Here's chapter two, I'm pretty sure everthing's spelled correctly, but you know me, there's always something misspelled in my stories. XD Anyway, enjoy reading, read and review as always. Thank you!

"D-Dead?" Luke paled considerably and held Claudia closer, which didn't bother her.

"Y-Yes, the inspector has already arrived and has started questioning people. He seems rather eager to meet you Professor, became very excited when I'm mentioned your name."

"Really?" Layton smiled slightly, "Well lead the way Matthew, lets not keep him waiting."

"Very well, he's in the parlor, please follow."

Re-entering the spacious room, they spotted Lady Dahlia and Gordon attempting to make themselves comfortable in the presence of another man. Thin, bristle comb mustache, black oil hair falling over one eye, this man gave a feel that said not to anger him. He was slightly hunched over, from either old age or just poor posture Luke couldn't tell. The man's hands were shoved deep into the pockets of his pale colored suite, giving someone the impression that he was thinking hard about something.

"Inspector Chelmey," Matthew tentatively drew attention to himself, "Professor Layton and his assistant Luke have arrived."

"That's apprentice." Luke muttered, Layton placing a hand on his head to quiet him.

The man straitened slightly, as if snapped out of a trance. "Finally arrived have they? Good good, lets see then…." Chelmey faced the duo, the visible eye landing harshly on Layton, who merely smiled back. "Professor Layton… the Professor Layton, well well, I've waited for this moment for a long time. See your name in the papers quite a lot, got yourself quite the reputation."

"Thank you, I apologize for, you know a lot about me, but I'm not too familiar with your work. You seem very interested in me though."

"Indeed…," Chelmey then focused on Luke, who half attempted to hide behind his mentor, "Luke, is that right? If I heard you correctly, you're the professor's apprentice?"

"Y-Yes sir." Claudia growled and jumped down from Luke's arms and trotted over to Lady Dahlia, allowing Luke to gently grip Layton's jacket in comfort.

"…Interesting…."

Layton cleared his throat. "I believe there's something we need to attend to, is that correct inspector?"

Chelmey grunted. "Quiet right, the death of Simon. I was called as soon as the body was discovered, all information on this is classified as this is a police investigation."

"Who made the discovery?"

"Didn't I just say all information is classified?" Chelmey barked, "Listen with your ears next time Professor, you may just pick up on something. Now, I've questioned everyone in this household about where they were during the approximate time of this event. I turn now to you and your apprentice, where were you two up to in the past hour?"

"Looking for Lady Dahlia's ca- excuse me, I mean child, Claudia."

"Child, what child?"

"The cat sir." Luke spoke softly from behind Layton.

"Chasing a cat all around town where you? Likely story." Chelmey laughed.

Luke frowned. "But it's true!"

"Silence, I will not be feed some farfetched story of a wild cat chase through town! But if you insist on sticking to the story, fine," he turned towards Matthew, "You, butler, is this everyone of the household or visitor to it?"

"Um, not so inspector, we seem to be missing Ramon, our gardener."

"Any clues as to his whereabouts?"

"No sir, he's been missing since this morning."

"Hmm… no doubt he's our murderer!"

"On what grounds inspector?" Layton asked.

"On my grounds Professor! Clearly, this Ramon attempted to create his alibi by saying he was never at the house to begin with. Then he snuck into the house and killed Simon!"

"Good heavens, how horrible!" Lady Dahlia gasped.

"But why?" Luke asked, "What reasons would he have for killing Simon?"

"Well, he'll just have to answer that once we find him and bring him back!"

"Your reasoning doesn't add up inspector." Layton frowned.

"I'm the detective here, the true one, Professor. If you believe you're skills are valuable, put them to good use and find my suspect! Lady Dahlia, I wish to discuss something with you privately."

"Of course, we can talk in the next room." Chelmey and Lady Dahlia left.

"Oh how horrible, just horrible," Matthew quaked, "First the Baron passes, then his will is just one giant riddle, and now a murder…. I mean, has the world gone mad!"

"Matthew, did you happen to know who called the body in?" Layton frowned.

"No, I didn't even know there was a murder until the inspector almost knocked down the door, demanding entry. I never saw the body either and I must say, I'm happy I didn't. But I can tell you one thing Professor, and I thought I'd be best to tell you than the inspector. I did search the room where the inspector found the body and I found the strangest thing." Digging into his jacket pocket, Matthew pulled out the tiniest cog Luke had ever seen before. "If I hadn't had looked in the right direction, I would have missed it completely."

Layton took it gently and looked it over. Right in the very center of this cog was a strange symbol: a wrench and a screwdriver crossed. "This is odd…. Have you shown the inspector this Matthew?"

"No and it was my hope you'd keep it from him as well."

"Isn't withholding information about a crime against the law?" Luke frowned.

"While it is, I don't trust that man and I'm hoping Layton can solve this faster than he can."

"I'll do my best Matthew," Layton smiled, pocketing the cog, "Now that is seems we've been sent on a search mission, could you tell us what this man Ramon looks like Matthew?"

"Oh of course, lets see now…. Rather tall, skinny man, black hair slicked back neatly, and he always wears a purple sort of low key tailor suite which he keep impeccably clean considering his position in the household. Ah, but I might also add on that he has rather large purple lips, that is him most distinguishing characteristic."

"Large purple lips?" Luke frown, memory flashing back to the man who had bumped into him.

"Very large I must say."

"Thank you Matthew, that should be more than enough to find this man. Come along Luke."

"Yes sir…."

"I agree with Matthew." Luke huffed as they left the mansion for the second time that day.

"Agree with him on what my boy?"

"I don't like the inspector either, very rude for someone of the law, shouting about his final decisions, as if he has every right to pick and chose who's innocent! And the way he spoke to you Professor, he's not very gentlemanly, is he." Luke growled and crossed his arms.

"Luke, this isn't the time or the place to discuss a matter like that, we're searching for Ramon."

"And that's another thing! We're supposed to be looking for this 'Golden Apple', not for a person and certainly not for a cat!"

Layton bent down, pulling Luke close. "Why not do both?"

Luke blinked. "I-I'm not sure I understand sir."

"It's true that our real purpose here is to find this 'Golden Apple' for the Reinhold family. But given at how we continue to attract a very unwelcoming glare from the villagers, I doubt they'll wish to discuss such matters openly."

"…So," Luke bit his bottom lip, thinking, "If we say we're looking for Ramon, people might feel more comfortable around us and be more willing to help."

"Precisely Luke, nicely thought out."

"So where should we look for Ramon first Professor?" Luke asked, anger about the situation completely gone.

"As we're still new to this little village, it would probably be best to ask around. The villagers will know better of where to go than we will."

"Right, um… Professor, do you think that man who bumped into me when we were returning to the mansion, was that Ramon?"

"The description Matthew gave us was very similar to the man we saw before, so my assumption would be yes."

"He was really nervous when we saw him, do you think the inspector's right and that Ramon killed Simon?"

Layton frowned. "Though he looked shaken, I don't believe he has done anything to criminal."

"Really, how can you say that?"

"Being nervous doesn't point him directly to murder. Remember what Matthew said, that Ramon has been missing since this morning? Ramon may be feeling guilty about ducking out on his duties."

Luke frowned. "Still… something does feel off about this…."

Layton striated his hat. "I won't disagree with you on that, but will discuss that topic later as well. As Ramon is a local, there must be some place that he hangs around the most, surely someone has seen him."

Indeed people had seen Ramon: at the clock tower, in a bar, the inn, by the drawbridge, by the park gates, wandering in the market, dozing in the square. Needless to say, Ramon had been everywhere that day.

"This doesn't help at all!" Luke huffed, anger rising again.

"Not so, we know of his most favorite spots and we've passed most, so we only need to check a few more areas before we need to start worrying. I believe we should check that little dinner that seem to be Ramon's place to eat. We should hurry though, the sun is setting rather quickly." The village was settling down to enjoy the evening as Layton and Luke headed off, finding the small dinner placed rather close to the abandoned park.

Looking over towards the park, Luke could have sworn he saw someone peek through the bars at them as they neared the bar. But he blinked and the figure was gone. Entering the bar, they were disappointed to find the building was rather bare, save for one customer and the bartender. But once again, Ramon was not to be found.

"Now what?" Luke frowned up towards his mentor.

"This is the last place we've checked and we would have no doubt seen him if he passed on the street…." Layton straitened his hat and made his way towards the small bar, Luke following.

"Evening chaps!" the bartender smiled, "What can I do for you?"

"Information sir, we're looking for one Ramon, gardener of the Reinhold Manor. He's been missing since morning and his presence is greatly needed."

"Won't find him here I'm afraid," the tender said handing Luke a small glass of milk, who took it happily, "Hasn't been in here all day."

Layton frowned. "We've searched every possible nook and cranny of this village and have been unable to turn him up. Is there some place where we might have missed?"

The tender frowned, clearly thinking hard on the question. Pouring Luke another glass, he finally spoke. "Have you gone behind the clock tower?"

"Behind?"

"Of course, there's an entire sort of second town behind it, hidden rather well actually."

"Does this place ever end?" Luke spoke softly in amazement.

"At some point I'm sure, but where I can't rightly say. But I do know there's a second bar back there that only opens at night. Knowing how much Ramon loves his ale, he may be back there now."

Layton smiled in triumph. "Thank you sir, you've helped us greatly."

"It was my pleasure, but I will warn one thing sir. The second portion of this village contains that ominous tower you see, I beg you to not go anywhere near it. That place is nothing but a death trap."

"Thank you for your words of warning." Layton stood, Luke following, and they left, the bartender waving them off.

Luke, feeling rather excited to explore a new part, headed straight for the clock tower. Layton, however, pulled his apprentice towards the beginning of the village, looking slightly worried.

"P-Professor, you're heading the wrong way."

"We'll head in that direction soon enough, but we have something else to take care of."

Luke frowned. "What else do we have to do?"

"Secure a safe place to room for the night. Sleeping in the streets does not sound like a pleasant idea." Collecting their bags from the bridge keeper, they headed for a small inn located close to the bridge, windows already lit. Entering, Luke coughed at the overpowering smell of peppermint, staying close to Layton. A plump lady looked up from the front desk hearing them enter and beamed.

"Well, good evening, what can I do for you two?"

"We've looking for lodging for the night."

"Of course, oh," she turned on Luke, "and who's this little one? We shouldn't let him sleep on the streets, no that won't do. I'll have a room with two beds ready for you in no time."

"Thank you, we just need to do a few more tasks before we'll be ready to turn in."

"Don't stay out to long! Poor child needs his rest."

Layton smiled and ruffled Luke's hair. "No worries, we'll be back shortly."

Luke flushed darkly and straitened his hat as they left. "I'm not a child Professor."

"…Luke, you're ten, of course you're a child," Layton smiled, "It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not!"

Layton laughed softly. "Calm yourself Luke, I only jest. Let's see if we can find Ramon before we tuck in."

"Right sir…."

The door to the other side of the clock tower creaked slowly and they peeked out, finding nothing more than buildings on the other side. Stepping out cautiously, Luke noted the slightly thick air that surrounded the area.

"Professor, I don't like this place…."

"Neither do I, something doesn't feel right. But we must press on." Layton took off, jacket billowing slightly. Luke jumped to attention and followed, keeping a tight grip on his hat.

The sun slightly disappeared behind the horizon, it provided very little light as they made their way, small torches lighting the path weakly. A sort of ruckus grew louder as they made their way, coming across a bar the tender from before no doubt had talked about. Keeping a grip on Luke's shoulder, Layton opened the door and they entered.

The differences between the dinner and the bar were incredible. The bar was dimly lit, the duo squinting slightly just to see into the dark. Everything was grimy, including the customers that sat upon slightly damaged items, a table roaring with laughter from a recently told joke. Layton steered Luke towards the bar where a very beaten up man attended it with a deep frown. Luke climbed onto a stool next to Layton, who still kept his grip on Luke.

"Wha' can I help you gents with?"

"We seek a man named Ramon," Layton stated, "Is he in attendance here?"

"'Fraid not, haven't seen 'im in day really."

"Really?"

"Really. Course not many people face the nighttime now and days."

"Why's that?"

The tender suddenly puffed out his chest in clear protest. "Oh no, I ain't seen your faces before and I ain't one to spread rumors!"

"Rumors you say?"

"Aye, very much so."

"Any way I could get onto your good side for you to tell?"

The tender didn't answer right away. Instead, his attention was drawn towards Luke, who blinked very childishly. "'Ave a child with you, what for?"

"Luke is my apprentice, merely here to help me."

"Quiet a large task for one so young, apprentice of a detective eh?"

"No detective sir, merely a professor of science."

"A professor eh? Well, I feel slightly dim-witted in front of a 'professor' of sort. What business do you 'ave here professor?"

Luke frowned at the sarcastic tone in the tender's voice, but Layton merely smiled. "I had received a letter from Lady Dahlia, asking for my help in a family affair."

"You talkin' about that will?"

"Um, why yes, how do you know of it?"

"Ah, who doesn't know about that in this little village. Once that will was read, twas on uproar in that manor and the secret spilled out in full."

Layton frowned. "Yet no one has the slightest idea what this 'Golden Apple' is?"

"None, such an odd item no doubt, judging by the name. But I do believe we've strayed from our topic."

"I have gained your trust then?"

"If Lady Dahlia seems to trust you, so will I. Now, I'm not one to spread such horrid tails, but there's a sort of scare going around. Someone, it seems, has been taken people, just pluckin' them right off the street! Horrid thing it is…."

"Has no one seen the kidnappings or at least seen the kidnapper?"

"Everythin' happens at night, so seein' anything at night seems wrong, eyes play tricks in the dark. But there is one fellow that states he's seen this mysterious someone."

"Who would this be? I'd like a meeting with him if he allows."

"Name's Prosciutto, lives right around the corner in a slightly tall red house, can't miss it, but good luck with gettin' a word out of him. He'd be a sinner of sorts."

"Pardon?"

"Gluttony eats anything at anytime, but rumors are his favorite topic, perhaps you will get lucky. Just keep your hand away from his mouth."

"Well advised sir, thank you." Layton stood and headed for the door, Luke remaining very close. The sun was now completely gone, the silver moon taking its place in the sky, stars dotted around it, showing how late the evening had become. Layton, however, paid no mind as they rounded the corner, heading straight for the single red house on the street. Standing in front of the doorway, Layton rapped upon the door urgently, Luke finally able to catch up.

The door opened quickly, a small man standing before them, gnawing hard on a leg of mutton. Luke shivered in disgust as the meat disappeared quickly into the man's mouth. "What, I'm eating."

"Prosciutto?" Layton asked hesitantly.

"Who wants to know." Prosciutto's voice was oddly high pitched, almost screeching.

"We only need a moment of your time to answer a few questions I have."

"'Bout what?" Prosciutto forced his question out of his engorged cheeks.

"Something about the rumored kidnappings and that you may have seen who's doing it."

"Ah, yes, that's quiet the story I have to share," Prosciutto ripped off more meat before continuing, "So, it's dark right, I'm returning home after shopping around in the market and I see this freak old man carrying a big sack around. And he's just wandering around, looking all weird and stuff, so I call out and say 'Hey you!' and he just took off in a flash. Weird huh, never seen another guy like him."

"And you just assumed that this man was the kidnapper and perhaps not just another shopper returning home?"

"No way, like I said, never seen him before in town and he just looked like that sort of creeper."

Layton frowned. "Thank you for allowing us some of your time, it was very… interesting…."

"No problem, always happy to chat." Prosciutto closed the door as they left, Layton in deep concentration, brow furrowed.

"Professor," Luke spoke tentatively, "What was so important about that meeting?" Layton said nothing, to consumed by his thoughts, so Luke let him be.

A strong hand suddenly clamped down over Luke's mouth, another grabbing his arm and dragging him back into the shadows of the alleyway. Yelling muffled, Luke struggled against his attacker, attempting to break away. But the attacker was resilient, holding Luke in place, whispering harshly in his ear.

"Who are you, what business do you and your mentor have here?"

"Luke? Luke where are you?" Layton called out frantically.

Luke bit down hard on a grim covered hand and broke free, the taste of oil and blood filling his mouth. The attacker howled in pain and stumbled back as Luke made a break for the alleyway entrance, where he ran into Layton shaking hard.

"Luke, what happened?" Layton bent down griping his apprentice's shoulders gently, "What happe-"

Layton froze, eyes wide staring at something back in the alleyway. Luke dared a look back and gasped at what he saw. Lying limp in an old burlap sack, Ramon's eyes were closed, pale skin almost shinning in the moonlight, almost as if he was….

"Professor… h-he's dead." Luke shivered.

Layton frowned and stood, addressing the attacker. "You there, halt!"

In a panic, the attacker stuffed Ramon in further, flung the sack over his shoulder, and dashed as Layton closed in. Layton picked up his speed, Luke ran furiously just to keep up with his mentor as they attempted to follow. The chase was short lived as Layton and Luke lost the attacker and then they're way in the many twist and turns the village had to offer. They came to a stop in an open area, panting hard as they searched that area for the fleeing man, each road disappearing into the darkness.

"Where… where is he?" Luke gasped, heart pounding in his chest. Layton's reply was drowned out by a horrible rumbling sound coming from beneath their feet. Light suddenly flooded the streets, the ominous tower showing signs of life and the windows became lit by floor, deep sounds admitting from it, echoing into the city. Luke dashed behind his mentor, gripping Layton's arm.

"What on Earth…." Layton frowned as the tower calmed again, all becoming dark and quiet.

"Professor… was Ramon actually dead?"

Layton didn't respond, eyes still locked onto the tower, half expecting for it to burst to life again. But it remained calm and Layton knew they couldn't stay there any longer. "We need to find our way back to the manor and alert Lady Dahlia and the inspector…. This quest has become very dangerous…."

"Professor look!" Luke rushed over to the entrance of another street and pick up something rather small. Running back over to Layton, Luke held out his hand which held a gear similar to the one Matthew found at the manor: small with the wrench and screwdriver crossed in the middle. "Why are we finding these whenever someone… passes?"

Layton took the gear from Luke and put it with the first one they found. "We'll worry about that piece of the puzzle later, I just want to get you out of here before anything else happens."

"Matthew! Matthew please answer the door, this is urgent!" Layton knocked frantically on the manor's grand door, Luke following in suite. The butler was on the scene almost instantly, looking slightly frantic.

"Good Lord sir, do you have any idea what time it is?"

"I do apologize for my late intrusion, but I must speak with Lady Dahlia, it cannot wait."

"But… but… very well sir, please follow and wait by the foot of the stairs. I'll go wake her at once." They followed until Matthew ascended the stairs, Luke sitting down, unable to stand any longer from being so tired from the days and nights events. Layton, however, remained on his feet, pacing until Lady Dahlia arrived.

"What is the meaning of this Professor?" Lady Dahlia demanded as she walked down, her slightly transparent nightgown flowing behind her, clearly displeased for being woken so rudely, Matthew following behind. Luke flushed gently and turned away from the stairs, slightly uncomfortable with Lady Dahlia's appearance. Layton had more pressing matters to attend to than appearance and launched right into his explanation.

"As I have said to Matthew, I do apologize for the late intrusion, but we've come carrying distressing news about Ramon."

"What is it?"

"Ramon has been kidnapped and could very possibly be dead."

"A kidnapping and a murder, by who Professor?" Inspector Chemley had just appeared, face rather wrinkle, but still dressed in his gray suite.

"Yes, there has been a kidnapping, Ramon is missing and the last we saw, appeared to be dead. We must rally the villagers at once to find the kidnapper and hopefully save Ramon."

"I think not Professor! I will not allow you to tense this village up in what you believe is some kidnapping!"

"It's for the protection of this village and this man, something the law attempts to uphold! How can you not see the severity of this event!"

"Because you have no proof to uphold this event you so fondly speak of Professor!"

"We saw it! We saw Ramon being kidnapped!" Luke finally spoke, looking furious.

Chemley laughed a horribly dark laugh that didn't seem to fit him. "Eyes can play tricks on you boy, especially at night."

"But we saw it, I know we did!" Luke continued to protest. Chemley clearly had a comeback ready, but fell silent when the door was knocked upon for a second time that night.

"Oh, who could that be," Lady Dahlia huffed, "Matthew, go answer it!"

"Yes mi'lady." Matthew dashed around the group and disappeared into the front entrance. Layton and Chemley had a silent stand off as Matthew answered the door, the conversation with the new guest slightly muffled. The door closed and Matthew came barreling back in, looking very pale. "M-Mi'lady, I-I have…."

"What is it Matthew, what's the matter with you."

"Well, it's quite… that is to say that…." Matthew's eyes darted towards Layton, showing some sort of apology. "Mi'lady, Ramon has returned."At that, Ramon strutted in past Matthew, a large smile plastered onto his face, completely unaware of the shock he had just caused in the small crowd.

"But…." Luke swallowed, unable to respond.

"Ramon!" Lady Dahlia's eyes blazed, "Where have you been hiding all day!"

"Hiding mistress? Ahoo hoo!" Ramon laughed, "You misrepresent my meaning of leaving the manor mi'lady. I was running to the market to fetch a few things for the cook, I must have dozed off at a stand."

Chemley smiled in triumph and face Layton. "Kidnapped eh, wasn't that your story? Still want to arouse the village for a man who needed a few extra hours of sleep?"

Luke stood, completely outraged. "But we saw Ramon being kidnapped! We saw-"

"Luke no," Layton griped Luke's shoulder gently, "We must have been seeing things, today has been eventful, we must just be tired. Sorry for the trouble and again for the late intrusion, we shall take our leave."

"I don't care what you said Professor, I know what I saw and I saw Ramon being kidnapped!" Luke plopped down onto the small bed, crossing his arms. Layton turned away from the window and looked at his apprentice, laughing slightly at the overly baggy pajama's Luke was wearing.

"As did I, but we didn't need to draw more unwanted attention towards us. It's best that we sleep and tomorrow start our search for the 'Golden Apple'."

"But-"

"No Luke, while what happened tonight is a mystery and that Ramon doesn't even seem to remember it, as long as Ramon is safe at home, there's no need to worry about this longer."

Luke frowned, but decided to change the subject. "So where do we start looking for clues about that 'Golden Apple'?"

"That's the first puzzle to overcome isn't it…."

"Maybe the late Baron's room might hold some clues?"

"That indeed maybe the best place to begin, but only if Lady Dahlia allows us permission to search, though tonight's events may have put us in a negative light. No matter right now, we need to turn in to get some proper sleep."

"Right… good night Professor."

"Good night Luke, sleep well."