Turnabout Rivals

1st Trial 2

FEBURARY 15, 7:15 AM
EDGEWORTH LAW OFFICE

I made sure to appear early before opening to get the office ready. Papa always says preparation is important when working in the legal business. He also wanted me to send a message to Mr. Edgeworth as soon as he arrived. Hearing about Miles' attack, no doubt, sent Papa on a mission to capture the Phantom. He didn't want Mr. Edgeworth to feel he has to take matters into his own hands. Not that I can blame him. I want to find that Phantom and give him a taste of my whip.

Mr. Edgeworth appeared, hanging up his coat on the coat rack. He said, "good morning."

"Good morning. Papa wanted me to send you a message. The Phantom is currently behind bars. It seems that disasterly fool thought he could disguise himself as a police officer and ended up looking for his son in the female section of the Detention Cell," I said, folding my arms. Mr. Edgeworth sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "He also said that, based on the information he received from our client, there's a good chance he may've not known it was Miles. According to her and testimony from Nicolas, Miles never gave away his name and only confronted the man once to protect Dahlia three years ago. Right before the murder, the Phantom asked our client where Edgeworth was."

"I see. Thank you," Mr. Edgeworth said, turning his gaze away. I could see, based on his expression, that he was overwhelmed.

"Our client's trial will begin in two hours. Shall we pay a visit to your old friend. Perhaps he will lend us some useful information."

"It's not like we have a choice. I have a lot of questions, but I also want to check up on Miles too," Mr. Edgeworth said, stress being heard in his voice.

"I'm sure Mr. Shields would be more than happy to drive up to check on him. Knowing Miles, I'm certain he's doing just fine."

"..."

I could tell Mr. Edgeworth had a lot on his mind. There was worry, but also grief and confliction. Perhaps he isn't sure what to do or his next move. I suppose knowing Papa captured the Phantom wasn't enough to calm his nerves. I've never been good with this sort of thing. Mama was always good at knowing how to give comfort and read people. I could read what is on Mr. Edgeworth's mind, but I don't know how to approach it. I don't even know how to handle my own conflicting emotions.

"Is there something you need me to do?" I asked awkwardly, sliding my hand up and down my whip.

"Huh? Oh, n-no you're fine. We should get going," Mr. Edgeworth forced out of himself, making his way towards the door.

"... do you want to say what's on your mind? I mean... you don't have to if you don't want to, but..."

"Are you worried about me?" Mr. Edgeworth asked, his voice now showing concern as I stared down at my whip. He approached me, then gave me a comforting hug. "I'm sorry. I... I promise I'll be alright."

"You say that, but that makes me more worried. Papa says you do that. You never tell us what's wrong, because you don't want to give us trouble. I'm not used to that. Papa and Mama always tell me to speak, if something is wrong, but you and Miles are always keeping things from us. Now, Miles doesn't remember why the Phantom wants to kill him and you're giving me that look I see in Miles when he's trying to put on a brave face. I ignored it. I always ignored it, because he was strong. Now, I'm not so sure anymore," I said, squeezing my grip on my whip before I felt my tears pouring onto Mr. Edgeworth's coat. (1)