would need these keys to even get inside this building," Edgeworth stated as he presented the spare key ring.
"Spare keys? AGH!" Franziska exclaimed as she hugged herself and shook violently.
"Someone from the outside would need these keys in order to get into certain places and Mr. Twinkle gives them to the night guard to lock up the restaurant after he leaves from his shift. Not to mention, the manager wouldn't keep the place open willingly due to tight security protocols," Edgeworth explained.
"GRRRRRRR!" Franziska exclaimed as she twisted the whip in her hands tempted to take her brother out right here.
(So that's one wall down as any random person could not be the murderer without these keys. I wonder what her next line of thought could be.) Edgeworth thought as he crossed his arms.
"Hmph…not a bad deduction, Miles Edgeworth, but you don't have the advantage this time as the security office is easily accessible," Franziska retorted.
"Easily accessible?" Edgeworth asked.
"The security office is a bit different from normal ones. There is such little space to move around and there aren't any doors save for the blockades that can be dropped to prevent anything from getting in or out. There are also two light switches that cover blind spots should the night guard need to see anything he can't on cameras. There's also a back entrance located in the left hallway that anybody could have entered and hidden in the security office until the night guard arrived," Franziska explained.
OBJECTION!
"It still doesn't matter if that entrance is locked," Edgeworth stated.
OBJECTION!
"But what if someone forgot to lock it? That makes it entirely plausible for someone to sneak right in," Franziska retorted.
"Then maybe you can state your theory on this mystery killer," Edgeworth challenged.
"I think I shall. I'll show you for the imbecile that you are," Franziska declared.
THEORY
~HOW THE MURDER HAPPENED PT.2~
~I believe someone had the intent to murder so they made sure to be here at night in order to strike.~
~I do not believe it was any of the employees as there is such limited staff such as waiters and cooks along with the guards and managers.~
~Not to mention, they all had a good relationship with the victim.~
~The perpetrator hid in the office and waited for the night guard to show up.~
~Once he approached the office, the murderer attacked and slain his victim.~
~As for the hiding of the body, the culprit could have made off with it to dispose of it elsewhere.~
(This new theory is something she seems pretty sure of, but she has been proven wrong many times by Wright. Lightning doesn't strike twice without proper logic.) Edgeworth thought.
"Let's see you beat that," Franziska challenged as she cracked her whip and held it high above her.
"Challenge accepted," Edgeworth stated.
REBUTTAL
~HOW THE MURDER HAPPENED PT.2~
~I believe someone had the intent to murder so they made sure to be here at night in order to strike.~
~I do not believe it was any of the employees as there is such limited staff such as waiters and cooks along with the guards and managers.~
~Not to mention, they all had a good relationship with the victim.~
HOLD IT!
"Nobody had any reason to hate him?" Edgeworth asked.
"The cooks and waiters are not around to know the victim long enough to develop an impression of him and the manager called him very dependable. I don't think that's a synonym for hatred," Franziska replied as she outstretched her left hand.
"There could be someone hiding more than we know," Edgeworth stated.
"Then by all means, prove it to me that there is a clear motive for someone to commit an inside job," Franziska challenged as she tightened her grip on her whip.
(She's got me there. I'm throwing arguments to the wall at this rate and I can't find someone other than Mr. Twinkle who could have a motive. Nothing to see here I guess.) Edgeworth thought.
~The perpetrator hid in the office and waited for the night guard to show up.~
~Once he approached the office, the murderer attacked and slain his victim.~
OBJECTION!
"So, you're saying the night guard immediately headed straight for the security office and did nothing else beforehand?" Edgeworth asked as he crossed his arms.
"He would be wasting his time with anything else," Franziska replied.
"Oh really, because your witness might suggest otherwise. According to Ms. Oldbag, the animatronics have a tendency to break down and lose their parts leaving it up to the guards to replace their parts on the dot. The victim could have unintentionally stalled his own murder!" Edgeworth exclaimed as he presented findings in the animatronic data written down in his organizer.
"What?!" Franziska exclaimed as she hugged herself tight.
"An instant murder was not in the plans for that night and no outsider would have any idea of that information. It's entirely possible for the employees to know, though," Edgeworth explained as he shook his head and smirked.
OBJECTION!
"There was no blood on those robots! It's entirely impossible for the murder to happen on the show stage!" Franziska exclaimed as she twisted her whip in her hands.
OBJECTION!
"I'm not saying the murder happened there, but there is too much that could've distracted the night guard from reaching the office only to be murdered. You said it yourself that you argued that he could've been required to do a routine check before starting his shift," Edgeworth reminded as he tapped his forehead.
"NOOOOOOOOO! NOT MY PERFECT THEORY!" Franziska screamed in her tirade.
"And that's another checkmate for me," Edgeworth finished with a confident chuckle.
LOGIC BROKEN!
Animatronic Data updated in the Court Record
Distractions added to Logic
"I can't believe I lost! Not to you!" Franziska exclaimed as she held her head in disbelief.
"And now a deal is a deal. You will allow me to scan and investigate the security office so I may help you solve this perplexing mystery," Edgeworth stated.
"Fine! I guess I have no other choice, but it will be under my strict supervision. I will take full credit once this case is open-and-shut," Franziska added.
(Time to get some real answers and see whether what I just argued holds water.) Edgeworth thought.
Freddy Fazebear's Pizzeria: Security Office
November 12th, 2019
1:30 PM
Franziska was not kidding when she said the office is largely cramped as it was far from a normal security place. There were no doors and a disorganized desk filled with TV monitors, burger wrappers, pizza boxes, and plastic cups along with a pink cupcake replica with eyes stationed atop one of the monitors. Windows were an added reservation so the night guard could see what came his way and the tablet sat on the desk as well as a fan. Children's color drawings filled the wall as well as a poster titled "CELEBRATE!" with the main band of animatronics present. The lone swivel chair was also present and some beige lockers were behind it.
"Quite the untidy place in here," Edgeworth noted as he took a picture with his phone to keep for later.
Photo of Security Office added to the Court Record
"The fool really should've learned to clean before and after he came," Franziska muttered.
"Sir! I can't believe you made it! How were you allowed back here?" Gumshoe asked as he met up with the siblings.
*CRACK*
"OUCH!" Gumshoe recoiled as Franziska whipped him good and rolled up her weapon.
"Nevermind that, Scruffy. I merely changed my mind and could use the extra help. Tell my brother what he missed out on," Franziska instructed as she went to talk with other forensic investigators.
"So, what is the status of your investigation?" Edgeworth asked the detective in charge.
"Well, I'm sure Ms. Von Karma must have filled you in on our initial findings and this office is way too small for a body to be hidden in. We checked the lockers and nothing came of it," Gumshoe replied.
(This is turning out to be a wild goose chase just for a corpse. Where else can a body be hidden at in this dirty building?) Edgeworth thought with the roll of his eyes.
Edgeworth took a look at where the bloodstains were marked with white tape due to them being too dry to be transparent. He bent over scoping out the areas and looking where he saw red.
"Detective Gumshoe, do you happen to have Luminol on your person?" Edgeworth asked as he looked back at his partner.
Gumshoe nodded and called for an officer to hand over a spray bottle filled with the substance that can detect lost traces of blood. Edgeworth grabbed it spraying the swivel chair and the area in front of it as the effort took about a few minutes with bright blue samples showing up. The chair had minimal blood on it, but the area in front had a big pile that dried up recently. Edgeworth went to both entrances and sprayed the bottle having a theory pop up in his head as the left side did not show anything, but the right side showed large puddles of blood on the floor and the walls.
"Looks like our victim was killed in the office and the body was dragged back down to the main lobby. I think we have narrowed our search," Edgeworth stated as he took photos of the bloodstains.
Luminol Bottle added to the Court Record
Photos of Bloodstains added to the Court Record
"It certainly matches up with our failed search results," Gumshoe stated as his eyes darted everywhere.
"I was told by Franziska that there were some phone messages. Apparently, the victim was in his last week of work and left behind messages for the new night guard," Edgeworth explained.
"We did listen to those messages. Most of them just explains what the night guard is supposed to do like this first one," Gumshoe stated as he played the first recorded message on the phone.
"Hello, hello? Uh, I wanted to record a message for you to help you get settled in on your first night. Um, I actually worked in that office before you. I'm finishing up my last week now, as a matter of fact. So, I know it can be a bit overwhelming, but I'm here to tell you there's nothing to worry about. Uh, you'll do fine. So, let's just focus on getting you through your first week. Okay? Blah blah blah, now that might sound bad, I know, but there's really nothing to worry about. So, just be aware, Uh, now concerning your safety, the only real risk to you as a night watchman here, if any, is the fact that these characters, uh, if they happen to see you after hours probably won't recognize you as a person. They'll most likely see you as a metal Y-Yeah, they don't tell you these things when you sign up.
Uh, let's see, first there's an introductory greeting from the company that I'm supposed to read. Uh, it's kind of a legal thing, you know. Um, "Welcome to Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. A magical place for kids and grown-ups alike, where fantasy and fun come to life. Fazbear Entertainment is not responsible for damage to property or person. Upon discovering that damage or death has occurred, a missing person report will be filed within 90 days, or as soon property and premises have been thoroughly cleaned and bleached, and the carpets have been replaced."
"He brings up the animatronics as if they have a mind of their own," Edgeworth recalled.
"The animatronics are really the first of their kind. They are allowed to walk around during the night to prevent their mechanics from going haywire. I'm not sure about the material they are specifically built with, but they are advanced for our time," Gumshoe replied.
(Judging by that call, it proves the night guard could have been busy reprogramming and replacing their broken parts. They don't look like they have been handled with proper care.) Edgeworth thought as he crossed his arms.
Gumshoe decided to continue as he played the second recorded message as Edgeworth took a closer look listening intently.
"Uhh, Hello? Hello? Uh, well, if you're hearing this and you made it to day two, uh, congrats! I-I won't talk quite as long this time since Freddy and his friends tend to become more active as the week progresses. Uhh, it might be a good idea to peek at those cameras while I talk just to make sure everyone's in their proper place. You know...Uh... Interestingly enough, Freddy himself doesn't come off stage very often.I heard he becomes a lot more active in the dark though, so, hey, I guess that's one more reason not to run out of power, right? I-I also want to emphasize the importance of using your door lights. There are blind spots in your camera views, and those blind spots happen to be right outside of your doors. So if-if you can't find something, or someone, on your cameras, be sure to check the door lights. Uh, you might only have a few seconds to react... Uh, not that you would be in any danger, of course. I'm not implying that. Also, check on the curtain in Pirate Cove from time to time. The character in there seems unique in that he becomes more active if the cameras remain off for long periods of time. I guess he doesn't like being watched. I don't know. Anyway, I'm sure you have everything under control! Uh, talk to you soon."
"Pirate Cove?" Edgeworth asked.
"That's the home of Foxy the Pirate Fox, my personal favorite animatronic before they had him shuffled away behind those curtains. I guess he has a bit of a malfunction problem. The real message we believe captures the moment of the victim's death. Take a listen," Gumshoe stated as he played the last known recorded message.
"Hello, hello? Hey! Hey, wow, day 4. I knew you could do it. Uh, hey, listen, I may not be around to send you a message tomorrow. *banging on a door* It's-It's been a bad night here for me. Um, I-I'm kinda glad that I recorded my messages for you *clears throat* uh, when I did. Uh, hey, do me a favor. *more banging* You know...*deep moan* oh, no - *noises followed by a loud screech and static*
Edgeworth, Gumshoe, a few investigators, and some officers were startled by the noise as the prosecutor prodigy backed up into the lockers with a loud clang. He stared at the phone in shock as he cleared his throat and retained his composure.
"I guess that explains how he died," Edgeworth stated.
(Though, I have to wonder what the context of this is all about. It doesn't sound at all like humans were around the victim.) Edgeworth thought.
Phone Messages updated in the Court Record
Circumstances of Victim's Death added to Logic
Edgeworth decided to think over his pieces of logic that he has amassed thinking over the new information he had received from this case so far. He could make a few deductions and come to some new conclusions not yet brought up.
Tighter Security Regulations (plus) Circumstances of Victim's Death (equals) COMBINE!
"The entire purpose of this security office is all apart of the tighter security protocols around this restaurant. No doubt these were put in place due to the heavy issues weighing on this particular restaurant persona. However, it seems like that purpose didn't keep out whatever killed the victim," Edgeworth explained his break in logic.
"What do you think could have happened, sir?" Gumshoe asked.
*SLAP*
"OUCHHHHH!" Gumshoe exclaimed as Franziska whipped him from behind.
"That's not something he should be deciding. I'll be the one figuring out this crime with minimal handholding from him," Franziska stated.
(However, this is a very peculiar puzzle piece that I'll need to sit on for a while. What could be the result of the victim's death?)
Exact Cause of Victim's Death added to Logic
Missing Body (plus) Scary Roar (equals) COMBINE!
"After listening to those phone messages, I'm coming to more and more of a startling conclusion of where the body is," Edgeworth stated.
"You're actually going to humor those phone messages?" Franziska asked with a raised eyebrow.
"They are a clear vital piece of evidence. Detective Gumshoe, if what those messages say are true, I'm gonna need you to shift your investigation focus towards the back room and see if there are any suits carrying a human body," Edgeworth requested.
*SLAP*
"YOUCHHHHHH!" Edgeworth exclaimed with a recoil and touching his arms.
"My case, my orders. But see to it that this demand is met Scruffy," Franziska ordered as Gumshoe nodded quickly heading to the main lobby with three officers in tow for assistance.
(A new travesty has been brought to light in this case and while it's not the most ideal way of thinking about it, I've had a habit of thinking of the craziest situations. I need to have a serious talk with Mr. Twinkle about these strange events.) Edgeworth thought.
"Since you're clearly in the mood for ludicrous suggestions, Miles Edgeworth, pray tell what are you hoping from your distinction?" Franziska asked.
"Should there be a body in one of those suits, it could be an explanation for the scary roar that Ms. Oldbag heard," Edgeworth replied as he crossed his arms.
"But the body would be dead instantly if shoved into a mechanical suit built for a metal endoskeleton," Franziska argued.
"It's just a possibility. There's limited responses to what the roar could be, but this is my main connection for now," Edgeworth stated.
"You really like to grasp at straws," Franziska muttered.
(It's called trying to take everything into account. You think she would try it just once.) Edgeworth thought.
Court Record:
Prosecutor's Badge: The proof of my profession and it is a symbol of justice that remains with me despite my previous ambitions. I usually keep it in my pocket for safe keeping.
Spare Keys: A ring of keys the manager gave me should I need to access any other room in the pizzeria usually reserved for employees.
Phone Messages: A phone in the office holds a few messages from the victim supposedly. There must be more in them and it concerns the animatronics. One of them recorded the exact moment the victim was murdered and says a lot of interesting tidbits about the animatronics.
Animatronic Data: One of the phone messages said that the animatronics have a free-roaming mode meaning they could move of their own accord. Very interesting. They have a tendency to fall apart due to being so old and this could have prevented the victim from being murdered straight away.
Security Cameras: The very devices that looks over the pizzeria at night, but they usually delete records of anything they catch on camera.
Photo of Security Office: A photo taken of the crime scene for closer inspection on a few areas if needed. It's very dirty and disorganized.
Luminol Bottle: A bottle that contains a substance known as Luminol which is supposed to help find traces of blood if it dries up enough or is hard to make out in certain areas.
Photos of Bloodstains: Bloodstains were found in front of the swivel chair, on the swivel chair, and out in the right hallway leading me to believe the victim was killed in the office and then was dragged down the hall to be locked away.
Logic:
Where is the exact cause of Fritz Smith's death?
What is the exact time of death?
What were in those deleted recordings?
What could have possibly distracted the night guard from reaching the office immediately?
Profiles:
Miles Edgeworth (27): That's me. A genius prosecutor that used to be a very ruthless prosecutor and followed the guidelines of a very strict man. Let's just say I use my new powers for the side of cold justice and to help the innocent.
Dick Gumshoe (32): The detective in charge of the initial investigation and my right hand man. He's really bubbly and clumsy usually failing at his job, but I wouldn't ask for a more loyal partner.
Franziska Von Karma (19): The prosecutor assigned to the case and the daughter of Manfred Von Karma, my former mentor that recently died a few years ago. Nothing like her father in terms of her skills, but she carries a whip to lash out at those that she finds foolish and doesn't tolerate mistakes.
Fritz Smith (?): The victim and a night guard at Freddy Fazebear's Pizzeria. Usually takes a midnight-6AM shift and locks up the pizzeria until the manager and the day guard arrives. However, his body is missing from the crime scene.
Wendy Oldbag (72): A day guard at the pizzeria and a notable admirer of mine. She's very cranky and does not like kids or her job for that matter.
Peter Twinkle (43): The business manager at the pizzeria and is usually in close contact with night guards during their shifts. He reported the crime when he called the police and ordered the day guard to check the cameras.