"You bastard," Gumshoe hissed, eyes narrowing at Vitcko. His hands tightened into fists as he clenched his jaw. "You filthy bastard."

"Don't get mad at me," the detective replied. "It's your own fault. You were the one stupid enough to try to work against the Cadaverinis."

This was one of the few times in his life that Gumshoe truly felt enraged. His face darkened, making Vitcko back away just a bit in apprehension. The main reason Gumshoe had gotten his position was his gruff detective-like face, and when he was angry, it could be a bit intimidating.

He was aware of Edgeworth approaching, and he turned slightly to regard him, his eyes still smoldering with rage, the undertones of grief clearly present.

The prosecutor's eyes met those of Vitcko, and a silent message was passed between them. Miles looked down at the sheet, gaining control of his anger, then over at his friend, his brow furrowed in concern. "Detective…"

"Yes?" Vitcko replied, smarmy smile appearing on his lips. "Do you have something to say about the present circumstances?"

"I wasn't addressing you," he snarled rather uncharacteristically. He was never this direct, but his patience was wearing thin as he felt the noose tightening around his neck. "I was addressing Detective Gumshoe."

"Were you about to apologize?" he sneered. "You damn well should."

"Why don't you go and talk to the witnesses?" he suggested spitefully. "You're doing no good just standing here."

"Ha! You're rather naïve if you think the witnesses have seen anything. Or do you not realize just what kind of a situation you're in? Just look around, Miles Edgeworth." Vitcko motioned around.

Edgeworth turned, eyes taking in the people scattered around the restaurant. They weren't panicked like most who witness a murder would be; rather they were calm and cool, as if this sort of thing was expected. He paled as he began recognizing the faces of the men as people he had listed in his files. He had no idea that the Cadaverinis would go to such great lengths to warn him and Gumshoe off. Not so soon. Looking over at Gumshoe, he frowned, his eyes filling with worry.

"Detective…" he began again; unsure of what he could say. He longed to comfort him, but… What could he say? He couldn't even comfort himself most of the time.

"I'm going to take witness statements, sir," he said quietly.

"We'll make sure to see Miss Byrde the moment you're off-duty," Edgeworth promised.

"Yes sir," Gumshoe replied numbly. He ambled off towards the witnesses, frowning at the futility of it all. The witnesses regarded him with knowing smirks as he took out his notebook and began asking them questions.

The prosecutor was left standing with Vitcko, and he resisted the urge to scowl as he observed the crime scene. Slime balls like the man grinning toothily next to him was one of the reasons he wanted to take the Cadaverinis down. They could get away with anything just because they had money. It was infuriating. "You make me sick," he hissed.

"Do I? What a shame," he sneered, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "I'm not the bad guy here. I'm just the messenger."

"You work for them... You got Detective Gumshoe into this mess by turning him over to Viola Cadaverini. What happened to you, Vitcko? When you joined the force, didn't you want to stop crime? To bring criminals to justice? Now you're the one committing them."

Vitcko's sneer became increasingly condescending as the words dripped from his mouth. "I woke up, Edgeworth. No matter how many people I arrested, no matter how many people you found guilty, people still committed crimes. Gruesome murders, kidnappings, theft, you name it. It's a lost cause, Edgeworth. A lost cause that you foolishly pursue. I've learned of an even greater cause... Money." He eyed him for a moment. "You know, it isn't too late for you to fix your mistake." He leaned closer to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. The prosecutor instinctively tried to pull back, but the other man had a firm grip on him. "The Cadaverinis could use someone like you, Edgeworth... A prosecutor in such high standing... You could help find their scapegoats guilty."

Miles didn't reply, instead glancing around the shop nervously. Any one of these men could shoot him and Gumshoe and get away with it. All the policemen there worked for the Cadaverinis... What had he gotten himself into? Maggey Byrde was shot because of him. He had to stop the investigation. He couldn't put any more people in danger! He could accept his own death, but the deaths of innocent people? They killed this man simply to get to him. Who was he? Did he even have a connection to the Cadaverinis? Or was he just killed to make him and Gumshoe sweat?

"Think about it," Vitcko suggested, pressing a folded up piece of paper in his hand before walking away. Nervously, the prosecutor unfolded it, revealing a phone number.

"I'm done taking witness statements, sir."

Edgeworth nearly jumped, not expecting Gumshoe to be behind him. He quickly shoved the paper in his pocket before the other could notice it. "Detective, you startled me... Did you get anything?"

"No sir. They all somehow managed to give conflicting reports. Even if we did catch the guy who shot Maggey, their testimonies would get us thrown out of court before you could say 'objection.' Of course, that wouldn't stop me from showing that guy a thing or two..." Gumshoe's fists clenched in anger, but this time the anger did not overcome the sadness and worry in his eyes. He sighed, a defeated expression coming to his face. "Can we go see her now, sir?"

He nodded, and the two made their way out of the restaurant and into Edgeworth's car.

They spent the car ride in relative silence, until the prosecutor spoke.

"Detective... We- We should stop the investigation."

Gumshoe glanced sharply over at Edgeworth, surprised. "Sir?"

"I'm causing innocent people to get hurt... I-"

"I'm not letting them get away with it," the detective interrupted, unusually bold. "They shot Maggey. They need to pay. Even if we don't bring them to court, I'll- I'll..." He didn't continue, instead looking out the window.

"You c-... I see..." Miles turned into the hospital parking lot, unsure of himself. The detective was determined to find Maggey's attackers, while he just wanted to prevent another person being hurt like she had. Of course, if he were to stop the Cadaverinis... But no... They already knew what he was up to. One more wrong move, and he was dead. He followed Gumshoe into the hospital wordlessly. They remained in silence as they made their way to her room.

"Detective Gumshoe!" Maggey greeted cheerfully. "You came to visit me!"

"Of course pal," he replied softly, sinking into a chair beside her bed. "When I heard what had happened, I... How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Detective. Honestly." She looked uncomfortable with his serious expression. "Considering everything else that has happened to me, this was bound to happen one day... But it's okay! You'll catch the guy, right?" She smiled at him, saluting him with her uninjured arm.

"Of course!" the detective exclaimed. "Who ever did this to you won't go unpunished!"

Edgeworth just stood by the door, watching the two. He didn't feel comfortable enough to join in on their conversation as they moved on to happier topics. There was a smile on Gumshoe's face, but it didn't reach his eyes.

Instead, he had been thinking about what Vitcko told him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the phone number, staring at it for a good few minutes. Flipping open his cell phone, he dialed a number he never would have expected to call. He stepped out of the room as someone picked up.

"Hello?"

"Bruto Cadaverini?"

"... I had expected you to call sooner, Miles Edgeworth. You've considered our deal?"

"Yes... I... I'm going to accept."

"I'm glad you were smart enough to make the right choice, Mr. Edgeworth. I'll be sending you your instructions soon."