Phoenix did a quick survey of the room as he moved through the doorway and let the guard lock up behind him. The cell did not look too bad, all things considered. There was a shelf full of books and hand-made sculptures covering most of one wall, and a new clean futon was placed at the opposite wall. The window was still barred, but it was a lattice of rods that let plenty of sunlight illuminate the area. There was a desk in the middle, complete with paper and pens. A decanter sat at one corner, complete with two glasses. There was even a small vase with a pink rose inside. And of course, next to it was a swivel chair with its back turned to him.

"Well well, isn't this an unexpected surprise? What errand brings you down to my cramped confines?" The person in the chair did not need to turn around to see who was coming in.

"Nice to see you, Gavin."

The chair turned, and Phoenix found himself staring down at former defense attorney Kristoph Gavin. The prisoner was leaning back confidently in his chair, keeping his hands clasped together. He did not have one of his signature purple suits from the outside, but even Phoenix would have to admit the white collared shirt and khakis fit his style well enough. And as always, the gold-rimmed glasses were perched perfectly on Kristoph's nose.

"You look well, Phoenix Wright. Life truly has been full of surprises...for both of us." Phoenix saw the smile, but imagined the teeth behind them. "I've no doubt you never expected to lose that attorney's badge of yours."

Phoenix gave a friendly shrug. "And I'll bet you never expected to wind up here."

Kristoph pushed his glasses back and sat up slowly from the chair and extended his arms. "It's been nice here. The guards make peace with me, and I with them. My meals are wheeled in; my tips are good enough for that. And I don't leave, ever, except for showers."

"An endless vacation?"

There was the slightest twitch of muscle in Kristoph's face. "Call it what you like. Anyway..." He let the glasses slide down his nose a bit. "How can I be of service?"

"Just a bit of news to share, is all." Phoenix straightened out the wrinkles in his sweater and exercise pants. He scratched at the hair under his blue hat. The yellow smiley face hitched to it was shining well enough; he had made sure of it.

"A man recently died."

"So many do, Mr. Wright."

"This name should be familiar. Daryan Crescend?"

Kristoph smiled. "You will probably say he's one of my clients. If so, I'm sorry to say you must fetch my records. It's hard to remember everything in a decade's worth of lawyering, compared to your three years."

That remark bit Phoenix, but he kept his voice steady. "That's not the most important detail. He visited you, just a few days ago."

"Indeed. He wanted my advice as a lawyer." He pointed at his empty lapel. "I've lost my badge, too, but I'm willing to help whoever needs it, even if I'm not the final choice of attorney."

"If only you were that altruistic, Gavin."

'Where are you going with this, Wright?" He waved his hands again. "It's as I've said. Everything's controlled here. The guards don't even need a camera to watch me. Checks are done before and after someone comes to visit." He moved to his desk, snatching up a piece of paper and plucking a long novelty pen from his desk. "Would you like an affidavit on the matter?"

"No need for that, Gavin. I just have a question. Did you help kill Daryan Crescend?"

There was silence.

"If I said no, would you believe me?"

Phoenix shook his head.

"I didn't think so. I already have some blood on my hands." The glasses were readjusted as the pen and paper fell back on the desk. "But between the lack of evidence, and the lack of witnesses...I couldn't convict myself if I tried. Even if I was found standing over the body."

"Well, there was not really a body to find. He was blown up."

Kristoph clicked his tongue. "What a novel thing in a small-time case. But I'm afraid I can't help you in this case." He pointed to the decanter. "Would you like something for your throat? It's seltzer."

"No thanks."

"No matter. It's good to have a guest now and then."

"Actually, you have two guests today."

"Two...?"

Kristoph heard the door unexpectedly open again, and Phoenix stepped aside to make way for Franziska von Karma.

Her hair was combed, her pantsuit spotless, and her skin tone blemishless. But above the small smile, the eyes were burning. And she had her famous whip in her hands, after a long hiatus.

She looked down at her weapon and gave the leather a tug. "I haven't held this in years."

Then there was a flash, a crack, and then Kristoph's glasses went flying off his face. The skin was untouched, but his eyes twitched.

"Still got it in me."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Kristoph's voice was deeper than before, with each word pronounced. "Any more news to share?"

Phoenix winked. "Apollo Justice is progressing."

"Oh? He's doing well?"

"He'll be better than you."

And with that, Phoenix and Franziska departed.

-A multi-chapter story; Chapter 14; story idea by CRed1988 and writing by Jerviss.