September 6th, 2016

Grossberg Law Offices, 11:00 AM

Phoenix's POV

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring* *Beep*

Phoenix: Hello?

Nick: Hey Phoenix. Listen, we've just been to the hotel and well let's just say the witness was, well…

Judy: She was a wh**e!

Nick: Anyway… Did you meet the lawyer yet?

Phoenix: No, not yet. I still don't know where he is.

?: *Ah-HHHHEM!*

Phoenix: On second thought. Yes, he's here. Listen I got to go now. I'll call you later and let you know what's up.

Grossberg: Ah hah! So you're the one they say has been looking for me?

Phoenix: Uh… y-yes, that's me!

Phoenix (Thinking): He looks even… grander than I imagined!

Just picture the Monopoly man and the Pringles guy's love child.

Grossberg: Hmm…? That badge on your collar…? Ah, so you're a lawyer, are you now?

Phoenix: Y-yes, well… yes.

Grossberg: And what do you want? I'm not particularly busy these days… Please, proceed!

Phoenix (Thinking): Not busy? Then how come no one could get in touch with you?

Grossberg: Hmm? Something the matter? You came to see the one-and-only Marvin Grossberg, did you not? Well, here I am, boy! What do you want? Out with it!

Phoenix: Um… w-well, sir, actually it's about Maya. Maya Fey.

I saw him jerked his head after I mentioned her name.

Grossberg: Ah… yes. Maya Fey. Go on.

Phoenix (Thinking): Hmm? Why the strange reaction?

Grossberg: A-cha-cha. I'm really quite busy here, son. I can't go taking cases on a day's notice! No, it's quite impossible.

Phoenix: W-wait a second! How did you know the trial was tomorrow!?

Grossberg: Urk? Ahem! A-anyway… I'm afraid it's entirely impossible for me to represent her. Sorry. End of discussion.

Phoenix (Thinking): What's going on!? He refused me before I even got a chance to ask him! What do I tell Maya…?

Phoenix: How can you refuse this like that! Please, tell me why you won't take the case!

Grossberg: Hmm? Eh, ahem! Well, you see it's just… I'm busy, you see!

Phoenix: But the client is Mia Fey's Sister!

Grossberg: Hmm… ahem.

Phoenix: Mia trusted you… She knew her sister would be in good hands.

Grossberg: Yes, yes, of course I know that. However! I'm sorry but, I must refuse. Sorry. Good-bye.

Phoenix: Creep. Fine. I don't have time to argue with you anyway. I'll go look elsewhere.

Grossberg (Grumbling): Think not.

I turned back again.

Phoenix: Huh? Did you say something?

Grossberg: Think not, I said.

Phoenix: Wh-what do you mean?

Grossberg: I'm terribly, terribly sorry. But I'm afraid that no lawyer worth their salt will take on this particular case. Terribly sorry, m'boy.

Phoenix: Why!?

Grossberg: I… I cannot say.

Phoenix (Thinking): What's going on here!?

Phoenix: Actually, I am curious now. How did you know Mia?

Grossberg: She… worked here. I long time ago. Quite the apprentice, that one. Learned my techniques in a blink of an eye! She left one day, quite suddenly… She had a mission you see.

Phoenix: A "mission"?

Grossberg: You can see it in her eyes. She followed it with a burning passion. Never looked back, that one.

Phoenix: One more thing; that's quite a painting you have there.

Grossberg: Ahah! So you noticed! It's my pride and joy! Impressive isn't it? Well? ISN'T IT? The color of the sky! The hue of the sea! The weave of the straw hat! It's worth at least three million. I have no intention of parting with it, of course. No, I won't sell it! Not ever to you!

Phoenix (Thinking): I wasn't interested…

Grossberg: It's not for sale!

Phoenix: I'm not buying!

Grossberg: I beg your pardon, but could you? Now? I've nothing more to discuss with you.

Phoenix: Fine! But don't think this is over. I want answers and I'm going to find out what's been going on one way or another!