"K…Kyle P. Etrol?" said Edgeworth. 'he…he is your accomplice?"

"Yes that is his name. I'm sure of it. He is knew here, arrived just a year ago. He runs a gas station, so he doesn't have a large income. He seemed like the perfect candidate. And it was very easy to convince him to play along."

"I…I can't believe it!" said Kay. "Mr. Etrol…involved in criminal activities!"

"He…he seemed so nice, pal." said Gumshoe "How could he…"

"Fear the mildest of cows." said Marshall. "They are usually the most trouble."

"But wait…" said Kay. "If he guided the UFO to that location…."

"Does that mean he knew what we would find there?" asked Gumshoe.

"Come on, guys." said Edgeworth. "This is indeed shocking. However, to assume that he is involved in the murder just because he took money to act as this man's accomplice in a big hoax is a massive leap in logic."

"I agree." said Marshall. "But where there's smoke, there's fire."

"We certainly need to talk with him." said Kay.

"Yes, sir! He has plenty of explaining to do!"

"Okay then. We know where his store is. Let's head over there. We should listen to his side of the story before making any judgements."

"I agree." said Marshall. "Right now, all we have is the word of this guy. No evidence, no confession...and of course, no motive."

"Sheriff Marshall." said Kay. "Can you call that friend of yours at the police? Maybe he can also dig up info on Mr. Etrol. What did he do before moving here?"

"You are right. I'll call him right now."

"What will happen to me?" asked Flash.

"Oh, you are still going to the clink, pardner." said Marshall. "You are still guilty of fraud, arson and attempted murder."

"Yeah, pal! I'll need a few weeks to walk normally thank to you!" said Gumshoe and showed his bandage. "I'm lucky to still be alive."

"I…I never meant to kill you. I just wanted to make sure you couldn't follow me."

"Regardless of the circumstances, the result doesn't change." said Edgeworth. "And let's not ignore that it was possible for you to have hit an artery, causing massive blood loss. I'm afraid the court will not be very sympathetic of your motives, either."

"I…I…"

"I don't feel sorry one bit for you, pardner." said Marshall. "Come one. I'll hand you over to one of the assistants. He'll ready a cozy little cell for you."

"I've heard the food is not great there, pal" said Gumshoe.

Marshall took Flash away.

"I can't believe how this turned out, sir!" said Gumshoe. "That guy wasn't evil. He's just completely bonkers!"

"I don't think so." said Kay. "I think he just let his ambitions get the better of him. He wanted fame so much, he completely lost all sense of morals."

"Even that being the case, his actions are inexcusable!" said Edgeworth. "What he has done cannot be erased! He has to pay! He knew very well what he was doing."

"But maybe he didn't realize the graveness of his actions. In his mind, he was justified in what he did. You know what they say: every villain is the hero of his own story."

Edgeworth looked at Kay proudly.

"Kay…how far you have come." he thought. "You have become wiser and stronger than you used to be. You are not the girl you used to be. You are a strong, independent woman. And I'm proud of you."

"Earth to Mr Edgeworth!" said kay, noticing his expression. "Are you here?"

"Y…yes. Excuse me. I was lost in my thoughts."

"So, will we go see Mr. Etrol now?"

"Yes, once Mr. Marshall comes back. I think a long conversation with him is in order."

"That phony! And he seemed like such a nice guy!" said Gumshoe. "To think he had us fooled!"

"Detective!" said Edgeworth. "I repeat, do not make judgments until you've seen the facts. Right now, we have nothing on him. We will have to let the evidence decide."

Right then, Marshall came back.

"How did it go?"

"Great, bambina. That crook is now in custody. We'll also have the news station report on his actions. Maybe that will discourage any further tricks like this."

"He can still find new tricks after he gets out." said Kay. "Aliens aren't the only thing in fashion."

"I don't particularly care what he will do from now on." said Edgeworth. "But if he gets in my way again, I will not hesitate to take him down."

"Well said, pardner." said Marshall. "But for now, there is need to talk to someone else."

"Right. Time for Mr. Etrol to explain himself."

The group went to Etrol's gas station. They found him empty.

"Looks like he ain't here." said Marshall.

"Where could he be?" wondered Edgeworth. "I hope he won't be gone for long. We really need to talk with him."

"Hey, there's a sign here." said Gumshoe and pointed to the counter.

"Went to get lunch. Be back soon." read kay. "Yeah, he is going to take a while.

"In that case, let's look around a bit." said Marshall.

"Are you sure it's okay?" asked Edgeworth. "This is private property."

"No, I don't think he'll mind. As long as he has nothing to hide."

"Hey, that door leads to his house." said Kay, pointing to a half-open door behind the counter. "Let's go in there."

"Okay, I think that's crossing the line a bit." said Edgeworth. But the other three were always going in there, so he followed them.

"What else will I do for them?"

They found themselves in a small room. It had one bed, one closet, one nightstand and a door that led to a bathroom.

"This is his house?" asked Gumshoe. "I thought my house was small, but…"

"I guess he doesn't have the money for a big house." said Kay. "Maybe his business isn't doing so well."

"There is only so much money a gas station in a town like this can earn." said Edgeworth.

"He seems to be a bit messy, too." said Marshall.

"What do you mean?" asked Edgeworth.

He pointed to a carpet that was crammed in a corner.

"That carpet is covered in dust. It's dirty and he's left it in plain sight. He could have put it somewhere, but…he's just left it in plain sight. That just seems sloppy, like when a desperado trying to hide his tracks after a robbery."

"Hmmm. A dusty carpet…why does that feel somewhat familiar?" thought Edgeworth. "Have I see something like this?"

"There is even ashes scattered on the carpet." said Marshall. "Somebody gives zero damns about clean houses."

"Let's not be too hard on him." said Edgeworth. "Maybe he hasn't had time to clean it."

Edgeworth then noticed something else.

"Hey, what is that?"

He picked it p. it was an empty plastic bag. It ahd a tag on it

"hiking clothes"

"He bought hiking clothes?" wondered Edgeworth. "Why does that strike me as strange?"

"Hey, there is a bunch of pictures in his drawer." said Kay.

"Kay, why did you open his drawer?" asked Edgeworth. "This has gone too far!"

"Don't worry, sir." said Gumshoe. "It's just pictures of him and Ms. Haik."

"Even worse! That's a downright violation of private life! Shame on both of you!"

"Well…" said Kay. " I just thought there'd be something….important in…"

She stopped. She seemed very shaken.

"What's happened?" asked Edgeworth. "Why did you stop? What's wrong?"

"I…I…" she said, while her eyes teared up.

"Detective, what happened to her?"

"I don't know, sir. She just keeps looking at that photograph! It's just Mr. Etrol and…a woman."

Edgeworth approached. There was indeed a woman in the photograph. She was wearing a black blouse and a black skirt. They were both smiling. There was some writing on the bottom of the photograph.

"To my love, Teresa."

"Kay…who is this woman?" asked Edgeworth. "How do you know her?"

"She…" Kay tried to suffocate her tears. "She was…my mother."

"What?!"

"Your…"

"Your mother?!"

"Yes. Teresa Faraday. That was her name."

"This…is your mother, bambina?"

"Yes. This photo…must be about 12 years old."

"How do you know?"

"She looks exactly like she looks in another picture I have from her. She must be about the same age."

"So…Mr. Etrol knew your mother?"

"Yes, apparently. I don't know how."

"What happened to your mother, Kay?" asked Gumshoe. "You never told us that."

"I….I wish I knew. I never found out." she said. "I still remember her. We used to play together all day long. She was amazing! I loved her and she loved me! She was the best mother I could ask for! She was away a lot due to her work, but she still tried her best to maintain a balance."

"Then what happened?"

"I…I don't know. One day, when I was 6, my father called me. He said…" she had trouble continuing. She took a deep breath. "He said mother was gone. And she wasn't coming back.'

"Did he mean she died?"

"I…I don't know. He never told me any details. Whenever I asked him, he would change the subject. I could see thinking about her hurt him too, so I stopped asking. But I've always wanted to know what happened to her."

"Poor girl." thought Edgeworth. "She's been through so much."

"But now…maybe this is my chance."

"What do you mean?"

"That man…he has a photo with her. About the same time as her disappearance. He may knew what happened to her after she disappeared."

"Then you'll have to ask him." said Edgeworth. "But first, we must settle the other issues with him."

"Right…I know…"

"Wow! You are one roughened bambina!" said Marshall. "You have my respect!"

While Edgeworth was mulling over all that information, he noticed an open notepad on the table It had some notes.

The notes said:

Red button: taking off

Green button: staying still in the air

Blue button: spinning

Sticks: movements

"What are those?" he wondered. "They look like instructions of some kind. Maybe I should study them more."

That's when they heard a voice.

"You are here? I didn't picture you as the type who pokes around people private property."

They turned. It was Kyle P. Etrol, standing at the entrance.

"Hey…you are back." said Gumshoe.

"Indeed. And now…I would appreciate it if you'd explain why you are in my house."

"We just…wanted to talk to you about something." said Edgeworth. 'You weren't here, so…"

"So oyu decided to snoop around my house. Makes sense, doesn't it?"

"The point it…" said Marshall. "There is something very vital we need to discuss with you."

"What is it? Did…did you find out who killed Marla?"

"Possibly." said Edgeworth. "But before that…there is another matter we need to discuss."

"I'm listening."

"You have heard of the fables of the flying saucer, haven't you?" said Marshall.

"You mean the spaceship. Yes, yes I have. The aliens and…"

"It wasn't aliens!" said Edgeworth. "It was all a hoax. And we have proven that!"

"What…what do you mean?" he appeared shocked.

"Journalist Randy Flash created a fake UFO in order to create a fake story and become famous."

"Oh, him? He really went that far? I didn't expect it…but I knew he wasn't very well in the head. To think he crated that entire ruse by himself."

"Actually…he wasn't alone."

"What do you mean?"

"He claims he had an accomplice. A man who controlled the UFO remotely while he chased it. And he has stated that man…is you."

"Yeah, pal! How could you?!"

Etrol seemed unfazed.

"So, let me get this straight. You barge into my house with no warrant, no permission, you search my things and now you accuse me of such a crime…all on the word of an attention-seeking madman? What a shame, prosecutor Edgeworth. And I really held you in a high regard."

"I don't care for such things. I simply care for the truth."

"The truth is like diamonds on the sand, pardner." said Marshall. "It always come to light, sooner or later."

"Then allow me to explain why your reason is completely ridiculous." said Etrol. "I will not stand for this! It seems the claims about police and prosecutors doing anything to arrest someone is true! You will just blame an innocent man to say you closed the case and save face!"

"You don't have much room to make such abrasive comments." said Edgeworth. "If you have an argument, keep it simple."

"Fine! Let's get this farce of an investigation over with!"

Argument

No proof

So that guy tries to blame me and you believe him?

Why does he seem more trustworthy than me? I'm an honest businessman!

I had nothing to do with that ridiculous story! He was acting alone!

You have no proof to link me to any of this!

"Hmmm. So you insist on your lack of involvement."

"You bet I do! You have nothing on me! Why confess to something I haven't done?! I am an innocent man!"

"We will see that." said Edgeworth. "For now, my job is to examine your argument."

"is it necessary?

"Absolutely."

"Fine! But I don't want any time wasting! Or i might decide to throw you out!"

"What?"

"Well…you are still illegally present at my private property. If I want, I can throw you out even now. I don't have to play your little game. I only do because I want you to see I have nothing to hide."

"So he's trying to threaten us." thought Edgeworth. "I don't have much space to maneuver here. I need to play this carefully…or I could compromise the whole case."

Rebuttal

No proof

So that guy tries to blame me and you believe him?

Hold it: "Mr. Flash s going to prison for a long time after what he did. He has no incentive to lie now."

"You think? And how do you know his intentions? Maybe he has a plan."

"A plan?"

"You see, we once had a fight. We argued really bad."

"Why?"

"I don't want to say. It was a private matter. But the point is, he is still pissed about it. Maybe he is trying to take me own with him as revenge."

"That's too far-fetched!" said Kay.

"Aw, but you can't disprove it, can you?"

"No. I have no proof it didn't happen." thought Edgeworth. "I need something more definitive to corner him."

Why does he seem more trustworthy than me? I'm an honest businessman!

I had nothing to do with that ridiculous story! He was acting alone!

You have no proof to link me to any of this!

Objection

"Mr. Etrol. You think you have your tracks perfectly covered." said Edgeworth. "But you don't. You did leave evidence behind."

"Aw. I'd love to see it!"

Edgeworth showed him the igniter.

"And what is that?"

"An igniter. It is used to burn things. But you already know this, right? You do sell igniters here, don't you?"

"Maybe I do. But what does have to do with the case?"

"You see…this igniter was found inside the fake UFO. Mr. Flash used it to destroy the evidence once we got too close."

"I see. Maybe he isn't as stupid as he seems."

Maybe. But this igniter will tie you to the crime for good! You see, this igniter is linked to you without a doubt. See, right here in the bottom corner. This red stamp…the "E" You remember what you told us about it? That's it your mark? And you put it on every product you sell?!"

"Oh…right…"

"Yes, I remember it!" said Kay. "It exactly the same as the E on my bottle of water."

"So, Mr. Etrol…wouldn't you say this establishes a connection beyond a shadow of a doubt?"

"Hm….nuh-uh!"

"Huh?"

"So what if it mine? I sell dozens of those things every day."

"Demand for igniters is that high?"

"Yes, believe it or not. You know, maybe Mr. Flash was among those buyers. To be honest, I can't remember."

"Out of the handful of people who live here…" said Marshall. "You can't remember if you sold Mr. Flash an igniter? Even the cacti have better memory than you."

"Maybe you are right. I never was too renowned for my memory. But that means your point is moot."

"Curses! He nullified my contradiction with ease!" thought Edgeworth. '"aybe…I was being too cocky. Maybe he really has covered his tracks perfectly."

"Do you have any evidence at all? Anything to prove my involvement in this…heinous crime?"

"Hmmm Do I have anything?" thought Edgeworth. "Can I tie him to the crime? Maybe that thing…Yes, that's my only hope."

"Yes, Mr. Etrol. I can prove your involvement in this terrible crime."

"Oh, come on. Your bluffs are so cheap."

"The bluffs are not meant for men like him." said Marshall. "They are only useful for cowards like you!"

"W…what do you…"

"Mr. Edgeworth, what is your proof?"

"There is one thing we need to prove my theory: the remote."

"The remote?"

"Yes. The one Mr. Flash made to control the UFO. He said you had it, Mr. Etrol!"

"He did? Of course he would. But you can't prove it."

"Sir, can we even find the remote now?" asked Gumshoe.

"Yeah." said Kay. "I'm sure he has already gotten rid of it."

"I don't think so." said Edgeworth. "Until we came here, he had no idea Mr. Flash had been caught. He thought the plan was still in action. I doubt he had throw it. He had just hidden it somewhere here."

"You think we'll find it if we search long enough?" asked Marshall.

"Indeed. But until then, I have other proof."

"What is that?"

Edgeworth presented the notepad he had found.

"A notepad? That's is?" asked Kay.

"This is very important." said Edgeworth. "And I can see that just by looking at Mr. Etrol's face."

Indeed Etrol was acting nervously and sweating.

Edgeworth read out the notes. Everyone heard carefully.

"Those notes…" said Marshall. "It seems our witness really has a bit of a memory problem."

"Indeed" said Edgeworth. "And he needed this to remember the instructions. The instructions he received from Mr. Flash…on how to fly the spaceship."

"Aaaaaaaaagggggggggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"

"This is indeed compelling." said Marshall.

"Indeed." said Kay. "This proves he was in possession of the remote."

"And even if it isn't…" said Marshall. "I can search the place. I have a hunch the remote is hidden somewhere in here."

"Do that, sheriff." said Edgeworth. "That would help us very much."

Marshall left.

"Mr. Etrol…this is your final chance to make things easier for yourself."

"I…I refuse to say anything."

"You don't need to." said Edgeworth. "The answer will be in our hands soon enough!"

They waited. Eventually, Marshall came back.

"I think this is what we're looking for. It was stashed behind a bunch of boxes.

It was a remote.

"There's our proof!" said Kay.

"You…you can't know that remote controls the spaceship!" said Etrol. 'You said the spaceship has been destroyed! There goes your case!"

"Oh, he's right!" said Gumshoe.

"Maybe" said Edgeworth. "But we don't need the spaceship.

"What?"

"If Mr. Flash made that remote for the spaceship, his fingerprints will be all over it. We just need to examine it."

Etrol was sweating bullets! He was clearly nervous.

"So, do you still deny it? I'll give you one final chance!"

"I…this is meaningless! Even if I was involved in that story, what does that have to do with Marla's death? Isn't that your case?!"

"It is." said Edgeworth. "And that's where the two cases collide."

"What?!"

"What's your point, sir?" asked Gumshoe.

"Yeah, what's the common thread here?" asked Kay.

"I believe you both have realize it." said Edgeworth. "You are both very astute."

"Maybe we have." said Kay. "But this is your moment."

"Okay. Mr. Etrol, it was the UFO that lead us to Marla's body. If it hasn't been for that…I think her body would have remained lost for a long time, maybe forever. I think you can see where I'm going with this."

"No…you can't be…" said Etrol.

"Yes, I am. Mr. Etrol since you were guiding the UFO, it is logical to assume that you had prior knowledge of the body's location. In other words…I accuse you of being the one responsible for the murder or Marla Haik!"

To be continued.