This is slightly shorter than usual, because a scene I planned to have now has been moved to the next chapter. (I also want to get the introductory chapters finished so that i can get onto the main section of the story)

Still own nothing.

Chapter 4: Who am I?

Hershel waited. He had been summoned by the inspector to discuss an urgent matter. He looked round impatiently; surely they hadn't discovered him here? He'd spent so many years building up the Theodore persona, but maybe all that life was at an end. He hadn't done too poorly; he'd started up a business and helped many citizens. Perhaps it was time to give in. His thoughts were interrupted by a bell signalling that the inspector had entered. Layton prepared himself for what was coming.

"Mr Bronev. I would like to relieve myself of my position." Hershel froze. Surely he'd misheard the man. "I almost pinned the blame of a crime on you. I am truly ashamed and I'm not fit to wear this uniform." He went to remove his mask, as if he was to throw it away.

"There will be no need for that." Layton stopped his hand and raised an eyebrow "What crime are you talking about Descole?" Descole exhaled, clearly content that he didn't have to remove his mask.

"An old prisoner, escaped parole years ago. I hated to think so badly of you, but the way you helped the teacher lift the cart and when you offered the prostitute forgiveness the other day made me think it was possible that…. It was you." He was speaking it past tense, Layton realised, and that must mean that he no longer thinks so. "I was wrong. We found the man elsewhere."

"What do you mean?" Now he was just thoroughly confused, this man accused him of his crime then claimed he had found someone else?

"A scientist. Tried to tell us his name was 'Dimitri Allen' but I'd seen him preaching about how he was 'Hershel Layton', even had the audacity to dress the same way he did when I arrested him. Seems he's still an awful man, the people are terrified of him."

"Oh…"

"Well, once again I apologise for my treachery against you, if it ever happens again I will not hesitate to resign immediately." He left without another word. Hershel sat down and stared at his retreating figure. Was he finally free of his past burden? If this man were arrested, there would never be a need for him to worry. Hershel Layton would technically be in jail already, this man was his chance.

But, something stopped him. Was it truly gentlemanly to allow a mistaken identity be the reason this Dimitri went to prison, was it worth it? He'd ruin a man's life just to save himself. That wasn't the code that Hershel lived by. He didn't want to spend a life leading a lie, with a fake name and a fraud doing his time as a slave. He pulled his hat further onto his head and stormed towards the courthouse, knowing that he was finally going to right this wrong.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Claire lay in the bed, as nurses bustled around her. The world around her had become hazy and blurred, images appearing at her bedside that weren't truly there. Ilyana kneeling by her bedside apologising, Jakes screaming at her, the kind top hatted man smiling. They all vanished after a few minutes, but there was one figure that kept returning to her. A white nightdress swung at her ankles and her brown hair flew out behind her as if she was stood outside, rather than in the hospital with Claire.

"Flora, it's bedtime." She whispered "You need to go home; Madame will be worried if you aren't back". The young girl reached out for her and Claire tried to grab her hand, but she was too far from her. "I love you Flora, but it's dark and so…so cold." Flora frowned at her, leaning towards her.

"Claire?" The image of her daughter faded as she looked up to see someone stood at the door.

"Mr Bronev? Where is she, where is my child? She should be here." Hershel laid a hand on her forehead.

"She will be here soon, don't you worry. And please, my name is Hershel. Hershel Layton." Claire looked up and met his eyes "I will with with you until she arrives." Tears ran down Claire's cheek.

"Hershel… you are something truly wonderful." She wanted to reach up, kiss him, and thank him for what he was doing. But she could barely manage a small smile. Claire began breathing heavily through her tears. "I don't think I'm going to be able to leave the hospital."

"But you child needs you, she wants to see you."

"I can't, I need to sleep…" She began to settle into the bed "Please, tell Flora that I love her, and I'll see her when I…wake." She looked as if she was going to close her eyes, but they remained open.

"Claire, are you alright?" She was staring at the ceiling, as if scared by something. Hershel began panicking. He put his hand to her wrist, there was nothing. Suddenly the stumbling and gasping made sense, he'd never even noticed. He ran his hand over her face, closing her eyes, giving her a look of peacefulness and kissed her forehead.