The four investigators took the jeep and returned to town.

"I assume the two geriatric cowpokes will still be at their bench?" asked Edgeworth.

"You are right on the money, pardner." said Marshall. "They never leave that bench. It's their favorite place. They only leave to sleep or eat. Sometimes they even eat there."

"They haven't tried to sleep there too, have they?" asked Kay.

"No, not even they are that cactus-high. But I wouldn't put anything past them."

"Good for us." said Edgeworth. "Makes it easier for us to hunt them down. One of them has a lot to answer for."

They arrived at the town. The two old friends were still siting at the bench. They were surprised when they saw them.

"You are back I see." said Bartholomew.

"Where were you?" asked Lazarus.

"At Sherman's hill" said Edgeworth.

They seemed surprised.

"Sherman's hill? That death trap?" asked Lazarus. "It's too dangerous to go there!"

"He's right!" said Bartholomew. "We liked going there too when we were young. But…said we discovered the hard way…that place is not safe."

"Yes. That's why no one goes there anymore."

"Except Marla." said Marshall. "It seems that's where she died. The needs of the investigation took us there."

"Marla…you stupid girl!" said Lazarus. "You new the danger…why did you have to go there?!"

"I know!" said Bartholomew. "Everyone knew she liked hiking, but that? To put her own life in danger for nothing? It's not right!"

"So, you haven't been there?" asked Edgeworth. "You haven't seen anything that could help us solve this case?"

"No." said Lazarus, who seemed honest "We would never go all the way there."

"Y…yes." said Bartholomew. "That place is too dangerous. It would be suicide for people of our age to go there. Not even young people can be safe there."

He seemed more nervous. Edgeworth understood why. After all, he had evidence to the contrary. But decided to wait it out.

"Mr. Bartholomew. Could you testify further about that?"

"About what?"

"What you just said. The reason you wouldn't go to Sherman's hill."

"So…you want me to give a full testimony about something that didn't happen?"

"Yes, please."

"O…okay. I don't see the point, but…"

Witness testimony

Sherman's hill

Like I told you, Sherman's hill is basically a death trap.

People who have gone there have ended up dying from the slightest mistake.

That's why our parents always told us not to go there.

I can't understand why Marla would go there. She knew the dangers.

I haven't been there in years. I have no idea what could have happened to her.

"Hmm. And you are sure what you are telling right now is the truth?" asked Edgeworth.

"Y…yes. Why would I lie about…that?" asked Bartholomew. "I…I am telling the truth."

"He's sweating, pardner." said Marshall. "He's sweating more than a desperado in a swelling courtroom. He knows we are on to him. But it trying to bluff his way outta here."

"It won't work." said Edgeworth. "No poker face will be good enough against the aces full that is the evidence."

"Nice" said Marshall. "Now then, let's show him what a true lawman can do."

Cross-examination

Like I told you, Sherman's hill is basically a death trap.

People who have gone there have ended up dying from the slightest mistake.

That's why our parents always told us not to go there.

Hold it: "So, you liked going up there?'

"Of course. When we were young, foolish and adrenaline flowed through our bodies. We wanted the rush, the excitement. Until we got unlucky.

"What do you mean?" asked Kay.

"We got trapped one day." said Lazarus. "We wandered inside a cave and…the entrance collapsed, trapping us there. We had no cellphone signal, no way out and our supplies were running out. Thankfully, our parents got worried. They came to look for us with the sheriff. The rescued us."

"But after that…we were forbidden from ever going to that mountain again." said Bartholomew. "And we were on board with that. It was too risky."

"I understand." said Edgeworth. "Now, continue."

I can't understand why Marla would go there. She knew the dangers.

Hold it: "Was she actually aware of the dangers?"

"Of course. Everyone had told her about the other people who died there, about our own story, about the mountain's steepness. She was fully aware of the risks and yet he went. I guess her urge to feel the risk was too large."

"Feel the risk?"

"You see…Marla was a bit of an adrenaline junkie. She wanted to feel that she was constantly fighting against the odds. That she risking her life. She loved that rush."

"That sounds dangerous." said Kay.

"I know." said Bartholomew. "I can't judge her for it. I used to be just like that in my youth. But…after that experience, I learnt the hard way how it truly feels to be in danger. Let me tell you, fear is no good feeling. If Marla had survived, I'm sure, she'd say the same thing."

"Hmm. He sounds honest here." thought Edgeworth. "But I know he's lying about at least one thing. Time to bring out the guns."

I haven't been there in years. I have no idea what could have happened to her.

Objection

"Mr. Bartholomew." said Edgeworth. "I can believe your story. I can also believe your desire to give up on the risky way of life. However…your statement about nto having gone to that mountain in years…I just can't accept that!"

"An…and why is that? "

Edgeworth presented the cigar.

"Does this look familiar, Mr. Bartholomew.

"Uh…oh…."

"Hey, it's one of your cigars." said Lazarus.

"I…"

"Are you sure it's his?" asked Edgeworth. "Aren't there more people smoking this mark?"

"Lion Heart? No, not one. They are a special order. They have to be brought her from Florida for a very high price. The only one crazy enough to do that is my friend over here."

"Thank you for your input." said Edgeworth. "Now then…Mr. Bartholomew…would you care to explain how and when this cigar ended up in Sherman's hill?"

"Aaaaaaaah!"

"And don't even bother claiming you left it there years ago." said Marshall. "It's clearly fresh. And that can be proven."

"I…I…" he was fidgeting very much.

"Bartholomew!" said Lazarus. "Did you…actually go there? Why did you hide it from me? We are supposed to share everything!"

"But…aren't you two together the whole time?" asked Kay. "Wouldn't you know if he had gone there?"

"Not if he went three day ago. I was away to the city for a job and came back late at night. I have no idea what he was doing on that day."

"So, Mr. Bartholomew, care to fill in the blanks for us?" asked Edgeworth.

"I…this is pointless!" said Bartholomew. "isn't this about Marla's death? What does that have to do with a cigar?"

"A lot." said Edgeworth. "As shown by certain piece of evidence."

"And what is that?"

"The mortician's findings." said Edgeworth. "After examining the body he found residue from ashes on her hair.

"Ashes?"

"He even said it's clearly coming from a cigarette or cigar." said Marshall. "Some disrespectful cowpoke was smoking over her body."

"So, Mr. Bartholomew, you must have been there on the night she disappeared, since that's the only night you were alone and Mr. Lazarus didn't know what you were up to. And the ashes link the cigar to the victim and the victim to you!"

"W…wait, wait, wait! I can…I can explain it."

"You can? Then go ahead. Let's see what you can do this time.

"Careful, pardner." said Marshall. "A threated coyote always fights harder than a mild one. He will not be so easy to pin down this time."

"Don't worry. I am prepared to find the contradictions. He is bound to make another slip-up. And I will not let anything get past me."

Witness testimony

That night in the mountains

It's true. I was there that night.

Lazarus was away and I was bored. I decided go on a walk there to relax and reminisce about our childhood.

As I was there, I decided to smoke one of my babies. I must have dropped is there absent-mindedly.

I went home soon after that.

The only notable thing is I trapped and landed in a mud puddle there. Nothing else happened.

"So you never saw the body?" asked Edgeworth.

"No. I guess I was not that observant. I was lost in my thoughts after all."

"I see." said Edgeworth.

"What will you do, pardner?" asked Marshall.

"I assume you have spotted the same problem I have?"

"I believe so. What are you thinking?"

"I…I don't know. The contradiction is clear, but…why is it so clear? He had no reason to mention that. If anything, he's just digging his own grave."

"He's hiding something, that's for damn certain. Can you spot it?'

"I can."

"Then go ahead. We need answers here."

Cross-examination.

That night in the mountains

It's true. I was there that night.

Hold it: "Why didn't you mention that sooner?"

"I…I didn't want you to think I had anything to do with the murder. I was hoping you'd believe me and let it go."

"But, as you saw, we have evidence."

"Yes. Which is why I'm now telling the truth. And I hope you will accept it."

"As long as I don't find any more problems with it."

"No. There are no problems this time."

Lazarus was away and I was bored. I decided go on a walk there to relax and reminisce about our childhood.

As I was there, I decided to smoke one of my babies. I must have dropped is there absent-mindedly.

I went home soon after that.

Hold it: "So you never saw the body?"

"No. She might have fallen there after I left. Or maybe she was there and I was just too distracted. Thinking about my life, my problems, the daily grind. I was too immersed in my thoughts. I cannot deny the possibility I just missed her."

"I see. Carry on."

The only notable thing is I trapped and landed in a mud puddle there. Nothing else happened.

Objection

"Mr. Bartholomew, you claim nothing happened" said Edgeworth. "But your statement about falling into the mud puddle is a contradiction is itself."

"Um…I said nothing aside from that happened."

"Did you fall inside it?" asked Lazarus.

"Don't worry. I put my hand out and stopped the fall. But my hand got really dirty."

"And therein lies the contradiction!" said Edgeworth. "You see, a boulder had fallen down at the crime scene. On it, we found handprint. One that was covered in mud. We thought someone had touched the boulder after touching the mud. And, as you just admitted...that was you!"

"And if you still wish to deny it…" said Marshall. "We can always have the fingerprints checked."

"Grrrr! Damn that stupid boulder!" he said.

"Bartholomew…you lied again?" asked Lazarus. "Why? What is going on?"

"L...look…I…I…"

"You need to tell the truth!" said Kay. "Don't you understand? The more you lie, the more suspicious you look."

"She's right!" said Gumshoe. "What actually happened there?"

"Did you kill Marla Haik?" asked Edgeworth.

"N…no! I could never do that! Never!"

"Then let's hear it! I am willing to give you one last chance! You will tell the truth or else…"

"I understand. Forgive me. I will tell you everything."

Witness testimony

The whole truth

Like I told you, I was feeling lonely without Lazarus.

So, went up to the mountain. I wanted to remember the good old days.

Suddenly, I tripped and fell in that mud puddle.

I god mud all over my hand, so I tried to clean it. I always have wipes with me for that very reason.

As I was cleaning, I lost my balance again. I put my hand on the boulder to steady myself.

But I guess the rock wasn't very stable. It moved and rolled down the hill.

I looked down and…I saw a young woman there. She was lying dead on the path.

And those beasts, her coyotes, were devouring her flesh.

Soon, they ran into the desert, dragging the poor girl with them.

That must have been Marla.

"So…you knew all along Marla Haik had been killed?" asked Edgeworth.

"No. didn't realize it was her. Her face was unrecognizable. I never imagined it would be her!"

"I see." said Edgeworth. "When did you figure it out?"

"After you told us you had found her. I realized it must have been her."

"Why didn't you say anything?" asked Kay.

"I was afraid. Afraid you would think I killed her."

"No." said kay. "We would never…"

"And yet, that's what your testimony just did." said Marshall.

"What do you mean, pal?" asked Gumshoe.

"It's clear what really happened." said Marshall. "Mr. Bartholomew dropped the boulder down the hill. He looked and the girl was lying down? Don't you see the connection?"

"Wait…" said Edgeworth. "You can't be suggesting…"

"I am. I thought something seemed out of place from the very beginning." said Marshall. "Marla was a great hiker. One of the best I've ever known. She wouldn't just lose her footing without any reason. Something must have caused her to fall. Like, for example, a boulder rolling towards her. Not even she would have been able to avoid that."

"No…" said Bartholomew. "You can't…"

"You can't be serious!" said Lazarus.

"I am. Mr. Bartholomew, even though it was not your intention, I'm afraid your actions have led to the death of Ms. Haik. That would mean…you are guilty of involuntary manslaughter!"

"But…that doesn't make sense!" said Kay.

"That's not what you said earlier!" said Edgeworth. "Didn't you say someone had killed her and then rolled her body down the cliff to make it look like an accident?"

"I did say that. But perhaps I was mistaken. No cactus is ever truly rooted, you know. They always move towards the gold strike and the smell of fine ribs."

"I'm afraid you are being too rush with this!" said Edgeworth.

"Rush? On the contrary. If you want, I will give you a chance to cross-examine my arguments."

"You will?" asked Gumshoe.

"Of course. If there is something wrong with them, we can talk this out. But if there isn't, I see no reason to postpone an arrest."

"A…arrest? I…I can't go to jail!" said Bartholomew."

"Don't worry, Mr. Bartholomew. You won't." said Edgeworth. '"I am ready for a rebuttal, Sheriff. Let's see what you are made out of."

"I'm made out of solid desert rock. Nothing is stronger, not even the horns of the mighty bull."

Argument

The tragic accident

The evidence makes it clear what happened.

Mr. Bartholomew was careless. He leaned on the boulder, causing it to roll down the hill.

Right then, the poor bambina happened to be walking by.

The boulder knocked her off the cliff and to her death.

The report did say she took one blow bigger than the others.

That's what happened. Tragic, but the law is the law.

"You seem pretty convinced of the accuracy of your hypothesis." said Edgeworth.

"A cowboy can't go into a duel without knowing how many bullets he has in his gun. I always count them trice.

"You should." said Edgeworth. "Or you might end up one bullet short."

"Well…let's let your rebuttal be the judge here, huh?"

Rebuttal

The tragic accident

The evidence makes it clear what happened.

Mr. Bartholomew was careless. He leaned on the boulder, causing it to roll down the hill.

Right then, the poor bambina happened to be walking by.

Hold it: "That would be quite a coincidence, wouldn't it?"

"I agree. You'd have more chances to strike gold in the middle of a saloon. However, you'd be surprised by how many incredible coincidences have happened."

"He's got a point." thought Edgeworth. "Just because something is astronomically improbable, doesn't mean it's impossible. I cannot deny it would have been feasible in the right set of circumstances. The mistake lies elsewhere.

The boulder knocked her off the cliff and to her death.

Hold it: "Mr. Bartholomew said when he looked, the coyotes were already ravaging the corpse. If she had just fallen off, how would they have gotten to her so quickly?"

"Never underestimated the speed of the devil. Those beast can smell the dead from a mile away."

"But she wouldn't have started smelling." said Kay. "She had just died."

"Maybe he's lying." said Marshall. "No one else saw the scene like that, did they?"

"I…I'm not lying!" said Bartholomew. "I swear, it's the truth!"

"Hmmm. Quite an impasse, isn't it?" said Marshall.

"This will definitely be a big roadblock if you take it to trial."

"I am a man of risks. Unless you find something definitively wrong, I have no reason to be afraid.

The report did say she took one blow bigger than the others.

Objection

"Mr. Marshall." said Edgeworth. "I'm sorry, but your theory makes no sense. There is something definitively wrong with it."

"Really? I call your bluff!"

"The victim did suffer a blow bigger than the others." said Edgeworth. "However, that one was on her head!"

"Wait.." said kay. "But if she was walking when the boulder rolled into her…"

"It wouldn't have hit her head!" said Gumshoe.

"Exactly!" said Edgeworth. "This is a significant contradiction!"

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrg!" Marshall clenched his chest.

"Sol, do you still intend to accuse this man?"

"H…ha! Good shot, pardner! But I will not back down so easily!"

"What do you have for us now, pal?"

"It is conceivable she was tying her shoelace at the time. If she was...the boulder could have hit her on the head!"

"Is that correct, sir?"

"No, detective, don't worry." said Marshall. "This is even more contradictory."

"What?!"

"If that was the case, that still maintains the original problem: why wasn't any blood on the boulder?!"

"Ah…Maybe…or…"

"Just face it!" said Edgeworth. "No matter which way you look at it, your accusation just doesn't hold water!"

"Water...even cacti need their water…"

"What happened is he did knock off the boulder. But it landed next to the victim. The victim had already been there for a while. Which is why the coyotes had already caught her scent and got to her. Mr. Bartholomew never killed anyone!"

"A…aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggg!"

"I rest my case."

"Thank you for that." said Bartholomew. "In return, I can tell you something further."

"What's that?"

"While I was up there, I noticed something strange."

"What?"

"I noticed…flashing and lighting from the desert."

"Flashing and lighting?"

"As if….somebody was out there taking pictures, you know."

"Pictures?"

"Sir!" said Gumshoe. "Are you think what I'm thinking?"

"Are you thinking of a certain annoying reporter?" asked Kay. "Because that's what I'm thinking!"

"That's what I was thinking!"

"And I'm thinking there is too much sand to find the path without a good map." said Marshall.

"And what are you thinking, Mr. Edgeworth?" asked Kay.

"I'm thinking…" said Edgeworth. "That we need to hear more about him. Mr. Bartholomew, is there anything you can tell us about Mr. Randy Flash?"

"That crazy journalist buffoon?" asked Lazarus.

"Oh, him." said Bartholomew. "I can tell you what I know. I ain't a whole bunch, though."

"Anything can help." said Edgeworth. "It could be vital."

"Very well. I owe you one, so…I'll tell you everything I know."

To be continued.