Edgeworth was shocked. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. For once, he thought an incident he had encountered did not involve someone's death, and yet he was wrong.

"He died as a result of the chandelier?"

"That's what it looks like, sir. The forensics are still looking at the body, but what else could it be?"

"Hmmm. This is very strange."

"Are you suspecting murder, sir?"

"I'm not sure. It could be, but how could anyone calculate this? How would they know he would be beneath the chandelier at that exact moment. And more importantly, how did they drop it?"

"I know!" said Kay. "I mean, I didn't see anyone up there sewing the chain.

"Actually…" said Gumshoe. "The chain is fine."

"What?"

"We checked it. It's still attached to the chandelier. No signs of damage or rusting."

"Then why did it fall?"

"No idea, sir."

"We need to check with the management of this club. If there was any way to drop this chandelier without damaging the chain, we must know it."

"We tried." said Gumshoe. "Apparently, the owner, Michael Levertington, is away tonight. He has left the manager, Benedict Waterloo, in charge. He is not here right now. He went to arrange a new stock of wine bottles with his suppliers. We can speak with him later."

"Okay then. I think we need to investigate the scene."

"Yes, sir! Great idea!"

"Let's do it!" said Kay.

Edgeworth looked around. He immediately noticed something. Under one of the tables was a tray. It had a bottle of water next to it, broken in pieces. It seemed like the bottle had been on the tray."

"Some waiter must have dropped this during the mayhem."

"Was it the victim?"

"I can't be sure. But this is strange…this table is quite far away from the chandelier. How would the tray end all the way over here?"

"Maybe he tossed it as a reflex?" asked Kay. "People do strange things when they are scared."

"Maybe the person sitting on this table knows more." He looked at the tag on the table. "This is table N. 31. Detective, go outside and find out who was sitting here."

"Yes, sir!" Gumshoe ran off.

"Hey, did you notice this?"

Kay was pointing at the broken glass scattered all around the chandelier.

"Yes, what about it? It's pretty normal, considering the chandelier was shattered."

"Yes, but…with all this glass, the victim must have suffered a lot of cuts, right? I mean, glass is sharp."

"Indeed. It is possible the glass killed him before the chandelier did. We have to check with the forensics on that."

They approached the forensics, still examining the victim's body.

"Excuse me, how is the investigation going?" asked Edgeworth.

"Very well so far." said one forensic guy. "We have discovered quite a few pieces of evidence."

"Oh? Like what?"

"We found his ID. We know who he is."

"Who is he?"

"His name is Mark Terry Tory."

"Wh…" said Edgeworth.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!" shouted Kay. "Mr. Tory, that nice man, is…dead?"

"Yes, without a doubt. You knew him?"

"Barely." said Edgeworth. "We encountered him on our way here. But he seemed like a very well-mannered and kind person. I wonder why this would happen to him."

"Do you know the cause of death?" asked Kay. "Was he cut or crashed first?"

"Um…actually…it seems quite strange."

"What?"

"His body doesn't have cuts. It has a few bruises, but we expected more considering he was crashed by that thing!"

"So he suffered no harm from the glass?"

"Apparently not. Shards have been found both on and under his body, but…"

"Hmmm. This is very strange, indeed." said Edgeworth. "This may not be as simple as it seems."

"We also found this next to his body."

He gave Edgeworth a yellow scarf.

"Hey, I remember that!" said Kay. "He was wearing it when we saw him."

"Yes. This yellow scarf is quite memorable. Still…"

"What?"

"If I recall correctly…the one he was wearing had the insignia of an eagle on it."

"Yes, that's true."

"What about this one? It's doesn't have an insignia. It's a plain scarf."

"You think he swapped his scarfs?"

"I can't say. Why would he do that? Apart from the insignia, it isn't different."

"This is very puzzling indeed." said Kay, trying to mimic Edgeworth's voice.

"I'm sorry, but…can we take the body away now?" asked the forensics. "The mortician will want to examine it."

"Yes, we have no use for it. Just bring me the autopsy when it's ready."

"Yes, sir!"

"One more thing. This tray..." he said and pointed to the tray under the table. "Please take it and examine it for fingerprints."

"Yes, sir."

They took the body and the tray and left.

"I think that's all we can find for now." said Edgeworth.

"Mr. Edgeworth, what do you think actually happened here?"

"It's too early to say. We should see if there are any witnesses to talk to."

Gumshoe then approached along with a man, about 50 years old. He had black hair and a beard. He had a small band-aid in his right index finger. He was wearing a nice red tie. Edgeworth noticed it particularly because it was creased and wrinkled.

"This man…he looks like a gentleman." he thought. "Too bad that tie of his ruins that image. Any self-respecting man makes sure to always keep his tie, or cravat, nice and even."

"Sir! I found him. This is Mr. Gerald Taylor. He was sitting at table 31 at the time."

"Yes, I was." said the man with him. "Although I wish I wasn't. Now I have to waste my time here."

"Mr. Taylor, please." said Edgeworth. "This is very important. This is a possible murder. We need you to tell us everything you know."

"You want to know when I last saw that waiter? Your detective brought me up to speed."

"Yes After all, he was in front of your table when he got crashed by the chandelier."

"Fine. I'll tell you what I know."

Witness testimony

The waiter's movements

I come here almost every night. I always sit at that table.

This night was no exception.

That was the waiter who showed me to the table. He even brought me a glass of wine like I asked him.

I remember seeing him right before the chandelier fell.

He probably didn't notice it. I mean, I didn't see him do any strange movements.

I hid under my table when I realized what was happening. Afterwards, I ran towards the exit.

And that's it? Can I go now?

"So, you are saying he seemed normal when you saw him?" asked Edgeworth.

"Yes. He wasn't acting strangely or anything. I mean, he probably would have tried jumping out of the way if he noticed what was about to happen."

"By the way, what happened to your finger?"

"Oh, this? Nothing. Just got cut while making a salad earlier today. Nothing to worry about."

"I see. Would you mind if I examined your testimony?"

"Is it necessary?" the man was obviously in a hurry to leave.

"Yes, it is necessary."

"Fine. But be quick about it."

Cross examination

The waiter's movements

I come here almost every night. I always sit at that table.

This night was no exception.

That was the waiter who showed me to the table. He even brought me a glass of wine like I asked him.

Hold it: "What did he look like?"

"What kind of question is that? He seemed normal. Exactly like he looks right now. Except for the…dead part."

"Did he say anything?"

"Just wished me to have a good night. Nothing else."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure! It's not like I'm in the habit of buttonholing people in the middle of their work.

"Right. What happened next?"

I remember seeing him right before the chandelier fell.

He probably didn't notice it. I mean, I didn't see him do any strange movements.

Objection

"Mr. Taylor. You just said you didn't notice him do any strange movements."

"Yes. What about it?"

"I'm afraid that's impossible!"

"What?"

Edgeworth pointed at the broken bottle underneath the table.

"See that bottle?"

"Yes?"

"That, along with a tray were dropped under there, possibly by the victim himself."

"Yes. So?"

"That table is a few steps away from that spot. In order from the tray and the bottle to end up there, he must have thrown them in a quite a strange fashion, wouldn't you say?"

"Um….yes, I…suppose so."

"In that case…he must have noticed the chandelier and tried to avoid it! If he did…I wonder how you couldn't have seen it!"

"Um…" Taylor seemed very embarrassed. "You see…I might have actually…missed it."

"Missed it?"

"You see…the moment I saw the chandelier begin to fall, I ducked under the table and closed my eyes. I did hear breaking glass, which was probably the bottle, but I just thought it was from the chandelier. When I got out, the chandelier was already crashed. I kinda…filled in the gaps a bit."

"So, you didn't actually see the victim's reaction."

"No. But it looks like you have a pretty good picture of it."

"Indeed. However, we require more information from you."

"About what?"

"Your encounter with the waiter. What happened. In more detail if you please."

"Fine! If it helps me get outta here as soon as possible!"

Witness testimony

The waiter's movements, part 2

I saw the guy at the entrance. Said he was staying there to greet the customers and get more acquainted with them.

He took me to my table.

I ordered a glass of wine. He brought it to me about 10 minutes later.

I sat there, enjoying the show.

At some point, I saw him pass in front of me, a tray with a bottle of water on hand.

I happened to glance at the ceiling. That's when I saw the falling chandelier.

I have good reflexes, which is how I managed to duck in time. I got out when everything settled down and ran out wit the rest of the audience.

Aside from that yellow scarf, I didn't notice anything strange about him.

"Hmm. Nothing seems out of place" thought Edgeworth. "Nevertheless, I need to try my luck."

"So, you wish to question me again."

"Yes."

"Don't worry. I am extra sure there are no faults this time."

"Let's see."

Cross-examination

The waiter's movements, part 2

I saw the guy at the entrance. Said he was staying there to greet the customers and get more acquainted with them.

Hold it: at what time was that?"

"Not sure. I think it was about 21:00."

"That's half an hour before we got here." thought Edgeworth. "He was sick, and yet he spent a lot of time out there."

"Hey, are you still with us?" asked Taylor. "Hello?"

"Y…yes, excuse me!" said Edgeworth. "I just got…lost in my thoughts. Continue."

He took me to my table.

I ordered a glass of wine. He brought it to me about 10 minutes later.

I sat there, enjoying the show.

At some point, I saw him pass in front of me, a tray with a bottle of water on hand.

Hold it: "How did he look?"

"Same as before. Normal, not at all worried."

"So he didn't seem anxious or angry about something. Like he just got out of a fight. Or maybe shocked about discovering something."

Taylor caught his insinuation.

"Definitely not like a guy who expected to be killed. I can tell you that."

"Yes, I thought so. Carry on."

I happened to glance at the ceiling. That's when I saw the falling chandelier.

I have good reflexes, which is how I managed to duck in time. I got out when everything settled down and ran out with the rest of the audience.

Aside from that yellow scarf, I didn't notice anything strange about him.

Hold it: "Had you seen the scarf before?"

"Yes, definitely. I saw it when he escorted me to my. table He was wearing it the whole time. Even indoors."

"So, he was wearing it when he got crashed?"

"Yes, I remember it clearly. That scarf left an impression on me."

"And why is that?"

"The eagle. It that the image of an eagle on it. Like an insignia, you know."

"Hmmm." said Edgeworth. "So you saw the insignia of an eagle on it?"

"Yes."

"Then add it to your testimony."

"Okay."

I remember the scarf. It had the insignia of the eagle.

Objection

Edgeworth was not sure what he was trying to gain from this. He knew it was wrong, but not exactly how. He decided to see it through.

"Mr. Taylor. Look at this scarf."

He showed him the scarf. Taylor looked at it.

"Yes. The color is familiar. Yes, I believe it is the one he was wearing.

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty much, yes."

"Strange. Because you see, this scarf doesn't have an eagle on it. Nowhere."

He turned the scarf over for Taylor to see.

"See?"

"Yes, I…see. But…what are you getting at?"

"This scarf was found next to the body. The most likely scenario is this is the one he was wearing. And yet, there is no insignia. Where does that leave us?"

"Wait, wait, wait!" said Taylor. "I…I swear I'm not lying! I…I saw the eagle. I'm sure of it. It…it was there, clear as day!"

"Mr. Edgeworth, I believe he is telling the truth." said Kay. "After all, we saw the eagle too, remember?"

"Yes, I recall it. I too believe you are being honest with us, Mr. Taylor."

"Thank you. But then…"

"All I wanted was check if you had also seen the eagle beforehand. Because since you did, and we did, this creates quite the contradiction."

"Sir…what is happening here?" asked Gumshoe. "The scarfs were…swapped?"

"Possibly. But that creates two questions: "Who?" and "Why?"

"Do you think it was the killer?"

"Probably. And if it was, the "Why" could connect to the motive."

"A scarf…as a motive? Strange.." said Kay.

"Do…do you need me further?" asked Taylor. "My wife is waiting for me and…"

"No, Mr. Taylor. We have no further questions for you for now on." Said Edgeworth. He turned to a nearby officer. "You, take him down to the station and have him write down his testimony. We will need it to be included in the court record if this goes to trial."

"Yes, sir!"

"What?! Didn't I just tell you…" said Taylor.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Taylor. It's just procedure. It shouldn't take long."

"Okay, I get it." said Taylor. "I hope you have phones down at the station. I'll need to call my wife and tell her I'll be running late."

Taylor left along with the officer.

"What now, sir?" asked Gumshoe.

"I don't know, detective. The area here is very limited. Go and search around the club. Find if there is anyone else who can help us."

"Yes, sir!"

Gumshoe left. Right then, a member of forensics walked in.

"Sir! The autopsy is ready!"

"Already? That was fast. I guess forensics work their best during the night."

"This is just a preliminary one." said the forensic. "The mortician needs more time to make the final one."

"It's better than nothing. Please give it to me."

He took the file and looked at it. His face got more and more concerned as he read it.

"What does it tell you, Mr. Edgeworth?" asked Kay.

"A lot. This file is proof that this case requires further investigation.

"What do you mean?"

"It says that there were bruises, some smaller some bigger all over his body. But the largest injury they could spot was on the back of his head."

"The back?"

"Yes. Trauma from blow to the head."

"Was it the chandelier?"

"Impossible."

"What do you mean?"

"The chandelier was too big and not a match for the injury. That's what it says here. And even if it wasn't, I saw the victim. He was lying on his back. If he was like that when the chandelier fell on him, he couldn't have heard the back of his head more than anything else."

"Good point."

"Furthermore, glass shards were found both over and under his body."

"But!" said Kay. "If he was crashed by the chandelier, there should have been shards only over his body."

"indeed. The fact they were also beneath it indicated he was placed there after it had fallen. And since no sane person would consent to being placed under there…"

"He must have been already dead!" said Kay. "So it's' definitely murder! And that means…"

"We are at the wrong place. If we want to find the real crime scene, we need to look elsewhere."

"But where could it be?"

"Good question. We need to investigate further around here."

Suddenly, they heard a familiar voice behind them.

"Ha! How predictable! it seems you have hit a dead end again, Miles Edgeworth. You are lucky I am here to help you."

The voice was followed by the familiar striking of the whip. They both turned around, only to be met by the eyes of a familiar female prosecutor.

"Franziska. What brings you here?"

"I could ask the same about you, Miles Edgeworth."

"We were investigating a murder at a rock concert." said Kay. "But the culprit got killed before we could interrogate him. A lead we found led us here. But now another guy got killed and we are investigating."

"Hmm. In other words, my little brother is still a magnet for trouble." said Franziska.

"And what about you, Franziska?" asked Edgeworth. "What brings you here?"

"I'm on vacation. A friend of mine told me this place is nice for letting off steam and so, I came here to check it out. But it looks I have terrible timing."

"Franziska letting off steam at a nightclub?" thought Edgeworth. "Why am I having difficulty in picturing that?"

"We are suspecting this place of having ties to drug trafficking!" said Kay.

Franziska's eyes almost popped out of her skull when she heard that.

"Kay! I would appreciate it if you wouldn't divulge sensitive information to anyone like that!" said Edgeworth.

"Drugs…Miles Edgeworth, just what have you done?!" asked Franziska. "What have you gotten yourself into?"

"I don't understand your outburst." said Edgeworth. "I am just doing my job as a prosecutor."

"You have no idea who you are messing with!" she said. "Drug lords are dangerous! Ruthless! What if you get hurt?"

"Aww, you care about him." said Kay.

"Care about him? Yeah, right. Who, me?" said Franziska. "I only care about…the district's top prosecutor not getting thrown in the river with cement shoes! And let's say you have no regard for your safety. But have you no shame?! How can you get that innocent girl involved with drug gangs!"

"Aww, you care about me too." said Kay.

"No, I don't!" said Franziska and held her whip threateningly. "I just can't have you get killed under my watch!"

"Franziska, I assure you the situation is under control." said Edgeworth. "The investigation is proceeding normally."

Franziska wanted to reply, but she was interrupted by a deep raspy voice.

"What do you know? I guess my intel was correct. There really is a mess here."

They all looked. There were three people standing there. One was tall with a thick mustache wearing a black suit and glasses. To his left was a short, lean man with a clueless expression on his face. He was wearing a white suit and a diamond vest. To his right was a man in a black suit, bald, with a serious expression.

"Um…who are you?" asked Edgeworth.

"This is a crime scene!" said Franziska. "It is off-limits! Leave or…"

"I'm afraid you have no right to keep a man off his property, Ms. von karma." said the bald man. "Crime scene or not."

"You…how do you…"

"Know who you are? I recognize you. International prosecutor, working with Interpol. Quite a big deal you are!"

"Indeed!" said the man with the mustache. "It is an honour to have a person of your reputation in my humble club. I'm sure the crime will be solved in no-time under your supervision."

"That lady over there?" asked the guy in the diamond vest. "Nah, sir. She looks pretty phony to me."

"Oliver! Stop being rude!"

"Rude? Oh. Is that on the list you gave me last week of things I shouldn't say to others? Let me recall…calling people ugly, silly…oh, right. Phonies was on the list. Sorry."

"Please excuse my assistant. He is a bit of an idiot. He is good with his duties, but his head has always not been right."

Edgeworth didn't want what to make of all that. The man with the mustache tried to act as a nice and kind man, but he got that strange feeling that there was something suspicious about him. Nevertheless he decided to inquire further about his identity, even though he already had an inkling.

"Are you the owner of the club?" asked Edgeworth.

"Indeed I am. Michael Levertington, pleased to make your acquaintance. This is Oliver lackie, my personal assistant."

"And what about you?" asked Kay, looking at the bald man.

"Harold Hotshot. Mr. Levertington's lawyer. I am here as a legal counsel."

"Legal counsel?"

"I understand somebody got killed because of the chandelier falling. I am here to ensure no blame falls for it on my client."

"Indeed. We had nothing to do with it!" said Levertington. "We take almost daily care of that thing. Making sure the chain doesn't get damaged or rusty, ensuring the celling can still take the weight. If it fell, it is most certainly the result of malfeasance."

"That is our conclusion, Mr. Levertington. " said Edgeworth. "It seems somebody intentionally made it fall."

"You mean somebody wanted to kill Mark?"

"That what it looks like. Our investigation has shown he was killed elsewhere beforehand."

"Oh, my! "said Levertington. "Where?"

"We are unsure at the moment. We are hoping to investigate further."

"Hey, maybe he did it himself." said Oliver.

"Why would he do that?" asked Kay.

"Well, maybe he did something silly and was ashamed of having to live with it. He was always kind of a dummy, after all."

"Oliver!"

"Right. Sorry, sir."

"No, we don't think it was suicide." said Edgeworth."

"I thought so. Please ignore him. Investigate as much as you want."

"But we will be sticking around." said Hotshot. "My clients interests are always first."

"As you wish."

Right then, arguing was heard. It was gumshoe, dragging another man along with him.

"Come with me, pal! This is important!"

"I'm telling you, I have important matters! Family matters! Family matters, um…my wife is…I mean….My mother is…"

"Keep walking!"

"Detective, what is happening?" asked Edgeworth.

"I found this guy hiding in a closet. When I tried to bring him here, he refused, so I had to drag him."

"Malcom! What is the meaning of this?!" asked Levertington. "Why where you hiding in a closet ?"

"Sir, forgive me. I got scared when the crashing was heard, so…"

"Okay, what's done is done." said Levertington. "But now stop fooling around and cooperate with the police. This is an important matter!"

"Y…yes, sir. I'd love to, but…"

"Don't worry, He will help you." said Levertington. "This is Malcom Bush. He is usually very helpful. He is just shocked right now."

"Y…yes! That's it! Shocked!" said Malcom.

"Mr. Levertington, is there a place around here were Mr. Tory might have been before his death? You know, some kind of backstage area or…" asked Edgeworth.

"I know what you mean. Yes, there is a room for waiters only. It's where they leave their uniforms after work and where they can relax during their break."

"I see. We would like to investigate there. If Mr. Tory was there when…"

"I understand. Of course." said Levertington. "I have no reason to hinder your investigation."

"Sir, you could deny them access." said Hotshot. "They have no warrant and…"

"Come on, Harold. We are civilized people here. There is no reason to make their jobs difficult. They are trying to help us avoid a scandal. But I'm afraid I have to go now. I have some… bureaucratic matters to attend to."

"Yes, bureaucratic." said Oliver. "Hey, that's a funny word. Bureaucratic, bureaucratic, bureaucratic…"

"Be quiet, Oliver!" said Levertington. "Malcom, be a lam and show these gentlemen and gentlewomen to the waiter room."

"But sir…"

"Now!" said Levertington, who was getting irritated.

"Yes, sir!" said Malcom. "Uh…come on. Right this way."

To be continued.