July 1st, 11:33pm
Prosecutor's Building
Outside Roadway
At least he has the decency to look bashful, Miles Edgeworth thought as the other prosecutor returned from the light post.
"It would seem like apologies are in order," Blackquill said. "After all, what is a samurai without honor? I apologize for earlier, Edgeworth-dono. Both for my lack of patience and for the presumptuous way I acted."
"You did well with the information you had, Mr. Blackquill. I don't hold it against you."
"Now then... perhaps you'd be willing to give us a brief testimony of the gunshot you heard."
Edgeworth nodded. "Of course."
-Witness Testimony-
The Gunshot
"Most of what I witnessed has already been mentioned: I heard a gunshot seconds before the car changed directions.
"After the accident, I was a bit dazed. I don't recall where I heard the shot come from, or anything else about it.
"Apologies I can't be of more use, but there really is no other evidence of a gunshot occurring, save the autopsy report. I was hoping to find more in the investigation."
Not his finest, as far as testimony went. But Edgeworth wasn't about to make up details he didn't know, or submit theories he couldn't prove. Unlike a certain attorney he'd once faced, Edgeworth didn't like making claims without evidence.
"...That isn't much to go on, Mr. Edgeworth."
"Apologies, Prosecutor Blackquill," he bowed. "I was unable to discover anything substantial in the investigation, earlier. Although…"
"What is it?"
"I may have… indirect evidence."
"You do?! What is it?"
Edgeworth smirked. He may not run into many evidence-presenting witnesses on his investigations, but he was no ordinary witness. And while this may not count as decisive per se… "This evidence suggests the shot came from outside the car. TAKE THAT!"
He presented "Glass Shards" to the other prosecutor, eyes alight with triumph. "As you may recall, both front windows of the crashed car were shattered, despite only the back seat driver window hitting the light pole. This could easily be proof of a gunshot!"
"OBJECTION! The cracks in the windows are too large for a mere bullet!"
"True," Edgeworth conceded, chuckling at Blackquill's surprised face. "It is my belief that the bullet pierced the windows of the car, and the crash's impact caused the cracks to widen. A plausible theory, now that we know the victim was killed with a gun."
"Are you suggesting this bullet hit a speeding car, shot through a person's brain, then went out the other end and through another window with no trouble? I may have limited experience with guns, but that seems highly implausible."
He shrugged. "Clearly, we are dealing with a powerful weapon. I only read the autopsy report once, and I still recall the mortician found no bullet within River during the examination, and that the police found no such thing in the car. All the mortician could tell us was that the bullet was shot from further than six feet away, eliminating Miss Seid as a suspect."
As if on cue, she broke into the conversation, tapping her foot in impatience. "Finally! Can I go home now?"
All three men, at once: "No."
The witness stormed off, fuming. No one paid her any notice.
Blackquill turned back to Edgeworth. "Did your investigation turn up anything else?"
He shook his head. "Aside from the glass shards, nothing. I was shocked to realize I was the only witness to hear the gunshot."
"Hey! Now that I think about it, that's really weird!" Gumshoe cried out. "Miss Seid would have witnessed her boyfriend getting shot! Why didn't she say anything, sir?"
"Don't forget Mr. Viper," Blackquill noted. "He was very quick to deny such a possibility. And he's tried to leave the crime scene more than once."
"Then we shall question them. By your leave, naturally." Edgeworth was quick to add the last bit.
Blackquill nodded, indicating permission. That was all he and Gumshoe needed.
The men walked over to where both the witnesses were waiting, flanked by extremely bored police officers.
Edgeworth was first to speak. "Excuse me. My colleague and I wish to ask the two of you a few questions."
"Oh, what now?"
"Earlier, you both testified that you never heard a gunshot, or anything resembling such," Blackquill explained, pulling the autopsy report out of his Organizer. "But the report here states that David River died of a gunshot wound to the head. Quite the contradiction, no?"
"Can either one of you explain why you didn't hear or notice such a thing?" Edgeworth turned to the passenger first. "Miss Seid?"
"I told you! I was yelling and screaming when it all happened. Everything went by so fast, and the crash… I must have forgotten it."
That drew some raised eyebrows out of the crowd. "You forgot about the bullet that killed your boyfriend?"
"I could have died!" she screamed. "Even when it was over, I couldn't process… I was alive! I was alive, and David was… d-dead. I- I…" She paused, turning her grief to anger. "And then you bumbling fools come along, asking me all sorts of questions and holding me here until dawn and accusing me of causing the accident, and I…"
Both Blackquill and Edgeworth decided it would be best to leave her alone for the time being. It was doubtful they'd get any new testimony, and they didn't have any evidence implicating her in anything shady. Maybe the other witness would be calmer.
"And you, Mr. Viper? Can you explain why you didn't hear the shot that took River's life?"
The man turned towards them in shock, rubbing the tattoo on his neck. "Ah course! I was cleanin' up after closin' time inside, didn't hear nuthin' through them doors. It was pure luck I looked up an' saw that crash!"
The prosecutors slowly nodded, struggling to understand his way of speaking. "Would you mind testifying as such, Mr. Viper? For our investigation?"
"Nah, I can help. Here, I'll do it righ' now."
-Witness Testimony-
I Heard Nuthin'
"See, I work at the little shop right 'cross the street. We closed a 'lil bit ago, an' I was on cleanin' duty.
"So there I was, only guy there, doin' my job like normal. Out the corner of my eye, I see a car, just rollin' down the street not a care in the world.
"Then, when I look'd up again, car was facin' the opposite direction, crashed into a streetlight! I didn' know what happened!
"So I rushed outside an' called an ambulance. Didn't hear nuthin' long as I was inside."
Edgeworth closed his eyes, processing the man's testimony. Next to him, Blackquill looked concerned. "Something's not right about his testimony. I can feel it."
The older prosecutor nodded. "Very well, then. Will you cross examine him, or shall I?"
"Uh- you can do it."
"Hm. Very well." Mr. Viper, I don't know what you think you're doing… but rest assured. You will not get away with it!
-Cross Examination-
I Heard Nuthin'
"See, I work at the little shop right 'cross the street. We closed a 'lil bit ago, an' I was on cleanin' duty."
"HOLD IT! Were you working alone?"
"Kinda, yeah. I had a shift partner for when the store was open, but he wen' on home at closin' time."
"I see. And closing time is…?"
"Nine o'clock."
That makes sense. "So you'd have been about twenty minutes into cleaning when the car showed up?"
-"Store Hours" added to Organizer-
"Yeah, sounds 'bout right."
"Thank you, Mr. Viper. Please continue with your testimony."
"So there I was, only guy there, doin' my job like normal. Out the corner of my eye, I saw a car, just rollin' down the street not a care in the world."
"HOLD IT!" Edgeworth had to be sure. "When you describe the car in question as having 'rolled down the street', what does that mean exactly?"
"Well… It was just rollin'. Pretty calm, not going very fast. I didn' pay it much mind, to be honest."
Edgeworth smirked. "I see. Please continue your testimony, Mr. Viper."
"Then, when I looked up again, car was facin' the opposite direction, crashed into a streetlight. I didn' know what happened!"
"So I rushed outside an' called an ambulance. Didn't hear nuthin' long as I was inside."
"HOLD IT! You didn't hear a gunshot or a crash as long as you were inside?"
"That's what I said, Prosecuta Boy. You gon' parrot me all night? Can I call ya Polly?"
"Absolutely not!" he recoiled. "Anyway, I find that hard to believe. Even if the sounds were muffled, surely they could be heard through a single door."
The witness shook his head soundly. "No can do. Owner of the store was a real stickler 'bout noise, hated being righ' next to a big road. So he installed himself some soundproofin' glass. Real expensive, so I heard."
"Soundproofing glass?" Gumshoe still seemed skeptical. "Is that a real thing, sir?"
"Yes, Detective. The Detention Center uses a variation of the glass to keep suspects from breaking out." Mr. Edgeworth replied. And that was the end of the testimony.
"You saw the contradiction, right, Edgeworth-dono?"
"Indeed, Mr. Blackquill. And I would humbly request you stop adding suffixes to my name. This is neither Japan, nor a Steel Samurai movie."
"Yes, sir. O-Of course." He looked almost ashamed, then confused. "Wait, they use suffixes in the Steel Samurai movies? I thought the English adaptation took them out! I guess they could still be in the sub, which was released earlier, but-"
"Enough!" Edgeworth ordered, realizing his mistake. "I see the contradiction, but I'm not certain of its importance."
Should I go after it, despite my doubts? It may turn out to be nothing…
No! I can't let that stop me! I won't stop until I've investigated every last suspicious-looking nook and cranny!
"Mr. Viper! Please repeat your testimony once more!"
"Huh? Oh, sure…
"See, I work at the little shop right 'cross the street. We closed a 'lil bit ago, an' I was on cleanin' duty.
"So there I was, only guy there, doin' my job like normal. Out the corner of my eye, I saw a car, just rollin' down the street, not a care in the world."
"OBJECTION!"
"Wah!" Their witness looked startled. "What is it?"
"Mr. Viper, you claim you saw the vehicle in question merely 'rolling down the street.' But that simply isn't true. I have evidence right here that the car was not simply 'rolling down the street.'" At that, Edgeworth presented the evidence titled "Road Marks". "In fact… they were traveling well over the speed limit!"
"Yeah!" Gumshoe added. "How are you gonna explain this one, pal?"
"...Oops."
"Oops? Really?" Gumshoe was seething. "How can you-"
"Hey, hey! Look, I said I wasn' paying that much attention. All I saw was a car drivin' down the street. It really matter how fast it was goin'?"
"I'm off to look for our mysterious gun," Blackquill announced out of the blue. "Detective Gumshoe?"
"Huh, Mr. Blackquill, sir?"
"Please assist me in my search. Your flashlight is brighter than mine."
"Wha-? But-"
"Go on, Detective. I'll handle things here," Edgeworth assured, sending him away.
Mr. Viper wasn't finished. "Well? Ya got any more to say, Prosecuta' Boy? I heard nuthin', and thanks to yo' little interrogation, you just proved I saw nuthin too! That means I can go, right?"
"Wrong!" Edgeworth declared, giving him his strongest glare yet. "Mr. Viper, I'm not finished yet!"
"Huh? Wha' ya mean? You really gonna hold on 'til the sun comes up?"
"If that's what it takes to find the truth, I will forge on all day and all night to reach such an end." Wouldn't be the first time, either.
"Now, what does that have to do with me? What else do I need to do to be 'finished'?"
A fair question. Hm… what should I have him testify about?
-before the car appeared
-after the accident occurred
-when the police arrived
I don't see how the other two could possibly be relevant… therefore! There is only one option left!
"Mr. Viper! Please testify in regards to your movements directly after the accident occurred!"
"'Kay, 'kay, I will!"
-Witness Testimony-
Sitting an' waiting
"After the accident, I ran outside to see what's goin' on.
"I saw the lady tryna get out of the passenger seat and decided to help 'er out. Seemed like the right thing to do.
"When she got out, she was mostly okay. Few cuts, pretty shocked, but nuthin' serious.
"Then, I call for an ambulance on a payphone. They show up, and the driver guy was already dead.
"After that, I just waited for the police, quiet as could be."
"That's all I got for you, Prosecuta' boy. Can I go now?"
Hmm. Nothing seems off but… nothing seems different, either.
"Mr. Viper, I'm afraid I will still have to cross-examine you."
Viper sighed. "Fine, bu' make it quick."
I'm obligated to do nothing of the sort. Just for that, Edgeworth considered stalling for time on pointless trivialities… then realized he'd have to sit through the discussion as well as Viper. Might as well get this done with.
-Cross Examination-
Sitting an' waiting
"After the accident, I ran out to see what's goin' on."
No clues here.
"I saw the lady tryin' to get out of the passenger seat and decided to help 'er out."
"HOLD IT! So you went out to help the other witness?"
"Yeah, man. I saw she was strugglin', and I went to help her. The door to the car must've been jammed. It wasn' easy to open."
"And what about the driver? Why did you not try to help him?"
"Why did- because he was a dead man! You were there!"
"And you knew that... how?"
"Well, he wasn' moving, an' there was a bunch of blood runnin' down his neck. His chest wasn' rising either."
A little odd, that he would immediately assume he was dead. But... it isn't suspicious, per se.
In the end, he didn't press the issue. Or rather, that part of it. "Hm…very well. Please add this statement to your testimony."
"Can do!
"I didn' even bother with the driver. He was bloodied up all over."
"OBJECTION!"
"Oh, what is it this time?"
"You say he was 'bloodied up all over', but the investigation disagrees." Edgeworth spoke confidently, presenting the evidence titled "Bloodstains". He supposed he could have presented "Crime Scene Photo" for the same effect, but it didn't matter. "Only one major bloodstain was found on the car seat, near River's head. Only minor stains were found along the rest of the seat."
"Hey! Just 'cause they were found on the seat don' mean the body couldn' have had more. What does your fancy 'autopsy' say?"
Why, I haven't even checked yet. Edgeworth realized. Taking "Autopsy Report" out of his Organizer, he read the initial report aloud:
"Cause of Death: gunshot wound to the head. Bullet went through his skull, and was shot outside point-blank range. No bullet found within the subject's body.
"Time of Death: 9:20pm. Death was near-instantaneous.
"Other Details: Several small injuries obtained post mortem, with small bits of glass stuck within the body. Significant amounts of blood found seeping through clothes."
"See? See?! Man was bloody! Objection... What does a judge say when an objection gets thrown in the gutta?"
"They say it was overruled, Mr. Viper. Objection overruled."
"Exactly! Read your ev'dence before shoutin' at me!"
"...Fine, I concede. Please, continue with your testimony."
"When she got out, she was mostly okay. Few cuts, pretty shocked, but nothin' serious.
"Then, I call for an ambulance on a payphone. They show up, and the driver guy was already dead.
"After that I just waited for the police, quiet as could be."
"HOLD IT! So, you said you were waiting for the police?"
"Yeah, that's what I said."
"But... how did you know they would be here? You didn't mention calling them."
"Yeah, 'cause I didn'. I guess they got called in after an ambulance called him dead."
"So, just to summarize, you went out to see what happened, helped Miss Seid get out, and waited for the police?"
"There you go again! Repeating everythin' I say! So. Prosecuta' boy. Can I go now?"
Something feels odd...What do I do? Should I try to get anything else out of him? I don't know if there is anything to get.
Don't tell me. Is there really-
"HOLD IT!"
Both Edgeworth and Viper turned suddenly as they heard Miss Seid shout.
"Wow! That was exhilarating! Now I see why all you lawyer-types do it!" Miss Seid said, as she strode towards them.
"Miss Seid, you have something to add?" Edgeworth asked, noticing from the corner of his eyes that Viper seemed uneasy.
"Yeah, I do! That guy is lying! No one helped me out of the car, I got out myself!"
Edgeworth did a double take. "Miss Seid, are you certain-"
"What the heck, lady?!" Viper suddenly interrupted. "I help you out and this is how ya repay me? Makin' me look suspicious?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Miss Seid crossed her arms, stomping her foot on the ground. "I never saw you until I was already out of the car!"
"Listen lady, I know what I did. Maybe you were in a state and didn' realize what was goin' on, but I swear. I was-"
"Enough!" Edgeworth barked, causing the witnesses to stop their argument. "There is an easy way to resolve this. We just check the passenger door for fingerprints."
"Wha?! Listen, Mr. Prosecuta'. You really don' need to-"
"I think otherwise." Edgeworth said simply before beckoning for one of the officers. "You, get someone to check for fingerprints on the passenger-side door's handle. See if there are prints of either of the witnesses."
"Yessir!"
As the officer walked off, Edgeworth turned back to the witnesses. "All we do now is wait."
"Mr. Edgeworth, sir!"
Well, that wasn't long.
Edgeworth turned towards Gumshoe, ready to hear what he had to say. "Yes detective?"
"Sir, we couldn't find anything resembling a gun on the scene!" the detective reported.
"What?!" Edgeworth was stunned. "Where did you check?"
"The car, the roadway, this side of the street, across the street, around all the buildings… We checked everything, I swear! Mr. Blackquill thinks the killer might've escaped!"
"No, that can't be right," Edgeworth insisted. "The police showed up almost right away. I didn't witness anyone fleeing the scene, nor did anyone else."
"But-"
"Come now, Gumshoe: if you saw someone running down the street with a gun, would you report it?"
"Of course, sir! Owning a firearm is illegal for anyone outside law enforcement!"
"And have any such reports been made? Tell an officer to check. If not, our killer is still nearby. Which I'm near confident they are."
"Yes, sir. And- oh yeah!"
"What is it?"
"Prosecutor Blackquill noticed something interesting that he wants you to see."
Edgeworth nodded. "Where is he?"
"In front of that store where this guy was working." Gumshoe replied, jerking a thumb at Viper.
"Very well. Watch the two witnesses for now, detective. Also, I requested for a quick fingerprint-check of the passenger-side door's handle. Get me when the results are in."
"Of course sir!" Gumshoe saluted as Edgeworth walked over.
July 2nd, 12:21am
Quick Journey Convenience Store
Outside Storefront
"You wanted to show me something?" Edgeworth asked as soon as he got there. Blackquill turned to face him and nodded.
"Yes. Look at the sign on the front door." the younger prosecutor said, pointing. The senior prosecutor looked up, eyes zeroing in on the printed information. It listed the business's store hours for the week: six am to eight pm.
Hmm… this is odd. When the scene in front of me goes against a piece of evidence, or merely strikes me as odd, I must hone my skills of deduction to figure it out.
First, I must find the exact spot holding a contradiction. Right… here! Edgeworth focused his gaze on the closing time of the store.
Whenever I spot something odd, I must bring up the evidence it contradicts. Then, Deduce with conviction!
Blackquill was about to ask a question, but Gumshoe silenced him. Edgeworth was wholly focused on the sign hung from the door.
Hmm… is this spot connected to any evidence I hold?
Edgeworth took a moment to sift through his Organizer, choosing the correct piece for the making of his deduction.
"EUREKA!"
"You see the contra- wait, what?" Blackquill stared at him like he was crazy. "What was that for?"
"This spots contradicts one of my pieces of evidence," Edgeworth declared, pulling out the bit regarding "Store Hours". "Earlier in his testimony, Mr. Viper stated this particular store closed at nine pm. But here, it sets closing time a full hour earlier!"
"Exactly, that's what I was trying to tell you," Blackquill insisted.
-"Store Hours" updated in Organizer-
"Call Viper over here. Now."
"Of course." They waited as the man approached, looking none too happy with himself.
"Mr. Viper, would you care to explain something to us?" Edgeworth asked.
"Yeah, yeah," the man said, still looking uneasy.
"Good. You say you were cleaning at the time of the accident. I find that particularly odd because of this: TAKE THAT!"
Viper looked at the evidence for a moment before turning to Edgeworth. "I'm afraid I don' understand, Prosecuta'," Viper said. "All it says here are the openin' and closin' times of the store."
Edgeworth smirked. "That is exactly my point, Mr. Viper. The store closed at eight. Yet you claim to have still been there at the time of the accident, more than an hour later!"
Viper recoiled in shock, his expression flashing from shocked to fearful to indignant. "Well, uh, I," he stammered. "I, uh, like to be thorough. Very, very thorough. Gotta get rid of all the trash and stuff!"
Miles shook his head condescendingly. "That may be true, but I find it hard to believe that even a fanatic would spend nearly eighty minutes cleaning a relatively small store."
"Well, uh-" Viper began to stammer again but was interrupted.
"Wait, why is this so odd?" Gumshoe was confused. "Whenever Mr. Edgeworth is gone, I spend four hours of every Saturday cleaning his office. Gotta polish 'til it shines, pal!" Blackquill just stared at him. "What?"
Didn't I take his keys away a few months ago? How is he still doing this?
"Wait, didn't you say this guy works at that store?" Miss Seid asked, causing Edgeworth to flinch. He hadn't seen her arrive.
Edgeworth and Blackquill both looked at her skeptically. "Seid-dono, do you ever listen to anyone else's testimony?" Blackquill asked her.
"No. I didn't think I had to!" the witness snapped. "Anyway, when David drove past this place, no one was there. The lights were completely out!"
Edgeworth looked at her intensely. "Miss Seid, are you certain about this?"
"Hold on a minute, man!" Viper shouted. "Seriously, are you goin' to listen to his lady again, sayin' nothing but false allegations? How could she be so sure that I wasn' in there? She was in a car that was driving after all!"
"You yourself said that the car was, as you put it, 'just rollin' down the street', Mr. Viper. It is possible that Miss Seid could make out her surroundings."
"Maybe, but it was night time! And there was no source of light for her to see me!"
"..."
"..."
"What?"
"...You clean your place of employment in complete darkness?" Blackquill finally asked. "That seems very unusual, Viper-Dono."
"Well, I, uh-"
"Sir!" A shout came from behind and the party turned to see a police officer running to them. "Sorry to interrupt, but we got the results for the test you asked for."
"What test?" Blackquill asked.
"I requested they check the passenger-side door's handle for fingerprints," Edgeworth explained. "Mr. Viper claimed to have helped Miss Seid out of her car, but Miss Seid says she got out herself." Turning to the officer Edgeworth stuck out his hand. "Thank you, officer. The report please."
"Sir!" the officer said with a salute, presenting the report.
I think the detective's idea of respect may be spreading to the rest of the police force.
As Edgeworth read the report, his eyes widened. "Interesting," the prosecutor said. "Apparently it says here that the only fingerprints on the handle were the ones from Miss Seid."
"N-Now wait a minute!" Viper began to say, looking a bit panicked. "M-Maybe they got smudged off or somethin'!"
"Highly unlikely, pal. The police are very careful with the evidence to make sure it stays in its original condition. And who would've touched it before we got here? No one!"
Right, they are very careful with evidence. As was everyone in the investigation.
-"Fingerprint Data" updated in Organizer-
"Besides, Viper-dono, if your fingerprints were smudged, shouldn't Miss Seid's fingerprints be in the same state?" Blackquill added, an obvious smirk on his face. "And who would have done it?"
Viper glanced from person to person, becoming more nervous by the second. "I got nuthin' to say to you folks!"
"Hey! Not so fast, pal!" Gumshoe stood in his way, trying to prevent the man from leaving. "Where do you think you're going?"
Hmm… when one's opponent plays with an erratic strategy, you must be that much more diligent, or they'll capture you before you realize it. I haven't played chess in a long time, but we'll see if he's up to the task.
"Mr. Viper."
Just like that, the men's surroundings faded from view. All Edgeworth could see was a calm, blue chessboard, Viper's pieces stacked against him. He was close to being finished, only a single pawn still protecting his prized piece.
"You may think you can defend yourself… but I see many opportunities across the chessboard."
"Huh? What's goin' on, here?"
"Now then… let's analyze the situation."
"I got nuthin' more to say to you prosecutas! Nuthin'! Let me outta here!"
"Clearly, the witness is agitated. Any prodding at this juncture would most certainly be fruitless. But if I wait too long, he may also try and escape. I must be tactful, and pay attention to the time limit. Sometimes, this will mean simply choosing to wait and see.
"But the second I discover an opening… make no mistake. I will strike without mercy.
"First, I should ask about his demeanor. Let us begin!"
-Begin Logic Chess-
"Tell me, Mr. Viper. Why are you so eager to leave this place?"
"No way am I talkin' anymore! All you people do is talk over me!"
-Because you're a liar!
-Wait and see
Edgeworth chose to wait it out, allowing Mr. Viper to vent.
"I do everythin' I'm supposed to. Call 911, go down to check out the accident, and this is what I get?"
"You were right to call emergency services, Mr. Viper. Don't regret the decision you made."
"Yeah, yeah. I shoulda just gone home when I had the chance!"
-Eager to get home?
-Wait and see
"Oh," Edgeworth said, conjuring the image of a pawn. "You need to get back to your home for something?"
"Gah! I thought I was gonna say nuthin'!" Edgeworth watched as his attack flew past. "But yeah, I really need to get back to my 'partment."
"Oh? And why is that, Mr. Viper?"
"Cause it's past midnight, ya moron! Any reasonable person would be in bed 'round now!"
-You aren't exactly reasonable!
-Wait and see
Once again, Edgeworth chose to wait.
"I got an early day tomorrow! I can' afford to waste my time on your crazy Clue game!"
-'Early start', you say?
-Wait and see
"Were you in a rush to get home because you were planning to get up early?" Edgeworth asked, keeping the tone pleasant, watching his attack piece not land an impact.
"How did you- grrr. That's it! I got nuthin' more to say to you!"
"That seems to be an important detail. I'll remember this clue." Edgeworth filed it away for later use.
"You triflin' policemen, always bargin' in where you don't belong an' making a big fuss outta nuthin'."
-Trifling?
-Wait and see
He chose not to speak.
"Gosh, you people can be jus' like my landlord. Ooh, less time I spend 'round that piece of work, the better. She's so nitpicky 'bout the slightest things.
"Why, even tonight, I stayed up here after cleanin' so I could, ha… cleanin' was nice an' relaxin' tonight. I was in no rush to get back."
"Now would be a good time for that clue."
-What about the early start?
-What's with your landlord?
-Wait and see
"Hold on just a second, Mr. Viper. You say you were in no hurry to get back, but earlier, you wanted to leave because of your early start tomorrow! Which is it?"
"Gah!" And with that attack, his pawn was out of commission. "I do have an early start tomorrow. I got mornin' shift at this place, open six on the clock. I have to get up at quarta' to five to be here on time!"
"If you have to get up so early, why would you hesitate to go home?"
"Hey! That's none of your business! It got nuthin' to do with this murder, I swear it!"
"I can't simply take you at your word, Mr. Viper. I'm going to need you to tell me what you were doing after you finished closing the store."
"No can do! I don't have nuthin' more to tell you crazy prosecutas, diggin' in my personal life like this."
-Like we care about your life!
-Wait and see
Edgeworth took the obvious route, allowing the man to vent further.
"I swear, you all are jus' like my landlord. Always pokin' in my private livin' space, making up complaints, telling me I should stop."
-Stop doing what?
-Wait and see
"What does she want you to stop doing, Mr. Viper?"
"Ah!" No hit. "Nuthin' in particular. She says I'm too loud sometimes, or I put my trash in the wrong place. Real annoyin'."
Those sound like legitimate complaints to me, Edgeworth mused internally. I know if he lived in my apartment complex, he could be evicted for so many offences. We probably live in very different parts of town.
"I see. That doesn't explain why you were lingering at your workplace, however."
"Because you don' need to know that! Gosh, why do I always do this? Get myself caught up in such dumb situations. There I am, just peacefully doin' my job, and I make the stupid decision to call 911."
-Calling 911 is never stupid!
-Wait and see
"Jus' like me and my apartment. Of all the places I could've signed a lease, I end up with that ol' shack."
-You're the trash, not your apartment!
-Wait and see
"How am I such an idiot? Why, I even missed the smoke free sign on the fron' door!"
-So you were smoking!
-Wait and see
"Ah ha! I see it clearly now!" Edgeworth braced himself, visualizing his attack clearly on the chessboard. "You stayed behind at work to catch a smoke!"
And with that, Viper's king was out. He was so angry; Edgeworth could have sworn he saw the man's tattoo move. "Arrrgh! Fine, fine fine! I'll tell you everythin'!"
"Thank you, and… checkmate."
-Logic Chess Complete-
"I stayed behind, so... I could smoke up on the roof. Happy now?"
Blackquill just stared at him. "Really? All that for a tendency to smoke cigarettes? And you hid this because…?"
"I-I'm not supposed to be smokin' anymore. Can' do it in my apartment, so I been tryin' to quit," he admitted shyly, speaking quickly. "Look, it's no big deal, right? And it's real late now, so can I just leave? No reason to keep dragging me around over every little thing, right?"
"Hm…" Edgeworth pretended to consider it. "You outright lied in every testimony you've given, and every time we asked for clarification, you piled on more lies. I don't see why we should let you go."
"Grrr! I told you Prosecutas, I ain't lyin! Why you always think I up to no good? I'm just a bystanda to this whole roadshow. I done nuthin' but cooperate with you, and y'all treat me like a criminal? What's holdin' me here? Why on earth should I stay an' give my help?"
"Treat you like a criminal, hm?" Blackquill, too, was thinking it over. "Lying to the police is a crime. It's known as Obstruction of Justice."
"Great! Take me in! They got beds in detention, right?"
"Not so fast, you snake," Blackquill growled, making the man shudder. "The gunshot came from outside the car. The killer had no time to escape. The gun is still missing, but Mr. Edgeworth and Miss Seid never went anywhere that hasn't been searched. The only one with an opportunity to hide the murder weapon… is you!"
"Wha- hmph. I'm done wit' this," the witness laughed. "So because I hid the fact I smoke, I'm the one who hid the gun from you? I suppose I shot your guy as well?"
"That's exactly what I'm claiming." Blackquill smirked, making Edgeworth nervous. He was rushing too far ahead for the investigation to keep up. "Mr. Viper, you are the only possible suspect in this investigation!"
"Bah! You say that, but you got nuthin' on me. I'm leaving!"
"HOLD IT!" All eyes searched for the source of the noise.
Edgeworth stopped him from leaving. "Mr. Viper, I understand you are upset. But what my colleague says is true; you are the only one here with a chance to hide the murder weapon. If we search the roof and find nothing, you may leave with the police's apologies."
Miss Seid gasped. "You'd let him off just like that? He shot my boyfriend!"
"Well then, Mr. Blackquill best hope he wasn't rash. He and I will go up to the roof to investigate. The police will stay down here with you," Edgeworth declared.
"Yes, sir!" The detective saluted, confused when Mr. Edgeworth pulled him off to the side.
"Detective, I want you to call your colleagues in Criminal Affairs and tell them to find me everything there is to know about Steven Viper. Come to me with their findings."
"Yes sir. I won't let you down!" And with that, he ran off to a corner with a notepad, calling the police at the phone booth.
"Come on, Mr. Blackquill," Edgeworth beckoned, and they took the fire escape up to the building's roof.
You've put me in a difficult spot, Mr. Blackquill. We best hope your claim rings true.
Organizer
Profiles:
Miles Edgeworth
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Description: Me. What can I say? Currently High Prosecutor for my local district.
Detective Gumshoe
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Description: A homicide detective, one of the many assigned to this district. How I nearly always end up working with him, I cannot say.
Simon Blackquill
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Description: A new prosecutor on the scene. Appears slightly uncertain of himself, but a respectful man besides.
David River
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Description: An office worker of some kind. He was driving on a detour to take his girlfriend home when he died inside his own vehicle. Cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.
Elaine Seid
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Description: The victim's girlfriend. Was sitting in the passenger seat when the car crashed, leaving her with minor injuries. Seems very shocked by recent events.
Steven Viper
Age: 36
Gender: Male
Description: A bystander to the accident. Called 911 immediately after the accident and rushed over to the crash site. Was found near the car when the police arrived.
Evidence:
Prosecutor's Badge
Type: Other
Description: My badge. It allows me to do my job, and is to be kept in my pocket at all times.
Driving Conditions
Type: Evidence
Description: Road was clear and dry at the time of the crash. There is nothing out there that could potentially cause an accident.
Glass Shards
Type: Evidence
Description: Found on the road and sidewalk, on both sides of the car. Seems to be quite a bit for a relatively minor crash.
Road Marks
Type: Evidence
Description: Marks made by the tires right before the crash. Suggest the vehicle was speeding at the time of the incident, and the crash occurred after two right turns.
Crime Scene Photo
Type: Evidence
Obtained from the police
Description: Depicts the empty driver's seat right after the crash. The areas in blue tested positive for bloodstains. Check
Bloodstains
Type: Evidence
Description: Blood belongs to David River. One large stain was found on the seat headrest, with several smaller ones scattered about the seat.
Backseat Papers
Type: Other
Description: Financial reports from Hakari Inc. Why would the victim have these in his car?
Seid's Testimony
Type: Evidence
Description: Victim was taking Miss Seid home from dinner, but she didn't recognize the route. They argued, and then the crash occurred.
Steering Wheel
Type: Evidence
Description: Two sets of handprints were found on the steering wheel. One on the normal driving position, one directly below on the righthand side.
Fingerprint Data
Type: Evidence
Obtained from the police
Description: Three sets of fingerprints found inside the car. Forensics results reveal the prints of David River and Elaine Seid, with one set unidentified.
Updated to: Second report reveals Miss Seid to have been the only witness to leave fingerprints on the outside passenger door, likely from before the incident.
Autopsy Report
Type: Evidence
Obtained from the police
Description: Victim died of a single gunshot wound to the head at 9:20pm. Check
Store Hours
Type: Evidence
Obtained from Steven Viper
Description: Hours for the Quick Journey Convenience Store right across the street. Store closed before the incident at 9:00pm
Updated to: Store hours for the day of incident are 6:00am-8:00pm.
A/N's: While both PTV and AA wrote this chapter, PTV is the only one here to give notes.
PTV: Yeah, AA's at camp right now, and contacting TLG has been... difficult. So you get to read my incessant rambling (or skip right down to leaving a review in the neat little box. That would be much appreciated).
I wish TLG was on more. Contact's scarce, but best I can tell she's busy with RL stuff. Still, she may be writing the opening to Episode Two (I wrote Episode One's), so that would be a nice introduction for her on the project. I love her writing, and think she'd have a lot of fun with some of the characters we have planned.
But you all don't care about internal affairs. You came for the case. One more chapter and we're done with Drive-By! I'm so excited. We got to include Deduction and Logic Chess into this chapter, and I love it. Logic Chess is my favorite game mechanic (tied with Joint Logic from DGS), and thank goodness Emmy was there to help. She's included Logic Chess in her stories before, and the way she writes them is wonderful.
Oh, and did you hear? Spirit of Justice has a release date! September 8th, 2016. I'm so pumped. Some of what we have in this project's outline is dependent on SoJ, particularly a single character, so a certain case idea is being pushed back until all of us onboard have had an opportunity to experience the game.
And before I forget: I have no plans to continue A New Reality. T-Duck and I haven't spoken in a year, nor am I still in that fandom. I hope that answers the guest reviewer's question. Also, I didn't realize YoshiStack had an account here! Now we can talk through PM!
Okay, I've typed long enough. Thanks for reading, our betas are awesome, I eagerly await MiniLavenderMoon's revamped story, don't forget to leave a review, and I can't wait for Spirit of Justice!