AN: We're almost done with this case...so stick around for the conclusion next chapter! It's gonna get crazzzzyyy! And depending on if I have time, I'll post the next chapter on Christmas Day, as a Christmas present to you guys! As usual thank you for reading, following, faving and reviewing!
Mechblade007: You'll have to wait and see haha. Most questions should be answered soon. Thanks!
bajoe9: Haha, I do my best.
Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: Suppose she did haha. Well, stay tuned! What happens next will be interesting.
OBSERVER01: Glad you think so haha. We'll see if she manages to do it!
Le Chasseur: Indeed it is!
urs-v: Haha you'll see. I got big plans for him...
AJF: Thanks! And cool, that's the first time someone's said that haha.
storytellerofawesomeness: Glad you liked it. That would be cool if this were animated or even a case on Ace Attorney Online haha.
May 26th, 12:47 PM
District Courtroom No. 3, Hallway
I had managed to slip out of the courtroom in the midst of all the confusion. It was easy enough- the crowds wouldn't shut up as soon as I accused him of being my attacker. The judge's gavel was rendered a useless item in his hand, nothing but a mere toy he banged over and over. You couldn't hear the damn thing once. The boy was taken out of the room by some bailiffs. To where I didn't know, but one thing I did know, was that I didn't want to be anywhere near him. I honestly had no intention of running down to the courtroom floor and calling him out, but the way that trial was going didn't look good. I knew Mr. Wright and Edgeworth needed something to keep him in court, so why not? And I had wanted to do something to help for the past few days. So, this was it.
Although I knew he couldn't try to kill me again, I was still antsy. I felt sick looking at him that close up. So sick, knowing that this was only a kid who had done that to me. How badly must he been feeling to do this? How much hatred did he feel to go to such lengths?
But I knew that would soon be the least of my worries soon enough as I saw Edgeworth storming towards me, just getting out of that madhouse of a courtroom. The only way I could have described him is how he looked a bull charging at me.
"What are you doing here?" Edgeworth asked angrily. "Are you out of your mind?"
I was about to open my mouth to reply, but he kept laying it on me.
"Didn't I tell you to stay in the hospital, where you belong?" he huffed, glaring me down.
"Mr. Edgeworth-" I protested.
"You promised me that you wouldn't do anything reckless."
"Look, I'm really sorry, but I couldn't stay there," I said almost pleadingly. "I was going to stay, really! But, something kept telling me to go. It felt wrong not to come today."
It was true. I was just going to suck it up and stay in bed, but I just had this feeling that I needed to go to court. It had struck me out of the blue, at the last minute at that as I was just watching something stupid on TV. And if I've learned anything- it's not to ignore gut feelings. Because when you do ignore them, it normally backfires.
"How did you get here?" Edgeworth demanded.
"It's not really important," I said holding on to my arm.
"Who brought you here?"
"Don't worry about it."
"Was it Detective Gumshoe?"
I shook my head.
"Who would be that foolish? " he paused, scrunching up his face in the process. "It was Larry, wasn't it?"
I felt my body tense in response.
"It was Larry. That moron," he muttered under his breath.
"How did you...?"
"No one would be that stupid to sneak someone out of the hospital and not even bring them real clothes or shoes."
I sighed. I had been hoping Edgeworth wouldn't have figured it out so easily, since Larry asked me not to rat him out. I didn't have anyone else to ask for a ride from besides him when I made the decision to leave. It wasn't without bribery though. I had to put up the offer of two hot dates- though, with whom, it would be a mystery. I'd just borrow Maya for at least one of those occasions...
"It was a last minute kinda deal..." I sighed. "Look, it's a whatever-"
"No, it's not a whatever. You're going back right now," he said arms folded.
"Are you serious?" I asked incredulously.
"Yes, I am. You're still recovering, you shouldn't be here, and I'm handling this case-"
"But I can help!" I said raising my hands up in protest.
"You can help by returning to the hospital where you belong," Edgeworth remarked sternly.
"I'll go back to the hospital after this is all over! I'm fine, really! Just...relax, okay?"
It looked as though a blood vessel in his brain had burst after I said that. Perhaps it wasn't the best choice of words...
"Just relax? Are you stupid?"
I frowned.
"Don't you realize the stress you're putting on your body by doing this?"
"Mr. Edgeworth...I'm sorry, alright? But I have to see this through to the end...she would want to end it."
"She?"
I knew the other Lyn would have kicked my ass if I didn't do this. It didn't feel right otherwise. But I didn't respond, just looked down at the floor, holding my arm. It was clear Edgeworth was worried, but he knew how big this case was for me. I felt his eyes upon me, though what he was thinking about I was unsure. Neither of us said anything for a moment or two.
"You look absolutely ridiculous with that ugly thing draped over you like that," Edgeworth sighed. "...Are you certain that Derek was the one who attacked you?"
I looked up instantly. "I know it was! I recognize the voice...and that hair. It's him!"
Edgeworth paused for a moment, tapping his finger on his arm before speaking. "Then, let's go."
"Huh? I'm not going back to the hospital if that's what you mean," I remarked defensively.
"As much as I want to send you back, I was referring to the other side of the hallway," he said. "You can't be standing up like this."
"Oh," I said. "So that means I'm staying?"
He said nothing, though his face contorted into a visage of moderate irritation.
"Yes!" I grinned.
"...For the time being. Don't get too comfortable," he said stiffly.
"Well, how bout we get going?"
I, as best as I could started walking down the hall making a left to where the vending machines and seats were. Edgeworth began to follow behind me. Once I made it, I took a seat staring at the foods in the vending machines I couldn't currently eat. It was such a tease. After expressing disappointment at the vending machines, I turned around to notice that it was only me in this hall. Edgeworth had been behind me, but was nowhere in sight. I was about to get up and go back, but that was before Edgeworth turned the corner with Phoenix and Maya.
"Lyn!" balked Maya walking over to me. "How did you get out of the hospital? Did you teleport?"
"Ha, well that's a secret," I said pressing a finger to my lips
"She had an idiot, by the name of Larry sneak her out," Edgeworth remarked coldly.
I grunted. "You had to take the mystery out of it, didn't you?"
"Larry?" asked Phoenix sweating. "When something smells, it's usually the Butz."
"True to the phrase," Edgeworth said tapping his arm. I could tell Larry was going to be in some deep shit later.
Phoenix shook his head. "But...Ms. Doom."
"Hm?" I turned to face him.
"Is it true? Did Derek really attack you?"
"I know it's him. I can't mistake that voice," I nodded.
"Nick! Then we really can't let him get away!" Maya said clenching her fists.
"I know...but I think we have a chance to at least make him stick around longer before we can nail him," he paused. "Ms. Doom, do you think you could testify about your attack?"
"Yeah! I'll do whatever I can to help!" I said eagerly. Anything was better than sitting on the sidelines the whole time.
Edgeworth twitched. Though he didn't say anything, he really didn't look happy.
"Edgeworth?" Phoenix asked.
"What?"
"I don't like that Ms. Doom is out either, but as it stands we don't have any other leads."
"I'm well aware," he replied in reluctance. Of course, it was natural for him to say no. Yet there was nothing else to go on, no other leads...and if Derek left the stand that was it.
Edgeworth glared at me with a look that could kill a person twice.
"Fine, but when this is all over..."
I gave an awkward laugh. "Let's save it till later."
I didn't want to think about the repercussions of this now, because I knew he'd certainly be saving it for later.
"Well, it's settled," said Phoenix. "We can use this to hold him here longer until we figure out how to stick him for the murder in the park."
"Sounds, pretty devilish, Nick," Maya said teasingly.
"Of course, I'm pretty sure that's how defense attorney's operate," I chimed in.
"Hey," he began. "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing..."
After a few more minutes of chit chat, Maya and Phoenix decided to return to their side of the courthouse. Edgeworth and I remained on the same side until a bailiff took me away into the lobby used to hold witnesses, since court was reconvening soon.
May 26th, 1:02 PM
District Courtroom No. 3
Everything had quieted down inside the courtroom, though there was still hushed chattering. The judge, the defense, and the prosecution had returned to their designated locations. The bailiff brought me into the courtroom and now I was on the witness stand, so I guess I was in my special spot too. I had to admit it was pretty weird being situated on the stand, instead of the prosecution's bench which I had gotten used to. I didn't really care for this because of how little it made me feel to be standing literally in front of everyone. I felt like I could be exposed at any minute, or rather, felt exposed being barefooted, standing before the court in nothing but my hospital gown and Larry's oversized jacket. But this was a one time thing and I wouldn't have to do it again. Or at least I hoped not.
The judge banged the gavel.
"Court is back in session for the trial of Alina Bunke," he shook his head. "It's to my understanding, that the witness-er, Ms. Doom wishes to testify about the night of her attack."
"Yes, Your Honor," I nodded.
"Shouldn't you be in the hospital?" asked the judge.
"Technically, yes...It's a long story," I said waving a hand.
"And to make it short, Ms. Doom should be in the hospital. And I'm making sure she'll return afterwards," remarked Edgeworth.
"To be honest, I'm still surprised. I don't think I would have ever expect Ms. Doom to escape the hospital," said Phoenix sweating.
"Lyn can be a pretty surprising person, Nick! I mean, I wouldn't have guessed she was a nerd when we first met," said Maya.
"How long have you been watching?" asked Phoenix.
"I've been here since the beginning watching from the gallery. I've been keeping up with everything," I said pushing up my glasses.
"For anyone to leave a hospital after an attack like that, is certainly quite a feat... Therefore, I won't turn down this testimony."
"Thanks a bunch, Your Honor! That means a lot," I grinned.
The judge nodded. "With that cleared up, Mr. Edgeworth, would you...?"
"Witness, state your name and occupation for the court."
I looked at him in confusion. Did we really need to do this procedure?
"Um...really? Is this really necessary-"
"Name and occupation," he said impatiently.
I folded my arms glaring at him. "Hey, don't get all snippy with me. It wouldn't kill you to be more polite about it, would it?"
"Please, state your name and occupation," Edgeworth said steadily growing annoyed.
"Thank you," I said equally annoyed."Lyn Doom, prosecutor... yada yada yada. Now, can we start?"
"The tension here is so thick you could cut it with a knife..." Phoenix remarked sweating.
"You're telling me," said Maya looking exasperated as well.
"Just testify about the night of your attack."
"Alright, here we go!" I said ready to get the show on the road.
Witness Testimony
The night of my attack
-It was late. Realized I forgot something at my office and was gonna go back.
-That's until someone came up behind me with a knife threatening me.
-They said they were interested in my TL-5 case file.
-With the knife pointed at me the whole time, we went to my office.
-I gave him the case file and thought it was over but...
-That was when he stabbed me and left me for dead.
-I couldn't see much, but I know he had dark hair and I recognize his voice.
-So, I know it was Derek Bunke who did this.
The gallery began murmuring excitedly. The judge banged the gavel a few times to quiet them. It was a strange feeling to have testified. I had always witnessed it in the games, or from the prosecution's bench. It was a new perspective to be directly involved in it. And then to be cross examined by Phoenix next...it was weird, but kind of exciting at the same time.
The judge shook his head. "That sounds terrible! I do hope you make a quick recovery, Ms. Doom."
"Thank you, Your Honor," I smiled weakly.
"Mr. Wright, you may begin."
Cross examination
The night of my attack
-It was late. Realized I forgot something at my office and was gonna go back.
HOLD IT!
"So where were you before you returned to your office?" Phoenix asked.
"Oh, sorry," I said. "I was at my apartment. I had it made it all the way back, only to realize I had forgotten other boring stuff I had to do..."
"And that's why I tell you to keep an agenda," Edgeworth remarked tapping his arm.
"Alright, fine, I'll get a stupid agenda later," I huffed.
"It is useful," remarked the judge. "Without it, I'd forget plenty of court appointments."
"Yeah, even I use one, for my spirit medium training!" Maya said.
"I have one so I can remember when to clean the toilets," said Phoenix sheepishly.
"Well, excuse me and my unstructured livelihood," I remarked sarcastically.
-That's until someone came up behind me with a knife threatening me.
HOLD IT!
"In your apartment?"
"Yeah," I began rubbing the back of my neck, recalling everything. "They were hiding out somewhere, and threatened me from behind. I don't know how they got in."
-They said they were interested in my TL-5 case file.
HOLD IT!
"TL-5 case?" inquired Phoenix.
"It was a case I prosecuted a few years ago. It dealt with the John Bunke's unfortunate 'accident', though it had been looked at as attempted murder," I commented dryly, removing my glasses and cleaning them on the gown. "We lost the case, though."
"Yes, I do remember that case," the judge shaking his head. "It was very controversial at the time."
"Why would they want the file?"
I shrugged. "Maybe they wanted to know the truth. What went wrong. Regardless, I just know it was someone who was very invested in this case."
-With the knife pointed at me the whole time, we went to my office.
-I gave him the case file and thought it was over but...
HOLD IT!
"So, in the end they got the file?" Phoenix asked stroking his chin.
"Wouldn't you do the same? I didn't have intentions of dying that evening," I said bluntly.
"Why did you think it'd be over?"
"Well, he said something...like if I handed him the files I wouldn't need to think of him anymore," I said tilting my head. "But I think we had different ideas of what that meant because..."
-That was when he stabbed me and left me for dead.
HOLD IT!
"I hate ask, but how did it happen?"
I swallowed hard before answering.
"He took what he wanted, and said he'd give me a parting gift in return. That's when..." I paused anxiously rubbing the back of my neck. I sorta started feeling ill. I really didn't want to say anything else.
Phoenix saw my face and probably figured it was best to move on.
-I couldn't see much, but I know he had dark hair and I recognize his voice.
HOLD IT!
"You managed to see him?"
"Only a little bit. He was behind me most of the time, but when he attacked me he allowed me to see him."
"And you recognize his voice?"
"Yes!" I said excitedly. "There's no way I could mistake it. It's definitely that kid."
-So, I know it was Derek Bunke who did this.
HOLD IT!
"Ms. Doom, are you a hundred percent positive about that? That it was Derek Bunke who attacked you?" Phoenix asked slamming both hands on the bench.
"Yes!" I exclaimed grabbing hold of the stand, my whole body trembling. "It was him...with that long hair...that vicious attitude and that agitating voice...there's no way I'm mistaken!"
The gallery broke out into loud chatter.
"Wow, she's a mess..."
"Could a kid that young really have done that?"
"This is crazy..."
The judge banged the gavel a few times to quiet the crowds.
"Well, if this is true, then I don't know what to say," the judge said shaking his head. "However, there is an issue of evidence. Is there any proof that that boy made an attempt on Ms. Doom's life?"
Phoenix looked across at Edgeworth. It didn't seem like he had anything.
"There was nothing found at the crime scene besides a pair of glasses, Your Honor," Edgeworth said presenting the circular frames to the court. "These were the only thing left behind the culprit."
Maya covered her mouth. "Nick! If the killer at the park normally wore glasses, but didn't during the attack..."
"It would tie into our theory about the criminal's poor vision!" Phoenix pointed. "Your Honor!"
"What is it, Mr. Wright?" asked the judge. "Though the glasses are suspicious, the proof is circumstantial. The court will need more evidence to assert the claim that the boy not only attacked Ms. Doom, but killed the victim at the park."
Phoenix nodded. "That's why I want, Ms. Doom to testify again."
I blinked. "Again? But about what?"
"About..." Phoenix was wracking his brains, pulling for straws.
"I think it would make sense if you testified about why you were attacked," Edgeworth chimed in. "After all, to be attacked as severely as you have, there must have been a reason behind it."
"...Alright," I said thoughtfully cocking my head to side. I figured we were stalling for time until they found something useful in my testimony. Didn't know what they were looking for, but I'd give it my best shot. "I'll do my best."
Witness Testimony
Why I was attacked
- There's only reason, why I could have been attacked:
-My involvement in the TL-5 case.
-I was the prosecutor in charge, seeking a conviction for Slim Chance.
-I thought he was involved in the victim's death, but had little evidence to convict.
-This person attacked me because I failed to deliver justice.
-Why else would Slim Chance be found dead in the park the same night?
The crowd was aroused more so now, most likely because of the further references to that case.
"To think that that case might be related to this one..." the judge shook his head. "You may cross examine the witness, Mr. Wright."
Cross examination
Why I was attacked
- There's only reason, why I could have been attacked:
-My involvement in the TL-5 case.
-I was the prosecutor in charge, seeking a conviction for Slim Chance.
HOLD IT!
"This was a big case for you, wasn't it?"
"I'd say so," I removed my glasses and cleaned them on the gown. " It was one of my biggest cases when I was starting out. It's just not every day you get handed a high profile case like that."
"Yet, from what I heard, it was seen as an accident ultimately," remarked Phoenix stroking his chin. "Why did you think otherwise?"
-I thought he was involved in the victim's death, due to the inconsistencies found.
HOLD IT!
"What do you mean by 'inconsistencies'?"
I cocked my head to the side. "Well, it's inconsistent to have a car with faulty car parts, be marked as okay in a car report. That and how the same parts were purchased in Chance's name."
"At the time, of the race the car was marked as being in perfect condition. Yet, many things were wrong with the engine, tires, and most importantly the brakes," Edgeworth added looking at a report. "Additionally, when examining the parts, it was noted that it was the accused that bought the parts."
"That and we had a pill bottle, that Chance had been seen giving to the victim, right before the race. Mr. Gavin somehow obtained the bottle and claimed it was nothing more than aspirin... but I always had my suspicions. I thought maybe Mr. Bunke was drugged," I said recalling the endless notes I found in my office about the case.
"Why?"
"Because even if the car was a mess, he was a professional driver. He'd been in plenty of wrecks before and knew how to slip free of them," I tilted my head. "That and the two of them had an intense rivalry. Chance was always second best and they had a strained relationship. I thought it would have been motivation for him to attempt a victory as number one."
-But in the end, we had little evidence to convict.
HOLD IT!
"Why was that?"
"Beats me," I said. "I thought that some pieces were missing. And some evidence, like that pill bottle seemed forced, a bit too convenient. But there wasn't much we could do to remedy that. And thus..."
-This person attacked me because I failed to deliver justice.
HOLD IT!
"How do you know that for sure?" asked Wright.
"It's because..." I paused, the words clinging to my throat, unable to come out. I saw the defense and prosecution, the judge, the gallery, all looking. All watching, and yet, I was not there. Before my eyes, the courtroom vanished and it was replaced with images of that night.
The boy stabbing me over and over and over...my pleads with him to stop...his endless laughter that ran in my ears...my blood everywhere... Everything started feeling hot. I felt as though I were on fire. I wondered if that's what hell was like.
'...Why? You promised?' I asked on my knees.
'You made a lot of promises yourself. And look where that got you. This was only fair.'
And then he leaves. And I bleed on that floor dying all alone. All alone...
"Ms. Doom?" asked the judge.
I looked down. I wasn't standing up anymore, but kneeling on the cold floor, holding myself shaking. I felt the sweat dripping from my forehead. I couldn't see much from where I was kneeling, but I heard things, like the loudness of the gallery and the banging of the judge's gavel. I took a breath, and tried to calm myself. I tried to convince myself that everything was fine and that no one was coming for me. I didn't think it worked too well, because I felt a sick feeling in my stomach. But I knew I couldn't sit here. I knew I had to finish this testimony. After a couple of minutes, I slowly pushed myself up, shakily holding onto the stand with both hands.
I opened my eyes back to reality. The gallery was watching intently chattering amongst each other. The judge was surprised, while the defense and prosecution looked at me with pity.
"Lyn, are you okay?" asked Maya worriedly near ready to jump over the bench.
"I..." I shut her eyes. "Sorry. I'm just tired. I'm fine."
The judge shook his head. "I don't know if it's permissible to continue with the state the witness is in-"
HOLD IT!
"Mr. Edgeworth?" asked the judge.
"As much as I hate to do this," Edgeworth started. "You're not being honest."
I trembled, placing a hand over my chest. It seemed harder to breathe for some reason.
"...About what?" I asked playing dumb. "I am tired."
"If you're going to testify do it right," he said slamming a hand on the bench. "As difficult as it is, we need every bit of information you have."
I looked away from him saying nothing.
'It's okay. Do it.'
I blinked. Who had said that? It didn't sound like it was anyone in the courtroom- and after looking around and seeing no one moving their mouthes speaking at me like that- I just assumed it was in my head. But...it didn't sound like my thinking voice. Yet, it didn't seem threatening, but rather encouraging. And I did know I had to give my all right now.
I took a breath, recalling that situation in detail again, but this time forcing myself to stay grounded in the present. Where I was safe, where there were people. I held onto the stand tightly.
"I know this person...thought I had failed them because they told me how the promises I made about convicting the killer were lies and it was only fair that I died for it."
The crowd was riled up again. The judge brought down the gavel a couple of times.
"So, it has to be important or else..." I breathed.
-Why else would Slim Chance be found dead in the park the same night?
HOLD IT!
"You're saying it's no coincidence?"
"How could it be? For Slim to turn dead within hours of my attempted murder meant that this person wanted revenge on the people associated with TL-5. Not only that, but they took off with the case files too."
"Why this is astonishing, to go to this length for revenge..." The judge shook his head. "While, Ms. Doom's thoughts are plausible...there still isn't enough to tie that boy to both crimes."
"But Your Honor-" began Phoenix.
"Unless, I have a solid piece of evidence, I can't hold that boy to continue being cross examined. And if I don't have the evidence, trial will have to be concluded."
Phoenix was silent, hands sitting on top of the bench, unsure of what to do next. Edgeworth didn't look particularly confident either. He folded my arms, tapping his finger against them rhythmically. If they didn't have anything in their possession, what would they do? I had done the best I could. I knew testimony would be useless without evidence to prove it right. We just needed something to tie it all together...
"Mr. Wright? Do you have any evidence to present to the court?"
"...No," he said in defeat.
The judge shook his head. "Then unfortunately, I'm going to have to call an end to this cross examination."
It was when he was raising arm to bring the gavel down, that a voice rang out.
OBJECTION!
The judge blinked. "Mr. Edgeworth?"
"I think it would be in haste to disregard Ms. Doom's testimony, wouldn't you say, Your Honor?"
"Why of course," he nodded. "After all she broke out of a hospital just to testify."
"Exactly," Edgeworth smirked, while tapping his finger against his temple. "And because of that, we can't ignore one crucial point of her testimony."
"And what would that be, Mr. Edgeworth?" asked the judge.
"TL-5."
"Mr. Edgeworth," began the judge. "While I'm aware of the blatantly obvious connection to that case, what we need here is substantial proof-"
"That is the proof, Your Honor. Not just the case itself- but rather its case file."
Phoenix regained his composure and started to stand up again. "The case file...?"
"If Derek attacked Ms. Doom as she said, it would mean that he would be in possession of the TL-5 case files. And because the killer of Mr. Chance holds a grudge against those involved in that case, it would make sense that the killer would have those files."
"Ah!" squawked Phoenix. "If we find the files...we find the culprit!"
"Your Honor, the prosecution would like to request a search of the Bunkes' premises for those case files."
The judge nodded in compliance. "Very well," he said.
He called for the bailiff and the police to have a search of the Bunke's home, thus, calling for another recess.
May 26th, 2:13 PM
District Courtroom No. 3, Hallway
It felt good to be out of that courtroom, if only for a little while. I felt like I could breathe again being away from all that tense energy. Edgeworth and I were sitting on the seats by the vending machines.
"Well, that was a nice save," I said giving Edgeworth a slow clap.
"I suppose so, but now the question is a matter of whether or not it'll turn anything up," he replied.
"I'm certain it will..." I said cocking my head to the side. "I mean, this guy forgot his glasses, I'm sure he's left the case file out at home too."
Edgeworth folded his arms. "Hopefully."
"So, what did you think of my amazing performance as a witness?" I asked trying to lighten the mood.
"It could have been better."
"Whaaaaa?" I pouted. "Better how?"
"Better in the sense of not being difficult with me or lying about what stresses your under, those parts," he replied curtly.
"Well, at least there's more time anyway," I said trying to shrug it off.
"I really wish you'd be truthful about things," he started. "As saying you're fine, and then dropping to the floor for five minutes without responding to anything doesn't count as fine."
(Shit. Was I gone for that long? Well, it did seem longer for me...)
"Hey, I am truthful," I protested.
About most things, anyway. It was just what I was feeling often times didn't qualify. I didn't want to drag anyone down with my shit anyway. I wanted to be better than that. I wanted to be tough. I really wanted to be fine. I didn't want something to hold me back. It was just that today it didn't pan out that way, but maybe one day it would.
"...It's okay to not be fine," Edgeworth said quietly.
I had to admit that caught me off guard. For me, he would have been the last person to say something like that to me, but then again, he did have a girl blow her nose in his cravat so maybe he's used to this kinda thing.
I didn't say anything back, because I didn't really know what to say to that. I couldn't recall anyone else saying stuff like that. I had spent my life covering up issues because I thought if I ignored them for long enough they'd go away. I didn't like acknowledging when things were going to shit.
I changed the topic.
"I have to admit you and Mr. Wright looked pretty cool in there earlier."
Edgeworth raised a brow. "Cool?"
"Yeah!" I said. "I only ever heard of what trials are like between you and Mr. Wright. It was pretty intense to see one up front."
"Hmph. It's nothing new," he shrugged.
(He says it like that, yet is smirking...how smug.)
With nothing more to add, we sat there for a while in silence, just waiting to hear back from the police. Admittedly, I was tired and struggling to stay awake. I closed my eyes. To some degree going back to the hospital to lie in bed did seem like a good idea...
"What are you doing?"
"Huh?" I asked snapping my eyes open. Without realizing it, I had started to lean on Edgeworth as I was fading in and out into the abyss called sleep. I pulled away. "Sorry, guess I'm tired."
He sighed. "I won't tell you to go back because you won't listen, but maybe you should continue the rest of the trial in the waiting room."
I shook my head. "No way! I'll fall asleep in there...I need to see the action. And I've been in the courtroom thus far so..."
"Very well," he said not even bothering to convince me otherwise. It was a losing battle, but not like it mattered much when he had already won the war.
"But out of curiosity, would you have let me fall asleep on you?" I asked with a grin.
"So you could drool all over me and my suit? Not at all."
"Hey, how do you know I drool? Cause I don't," I remarked defensively.
"You've fallen asleep in my office. You do," Edgeworth said matter of fact.
"Oh."
I had fallen asleep in there a couple of times on the sofa since law stuff could be so tedious to read over. But had I drooled all over his sofa?
(Well, that's sorta embarrassing.)
I had a feeling he was about to make a snide comment, but that was before the huffing and puffing of Detective Gumshoe could be heard in the hallway. We both turned to see the bear of a man beaming as he ran toward us.
"Mr. Edgeworth! Ms. Doom! We did it! We found the files!"
"Good work, detective. This exactly what we need."
I saw Edgeworth smirking at the news. He been correct. And it could only mean one thing: Derek Bunke had better watch out.
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.
Crime scene photos: Victim found shot dead in park fountain. Most likely the cause of death.
Autopsy Report: Estimated time of between 2AM to 3AM from bullet wound to the heart. Died within ten minutes of the shot.
Gun: The murder weapon. Two shots fired. One bullet is lodged in the victim's heart. The other is nowhere to be found.
Fingerprints: Prints on gun match Alina Bunke's.
Bullets: Found a few feet away from the fountain. Fired from a different gun.
Earring: Found in the grass in front of the fountain, belongs to Alina Bunke.
Torn fabric: Victim was clutching this in his hand.
Letter: Note telling the victim when and where to arrive for a meeting.
Family photo: photo of the Bunkes. John and Alina with their son, Derek.
Other gun: Found in Derek's possession. No prints.
Handwriting analysis: Comparison of the letter and essay from Derek Bunke. Match.
Glasses: Circular framed. Found in Lyn's office, the night of the attack.
Profiles:
Maya Fey: Age 19. Probably my best friend at this point.
Miles Edgeworth: Age 26. My mentor. When he's not giving me a hard time, he's kind of nice.
Detective Gumshoe: Age 33. The guy who's saved my hide more times than I can count.
Larry Butz: Age 25. My favorite wannabe casanova.
Judge: Age ?. Old timer judge. No one know his real name.
Mia Fey: Deceased. My spirit guide who pops by occasionally to give advice.
Phoenix Wright: Age 26. The man I'm supposed to be saving. Pretty awesome dude.
Slim Chance: Deceased. A race car driver who once held some renown.
Alina Bunke: Age 37. Suspect. Confessed to the murder.
Cartman: Age ? A witness. Strange man who moves from park to park carrying a bunch of cans.
Derek Bunke: Age 16. Defendant's son.