Malcom opened a door, leading Edgeworth, Franziska, Gumshoe, Kay and a couple of forensics into a room. It seemed very tidy. There were cupboards filled with waiter uniforms. There were also magazines, drinks and snacks.

"Wow! This place looks like a party is about to take place here." said Kay.

"I know. Mr. Levertington wants his employees to feel comfortable in order to be more productive." said Malcom. "In here, they can relax and do whatever they want. I mean, the walls are even soundproof, so they won't hear the noise from outside.

"Wow! Talk about progressive!" said Kay.

"By the way," said Edgeworth. "I wanted to ask you something."

"About what?"

"The lady who was singing before. The one with the blue dress."

"Oh, Ms. Flintson. A wonderful person. A literal angel on earth."

"She is a good person?"

"Of course! She is amazing! She is the best person you could ever meet!"

"So…she couldn't be involved in anything…dubious?"

"Of course not! What are you suggesting?!"

"N…nothing."

"Don't accuse Angela! She is a great person! She would never do anything shady!"

"You really seem to like her." said Kay.

"Hey, don't get the wrong idea! I don't like her. We are just friends. Good friends."

"Oh, so that's what they call it know." whispered kay.

"Are you close?" asked Gumshoe.

"Pretty close. Oh, here's a photo we took together."

He took out his phone and showed them a photo of him and Angela. In it, she was wearing her blue dress and holding a pink, pretty perfume bottle.

"That's a very nice bottle." said Kay.

"I know. It's her signature perfume bottle. She always uses it. She carries it everywhere."

"Hmm. That's quite the bottle." thought Edgeworth "You certainly don't forget it if you see it."

"Well then," said Malcom. "I brought you here, so…I'll be going."

He tried to leave, but Franziska blocked his way.

"Why do you seem so eager to get away from here, Mr. Malcom Bush?"

"I…I'm not eager to…leave or…whatever. I'm just…really busy. Busy, you know."

"The place you work at has been shut down due to a murder." said Edgeworth. "I don't imagine you must be too busy."

"Life isn't all about work, you know! I have other problems!"

"Like?"

"My…my wife! She's waiting for me! If I don't go home soon, she'll be worried!"

"Then call her and tell her you'll be late!" said Franziska.

"What?! Um…o…okay…"

He took out his phone and dialed a number.

"Yes? Martha? How are you, honey? Um, not so good. See, a murder was commited here. Yes, a murder. Please don't panic. Of course I had nothing to do with it, but…these policemen insist I stay here for the investigation. So…go to bed because I don't know when I'll be back. Okay? Yes, I love you too. Goodnight."

He then hang up.

"See? It wasn't that hard, was it?" said Franziska with a smug smile on her face.

"Now then, let's have a look around here" said Edgeworth.

First, he noticed a bunch of big boxes laid on the floor, next to each other.

"What are these?" he asked.

"Those boxes contain our supplies. Wine and campaign bottles, nuts... Anything people might order here."

"Why are they here?" asked Gumshoe. "Shouldn't they be at a cellar or something?"

"Yes. This is our new stock. Just arrived yesterday. We haven't had the chance to properly place them in the cellar."

"I see." said Edgeworth. 'I'll remember this."

"Hey, look at that." Kay pointed to some small towels hanging on hook on the wall behind the boxes. "What are those?"

"Towels. We use them to clean up if anything spill here. It's important to keep your workplace clean." explained Malcom.

"Hey, one hook is empty." said Edgeworth. "One towel is smiling."

"Hey, you are right. How did I miss that?" asked Malcom.

"Where is it?" asked Franziska.

"I have no idea. Somebody must have taken it. Whoever it was, he will be in big trouble. The boss is clear about keeping these here. They are counted every night."

"Hmmm. Why would someone take one towel when he knew they would be counted?" wondered Edgeworth. "Maybe…it was used for something of great importance."

"Sir, there is a fireplace!" said Gumshoe. "And some burnt-up pieces of paper in it!"

"What?"

He approached and looked at the fireplace. Indeed, there were ashes, indicating it had been used recently and a few pieces of paper in it.

"Hmm. It seems somebody tried to destroy something here. They look like letters."

"Letters?"

"Correspondence of some kind. Perhaps they are linked to the murder. Pick up the remaining pieces. We must determine if they are still readable."

"Yes, sir!"

Gumshoe gathered the pieces. They tried to put them back together, but realized it was impossible.

"It's no use." said Edgeworth. "The pieces that survived the fire are pretty large, but there is too few of them. It's impossible to know what they were trying to say."

"Should we keep them anyway, sir?"

"Yes. Never through away any evidence. That's a number one rule. And…look at this."

He pointed to a stamp that had been found with the letters. It was bright read, with the image of a tropical island on it.

"The stamp?"

"Yes. This stamp survived with the letters. That implies it was posted from the post office. And it looks very unique. If we keep it, it could be an important clue."

"Got it!" said Gumshoe and put the remnants of the letters in a plastic bag.

"There is even a closet here." said Kay. "This place is a paradise on earth!"

"Yeah, that was the closet that guy was hiding in." said Gumshoe and pointed at Malcom. "I only found him because apparently all the dust in there made him sneeze a lot."

"Yeah. My nose is sensitive to dust." said Malcom, ashamedly.

"I would like to have a look there myself." said Edgeworth. "He opened the closet and looked inside. It seems pretty normal. It just had a bunch of coats and jackets. What stood out was a blue dress."

"Hmm. This dress is very nice. But it looks familiar somehow. Huh…what's this?"

He noticed a small hole on the dress.

"Hmmm. Either it got ripped…or moths got to it before I did.

There didn't seem to be much else there. However, Edgeworth's keen eyesight noticed something anyone else wouldn't. A small key lying on the closet's bottom.

"Hmm. What could this be for?" he wondered. "I'd better make sure to keep it. You never know when it might come up." He pocketed it.

"Hey, look at this ladder." said Kay and pointed to a ladder screwed on the wall. "Mr. Edgeworth, is this a ladder or a stepladder?"

"They are the same thing. Please focus on the investigation."

"Right. What's up there?" asked Kay.

"That's an attic." said Malcom. "We keep old stuff there. That's where we also have the…"

He hesitated.

"The what?" asked Edgeworth.

"Oh, nothing, don't worry about it."

"Hey, pal! Don't you try to hide things from us!" said Gumshoe. "What is there up there?!"

"N…nothing. I was…mistaken. Don't think about it."

"I think he's clamming up." said Kay.

"I'll slam him open!" said Franziska and whipped him.

"Yowch! It's the switch for the chandelier." he shouted out of instinct.

"The what?!"

"Oh, crap."

"Alright, pal! You better spill the beans now or else..." said Gumshoe.

"Or else we will leave the room." said Edgeworth. "And leave you alone with Franziska.

She held her whip menacingly.

"Okay, okay. There is a switch controlling the chandelier. We lower it slowly every month. We do it to clean it up and repair any possible damages."

"So, what would happen if anyone were to lower it quickly?" asked Edgeworth.

"Well…that would make the chandelier fall on the floor. Quickly."

"So that's what happened!" said Gumshoe. "The killer went up there and pulled the switch!"

"That's why the chain was not damaged!" said Kay.

"That place is where our investigation should take us next." said Edgeworth. "Let's go."

"You go." said Franziska. "I'll stay here. To…keep my eyes on the suspect."

"S…suspect? What do you mean?" asked Malcom.

"She was not being serious." said Edgeworth. "Relax."

Edgeworth said that, but he didn't actually believe it. He knew very well Franziska was always serious. The fact she had called Malcom a suspect was not a mere slip of the tongue. It was very intentional. But he couldn't understand why. No evidence pointed to Malcom. Sure, his behavior was uncooperative and suspicious, but that alone wasn't enough."

"I wonder what made her treat him like that." he wondered as he climbed the ladder towards the attic.

Edgeworth eventually entered the attic, followed by Kay, Gumshoe and a couple forensic officers. He looked around. The place was very dusty, even dustier than the closet before. There were a lot of old boxes and trunks, most of them covered with sheets. Kay took a deep breath.

"So, that's what an old attic smell l…"

She didn't manage to finish her sentence. The dust made her sneeze four times in succession.

"Oh! What was that?" she asked.

"The consequences of breathing in this air." said Edgeworth. "This place is dustier than the records room at the police station. If it had a bunch of old files, they would be identical."

"This place like my house!" said Gumshoe. "I don't have time to clean it and with my salary I can't afford a cleaning lady, so…"

"No details please." said Edgeworth. "We are getting off-topic again!"

"Sorry, sir."

"it's alright, Gummy. You can tell me about it later." said Kay.

"Thanks!"

Edgeworth sighed.

"Keeping the focus of the investigation is tremendously hard with those two around. However…some comic relief is needed in these times."

"Now, where's that switch?" asked Kay.

"Let's look around. This place is not that big. It should be nearby."

They walked around. And as they did, they looked around at the old boxes. They contained old equipment, old clothes and even a large disco ball.

"Why is this place so 80s?" asked Gumshoe.

"Yes. It looks like those old movies I watch sometimes when there aren't any action films on TV." said Kay.

"I imagine this is what the whole club looked light back in 1970." said Edgeworth. "And after that era died, so did the club's then style. And I guess that's when all this stuff was put up here."

"So, this place is like a graveyard for old fashion styles?" asked Kay.

"Call it that if you want."

"Sir, I found it!" said Gumshoe. He pointed to a small metal door on the wall, covering a control panel. On it, it had a sign saying:

"Chandelier switch."

"It must be in there." said Kay. "Let's open it."

She tried to open the door, but couldn't."

"Drat! It's locked!"

"What do we do now?" asked Gumshoe. "Go ask someone for a key?"

"No, don't got time for that." said Kay. "Leave to me! There is no door in the world this great thief can't…"

"Don't even think about it!" said Edgeworth. "We are here to solve a case, not vandalize private property."

"Then what will you do, Mr. Party pooper?" asked Kay, who was obviously bumped. "Use your telepathic powers to move the switch through the door? Or open it with heat vision?"

"I had something simpler in mind." he took the key he had found in the closet."

"What is that, sir?" asked Gumshoe.

"I found it in that closet. I guess Mr. Malcom was careless and dropped it there."

"Wait…are you suggesting he moved the switch?" asked Kay.

"Possibly. He definitely could have. He was alone in here."

"Shouldn't we check if it even is the key for this door?" asked Kay.

"I will." Edgeworth put the key on the keyhole and turned it. It worked. The door opened, revealing the small switch behind it.

"This is it!" said Gumshoe. "The switch!" We did it, sir!"

"Why are you so excited, detective?" asked Edgeworth.

"Yes, Gummy. We just found a switch, not gold." said Kay.

"But we found the switch, sir!" said Gumshoe, excitedly. "And that means…um…something…right?"

"Right, what does this mean, Mr. Edgeworth?" asked Kay. "We knew the switch was here. What does this prove?"

"You'll see."

Edgeworth turned to the forensics, who had been standing there the whole time.

"Hey, you!"

"Yes, sir!" the ran up to him.

"I need you to examine that switch for fingerprints. And as soon as you are done take them to the station for comparison."

"Yes, sir!"

As the forensics set to work, Edgeworth looked around. He noticed a small window near the floor, which was half open.

"Hey, what is this?" he asked.

"A window." said Kay.

"I…figured as much" said Edgeworth. "I was asking for more details."

"I don't know. I don't work here."

Edgeworth sighed again.

"Sir! Did you notice this?"

He pointed to the edge of the window. There was a clear handprint left there."

"More fingerprints?"

"It's left clearly here due to the dust. I guess this one hasn't been used in a long time."

"It leads to a fire escape." noted Kay. "And I assume that one leads down on the street."

"So, this is meant to be an emergency exit?"

"That's what the evidence is suggesting."

"Hmmm. Why would anyone come through here. Did they not want to be seen?"

He turned to forensics.

"When you are done, take samples from this handprints as well. Then take them all for comparison."

"Yes, sir!" they said after they looked at the handprint.

"Now what?" asked Gumshoe.

"Hey, did either of you notice that?" asked Kay. "She pointed to a small blue piece of fabric caught on the nail on the wall.

"No, I did not." said Edgeworth. "Looks like a piece of clothing."

"What is it doing here?" asked Gumshoe. "Did somebody try to nail a piece of clothing on the wall? That sounds kinda stupid."

"Because it is!" said Edgeworth. "No sane person would ever do that! Would you actually nail a piece of clothing on the wall?"

"Well…"

"Don't answer that!"

"I think we should take it." said Kay. "Somebody went though here and a piece of their clothes was caught in that nail. Maybe it's the same person who left the handprint."

"Possibly." said Edgeworth as he carefully removed it.

"Hey, that makes more sense."

"Yes, because it wasn't uttered by you." aid Edgeworth.

"Hey, sir! No need to be so harsh!" said Gumshoe.

"Now then, I think we are done here."

"Hey, the forensics are gone." said Kay.

"Indeed. I suppose they slipped away while were busy with the clothing on the nail. Let's get on with our investigation."

They all got down the ladder and back into the waiters' room .Franziska was still there, along with Malcom, who was sweating bullets.

"You're back." said Franziska. "How did the attic investigating go?"

"Great!" said Kay. "We found a bunch of evidence."

"Not a bunch." said Edgeworth. "Just some pieces."

"And what does it tell you?"

"Everything!" said Kay.

"No, not everything." said Edgeworth. "Just…we are not sure at the moment. But there is one thing we do know."

"And what is that?"

"The chandelier was definitely dropped from there. Someone pulled that switch. Forensics have already examined the prints."

"I know. They just came through here. They said they'll let you know when the results are ready." said Franziska.

"So, can I go?" asked Malcom.

"Oh no, you are not leaving." said Franziska.

"And why not?" asked Malcom.

"Because as of right now…" said Franziska. "Malcom Bush, in my authority as an Interpol agent, I'm placing you under immediate arrest!"

"What?! I…"

"Silence!" said Franziska and whipped him. "You have the right to remain silent! Though, as you can see, I have a way to make even mute people talk!"

"Franziska, this is unacceptable!" said Edgeworth. "There is no evidence tying him to the murder…"

"This is not about the murder!" said Franziska. "This is bigger than just you and me, Miles Edgeworth."

"I'm starting to suspect you are not here on vacation." said Edgeworth.

"I am. But duty is above all. And as I'm called to act, I have to do what you are too ignorant to do."

"What are you talking about?"

"None of your business!"

"Why won't you tell us what is going on, sir?" asked Gumshoe. "We deserve to know!"

"He's right!" said Kay. "Don't you trust us, Franziska?"

"Trust has nothing to do with it!" Franziska dodged the question. "This is more than just my problem! If I let too much information get out…it could compromise the case I've been building for a long time."

"Case? What case?" asked Gumshoe.

"No. Nothing. Forget it!"

"Hmmm. She seems insistent to keep that information under wraps." thought Edgeworth. "I cannot let her arrest Mr. Bush yet. And the only way to stop her…is to find out her secret. And there is one way of doing that.

Edgeworth's background faded away. He focused on Franziska and the two pawns guarding her king.

"Now then. Franziska tends to get irritated easily. I need to be careful with my words. But if I let her talk too much, she might let something slip. And with that, let's start the game."

Logic chess begin

"Franziska, I'm afraid your behaviour seem unnatural to me. Would you care to explain your motives here?"

"I'm telling you, I can't! This is a very crucial matter! Interpol is very strict about information leaks."

"She seems too reluctant." thought Edgeworth. "I'll have to change my approach."

"So, Franziska, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

"Excellent. Ever since the case with the smuggling ring, I've gotten very popular with Interpol executives. I believe I may be on my way towards a promotion."

"Promotion? Wouldn't that require more work?"

"Definitely. I will have to sweat a lot over it, but it will be worth it. After all, someone as perfect as I has no need for rest."

"In that case, why are you here? You said you took a vacation, but if they really are planning to promote you, they wouldn't let you take time off right now."

The attack was a success. Franziska's first pawn was gone.

"You think you are really smart, don't you, Miles Edgeworth?"

"I think you owe me an explanation. Why are you here?"

"I…came to see you. There, happy?"

"You…came for me?"

"Yes! I was growing lonely up there. Agent Lang in a good friend, but he is back in his home country right now. I wanted someone foolish to whip into shape. And you came into mind."

"I should be flattered right now?"

"I don't care what you do. With what happened now, I guess we both have a lot of work on our hands."

"You said somebody suggested this place for you."

"Yes. They told me at the prosecutor's office you were busy tonight, so I decided to have a bit of fun. A friend of mine told me about this place. I have never been to such a club before."

"And? Do you like it?"

"It's nice. Although with the murder and all…"

"Would you care to accompany me here after the case has wrapped up?"

"Absolutely not! I am not setting my foot in this pit of moral depravity without a good reason!"

"Moral depravity? You sound very prejudiced for someone who has never been in such a club before?"

"N…no. I…I'm just…"

"You know more than you are letting on. You are not on holiday. Nor are you here for me. Interpol sent you here. This is the case that could secure your promotion!"

"Hmph." even though her second pawn was struck down, she seemed happy. It was as if she wanted that to happen. "You sure take your sweet time catching up. If you are the top prosecutor around here, I should really worry about the state of the legal system here."

"Thanks. Now then, what case is this?"

"That is classified. I am not allowed to tell you details."

"Can you at least tell me how the Labanter club is connected to this?"

"This particular one…I don't know. But…"

"Hold it!" said Edgeworth. "Your choice of words right now was very interesting."

"What do you mean?"

"You said "This particular one." As in, one of many. Are there more Labanter clubs?"

"Well…"

"You have to been to the club. Just not this one. One in another country. And something you found there led you here. Am I wrong?"

"No. You are correct." said Franziska, losing her king. "Just took a lot of time to get there."

"It feels like she helped me." he thought. "A bit odd. Nevertheless, checkmate."

End logic chess

"So, what can you tell me?"

"Nothing until he is removed!" she said and pointed at Malcom. "The secrets of Interpol are not meant for eavesdropping ears!"

"So…can I go now?"

"No yet. Don't think I didn't catch on to your suspicious activities."

"What?!"

"I think you should call your wife for real and tell her you'll be late."

"Huh?!"

"Franziska, what do you mean?" asked Edgeworth.

"A fool like you wouldn't notice. But I am no fool. Earlier, when he dialed a phone number to call his wife…he only dialed 9 digits!"

"Crud!" shouted Malcom.

"Yes. You didn't call anyone. I doubt you even have a wife! It was just a trick, to make us think you had a good reason to want to leave!"

"I…I…"

'Detective, take him outside." said Edgeworth. "But don't let him leave. Keep your eyes on him."

"Yes, sir!" said Gumshoe and took Malcom out of the room.

"Now, Franziska. Can we talk?"

"Yes. Remember, I am trusting you with my knowledge. So don't betray me. Don't let anyone know. The same for you, Kay faraday!"

"I give you my word."

"Don't you worry, Franziska" said Kay. "Your secret is safe with us!"

"I really need to be sure about this. If anyone finds out you know…they'll come after you, too."

"What do you mean?"

"They…they tried to kill me!"

"What?! When?!" asked Edgeworth.

"Are you alright?!"

"Yes. Those fools can't do their jobs right. But maybe the next ones won't be so foolish. Promise me you won't get involved."

"You are willing to shoulder the responsibility and danger of knowing alone?" asked Edgeworth.

"It is my duty. I got into this knowing the risks."

"But we can help you!" said Kay. "We are friends!"

"Friends is too strong of a word!" said Franziska. "We are just acquaintances."

"Be that as it may, let's talk." said Edgeworth. "We have a lot of catching up to do. Just remember…we are here for you, Franziska."

She lowered her head. She didn't want them to see her eyes were getting watery.

"I know. That's another reason I am here. If I go down, I want people I trust to know. I don't want the secrets to die with me."

"They won't! We won't let you die! We will figure this out! Now…what is going on?"

To be continued