A/N: I couldn't find anywhere good to split this detention center visit. So to wrap up this investigation at long last, have this extra-beefy chapter. Establishing everything that's needed before court tomorrow. Enjoy, my readers!

June 6th, 2029

Detention Center, Visitor's room

6:00 p.m.

"Here you are again. I cannot say how much time has passed since your last visit- in these stone walls, time has no meaning. It also means I've had nothing to do but wallow in my own head."

"Bailey, we need that head of yours right now! We have a lot of information, including some that you can help us with!" Robin said.

The guard in the room frowned- the visitor's room was basically full, currently having Juniper, Robin, Athena, Hugh, and Klavier with Sheila having been sent back to Juniper's grandmother. It was only because of Klavier that they hadn't been kicked out.

"We've had a very long investigation, but I think now we can finally share what we know." Come to think of it, I said I would tell Ema, but she's not here right now. I'll have to make it up with her later.

Without further pause, Juniper discussed everything they found over the course of the day, including the information about Detective Smokes' actions in the past. The latter part caused the normally stoic Bailey to start hyperventilating.

"I spent a year working for Tony, and yet I never found so much of a clue of that. What have I been doing all this time?"

"Slow down your breathing, Bailey! Whatever you were doing, I'm sure you tried your best," Athena said, already booting up her Mood Matrix.

"Put that away, Miss Cykes. I need but a moment." After her breathing slowed down, Bailey continued. "Although now I realize that I must now explain myself."

Bailey lay her hands on her lap. "The reason why I first decided to get a job as the detective's maid is because I wanted to learn what his connection is to everything."

"When you say 'everything', do you mean this?" Hugh presented the Diana Newman case file. "After all, Detective Smokes is directly mentioned in this case file."

"You are correct, O'Conner. I first heard about that directly from my mother. Every so often, I would see here pore over that case file. One day, I directly asked her about it…"

"You want to know about this case, Bailey? Unfortunately, I can't tell you much more than what's been shown on the news." Constance brushed her hair out of her face. "However, the detective in charge of the investigation made a statement to the press- that he plans to continue investigating until he arrives at the full truth behind the sabotage."

"Sabotage? What does that mean?" Bailey asked curiously.

"It means that the detective suspects that someone inside the prosecutor's office is the one responsible for sinking Mrs. Newman's case," Constance answered. She looked down at the file again. "Of course, I plan to look into every possibility myself. Yet that theory explains how Diana could have lost control of her case like she did."

"Detective Smokes believed that my mother was backstabbed by a coworker?!" Robin clenched her fists. "But who could it possibly be?"

"Unfortunately, it seems like Mom didn't find the answer to that question before her death," Bailey said sadly. "Despite the many years that have passed since that conversation."

"If I may suggest something at this juncture," Hugh cut in. "This is taking Detective Smokes at his word, and far be it for me to speak ill of the dead, but we have learned of his capacity for deception."

"The truth can be a truly harsh mistress. But let's consider the idea that Herr Smokes might have been onto something," Klavier said. "The prosecutor's office has changed greatly since the days that Professor Courte was active. It's possible that the culprit responsible for Prosecutor Newman's downfall has been swept away by purge of corrupt prosecutors in the past few years."

"I suppose we could talk with Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth about it. But we don't have much time before court tomorrow, and still so much to talk about," Juniper said worriedly. "It might be for the best to focus on your exoneration, Bailey."

Bailey crossed her arms under her chest. "Yet, the skeins of fate have bound my case to my Mom's case. Because in my employ as a maid, I did venture to ask Tony Smokes about his theory regarding the saboteur. This is what he told me..."

"I would think that as a maid, you'd know how important it is to practice discretion. That principle is just as important for detectives." Tony Smokes patted his belly. "Tell me, why do you need to know about something like that?"

Bailey could feel the sweat run down her face, but her expression didn't change. "I am ever in your service, sir. I ask this because this weighs heavy on your mind, and I want to help you." This was partially true- Bailey could see, sometimes, that there seemed to be a weariness in the detective's eyes.

"But I would think that you'd know much more about this case than me, Bailey Courte." In response to Bailey's shocked face, Tony continued, "Of course I did a background check on all the prospective live-in maids. So I know who you are."

Hearing this, Bailey knew that keeping anything from the detective would be futile. "My Mom told me everything in her knowledge, but that still isn't enough to solve the case. So I wanted to ask the detective in charge of the case what he knew."

"Which would be me. You're a clever one, a clever one indeed. You are her daughter, so anything you want to know, I'll tell you." Tony shook his head. "However, it's going to have to wait. My investigation's been stalled while the prosecution and I make some arrangements."

"Those arrangements turned out to be departing this country, to head back to Khura'in. However, Detective Smokes died before this trip happened, or before he could tell me why we needed to leave before he could tell me everything."

"Then are you saying that the detective took his own life, despite exit plans already being in place?" Hugh asked.

"I could say it in as many different ways as you ask, but the core message would remain the same."

How is it that the more we learn, the less I feel like we know? Juniper considered her next question. "It seems that no matter what, Diana Newman is still going to be tomorrow's prosecutor. So we should coordinate our strategy on how to handle her."

What happened next, Juniper didn't expect: Hugh and Bailey looked at each other knowingly, before Hugh turned towards Juniper. "Through this investigation, we've seen that this has been pretty hard on you. So perhaps it would be for the best if I took over as the lead defense."

"You've done well up to this point, Juniper. No one would begrudge you the right to rest," Bailey added. "Which may be for the best, before you exhaust yourself."

"While you rest, I will finish this case and have Bailey exonerated," Hugh said. "As the leader of our law office, I want to lead by example."

"Wait a minute! That sounded way too coordinated just now!" Robin pointed out. "What's going on?!"

"I should have known that you would notice, Robin. But there are no wicked intentions here- this is simply what O'Conner and I agreed on, long ago…"

April 27th, 2029

Outside the Detention Center

2:30 p.m.

"Very well. I'll leave the investigation of this case to you."

Hugh waited until Juniper and Athena were gone. Then he said, "You were in the detention center, weren't you? Come out, Bailey!"

"To think that you could sense my presence. You are skilled indeed, Mr. O'Conner," Bailey said, exiting from the detention center.

"You've been following us this entire time, haven't you? No, more than that. You've been watching us since as far back as Juniper's first case," Hugh said. "What I want to know is why?"

"Because my sole duty and purpose is to protect Juniper Woods," Bailey explained. "An honor given to me by someone I would never disobey."

"By Robin?" Hugh asked.

Bailey shook her head. Hugh decided to set this aside for the time being. There was an urgent question that needed to be addressed.

"Who are you protecting Juniper from? You've alluded to there being someone that's been behind a lot of what's happened these past few months," Hugh said. "If you knew, you should have told us!"

"...Juniper Woods cannot learn the identity of her foe, under any circumstances," Bailey said, looking up. "However, I have seen you in court. I believe I can trust you with this information."

"Then how do you know I won't tell Juniper after you tell me? She is my best friend, after all," Hugh pointed out.

"Because once you learn the name of the enemy, you will agree that Juniper must not know."

Bailey looked Hugh in the eyes, as she gave the name: "The one behind the curtains is none other than Diana Newman."

"Robin's mother?" Hugh asked, his mind racing. He had remembered her from the Starlight Moon case, but he hadn't suspected this.

"She is the reason why Robin had to leave the country for half a year. Mrs. Newman is also watching over Juniper carefully," Bailey explained. "Because I believe that soon, Mrs. Newman is going to make a move, and Juniper is necessary for her plans."

Hugh pushed his glasses up his nose. "Pardon me if I don't believe you. Even if Mrs. Newman did have this big plan, why would she choose Juniper over anyone else, including her own daughter?"

"Because Mrs. Newman is counting on Juniper being unable to refuse any request. Look inside yourself, O'Conner, and tell me: can you imagine Juniper being able to stand up to anything thrown at her?"

"Being unable to answer that question right away was already an answer. I did not want to take that risk with one of my closest friends," Hugh continued. "So I didn't mention that conversation until now. But since we are now at this point, I want to emphasize- it's for the best if you stepped down as lead attorney, Juniper."

"Come to think of it, Herr Edgeworth expressed a similar concern," Klavier said, his tone neutral. "That Miss Woods would not be able to summon the might of a redwood in the face of the coming strife."

"Hey, wait a moment! Junie's been able to manage every case up until now!" Athena yelled. "Why would this case be any different?"

"Consider this, Athena: you won't be able to support Juniper in court tomorrow." Hugh said gravely. "I don't imagine that Mrs. Newman would even allow you in the courthouse, and her word is law as long as the trial is in session."

Athena clenched her fists, Widget bright red around her neck. "Ugh, this is so frustrating! You're right, and I hate that you're right!" Widget turned blue as Athena faced Juniper. "Maybe you should just let Hugh take over as lead attorney."

So even Thena believes that I'm not strong enough. But if everyone is in agreement, then they're probably right. It will be for the best if I…

"OBJECTION!" Robin's shout filled the small visitor's room. "All of you, shut your mouths!"

This did in fact stun everyone into silence, after which Robin continued, "All of this talking is pointless! What matters in the end is what Juniper wants! If she wants to see this case through until the end, no one has the right to stop her!"

Robin wants me to take on this case? No, that's not quite right… she wants me to say what I want. She's… the first person to bring up what I want.

"That is not completely correct, Robin," Bailey interrupted. "A defense attorney needs their client's consent. If Juniper wants to be my defense attorney until the bitter end, she needs to prove it to me."

Proof that I will stick by the case until the bitter end? I need to think about what Bailey is asking for here. What she mentioned earlier, and how it all ties together.

"If you want me to stay with this case until the very end, then this is what you want me to look into." Juniper presented the picture of Constance Courte during her student days. "You want me to finish what our mother started."

"Correct, Juniper." A smile spread on Bailey's face. "Truth be told, this was the main reason why I wanted to keep you out of this case- because I feared that Mrs. Newman would manipulate your feelings for our Mom. But it seems as if you won't allow that to happen."

It was only when Bailey said "our Mom" that Juniper realized that she herself said "our mother" earlier. But, that is what I feel. Those three years that I spent with Constance Courte, it felt like she watched over me like a mother. But then, given what Constance has told Bailey about me, it feels like she saw me a bit like a daughter.

Out loud, Juniper said, "I know what I said must be confusing to everyone else. But I couldn't help but see Constance as a mother, because of how I grew up."

"Come to think of it, I don't remember ever seeing your parents before, even when we were kids," Athena said. "I never brought it up before, in case you didn't want to talk about it."

Juniper closed her eyes. "It's true, I never wanted to talk about it before. But back when we first met Bailey again, she asked me a question: 'why did I want to become a judge'? I think the time has come for me to finally answer that question."

In her mind's eye, Juniper could see memories of her childhood. "I've lived in the forest my whole life. But I didn't always live there with only my grandma. Once upon a time, I lived there with my parents. They were both forest rangers, with the forest surrounding our home as their base. It was from them that I first learned to love nature, from the strongest trees to the frailest flowers. Especially because being in the mountain air helps with my breathing problems."

"Yet, there are two points on which my mind lingers. You say that your motive for being a judge is within this trip down memory lane." Bailey's eyes filled with sympathy. "Furthermore, I have since heard that you've been mostly raised by your grandmother."

"It happened when I was only five. My parents were on a job, cutting the branches off a tree that were causing too much shade. They were really high up, so they had harnesses on, of course. But those harnesses broke." Juniper clutched her hands to her heart. "My grandmother had to be the one to tell me that both my parents were gone, on the same day."

"Junie…" Athena put her arm on Juniper's shoulder. "You're being really strong right now."

"Keep going, Juniper!" Robin said in an encouraging tone, taking one of her hands. "We're here if you need us!"

"My grandma believed that my parents would never be careless with their safety equipment, and so sued the company that employed them for negligence. But of course, that logging company had a lot of money, and so could hire the best lawyers to represent them. My grandma couldn't afford a lawyer, so she had to represent herself in court." Tears leaked out of Juniper's eyes. "In court, the logging company's lawyers argued that my grandma was a senile old woman that didn't know what she was talking about."

"So it goes with civil suits. There's a reason that I usually avoid these kinds of trials," Klavier said, dead serious. "Somehow, civil trials kill the soul more than murder trials."

"If the situation is as hopeless as you described, then how was it overturned?" Athena asked. "If your grandma had lost that case, I don't imagine she could have kept raising you, or sent you to Themis."

"Because of the judge. She had been listening to the trial with intense focus, and in the end, she ruled in favor of my grandma," Juniper explained. "Her reasoning was as follows: 'This woman has no reason to lie about the death of her son, or his spouse. Nothing can bring them back, but this court can give her and her remaining family some much needed support'. The logging company was forced to reimburse my grandma, and that's how we've lived comfortably since then. That's when I first started thinking about being a judge: I wanted to be just like Constance Courte, able to make her judgments with her heart as well as her head."

Bailey's eyes widened. "The judge that presided over that trial was Mom?"

"Yes, she was. When we met again at Themis, I immediately approached her because I wanted to repay her." There was now a bittersweet smile on Juniper's face. "And she took me under her wing, and helped me on my path to become a judge for those three years we spent together."

"That is why you are standing here today, and why our paths have crossed." Bailey placed one of her hands on the security glass. "While it is a little embarrassing to have to rely on my little sister, I feel as if I can fully trust you with my defense. Let us face tomorrow's trial together."

Juniper placed her hand over Bailey's. "Thank you. It's all I ever wanted, to be able to see eye to eye with you."

"I hate to break up the moment, but we're no closer to solving this case!" Robin yelled. "How do we find out who stabbed Detective Smokes' body? Why did he mess with Juniper's cases? And what's my mother's connection with all of this?!"

"For that last question, we can't even ask Mrs. Newman directly, because we have no way of knowing if she's being truthful," Athena said, frustrated. "I doubt she would let herself get tricked into a second therapy session."

"I wouldn't recommend asking my dad either- he's far too loyal!" Robin clenched her fists. "But there's no one else that really knows my mother except Professor Courte, and we can't talk with her!"

Athena perked up at those words. "I wouldn't discount that just yet. There might be a way to get in contact with Professor Courte."

"Fraulein Cykes, I believe your imagination may be getting the best of you. Unless you are saying that Constance is in our hearts, in which case there's a better way to get that metaphor across," Klavier said gently.

"It's no metaphor, Prosecutor Gavin!" Athena took out her cellphone and started dialing. "Give me a minute, a call to Khura'in isn't going to be easy!"

"To Khura'in? Why are you…?" Before Juniper could finish her question, a familiar voice came out of Athena's cellphone.

"Great timing, Athena. I was just about to call you."

"Apollo, is that really you?" Juniper had not spoken with him since he talked with her about Robin's case in Khura'in, several months ago, so it felt a bit surreal to hear his voice again.

"Hello, Juniper. Wish there was time to catch up, but there's a problem," Apollo said, all business in attitude. "Athena, do you remember how Mr. Wright went to Khura'in a few days ago?"

"Of course I remember! His sudden absence meant Junie had to take up the defense of a case that he had been requested for," Athena said. "Why do you bring it up?"

"Well, I'm actually the one that summoned Mr. Wright, on Mrs. Newman's request." In the surprised silence that followed, Apollo continued. "But she hasn't contacted us, and we can't seem to reach her either."

"Actually, Apollo, it's pretty likely that was on purpose." Juniper explained how Mrs. Newman had rigged events such that only Juniper could take on Bailey's case, followed by a quick recap of Bailey's arrest.

"Are you saying that Mrs. Newman tricked me?!" Apollo asked furiously. "Why would she do that?"

"I don't know, and I wish I could tell you!" Robin cried out. "But I don't know anything useful!"

"No, it's okay, Robin." Apollo let out a frustrated sigh. "Unfortunately, me and Mr. Wright won't make it back to the US before tomorrow's trial. I hate it when I feel like I can't do anything."

"There might be something you can do, Apollo. See, we're trying to figure out Mrs. Newman's motive for all her actions, but there's only one person that we feel could tell us what we need to know." Athena took a deep breath, then kept talking, "And it's Constance Courte. Would it be possible to meet with a spirit medium?"

"I suppose there's not enough time left in the day to go to Kurain Village. If you really think that this will help the case…give me a moment." For a moment, Athena's phone was silent, and everyone else in the detention center waited with bated breath.

Then an elegant female voice came out of the phone. "I believe someone requested a spirit medium?"

"Your Mercifulness? I don't know how to feel about a former queen taking this request," Athena said nervously.

"When Mr. Justice told me that this involved Diana, I asked to be the medium." Amara let out a hum. "Especially because Diana is a rather close friend of mine. At least, I thought she was."

Juniper knew that this was related to the Newman family's five month stay in Khura'in. While she felt short of breath, Juniper said, "Excuse me, I'm the defense attorney of a case that Mrs. Newman is involved in. We want to channel the mother of the defendant."

"Very well. Mr. Justice has already provided the name and photo, so the channeling will begin shortly."

Juniper had never seen a channeling before, so even if it was happening over the phone, this would be a new experience for her. As such, Juniper felt as if she was dreaming when a familiar voice came through the phone.

"Where am I? What am I doing here?"

"So you're Constance Courte. I know this must be sudden to you, but we need to talk," Apollo said, as if this was a regular occurrence. "Your daughter has been arrested for attempted murder."

"Bailey's on trial?" Mrs. Courte's voice took on a sharp tone. "How did this happen? Are you defending her?"

Juniper finally found her voice. "No, I'm the one defending her. A lot has happened since we last met… Professor Courte."

"Juniper, you sound like you've grown so much," Professor Courte said warmly. "I wish I could have met my girls again under better circumstances."

"I wish I could allow you to catch up, my dear mentor," Klavier said, his tone quavering. "However, you need to know what's happened in your absence."

From there, Klavier recapped Tony Smokes' death, as well as Mrs. Newman taking on the prosecution and the current lack of clues exonerating Bailey.

"It's been a long time since I've seen such a straightforward case for the prosecution. The defendant and the victim were alone in the room, and so there can be no one else. However, to hear that Tony killed himself… that alone complicates the case significantly."

Bailey had been stunned silent as soon as Professor Courte's voice came out of the phone. Only now did she finally find her voice. "I've been doing what you wanted, Mom. I've been following the case that you left behind. I've been watching over Juniper too."

"My little star… I'm proud of how far you've come in life. I only wish that my past wasn't keeping you trapped," Professor Courte said regretfully. "I never meant for it to happen like this. I only wanted you and Juniper to get to know each other, away from all of it."

"I can tell how much you love both Junie and your daughter. I really wish we could have met sooner," Athena said, tearing up. "Still, we need your help to exonerate Bailey! So please, tell us what you know!"

"You must be Athena Cykes. Juniper talked about you often." A tapping sound filled the phone line, from Constance drumming her fingers. "The first thing that sticks out to me is that the person that stabbed Tony's body and the true killer are different people."

"Uh, Professor Courte? You did hear that this is a suicide case, right?" Apollo asked.

"I did, Mr. Justice. But this case being a suicide does not preclude there being a real killer," Professor Courte lectured. "The proof of this is the soiled handkerchief you described. What was it used for, and why? The answer to that will show that there are two culprits here."

Klavier snapped his fingers. "If you knew the answer, you'd tell us. I believe that you are telling us everything that you know, Fraulein Courte."

"You're talking with us over the phone, and you can't see any of the evidence, not even what we have with us!" Robin realized. "I know you're doing your best, Professor!"

"The other part that sticks out is that a very basic question hasn't been answered yet regarding this suicide," Professor Courte continued. "I don't know the answer to that question yet, but I feel it is crucial to exposing the real killer."

"If these riddles are how you usually teach your class, maybe that's why Juniper has been so good at picking apart mysteries," Apollo said dryly.

No, I don't think these are riddles. Constance said two things: the dirty handkerchief proves that two people are involved, and there is a question that will shed light on the identity of this 'real killer'. I need to think about these carefully… hopefully I can figure it out before the trial tomorrow.

"We're also trying to figure out what my mother's motive is for everything she's doing!" Robin cried out. "The only person we could think of that might know what she's thinking is you!"

"Then I assume you saw the photo I had at my old office." It was a statement, not a question. "Yes, me and Diana used to be classmates at Themis Legal Academy."

"I've heard Mrs. Newman talk about you, earlier in the day. Hearing you talk about her…" Athena tapped on Widget. "I can tell that you care deeply about each other, Professor Courte. Whatever friendship you formed in those days, it still lingers in both of you."

"I suppose I can't deny that. We both wanted to be prosecutors, Diana and I, because we both had dreams." Constance's voice was filled with nostalgia. "My dream was to save people through the power of a judge. However, I wanted to see every facet that people had to offer, so I became a prosecutor. This career offered a different way to see cases- to give closure to those that were the victims of a crime. It's a philosophy I carried onward when I became a judge."

"You always had a softer perspective on the job than anyone else I have met," Klavier said, a proud smile on his face. "I have you to thank for being able to be the kind of prosecutor that can ease people's minds."

"What about my mother, then? Why did she want to be a prosecutor?" Robin asked. "I don't think I've ever asked her before!"

"Diana's exact reasons, she kept for herself. However, she did tell me something: That she felt being a prosecutor would be a good way to look after her family," Constance answered.

Conflicted feelings crossed Robin's face, mainly sadness and affection.

"Which brings us to the main point: Mrs. Newman's motive for all her actions up until now," Hugh said. "Taking over the case and making sure that only Juniper could be the defense attorney, while she prosecuted Professor Courte's daughter."

"Of course, I cannot speak exactly what Mrs. Newman might have been thinking at the time. But since you asked for my opinion, I shall give it." Over the phone, Constance's tone grew more serious. "I believe that Diana wants to discover the truth of her downfall- and that it is connected to Detective Smokes' suicide. This is why she would go to the effort of bringing up my notes on her case into it. As for why she wants Juniper to be the defense attorney… I can only guess it's because of me."

"Do you mean… because of Juniper's relationship with you, Mom?" Bailey asked.

Constance let out a thoughtful hum. "It's almost poetic that this case involves my daughters as the defense and defendant, with Diana and her daughter as the prosecution. Which is why I must ask something of you, Juniper."

Juniper clutched her hands to her chest, waiting to see what her mentor and maternal figure would ask of her.

"You must show Diana that the ends don't justify the means, by closing this case with your own hands. I understand that this must seem like a lot. Since Bailey entrusted her defense to you, then I will trust you to finish what I started. I know the kind of person you are, and as such I know you'll be able to see this through to the end."

Juniper could feel tears well up in her eyes. "I will do my best, Constance. Thank you so much for believing in me."

"Pardon me." The guard in the visitor's room spoke up. "Visiting hours are almost over, so wrap up your discussion."

"There is never enough time. Robin, I want to tell you something."

"What is it, Professor Courte?" Robin asked, standing to attention.

"Your most admirable quality is your heart. So whatever path you decide for yourself, listen to your heart," Constance said warmly. "You've been forced to ignore your desires for too long- it's time that you embrace them."

"Yes, Ma'am! Thank you for all you've done for me!" Robin exclaimed.

"Klavier… it seems like only yesterday that you were a fresh face at Themis Legal Academy, telling me how you wanted to work with your brother. You are strong, for weathering all that you have. So don't be afraid to lean on those around you."

"Fraulein Courte, you flatter me. I only do my job as I see fit," Klavier said humbly. "But I won't refuse you."

"My girls…when Juniper first registered as a student at Themis, I remembered her from the case of her parents. That is why I took you under my wing," Constance explained. "One day, I wanted you to meet Bailey, and see how you'd get along. So it makes me so happy that it seems you can be honest with each other."

"It took a lot of effort, and I've made a lot of mistakes. But I've always followed your teachings, Constance, and I always will," Juniper said, sniffling from her tears. "And I'm sure there will be all the time in the world to get to know Bailey, once she's exonerated."

"I was not able to say this to you before, due to the cruelty of fate. So I will not squander this miracle." Bailey also had silent tears falling down her face. "Thank you for being the reason I am here, and always encouraging me to be true to myself, Mom. May we be together again in the next life."

"You've already become such a wonderful woman, my little star. So please allow yourself to be happy…" The phone went silent. After a short pause, Amara was back on the line.

"I hope that my services were able to help you. As for me, there is a lot that I must reflect on. I feel doubt as to the way my emotions sway."

"I assume this is about Mrs. Newman, Your Mercifulness," Apollo guessed. "I'm also pretty angry at how she used me."

"When we first met, I saw a kindred spirit in Diana. She seemed to know my struggles, of being a mother that guides their daughter on the best path. So if all of that was a false facade for her true spirit, then perhaps I am at fault for not seeing it sooner," Amara said ruefully. "Yet, I cannot help but think of our previous friendship. I wonder what the Holy Mother intended, having me experience this betrayal."

"Don't worry about Amara. I'll be here to talk with her about all of this," Apollo said in a reassuring tone. "It seems that all of you have a long, uphill battle tomorrow. But what else is new for the defense?"

"Thanks for helping us, Apollo!" With that, Athena ended the call. "He is right, though. We should probably go back to the office and plan out our strategy for tomorrow!"

"We certainly have a lot to discuss, Thena." But there's also a lot to think about. Mainly, that I seem to be destined for a confrontation with Mrs. Newman, about her past and how it's brought us all here.

June 6th, 2029

Smokes' Manor, Eastern Hallway

7:00 p.m.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Detective Skye. Your services will be compensated," Edgeworth said, putting something in his coat pocket.

Ema didn't say anything, her expression stricken and her body shifting uncomfortably. The two of them were outside the garbage room, with the hidden door to the room open. Inside the garbage room were several full garbage bags, and a cardboard box.

Then the door into the hallway opened, and Mrs. Newman walked in. "Ah, there you are, Chief Prosecutor. I need to give you this." She handed Edgeworth a piece of paper, which he read over.

"This is a subpoena to appear in court as a witness," Edgeworth noted. "Why are you giving this to me?"

"Because there is proof that if nothing else, this half of the house is involved with the crime," Mrs. Newman explained. "So your testimony may be necessary to solve the case Better safe than sorry, as they say!"

Edgeworth stared down at Mrs. Newman, but she only smiled pleasantly. "You are the prosecutor in charge of the case. So if you need my testimony, I will give it. But for now, I must attend to other matters. Come with me, Detective-"

"Not so fast. As you've been registered as a witness, we must discuss what you will say," Mrs. Newman interrupted. "And we're already in this house, so we may as well do it here."

"What are you planning, Prosecutor Newman?" Edgeworth asked, glaring.

"That is on a need to know basis. But this is all necessary to lay this case to rest, once and for all."

To be continued.

A/N: That is the end of the final investigation. The final trial will begin next chapter. I will try to avoid another half-year gap in uploads, which I think will be easier now that only the last leg of this story is left. See you next time! Please review.