Chief King of Prosecutors

Edgeworth speaking. [Regulations] [Old Files] [Submit Inquiry] [Submit Evidence] * RP account for Miles Edgeworth * Affiliated with AA-Tumblrs

[pipshinwhatever]

Larry: there’s a question I want to ask you 

Edgeworth: excellent, I’ll go to my room, shut the door, and as soon as you’re absolutely certain I can’t hear you, ask away

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

Klavier doesn’t want to rest. He’s running on high energy, he can feel it buzzing in his veins. He need to get some work done, at least a little bit, so that he can get things off his mind.

If you visit Larry Butz in the hospital can you tell him that I will come and see him later? I will go back to the office and start with arranging the evidence before I go home.

He will not go home of course but visit Larry. He has promised to come back and he wants to assure him that everything will be alright, that Larry is safe now. And he still wants to offer his boyfriend to stay at his place, at least until the Steele-case is over.

Klavier bids Edgeworth goodbye when the Chief decides to take Chase’s advice and take a break before turning to the Detective once more.

Let me know about Kitt’s condition once you go and see him, ja? I will be available on my phone.

Then, for the first time since the congresswoman has admitted her part in this foul game, Klavier smiles an honest smile.

Thanks for the hard work, Detective. I’m glad you were on the case with us. See you later.

He winks at him, like the rockstar he has been in the past before waving Chase goodbye and leaving the police station too.

“Thanks, sir. An honor, comin’ from you. We’ll see this through ‘til the end of the line, Chief.”

As Edgeworth takes his leave, Chase salutes him. He’d always respected Edgeworth, but there’s a newfound hope in that grizzled old detective: with a man like Edgeworth in charge, those dark days of corruption will finally be laid to rest.

“Of course, sir,” Chase nods to Klavier and smiles a bit, aware that Klavier and Larry have something going on between them…but that’s a professional secret. “Thank you for bein’ part of the team, Gavin. I’m happy to have ya onboard.”

Who could have imagined that in only three days, a cut and dry murder case could have spiraled into an international scandal? Certainly not Detective Hyde Chase, who has seen a lot in his thirty-three years on the force. He watches Klavier go and extinguishes his cigarette, tapping out the ashes with a contemplative “hm.” There’s more to be done in wrapping this case up, but first? Check on Kitt, and then, time to take down the Steeles in court. And of course, there would have to be time for another smoke break.

[THE END]

[SAVE FILE?]

[YES]

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

// And with that, I’m going on a hiatus again. Thank you so much for writing Turnabout Gala with me, @itsgottabethebutz and @guilty-love! I’d like to reblog both of your final posts if you write one, so I can put a pretty bow on the closing of this case and thread. <3

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

Relief floods Klavier’s body when the congresswoman finally gives in and confesses everything. They finally have all the cards they need – evidence, witnesses and a confession. Von Karma will probably find out who has been the source of the atroquinine and how it has found its way to the Steeles and it will be their undoing.

Once the witness has left the room Klavier slowly gets up from his chair. He watches how the guards take away the congresswoman and he can see how relieved Chase is that they finally have the whole story.

But Klavier can’t bring himself to smile. Anger and determination still ring like a bell in his body.

This is not over yet.

He murmurs.

My work only starts now. Detective Chase, I need the report about the fingerprints from Fräulein Syke in my office as soon as it is done. We have gathered everything we need and now it’s my turn to make sure that we play our hand well.

He will not fail because failure is not an option. Klavier may not be personally involved – well, maybe a little considering Larry a former suspect for the murder on DeLire – but the whole setup is too personal for him to let it slip. He will prove, like Edgeworth has in the past, that there is no such thing than being ‘above the law’.

“You’ve got your work cut out for ya at least on the husband, Prosecutor Gavin. The wife? That’s gotta go to a federal level, and that might require you to give testimony, not take charge of her case. That’s just my guess. Even so, we’ve all got a hell of a lot to do.”

Chase opens up another pack of cigarettes and lights up, regardless of the “no smoking” signs posted everywhere. After the intense stress they’ve been through for the last three days, he doesn’t give a whit about the rules.

“I’ll get Skye on it for sure. Sorry, I took a page outta Wright’s book for that one. Chief, I think Reeves wanted you to solve the case. That’s why he gave that bag to ya. Not that I can give that asshole a pass for trying to kill you, but he didn’t have to do that.”

He exhales a puff of greyish smoke with a satisfied sigh. “After I get this report to ya, Prosecutor Gavin, I’m gonna go and check up on Kitt, see if he’s awake. Maybe I’ll go see Butz, too. You two oughta take a rest for now: you’ve been through hell and back over this. Edgeworth, you look like you could keel over. Better relax a while before a hit from Von Karma knocks you into next week, sir.”

“I know, Gavin, but I trust you’ll get it done.”

Edgeworth nods at the younger prosecutor. It’s true, they can’t call the case closed until the final verdict has been handed in, but their investigation here is at least at its end. With Klavier handling the domestic affairs and Franziska handling the international side, he’s confident that the Steeles won’t be able to hide from the law any longer.

“That bluff of yours would’ve impressed even Wright, Chase.”

Edgeworth lets out a sigh. While he doesn’t agree with the detective that he’s about to keel over, he also can’t completely disagree. The past few days have been draining, and Edgeworth would be a hypocrite if he lectured his team about resting, then proceeded to collapse from exhaustion.

“I suppose you’re right... I’ll just check in with Franziska first and head home. Please notify me if either of you have any updates.”

With that, the chief prosecutor takes his leave, knowing that the case is in safe hands with Gavin, Chase, Skye, and von Karma.

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

It is amusing to see how Chase cuts Steele’s resistance down. He has worked with many detectives over the time but most of them have been his age or even younger. Only a handful of them had been older and none of them was ever as experienced as Chase is. And that clearly shows.

You should give up now, Fräulein Congresswoman.

The smile has vanished from Klavier’s face and his pretty, blue eyes are cool as ice. He knows that he should still be angry at her, furious for trying to kill Larry, the sweetest and most caring man he has ever met. But he doesn’t feel any rage.

He only feels disgust.

We have built a solid case to bring down your husband, with or without your statement. If you spill the details now it will count in your favor. If you refuse, then I will promise you to make sure to strip your husband and you of everything you have. Name, money, fame… I will make the whole world see who the two of you really are.

Detective Chase folds his arms across his chest: though his expression is unreadable, he’s smirking inwardly. Who would have thought that a young whippersnapper like Klavier Gavin could match Miles Edgeworth against a suspect in a game of wits? This case has been a maze of twists and turns, and yet here they are at the precipice: master and apprentice, turning the tide of a complicated case.

“…fine.”

Diana Steele raises her head, now meeting eyes with Edgeworth. She holds his gaze for a very long time, still silent…and she confesses. The investigation team’s theories were correct: Larry Butz was a marked target because of his one-night stand with Diana, and with the oncoming media frenzy of her alleged international debacle as well as her underhanded dealings, he needed to be eliminated before he could spill the beans in a big tabloid payout.

Bitterly, she recounts how DeLire couldn’t bring herself to use atroquinine and drugged Larry instead, and ended up dead because of it. How Reeves was set to fix the scene and failed, thanks to Edgeworth and Kitt’s quick thinking. Reeves’ murder, since he knew too much—on Diana’s order. All these plans were to pick up the slack on her husband’s failure to accomplish a singular goal. The plan to take out Edgeworth and Butz in the hospital before the case could be solved…all of that sordid affair finally comes to light, confirmed as truth by the suspect.

“Hoo, boy,” Chase finally breathes, shaking his head. “That’s one helluva story.” He motions for the guards to bring Steele back to her cell, and looks to Edgeworth and Gavin. “Anything else, sirs?”

Together with Prosecutor Gavin and Detective Chase, Edgeworth seems to have dealt the final blow to their opponent. Checkmate, Steele. He keeps his eyes locked with Diana’s as he listens to her confession, focusing on the details of her attempt to make up for her husband’s failure to eliminate Larry and the chief prosecutor.

“Well, that about does it. I can’t imagine they have much to defend themselves with at this point. We already have Downings and Diana Steele's confessions, and we’ll soon see if we actually have Robert Steele’s fingerprints.”

Edgeworth smiles at Gavin and Chase, shooting the detective a knowing look.

“Knowing Von Karma, she’ll soon have a detailed account of Steele’s illegal activities overseas, too... Good work, both of you.”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

Klavier cannot deny that he is hurt in his pride when Diana Steele doesn’t take the bait. He doesn’t let her know, of course, that she has avoided his tactic of siding with her only to win over her trust and make her tongue slip. But she does say something indeed that seems to catch Chase’s attention.

The prosecutor leans back a little, allowing the detective to go on. He doesn’t take his gaze off the woman in front of him, watching her every movement.  He does notice that her façade slips for a moment, even if it is only a brief one. It seems that she really is that kind of woman that needs to be confronted with decisive evidence. It seems that simple showing her possibilities of what has happened wasn’t enough to unsettle her.

He glances on the drawing that Edgeworth shows to the congresswoman and can’t help a soft chuckle. Of course the drawing of her is beautiful. Of course Larry’s work of art is a masterpiece.

What a beautiful yet spicy picture… I can imagine the uproar that could happen if this finds its way to the eye of the public.

Steele grits her teeth, both at the evidence of fingerprints on the bag and at the drawing that finds its way into the interrogation room.

“Then…then you’ve damned my husband for certain when it comes to identifying him as DeLire’s murderer. As much as that breaks my heart to hear, that still has nothing to do with me, or making me an accessory to murder.”

She seems to regain some of her confidence. “But I certainly didn’t have anything to do with him attempting to shoot you, Mr. Edgeworth, and whatever happened at the hospital.”

Chase narrows his eyes. “And how did you know about that, Congresswoman? We haven’t done a press release about what happened to the Chief earlier this morning.”

“I…” she trails off, going pale. Detective Chase fishes for the recording of Downings’ confession, replaying the part where he admits that “Katherine Stone” ordered him to kill Reeves, where he’d gotten the atroquinine from…and points out the signature on the sexy drawing: “To Katherine, with love from Laurice Deauxnim.”

“Von Karma has your phone, Steele. Stones. Whoever you wanna say you are. We can take that back from Interpol if it has any communications between you and your husband on it that have to do with our case, not just theirs. Confirm your role in all of this. Cough it up, now.”

For a moment, no one says a word. The room falls into a deadly silence…and Steele’s gaze finally locks eyes onto Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth. She’s waiting for him to make the checkmate move, right here and now.

In just one moment, it feels as if all of the dominoes of Steele’s defense are collapsing one after the other. Diana can’t claim that she has nothing to do with her husband’s crimes after her slip of the tongue. She certainly hadn’t learned of the news from von Karma, so the only possibility is that she’d been informed by her husband. When the room falls silent, Edgeworth takes a deep breath and looks the congresswoman in the eye.

“We have your alternate identity, Downing’s confession, records of your cell communications with your husband and other involved parties... and soon, details of your activities abroad.”

The chief prosecutor steps toward the table where Diana and Klavier are sitting.

“This game is over, Steele. I suggest you tell us everything yourself.”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

This woman is a congresswoman and therefore knows how to fight a battle – that much is clear from the very beginning. Klavier doesn’t take off his eyes of her when she explains herself, when she simply brushes off the accusation of being in charge of supplying the atroquinine for the murder of Larry Butz. Klavier knows that he should be angry – furious even – but this woman is too fascinating to get upset. There’s something about her, about the way she speaks, the way she holds herself that touches Klavier in a way he hasn’t felt in a long time.

There’s a feeling of familiarity and he can’t help it but smile at her.

No one says that you are not allowed to be upset, Fräulein Congresswoman. On the contrary – I would be upset too if I were you. You are a beautiful and successful woman and if your husband decides to cheat on you it is only fair for you to have fun with someone else too.

What I do not understand is what happened that, all of a sudden, after many months of peace, things got so very much out of hand. If your husband found out about your affair and wanted to kill Larry Butz out of revenge – well, that would have been quite hypocritical, ja? After all, the woman who he had an affair with first was still around and apparently she was the one who tried to kill Larry Butz.

If he found out about the affair he probably confronted you with it, ja? At least that is what I would do. And, as a strong woman, you would have told him off, told him to stop being such a crybaby about an affair when he was the one who cheated on you first, right?

Klavier frowns a little, not taking his gaze off her pretty face.

So how does it come that the woman who was the start of all this was the one who had gotten the order to kill Larry Butz instead of being killed herself with Atroquinine?

Sea green eyes flick back to Edgeworth. “The truth? Ask anyone who has ever worked in politics, Chief Prosecutor: there’s never just one clear ‘truth.’ It’s not as simple as that. The law is not cut and dry, black or white. There are grey areas dotting the landscape, little loopholes or inconsistencies here and there that make one ‘truth’ less credible than another. Why do you think the legal system is the way that it is? All these court cases, trying to find a crack in words set down on paper long ago.”

Chase isn’t taking this little game of cat and mouse semantics lightly, though he notes that Gavin seems to be enjoying himself. Knowing that he’ll lose his temper, Chase stalks off to the corner and allows the charming rock star to try and rend some information out of this slippery suspect.

“You flatter me, Prosecutor Gavin.” Steele laughs, allowing her fall of red hair to flow over her shoulders. “You give me far too much credit, albeit ultimately in a negative light: I had nothing to do with my husband’s crimes. What he and that peculiar lot of writers did is beyond my control. The media had other things to talk about, after all.”

That sparks an ounce of recognition in Chase’s overtired brain. “That’s right. You were in hot water before all this. And Reeves mentioned that Butz had far too many connections to high-profile women in the media, all connected to your husband,” he says slowly. “Authors, librarians, socialites, government officials. Butz confirmed that when you showed him the list of attendees, Chief. Take out the linchpin, the guy who knew all those secrets and the media can’t dirty your names even more. Sexy drawings of you can’t exactly see the light of day, eh, Congresswoman? And hubby couldn’t bloody his own hands, or at least that wasn’t the plan, ‘til he shot DeLire.”

Steele’s mask of ease slips for a moment. “You have decisive evidence?”

“Fingerprints, Congresswoman,” the detective replies firmly, glaring back at Steele. “Found on a piece of evidence that Reeves gave the Chief. Decisive. Evidence.”

Edgeworth notes to himself that Diana appears to prefer the younger prosecutor over himself as the two converse. He steps back for a moment so that Klavier can do his thing. Perhaps Diana will be more agreeable speaking with the rock star. When Chase jumps in and mentions Larry’s drawing, Edgeworth takes the risque sketch out of his pocket. It’s certainly not a picture you’d want circulating around social media, but it’s not so extreme that you’d kill over it. As he’s mulling over his thoughts, the detective suddenly pulls out their not-yet-confirmed trump card! Edgeworth pushes his mild surprise out of the way and nods in agreement.

“Yes, it seems your husband forgot to wipe his fingerprints off the bag he’d given Reeves to rearrange the crime scene.”

This may just be the bluff they need to crack her defense! Hopefully, Ema will be back with the analysis results soon so that their bluff is actual solid proof.

[itsgottabethebutz]

"I think your art is great, Larry... the guy with the frilly business is just a jerk."

Edgey can be kind of a jerk when it comes to talking about that case…and me bein’ the Steel Samurai…and a lotta things I do.

Thanks, though. At least somebody thinks my art is good!

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

“Perhaps I've been a bit harsh, but I stand by my statements about your flying fire woman picture.”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

Klavier does notice the glance that he gets from Diana Steele when they enter the interrogation room. It’s a brief glance, but their eyes meet and the former rockstar is no stranger to being looked at like this by woman. He’s not a fan of her, is, in fact, furious with her but that small glance from the pretty lady is enough to make his shoulders relax and the corners of his lips twitch into a smile.

Maybe this wasn’t going to be too bad after all.

Being in possession of Atroquinine is a very dangerous thing, Fräulein. You should know that even a little bit of it, a tiny doses from, let’s say, nibbling your fingernails could be enough to get you in a  life-threatening situation.

Klavier’s voice is surprisingly soothing compared to Edgeworth’s and he steps closer, taking a seat on the opposite site of the table where she’s sitting. He doesn’t want to give the impression of being superior, of looming over her like a shadow. He will leave that to Chase and Edgeworth.

Diana Steele listens to Edgeworth’s opening statement with a look of disenterest, instead keeping an eye on the handsome Klavier Gavin. She plays a good poker face, not even quirking a brow when the chief prosecutor drops the name of her alternate identity. Chase grumbles a bit, but says nothing for now: Steele is going to be a tough nut to crack.

“I thank you for your concern, Prosecutor Gavin, but it’s not necessary.” Steele idly drums her well-manicured fingers on the table in front of her, thinking for a moment. “Politicians hold many secrets, gentlemen, but the name I use is the name that goes on the election ballots. Regardless of whatever yellow journalism or tabloid nonsense you’re trying to bring up in here, I still do have a reputation to uphold.”

There’s another impatient harrumph from Detective Chase. “Landon Downings told us you’re the one who gave the order to kill Kristoff Reeves, Congresswoman. With atroquinine, no less. We found a coded script in his apartment with another stash of the stuff. Lisette DeLire was s’posed to use atroquinine on Butz, but she didn’t, and wound up dead.”

“Oh?” Steele seems a little surprised by that. “My husband’s circle of author friends are a colorful sort. Let me guess: you all seem to think that I’m the one who supplies the atroquinine, and that I’ve gotten a hold of it from my foreign correspondents? Is that your angle? You’ll have to prove it. What would I possibly gain from having Reeves killed? Or Lisette DeLire, that tramp?”

“Tell us about the guys you’ve been seein’, Congresswoman. The apartment downtown, the false names, the texts,” insists the detective, now glowering down at their suspect. Steele keeps her head high, and says nothing. Undeterred, Chase continues: “Talk to us about Larry Butz—Laurice Deauxnim—whatever the hell he goes by. You and your husband tried to have him killed, and that sparked all this nonsense. Why?”

“I’m not allowed to be upset that my husband had an affair with a woman almost half his age? I’m only human,” Steele points out. “So what if I fooled around with an idiot for one night in retaliation? What is it that you want me to say, Chief Prosecutor? Enter a plea deal and testify against my husband simply because I shared someone else’s bed?”

Unfortunately, Edgeworth’s logic chess piece simply bounces off of his opponent, who doesn’t look the slightest bit fazed that they know of her other identity. In fact, she’s barely looking at him, instead keeping her eyes on Prosecutor Gavin! He may need the rock star prosecutor to do most of the heavy lifting this time if he can’t even keep her attention.

“All I want is the truth.”

The chief prosecutor glares at Diana. Some of the congresswoman’s words certainly catch his attention though. They had speculated that, like his wife, Robert Steele may also have had affairs. Now, all signs seem to point to the Black Swan Ballerina author.

“As for motives, Reeves was likely killed to prevent him from revealing your identities. DeLire, on the other hand, is the woman with whom your husband has been carrying on an affair.”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

╭◜◝ ͡ ◜◝ ╮╭◜◝ ͡ ◜◝ ╮ ♡(〃°ω°〃) (♡°ω°♡ )♡ ╰◟◞ ͜ ◟◞ ╯╰◟◞ ͜ ◟◞ ╯

(What is this strange message…?)

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

There’s something besides the tension of this case that is buzzing in Klavier’s body. He hasn’t noticed it at first because he had been too focused of other things but now, after getting a gentle reminder from Franziska von Karma, that they are not at the end of their journey just yet something has changed.

Not only with Klavier, no. Edgeworth too has changed, his posture, his mimic. And then Klavier realizes that it is excitement that keeps buzzing through his body.

They would face Diana Steele soon and Edgeworth is ready to give his all, to pull out the truth and some evidence that will seal their case. Klavier has never had the honor of working directly with Miles Edgeworth before, to stand beside him while he works his famous logic on the witnesses. With Drownings, Klavier has been too busy worrying about Larry and too angry to focus on anything but the witness.

This time he would pay attention. This time he would team up with Edgeworth as well as possible, so that they will have a solid case and that the Steeles will get what they do, in fact, deserve.

Inside the interrogation room sits Diana Steele, acclaimed congresswoman and philanthropist—and accused of murder, international sabotage, and more. She sullenly raises an auburn brow at the arrival of the investigation team and straightens up. Her attention is also drawn to Prosecutor Gavin: one of her little “habits,” after all, is dallying with young and attractive men.

“One would think I’m being impeached,” she says wryly, her voice clear as a bell. She’s a handsome woman in her late forties, obviously attractive with a magnetic personality and a posh Mid-Atlantic accent. “I suppose you’ll all be throwing me through the ringer, too? To whom am I speaking, anyway?”

Chase flashes his badge and introduces himself, Gavin, and Edgeworth; Steele doesn’t seem too impressed. “Charmed, I’m sure. If this is about the messages on my cell phone, I’ve already spoken to Interpol about that. None of you have any clearance to talk of international accusations, I presume? So why am I here?”

It’s finally the Steeles’ turn to be brought to justice. Edgeworth trusts that Franziska has all the international angles covered, so for now, he will focus on the domestic side. Even though Diana Steele may not have physically attacked anyone, she must have been involved during the planning process. Since Downings had told them that his atroquinine had been supplied by Katherine Stones, it’s likely that she had been the one to provide DeLire with atroquinine to get rid of Larry.

“I think you know quite well the reason you’re here, Congresswoman. You’re under suspicion of being a co-conspirator in the Gatewater Gala murder as well as in the incidents that followed.”

Edgeworth crosses his arms across his chest as he glares at his opponent. Perhaps he can crack her defense a bit by exposing her alternate identity.

“We also have reason to believe that you’re in possession of atroquinine and supplying it to others to do your bidding... Katherine Stones.”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

That whole mess started out with people, accusing Larry Butz of the murder of Lisette DeLire. As we know by now, intentionally Larry was supposed to die, being killed with Atroquinine but she didn’t use it and failed in killing him. Therefore, she had to die too.

The prosecutor is not really scared of Franziska’s cool gaze on him. Usually, he would flirt and be funny and probably get a good whipping or two for it, but this time things are different. This case surrounds the man he loves and he’s not going to fool around if that means that Larry has to stay in danger even longer.

Drownings also told us that he got the poison from a woman called ‘Katherine Stones’ supplied him with the poison.

Klavier raises his head, meeting Franziska’s gaze head on for a moment. Then, he looks away, turning towards the Chief who’s still standing somehow between him and the Interpol agent.

Chase said that they already found the sketch Larry made from ‘Katherine Stone’ inside her purse. And Detective Skye found in that toxicology she ran traces of the drug that knocked Larry out, on a bottle of something like Ibuprofen. Even if it is no Atroquinine, I think it should be enough to connect Diana Steele to this whole incident and drag her into court.

Franziska appreciates that neither prosecutor shows any weakness in the face of her icy fury, though Ema is very grateful for the dismissal. The detective slips off down to the forensics department to test the bag of zip ties and doesn’t look back!

“Hm, I see. Threads in similar directions can be helpful, but we must be wise: some foolish defense attorneys can poke holes in otherwise airtight deductions.”

She turns her attention back to Detective Chase, eyeing him warily. “Detective, I trust that you have overseen this little adventure?” In response, even hardened Hyde Chase can only nod!

“You will interrogate the accused congresswoman, all three of you. I will speak to the attorney who is accused of poisoning Reeves, and see if I cannot whip him into shape. Miles Edgeworth, I leave this to you.”

With that, Franziska turns on her heel and marches down a different hallway, still gripping her whip with intense ferocity. Once she’s out of earshot, Chase shakes his head and laughs a bit. “She’s one helluva lady, that’s for sure. Come on, boys.”

“Rest assured, we will find something.”

Edgeworth can feel that they’re closer and closer to sealing this case shut, but when Franziska cautions him not to feel too comfortable where they stand, a bluffing, blue-suited defense attorney comes to mind. Still, with Detective Chase’s hard work, Ema’s forensic tests, Franziska’s interpol resources, and Klavier standing as the leading prosecutor for this case, he’s confident that they will be successful.

“She’s special alright.”

Edgeworth nods in agreement with Chase as they head down the hallway toward the interrogation room to face Diana Steele otherwise known as Katherine Stones. He pauses just outside the door to face his colleagues.

“Franziska said she’s firmly denying all allegations. Let’s see if we can change that.”

Time for Logic Chess, round 2!

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

Klavier is used to being surrounded by  a crowd of reporters but this is huge. He has known the whole time that this case was important, that it was an international disaster and that the newspaper might be quite curious, but the masses of reporters in front of the precinct are incredible.

He knows how to handle them, though. He falls back a little, one step behind Edgeworth to allow him the lead. He smiles at the cameras, waves at them but whenever he’s asked to answer a question Klavier simply smiles and winks. It’s only when he hears the cracking of a whip that silence falls over the masses.

He has never met Franziska before. But he does know everything about her, of course.

He follows the Chief Prosecutor inside. Usually, he would greet Franziska with a flirty remark but he’s smart enough to read the mood that this is not the right time to fool around. With Interpol involved and Franziska taking care of the congresswoman there too is a lot of pressure on those delicate shoulders.

Franziska’s lips twitch in what could have been a sneer, but she settles on a look of bored disdainfulness upon Edgeworth’s apologies. The famous prosecutor doesn’t like to be kept waiting, after all.

“We have begun our interrogation, yes. The accused is foolishly denying all allegations of involvement.”

Chase rubs his chin in thought. “Any update on what she’s been up to abroad, Agent? We can at least nail her coffin shut with that, and since Downings implicated her in giving the order to ice Reeves, we can use that to our advantage. We found atroquinine in Downings’ home, after all.”

Franziska’s steely eyes look over Detective Chase and Detective Skye, but her gaze falls on Klavier instead. She tilts her head, as if she were a predator sizing up her future lunch. “Her cell phone was seized and several encrypted messages between the congresswoman and various foreign powers were discovered. However, on the topic of the murders? Evidence is everything, Miles Edgeworth,” she remarks, still maintaining full eye contact with Prosecutor Gavin. “You know as well as I do that we’d need a damning piece of evidence. Has this foolish team found one?”

She stops in her tracks, now turning her back to the investigation team—and her grip on the whip tightens so hard that the leather of her gloves flexes intensely. “Or have you been so foolish as to get yourself caught up in multiple attempts on your life to discover anything, little brother?”

Edgeworth hasn’t really had the time to reply to all the messages and voicemails he’d received the day after Reeves’ attempt on his life. His “older sister” doesn’t seem too thrilled by his dangerous encounters with Reeves and then Steele just a couple days after. Franziska is correct, of course. If he’s going to put his life at risk, then he at least needs to secure some solid pieces of evidence in the process. With Downings’ testimony, they now have many pieces of the puzzle, but they’re missing the decisive final link.

“It’s likely Robert Steele gave Reeves a bag of zip ties after killing DeLire and had him rearrange the crime scene. Detective Skye will have that bag tested for prints now.”

With a nod, the chief prosecutor turns to Ema and excuses her from this meeting of sorts so that they can get the fingerprint results as soon as possible.

“Downings had mentioned that he obtained the atroquinine from Diana Steele. Their primary residence may be clean, but it’s possible that she’s hiding her supply in one of her other homes, under the name Katherine Stones. We’re looking into that now.”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

As fired up as Klavier is to hear more from Diana Steele herself as bad he feels to leave Larry alone. He has promised him not to leave his side after all, but he can’t let this chance slip and let the woman get away that has a hand in this whole mess.

He even refrains from touching Larry’s cheek or running his hand through the sleeping beauty’s hair because both, Edgeworth and Chase, are still in the room with them.

I will check on you later.

He whispers softly before getting up from his spot near the bed, following Edgeworth and Chase out of the room once the Chief has made sure the guard will keep his eye on Larry. The prosecutor really hopes that there won’t be another attempt on his life.

Now that we have the wife too, maybe we can use them against each other. They couldn’t have enough time to match their testimonies. If we manage to find an inconsistency in her words we can pin her down for good.

Larry is too sound asleep to bid his friends goodbye, but he’ll be all right for now where he is. With both husband and wife in police custody, the orange idiot shouldn’t be in any more danger!

“Well, let’s get at it,” Detective Chase says as he rises from his chair. He gathers up all the evidence and hands the court record back to the Chief Prosecutor before following Ema to the doorway. Still, Chase glances over his shoulder at Larry and gives him a slight smile, as if to thank him for helping Officer Kitt.

[Location: Detention Center]

[Time: 3:08 p.m.]

Getting through the blur of news reporters, media, and gossipy hangers-on is a difficult feat even for Chase and Skye—and as soon as the crowd notices international celebrity Klavier Gavin, they start to swarm the four investigation team members. A crack of the whip, though, silences everyone, and a curious hush falls over the crowd as a slight young woman strides out of the precinct’s doorway. The expression on her face is one of cold finality, like a polished marble statue.

“Miles Edgeworth, I have been expecting you. Foolish, to come in through the front. This way.”

Franziska von Karma, Interpol agent and renowned prosecutor, gestures for the team to make their way inside. Once they’ve vanished through the precinct doors, the din of madness sweeps the crowd all over again!

Edgeworth taps a finger on his knee as their investigation team drive to the precinct. They may not have that really damning piece of evidence yet against Steele for DeLire’s murder, but their swift arrests do mean that Robert and Diana could give mismatching testimonies, which they can use against the other’s credibility. As they approach the precinct, Edgeworth has to push his way through the crowd of reporters gathered by the entrance. Suddenly, the crack of a whip sounds, and he’s relieved to find Franziska von Karma waiting for them by the front doorway.

“My mistake, Franziska.”

The chief prosecutor offers Franziska a wry smile as they make their way inside. Every step he takes feels like another step toward the finale of this case. This could be their chance to force Diana Steele to let something slip if she had any knowledge about her husband’s plan to kill Butz and then DeLire and Reeves.

“Have you had time to interrogate the congresswoman yet?”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

itsgottabethebutz‌:

guilty-love‌:

When the door opens and Ema Syke steps in Klavier smiles. He’s well aware of Ema’s dislike of him but right now he’s in no mood to tease her at all.

The news that the congresswoman has been caught makes him feel a little more at ease. Still, having her in the hands of Interpol isn’t a guarantee that she will spill the beans.

If the worst case happens and the Steele manages to squirm out if this we at least can get him charged for shooting at the Chief. We have two people that can testify that Steele shot first.

Klavier is aware that this won’t change much. Murder and assault are two different crimes. But at least they can buy themselves time to find more evidence.

Ema does her best not to bristle at Klavier’s smile; Detective Chase tries to hold back a laugh in response, but he can’t help himself! He’s able to turn it into what sounds like a wet smoker’s cough, but he’s thankful for the brief comic diversion.

“She is, sir. Uh, I have to warn you, she’s in an awful mood. Are you reviewing your court record before you interrogate Diana Steele?”

“Yup.” Chase strides over to the young investigator and hands her the bag of zip ties. “Give this bag a test for fingerprints, hair samples, anything. This could be the missing link of all our evidence so far.”

Eyeing the bag, Ema nods, vowing to get it tested as soon as possible. She gives a brief salute before heading out the door, picking up another officer as an escort on her way out.

“It’s all unraveling for them now, boys. They’re not gonna get away with this. Murder, assault, blackmail, international drama, whatever.” Chase’s flinty eyes gleam with a challenge. Murder is inexcusable, but attacking the Chief Prosecutor and a plucky young police officer? No way will he stand for that. “Let’s finish this, once and for all.”

Edgeworth glances to the side to hide the wry smile that appears on his lips when he notices Ema’s reaction to Klavier. Fortunately, the rock star prosecutor refrains from teasing her, so she’s able to focus on the case at hand.

“I’m not surprised. We’ll find a way to have her cooperate if von Karma hasn’t already succeeded by the time we get there.”

Edgeworth nods in agreement at Detective Chase.

“Neither of them are going to get away with their crimes. We’ll do our best to make sure of it... Let’s head over then.”

Edgeworth gestures at the officer standing guard by the door and instructs him to keep a close eye on Larry while they’re gone from the hospital. Even though both of the Steeles have been arrested, his friend may feel more comfortable with someone to watch over him.

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

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Klavier blinks in surprise when Edgeworth pulls a bag of zip ties from his pocket. Why did the chief carry that with him?

Then Klavier understands. They were give to Edgeworth by Reeves, so they have to be worth something.

If we can proof that Larry was already knocked out and that there was a third person at the crime scene then the person whose fingerprints are on these have to be the true culprit, ja?

His gaze darkens.

Will it be enough though?

His voice sounds a little bit strained but Klavier wouldn’t back down from a battle in court. Even if they are lacking evidence right now, even if the defense tries to turn the case around and make their evidence disappear, the musician would drag the truth out of his witnesses without mercy.

“Zip ties, eh? I wonder…why the hell would Reeves give those to you? Even if he wasn’t killed in his own cell, he would’ve sold out his own boss.” Chase seems wary, but he takes the zip ties from Edgeworth and bags it in an evidence container.

“If that’s the one link we’ve got, then we’ll have to push it. We have video of Downings’ confession, and if he works out a plea deal with us, then we could bag Steele in court. Handwriting, the ties, atroquinine samples…the pieces are all there.”

Even so, Gavin doesn’t look so sure. The grizzled detective turns his attention back to the younger prosecutor. “You’re worried some slick attorney like Phoenix Wright could bluff their way outta this one. If Steele’s prints are on this, it could be damning evidence. But we won’t know for sure until Skye runs the tests.”

Speaking of Detective Skye, Ema knocks on the door—and does her best not to visibly wince when she notices her “favorite” prosecutor in the room. “Sorry to disturb you, Chase. Von Karma’s got the congresswoman in custody.”

“That may have been Reeves’ intention. He didn’t have many other options at that point.”

Edgeworth nods at Klavier. It’s true they don’t have that one damning piece of evidence, but all other evidence and testimonies do point toward Steele as DeLire’s murderer. As much as Edgeworth respects Phoenix’s abilities as a defense attorney, he knows that his best friend can’t argue against the truth. It’s unlikely that Robert Steele would seek the services of the chief prosecutor’s best friend, right?

“Yes, Larry was in no state to kill anyone that night... We just need to prove that it was Steele, who had shot DeLire, not Reeves.”

Detective Skye suddenly comes through the door with good news! Even though Diana Steele had been on the other side of the country during the Gatewater Gala, she may have some incriminating information about her husband. It doesn’t hurt to try all the angles.

“Good. Is von Karma on her way to the precinct already?”

[chiefkingofprosecutors]

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Klavier is not surprised at all that Larry collapses and helps him to lie down in bed again. He needs to rest and to recover, not just from the meeting with Steele but also from the blood donation.

Larry has offered blood for Detective Kitt. For someone who apparently can’t stand seeing blood he did quite well.

He tries to give not too much away of their relationship but he can’t help but gently pat the crown of Larry’s head before focusing on the summary Chase gives them.

It does sound tricky to get Steele connected to the murder of DeLire. Did you already sear her home? Maybe she hid some valuable information that gives us a motive for him to kill her.

Down for the count, Larry sags onto his pillow and doesn’t move. He’d managed to get through a death threat, panic attack, and seeing all that blood, all in one day: he needs all the rest he can get for now!

“She split her time between the east coast and the west coast: apparently, she’d been staying in New York until she flew in for the award ceremony,” Chase reports. “Finding anything in the Big Apple might be tough, but the Chief and I were able to search her hotel room at the Gatewater. She mighta been able to hide her pistol in her apartment out here: you can’t get on a plane with one of those, no sir.”

Chase slides the photos of DeLire’s presidential suite toward Gavin and Edgeworth. “The only items we found of any major note were the book with the coded message inside, and the extra clip of ammunition hidden in a lacy slip. When we found her purse, the sketch ‘Sleeping Beauty’ over there made for her was crumpled up inside: they definitely did meet up before she was killed.” Chase inclines his head toward poor Larry, who really just needs a break. “Plus, Skye ran toxicology on a bottle of what looked like Ibuprofen in her purse this morning, and it held traces of the drug that knocked Butz out. No atroquinine, though.”

The detective looks between both prosecutors intently. “There’s gotta be something. Did Reeves give you any info or any direct clues, Chief? Looked like he gave you something in that video.” He pauses, gesturing to the tape. “His testimony woulda been the best evidence we had, given that he saw DeLire get shot. Steele’s got alibis about the night of the gala, since he’s the big money behind the ceremony: he could’ve easily bought those alibis. But if he slipped up, we can nab ‘im.”

Edgeworth glances at the sleeping Larry with a small smile. Even though his friend is a huge pain in the ass at times, it’s clear that he has a huge heart. He’ll have to thank Larry later for helping Kitt.

“Reeves never mentioned Steele by name, but he said that he took DeLire’s pistol and shot her in the back. Oh, and he gave me these. That’s what he’d used to restrain Butz...”

Reaching into his pocket, Edgeworth pulls out a little baggie with zip ties and holds it out for Klavier and Chase to see. He had thought it weird that someone would carry a bundle of zip ties on their person, but it suddenly makes more sense if Steele had given them to Reeves that night after he instructed the mystery author to rearrange the crime scene.

“Steele’s fingerprints could be on this! He was careful enough to wipe them from the pistol, but he might not have thought of these.”