Chapter 12
March 19, 2019
Detention Center
12:18 PM
Phoenix entered the visiting room yet again. Lolita was there, having recovered from her crying fit.
"Lolita. You lied to me. The lobby camera shows that you didn't leave the apartment building that night."
"You mean that rinky-dink camera? They haven't even put them in the hallways yet."
"The manager didn't see you either."
Lolita crossed her arms, silently pouting. "I didn't want to be seen by the manager. I bribed some movers to take me out in a box. They were delivering something to the 16th floor."
If she's telling the truth, I'll know if she's innocent.
"Can they support that claim?"
"Yes. Go down to their place. They'll squeal if you flash that badge of yours."
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March 19, 2019
EZ Movers
12:36 PM
Phoenix walked into the building, occupied by two men in uniforms. He showed them his badge, and they gave it up. They delivered a refrigerator to the 16th floor. On their way out, they were stopped by Mrs. Carlton, who payed a hefty sum for them to smuggle her out of the building. Phoenix noticed a left-hand leather glove on the desk. They told him it belonged to a temp that helped deliver the box. He stayed behind to hook up the fridge. He quit the next day, leaving one of his gloves behind. They were holding it until he came to claim it. Phoenix took it with him.
Lolita's story checks out. I should go back to the crime scene. Ema might have something new for me.
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March 19, 2019
Victim's Apartment
2:13 PM
Entering the apartment, Phoenix saw Ema with Gumshoe.
Ema ran towards him. "Mr. Wright! We've found the glass! It had the fingerprints, just like you said."
Then it's just as I thought. If Edgeworth didn't slip on blood or rainwater, it must have been the whiskey in that glass.
"That's great, Ema. Is there anything else?"
Gumshoe spoke up. "Not yet, pal. But there's someone new who wants to testify."
"Who?"
Edgeworth walked in with Kay. "His name is Oliver Grape. He's a prosecutor. He has a claim against the victim that will establish a motive."
"What kind of claim?"
"That information is classified. It's being looked into now. Thus, I can't divulge it." Edgeworth walked towards Wright. "We'll take it from here. Get some rest. You're due in court tomorrow."
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March 19, 2019
Phoenix's Apartment
3:10 PM
When Phoenix came home, he saw Maya watching TV on the couch. Something had been on his mind. It was what Maya said last night. He sat down next to her.
"Maya?"
"What is it, Nick?"
"Yesterday you said something about a boy. Who is it?"
"W-what?! I'm not telling you!"
"Why not?"
"Because I don't like talking about stuff like that."
Hearing this, Phoenix stopped. He wouldn't want Maya to feel uncomfortable.
"That's okay. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."
Maya smiled. "Well, I'll tell you one thing."
"What is it?"
Maya blushed. "Well, he's really nice."
He put his hand on her shoulder. "Well, you're a nice girl."
"Thanks, Nick."
"I'm going to go upstairs. Is there anything you need?"
"Nope, I'm fine."
"Okay. We're due in court tomorrow. Is that okay?"
"Yep. I can't wait!"
Phoenix went upstairs and pretended to go over the case notes. He was really thinking of Maya. He's been thinking of her like this since the attempt on her life. The time passed until 11:30. He went downstairs to see Maya asleep on the couch. He turned off the TV, and carried her upstairs. He went back down and fell asleep.
