"Don't show that face, not here." The command was firm.

Miles Edgeworth turned to Franziska with a puzzled look, which she knew was sitting on top of several layers of worry.

Nearly two hours had passed since Edgeworth found Adrian in the pile of discarded stage props and materials. Though Franziska had had no idea that the police department had previously feared the woman dead, she could understand Edgeworth's state of mind during the seach, and again when he had proved them all wrong.

The ambulance had arrived just as Adrian was discovered. Franziska could only feel grateful to have her friend back, and alive. I can only imagine how she felt every day as I was held captive by that vile beast. Despite the state Edgeworth had found her in, she had escaped permanent physical harm, at least. I do not know if I can say the same for her in the psychological sense. Following treatment, Adrian was moved down the hall from Franziska's room, where she had been sleeping since.

Edgeworth had stopped by to give Franziska the news. She hadn't noticed it at the time, but she had been the only one breathing a sigh of relief. Eager to see her friend, she followed Edgeworth to Adrian's room. There, they sat in chairs...while Adrian remained in her unconscious state.

"She is alive," Franziska continued her rebuke. "Her injuries are not life-threatening. Of course, it would have been better for her to have been unharmed. You cannot change that now. But you can change your face. Imagine if she were to awaken, and that was the first thing to come into her view. The woman has just been through something terrible, Miles. The least you can do is to offer her a gentler expression, to assure her that she is safe."

Edgeworth gave a sad smile. "Where would I be without you driving sense into me at moments such as these?"

Franziska regretted her approach then, but quickly shook off the feeling. "Miles...listen. What happened there was not your fault. You must understand this. Engarde...and Grayson...they fooled so many people, and no one could have predicted how cruel they could be, and to what lengths they would go. I think that you did everything within your power for her sake. It is unfortunate that Adrian was attacked. But if you hadn't been there at the precise moment you were...I shudder to think that this could have ended much differently. And...I know Adrian would appreciate knowing what you did."

"Thank you...Franziska."

"Don't mention it. Just...promise me you aren't giving up."

Edgeworth's expression changed. "Of course not. Dire as things appear, my resolve is only strengthened."

"Good."

The smile that followed was more lighthearted. "By the way...I suppose it is none of my business, but that comment Larry made earlier about the two of you..."

Franziska rolled her eyes. "You are correct. It is none of your business."

"Fair enough..."

She let out an impatient sigh. "Fine. I will tell you...but only because you are so desperate for a distraction from your own problems." She broke eye contact with him. "It was...several months ago. I had learned of Phoenix Wright's disbarment in the Global Legal Journal...and but could not believe it. I had to confirm with my own eyes and ears, and so...I flew back to the states. Since I would not find him in court, I drove to his apartment. Yet...something kept me from walking up those steps. That was when...that foolish fool exited the building, and of course, had seen me standing beside my own car before I could do anything."

Edgeworth gave a "hmm" as if in understanding. Franziska imagined he'd had several moments where running into Larry Butz was the last thing he cared to do.

"Anyway, imagine my surprise when he inquired if I was there to see Phoenix Wright. Relieved that he had made no mention of that childish book idea of his, I admitted the truth...and asked him many questions about Phoenix's state. He was forthcoming with details, and...I don't know what happened, but as the topic shifted, as did our location. We were sitting in the back of my car, just talking. We must have talked for two hours. He was...receptive, and not at all acting like the imbecile he tends to be during court, or the investigations he somehow ends up being involved in. I started to believe he was more than the pathetic man he had shown himself to be, or that he was changing for the better. I...that was when...I had a foolish moment of weakness." She turned her gaze toward the floor, scowling. "It was one kiss...that Phoenix Wright unfortunately witnessed. It was humiliating! I kicked his friend out of my car, dove into the driver's seat as quickly as I could...and then drove off." She shook her head. "I honestly don't know what I was thinking. I was upset that my chance to crush that man in the courtroom was now gone. Maybe...I was feeling vulnerable. I cannot believe how easily I succumbed to that foolishly foolish fool's charms...even now..."

"Well," said Edgeworth. "I won't deny that Larry has had, and continues to have, moments of pure idiocy. But there are also moments he has a genuine epiphany, and is capable of being more than an idiot."

"He...made me feel as though my feelings about the disbarment mattered," Franziska admitted. "I was not the one whose badge and privilege were revoked. Yet somehow, I was greatly disappointed by the entire thing. Larry Butz...he understood that, or at least gave the impression he did."

"He seems to have that effect on people...when he's not being a thorn in their side. He can bring out the best in others...but he just can't seem to do the same for himself."

"Yes, I noticed this."

"But..." Edgeworth cracked another smile. "Women tend to motivate him, for better or for worse. I just hope one day he can come to value his own talents and actions for his own sake." He looked around. "By the way...where is he?"

Franziska looked uncomfortable. "You know...I'm not sure. That fool fell asleep for a while, not that I blame him. I had sent him on a number of errands."

"I can imagine."

"Then, shortly before you returned, he disappeared without a word. I had assumed there was a nurse or another patient he was pursuing." She shook her head. "I just don't understand why he is motivated by nothing else. There are many women who would desire such an eager provider, yet he manages to chase other women at the cost of his own self-respect."

Edgeworth nodded. "Yes. For all his intentions, Larry is incapable of choosing a fruitful path. Simply put, he has never been much of a thinker. He rarely assesses a situation before charging headlong into it."

"So that's how it is, huh, Edgey?" came the angry voice from the door.

Franziska and Edgeworth turned their heads as Larry stood there, seething.

"I let you go back to KB Security, and this is how you repay me? By talking about me behind my back?!"

"Larry, keep your voice down," Edgeworth ordered, motioning to Adrian.

Unsurprisingly, the man ignored the warning. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to get that old bag to agree to anything?! I had to- huh?" Edgeworth had already moved to his feet and was on him, pushing him on a steady, backward path.

Franziska watched as the two men directly headed for a door labeled "Staff Only - Keep out." Edgeworth paused to twist the handle, and then shoved Larry inside what looked to be a janitor's closet. For a moment, it was silent, and then, there was a crash, followed by an "OWWW!" There was another pause, and then the door opened. Edgeworth walked out first, calm as ever, while Larry followed, rubbing his shoulder, his eyes glistening with pain.

"You didn't have to hit so hard," Larry whined, though at a considerably reduced volume. "This is my sketching arm, you know."

"Maybe next time, you'll think about disturbing the patient's rest," Edgeworth shot back as he reentered the room, reclaiming his seat.

"Okay, okay," Larry said, and then stopped as he caught sight of Franziska. "There you are, Franzy. I was wondering where you'd run off to."

"Unlike you, I am worried about my friends," Franziska told him. "There is a terrible plot, and they have all been harmed in some way."

"C-c'mon, Franzy, it's not like I haven't noticed," Larry said. "You, Maya, Nick...and even this beautiful young lady lying here..." When he saw Franziska's souring expression, he added, "But no way she's more beautiful than you! Heh, heh, heh..."

"Give it up, Larry Butz. I am not interested."

"I know that. But I still plan on completing my book. Maybe when you're better, you can-"

"No."

"Aw, come on! I finally figured out the ending, so..." He trailed off, reacting to a presence outside of the room. "Whoa. You're that guy." Already intimidated by the approaching person, he backed away.

Both Edgeworth and Franziska sat up in their chairs in anticipation as the doorway filled up with none other than Cormac Grayson.

Edgeworth immediately scowled. "Y-you...!"

Grayson, as usual, offered nothing more than a staged smile. "Ah, Miles! Pardon me...Mr. Edgeworth! I was told I could find you here. It appears I made the right decision in pulling you off the appeals case. I've advised the Chief Prosecutor that you take a leave of absence...seeing as how you're going to be busy with other matters in the coming weeks."

"What are you talking about?"

"I thought I'd break the news to you first. It seems there has been a development in the most recent murder case in the mountains. You see, this one took place in the very building Ms. Andrews was found. Since they were the only two present at the time, and the building itself was locked down, and she was found alive, one can only reach a single, logical conclusion."

Franziska let out a stunned gasp, and her heart began to race. "No...you cannot be serious..."

The smile grew sinister. "I am deadly serious... if you'll pardon the phrasing. Ms. Andrews was found with blood spatter on her clothing, and even some brain and bone tissue. We have already conducted the necessary tests, and...everything matches the DNA of the murder victim. Oh, by the way? We've identified the victim as the tabloid reporter, Colin Diggs. It seems...he had a history with Ms. Andrews."

"That is preposterous!" Edgeworth snapped. "She only met him that one time, and you know damn well nothing else happened, and that she had no reason to murder him!"

"I 'know' nothing of the sort," Grayson said. "And whatever reasons she had will be revealed in court. Now listen up. I see that Ms. Andrews is recovering, but when she awakens, she will be placed in police custody for the murder of Colin Diggs."

"Is it ever enough for you, Chief Grayson?" Franziska demanded. "You have repeatedly hurt my friends, and you've allowed a criminal to hurt me. Yet there does not appear to be an end in sight where you are concerned. When will you be satisfied?"

"When lawyers aren't allowed to push their crooked claims in court, or interfere with the justice system. When law enforcement officers aren't forced into a corner, with illegal methods their only way out."

"But to hurt so many innocents along the way, people who have nothing to do with your mission?!"

"No more than you two," Grayson said coldly. "The difference is, I don't take pleasure in harming the innocent. I've heard all about your track record, Ms. von Karma. How many times did you crack that whip wherever you set foot? And you, Mr. Edgeworth. How many defendants did you sacrifice for the sake of your flawless win record before it occurred to you that not every accused person is guilty? The same could be said for you, young lady. Corrupt lawyers have no place in court. That's why I'll do all that I can to keep you away."

"So I've seen," Edgeworth said bitterly. "Is that all, Mr. Grayson? Isn't there some paperwork you need to get to, some new disgusting phase of your plot?"

Franziska nearly cringed at the man's boldness, but realized he was out of patience, and likely felt he had little to lose.

"I do have some paperwork, in fact," Grayson retorted, the sneer returning. "And I should mention that the name of your friend here...will be all over it. Can't you just see the report now? 'Adrian Andrews, age 25, charged with the shooting death'-rather, first degree murder-'of an unarmed, captive man. Police are investigating whether or not there is some connection to the hiker homicides'...hahaha."

"Miles!" Franziska quickly called out as Edgeworth immediately rose to his feet, looking as though he were prepared to throttle the police chief. Fortunately, he remained where he was, only glaring.

"I see you have grasped the seriousness of the situation," Grayson continued. "If I were you, I'd be doing all that I could to ensure she receives a fair trial, and that justice is served. That is, after all, what a true lawyer wants, isn't it?" For a moment, it seemed the situation was no longer amusing him. "Well, it appears you have a lot to think about. I just came to deliver that bit of news, and now I'll be on my way. Good day to you." With that, he turned, disappearing into the hallway.

Edgeworth stood there a moment, processing everything that happened. He seemed deep in concentration, but soon he started fuming. After a while, he too began to leave.

Larry temporarily blocked Edgeworth's path. "Whoa, Edgey. You're not gonna do something crazy, are you? Because you know Nick won't be able to-"

"Out of the way, Larry," the man ordered, but this time did not resort to physical force.

Still, Larry complied, moving aside as his friend marched off. Stunned, he turned to Franziska, who was wearing an expression not so different from his.

Franziska then looked over at Adrian, a thousand terrible outcomes of an unfair trial playing out in her mind.

Miles...please don't do anything rash.