As the three of us finally started getting somewhere, Luke decided to talk with Dupree, or whatever his name actually was. I could tell they must have crossed paths already, probably when they came through here earlier, how they were talking.

Once we got near enough to the restaurant, Luke pointed it out. "Look—there's the resteraunt!"

"Is this the place you had in mind, Big Luke?"

"Yes, this is the one." I nodded. "Let's head in."

One of the goon's was stood outside, probably on patrol. He was moaning. "Uggggh…Owww…"

"Wow. You look terrible!" Luke said. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, hey, kid." I told them that none of them should talk to Luke or the Professor like that! "Yeah, I'm kinda a mess right now. Bostro came by and really stuck it to me. Ugh…"

"That's awful."

"Yeah, you're telling me. He kept carrying on about some brat who got into the casino. That brat wouldn't happen to be you, would it?"

"Me? No way. I wouldn't dream of going to an awful place like that."

"Oh, good. I was afraid I was gonna have to teach you a lesson for doing something so knuckleheaded. 'Cause I'm really in no shape for any teaching right now. I guess I just don't get Bostro. He flies off the handle for no reason at all." Did he know who he was talking to? He was going to be sacked at this rate if Dimitri found out (which he would)!

The two of them finished their conversation there, and we finally reached the restaurant. "Luke, do you see that man in black over there? Does he seem familiar to you?"

"Yeah!" Luke gasped. "He's the one who brought us that letter from you."

We walked up to the man, and something that the Professor and Luke didn't know was that he was called Shipley. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Shipley."

"Not at all. I just got here a moment ago myself."

I turned to Layton and Luke. "Though you've all met before, I don't think you've ever had a proper introduction" I said. "This is my good friend, Shipley. Shipley has played a vital role in the effort to bring you and Little Luke to our time."

"Pleased to meet you, Shipley." Layton smiled.

"Likewise, Professor. I'm sorry I had to be so brief with you when we last met. Luke here told me that I shouldn't share any details until he had t chance to speak with you himself."

"Don't give it another though. Luke needed to test us before sharing the details of his plan." I had a quick thought of Luke never did that, but then realised they were talking about me. CLIVE, CONTROL YOURSELF!

"Shipley, did you manage some reconnaissance work in Chinatown, as I asked?" Keep yourself focused this time, OK?

"I did indeed, Luke. That filthy scumbag Layton—Er, apologies, Professor. That would be the evil Layton I'm referring to."

"The Professor is apprised of the situation. Do continue."

"Right. You know the Towering Pagoda located in Chinatown? Apparently Evil Layton is holding those scientists captive there. It seems he has them working on something day and night."

"So the scientists are in the tower itself…This is going to make things very difficult."

"I also heard another peculiar rumour while I was about town."

"Yes?" I asked.

"Word has it that the Prime Minister who disappeared 10 years ago is being held up there too." Bill Hawks. The man who murdered my parents…

"What?"

"Bill Hawks…" Layton mused. "He went missing the day of the accident."

"He's been missing for 10 years." I stated. "Do you suppose evil Layton might have abducted the Prime Minister in addition to all those scientists?"

"We won't know until we check the facts for ourselves." Layton answered. "Big Luke, you seemed apprehensive at the mention of the Towering Pagoda." Do you mean in the act, or scared you're going to find out? STOP HYPERVENTILATING! I screamed to myself, since my breath had rapidly increased, and Layton had taken note. I had just focused back on the conversation to hear "What is this place?"

"The Towering Pagoda is the Family's stronghold, and it sits by a sea of warehouses in Chinatown." I answered, controlling myself again. What was wrong with me, the plan was working perfectly! "To complicate matters, the whole of Chinatown is controlled almost exclusively by the Family. This means even getting within walking distance won't be easy."

"Be that as it may, we need to head to the source of this madness if we are to uncover the truth." Layton said. "Can you guide us safely to the tower?"

"Hmm…Infiltrating a place like that is going to take a bit of preparation." I said. "Why don't I split off for a bit and see if I can secure a safe route to the tower for us?" I need to speak to Dimitri and several other people anyway. "Go on and set out for Chinatown without me. Shipley can tell you how to get that far. All right?"

"Very well."

"Good. Now I need to get moving. Be careful out there." I said, rushing out.

~x~

"I've got them believing it Dimitri, and they're trying to find a way to the Towering Pagoda. I only managed to get away saying that I was going to find a safe route."

"I see." Dimitri said, lounging around in his 'Evil Layton' outfit. "Oh, and you left before I got to tell you, Celeste, a woman I knew from when we were younger, is helping us out. Her and Marina are in the other room if you want to talk to them."

I nodded my head, before going to the room next door. Opening it slowly, I saw Marina sitting in a large chair, glaring at me like a Hawk, and a woman with wavy auburn hair drinking some tea.

"Failed yet?"

"Marina, I told you for the last time, I won't fail."

"You will." She said, grinning evilly. "I'll find the right time and tell Professor Layton exactly who you are and what you are doing, Clive. I'm not stupid. I may be only fifteen, but I've outsmarted adults since I turned ten."

The two of us hold a death glare, silently cursing eachother. Celeste looked a bit out of place, possibly because she was an only child, or didn't have a rivalry this bad.

"Anyway, I was going to go out anyway for some fresh air." Marina smirked. "So, just you wait Clive."

"Oh, I'll wait." I said. "You'll fail, just know that."

"I won't fail, just know that, Clive. I outsmarted the people who tried to send me to an orphanage after Eleanor died, and I'll do the same to you."

"It is on, Marina. I win, you pay. I somehow lose, I'll pay you."

"Deal." She said, sticking her hand out to shake. I took it, firmly squeezing it, before she loosened it and stormed out of the office.