Here's the next chapter. I'll hope you'll enjoy it.
Katsuando - I know! I feel so bad for him.
Dikratsblim - Glad to hear you liked the chapter. I know it's quite difficult especially since we all know what is going to happen, but it will be alright in the end. It was just before I started playing 'The Azran Legacy' that what Emmy did was spoiled for me by Google. I just typed in 'Emmy' and one of the suggestions was 'Emmy Traitor'. Since then I never trusted Google.
Don't worry, it doesn't sound cheesy at all. It makes me so happy that you enjoy this story and it's readers like you that really inspire me to continue with it. I think I (unsubtly) mentioned that this story is not as popular as the others but I'm so glad it worths so much to somebody. Thanks for reading and enjoy the next chapter.
Wellingtonlucas282 - No problem, thanks for reading.
Djinn - Thanks, it really does. Hope you'll like the next chapter.
Pinkflamingwarriorofjustice - Wasn't expecting to answer a review for 'The Disappearing Hero' but I don't mind. Don't worry Lewis won't be kicked out of U.A. On the contrary, U.A will do anything to protect Lewis as much as possible from the press and any other groups. Thanks for reading, Mr. P.
Chapter 6: On The Gentleman's Trail
Town Hall
It was the next morning and they had woken up bright and early and made their way to Monte d'Or's Town Hall, hoping to attend Dalston's interrogation. As they were sitting patiently in the waiting area, Emmy looked nervously between Edgar and Layton.
They had barely talked to each other, leaving her to do most of the talking. Layton wasn't that bad and was his usual polite self, but Edgar was only speaking in small sentences. Emmy knew the gist of what was going on between them, but she didn't know how to solve it. Instead, she decided that the best way to stop the Cold War was by distracting them with the case.
"So, the Gentleman's next stunt is this evening at Tingly Town. What do you think he has planned?"
Layton hummed, "I am not sure Emmy, but judging how elaborate his miracles are becoming, I don't doubt that it's something quite significant."
"It's different then the other times," Edgar muttered, "He had never addressed anybody personally before. I've got a bad feeling about this fairground. We need to keep our guard up."
"I'm sorry, where?" Emmy questioned, earning a confused look from Edgar.
"The fairground," he repeated.
"Where?" Emmy asked again, her eyebrows raising in amusement.
...
...
...
"I'm not calling it that," he deadpanned.
"But Tingly Town is what it's called."
"It's a stupid name and you only want me to say is because it will make you laugh."
Emmy elbowed his shoulder, "Try it. Please. Just one time. I promise I won't laugh."
"No."
"Say it."
"No."
"Say it."
"No."
"Say it."
"No."
But before she could pester him anymore, detective Bloom rounded a corner and made a beeline to them. Edgar looked over at Bloom and his passive expression he always seems to wear.
'I guess not even the thought of arresting a suspect thrills him. However, it's weird that I never heard of him before. He must be new to the force,' Edgar thought.
"I see you all made it," Bloom said, "we were about to continue the interrogation."
Layton stood up and nodded at the detective, "Is alright with you if we sit in?"
"Please do," Bloom told him, "the more sets of eyes we have on our suspect, the better our chances of catching out if he's hiding something."
They followed him to the back of the town hall to the room adjoining the interrogation room. It was exactly the sort of thing you see in all the movies, a viewing room with a large one-way window where they can clearly see a tired, but calm looking Dalston sat at a table across from Sheffield. They watched the chief took a sip of his coffee before, regarding Dalston with an annoyed grunt.
"Shouldn't Dalston have a lawyer with him?" Emmy asked.
"Chief Sheffield said that it won't be necessary," Bloom answered, "he will get the truth one way or another."
From the opposite side of the window, Sheffield leaned over the table, "All right, Dalston, let's make this quick: why'd you do it?"
"Tactful as ever," Edgar mumbled with a roll of his eyes.
Dalston shook his head, "For crying out loud, it's not me! Shouldn't you be out looking for clues or something instead of harassing me?"
"The old 'I'm innocent' routine, eh? Well, tough guy, we know you used a horse-drawn cart in the statues trick," Sheffield grumbled, "A racing chariot, to be precise. We found tracks all over the scene."
'Cart tracks,' Edgar thought, 'Hannah mentioned yesterday that she found tracks near the site of the petrification miracle. Is this what she was talking about.'
"So what was it for? Sheffield interrogated, "Your getaway? Your accomplices? What was it? Tell us what you did and who helped, and the judge might go easy on you."
"I don't know what you are talking about," Dalston muttered, "I've done nothing."
Sheffield grunted and leaned back in his wooden chair, "Cut the act. You've got a chariot and we found tracks from a chariot plastered all over the scene."
Dalston sighed tiredly, "I have a chariot, but it's not the only chariot in town. Maybe you should talk to the man who runs the racecourse. What would I gain from scaring people from the town anyway? I depend on tourists!"
"We've already spoken to the manager of the racecourse, and he said he hasn't noticed any of the chariots going missing. Those thing aren't cheap. And let me tell you, there's no one else in Monte d'Or who owns a private chariot. We've also got your motive: jealously! Mrs Ledore rejected your proposal, so you want revenge on Mr Ledore. You couldn't accept that a former butler got rich and married your woman. Mr Ledore told us all about it."
Dalston growled, "Ledore said that? Rotten little..."
Layton turned away from the interrogation being played out in front of them and looked over at Bloom, "Detective Bloom, can we really say with such certainty that the tracks incriminate Dalston?"
Bloom hummed, "Well, the fact remains that they belonged to a chariot, and the chariot was used to deposit some deceptively lifelike statues."
"They were statues all along?" Emmy asked in surprised, "When did you discover this?"
"I took a leaf out your book from yesterday's brief meeting," Bloom explained, "We tried to find the identities of those petrified, but we came up with nothing. No personal items, no missing people reports and none of them matched anybody that currently resides in this city. The only conclusion we could come up with was that they were fake just like in the meta-horsephosis case."
"I can't believe that's it's official name now," Emmy grumbled.
"No doubt the trick relied upon crowd mentality," Layton hummed, "People quickly turned hysterical. If one person were, say, to feign illness, a crowd would form. This would keep the audience concerned and distracted."
Bloom nodded, "Exactly. And during this time, other accomplices could do as they wish, such as wheeling in statues on a cart. With the statues in place, these accomplices could easily start screaming that the people had been turned to stone."
"That's good and all," Edgar sighed, "But we're forgetting something. There had to be a thousand people there, I doubt the accomplices would be able to travel on horse and trap out of the alleyways, deposit the statues in the crowded streets and make a getaway. Well, not without anybody noticing anyway."
"A very good point, Edgar," Layton said, "However, I discovered the reason not too long ago."
'Did he now,' the teen mumbled in his head, 'another thing he isn't telling us."
"There was only one place large enough and we were all looking at it. Everything was hidden inside the giant clown balloon," he proclaimed, surprising them all, "Our mind's have a way of establishing an object's presence once we see it. We didn't watch the balloon the whole time."
"Might explain why it went down like a...well like a lead balloon, but there's no way something that big would float in the air. Even if it was filled with helium," Edgar pointed out.
"Ah but don't forget that it also had extra support from the balloons attached to it. The clown balloon itself wasn't floating, but the support balloons were keeping it up. I recall that as soon as they burst, the clown balloon fell," Layton said.
At that, Edgar got out his notebook and started to update one of the mysteries.
Mystery Solved - The Petrification Miracle: Just a trick. Payed perpetrators created a distraction while they placed stone statues around. With a few panicked shouts, they had managed to convince everyone that people had turned into stone. It was so convincing that even I was persuaded. At least I won't be having that nightmare anymore.
Bloom mused over Layton's suggestion, "Only an extremely sturdy could have been used to transport those statues. None of these stunts would come cheap. Buying props and paying so many accomplices would require a lot of money."
"So that's why you think it's Dalston," Emmy said, earning a nod from Bloom.
"He's got the means and the motive. I think he's our man."
"But he's not the only wealthy person in Monte d'Or," Edgar said, "and it's not as if nobody can get their hands on a chariot. Plus you've only linked him to one case. Do you have any evidence that he did the others?"
"I'm sure we will have our evidence as we continue our interrogation," Bloom told him, "But right now, I doubt we'll see another appearance from the Masked Gentleman as long as we have Dalston in custody."
Layton, Emmy and Edgar shared an unconvinced look before turning back to the detective.
"I...cannot be so sanguine," Layton admitted.
Bloom hummed, "I'm sorry to hear that, Professor, but from where I'm standing, it looks as though we can just about close this case."
"And if the Gentleman does appear?" Emmy questioned.
...
...
...
Bloom paused for a few seconds, glancing over Emmy intently before closing his eyes and shaking his head.
"Well, then we'll have to rethink things. If he does appear, I may approach him directly about the Mask of Order."
Edgar looked through the one-way window where Dalston was still being interrogated by Sheffield, 'They're wasting time with Dalston. The evidence is flimsy and the motive is ridiculous. There has to be something that can convince them that they have the wrong person. Maybe I can look into those chariots at the racetrack, surely there has to be something there.'
Layton cleared his throat, "Can we speak to Dalston ourselves?"
"By all means," Bloom said.
"Actually, Prof, I'm going to head over to the racetrack," Edgar told them before they could leave, "I want to check out the carts for myself."
"Oh..." Layton uttered, "Do you want us to come with you or-"
However, Edgar was halfway out the door before he could finish his sentence.
"No thanks, I'm fine. Bye," he said before closing the door behind him, leaving behind a slightly stunned Emmy and Layton.
Monte d'Or Racetrack
Edgar hated gambling.
Well, not hate it entirely. He likes it when he's the one making the bet or if he knows he can win.
Other then that, he thinks it's as a waste of time and money. A tax on the poor and the desperate. There were much more important things to spend it on like food and shelter. Anyway, the point is that Edgar felt very out of place as he stood under the shadow of the giant racetrack. It was a large ringed complex with a red-bricked arch for an entrance. It was packed with people from tourist who feel lucky to visitors just enjoying the races. He made his way through the crowds, under the arch and up the stairs to the stands where eager betters waited impatiently for the next race.
It seemed that he was just in time, as a bell rang out and the horse-driven chariots began their race around the circuit. Edgar leaned on the railing as he watched the jockeys raced each other, their carts weaving and out quickly as the crowds shouted and jeered for their chosen horse. After one complete circuit, the cart in burgundy crossed the line and the winner was decided. Some cried out in joy while the majority shouted in anger and threw the betting slips in the air. Edgar watched in amusement as they left the stadium, some of them grumbling over the results.
He saw some of the carts go off down a byroad off the track towards a large shed at the far end of the stadium.
"Must be where they keep the carts," he muttered to himself, "might as well start there."
He began to walk along the stands, climbed down a flight of stairs and jumped over a rope, ignoring the 'Only Employees Beyond This Point' sign in the process. He walked on the grass towards the simple shed, but spotted somebody standing just in front of the metal shutters. He was an elderly man with balding white hair, a beard and moustache. He wore a fancy dark blue suit and a cream tie.
Interviewing seemed like the better (and more legal) option than trespassing, so Edgar waved at the man, catching his attention.
"Morning, my name's Edgar Cipher. I was wondering if I can ask you some questions regarding the Masked Gentlemen on the request of Mrs Ledore."
The man seemed quite surprised, but didn't seem to question his authority, "Good day to you. I'm Gustav, the manager of this racecourse. I'll be happy to answer any question. One one condition. You must answer this puzzle," he proclaimed.
"...okay. That's...weird. Alright then," Edgar said, not entirely sure that was his only condition.
Puzzle Start
Gustav cleared his throat, "One day, four people took place in a racing tournament. First, they held races of two, then the winners raced against each other, while the losers battled for third. Can you work out the order, from first to last, based on these comments?"
Edgar leaned in, eager to listen to the statements.
A) "I won race and lost another"
B) "I didn't make it to the final"
C) "I'm just glad I beat A"
D) "If only I didn't lose to B"
Edgar hummed to himself, 'Well, let's start with what I know. B said they didn't make it into the final so they are either in 3rd or 4th place. D said that lost to B, but since B lost his first race that must mean they were the competing losers. From that we can deduce that B came in 3rd place while D came 4th. Well, that's two out of the way, let's focus on A and C's statements. It is clear that since B and D were the competing losers that A and C must be the competing winners, therefore when C said that they won against A that must mean that A must have come 1st while A came 2nd. Since it agrees with A's statement then it must mean I got the right order,' he looked up at Gustav with a confident smile, 'C came 1st, then it was A in 2nd, B in 3rd and finally D in 4th."
Gustav nodded his head, "Outstanding work."
Puzzle Solved
"Now what questions did you have?"
"About your carts, have any of them been removed from the racetrack in the last few day?" Edgar inquired.
Gustav shook his head, "Not to my recollection. Although, I have a lot of duties to attend to, so I can't say for certain. But if any of them have been removed we would have a record of it somewhere."
"Are they removed regularly at all?"
"Only if maintenance needed to be carried out on them. Other then that, they would never usually leave without my or Mr Ledore's approval."
Edgar raised an eyebrow, "Why would Mr Ledore want to know?"
"Well, he owns the chariots, of course," Gustav told him, "He invests in a lot of venues across the city including this racetrack."
"I see," Edgar muttered, 'Henry Ledore! Henry Ledore! Henry Ledore! Can barely move in this bloody city without bumping into something he owns,' he thought before taking a deep breath to calm his temper, "Are all the chariots on the field at the moment."
"No, there are some in currently in storage."
"Can I see one of them? Also can you get one of those records you were telling me about," he requested.
"Of course," Gustav said, turning to the shed and lifting up the metal shutters.
They stepped inside the spacious, but dim shed where six chariots of various colours were parked as well as several boxes containing spare parts. The whole place, except for the two-wheeled chariots, was covered in cobwebs and dust, making it clear that they don't clean it often.
"I'll just go and retrieve the records from my office," Gustav told him before leaving promptly.
Edgar watched him leave before looking over a red chariot. With it's heavy body and its large, sturdy wheels, it was clear that that chariot was designed for rough activities like racing. He could also tell that it could carry quite a bit of weight, no doubt it would be great for transporting statues at a moment's notice. However, there was one problem.
'No way can anybody take one of these without anyone noticing,' he thought, 'It's too heavy and awkward to carry all by hand. I suppose they could have driven it out, but then again, there is no evidence of tracks coming out of the track. It's looking unlikely that the Masked Gentleman used one of these. Sorry Dalston," he sighed.
He was about to turn away when he noticed something else about the cart. Kneeling down, he saw a couple of metal latches on the bottom edge of the carriage. He pushed one of them gently with his finger and saw that it moved easily. It was at that moment that Gustav returned with the maintenance records in his hand.
"Did you find anything?" he asked curiously.
Edgar turned his head to him and pointed at one of the latches, "What are these for?"
Gustav hummed and looked closer at what he was pointing at, "They are for keeping the carriages together."
"You can disassemble the carriages."
"Indeed, it makes it easier to transport them if they need to be repaired."
Edgar smiled, 'So, you can take the carriages out. Looks like I haven't reached a dead end yet,' he thought before standing up and walking towards Gustav, "Are those the records?"
"Yes, here you are," Gustav said, handing him the leather bound book.
Edgar opened it and flicked to the last entry. Finally founding it, he read the records until his eyes landed on a certain entry.
He grinned triumphantly, "Now that is interesting."
Outside Town Hall
A few minutes later, Layton and Emmy left the building and descended the stairs.
"So what do you think, Professor?" Emmy asked.
Layton hummed, "I am convinced that Dalston is innocent in all of this, but persuading the police is going to be difficult."
"Surely, they can't charge him," Emmy said, "There's hardly any definitive evidence that can criminalise him."
"Indeed, but it would seem the Monte d'Or police service operate differently than Scotland Yard. Unless Dalston gives them the answer they demand or they find hard evidence that he wasn't the culprit, I doubt Sheffield will be releasing him anytime soon. Let's go to the racetrack and meet Edgar. Hopefully, he has uncovered something."
Emmy nodded in agreement before turning right towards the racetrack. They walked in silence for a few moments, Emmy occasionally glancing at Layton's passive face.
"Professor," she said, catching his attention, "about Edgar..."
"My ears are burning."
Emmy and Layton jumped in fright at the sudden voice before turning around to see Edgar leaning against a lamppost waiting for them to walk by. He grinned at them and waved the records at them.
"Edgar we were..." Layton began.
"I found something that proves that Dalston didn't do it," Edgar interrupted, getting off the lamppost and waving at them to follow him in the opposite direction.
"Does it have something to do with that funfair...what's it called again?" Emmy asked.
Edgar gave her a sharp look, "I'm not saying."
"Damn," Emmy muttered.
"I had a very interesting conversation with the racetrack's manager, Gustav, and he told me that the carriages can easily be dissembled and put back together again. Making it very possible that somebody could have taken one of the many sturdy carriages and carried out the petrification miracle."
"That's great, Edgar," Emmy said, "But that doesn't prove anything."
"Oh ye of little faith," Edgar sighed before opening the record book for them, "He also let me borrow this. This is a record of any carriages that had been taken off the premises and how long for. Gustav assured me that, as far as he was aware, no carriages had left the racetrack for a least a month. However, if you look at the latest entry," he said, pointing to the page.
They both looked over and studied the page.
"One of the chariots were taken out two days ago," Emmy said.
Edgar nodded, "And returned yesterday. Do you know what happened on that day?"
Layton's eyebrows raised in realisation, "It was the day of the petrification miracle."
"Exactly," Edgar said, "A racing chariot was taken out of the premises just in time for the miracle and promptly returned the next day. That is way too significant to be just a coincidence. And it's a better theory than the one the police are building up."
"But surely somebody would have noticed it. Especially the owners," Emmy pointed out.
"What if I said that one of the owners did know," Edgar said, earning a confused look from Emmy, "Look who authorised the removal."
He tapped the last row box in the records containing a signature. A signature that clearly said:
H. Ledore
Edgar raised his eyebrows at Layton who was looking down at the records with a thoughtful expression. Eventually he looked up and hummed in determination.
"I believe that we need to talk to Henry right now," he calmly said.
Ledore Mansion
Angela opened the door and welcomed them with a small smile, however it soon left her face when she saw her visitors' serious expression. Although, to her, it looked Edgar was only pretending to be serious.
"Hershel, whatever is the matter?"
"Angela, we were hoping to speak to Henry. Is he here now?" Layton asked.
She was taken aback but the question, but answered with a curt nod, "He just arrived a moment ago. Could you wait in the parlour? I'll call him for you."
They did as they requested and sat on the comfy armchairs around the coffee table. They didn't have to wait for long as Henry came out of the kitchen whilst balancing a pot of tea and a few cups on a tray. As he walked by and set the tray on the table, Henry sent Edgar a weary look for a brief second, causing the teen's face to twitch slightly.
"I assume you still take your tea with milk?" he asked Layton, setting a cup before him.
"Why yes, thank you, Henry."
"You're very welcome," Henry politely said as he set the rest of the cups in front of Emmy and Edgar, "I would never ask a servant to wait on an old acquaintance. You may find that a bit strange, but I hope it doesn't make you uncomfortable"
"Not at all," Layton said sipping his tea, "I must say, Henry. The success and fame you've achieved here in town is quite astounding."
"You can even say miraculous," Edgar added, earning a look from the two men.
Layton had, beforehand, asked to take the lead in this interview and to participate when necessary. Edgar took it as a polite way of saying 'shut up and don't annoy anybody', but he agreed nonetheless. Layton gave him a warning look before turning back to Henry.
Henry sat down at an empty armchair, "I wouldn't call myself successful or there being a miracle. I've just been very lucky. To what do I owe the honour of this visit?"
"I was hoping you could answer some questions," Layton said, "You one the Monte d'Or racecourse, correct?"
"Yes, why?"
Emmy leaned forwards in her chair, "There's evidence to suggest that one of your racing chariots was used in the petrification miracle the other day."
Henry's eyes widened in shock, "Absurd. Those chariots cannot be taken out of the stadium without my permission," he told them.
Edgar responded by placing the open records in front of Henry, "Maybe this will jog your memory. I borrowed this from Gustav at the racetrack and it clearly shows a chariot being taken on the day of the incident..." he gave Henry an accusatory look, "...with your permission."
Henry scowled down at the records, "What are you implying?"
"Isn't it clear, Mr Ledore," Emmy said.
"Tracks from those chariots match a set of tracks found at the scene of the crime," Layton added, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.
Henry leaned back in his chair, frowning thoughtfully, "Well...that's unsettling."
"That's all?" Edgar crossly asked, "That's all your going to say about this?"
"Edgar," Layton warned.
The teen turned his head sharply at him, "I don't care anymore, Prof. This ends now," he firmly said before snapping back at Henry, "You've been avoiding us for way too long and you're not offering any explanations."
"I have been busy," Henry sharply argued, glaring at him in fury.
"Oh, how convenient. I guess I have to add more weight to my case," Edgar said, earning an annoyed glare from Layton and a worried look from Emmy, "Last night at the Plaza, I believe that the Masked Gentleman had used a wire stretched over the plaza from the marquee to the art gallery. Oh, but how can you secure the wire and make sure it's suitable to walk on? If only there were some heavy weights at the gallery like a, I don't know, recently donated art pieces not open from their heavy crates stored at the top floor," he shrugged dramatically, "But the only person who recently donated to the gallery since it's opening...is you, Mr Ledore"
"This is ridiculous!" Henry cried.
Edgar looked over at Layton, "Don't deny it. You also came to the same conclusion."
Layton took a deep breath, "I...thought the same thing, yes. However-"
"I'm not done," he interrupted, "Gustav also told me something interesting."
Flashback One Hour Ago
Racetrack
"I must say," Gustav sighed as Edgar was about to leave with the record under his arm, "It's quite unfortunate, but you missed Mr Ledore by mere minutes. I'm sure you could have spoken to him."
Edgar blinked in surprise, "He was here? What for?"
Gustav nodded his head, "Yes, I believe he had just come from the scene of last night's, er, incident. I understand some black cloth was found in the gallery plaza. Apparently, Mr Ledore's donations to the gallery were wrapped in the same kind of cloth. He spoke to the curator about it."
"Black cloth," Edgar muttered, "curiouser and curiouser."
Layton and Emmy shared a confused look. Edgar hadn't told them about that.
"I remember having that conversation with him," Henry snapped, "What are you implying?"
"Weird material to wrap crates in, don't you think?" Edgar coldly questioned, "Why not use dust sheets or don't cover them at all? Unless the was another reason for them, like, for example, the levitation miracle. We had already established that the Masked Gentleman uses accomplices in his miracles, so all they had to do is attach them to a devise that will lift them into the air and all they had to do is cover themselves in the black cloth to look like they had vanished with help from the blinding neon lights."
"But Edgar," Emmy interrupted, "Can anybody really do such an elaborate stunt?"
"Not unless you have the money for it," Edgar answered glaring at Henry.
"Edgar," Layton warned once again, "that's enough."
"Why aren't you backing me up? We are both on the same page," he complained.
Henry took a deep breath and took a long sip of his tea. Eventually he said, "While I obviously can't prevent you from suspecting me, I do believe you're forgetting something important. No one's fortune is more tied to this city than mine. If it collapses, I am ruined."
"Well, that's not exactly true, is it?" Edgar responded, "Ever since the Masked Gentleman appeared, more and more tourist have shown up to catch a glimpse of him. Isn't it strange that all of the Masked Gentleman's acts have all been major tourist attractions. People have been viewing it as a show and not as crimes."
Emmy nodded, "I have to agree. Hearing such stories would pique the interest of anyone."
Henry was enraged. He slammed his teacup on to the table, "Am I hearing this correctly? Are you insinuating that I hired the Masked Gentleman to boost tourism?" he turned to Layton, "Who is he? How dare you bring this...this...boy into my home and insult me."
Layton shook his head, "My deepest apologies. I assure you that this wasn't the plan at all."
"But you agree with him?"
"...It is...a possibility...built on the evidence that we uncovered," Layton reluctantly admitted.
Edgar sighed, "I'm not necessarily accusing you, but if you are innocent in all of this, then tell us what is really going on. Any information is a step closer to catching the Gentleman. His acts are becoming more vicious, people's lives are on the line."
Henry growled and stood up from his chair, "I don't need to explain myself to ruffians like you. Especially when they come into my house and accuse me. My wife apparently trusts you enough to have summoned you here," he turned to Layton, glaring straight into his beady eyes, "But 18 years ago, you left Randall for dead and ran off to London. I don't trust you," Layton was taken aback by that comment, sorrow evident on his face, "You betrayed the memory of your friend. Now you have the nerve to make these ludicrous accusations in my own home!? I explored every inch of that ancient death-trap with nothing but Randall's notes as a guide! Out of loyalty to him! You have no right to be here! You dishonour his name!"
"Henry, let me explain," Layton tried to say.
"Leave!" Henry demanded, "All of you! There is nothing more to discuss!"
Everything went quiet for a few moments. Nobody dared to speak for a few tense seconds until Layton stood up from his chair, a calm and collected expression on his face.
"...Very well. We will leave. But please hear me out about one thing. Alphonse Dalston is not the criminal, and it's more than likely the Masked Gentleman will appear again tonight. If you are telling the truth, then I hope to see you tonight, as well. If so, perhaps we can unravel this together."
Henry sneered, "I have nothing else to say to you," he turned to other side of the room where Angela was patiently standing. Edgar had no idea how long she had been there, she was awfully quiet throughout the whole thing, "Angela, please escort our guests out."
"Don't bother, we'll do it ourselves," Edgar muttered as he and Emmy stood up, "And don't speak to her like that, she ain't your servant."
The trio briskly left the Ledore mansion and walked in silence down the path towards the gate. Edgar sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
'Damn, he's way too stubborn. I'll get him next time. The evidence piling up against him is piling up and I don't think he-'
"Edgar," Layton's cold tone cut him of mid-thought, "I thought I told you to let me take the lead."
The teen was quite surprised by his tone. He looked at him with a raised eyebrow slightly confused before shrugging.
"Right, right. Sorry about that," he apologised lazily as they left through the gate, "But, come on. It was taking ages."
Layton stopped and sharply turned to Edgar. The movement was so sudden that Edgar stumbled slightly before he caught himself. He had never seen Layton so angry before, even Emmy was taken back, deciding to keep a safe distance.
"It was taking ages, because I was being respectful, Edgar. This is a serious accusation and it was obviously an uncomfortable situation for Henry."
"An interrogation is meant to be uncomfortable," Edgar argued, "You have to put pressure on them, get them to make mistakes."
"That's maybe how you interrogate people, but in a delicate situation you have to be more reserved," Layton responded, "I do not blame you, Edgar, considering your upbringing..."
"You mean poverty."
"...but you can't talk to people like that. I was about to suggest the exact same points you raised, but your aggressiveness had compromised the entire thing. Who knows what else we would have uncovered with his cooperation."
Edgar rolled his eyes, "Please, he wouldn't have said anything. He doesn't trust you, otherwise we would have met him on the same night we arrived."
"And what about the black cloth? You didn't inform us about that," Layton pointed out, causing Edgar to flinch slightly.
"I was about to, I swear," he told him honestly, "It's just that the records were the main focus and I didn't have time to explain it before we reached the mansion."
He was telling the truth, he really was going to tell them about it. However, Layton shook his head in disappointment.
"It was still vital evidence that Emmy and I would have liked to know about," he said.
Edgar snarled at him, "Oh, like you haven't been keeping thing from us. At least I made a mistake."
Layton frowned in confusion, "What are you insinuating?"
"Why don't you tell us the truth?" he demanded, "What happened at the ruins? What happened to Randall? What the fuck happened to you 18 years ago. Or do you think your secrets are more important than the lives of everyone here!?"
Another silence fell. One much more deadly and tense then the last time. Edgar and Layton entered a stare down, neither breaking their intense glare for a single millisecond. Emmy wasn't sure if she stood in or not, but luckily for her she didn't have to. Layton was the first to break the glare, he turned around and headed towards the alleyways that will lead to the main plaza.
"Emmy and I will continue this investigation while you'll return the record book to the racetrack. We will all meet up at Tingly Town at nightfall," he called out from over his shoulder.
Edgar watched him leave with a growl and a roll of his eyes, "Can you believe h-"
His question was cut short when Emmy shot a stern look at him. It was a different from all the times she would glowered at him, it was much more serious and colder than the other times. A sign from her to say that he really messed up.
"You know," she finally said, "maybe the reason why he doesn't trust you with his secrets is because you don't deserve to be trusted."
She turned away without a single word and followed Layton down the alleyways. He watched her leave in astonishment, not believing what was going on.
'How dare she. How dare they. I'm the most honest person is this city. Can't they see that I'm doing this for everybody?' he thought to himself.
However, that's when he looked around him and noticed that he was alone once again. They were the only people in this city that he could rely on...and he sent them away. And for what? So, he could prove his point.
"Damn," he uttered to himself, "I'm sorry."
With a sad sigh, he turned around to head back to the racetrack, but stopped suddenly when he saw Angela standing right in front of him. He jumped back in shock while she gave him an apologetic smile.
"Whoa! Where did you come from?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you," Angela calmly said as Edgar recovered.
Edgar hummed before he glanced over his shoulder at where Layton and Emmy were standing, "Did you hear-"
"Oh no," Angela reassured, much to his relief, "I just saw you out here and...well I'm sorry about what happened with Henry."
Edgar sighed and rubbed his neck, "No, I should be the one apologising to him. I hardly got any sleep last night and I'm just kind of...stressed about the whole thing."
"No, don't worry about Henry," Angela told him with a soft smile, "He gets emotional sometimes. Especially concerning Randall."
"Yeah, I suppose it's hard for you as well," Edgar sighed, earning a sad nod from Angela, "I should really get going. Thanks for the tea," he told her as he began to walk away, however before he could, Angela grabbed onto his wrist suddenly tightly, "Is...everything alright?"
Angela looked down at the ground for a few moments, contemplating whether she should talk to him. She soon came to a decision and looked up at him with grief-filled eyes and a deep frown etched on her face. It was the face of somebody who has been plagued by something for a very long time. Taking a deep breath, she spoke.
"You noticed that Henry has been acting strangely, haven't you?" she asked, "I have too. He's always working from the early mornings to late at night. I've hardly seen him since the Masked Gentleman appeared. I overheard what you said and...in some way it does make sense. Edgar, please get to the bottom of this. And find out what Henry is doing?" she requested.
Edgar looked stunned for a few seconds before petting her hand comfortingly, "I will, Angela. Don't worry," he promised with a small smile, "I promise to solve this puzzle. I will do it on my own if I have to."
Angela giggled as she let go, the desperate look vanishing from his face, "Thank you so much. You are quite the gentleman."
"I'll try," he said with a chuckle, "I must be going."
"Bye, thank you," Angela chirped as he walked away.
Edgar offered her a friendly smile and wave, but once he saw her enter the gate once again and she was out of sight, the smile dropped into a suspicious frown.
'I think she brought it,' he thought before opening up his notebook and jotting down the recent developments.
Mystery Solved - The Levitation Miracle: Another trick. Using some sort of devise (probably a balloon or a small helicopter?) to lift the associates up into the air, it gave the illusion they they were floating. The associates then covered themselves with a black cloth to blend into the night sky. The same black cloth was used to wrap up Henry's donations to the museum.
After a few moments of thinking, he added another entry into his notebook.
New Mystery - Henry Ledore: There's something not right about him. He seems to be, one way or another, involved in the Masked Gentleman's miracles. Is it just a coincidence or is there something else he's not telling us.
New Mystery - Angela Ledore: I didn't think there was anything suspicious about her and just passed her nervousness as stress. However, now I'm not too sure. The way the Prof described her when she was younger is way different to what she's like now. Not only that, but my little grey cells are telling me something's not right about her. I don't know what, but I think that she is also hiding something.
Edgar shut his notebook and put it back into his pocket. He cast a weary look back at the Ledore estate one last time before he made his way back to the racetrack.
Outside Tingly Town
It had been a slow, uneventful day for Edgar.
He had been walking around Monte d'Or aimlessly, trying to uncover something, anything. However, the only thing he had found was boredom and a slight sunburn. He had tried to make an effort, but it was as if he mind wouldn't let him think of anything, but how he spoke to Layton. It pained him to say, but he missed them...terribly. It was now the evening as Edgar trudged his way towards Tingly Town. He had to walk up the Shopping District, pass through the arcade, turn left at the Scorpion Casino until he eventually made it to the funfair. It was sectioned off by a tall brick wall wit a gate right in front of him. The pillars of the gate looked whimsical with its bright red and white swirl patterns and a bright neon light spelling out the fair's name. Beyond it, Edgar could see an assortment of rides and attractions as well as many visitors enjoying themselves.
Edgar sighed, "This is the place, I guess."
He was about to walk through the gate when somebody called out to him.
"Excuse me, laddie!"
He looked around and saw a short, round elderly man holding a map of Monte d'Or in his hands. His entire face was covered by his thick hair and beard so Edgar could only see his eyes and his pointed nose. He wore a red jacket over an orange and yellow striped shirt, a pair of grey trousers and a grey bowler hat.
"Ah was wonderin' if ye can help me? Aam tryin' tae fin' the Scorpion casino. Ah cannae make heed ur tails of thes map," he asked in a very thick Scottish accent.
"Err yeah, it's back that way and to your left."
"Ah grand. Cheers laddie. Ah jist arrived the-day an' I've bin gettin' lost aw day," the man said.
"I don't blame you. This entire city is like an advertisement for neon."
"Ye nae wrong, och aye," he said, "the name's Tenanbaum. Ye here wi' yer family ur are ye here fur business?"
"My name's Edgar," he replied, "and...I suppose a little bit of both. What about you?"
"I'm lookin' fur somebody. He's up an' left a few months ago an' I'm a wee bit worried. Anyway ah must be aff, cheers fur th' directions," Tenanbaum said with a small wave.
"No problem, I hope you find that person," Edgar said, waving the old man goodbye.
He turned back to Tingly Town and walked through the gates. The place was packed as expected, with families, couples and larger groups enjoying an assortment of rides and attractions.
Everyone looked...happy.
And then there was Edgar standing the middle of it. Feeling out of place. Not knowing what he should be doing.
'I never got to take Agatha to a funfair, didn't I?' he thought sombrely, 'she would have liked it.'
He felt a presence behind him and turned around to see Layton and Emmy. It looked like they had just arrived and were waiting for him to notice them with unreadable expressions on their faces. They stared at each other, neither of them making the first move. That was until Edgar sighed and looked down apologetically.
"I'm egotistical, annoying, rude, arrogant, stupid, selfish and inconsiderate of other people's feelings and I'm really sorry. Can I please join the investigation? I've had a rubbish day," he said with a single hesitation.
Layton and Emmy shared a look before they whispered something to each other. Edgar frowned in confusion at what they were doing and a few moments later they stopped and Layton stepped forwards with a serious expression.
"Well, thank you for apologising Edgar," he said in an even tone, "However, I will only accept you apology...on one condition."
"Okay, what is it?" he asked unsurely.
Layton gave him a amused smile, "What's the name of this funfair?"
...
...
...
"Damn you, Emmy!" Edgar shouted in anger, causing her to smirk, "Alright fine. It's called Tingly Town, are you happy?"
Emmy burst out laughing, "Ha! It does sound ridiculous when you say it!"
Edgar growled in annoyance, but Layton placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw him giving him a gentle smile, making him calm down despite Emmy still laughing.
"Thank you Edgar. Truth be told, we hadn't a good either. So maybe we can lift our spirits."
Edgar raised an eyebrow, "How?"
"We are currently in a funfair," Layton reminded, "Have you ever been on a ride before?"
Edgar grit his teeth and grabbed hold of the railing in front of him. Gravity was pushing him back in his seat as his cart climbed further up the track and the summit was coming closer and closer. Emmy, who was sat beside him the cart, gave him a gentle nudge.
"Don't worry, it's really not that bad," she reassured.
Edgar gave her look, "I rode a handmade aircraft across an uninhabited island, this is nothing. I'm more worried that the Prof's hat isn't going to hit me in the face when we go down."
Layton, who sat in the cart in front of them, turned and gave him an apologetic look, "I'll make sure to keep a tight grip on it."
"Or just don't wear it!"
"Edgar, a gentleman can never remove his haaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttt!" he shouted as the roller-coaster had reached the summit and taken them shooting downwards along the track.
After this, Edgar and Emmy rode the roller-coaster four more times. Layton stayed on the ground, insisting that one go was more then enough for him.
Later Edgar and Emmy sat on a bench, watching the visitors walk by and enjoying themselves with the festivities. Everybody seemed to happy that it was almost enough to forget about the Masked Gentleman. They happened to run into Grosky who seemed eager to stop the Gentleman right there and then. They had no idea what he would achieve running about the place, but it was not as if they could stop him.
He and Layton went away to discuss something, leaving the two behind to catch up with what happened today.
"So the casino was a bust, then," Edgar said, earning a frustrated sigh from Emmy.
"More or less a wild goose chase. Although, we did bump into Dalston's accountant on the way there."
"Oh really? Learn anything new?"
"A few things," Emmy told him, "Dalston's finances have taken a downfall since he was arrested. Now that he's out of the way, there's nobody competing against Mr Ledore, leaving him to rake in the profit."
Edgar hummed, "Really?"
Emmy gave him a look, "Don't you get any ideas. The Professor had just forgave you."
"Don't worry, I know what I did was wrong," he reassured, "I was quite surprised he's forgave me though."
"The Professor is not one to stay angry, besides..." she turned her head way from him, "I may have talked to him."
Edgar blinked in surprise before smiling happily, "Thanks Emmy. I really appreciate it," suddenly he latched onto her arm and hugged her tightly, "I didn't know you cared about me so much, Princess."
Emmy used her other hand and pushed his face away fiercely, "Get off, Pig. Don't make me regret it!" she shouted, making him laugh.
"Edgar!" a young voice cried.
They looked up from their struggle to see Bonnie running over to them happily before stopping just in front of them.
"Bonnie," Edgar said before he sighed wearily, "You're not lost again, are you?"
"Nae she's not," Tanya cried out as she ran over slightly out of breath, "Not thes time anyway."
Bonnie jumped up and down happily, "Edgar, can we ride th' Ferris Wheel. Ah really want tae, but mah mammy is deid scared ay it.
"Bonnie! Aam not scared ay it!" Tanya cried before she turned to Edgar with a slightly sheepish expression, "but if ye dornt mind. Ah would really appreciate it," she said, glancing nervously at the Ferris wheel.
Edgar chuckled, "I don't mind."
Ferris Wheel
Bonnie giggled in joy as she and Edgar were taken up in their basket, slowly climbing higher and higher until they fright over the fair. It was quite a view. They were able to see as far as the gallery and the marquee as well as the racetrack and the Camel Hump hotel. Sure, it wasn't as interesting or exciting as the other ride, but Bonnie seemed to having fun and that's what important.
"Wow! Ye can see everythin' up here!" Bonnie cried happily.
Edgar chuckled, "You sure can. Shame your mother is scared of heights, then you can enjoy it with her."
"Och she's not scared ay heights," Bonnie said, "She's scared 'at th' wheel would come loose an' chase 'er."
Edgar gave her an odd look, "Terrifying thought, but I doubt that would ever happen."
A Few Years Later
St Mystere
Layton and Edgar were running for their lives through the abandoned theme park, the Ferris Wheel quickly pursuing them, smashing everything in its path. As they sprinted, Edgar couldn't help but sigh internally.
'You know what,' Edgar thought, 'Tanya had every right to be scared of Ferris wheels'
Back To The Present
Edgar shivered. Something told him that he jinxed himself.
He gazed over the city landscape with a small smile on his face until he spotted something he had never seen before. From what he could see over the houses, it was a huge white-walled tower with smaller towers attached to it in different places. It had pointed brown tiled roofs, small windows and the entire place was surrounded by lush green grass. It honestly looked like a castle from a fairy tale. How Edgar didn't spot it in the first place is a mystery.
"I've never seen that building before," he mused to himself.
Bonnie took a look as well, "Ah know! Mah mammy says it's called th' reunion inn."
"An inn?" Edgar uttered, "Looks more like a palace. Why's it called the Reunion then?"
Bonnie shrugged, "Dornt know, but mah mammy tauld me it was dead posh. Only th' richest people stay there."
"Right," Edgar hummed, 'I wonder why nobody has mentioned it before.'
"Oi Edgar, what's 'at?" Bonnie asked, pointing ahead of them.
Edgar looked at where she was pointing. They were now beginning to descend the wheel and they could now see the backs of the other baskets. Placed on the basket in front of them, there was a golden poster, no bigger than an A4 sheet of paper. Edgar leaned forwards in his basket to get a closer look, but his eyes widened when he saw what was in it. On the middle of the poster was a familiar image of the Gentleman's mask.
As soon as the basket reached the ground, Edgar leaped out, making sure Bonnie was out as well, and waited for the basket with the poster to come down. When it was in reach, he snatched the poster off, taking some of the paint off the basket with it. He inspected the poster critically, earning a worried look from Bonnie.
"What is it?" she asked.
Edgar lowered the poster away from his face, "We need to get you back to your mum now."
Layton inspected the poster that Edgar had given him, while he and Emmy waited for his verdict. Eventually he hummed and lowered the poster.
"It's a map of sorts. I believe the Masked Gentleman want us to go to that tower on top of the hill," he said pointing behind him at said hill.
It was quite large hill, just north of Tingly Town, away from all of the attractions. It was covered with a thick forest, but Edgar could see some sort of building peaking from out of the trees.
"So, he just put the poster there," Emma said, "Hoping that one of us finds it."
"It's more likely that he has been watching us and prepared accordingly," Layton said, "Nevertheless, we need to find him. Let's go."
As they began to walk away, Edgar sighed, "So, we're just going to walk into a trap, huh. Wait, is it still a trap if we know about it?"
But before he could ponder any longer, a familiar voice caught their attention.
"Layton! A moment, if you please!"
They turned around and saw, much to their surprise, Henry and Angela walking up to them. Henry was a stern as ever while Angela looked concerned as if just being outside was enough to worry her.
"Henry, Angela! You came after all," Layton said.
"Hershel," Angela spoke, "I asked for your help, and you deserve our trust. Henry has something to say."
Henry muttered reluctantly before he sighed, "I apologise for my behaviour earlier. My responsibility is to my city. I will do whatever it takes to help you apprehend the Masked Gentleman."
Layton blinked in surprise before he smiled in appreciation, "Thank you both. With your help and knowledge of the city. I'm sure we will track him down. We have just received this," he showed him the poster, "He is telling us to head to the tower on that hill."
"That's the Tingly Town Control Centre," Henry murmured, "What is he doing up there."
"There's only one way to find out."
They began their trek away from the funfair and up the steep hill. As they were walking Emmy nudged Edgar and nodded at Henry. He looked at her in confusion, causing her to roll her eyes and mouth the word 'apologise'. Edgar made a face that said 'Do I have to' to which she responded with a look that was rather threatening. He sighed and walked up beside Henry. The man had the exact same silent conversation with Angela and was as equally annoyed. After a few seconds of silence between them, Edgar finally spoke.
"I'm sorry for the accusations," he said in a dull tone, "But I still think your a pretentious arsehole."
"I respect your opinion and I apologise as well," Henry said in an equally as unenthusiastic tone, "Even if you are a rude little brat."
"Can't blame you. Should we just not talk to each other for the rest of the night."
"I would very much like to do that."
They nodded at each other and promptly parted ways.
Angela and Emmy, having watched what happened, rolled their eyes.
'Men,' they thought in exasperation.
They soon arrived at the summit where they were greeted with a large red bricked building. It was a round building with stripped pillars around it and merlons around the top which made it look more like a medieval castle that a Control Centre. Sprouting from the centre was a cone shaped tower, topped with a red onion dome roof, giving it an Arabian-look.
'Huh,' Edgar thought, 'If I didn't know it was a Control Centre, I would have thought it was another attraction.'
Henry growled, "He better not mess with any of the equipment. Tingly Town depends on them. We need to stop him before he can-"
Suddenly, the doors to the Control Tower swung open, making everybody jump in surprise. With a dramatical flare the Masked Gentleman stepped out into the open, twirling his cane in his hand and bowed to them.
"Aha! I'm delighted to see you've made it! Tonight's miracle is made just especially for you all. Now...on with the show!"
"Wait!" Layton cried, causing the Gentleman to cackle.
"Catch me if you can!"
He then stepped back into the tower, the doors swinging closed automatically. Henry instantly rushed to the doors and started pounding on them.
"Get out of there! If you do anything to the fairground I swear I'll-"
"Henry," Layton called out running over to him, "calm down. He had led us here for a reason, but we can't lose our temper otherwise he has the upper hand," he reached out to the door handle, pushed it down and instantly the door opened without trouble, "Let us proceed with caution."
Henry grumbled something under his breath, but listened to him. They walked in, followed closely by Angela and Emmy until it was only Edgar left outside. He sighed and dragged himself into the tower.
"I just figured out a word for people knowing they are walking into a trap...it's called stupidity."
As soon as he was inside the doors swung shut, plunging the inside into darkness. All five of them looked around the cold, pitch black room, trying to see something that may indicate what's happening with little success.
"What do we do now?" the voice of Angela asked.
"Has anybody got any bright ideas?" someone joked.
"Shut up, Edgar," Emmy snapped.
"Ah ha ha ha!" the dark laughter of the Masked Gentleman echoed in the room, "Worry not, my esteemed guests! You have the best seats in the house - you'll see in just a moment!"
"Where are you!?" Henry shouted, "Show yourself, villain. How dare you threaten my city!?"
"YOUR city, hmm? Is that what you think? Though I suppose...Yes, this foul pit of greed and tawdy thrills does reflect its creator perfectly. You built this city as a monument to your grotesquely swollen ego. I can't wait to see your face when it's all gone."
"How dare you!"
"Now, now Ledore. I'm actually helping you, you know. I'm teaching you a valuable lesson in humility. And giving you excusive entry to the most miraculous show on Earth! Ha ha!"
"We get it, you're eccentric," Edgar sighed, "Can we get out of here, please."
As if by magic, the doors opened behind them letting the light of the night to enter. Instantly, Henry out of the tower without a single hesitation.
"He can't be far! We need to stop him!"
"Henry!" Layton and Angela cried as they also ran out of the tower.
Emmy and Edgar followed them, although he did cast one suspicious look at the interior before running off down the hill. He saw the others gathered at the foot of the hill, looking over Tingly Town in astonishment. Once he had caught up with them, he realised what was wrong.
Everybody was gone.
Every single person in the entirety of fairground was nowhere to be seen. The rides were still operating as usual, but without any riders they were empty husks. There was litter and evidence of people being there, but other then that, there was nothing. A cold feeling ran down Edgar's spine as one thought came to his mind.
'Bonnie,' he thought before he ran into the funfair, 'Where is she?'
He checked the roller-coaster, the Teacups, the Ferris Wheel, the bumper cars, he searched every inch of the grounds, but there was nobody. Nobody at all. Panic started to take hold of him as he looked frantically around.
"Bonnie, she's gone!"
"Everybody's gone," Emmy added.
"No, we're too late!" Henry shouted in fury.
Layton calmly shook his head, "This must be another of his tricks."
"Prof, the last few times, he had help from his accomplices," Edgar pointed out, "This is way more than a trick."
A cackle erupted through the fairground. They followed the mocking noise and saw the Masked Gentleman perched on top of the Ferris Wheel, looking down at them.
"Congratulations! You are now members of an exclusive club: fairground visitors who still exist!
"Where is she!?" Edgar roared up at him, "What did you do to her!?"
The Masked Gentleman chuckled, "She's vanished. And soon everything that Mr Ledore has ever worked for will vanish as well. After all you've done for me, paying you back in kind...is the least I could do."
The Gentleman then dropped something at his feet and stream of smoke erupted from it, obscuring him completely. As soon as the smoke lifted, he had vanished into thin air. Before they could question where he was, a startled cry caught their attention. Spinning around, they saw the Gentleman had captured Angela in his gloved hands, clothing her wrist tightly to stop her from running away.
"Angela!" Henry cried out in horror.
But before they could do anything, the Gentleman released another smoke pellet, cloaking both of them in the thick fog. When that too had lifted, both the Gentleman and Angela were gone.
"Wait no!" Henry shouted, looking frantically around, "He's taken her! HE'S TAKEN HER!"
"Henry calm down," Layton told him, "I doubt that he's going to hurt."
Edgar hummed, "There's only two routes out of here. The entrance or up the hill. Since he would've needed to get past us to get to the entrance-"
"Then he's taken her to the Control Centre," Emmy finished.
"Well, what are we waiting for!?" Henry bellowed as he began to run back up the hill towards the Control Tower.
"Oh dear," Layton uttered as the trio ran after him.
Control Centre
Henry burst through the doors of the Control Centre and looked around the darkened room desperately.
"Angela!" he called out as Layton, Edgar, and Emmy entered, "Where are you?"
"Henry?" the soft voice of Angela echoed as she stepped into the light, "It's all right. I'm fine."
Edgar sighed, "Oh good, then we can-" the doors swung shut immediately behind them, "And we're trapped...again."
"This was but a small taste of the anguish I will bring you Ledore," the Masked Gentleman said from...somewhere, "A little appetiser before the banquet. But it will never be enough! Everything I had, you-"
"What are you talking about?" Henry interrupted, "Who are you? What have I done to you!?"
"Tsk, tsk, Henry, have you no feel for drama? We need a good cliff-hanger to build anticipation for the final act."
'Final act?" Edgar thought, "What does he mean by that?'
The Gentleman continued, "I promise it won't disappoint! Believe me when I tell you there will be nothing anticlimactic about this one. And don't worry about getting good seats. You'll be able to see tomorrow's miracle from anywhere in the city. It will be the last, and greatest, miracle of my illustrious career! Ha ha ha!"
"No," Layton called out into the darkness, "This stops here."
The Gentleman merely chuckled, "You seem ill-equipped to stop me, Layton. But if you don't...well, there will be casualties. Quite a few of them. In fact, I imagine there won't be an accurate body count for quite some time!"
"Bastard!" Edgar shouted at him.
"And with that, ladies and gentleman, I bid you a fond farewell!"
And with that, he was gone and the doors opened once again. Henry growled in anger and stormed out of the building followed closely by Angela and then the others.
"What is that lunatic planning?" Henry muttered to nobody in particular.
Angela slowly walked up to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Henry, what are you going to do?"
He sighed in frustration, "I don't know...but it's my duty to protect this city."
"Perhaps if you gave him the Mask of Order like he said, he would stop all of this. It must be among the treasure you found in the ruins, Henry. If you search thoroughly, I'm sure you'll find it."
"I can't..." he hesitantly uttered, "...that treasure."
"Henry, you must stop hiding it. Think of the treasure."
He looked at her in confusion, "Angela, I'm not hiding anything. Why would you say that?"
"We can talk about it later," Edgar sighed, "we need to find the people who vanished."
Henry and Angela looked over and nodded in agreement.
Tingly Town
"What on Earth?" Layton uttered as he and the others looked over the fairground.
To their shock, everybody had returned.
They were walking about, playing games, going on rides. Everything was normal once again. Strangely normal. It was as if they had no idea what happened to them a few minutes prior. Of course, this was good news and they all sighed in relief, but the thought of hundreds of people disappearing all at once was truly terrifying.
"It all looks just as it did before. There's no sign of panic. What is this!?" Emmy said, her eyebrows furrowing puzzlingly.
Edgar hummed and rubbed his face in exhaustion, "This is really weird."
"He wanted me to see it."
They all looked over at Henry holding his head in his hands. He frowned thoughtfully, trying to make sense of it all.
"Henry," Layton said, "I think you need to tell us everything...anything, that you know. Do you really have no idea who the man under the mask might be? Is there no one you've made enemies with?"
Henry shook his head, "No, I don't know...I don't know anyone who could be capable of this. Why has he gone so far. I'm going home. I need time to think. I need to construct some sort of plan for that...monster's return tomorrow."
And without so much as a wave goodbye, Henry made his way to the exit, not once did he look back at them. Angela rubbed her cheek sadly as she watched her husband leave.
"I'll leave as well. I'm exhausted. Good night Hershel, Emmy, Edgar."
"Good night," they all responded before she too left to go home.
Edgar watched Henry as he left with a small frown, 'He does seem genuinely upset about the Masked Gentleman. I suppose it's possible he's innocent in all of this, but the evidence that he isn't is significant. Is it possible that he set all of this up, because we were on to him,' he sighed, 'I need solid proof if my suspicions are correct. Damn it.'
He eyes searched the crowd of people before they widened when he spotted somebody.
"Bonnie!" he shouted, taking off into the crowd to the young girl and her mother.
Both of them were quite surprised with his shout and confused when he kneeled down in front of her and started firing questions.
"Are you alright? You're it hurt are you? Tell me exactly what happened in the ten minutes?"
"Whit ur ye talkin' abit, ye daft nob? I'm fine," Bonnie answered.
"Is everythin' alrecht?" Tanya asked, "Ye look like yoo've seen a ghost."
Edgar took a deep breath and nodded, "I just thought...I mean...I..."
"Edgar," Layton called out as he and Emmy caught up to him.
The teen got to his feet and turned to Layton with a serious expression. The same kind of look he puts on when he is really pissed off.
"Prof, I'm sorry about what happened to you in the past, but right now you need to get over it. This has gone way past a trick now and people's lives are at stake. Tell us everything that happened and I don't care how long it takes just do it. And if you hide something one more time, I swear that I will never trust you again," he said sincerely.
Layton eyebrows raised in concern. His assistant was deadly serious and he knew that he couldn't deny him for the sake of others. After a few moments, Layton nodded in agreement.
"I'll tell you everything, I promise."
And cut!
Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
I cut a lot out of the original story like the part they go to the Scorpion Casino. I didn't think it was really necessary for the story, so I'm sorry for those who were expecting it.
Anyway, I've got a new story coming out soon so make sure you'll look out for it. Otherwise, thank you for reading and I'll see you next time.
Thanks :)
