AN: And we're back with the latest installment!
Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: Yes, it is crazy, but you couldn't expect anything less from any case Phoenix is involved in. Oo, I've never played through any of the MGS games totally so, I can see how this made you think of it XD. Yeah, no one sucks like Payne does. That's one of his talents lol. Thanks! I don't think the defeat will be too bad for what I have planned.
Lilac Winters21: Yeah, a dead person involved with another dead person! It's going to work out...some way. Somehow xD. Yes, I think their lunch will be fun too. Thanks!
OBSERVER01: Lol, hope that was meant in a good way xD.
Cravats are cool: Thanks so much! I try really hard because I think self inserts can be fun reads if enough thought goes into them :D. Haha, I'm glad you like the dynamic between them since I have fun writing it. Phoenix is an awesome character and it must be shown haha. Thanks again! The next chapters are in the works!
Prettyprincess45: I try my best so thanks a lot!
angelfish10: Thank you so much! I'll be sure to keep doing whatever it is I'm doing :P!
Thanks for the reviews, reads, favs, and follows! I was worried that the last chapter wouldn't be as good as I wanted, but I'm glad you guys liked it! But onwards to the lunch and part two of the investigation! Enjoy!
May 16th, 1:35 PM
District Courtroom No. 3, Hallway
I eagerly rushed out of that courtroom.
(Now, where was Edgeworth?)
I was super excited to leave this demented building to get food! And the sooner the better, because those pangs were not getting any better. I actually never had lunch with Edgeworth, come to think about it. At most, we'd have tea together- the accursed drink that got me into this predicament to begin with- but I'd normally bring lunch from my house and eat it in my office. It wasn't anything special as I had no cooking talent. All I could make were sandwiches, hamburgers, and an assortment of breakfast foods. Otherwise, you couldn't trust me in a kitchen.
I didn't trust myself with most things that people should probably know how to do. Honestly, as dumb as it sounded, even using a washing machine was kinda confusing for me since my folks at home did it for me most of the time. I was always told to 'Just focus on your grades'. I mean, it was a good thing-I had a pretty high GPA at college, but it was at the cost of doing basic things. It would be great to not pay for people do shit for me all the time now.
I didn't even have much food in my apartment, considering dinner was something I just ordered out all the time. And knowing how to cook a total of four things on the stove didn't offer much variety...so take out it was. I also needed not to forget to pay this month's rent. Money wasn't an issue considering the prosecutor's kick ass salary- it was my forgetfulness I was concerned about. I'd often procrastinate on chores and leave them until the last minute or until someone made me do it. Even now, I still slacking on phoning for a hair appointment to tame my unruly head. And I had to do it because I never could manage it alone and I couldn't fuck around here and come to work looking terrible. Despite the weird shit happening at the prosecutor's office, professional impressions were necessary to give, and maintaining some sort of image of upkeep was very important. And speaking of that, I still had to do laundry too. I was lucky enough to have a huge ass closet of clothes that wouldn't be going anywhere any time soon. Though, it was probably time to do the laundry since it was had been over a month since I lived here and things were starting to smell... There was a laundry mat downstairs I'd have to use, but I'd worry about that later after I survived this case.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I stopped thinking of that stuff and turned around excitedly. It was the first time in a few days I was actually happy to see my mentor.
"Alright, you're here! Let's bounce!" I said punching a fist into the air.
"Where did you want to go?"
"Huh?" I didn't think about that. "I dunno. I don't really know any places around here. I normally make my own food or just forget to eat. So, anything you pick would be fine."
He closed his eyes for moment. "Alright, I think I have a place in mind in that case."
"Coolbeans! Now, let's go!" I said quickly walking down the hallway to the entrance of the courthouse.
"Would you wait for just one minute?" snapped Edgeworth who lightly jogged to catch up to me. "You don't even know where we're going."
I stopped moving and waited for him. "Hmph. I say you should stop acting like an old man for a second and move it!"
"Why would I be doing that if there was no rush-"
"This is a rush because I'm starved!" I said seriously dragging him along by the arm.
"I can walk perfectly fine!"
"No, you walk like an old man! I bet the judge could move faster than you!"
We argued about it until we made it in front of the courthouse standing on the sidewalk. I decided to release his arm as we closer to reaching the destination he had in mind.
"So, which direction are we headed?" I asked.
"To the left. It's no more than a fifteen minute walk," he said.
"Okay."
"And no running."
"Yeah, alright..." I muttered. I just hoped he wouldn't be as slow as he normally was. The game sprites weren't kidding; his walk was what you'd call dignified and leisurely unless something important was going on.
In any case, he started walking down the sidewalk leading the way and I followed suit.
May 16th, 1:53 PM
Secret Delight Cafe
(Woah, this place is pretty cool!)
I looked around at the cafe in awe. The place was lively, bustling with plenty of people. It was pretty spacious for a cafe, and I guess it could be described as modern. The lighting was very dim, which made the walls painted a dark shade of red really come to life in this mysterious way. There were a few photos of flowers and famous spots around the world in black and white hanging up too. The flooring was gray and speckled, and there were a variety of sections for seating; there were booth seats, basic table and chair set ups, and there was a combination of two.
Edgeworth and I were seated at a small square table where there was one little chair, while the other side was one of those cushy wall seats. After our waitress left us with two menus, he gestured to me to take the wall seat, saying 'ladies first' before he pushed out his chair to sit.
"Ah, thank you," I said a bit surprised taking my seat. It was a bit weird to hear that, considering some days I didn't even remember I was actually a woman. At home, I was just one of the guys when I was hanging around my friends.
He sat down across from me in a manner that could only be described as graceful. I had to admit I was jealous- most simple tasks I did looked very clumsy.
"So, what is your opinion of the establishment thus far?"
"Oh, this place is cool! The atmosphere is really nice," I tilted my head back. "It really does make it seem like it's some kind of secret."
The corners of Edgeworth's lips turned upward slightly. Did this man, ever fully smile? Then again, that might be weird. He'd probably would be reported as going insane that day if it ever did happen.
"I stumbled upon it by accident, trying to escape a downpour one day after a case. It turned out to be more than a nice cover by the end."
(Well, somebody is pleased with himself.)
"Seems like it," I nodded opening up the menu set on my side of the table. I blinked in surprise. There were a lot of options on this thing, for a menu of this size. Crap. I hated having multiple options- too many things sounded good.
"Anything of interest?"
"Um, too much...can I just get everything?"
Edgeworth recoiled. "Could your frame even support such an endeavor?"
He had a point there. I was pretty twiggy, but under the right circumstances I could go hard. Then again, even though he owed me one, I wouldn't actually want to blow all of his money like that.
"You'd be surprised," I said mischievously recalling the days I had athletic ability. "But just kidding. I have to think about what I want more."
Edgeworth nodded. He had his menu open, but was now closing it shut. "I'm getting a salad."
I stared at him incredulously.
"Why are you looking at me like I have three heads?"
"Dude, you can't just get a salad."
He folded his arms. "And why is that? Also, 'dude'? Just how much time have you been spending with Larry?"
I probably talked to Larry more than I'd like to admit, but I couldn't just keep hanging with Maya all the time. I needed more variety with who I hung out with. Cause variety was the spice of life, right?
"Ahem, sir. I wanted to get more food..."
"And what does that have to do with me?"
"It wouldn't look as bad if you ordered more than salad."
He stared back at me blankly.
"Come on. Can't you get something else?"
"No."
"Come onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. Aren't we in this together?"
He looked at me quizzically. "There is no together. You can order whatever you want. I don't want anything else."
I grunted. I didn't want to look like a complete fatty alone in this fancy place, but oh well.
Our waitress returned asking for drinks and if we were ready to order.
"I would like Jasmine tea and a chicken caesar salad, please," said Edgeworth passing his menu to her.
"And for you, miss?"
"Um, I'd like tomato soup, a turkey pesto panini, and a garden salad. Oh, and a strawberry banana smooth, please," I said passing the menu back.
She seemed a little shocked at the amount I was ordering but didn't say anything as she was jotting it down on her little note pad. "Okay, I'll be right back with your drinks."
She left as quickly as she popped up.
"All of that?" Edgeworth asked.
"Hey, I told you it would look better if you got more than a salad, but noo."
"How could that be possible?"
"I'm hangry."
" 'Hangry'?"
"Angry, hungry...Hangry," I shrugged.
Edgeworth rolled his eyes at me. Not like I was as bad as Maya; she could eat through tons of food and never gain a single pound.
I went to playing with utensils for a bit before our server returned with a drinks. I was super psyched and grabbed hold of my straw and glass instantly. I couldn't remember the last time I had a smoothie. As I stuck my straw in and began sucking the sweet fruitiness up, Edgeworth was taking a few sugar packets from the little holder in the middle of the table. I'm pretty sure he was shaking his head at me the entire time.
"What?" I asked in between sips. "I'm thirsty."
He stirred the sugar into his tea with the spoon provided. "Yes, I can see that."
I watched as he gingerly placed the spoon on top of the ripped packets. He didn't touch his cup or saucer, I guessed because the liquid was still cooling off. There was nothing left to do, but wait.
For a while neither of us didn't say a word. We just stared at each other in silence. I honestly, didn't know what to say at the moment and I guessed he had nothing to provide either. With time, I had gotten used to Edgeworth's impenetrable stare. If I was training under him, I had to or else it would be awkward as hell. It used to feel more like he was staring me down like a criminal, but it was just another part of who he was. But this was strange, staring directly at Edgeworth at a little cafe table. For some reason, it made me feel a bit antsy and I couldn't stop tapping my fingers on the table. I tried to ease my nerves by looking at the cloudy gray eyes with the intent of trying to decipher what they were saying.
They did say that eyes were the windows to the soul, but that soul was hard to find in this case. Even in a casual setting, his eyes remained harsh with this distinctive far off look, as though he were looking right through me. While it was cool, it was also annoying. Miles Edgeworth was not an open book, keeping most things to himself. If he didn't speak what was on his mind, you'd probably never know anything about it, which was sort of a let down considering I worked with the guy.
"Hey, Mr. Edgeworth?" I spoke up, breaking the silence.
"Hm?"
"Would you say that we were, uh, friends?" I asked tentatively.
I saw his eyes widen a little before returning to his default stern look. He also folded his arms. He seemed annoyed at the idea.
"That's a ridiculous question."
"Is it?"
"We wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't the case," he remarked matter of fact.
I was quietly jumping up and down on the inside with, having him confirm it out loud.
"It's just that, I don't know, it's hard to know what you're thinking a lot of the time. Maybe you secretly hate my guts...who knows."
"I have no reason to hate you," Edgeworth's brows furrowed and he tapped his arm before he said anything else.
"Most people don't need to know what I'm thinking. And to be fair, there are times I don't know what you're thinking either."
"Huh?"
"You go off into far away places in your head, just as much as I do," he pointed out. "And you've never mentioned where either."
I guessed he was right. Sometimes, I wasn't all together here as other things were plaguing my mind. Like that mission, for starters, as well as other things I couldn't describe to anyone else here. Still, I didn't consider myself as private as closed off as he was times.
"Fair enough," I smiled impishly. "Everyone has things they keep to themselves. Though, it would be interesting to know some of those things, don't you think?"
He took a sip of his tea. "I won't deny it."
There was another silence that passed between the two of us. I eyed him with curiosity this time around, as the piercing gray was threatening to tear through my being. I wanted to know a lot about Miles Edgeworth- no, rather I wanted to know Miles Edgeworth. I wanted to know and understand the complexity, the inner workings of his mind and just what was going through it. I was greedy for knowledge. And as long as I was here, I didn't think I'd stop pursuing it until I received it.
For who could really be foolish enough to pass up the opportunity to truly get know a person, who didn't even exist in your world as a real person, but work of fiction? But here and now, he wasn't fictional. He was a real person, living and breathing, sitting across from me in the flesh. There were so many things that the game could never show us. I came thinking I knew all there was to know about the people here, but honestly all I ever saw was a glimpse into a few moments into their lives. The games would never show how Maya could actually give out reasonable advice every once in a while and how mature she actually was. The games would never show how Larry wasn't always caught in some insane situation and how he could actually be a good listener and be nice person to talk to. The games would never describe how Edgeworth didn't always have a stick up his ass 24/7 and how he could actually be a bit playful and teasing at times. How cocky he could still be despite being humbled by Phoenix. How he'd occasionally grumble about the length of time certain lawful procedures took to process. How he'd spend hours and hours in dedication in the office until late at night some days. There was so much I didn't know until showing up. And I vowed to learn more.
"You'll lose."
A quiet, but self satisfied voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Excuse me?"
Edgeworth pressed the rim of his cup to his lips, lifting it from its saucer and setting it back down again. He looked back at me, and for once I could read his eyes clearly. They were determined and confident.
He repeated himself, fully showing me a bit of arrogance he often tried to hide from full view with a very open smirk, even tapping his index finger on his forehead for extra emphasis.
"You'll lose."
How...? It was as if he was reading my mind.
(It's an open invitation to a game. If you think you can figure me out so easily, you'll have another thing coming. I'll crack you open with everything I have, Edgeworth.)
"I think you're wrong."
"Let's find out, shall we?"
His expression did not falter. One day, I'd wipe that smug look off his face permanently. I was going to consider this apart of my training- breaking down the formidable wall he had up, while protecting my own. It would be just like battleship, playing tit for tat, until someone's ship sunk. I wouldn't give up easily either; he was a puzzle and I believed puzzles were never meant left to be unsolved, no matter how long it took to fit the pieces. Of course, I knew the risk I'd be taking if I lost this game, but I was already taking a risk existing in this universe to begin with.
I went back to sipping my smoothie, only this time to curb my annoyance with the man. He said nothing else, but sat drinking his tea quietly, perhaps ruminating on this game. The air had changed to a competitive one. The time now seemed to pass slowly as I began thinking of ways to dissect the man across from me. However, I was interrupted as a few minutes later a couple of servers brought by our meals.
May 16th, 3:07 PM
Courthouse parking lot
"That was absolutely revolting," remarked Edgeworth still appalled by my glorious display.
"Well, I showed you how it could be done... I was really hungry."
"Your actions at the table were horrifying," he said tapping a finger on arm.
"What? I didn't chew with my mouth open."
"You did."
"Okay, as much as I could have," I said stretching my arms up over my head.
"I thought you were going to choke as fast as you were going."
"Nope, I have perfect control."
"Never again. Not until you learn proper table manners."
"Aww, alright. But that was funny how you lost your cool," I laughed.
"Hmph. I wouldn't call it that."
"But, thanks. Now, I feel energized and ready to carry on with part two of the investigation!"
"I'm glad. I need to go back to the office, so I will see you later."
"Alright. I should get going too."
And nobody moved. We just stood frozen solid in place for a minute or so waiting for the other person to leave.
"What are you staring at?" I asked never removing my eyes from his person.
"Nothing at all. Don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Don't you?"
"Certainly, but the tasks I must attend to aren't as pressing and time constricting as yours."
(Goddamn. You. Edgeworth.)
I felt my face contorting, scrunching up in frustration, before I threw in the towel, looked away and started back to my car. As I walked forward, I turned back for a moment, and that jerk was still standing there with that annoying satisfied look on his face. That was a cheap shot, but it was fine. It was only just the beginning and after this case was said and done, heh, he'd have something fun waiting for him. Maneuvering through a few rows of cars, I found my jalopy and thus began my trek back to the strip joint.
May 16th, 3:32 PM
Royale Hotel
Without missing a beat, I was already confused as to what was happening as soon as I entered the building. There was a scene happening on stage, with Phoenix, Maya, and Gumshoe. I sighed, unknowing what shenanigans would ensue as I approached.
Phoenix was helping Maya up off of the floor, as she looked frazzled. Gumshoe was looking the long metal pole that was now lying upon the stage out of its designated hole. That didn't look good.
"What is going on?"
"Ms. Doom, sir!" Gumshoe scratched his head. "Well, this pole..."
Maya frowned a bit teary eyed. "I wanted to dance on the pole, but it was really loose and came out."
"Ah, I'm sorry to hear. You're not hurt are you?"
"No, I'm fine. I just hate poles now," she pouted.
"This is why you can't be a stripper," said Phoenix. "Or a fire fighter."
"Hmph."
"The odd thing about this is, it shouldn't be loose like that," said Gumshoe. "Actually, I've heard that this area of the stage is where Rose normally dances."
"Is that right?" Phoenix stroked his chin.
That seemed pretty suspicious, indeed. I'd take note of it myself, figuring it might be important somewhere down the road.
"I'm glad you're here, sir! I was getting worried you weren't going to come back."
"Bah, I was just a little disturbed earlier, is all. I'm still dedicated to solving the case," I said lying through my teeth. If not for that reassurance from Edgeworth I might have just said naw and left the case. "I just happened to get lunch with Mr. Edgeworth. I'm sorry for the wait."
"Oooo, really?" asked Maya raising her eyebrows up and down.
"Yes." I said folding my arms, ignoring her silliness.
"Nick! You should take me out for burgers! You haven't hit the monthly quota yet!"
I could see the pain on his face at the mention of going out for burgers. I guessed that defense salary wasn't the greatest...
"Urk. Later, after this case is over."
"Okay," she said a bit sadly. However, she recovered and tilted her head with a grin. "But I'm holding you to it, so don't forget!"
"Alright," Phoenix said. "Let's hope my wallet is still intact by the end of it..."
"Detective, let us go. We can't waste any time today," I said ready to roll.
"Yes, sir!"
We were walking off the stage, until Phoenix called me back.
"Ms. Doom, wait!"
"Yeah? What's the deal?" I asked.
"Before you go, I just wanted to ask a couple of things."
I walked back over to where he and Maya were. "Alright shoot, but not for too long."
"Today's trial was rough..."
"Yeah, you didn't hold back did, you?" asked Maya.
"Did you think it would be easy?" I felt myself smirking. "I learn from the best after all."
"It's odd imagining Edgeworth advising anyone, to be honest," Phoenix said stroking his chin. "But the influence is clear..."
"I wouldn't call it so much odd as it is frustrating," I sighed. "It's like working with this guy who knows way more than you could ever hope to know, but likes to show what he knows instead of outright telling you. But if it helps me become a better prosecutor, so be it."
Phoenix nodded. I bet he would understand it, considering how the second game went.
"What did you mean by earning my trust earlier?"
I decided to play it safe. "I'm aware of what the media says about me, and it's not particularly flattering."
"Right. The attorney breaker, doesn't sound exactly pleasant."
I pressed my glasses up closer to my eyes. "While I've had some problems with attorneys before, I know what's important now. And that's getting the truth. So, I wanted to show that I was capable of working for that and not just a win."
"I see," he said quietly, reflecting upon it. I wasn't sure how much that answer satisfied him, though.
"What kind of problems?"
"I'm afraid, that's not something I'd want to talk about," I said folding my arms.
"Ah, never mind then." Phoenix said eyeing me with scrutiny. I really hoped there weren't any more psyche locks appearing.
"Oh, Lyn!"
"What is it?"
"You freaked out over that hair sample. Was that really from a dead woman?" asked Maya.
"Yeah, that just seemed to unreal," Phoenix said sweating.
"Unfortunately, yes. I couldn't believe it when I was reading the results. But don't think I'm letting your client off the hook because of zombie killer!"
"Uh, zombie killer?"
"Well, the footprints and the strands of hair from a dead person could make it seem like a corpse was walking around killing..." said Maya clearing thinking hard about the concept.
"That's a bit unrealistic for my tastes," muttered Phoenix.
"Yes, that's why Detective Gumshoe and I will be looking more into the matter," I said. "Anyway, I need to get started with that. So goodbye, for now."
I gave Phoenix and Maya a quick nod and ran off the shiny stage to meet up with Gumshoe who was waiting on me.
"Alright," I began. "There are a few things we need to do. We're gonna sweep this joint again to see if we find anything else. Then, we need to figure out what the hell is happening with that hair. Good?"
Gumshoe nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm ready to investigate my heart out!"
"Then let's begin."
May 16th, 4:29 PM
Backstage Area
Detective Gumshoe and I stood against the walls in between the door of the crime scene area and a dressing room sighing. The investigation was a bust. We checked the rooms multiple times without coming up with anything new. The club was a huge tease, for us anyway. Knowing my luck, the defense was going to show up tomorrow with a crap ton of evidence that we hadn't found.
"So, what now?" asked Gumshoe. "We looked everywhere, even in that pile."
That was a good question. What should we do next? Part of me didn't want to leave the club because I felt like we were missing something. Yet, we had to make head way on that hair and I couldn't do it here. There was only one solution.
"Okay, change of plans. I'm going to go back to the station to search for information on our deceased suspect. What I'd like you to do is stick around here and," I looked around.
"Keep tabs on the defense and what they're doing. They might find something important. Oh, and compare the footprints in that shoe with the workers to see if there's a match. Understood?"
"Yes, sir! I'll be sure to check on them undercover heheh and do the prints."
(I hope you don't try playing spy.)
"Good. And if anything happens, keep me posted."
I departed from the backstage area and headed out and to my car. I could trust Gumshoe to at least follow the defense around. He was pretty good at that if memory served. We just couldn't waste any more time walking in circles. Besides going nowhere, it was starting to get boring. No wonder Gumshoe and Kay partied during their investigations in the spin off series. At least I was certain I could cover more ground at the station myself, or so I hoped.
May 16th, 4:56 PM
Criminal Affairs Department
I was back and not much was happening in these parts. If possible, the detectives seemed more relaxed than the last time I saw them. Maybe, it was because Texxxas was gone and they didn't have to deal with her anymore. This time there were a lot more people sitting at their desks on computers. Probably not doing work, I imagined.
For that reason, it was easy to ask one of them where I could access info on deceased persons in this country. The detective told me that he could look up what I needed to know and print out the facts too. He closed out of whatever email he was writing and I told him to search a Mackenzie Macmillon who had been announced dead two years ago. After scrolling through the database for a while, he found her background info. He sent everything over to a printer in the room, and told me to pick up the stuff there when it was all printed out (since it may take a while considering this was someone's life story we were talking about).
I thanked him for his help and sauntered over to the printer impatiently waiting. Why did office printers have to take so damned long? The speed that some of the office equipment had, made me think I could write up the documents I needed by hand faster. However, I didn't have any other choice, but to wait. Then I could head back to my office and read over everything.
May 16th, 5:49 PM
Prosecutor's Office, Room 404
I had fallen asleep at my desk. The file on this chick may has well have been a bloody novel. All sorts of facts were listed in here and not a single I could pick on as to why the hell her hair was found at the crime scene. There were waaaaaay too many details, and I was just overwhelmed by them. I couldn't get through everything without being confused or being hung up on things that didn't matter.
I went as far as to call the owners of the cemetery to ask if anyone had tampered with her body at the grave site. They said no one had touched it; that body had never been exhumed. I was disappointed, but even if that was a correct assumption to make- what the hell would anything of hers be on that crime scene to begin with? Going through her facts was dull- these compilations of facts, were facts. There was no story. Just hospital records, where she worked, tax returns- stuff like that. And I ...got really bored of it.
The last thing I recalled was resting my head on my desk and shutting my eyes. I yawned, wiping the drool away with the back of my hand. Great. Everyone would be wondering what the hell went on in that investigation, if we couldn't find a single thing to bring back to court tomorrow. I couldn't imagine the case going anywhere if the defense didn't bring anything significant back tomorrow either. What would happen at that point?
Before I got any further, my cell phone began ringing a pretty average ring. I reached into my pocket and checked the ID. It was Gumshoe. I hit the answer button on the phone and pressed it to my ear.
"Detective?"
"Ms. Doom! I found something big!"
I couldn't believe it. Gumshoe had found something, and before me no less. Should I have been proud or embarrassed?
"Well? Was it the footprints?"
"Um, actually no. Nobody's footprints matched with whoever's was in that shoe," he paused.
(Hm, well so much for that. No hair, no shoes...and well, fuck the button. The defense could deal with that.)
"But we have a new witness! They saw the suspect leaving the room, right after the crime was committed!"
No way. "Where are you now?"
"We're going down to the station for questioning."
"Alright, I'll be over too. I'll see you there," I said hanging up.
Maybe this witness would give us some good info. Or maybe not. I was willing to take anything at this point to keep moving along.
May 16th, 6:23 PM
Criminal Affairs Department
I didn't even have to ask where Detective Gumshoe was as he bounded toward me the second I stepped in the building.
"Uh, hey there, detective."
"Ms. Doom, I have the suspect in questioning right now! I think this is going to be ground breaking stuff!"
"I hope so," I muttered. "So, where is this witness?"
Gumshoe happily directed me to what I'd call the interrogation room, where I got to ask Texxxas some questions. We entered the room and he closed the door behind us. There was a woman sitting at the table in a folding chair.
(Well, you don't look like a stripper.)
It's a weird life I lead, to have thoughts like that.
This woman looked very plain in contrast to any of the people I had encountered at that club. She had a pale complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair put up in a bun. She looked frail, and maybe the pink dress contributed to the look. I couldn't label her expression- she seemed down that much I could tell. Something was weighing down on her mind heavily.
"Hello, I'm Ms. Doom. I'm prosecuting this case," I said. "Who might you be?"
"I'm Phoebe Mitchell. Collin's...girlfriend."
Ooooooo.
"I'm sorry," I said with a bit of wince.
I didn't think I should give her a hug, since that wasn't necessarily appropriate. But I didn't know what to say. Usually, I would hug someone or gently pat them on the back especially if they were crying or upset. I would opt to try to make a person laugh first, but again it probably wouldn't fit this professional environment very well.
"Thank you," she said weakly.
"So, I'm told you saw something at the crime scene?"
Phoebe nodded. "Yes, I saw her."
"Rose, you mean?"
The corners of her mouth twitched.
"Yes, I saw her. It was right around 12:30. I saw her walking out of the VIP room. She was wearing those white shoes too."
"I see," I said. I could see why Gumshoe was so excited about this. "What happened after that?"
"Afterwards, she walked to the stage area and then went back to the dressing room. I decided to go into the VIP room, because I thought Collin might have been there."
"And that's when you saw..." began Gumshoe frowning.
"Collin dead," she said clutching the bottom of her dress. "I couldn't believe it. I was in shock...I didn't want to believe it so I ran out."
"That's rough," I said shaking my head. "And you didn't call the police?"
"No, I was too shaken and just had to leave."
"Actually, why were you at the club that night?"
"I..." she looked away but then directly at the two of us. "I wanted to give them a piece of my mind! Collin was always going to that club and acting suspicious. I didn't know what was happening over there. And once I found out who it was he was seeing, I needed to confront her."
"Wait," I stroked my chin. "Did you confront her that night?"
"I did."
"What time? And what happened during that confrontation?"
"It was about 11:45 I think. I told her to back off and stay away from Collin. If she didn't there would be problems for her...but she didn't take me seriously. She kept saying that they were just friends, but I don't buy that at all!" Phoebe said fingers curled in a manner that looked as though she was ready to claw someone's eyes out. She suddenly looked quite vicious. It was a bit scary.
"I mean just look at this!" she reached into the compact black purse she had on her arm. She pulled out what appeared to be one of those cheesy tabloid magazines and opened up to a two page spread. It was an article titled: Silver Samurai Heartthrob Courting Mystery Dancer? It went on to talk about how Collin was seen spending a lot of time at the Royale with Rose, and had an array of photographs for proof too.
"Yeah, pal. That doesn't look good," Gumshoe sighed.
"And whenever I tried to ask Collin about it, he just said not to worry about it! I just...wanted to know the truth," she frowned. "She's even in his will too."
"Woah, wait a second. In the will?" I questioned.
Phoebe pulled out the document from her purse. I examined it; and sure enough, Rose was going to be given a nice $ 90,000. That was crazy, for someone he was supposed to have only known for a few months. I really did wonder if she was his mistress.
"Okay, one more thing," I started. "After your confrontation with Rose, where did she go and where did you go?"
"She was trying to get away from me, so she entered one of the rooms backstage. I don't know if it was a VIP room or dressing room, though. I tried to follow her, but she wouldn't open the door, so I went outside for a while."
I stroked my chin. "Your testimony is going to be very important for tomorrow."
"I just want the criminal who did this to Collin to be caught!"
"So do we," I nodded. "I think that's all I need to know. The police might question you some more, but after that you'll be free to go home. We'll be calling you testify tomorrow morning at ten."
Phoebe nodded. We gave her our thanks and left the room, shutting the door behind us.
"Do you think you'll be ready for tomorrow, sir?"
"I hope so. Her testimony will help our case at least."
"You didn't find anything about the hair, did you?"
"Haha," I gave a thumbs down. "Not a single thing."
"If it makes you feel better I didn't find anything else!" he grinned.
I looked at him blankly. "Why would that make me feel better?"
"Well, the defense didn't find anything really. Nothing besides the witness I got, heh."
"That's a good thing because without her, we wouldn't have much ground to stand on. She's going to be our ace in the hole, I think. So, good job getting her here."
"Aww, it was nothing."
There wasn't much to do or be said at this point. I was going to return my office to try to read that novel about that mystery woman again, but if I couldn't do it I'd just go strategize my next move in court for tomorrow. And by strategize, it was more like let's try to figure out any way this could somehow explode in my face, considering none of the mysteries were solved.
I told Gumshoe I'd see him tomorrow and left for the prosecutor's office. There was much work and possible prayer that needed to be done, as for what would happen tomorrow was anyone's guess.
Profiles:
Maya Fey: Age 19. It looks like we're good friends based on what I know.
Miles Edgeworth: Age 26. My mentor? Likes giving me lectures. It seems we're on good terms.
Detective Gumshoe: Age 33. Lead detective on this case. Looks like we both got the bad end of the stick this time.
Larry Butz: Age 25. Janitor. This guy is a trip, true to his nickname.
Raymond Shields: Age 35. The sassy defense attorney I've faced in court.
Judge: Age ?. Old timer judge. No one know his real name.
Mia Fey: Deceased. I guess my guide or inspiration to keep surviving this place, until that very fatal day.
Collin Card: Age 27. Victim. Was the lead in the next Silver Samurai movie.
Rose: Age 24. Suspect. Popular dancer at the Royale Hotel.
Phoenix Wright: Age 26. The man I'm supposed to be saving. My rival in court for the next case. Somebody save me.
Texxxas: Age 28. A jealous dancer. The main witness.
Phoebe Mitchell: Age 26. Collin's girlfriend. Suspicious of Collin and Rose's relationship.
Evidence:
Prosecutor's badge: With this, I can prove I'm a prosecutor. Dunno why we don't wear them on our lapels like defense attorneys though.
Magatama: Magical sacred charm that should allow me to communicate with Mia.
Autopsy Report: Time of death between 12:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Cause of death 1 inch puncture wound to the throat. Other puncture wounds and bruising on face, arms, and legs damaging, but non fatal. Death was not immediate.
Stilettos: The heels are covered in blood. Used to kill the victim. Has footprints that don't belong to Rose on the inside.
Scarf: Luxurious red scarf belonging to Rose. Found wrapped around the victim's neck at the crime scene.
Mysterious letter: Addressed to an Angie discussing some type of deal perhaps?
Letter to Rose: About the bag she uses. Sounds very affectionate.
Bloody locker: Rose's locker is covered in specks and traces of blood belonging to the victim at the bottom.
Crime Scene Photos: Pictures of the crime scene taken after the discovery of the body.
Bloody button: Silver button covered in blood. Doesn't belong to suspect or victim. Where'd it come from?
Red hair: Strands of hair belonging to Mackenzie Macmillon, a deceased secretary from New York. Why were her strands found at the scene?
Loose Stripper Pole: Pole that Rose uses, that unhinged itself...
Tabloid Article: Article discussing Collin's numerous rendezvous with Rose.
Collin's Will: Rose is listed as being a recipient of $90,000 in it.