July 6th, 10:51am
District Court
Prosecutor's Lobby No. 1
"That was awesome, sir! Way to go, Mr. Edgeworth." Gumshoe beamed, his eyes closed. "You were great in there."
Edgeworth nodded, not one to completely dismiss a compliment. "Thank you, Detective, but I owe much of my victory to Mr. Shields. His defense of Mr. McLean was exactly what this case needed for its time in court." Mr. McLean and Mr. Huld were to be punished for their mishandled act of vigilantism, but not unduly so. The judge was gracious enough to accept both their reduced pleas. Edgeworth was proud of the result but had learned years ago that it was best to avoid stroking his own ego.
Besides, his statement was true. Edgeworth had been relieved to hear he would be facing an honest lawyer for his two recent trials. Though he had entered court on the 4th with every intent to charge Huld with second degree murder, Huld had remembered Edgeworth's suggestion from the investigation and asked Shields to open the possibility of a guilty plea for involuntary manslaughter. Edgeworth and Shields had argued the finer details in front of a judge for two days, but Edgeworth was satisfied nonetheless when things ended up going the defense's way. And just today, Mr. McLean had accepted his charges of breaking and entering and attempted theft with grace. The trial had taken less than an hour.
"I love watching you in court, Mr. Edgeworth!" Kay ran in after exiting with the gallery. "It's just like that new video game I started playing! Turnabout Trial, I think?" Edgeworth was about to interrupt her when she started jumping up and down. "What are we gonna do now, Mr. Edgeworth? You wanna go celebrate somewhere?"
Edgeworth considered Kay's proposal. I wouldn't consider this a significant win, but I suppose there's no harm in taking an early lunch break. My post-trial paperwork isn't going anywhere. "We can stop for lunch on the way back to the Prosecutor's Office if the two of you wish. I am willing to pay… for…" he trailed off.
What was that noise? Who were all those people walking by outside? Why were they all grumbling so loudly? Edgeworth could hardly hear his own voice over their complaints.
"Detective, did another trial just end? The gallery in my courtroom wasn't anywhere near as… vocal." It couldn't be Franziska's trial, could it? Last he heard, her prosecution of the hospital murder was… not going as planned. It was on its second day now, and the case was certainly controversial enough to leave a gallery sour.
"Well, Prosecutor Blackquill's first case is on its third day, sir. And that trial started an hour earlier than yours today. Maybe they finally reached a verdict." Gumshoe scratched his head. "You remember Prosecutor Blackquill, right sir? He was the one with the car murder case!"
"Prosecutor Blackwell? Never heard of him!" Kay kept her arms crossed as she pouted. "There sure are a lot of new prosecutors in your office."
Edgeworth remembered him. Blackquill struck him as competent… for a rookie. "I imagine his first case went fine. What was the atmosphere when you testified for him, Detective?"
"Oh it was great, sir! That no-good defense attorney kept trying to get me to slip up, but I held firm to the facts! Prosecutor Blackquill kept him from landing a single hit while I was on the stand." Gumshoe laughed, then paused. "But that was the first day. I wonder why it went into a third day. Should we check on him, sir?"
Edgeworth nodded. "I see no reason why not." Especially considering that Prosecutor's Blackquill's trial may be the cause of quite a stir. I'm curious as to what could have caused it.
"Heh, maybe he'll want to join in on our little victory lunch!" Kay said with a smirk as the three walked out of the lobby. "Don't forget, you offered to pay!"
July 6th, 10:56am
District Court
Hallway
Immediately the group of three found themselves being jostled by gallery members, murmuring voices surrounding them equally as much as the people themselves. Edgeworth couldn't make out anything specific due to just how many voices there were, but he was able to pick out a few stray sentences here and there.
"...rather unorthodox I think…"
"...and he seemed so sure at first…"
"...honestly, I can't believe that man! What a snake! Just like the rest…"
As if I needed more reminders of public opinion at the moment. Edgeworth thought to himself as the prosecutor and his companions treaded water against the current to enter the desired lobby. After a few tumultuous seconds the three managed to get to the door and enter quickly, doing their best to make sure no stray members of the gallery got in as well.
July 6th, 10:58am
District Court
Prosecutor's Lobby No. 4
The lone occupant of the room, currently occupied with shoving papers in his briefcase, looked over his shoulder as he heard the door open. Upon seeing the three who entered, he seemed to tense up under Edgeworth's appraisal, though it faded quickly. "Ah. Edgeworth-Do- Mr. Edgeworth. I did not realize you had completed your own trial so quickly."
"I suppose one could say that fate was smiling on me. I ended up with an attorney who was rather cooperative, all things considered." Though I could have gone without the hug.
"Really? Then you had a much easier time than I did." Once again, Prosecutor Blackquill seemed to grow tense. Edgeworth had to fight the urge to narrow his eyes.
"I suppose we can't all be so lucky. Detective Gumshoe did describe your opponent as 'no-good'."
"Well, when you say it like that, sir, it makes me sound kind of stiff." Gumshoe grumbled as Kay snickered.
"Yes, well, I can't say I disagree with the detective regarding that, even if the manner of wording I would choose is… harsher." Snapping his briefcase shut, Prosecutor Blackquill sighed deeply and turned around to view his guests. His eyes zeroed in on Kay and he tilted his head. "And who might this young lady be? I do not believe we've had the chance to meet."
"Kay Faraday! Former Great Thief, now Great Potential College Student!" Kay smiled brightly, sticking her hand out for Blackquill to shake. The prosecutor ignored it and turned to Edgeworth with a questioning (and, Edgeworth noted, judging) glance.
Edgeworth pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. "Honestly Kay, perhaps there are better ways to introduce yourself to prosecutors."
Kay pulled back her hand, a small pout on her face. "Yeah, that probably wasn't the best way to say that. Let's try again. Ever heard of the Yatagarasu?"
"The three-legged raven of legend? Why, of course I know the story. Quite the riveting tale." That seemed to lift Blackquill's mood. "But where did you get the commemorative pin?"
"Family heirloom." Kay shrugged, then smiled. "I like this guy!"
"As do I, Kay," Edgeworth replied before turning to the younger prosecutor. "It isn't every day that a prosecutor's first case turns into a three-day affair. It's been years since one of my trials took all their allotted days in court. How does it feel to have finally closed the case?"
"I'm… glad it's over. Maybe I wasn't quite ready for a murder case." Blackquill turned to the side. Bags caused by lack of sleep had begun to develop under his eyes. Though it had been less than a week since Edgeworth last spoke to Blackquill, it was as though the prosecutor had aged a year. "That was a battle in which the pressure never relented."
"The detective assures me you handled the stress quite well. Now that you've successfully completed your first case, would you like to join the three of us as we-"
Rrrrrrrriiinng! Rrrrrrriiiiing!
"Excuse me, Prosecutor Blackquill, I believe the phone is mine." Sure enough, the ringing got louder once Edgeworth pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He held it up to his ear and spoke, "Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth speaking. How may I help you?"
It was the Chief Prosecutor. "Apologies for the lack of a break, Mr. Edgeworth, but the police have another case for you. A body was called in from the dumpster on the intersection of…" he listed off the two closest streets to the incident. "It was reported by an old woman right before the trash could be collected. A potential suspect is also being held at the scene."
"I understand. I will be there as soon as I can." Edgeworth hung up on his boss before anything more could be said. "Detective, Kay? Lunch will have to wait."
"What? Why?"
"We have another case." Edgeworth paused right as he was about to exit the lobby. "Care to join us, Prosecutor Blackquill?"
"What?" Blackquill started, shocked Edgeworth would ask such a thing of him. "You want me to come with you?"
"Only if you'd like to help us find the truth. I would understand if you were busy with the aftermath of your own case, however. I'm sure Mr. Viper will be facing his sentencing hearing soon as well."
"No, no need to stick around. I'll come." And with that, Blackquill followed the other three out and joined them in Edgeworth's car. They all made a point to ignore the public's gossiping as they exited the courthouse.
July 6th, 11:13am
Outside Alleyway
Dumpster Bin Adjacent
"Yuck! What is that smell?" Kay recoiled at the stench emanating from the dumpster bin in near-visible waves. "I thought the trash trucks ran today."
"They do. But a body was discovered in one of the trash bags before any trucks could arrive," Edgeworth explained. As for himself… he was doing the best he could to breathe through clenched teeth. It didn't stop his eyes from watering, but that shouldn't matter once he'd stepped away. "Is this the bag in question, officer?"
"Yes, sir," the policeman coughed out. "We would have removed the body from its bag, but we had orders to preserve the crime scene until you arrived. Is that alright, sir?"
"Of course. Good work, officer. Has a unit been called yet to take this body to a mortician? What about identification on the victim?"
"A transport vehicle has been called, but no identification on the body as of yet. When we partially lifted the corpse out of the bag, the smell got even worse. The man appears to have obtained several terrible injuries that obscure his facial features. The sight was… terrible." The officer gulped, then gagged. "That's another reason we pulled the bag back over."
"I understand." Edgeworth may be no stranger to dead bodies, but this one sounded like it was in worse shape than most. Could the body really be the cause of this obliterating stench? "You have permission to reseal the bag until instructed otherwise."
"Are all murders this awful?" Blackquill asked. The sleeve over his mouth and nose made his voice difficult to understand. "First the car and now the trash."
"This man is not trash, pal! Show some respect." Gumshoe flared up, even though he was looking green himself. "Murders come in all stripes of gruesome. I've been a homicide detective long enough to see some pretty horrifying things. It… never gets easier."
"Hey, we don't know if this is a murder just yet!" Kay protested. "We don't know how this man ended up thrown out with the food scraps. Maybe he died some other way."
"If that was true, why would his body be disposed of in such a fashion? Who would do this to the victim of an accident?" Blackquill asked, his face turned away from the scene. Were his eyes also tearing up?
Edgeworth ignored the others, eyes now focused on a few bystanders. "Excuse me, officer, but were those three here when you arrived as well?"
"Yes, sir! That old woman called us here, and she claims those boys are involved somehow. I would have sent them away otherwise. This scene isn't exactly for children, after all."
"I agree." Which is why I should interrogate these three first. I suspect an earnest investigation here has the potential to get… messy. It wasn't how Edgeworth usually did things, but speaking to the witnesses was the first step in ensuring they could leave the scene in peace. "Prosecutor Blackquill, please be careful in your search of the area, but keep watch for any clue regarding the victim's identity. You have permission to check within the bag itself."
Blackquill winced. Such orders would require him to stay close to the stench. "I will do as you ask."
Edgeworth made his way back over to the street with Kay and Gumshoe in tow. Both seemed eager to get away from the main dumpster bin. The smell was certainly more tolerable from a distance. Perhaps Edgeworth could obtain masks from someone.
He spoke to the old woman first, relieved to see that she was a complete stranger to him. "My name is Miles Edgeworth. I am the prosecutor assigned to this case. The police tell me you are the one who called 911. And you are…?"
The woman sniffed, her tan, shriveled hands tensing around a gardening implement. "As if that's any way to introduce yourself to another! Hearing young'uns like you and these folk," she gestured towards the two teenage boys waiting nearby, "reminds me of why I don't get out much anymore. At least my tulips don't give me sass!"
Were all old women this unpleasant to speak with? Edgeworth was beginning to have suspicions. "Name. Occupation. Please."
"Oh, fine, fine. Very well. I should know better than to expect manners from young people. My name is Petunia Gardner. I'm a retired landscaper."
"So that's how you got those muscles!" Kay gawked in admiration of Gardner's arms. She certainly had the look of one who'd spent most of her days in the sun. "I wouldn't want to stomp all over your flower garden."
"You shouldn't go 'stomping' through anyone's private property, Kay," Edgeworth chided, then turned back to the witness. "Ms. Gardner. Would you mind telling me exactly what you saw that made you decide to call the police? And if you could, please also explain why you think these teenagers are witnesses."
"Witnesses, hm? Is that what the officer thought I said?" Gardner scrunched up her nose, exacerbating the wrinkles sewn into her face. "Pah. I'll clear this up for you. Listen well, Prosecutor Boy."
-Witness Testimony-
"What Ms. Gardner Witnessed"
"Last night, I was finishing my weeding when I saw a group of boys running amok across the street.
"They had cans of spray paint in their hands. I just knew they were up to no good!
"I was getting it in myself to run over and yell at them when I saw one boy manhandling a trash bag. They watched that big black bag land open by the bin, and they all hightailed it away from here.
"I didn't know what had scared them off until this morning when I decided to walk over and check the scene myself. That's when I saw the body inside that bag they'd tossed around!
"I just knew those hooligans were caught up in a gang activity. I was callin' the police when I spotted a boy I recognized from last night with his friend. That's why they're here too.
"That was how things were until the police came. You better find out what those boys were doing with that poor man's body, you hear?"
"I see. So that was the order of affairs surrounding this dumpster." It wasn't as revealing as Edgeworth might have hoped, but it did shed light on a few matters. "Would you know of any person or device that could corroborate your testimony, Ms. Gardner? Does this intersection employ street cameras, to your knowledge?"
"You don't believe me? Those are bold words coming from a fancy pants, Prosecutor Boy! I got to this place in life with nothing but my word and my labor! I spent a good fifty years honoring the good of my mouth and hands and you have the nerve to doubt me? Bite a beetroot!"
"Did you understand any of what she said just now?" Gumshoe asked Edgeworth. "The last time someone told me to eat vegetables as an insult was probably when I was in the police academy. That was the last time I could afford fresh vegetables, too!"
Well, that wasn't wise of me. Edgeworth needed to get this witness back under control if he ever wanted to conduct a proper cross-examination. "I did not mean to question your integrity, Ms. Gardner. I simply understand that it was dark last night and wanted to find a way to examine what you saw in more detail.
"Your testimony has been able to clear up a few things for me; however, I would still like to ask you a few more questions. This is only to ensure that I have a full understanding of the scene you described for me. Will that be alright, Ms. Gardner?" Edgeworth didn't know enough to say if there were any contradictions in the old woman's testimony, so it was better to merely press for the time being.
"Well, I guess. If it helps that poor man your cops pulled out of the bag." Gardner sniffed, then sighed. "Ask away, Prosecutor Boy."
-Cross-Examination-
"What Ms. Gardner Witnessed"
"Last night, I was finishing my weeding when I saw a group of boys running amok across the street.
"They had cans of spray paint in their hands. I just knew they were up to no good!"
"HOLD IT! Ms. Gardner. You said you saw this group of individuals from across the street at night. How can you be sure of what they were holding?"
"I know it was spray paint because those hooligans have done it before!" Gardner's face scrunched up as she huffed. She pointed to a wall by the dumpster that had been painted over with a dull grey color. "You see that spot there? That's where those dumb young'uns done did their work last time. Gang symbols, I bet!"
"Yes, but how can you be sure they also had such implements with them last night? Perhaps they were merely passing through."
"I don't think so, Mr. Edgeworth." Kay got in between the two of them, pointing at a small metal cylinder rolling around by the body. "It looks like they left one of their cans behind."
That still didn't prove the boys last night had brought them, however. Edgeworth tabled his concerns for now, reminding himself to investigate the can when he walked back over to the scene. "Very well. Ms. Gardner, if you would please continue?"
"...
"I was getting it in myself to run over and yell at them when I saw one boy manhandling a trash bag. They watched that big black bag land open by the bin, and they all hightailed it away from here.
"I didn't know what had scared them off until this morning, when I decided to walk over and check the scene myself. That's when I saw the body inside that bag they'd tossed around!"
"HOLD IT! You're saying this group of boys also saw the body last night, but the police received no report of this incident until yours came in this morning." Edgeworth waved his finger at the witness. "Why didn't the group you describe come forward?"
"Well, you'll have to ask them!" Gardner gestured to the two teens she'd trapped at the scene with her. "Ask those two why they and their friends said nothing. Probably to hide their criminal ways, I bet."
"I see. And you think this group of teens you saw were up to something 'troublesome'?"
"Well, sure!
"I just knew those hooligans were caught up in a gang activity. I was callin' the police when I spotted a boy I recognized from last night with his friend. That's why they're here too."
"HOLD IT!" Edgeworth interjected for a third and final time. "What is your basis for believing this group you saw had involvement with organized crime?"
"Well, vandalism is something gangs do in this area, you see. Spray painting their mark in alleyways to claim streets around here. I've lived on this block for fifty years and trust me, I've seen them all. Those hooligans were definitely a part of it."
So she believes she saw these individuals with spray paint cans and came to the conclusion that they were part of a gang. It could explain why they hadn't called the police, but it didn't provide any insight into the body or how these boys were connected to it. Was it too much to hope the teenagers would know more?
Still, Ms. Gardner's testimony wasn't a complete waste. It explained the scenario regarding the corpse's discovery, at least. I should remember what she's told me here today.
-"Gardner's Testimony" added to Organizer-
"Thank you for your time, Ms. Gardner. I only have one more question for you."
"What is it now? You don't still doubt me, do you?"
Edgeworth shrugged, a gesture of surrender. "As of now, I have no reason to suspect you of being untruthful. Not only that, but you don't seem to possess a motive for distorting the investigation. No, my question for you is simple: since I'm sure it was dark last night, how sure are you that the boys you stopped while waiting for the police were part of the group you saw last night?"
For once, Gardner didn't get mad at Edgeworth for questioning her. She paused in thought, then pointed a thick finger in the direction of the boy on the left. "You see that one's hair? The two points on top? I saw that last night, made big by the shadow of the streetlight. He lives in the Home down the block, I think. I'm… not as sure about the other kid. I don't remember any messy black hair from last night."
So only one child has been positively identified. Edgeworth would remember that fact when he questioned the two boys next. "Thank you for your explanation. Your testimony has given this investigation a good place to start." Edgeworth bowed to the old woman before walking away.
As he walked up to the two kids standing by, Edgeworth realized they were but a few years younger than Kay. They had the look of boys who had not yet grown into their full height but wore large jackets and long pants that suggested they saw that future nigh. The one on the left, the one Gardner had recognized from last night, fell back upon seeing Edgeworth. He had the look of recognition in his wide eyes, though Edgeworth was confident they had never met.
"My name is Miles Edgeworth. I am a prosecutor for the High Prosecutors Office. Currently, I am investigating the death of the man whose body was found in the dumpster last night. May I ask the pair of you some questions?"
"Yeah! What is it?" The boy gave his reply loudly, but in a way that didn't seem to let on the fact that he was bothered or threatened.
"So you'll cooperate, then? What are your names?"
"Apollo… um, Apollo Justice." The boy gave his name. "This is my friend, Clay Terran." The other teen nodded in acknowledgement, but didn't speak.
"Well, Mr. Justice. The lady I was just speaking with said she saw you last night in the area. Care to explain yourself?"
"What? Is that why the police want us to stay here? I was at Clay's house last night! He doesn't live anywhere near here." Apollo kept his eyes averted from Edgeworth, his hand gripping a bracelet clasped tightly around his other wrist.
Edgeworth wasn't buying it. "Is that so? Our witness over there seemed quite certain."
"I've never talked to that woman before in my life. What makes her think it was me?" Apollo asked. "There's hundreds of boys it could have been."
I should remember this from earlier. Why was Gardner able to identify this boy in particular?
-his jewelry
-his hair
-his loud voice
"She knew it was you because of your unique hairstyle." Edgeworth answered, staring at the tufts above Apollo's forehead. "I doubt those horns are a trend among youth these days."
"Like you'd know what 'youth' these days wear!" Kay laughed, then stopped when she caught Edgeworth's glare. "But no, that look is definitely not in style. I'd get a haircut if I were you."
Red from the comments about his hair, the teen doubled down on his claim. "It must have been someone else. I was nowhere near here last night."
"...It's true." The other boy (Clay, was it?) spoke up for the first time. "Apollo was at my house. He's been sleeping over a lot this summer. We were watching a man grow potatoes on Mars until late last night."
Edgeworth turned to the second teen. "You were not identified as being present last night. Only your friend was. If you wouldn't mind waiting over there with this detective?"
The prosecutor had phrased it like a suggestion, but it really wasn't. Gumshoe understood this. "Come on, Clay! Let's go to the street corner and get you a ride home!"
Clay was not thrilled to leave his friend behind, but he didn't actively struggle with Gumshoe. Simply kept his eyes locked on Apollo as Gumshoe led him away from the scene.
"This is ridiculous! Me and Clay were together last night! If you want him to leave, I should go too."
"So you claim to have an alibi then, Mr. Justice?" Edgeworth asked, then remembered he was talking to a high school student. "You see, an alibi is when-"
"I know. And yes, I do. I don't know anything about a dead man because I wasn't here last night."
How should Edgeworth reconcile these two conflicting pieces of testimony? As of now, he had no proof either way. Was that what he had to do next, then? Search for evidence of this boy's presence at the scene? He supposed that was the only logical solution. There must be something specific at the crime scene that could settle this contradiction.
"Kay, please remain with this boy while I perform a cursory search of the dumpster area. Discuss whatever you desire that does not compromise the investigation, but ensure he remains present and at ease."
"Will do!" For once, Kay was completely okay with keeping her distance from the investigation.
Edgeworth took a deep breath, scrunched up his nose, and made his way back into the alley. He stopped to check on Blackquill, who was kneeling over the now partially open body bag. "How goes the search for the victim's identity?"
Blackquill replied through gritted teeth. "Not well. I have yet to discover a wallet, license, or any form of ID on this victim's person. Nor can I discern any identifying marks due to the unusual bloating and signs of leakage on the victim's person. I believe this man was severely harmed before his untimely end, but no cause of death is yet clear to me."
"Don't concern yourself too much with the forensic details. If it isn't readily apparent how the victim died, we will wait for forensics to perform their autopsy. Thank you for making an effort to preserve the body in your search."
"I'm... going to search elsewhere now," Blackquill announced, closing the hefty garbage bag once more. He walked off to the side of the alley opposite the dumpster where the graffiti had been painted over.
"I need to search for something myself." Edgeworth used those words to steel his resolve as he himself knelt by the overflowing bin. I won't rest until I've searched every suspicious looking nook and cranny.
Besides the bags themselves, a few loose items were scattered about the scene. Partially underneath the dumpster lay a large number of empty green bottles, all once containing the same drink of… was that the smell of grape juice? What was the whitish stain that marked one bottle different from the rest? Was there a restaurant selling borscht around here?
"Are these bottles not recyclable? How can people still be so uncaring about the environment in this day and age?"
Not important. Edgeworth locked eyes with the item Kay had noticed earlier during Gardner's testimony. "Here it is. A can of spray paint." Upon picking it up, Edgeworth noted that it was still mostly full. Certainly not an empty can that had been discarded intentionally.
-"Can of Spray Paint" added to Organizer-
This item should be sufficient for convincing the teen to talk. Edgeworth didn't just stop investigating there because he thought he was about to vomit. No way was he that soft-stomached.
Upon returning to the pair of teens, Edgeworth cut off their conversation and went straight to the chase. "Mr. Justice? Would you give me your thoughts on this piece of evidence?"
Apollo jumped back, face contorting in shock. "Um… what is that? A can of hairspray?"
"Spray paint, actually. Spray paint that was dropped by a group of young men who ran through here last night. Tell me, Mr. Justice," Edgeworth held the can out closer to the red teen's face, "does this item remind you of anything?"
Apollo scratched the back of his head. "Well, um… I mean, of course I've seen spray paint before. There's a lot of it around here. I just… wasn't expecting you to ask me about spray paint, of all things. It's not like I've ever used it myself."
"You've never used it personally?" Edgeworth repeated. I'm not sure that's quite true, Mr. Justice. "Never even held one of these cans in your hand?"
"Of course not! I know it's illegal for minors. The… my home is very strict about contraband."
Well, then there was only one thing left to do. Edgeworth turned to the forensic officer on scene, calling him over to where the group was standing. "Take this piece of evidence and search it for fingerprints. See if the prints match anyone with a criminal record or who is currently present at the scene."
"Yes, sir!"
Silence as they waited. Apollo's face grew more and more concerned as the examination continued. Edgeworth didn't bother to speak to him during this time, instead waiting for the teen's inner tension to reach a boiling point.
"I have my report, sir! Several smudged prints can be found on this canister, but the only clear set belongs to one Apollo Justice."
"Okay, fine! Fine! I lied about being here last night. Please don't arrest me for the murder." Apollo took to begging before anyone else could get a word in. "Also, Clay wasn't here last night. He was just covering for me earlier."
"I deduced that," Edgeworth replied. "The two of you understand that lying to the police can turn into a serious crime, do you not?"
"Yeah Apollo, not cool. I thought we were really connecting here." Kay crossed her arms, pouting.
"Mr. Justice. I need you to tell me what you really know about the group of individuals you were here with last night. Who are they and what were you all doing here? What is your connection to the deceased?"
"It isn't what it looks like. I swear!"
They were being too loud. Soon, Gumshoe and Gardner were coming over to hear the confrontation. Gardner spoke first. "Isn't it obvious, Prosecutor Boy? The boys here were dropping off the body because he was a victim of gang violence! They were all accomplices to the man's murder!" She sniffed. "Assuming they didn't kill him themselves."
And with that accusation, everyone began to talk at once. Edgeworth could no longer follow the conversation.
"Woah, that's a bit-"
"I would never-"
"Pal! We all need to just-"
A cool voice cut through the noise, extinguishing the rising heat. "Let's not come to any conclusions just yet, hm? Surely we can all discuss this in a cooler, more civilized way."
Edgeworth turned around towards the source of the voice. When he locked eyes with the man who spoke, his heart dropped.
Him again? Really?!
Organizer
Profiles:
Miles Edgeworth
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Description: Me. What can I say? Currently High Prosecutor for my local district.
Dick 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.
Kay Faraday
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Description: My self-styled assistant, best known for her claim of being the second Yatagarasu. Soon, her aspirations will be focused on higher education more than stealing from others.
Simon Blackquill
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Description: A new prosecutor on the scene, one who just finished trying his first case in court. Appears slightly uncertain of himself, but a respectful man besides.
Petunia Gardner
Age: 68
Gender: Female
Description: A retired landscaper who was tending to her home garden when her attention was drawn to the victim's body. Did not call the police until the next morning.
Apollo Justice
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Description: A teen orphan. Was wandering the street with the intent to at least vandalize. Identified by Gardner the morning after while his companion was not.
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.
Cachè's Flyer
Type: Other
Description: A missing person's poster for one Wess T. Bower. The name and face are unfamiliar to me. I received this item a few days ago. Not sure why it is still on my person.
Gardner's Testimony
Type: Evidence
Description: Gardner saw a group of teenage boys from across the street the night before she called the police. Claims they had spray paint in their possession, but fled without using it upon discovering the body.
Can of Spray Paint
Type: Evidence
Description: Full can of blue paint that is applied via spraying. Found near dumpster. Bear's Justice's fingerprints.
A/N's: This chapter was written by all three coauthors. However, only PTV has been on recently. She wishes to leave notes.
PTV: Sorry for the four month delay, everyone. I don't recall if I mentioned this already, but this is my first semester in college and it's been a bit of an adjustment period. I haven't been writing as much fanfic in general, and even less for this fandom. That said, I fully intend to wrap up both my current AA projects (AAI3 and Miracle) before leaving the fandom behind. I still have a story to tell and a team to work with and won't rest until this game-style fanfic has been uploaded in its entirety.
But here you have it. The first proper chapter of the finale. It's a lot of setup and not a lot of information, but I hope you like it nonetheless. We actually had a plan to include teenage Apollo in this case before SoJ ever came out and debated whether or not to keep him in after playing that game. In the end, he stuck around, and I'm glad for it. This allows us to create a bridge between his youth and his initial appearance in AJ:AA. Since Apollo has finally realized (SoJ SPOILERS) Dhurke is never coming back for him and his idol Phoenix Wright got disbarred a few months ago, now is not an amazing time in Apollo's young life. It's no surprise he's begun to act up. The real question is how badly.
Also, Clay is here too, if briefly. Thought he could make a cameo while alive, if nothing else.
That's all I really have to say about this chapter. Haven't heard from my co's in a while, so I hope they're doing okay. Thanks for being patient, don't forget to leave your thoughts below, Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll see you on the far side!