(A/N: This chapter is skippable, but it just hints at what's to come. Thanks for readng!)
Phoenix woke up to the sound of his phone ringing. He almost left his phone to ring until the person gave up, so he could return to his peaceful slumber, but something in him told him that he really should pick up the phone. So he did.
"...Hello?" Phoenix said drowsily. He rubbed his eyes. It was 3 am. What sane person calls a person at 3am again? He thought, very annoyed.
"NIIIIIIIICK!" He jumped back, alarmed, his ears still ringing. He knew who it was, he knew his voice from a mile away.
"Larry," Phoenix said, already becoming exasperated, "Why would you call me at 3 in the morning? Are you insane?!"
"Sorry Nick," Larry said, sounding not even a bit sorry for the disruption of his friend's sleep, "But this girl swerved me! I was being nice, trying to act like a gentleman, and she was really into it, she bought me a drink and everything! But when I tried to get her number, you know what she did? She threw her drink at me and ran away!"
"You couldn't tell me this at, I don't know, a more reasonable time? I have to sleep."
"Yeah but...I don't exactly have the money for a cab. I kind of spent it all on drinks."
"Are you serious Larry?"
"I was trying to impress her Nick! You know the ladies love generous men!"
"You know I don't have a car, Larry. The buses don't run at this hour either. Are you sure you have absolutely no money at your apartment?"
"Yeah, that was the last of my paycheck. Don't worry Nicky, I'll pay you back later!"
Phoenix doubted this, but he wasn't going to have his friend wait outside for 3 hours. "I'll send a taxi to come get you, and you can sleep on the couch until morning."
"Thank you so much, I was worried I was going to have to call Edgey! That would be scary for sure!"
"I bet it would Larry, I bet it would."
Later that morning, Phoenix woke up to a knock on his door. He yawned, still tired from his broken sleep. "Come in," he said.
Trucy walked in, smiling greatly, "'Morning Daddy," she said bringing a cup of coffee with her and placing it on his nightstand, "Papas here, so I woke you up. He wants to talk to you."
"Thanks, sweet pea," he said, taking a sip. He looked at the time. Didn't Miles have work today? If he came all the way to his apartment when he had work, then it had to be important. Getting up slowly, bringing his coffee with him, and ruffling Trucy's hair before he walked out the door. When he opened the bedroom door, he saw two things. He saw Larry, sprawled out on his couch, snoring loudly. He also saw Miles sitting in the other chair reading a book. He walked over to Miles and looked over his shoulder, "Morning Miles, he said, putting one hand on the other's shoulder.
Miles looked up and sighed softly, "Good morning Phoenix. I hope you've slept well?"
"I would have if Larry here didn't want a ride at 3 in the morning," Phoenix said while shaking his head and smiling.
"I don't want to know," Miles said, a small grin threatening to appear on his face. "While I know I haven't come to visit lately, today is strictly business. There is simply too much work involving Klavier's case." He held out a thin folder. "This is for Mr. Justice. These contain the autopsy reports for all 15 people. We have gathered several or so witnesses for trial."
Phoenix raised his eyebrow slightly, "I know that you're not here to see me, and you easily could've sent Gumshoe or Ema with these. Why are you here?"
Miles lowered his voice, "There's been another victim. However, this one despite the odds has managed to survive. Once he starts to recover, we may question him."
"Have we got his name?"
"It was Winston Payne, he was found at the Gatewater Hotel, unconscious. If his wife hadn't called 911, he might not have made it. He was at the Lotus Casino last night with his wife, Penelope. They were celebrating their anniversary. It's all over the news."
Larry shot up, much to the surprise of Phoenix and Miles. "Say that name again Edgy!" He yelled, his eyes widening.
"L-Lotus Casino...?" Miles said, caught off guard.
Larry jumped out of the chair, "I was there last night! I was there! It could've been me almost dead! What if the killer was the girl who splashed her drink on me!?" Larry screamed, his eyes widening.
Miles sighed, "Larry, there's a minuscule chance that any harm would've come to you. Not only do you not fit the serial killers description, but I bet there were hundreds of people at the casino that night, and I doubt the one girl who you talked to was them."
"But it could be," Phoenix said. "We don't know as yet, so we can't just ignore what happened Larry, did you see Winston Payne? You remember him from my first trial, don't you?"
"You mean that old dude with the balding hair? He hasn't retired yet?"
"I afraid not," Miles said, pushing his glasses up. "Which makes him a perfect target."
"Can we investigate the crime scene at this time?" Phoenix said.
"I believe so, Ms. Skye should be wrapping up. You may send Mr. Justice when he's ready." Miles said, starting to get up and collect his things.
Phoenix smiled and gave him an affectionate kiss on the cheek, "Have a good one Miles, and don't become too stressed, I know how overwhelming cases like these can get."
"Thank you Phoenix, and to you as well," Miles said, starting to leave.
Larry stood agape, "You, a-and Edgey are dating!? When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me!?"
Phoenix gave Larry and Miles a sheepish smile, "It's a long, long story."