Chapter 12:

After investigating for the rest of the afternoon, Layton and friends retired to his home for the night. After a delightful dinner filled with another debate, courtesy of Emmy, the four decided to go to bed.

"Goodnight, Professor." Flora said with a yawn.

Luke also yawned and repeated Flora's quote.

"Goodnight, you two." Layton responded.

After Luke and Flora had left, the Professor turned around and looked at the only member left in the room.

Emmy sat on the couch, a worried expression replacing her usual energetic look.

"Are you alright, Emmy?" Layton asked in a worried tone.

Emmy glanced up and feigned a smile. "Of course I am."

Layton wasn't convinced. "Emmy, what's wrong?"

Emmy frowned. "I just...hope they don't show up here. I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me."

Layton sat down next to Emmy. "If anyone ever did get hurt, you would not be the one to blame. This isn't your fault, Emmy."

"I know." Emmy looked down at her lap. "I just can't help but feel guilt though. You are putting yourself at risk by helping me."

Layton smiled. "This wouldn't be the first time, now would it."

This made Emmy laugh. "I suppose not."

Layton placed his hand on Emmy's. "There's no need to worry, my dear. Everything will turn out all right in the end. I promise you that."

Emmy glanced up, a smile gracing her face. "Thank you. For all of this."

After a short discussion of plans for the coming day, Emmy followed Flora and Luke's examples and went to bed.

Layton sighed. "Emmy, I promise, we will solve this mystery. There is no need to worry."

"Emmy? Emmy! Are you up yet?" Luke had been patient on her, knowing a gentlemen never rushes a lady, but this was ridiculous. It was already 12:23 in the afternoon, and she still hadn't woken up. "Emmy!"

A loud thud could be heard. "Geez! I'm coming! I'm coming!" Rustling was heard, followed by an opening door.

"You slept in, Emmy! We meet up with Inspector Rowland in less than two hours!"

Emmy scowled. "Well excuse me! I didn't sleep well, okay!" She soon stomped off in the direction of the bathroom.

Luke stood still, dumbfounded. "Emmy? I've never seen her that angry before. Well actually I have, but it was never directed at me. This case must be really stressful for her."

About an hour and a half later, Layton and company visited Inspector Rowland's office.

"Did we get the correct time?" Flora asked. "It's been ten minutes."

"I thought she said 2:30." Luke stated.

Two minutes later, the inspector walked in.

"I'm sorry I'm late. I had business to take care of." Rowland explained.

"It's no problem, Inspector." Layton responded.

Rowland sat down behind her desk. "Where do you think we should begin out investigation?"

"Maybe we should ask people who may have witnessed the attempted kidnapping?" Emmy suggested.

"Or we could ask students and faculty at Greshenheller. They may have seen a portion of the crime at the Professor's office." Luke piped in.

"I believe that is a good place to start." Rowland confirmed.

"Then shall we go?" Layton asked.

"Let's." Rowland agreed.

Chapter 12 is up! I hope the slight romance scene wasn't too horrible. (I'm not the best at romance, but I tried;) chapter 13 coming soon!