DECEMBER 28, 8:30 AM
DISTRICT COURTHOUSE
COURTROOM #6

Since there was little time I had left before returning back to court, the new evidence I retained through Manfred's help would not reach me for at least 15-20 minutes. I will have to keep this trial going until the new evidence reaches me.

It wasn't much, but as the saying goes, 'nothing ever truly gets erased.' I don't know anything about this Redd White guy, but he certainly knows his stuff. From what Manfred had told me, Redd White was a powerful businessman that was a victim from the mafia that murdered his father and his football or soccer team in Germany. Through his help, Manfred was able to take down the mafia and uses his power of deep rooted research whenever he's in a bind, though it was often for blackmail. Can't say I'm surprised.

Despite the unorthodoxy behind this, I have to say that I'm impressed. I wouldn't admit it aloud, but I would kill to have an inside man like that. Still, perhaps Manfred and I truly aren't so different. Of course, the inside men I have are former smugglers that are hiding from the very people that are out for our blood. I suppose it is too early to judge if Redd White is any different from the inside men I have contacts with. I do hope to one day gain enough of Manfred's trust for him to tell me, but perhaps that's asking too much. I'm just thankful he doesn't expect that much out of me.

Misty sat in the assistant's seat, taking a deep breath. She seemed a little tired. I couldn't help but worry, especially now that I know the reason why she's tired.

"You don't have to do this, you know," I said quietly.

"No, I want to, for Rachael," Misty assured, showing a small smile.

"Do you think she...?" I asked.

"No. I think that was a one time thing. She has a lot more faith in you than you give her credit for. I think she's more worried about you giving up than anything."

".... do you feel her.... here?" I asked almost fearfully. Rachael, could you be...?

"It's hard to say. She's not as distressed as before and unless her spirit is no farther than five feet, I can't feel her presence. I felt it before, but not much now."

"Strange," I said, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Not really. I think you understand her better than me. Where would you be right now, if roles were reversed?"

"Hm..." I hummed, rubbing my chin as I began to think. Considering the circumstances I'm in, I'm a bit nervous, but I'm not close to quitting like before. If Rachael had my fighting spirit, I would trust she had things under control. Though, I wouldn't be sitting back either, because... "Miles."

"Miles? You think she's at the other trial?"

"That's where I would want to be right now," I stated as Misty smiled, giving me a nod.

https://youtu.be/Zw1OZQMbgZg

The judge slammed his gavel, then announced, "now, for the continuation of the trial of Gregory Edgeworth!"

"The Defense is ready, your honor!" I announced.

"The Prosecution is also ready," Prosecutor Faraday announced.

"Have you prepared your witness?" The Judge asked.

"Yes. She says she's ready to testify. I call the victim's sister, Jennifer Newslayday, to the stand!"

"Very well. You may bring the young lady."

Jennifer got up from the Witness Bench, then proceeded to the Witness Stand. I looked out at the gallery and saw her mother. I also noticed Miles' friends there as well. Phoenix was grinning wildly and waving to me. I smiled, then nodded before turning to where Jennifer was standing.

"Name and occupation, if you please," Prosecutor Faraday started.

"Jennifer Newslayday. I'm a Photographer for Timely News," Jennifer replied.

"Timely News, isn't that where Rachael Newslayday previously worked at?" The Judge asked.

"Yes. My sister and I were lifelong partners, until her death. I now work as a freelance photographer for Timely News."

"I see."

"According to the Defendant and the evidence he presented, he was the one that provided your sister a copy of the documents that you and your sister recorded being smuggled into his office. From there, she gave this copy to you. Is this true?" Prosecutor Faraday asked.

"Rachael did provide me with the copy, but never informed me of who it was that gave it to her, aside from the fact she had an ally that worked inside the Police Department. I didn't think of who this ally was, until recently. I can't think of anyone else that would've had a copy than the Chief Detective himself, especially given the circumstances," Jennifer replied.

"Circumstances?"

"My sister was in a huge bind. The next day, after she gave me the copy of the documentation, neither my mother or myself were allowed to visit her. Logically, there should be no reason for my sister to be such a huge threat that all these restrictions were necessary. Rachael may've been an influential News reporter, but she didn't have any power over the police. The only explanation that makes sense is if my sister was working with someone in the Police Department that was one of the higher-ups." (1)

"I see. According to the Defendant, he had no knowledge that the Prosecution would give your sister the death penalty before the recording of the cassette tape, which according to the new evidence I was given during recess..." Prosecutor Faraday said, showing the copy of the report I made about the broken chair. The date read November 18, having been made nine years ago. "We can both agree that this was the date when he became fully aware of your sister's fate. Unfortunately, there is the question if the defendant was still working to place your sister on death row. Do you remember the date you were given the documents?"

"It was nine years ago, so I don't remember the exact date, other than it was around the end of November. I'd say my sister had at least one or two trials after the 18th."

"No worries, I also had the Police give me a recording of your visits on November. That month, you paid your sister a visit at the detention center six times: 1st, 5th, 12th, 15th, 24th and 28th. You say that it would've been the end of November, would that be the 24th or 28th?"

"Considering I never paid my sister a visit afterwards, I'd say the 28th."

https://youtu.be/z-7rhMS5Ewc

"The 28th? But, that's two visitations after Mr. Edgeworth's knowledge of the victim's fate!" The Judge exclaimed.

"HOLD IT! I had to lay low, after I discovered what Blaise would try to do to Rachael. He saw I was beginning to doubt him," I explained, presenting the cassette tape. "He even says so in the tape. TAKE THAT!" I fast forwarded the tape to the time I needed it to be at.

"Edgeworth... *pause* You are naive. If her words can turn the inmates against us, then I won't be the only one going down. You must understand that everything I do is for you and for you alone. I cannot risk losing my faithful companion. Do you understand?"

"..."

"You doubt me."

"It's not like that. You know I would follow you always no matter what you do."

"Of course I know that. That's why you're my favorite."

"..."

"Why do you act like you doubt me, dear Greg?"

"Who was the real killer?"

"She has gotten to you. No matter, that will all be settled."

"It's not that! I just want to know-"

"The truth? Since when did that matter? I got you that badge you wear on your lapel Detective."

"I could say the same. I helped you pass your classes."

"And, I am grateful. So, we trust and understand each other, even about things we don't understand."

"That's not how it works. You're dodging the question. Did you kill those people?"

"Why should that matter?"

"I just need to know. You know I would follow you regardless."

"Yes, but that would lessen my chances of proving Ms. Newslayday guilty. It's as I thought, that woman is getting to you. Let me handle this, Greg. This is obviously too much for you."

"..."

"Go back to your office and do what you always do. Let me take care of the rest. Don't do something you will regret, understand?"

"... I'll be in my office."

I stopped the tape, then continued, "when Blaise tells me to return to my office, he implies he wants to keep an eye on me. My office had a security camera he'd use to keep an eye on me. After I confronted him the possibility that he was the one that created that genocide, he began suspecting that I was being influenced by Rachael. If I had taken action right after that conversation, I knew he would stop me, because I wouldn't be in my office. I had to find a time and excuse to escape my office, then hand the copied documentation to Rachael Newslayday." (2)

"Hm... I guess that would be true," The Judge said.

"OBJECTION!" Prosecutor Faraday shouted, banging his fist on the counter. "Even if that were true, Mr. Edgeworth, with the security cameras in the Police Department, the Chief Prosecutor would've known when you left, even before the 28th of November!"

"Ah! That's true!"

"You're right. I had to find an alternative way. I believe I recall mentioning an inside man that helped me retrieve and deliver certain information to Ms. Newslayday," I claimed.

"You say you have an inside man, but unless you give me the name of this inside man, there's nothing to prove if you were still working with Rachael Newslayday between November 18th and November 28th!" Prosecutor Faraday shouted. He was right. Unless I give a name, I cannot prove when I changed sides. Even if I mention Chief's name right now, my claim is not enough to get him in this courtroom to testify. Not even his mentorship of me is enough to prove anything. This means, I will have to approach this at a different angle.

"Perhaps, but it's not to say I cannot prove I didn't do anything between those dates. If Ms. Newslayday can provide me testimony of the events between those dates, I believe I can find something," I stated.

"... I see. Very well. Jennifer Newslayday, will you testify your visitation with your sister on November 24th and November 28th?" Prosecutor Faraday asked.

https://youtu.be/elB7FT9PxPM

"I don't remember much of the 24th, but I will do my best," Jennifer replied, her eyes full of determination. Well, I guess it's now or never. "I remember the day Rachael gave me that document in German. At the time, I came for any updates on her."

"HOLD IT! What kind of updates did you get from Rachael?" I asked.

"Updates on the trial, her sentence, that kind of stuff."

"But, wouldn't you get that information from her trials?"

"I did, but her circumstances were becoming increasingly odd. We'd be told one thing from the trial and Rachael would tell us something completely different. She'd also inform me anything that happened during her interrogations."

"Can you tell us any News your sister informed you about?" Prosecutor Faraday asked.

Jennifer continued, "that day, she told me that she had a copy of the documents that we recorded being smuggled to the Police Department.

"It was all in German, so we didn't know what it was about, other than the fact it had both the Chief Prosecutor's and the Chief Detective's signatures written at the bottom of each page." (3)

"HOLD IT! Did you ever attempt to translate the documents at any point in time, after retrieving them?" I asked.

"No, my sister told me specifically to keep the documents until the time was right to release them. She warned me that showing them, at the time, would be too dangerous. That's why I waited until the interview with Prosecutor Von Karma and, even then, I trended very cautiously."

"Wait, Mr. Von Karma? Isn't he the Prosecutor for Chief Debeste's trial?" The Judge asked with blinking eyes.

"Yes. He was to retrieve that documentation for his case against Blaise Debeste. He provided me a copy, including this lovely witness, for my case," Prosecutor Faraday explained, showing his sly grin at the last part of his sentence.

"I see. Why Prosecutor Von Karma? I mean, nothing against him, but he did just recently come out of a trial for murder and rumors about him are spreading far more than ever."

"I'm not one to believe in rumors, not after what they did to my sister," Jennifer replied, showing her rage she felt about the unjust toward Rachael. "As for Mr. Von Karma, he revealed a certain truth I was unaware of regarding my sister. Until yesterday, I was unaware that I had a nephew and that the affair was one truth hidden by lies."

"HOLD IT! You say that the affair between Gregory Edgeworth and Rachael Newslayday was a truth hidden by lies. Can you explain what you mean by that?" (4) Prosecutor Faraday asked.

"According to the tabloids and certain News sources, Rachael had an affair with the Chief Detective Gregory Edgeworth and was pregnant with his child. Since Rachael was a very beautiful woman that attracted a lot of attention, everyone believed that she threw herself at the Chief Detective to get a Not Guilty verdict. Later, it was speculated it was a love at first sight story and of the Chief Detective falling for a criminal. I dismissed it quickly and blamed it on the defendant for the rumors. When he contacted my mom and I, we believed he was trying to do to us what he did to my sister or... at least I thought he did to my sister. Now, I'm not so sure."

"Your honor, I'd like this bit to be added as testimony." (5)

"Of course," the Judge agreed.

"According to the tabloids and News sources, Rachael had an affair with Chief Detective Gregory Edgeworth and was pregnant with his child. Rumors began flying around that she threw herself at the Chief Detective to get a Not Guilty verdict. Later, it was speculated that he fell in love with my sister at first sight.

"Afterwards, I met with my sister's attorney, then went home."

"HOLD IT! Could you specify what you remember with your meet with Rachael's Attorney?" I asked.

"It was an argument."

"Wait, an argument? With your sister's attorney?" The Judge asked. "But, why? Isn't he supposed to be defending your sister?"

"That's what I thought he was doing, but I began growing suspicious of him. Misty seemed to believe in him, but I felt like how he was trying to defend my sister was far too suspicious."

"How so?" I asked. I knew why, but I needed that bit of testimony.

"He was talking to Rachael about saving her, if she admitted she was driving recklessly," (6) Jennifer replied.

"Reckless driving? I see," the Judge replied, though I could hear quite a few murmurs in the gallery. (7)

"So, the argument was about your sister's innocence?" I asked.

"Yes," Jennifer replied.

"Could you add that to your testimony?" I asked as Jennifer nodded.

"I had an argument with Rachael's attorney about her innocence. He believed that she should confess to reckless driving as an alternative to save her."

"HOLD IT! Why would the attorney your sister hired doubt her innocence?" I asked.

"Heck if I know! Misty and I were Rachael's alibis and that attorney dismissed it like it was nothing. He claimed that our testimonies would hardly pass in court! I was actually talking to Rachael about changing attorney's, but... as I said, we lost contact with each other after November 28th."

"Did you ever show the attorney the documents you were given?"

"Actually, I did. He seemed pretty disturbed when he saw it. Said he'd call and talk to the Chief Detective about this."

https://youtu.be/eUNvbK5H6_Y

"Wait, the Chief Detective, isn't that...?" The Judge asked, blinking his eyes.

"That's right, Rachael's Attorney called me that day, not talk to me personally. Now, Prosecutor Faraday, would you consider it normal for a defendant's attorney to call your detective, if he's working on the trial said attorney is defending his client in?" I asked.

"... no, I wouldn't. In fact, the Detective is supposed to only meet with the Private Attorney in person to hand out evidence," (8) Prosecutor Faraday. He looked at me with suspicion in his eyes. "So, are you saying that you were colluding with the Defense Attorney of Rachael Newslayday?"

"Your words, not mine. Though, as the former Chief Detective, I can state without a shadow of a doubt that there was collusion. The fact he had my phone number proves he has my business card. Also, it wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination to assume that even Rachael's Defense Attorney was set up purely to make sure her Guilty verdict was assured," (9) I stated as the murmurs in the gallery began to grow. I showed my signature smirk. Sorry Chief, but I'm going to need something to drag you in here.

The Judge slammed his gavel, shouting, "order! Order! Mr. Edgeworth, you're saying that Rachael Newslayday's Defense Attorney was set up to assure her a Guilty verdict? But... ISN'T HE YOUR MENTOR!?!"

"Your words, your honor, but since you did bring that up, Rachael's attorney being my mentor only raises the suspicion of possible collusion. Not only that, but he just so happens to be Blaise Debeste's Defense Attorney in the trial next door. Also, Rachael Newslayday was declared Guilty a year after her trial began and, last I checked, I only became aware of her innocence three months after. If there is possible collusion, and there is a high possibility considering what we've just proven through Jennifer's testimony, wouldn't that make Rachael's attorney a possible witness to knowing when I began changing sides?"

The murmurs from the crowd only increased. The Judge slammed his gavel, shouting, "order! Order, I say! Mr. Edgeworth, why did you not bring this up until now!?"

"My words alone are not enough, your honor. I am the defendant. I needed the support of my claim through evidence and witness testimony. Also, Chief is defending the culprit I'm being accused of being an accomplice to. Now, that I've drawn great suspicion and proof of possible collusion, I would like to ask your honor to bring Robert Hammond here to testify."

"Hm... well, I cannot come to a conclusion until we have all the witnesses testify and I am concerned to what Robert Hammond was doing at that time. Until now, I never even thought of the possibility. Prosecutor Faraday, do you have any objections?"

"Non, your honor. In fact, it seems your bailiff is on her way to bring the witness."

"Very well. Mr. Edgeworth, I will give you a ten minute recess to prepare the witness for the Defense. Court is dismissed!" The Judge shouted, slamming his gavel.

8:30 AM
DISTRICT COURTHOUSE
COURTROOM #3

Mr. Von Karma and I made our way to the Prosecution's Bench. I looked over the testimony Uncle Ray was supposed to present. Then, I looked over to Mr.  Hammond. I'm trusting Father will find a way to bring him to his trial as a witness. For now, Mr. Von Karma and I will have to work together to get some testimony out of Uncle Ray about Child trafficking. Hopefully, Mr. Hammond doesn't give us any trouble.

I heard that Father was very hesitant about mentioning Uncle Ray's involvement in the smuggling ring when being trafficked. (10) I can't say I blame him. Father and Uncle Ray have always been close. Though, it makes me wonder if Mr. Hammond knew anything or if he's going to try to prevent Uncle Ray from speaking.

https://youtu.be/8MVkn8TLniY

The gavel slammed before the Fancy Judge said, "now, for the continuation of the trial of Blaise Debeste."

"The Defense is ready," Mr. Hammond said.

"The Prosecution is also ready," Mr. Von Karma said.

"Good. Before we continue, there is something I would like to say to the Defense. I have looked over some of your previous trials and I understand there is bad blood between you and the Prosecution. I will forgive you this one time. However, this is a trial, not a court drama. I will not hear any slander toward the Prosecution, especially one that involves his assistant. Any issues outside of the case will be taken outside this courtroom. Do we have an understanding?" The Fancy Judge asked sternly. (11)

"... yes, your honor," Mr. Hammond replied reluctantly.

"The same goes for the Prosecution. So far, you have proven to do no more than your job, but I'm not going to play favorites." (12)

"Understandable, your honor. It's not my intention to slander the Defense. However, I feel it is my duty to be sure this trial goes perfectly, regardless of any slander deserving or not," Mr. Von Karma assured. Mr. Hammond seemed to have shot him a glare. He didn't know yet that Mr. Von Karma is no longer using his corrupt perfection motto, but the motto of perfection taught to him by his father. I still remember what Mr. Von Karma said before the trial:

As long as I aim for perfection: the perfect investigation, the perfect trial and perfect verdict, there will always be truth.

A perfect truth. The perfect truth is unchanged, unbiased and not created through fabrication. A perfect truth is what is needed to achieve perfect victory. That victory doesn't come through scoring Guilty's or Not Guilty's. It comes through protecting those that need protecting by punishing those that could harm them. Blaise Debeste has hurt too many people and now it seems he's hurting Mr. Hammond. Mr. Hammond, it's time Mr. Von Karma and I saved you... as Prosecutors.

"Thank you. Now, Prosecutor Von Karma, have you prepared your witness?" The Fancy Judge asked.

"I have. I call Defense Attorney Raymond Shield to the stand!" Mr. Von Karma declared, snapping his finger.

Uncle Ray stood, then walked from the Witness Bench to the Witness Stand. He seemed very confident. I wish Father could be here for this. I know he's always been proud of what Uncle Ray had accomplished. I think he was surprised when I told him that Father never intended on me taking over his law firm. I always thought it was obvious that Uncle Ray would be the one to take over after Father, but did he not know? Looking at him now, I think he's starting to realize it. (13) That made me smile.

"Name and occupation!"

"Raymond Shields, Defense Attorney at Edgeworth Law Offices," Uncle Ray replied.

"The Prosecution says that you were a victim of Child Trafficking under the International Smuggling Ring that Blaise Debeste led," the Fancy Judge stated.

https://youtu.be/i5SVx0Gst3c

"Yes. Most members of that ring are former victims of kidnapping through Child Trafficking. I'll testify about the ring, but before I do, I have to clarify that just me speaking about this will be placing my life at risk," Uncle Ray replied bluntly.

"How so?"

"It's an International Smuggling Ring. There are eyes everywhere. I was actually attacked yesterday, while I was investigating a crime scene for my client, by the two witnesses from the Defense."

"Are you serious!?"

"OBJECTION! Why was this never talked about earlier?" Mr. Hammond questioned.

"OBJECTION! There is still an investigation at work for the attack. My witness did identify the two witnesses as the ones he saw yesterday. I never thought to bring the reason due to lack of evidence of it being related to the defendant. Ergo, it is only fair that the crime be treated as a separate crime and nothing to do with the defendant, until there is farther update," (14) Mr. Von Karma replied without missing a beat.

"Hm... fair enough. Objection overruled, Mr. Hammond," the Fancy Judge stated. He looked at Uncle Ray. "Witness, do you believe your life is threatened right now for speaking about the ring?"

"It is, but I'm willing to speak the truth regardless. I want it to go out where all eyes and ears are open. If I'm killed right now, in this courtroom, then the culprit will be revealed and will lead the police closer to the truth of the smuggling ring."

"I have asked the Chief Police to place extra security around this courtroom and the courtroom for Gregory Edgeworth. As the Prosecutor of this case, I feel it is my duty to be sure my witness feels secure when testifying about events regarding the ring," Mr. Von Karma stated.

"I see. Very well, you may begin your testimony, Mr. Shields," the Fancy Judge said.

https://youtu.be/QheJux2k90o

"I was kidnapped from my parents and trafficked at the age of five by the International Smuggling Ring. Until nine years ago, at age 10, I was raised and trained to work for the ring to smuggle drugs for money," Uncle Ray began.

"HOLD IT! Why drugs and were there other forms of work you did?" Mr. Hammond asked.

"It was the most popular merchandise to sell to other children and it was easier to smuggle them, using a child. I could just waltz into a festival and advertise my merch to other kids and no one would think non the wiser. (15)

"As for other work I did, selling and smuggling drugs was the only job I did. There were other jobs under the ring, but each of us were split into different groups or branches of the ring that focused on different illegal smuggling they did. Some would even include illegal gambling or smuggling illegal weapons."

"Interesting. What kind of conditions did you live in at the time?" Mr. Von Karma asked.

"I was set with a couple to be my quote on quote parents and they were to be my guardians. I registered at a local school. In reality, they were my supervisors. They took care of me, gave me a roof over my head, paid me whatever money I earned for my work and other things. I was completely depended on them to the point I didn't know any other life to live," Uncle Ray continued.

"HOLD IT! So, you never thought to call the police or any adult about your circumstances? Certainly, five years old is still old enough to retain some memories of having other parents, besides the ones you were working with," Mr. Hammond asked.

"You would think, but you have to understand that this was the life I knew since I was five and, frankly, I barely have any memories at five years old of what a normal life is. Even if I did, it wasn't like there was anyone I could trust to give me a better life. I was raised in that ring to believe that I had no one else to trust outside of the ring. Even with the others that knew this wasn't normal, what were we supposed to do? Run away? This isn't The Promised Neverland. A bunch of kids can't just band together and come up with an elaborate plan to escape. We were prisoners and the only way to survive was to work for the ring or else they will kill you. As I said, there are eyes everywhere and the higher-ups are in very powerful positions. If your client won't, Mr. Edgeworth can attest to that. I can assure that a majority of children that have been missing over the years and never found somehow became a smuggler one form or another. Unless they were the Founders, most of the members and higher-ups in the ring were trafficked like me. Only a small handful came willingly as adults." (16)

There was murmuring from the gallery. Poor Uncle Ray. I can't imagine myself being in that position. Being kidnapped at that age, then living your whole life smuggling and believing it's the only form of life you can live or else be killed. That has to be a terrible life.

The Fancy Judge slammed the gavel, shouting, "order in the court! You say that you knew no other life or way of escape, then somehow you managed to find one?"

"Yes, but... as I had just stated, I knew no one or any other life, other than the ring and those in it. That should tell you how I managed to escape that life, given that my boss was a former ringleader," (17) Uncle Ray said.

"In other words, you escaped, because you had connections with the former ringleader, Gregory Edgeworth?" Mr. Von Karma asked.

"Correct."

"I'd like to add that to his testimony," Mr. Hammond requested.

"Very well. Mr. Shields, please add that bit to your testimony," the Fancy Judge ordered.

"Yes, your honor," Uncle Ray obeyed. "I was able to escape that life, through Gregory Edgeworth, because of him being a ringleader of the same ring I was working for."

"HOLD IT! You claim that you and Gregory Edgeworth shared a connection through the ring, but in your testimony from Rachael Newslayday's second case, you never showed any signs of knowing him," Mr. Hammond said.

"I was speaking in code and so was he. That's how I knew who he was," Uncle Ray explained, showing a smirk.

"Code?" The Fancy Judge asked.

"It's She-Dog, Gramps. I said I brought the dope to the lady and he caught my lie. Ya heard? That's code. I don't speak it anymore, but that's how I got to know who was in my clique or not," Uncle Ray smirked. My jaw dropped how quickly he changed from that gangsta wannabe accident he had as a kid to the Uncle Ray I knew now. So, that accent was some form of code? I wonder how that worked. (18)

"Wait, so that's why you were nice to Father!? It was because you recognized him as a smuggler!?" I exclaimed with widened eyes.

"That's right, Miles. In the ring, I saw everyone as family, including your father. He knew my language and that's why I started telling him the truth. At first, I thought he was my drug lord, because of how well he knew my language, but then I realized I was being used to hurt someone that I accepted as my family. I was ignorant and naive, so I didn't know that the ring was full of people that hurt each other. If I had known that, I would've ran away or killed myself probably. I'm glad that I met your father that day. He saved me in many ways than one."

"Interesting. A trust and bond between two criminals. Who'd have thought? Please continue," the Fancy Judge ordered.

"Certainly," Uncle Ray replied. "Once I met with Mr. Edgeworth, he paved me away to escape the ring safely. It certainly helped that he was a ringleader and one of the veterans that was there when it became international."

"HOLD IT! How were you certain you were safe under Gregory Edgeworth? You did say there were eyes everywhere and any member could kill you for simply escaping," Mr. Hammond asked.

"Only if I blabbed. That's the keyword. If you leave the ring without proving to be a threat to revealing the ring, you're pretty much safe. For Mr. Edgeworth, he had Miles. There was no other family Mr. Edgeworth knew of to care for him, besides me. As long as the ring had that rope around his neck, Mr. Edgeworth is hardly a threat. Though, now that Miles has a family to go to, that being the Von Karma's or the Newslayday's, that puts our lives at greater risk, Mr. Edgeworth's especially," Uncle Ray explained.

"In other words, as long as Father didn't have an alternative home for me to go to, the ring didn't feel threatened? Do you think that's why Father never asked or told anyone about the ring?" I asked.

"...I don't know. With your father, it's hard to say. I'm certain that was part of the reason, but if it had been up to him, he would've preferred you having nothing to do with the ring or hear a word of it. You being used against your father was most likely the ring's threat against him. I also don't think he ever thought of anyone else he could've turned to, if I had to be honest."

"Did he never consider asking me or the other detectives? Last I checked, I believe one of them he grew up with as a child," Mr. Hammond asked.

https://youtu.be/v8kxNRNZGAM

"I can't say about Detective Gant. Mr. Edgeworth never told him about the ring, which is clear from the interrogation yesterday, and considering who your client is, I wouldn't consider you someone I would give Miles to either. No offense," (19) Uncle Ray replied, shrugging his shoulders on the last two words, which took Mr. Hammond by surprise and made him speechless. I suppose that's Uncle Ray's way of stating that my father doesn't trust Mr. Hammond as much as he's claiming. "Also, even if Mr. Edgeworth did trust you to care for Miles, not everything is as simple as it looks from the outside. Mr. Edgeworth isn't just protecting Miles. He's protecting me and many former members of the ring that are in hiding as well. You guys see us as former convicts, but we see each other as brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, cousins, family. We were stripped from our homes and brought to a world where everyone is forced to use our talents for criminals means in order to survive. Many of us had to work together as partners and, if we didn't, we'd be killed, especially if you were a child being trafficked. You can say that either one of us could've come to you for help, but our response is always going to be, 'what about the other hundreds or thousands that are in a much worse situation than us?' Can you look at me in the eyes and tell me that you'd be able to help the rest of the others escape from the criminal underworld?" (20)

"..."

"That's what I thought."

"You did bring up something interesting, Mr. Shields. You said that if non of you worked together in the ring, you'd likely be killed. You never said anything about the person in question blabbing," Mr. Von Karma pointed out.

"Yes. It wasn't just blabbing that could get you killed. If you proved to be a threat in some way, were talentless or weak, you could also be killed for that reason too."

"During my investigation, behind the building that Miles Edgeworth was taken hostage, there was a lid to a sewage that was filled with corpses of dead children. Could this be related to the trafficking children being killed, if they didn't fit the criteria of the ring?" Mr. Von Karma asked, presenting the evidence of what we found behind the Abandoned Building. There was murmuring from the gallery in horror.

Uncle Ray stared at the evidence, then his eyes turned very grave. They darkened. He said, "only if they were planning on trafficking Miles." (21)

The gallery grew louder at this point as the Fancy Judge slammed his gavel, shouting, "order in the court! What is the meaning of this!? Corpses of children, up to the hundreds, inside a sewage!?"

"OBJECTION! That doesn't prove anything! It only means that there are dead children being collected in the back. That doesn't mean my client murdered those children or planned on trafficking the victim!" Mr.Hammond said.

"OBJECTION! I disagree! There were also traces of DNA from children that went missing from many years ago and died only weeks ago! Not only that, but traces of Miles Edgeworth's blood was also found in random trashcans, behind the very building he was kept in where the corpses of dead children were located! Can you really call that a coincidence, Mr. Hammond!?" Mr. Von Karma questioned, snapping his fingers. "This is the truth of the case! Your client not only traffics children, but he leads the very ring that creates a mass genocide of children and transports their dead corpses in trashcans to be sent to the back of the very building Miles Edgeworth was kept in! Had he not been found by Dick Gumshoe, that boy would have been trafficked or even joined the pile of corpses inside that forsaken sewage! As his honor has just stated, your client has some explaining to do!"

"OBJECTION!  That doesn't prove he was the one that transported those trashcans or killed those children! I will not object that traces of my client are found inside and the sides of the building, but they cannot be found along the trashcans or the sewage! For all we know, that could've been the doing of Tyler Brook and Sowy Hem or even Mrs. Debeste!" Mr. Hammond defended, slamming his hands on the counter. "So far, you've been accusing my client of trafficking children and while the evidence proves that to be truth, it doesn't prove he murdered them!"

Debeste seemed to be whispering something in Mr. Hammond's ear. I bit my bottom lip, fearful that it was some sort of threat. I could see the sweat coming out of Mr. Hammond as his hands shook. He was scared. Knowing Debeste, he'd want a Not Guilty verdict with his reputation untainted, but that was not how Mr. Hammond worked. Though, there was also something else that he was holding back.

"Perhaps then, you should have Mrs. Debeste testify, if you believe she was the one that transported those trashcans," Mr. Von Karma dared.

"Can I say one thing?" Uncle Ray asked. It's only now that I really noticed how grave his expression is. I've never seen him this serious before. 

"Huh? Oh, sure, go ahead," the Fancy Judge replied.

"This is for the defendant. I want to ask him something, something I want to hear from his own lips and not his defense."

"OBJECTION! Your honor, the witness' request goes against my client's constitutional rights!" (22) Mr. Hammond argued.

"Wait... I will answer this one question," Debeste replied calmly, looking directly at Uncle Ray.

"You the big dog that sent me to put de dope in de lady's cell?" Uncle Ray asked in his gangsta wannabe accent. He must be wanting to ask Blaise Debeste from a former smuggler to the head smuggler.

"..."

"Speak, homie. I don't got all day!"

"Heh, homie huh? She-Dog, you don't have any homies and your excuse for a boss is no more than a coward. Don't think for a second that you're not going to come to the cell with us. You'll return back sooner or later. Look at where your boss is. Where are you going to be, when your boss is gone? I'll tell you, in the cell, rotting, just like your so called brother from another mother," Debeste replied mockingly as Uncle Ray's eyes darkened heavily.

"...your honor, this guy is my former drug lord." (23)

"What?"

"OBJECTION! There's no evidence!" Mr. Hammond shouted.

"My testimony is evidence enough! I'd recognize that voice anywhere. The moment he opened his mouth, I knew that voice. It's him and had Miles not been rescued when taken hostage, he would've been trafficked for sure!" Uncle Ray shouted. That moment, I noticed Debeste grinning angrily, his eyes looking almost devilish. Uncle Ray slammed his hands on the counter, looking at Mr. Hammond dead in the eyes. "THIS MAN IS GOING TO KILL MILES AND YOU'RE ONLY HELPING HIM DO IT BY DOING HIS BIDDING!" (24)

The gallery began growing chaotic as the Fancy Judge began slamming his gavel, shouting, "order! Order in the court! Witness, that's enough!"

"NO! MR. HAMMOND, MR. EDGEWORTH ISN'T THE ONE DEBESTE CONSIDERS A THREAT, IT'S MILES!" Uncle Ray shouted with warning, pointing his finger at me as I stared at it in shock and fear. Debeste wants... to kill... me? I'm a threat? "HE KNOWS THAT MR. EDGEWORTH WAS RAISING MILES TO EVENTUALLY REVEAL THE TRUTH OF RACHAEL NEWSLAYDAY! MILES IS THE ONLY ONE DEBESTE CAN'T TOUCH! FROM THE BEGINNING, HE COULDN'T TOUCH MILES! DON'T BE AN IDIOT! THERE IS NO WAY THAT MAN IS GOING TO LET HIM LIVE!" (25)

"Shields..." Blaise seethed.

"Don't bother. I'm going to be arrested for Contempt of Court and you can't touch me there either. Do what you want with me, but I won't let you hurt Miles!" (26)

"ORDER! Witness-" The Fancy Judge warned before Uncle Ray put up a hand.

"It's fine. Take me away. I don't feel my life is safe, after that outburst. I'll pay bail, after a verdict is declared," Uncle Ray said.

"Your honor, considering the concern for the witness' safety, I request Mr. Shields be taken under Protective Custody," Mr. Von Karma requested. (27)

"Hm... very well. I'm very sorry, Mr. Shields," the Fancy Judge apologized empathetically.

"Na. I'm not the one you should worry about, your honor," Uncle Ray assured as the police came to escort him. He turned to me. "Miles, you're doing good. Your father and I are proud of you." I nodded as he turned to Mr. Von Karma. "Thank you. Please protect Miles. Make sure that man doesn't touch him."

"What do you think I've been doing? This case will be done and I will make sure to finish that other case too," Mr. Von Karma promised.

"I'll take you on that."

From there, Uncle Ray was escorted away by the police. I turned back to Mr. Hammond, who seemed really conflicted. I don't think he expected Uncle Ray to burst out like that. In fact, now that I think about it, was he not aware that Debeste was going to traffic me? If he wasn't, then who did he believe he was protecting by defending Debeste? Did he believe he would save Father, if Debeste's sentence was lighter? I don't even know. (28)

"It seems we are in quite the dilemma. As the Defense has stated, there is no evidence to suggest that the defendant is the one that murdered those children," the Judge stated.

"Yes, meaning I will have to summon the defendant's wife as a witness, since the Defense suspects her of being the murderer," Mr. Von Karma declared, snapping his fingers. "I believe it is my duty to question the suspect to release those suspicions from the Defense."

"Indeed. Mr. Hammond, do you have any objections?"

Debeste began whispering to Mr. Hammond again, his eyes now lost and conflicted. Did Uncle Ray's outburst really effect him that much? Mr. Hammond, what's wrong? Why are you acting like this? I knew he was being threatened, but without knowing what it is, I felt useless. I wish I knew. Mother, what would you do?

"Mr. Hammond!" The Fancy Judge called again.

"Huh?" Mr. Hammond asked, flinching.

"Do you have any objections?"

"I..." Mr. Hammond muttered, his arms shaking. Mr. Hammond...

https://youtu.be/jN3Bejvfxzs

"HOLD IT!" A voice cried out as all of us turned to the source of the voice. I KNEW IT! It's Wendily! Father did it!

"Wh-What's this!? You're the bailiff!" The Fancy Judge asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Yes! I've got an order from the Judge in Courtroom #6! Some new evidence has just come up that makes Defense Attorney Robert Hammond a suspect of colluding with Chief Detective Gregory Edgeworth during the case of Rachael Newslayday," Ms. Oldbag smirked, holding her nightstick with both hands.

"WHAT!?I- Who's accusing me of these ridiculous allegations!?" Mr. Hammond asked with a voice full of outrage.

"Who do you think? That's right, Greggy brought out to the court, using the testimony by Jennifer Newslayday, his connection with you, and you defending your current client as we speak. It brings up a lot of suspicion, don't you think?"

"Wh- You can't... be serious!" (29)

"I may not have known Mr. Edgeworth as long as you have Mr. Hammond, but even I know when it comes to Gregory Edgeworth, he's always serious,"Mr. Von Karma smirked as Mr. Hammond responded with his own glare.

"You... ngh."

"Mr. Hammond, I'm sorry to say this, but I'm afraid you're going to have to leave to appear in Gregory Edgeworth's trial," the Fancy Judge said.

"OBJECTION! What about my right for a Defense!?" Debeste asked threateningly.

"Actually, I had already expected this to happen, which is why I had made a few calls. Considering you trust Defense Attorney Robert Hammond so much, I figured you'd trust someone that works under the same firm," Mr. Von Karma stated, showing a smirk as Debeste blinked. Then, the doors opened and behind them was a heavyset man with dark hair and a mustache in a red suit. It's...

"Marvin Grossberg!?" Mr. Hammond cried with widened eyes, then turned to Mr. Von Karma bewilderingly. (30) "You called Marvin Grossberg!?"

"I figured you wouldn't trust just any Defense Attorney to take your client, unless it was someone you placed your absolute trust in. I explained to him the circumstances and he took the case right away."

"I must say, Robert my boy, you seem to be in quite the dilemma. Any second, I felt like my hemorrhoids were about to burst," Mr. Grossberg said as Mr. Hammond turned red.

"Marvin, there are children here!"

"Speak for yourself. I'm not the one making petty insults at my enemies," (31) I smirked. I think I made Mr. Hammond turn redder.

"Ngh, Miles, that is rude and uncalled for," Mr. Hammond rebuked me. I almost rolled my eyes on that one. Does he think he's my father now? I've already got one.

"Either way, I wish you could've called me, Robert. Even I can see you're under a lot of pressure and you never work well on your own. Let me take this one."

"But..." Mr. Hammond argued helplessly before Mr. Grossberg placed his hand up.

https://youtu.be/39nQ3ki4u5s

"I get it. You want to help and protect your student and his kid. Perhaps it's partly my fault for how I reacted toward you taking him under your wing, but that doesn't mean I won't ever be there when you need me. Right now, Gregory is on trial and he needs his teacher to guide him in the right direction and this is not the way to do it."

"...ngh, I hate it when you're right."

"That's part of being your elder."

"But, Mr. Grossberg... Miles..." Mr. Hammond muttered before Mr. Grossberg put his hand up again.

"I've only been here for the last 15 minutes of this trial, but even I can see that the boy is in good hands. I've faced Mr. Von Karma in court and got a good whiff of his so called perfect trial. Mr. Von Karma has a soft spot for children, you know. He won't  let anything harm that boy. Also, I've learned from experienced that the students you teach have better common sense than you think. I doubt Mr. Edgeworth would allow his son be taken under the wing of someone that would do him wrong. Wouldn't you agree?" (32)

"...no, you're right... yet again," Mr. Hammond finally admitted, then sighed. "I'll appear in Greg's trial." He turned to Mr. Von Karma and I. "Greg is putting his trust in you. I won't forgive you, if you break it." He gave Mr. Von Karma a warning glance.

"Understood," Mr. Von Karma replied.

"Good luck, Mr. Hammond. Save Father, okay!" I said as Mr. Hammond smiled, then nodded before leaving out the door. Mr. Grossberg then took the seat in Mr. Hammond's place.

"Unbelievable," Mr. Debeste seethed.

"Since I just appeared, would your honor give us a recess, so I can look over the case thus far and have a proper talk with the defendant?" Mr. Grossberg requested.

"Hm...I suppose it's necessary. Does the Prosecution object to this?" The Fancy Judge asked.

"No. I must prepare my next witness anyways, a Anna Debeste, the defendant's wife. Luckily, I already have her as one of my witnesses, being she was the one that mentioned of the trashcans she claims her husband always placed in a truck and drove to a certain Abandoned Building," Mr. Von Karma agreed.

"Very well. I shall dismiss this court for a 45 minute recess to give the Defense time to prepare and the Prosecution to prepare the next witness," the Fancy Judge declared, slamming the gavel. "This court is dismissed!"

AFTER STORY NOTES:

1. What Jennifer means is that, if it were just  Rachael, there'd be no reason to restrict her from allowing visitations from family and friends. Though, for some reason, after being given the copy of the documentation that was smuggled, all visitations were restricted. The police would be clueless too, being they are unaware of what is going on behind the scenes. Even Tyrell Badd was clueless and he wasn't a low ranking Police Detective. However, if the Chief Detective, who knew what was going on behind the scenes, was on Rachael's side and helping her out, then that would create a problem, if Rachael still had her visitation rights. Gregory would've been able to tell them what was going on and, being Jennifer is a photographer for a news station, would report everything that went on. For Blaise, word about what went on with Rachael Newslayday would be far worse than if police conducted an investigation, because bad reputation can prevent the influence he uses as power.

2. Also, considering that Rachael was no longer allowed to visit family and friends afterwards, that hints that Blaise probably found out Gregory was visiting Rachael or even suspecting he was attempting to pay a visit to her sister and mother. 

3.  The signatures are also part of the reason why Jennifer thought Gregory had set up her sister to her death and why it would've been hard for her to take his word on having a child with her. Gregory's and Blaise's signature meant they were on the same team and had equal power. The documentation was in German, but I doubt if understanding it would've helped gain any favors towards Gregory. If anything, it might've encouraged the distrust even more so. It's only now she's starting to give Gregory the benefit of the doubt, because she did meet Miles face to face, her meeting with Manfred Von Karma and Misty having talked to Rachael's spirit through her older sister. 

4. Byrne Faraday doesn't entirely understand himself. He knows the affair happened, but he doesn't know the love story between Gregory and Rachael. He never bothered to question it until now and only now, because it is relevant to the case.

5. Byrne Faraday also asked this to provide testimony for Gregory. Even though he's prosecuting,  he doesn't want to believe that Gregory is truly Guilty. He's prosecuting to find the truth.

6. This should give you a hint that Robert Hammond might've not tried saving Rachael at first. There is a lot more going on, especially when you consider the history Robert Hammond and Gregory Edgeworth had. It will be revealed later on in the story, but this should give you an idea why a testimony from Robert Hammond is so important and crucial to proving Gregory Edgeworth innocent.

7. While there are quite a few murmurs from the gallery, keep in mind that this is normal for Defense Attorneys to do. They're not required to give their clients an acquittal. Their job is to defend their clients. Sometimes that means trying to lighten their sentence as much as possible

8. If Robert Hammond was doing his job, he would've used the documentation as evidence for an upcoming trial, but instead he called the Chief Detective. In other words, what Gregory is claiming, is that there was Conflict of Interest. By colluding with the Detective, Gregory is claiming that Robert Hammond wasn't trying to defend his client, but was also in on the setup as well. Now, of course, Gregory is exaggerating in order to get his mentor's butt to testify, but he isn't completely wrong either. Robert Hammond wasn't completely on Rachael Newslayday's side.

9. Again, Gregory is exaggerating, but he's not completely wrong either. As stated, there was collusion or Conflict of Interest. As I stated before, if Robert Hammond had acted like any other Defense Lawyer, even if we were to go to basic Defense Lawyer, he would've used the copied documentation as evidence in court. Instead, he chose to call Gregory, who was the detective at the time. That would be like if instead of recording new findings in the Court Record, Phoenix decides to call up Detective Gumshoe and tell him, "Hey Gumshoe, I just found this piece of evidence that will prove my client innocent and stick it to Edgeworth!" I mean, Phoenix has informed Gumshoe of some of his findings, but that's after he records his findings in the Court Record. I mean, heck, the first order Phoenix tells Apollo, after discovering Court's body at Themis, is to investigate before the police arrive. So no, what Robert Hammond did was  NOT normal.

10. Yes, Miles was told about the interrogation. He wasn't given the specific details outside what was important for court. Interrogations are also made to bring out testimony for court, so yeah.

11. The Judge for Blaise Debeste works for the P.I.C, so he can look into the previous cases of the Prosecution at least, who is Manfred Von Karma. He was able to look into the trial that Manfred had with Robert Hammond and has a grasp of the drama going on between the prosecution and defense. Regardless, he doesn't want Robert to slander or provoke the Prosecution out of anything outside the case, being the trial needs to be fair for him to give a fair verdict.

12. Again, the Judge for Blaise Debeste has looked into Manfred Von Karma's last case against Robert Hammond and knows that this man is no Saint. If you remember in the last chapter, Manfred admitted to using blackmail against Robert Hammond's client. So, he's warning Manfred to not pull anything just because he isn't doing anything outside of his job so far in the trial.

13. Since Miles has told Raymond that his father never intended on him taking over Edgeworth Law Offices and wanted him to build his own law firm, if he decided to become a Defense Attorney, Raymond is now beginning to realize that he's always been Gregory Edgeworth's successor to his law firm. Before, Raymond had believed the law firm would be passed down to Miles Edgeworth. I believe that was why Raymond had called Miles Edgeworth a traitor in the second Investigations game. Though, I've never believed that it was ever Gregory's intention to pass his law firm to his son. He wants his son to follow his own dreams and it was the same with Jeff toward Katherine Hall. After Jeff Master was declared Guilty, his family made sure to prevent Katherine from owning the mansion and I believe that was intentional. I believe Gregory had the same intention for his son: to follow his own path and not his father's. Had it been up to Gregory, he would not have offered his son a position at Edgeworth's Law Offices in the first place, only to help his son expose the truth inside the P.I.C while also encouraging him to continue on his Prosecution's Path. That's also what Phoenix Wright had been encouraging Miles Edgeworth to do in the games.

14. The Attack on Raymond Shields, for right now, has nothing to do with the trial. Manfred Von Karma needs farther updates on the attack before he can bring it up. Raymond Shields is only bringing this up to warn the Judge that his life is at risk by testifying. This is so he can provide himself extra protection.

15.  Raymond Shields was used to smuggle drugs as a child, since no one would think to  check a child for drugs. They may check his parents, but not the child. Now, I'm sure there is security that checks for children as well, but keep in mind this takes place around the late 80's and early 90's. Security was never as strict back then, especially around Airports. The idea of using children to smuggle drugs and weapons  was something new.

16. As much as I enjoy The Promised Neverland, Raymond is right. Most children in prison-like conditions can't come up with an  elaborate plan of escape, if all they know is their prison life. In fact, it's proven that people that live under very poor or tormented conditions without knowledge of a better life outside of it will consider their lifestyle to be normal. That's what Raymond's life was like. He had believed the life he was living was normal and that there was not a better life or any way of escape. In real life, something like The Promised Neverland could never happen. Emma would have a better time convincing Norman and Ray to escape than the rest of the kids, due to them not wanting to leave Mama or their lavished lifestyle. In fact, they're unlikely to believe Mama would ever feed them to any monsters or demons and if they did find out, they'd be too scared to want to leave, due to not knowing what's on the other side of the prison walls or any help to go to. Raymond Shields lived that life and if I was to compare his life to The Promised Neverland, he would've been the kind of kid to stay behind with Mama and never leave her. He'd refuse to believe there was a better life or way to escape. 

17. In other words, the reason Raymond escaped the life of a smuggler was because he had an elder or leader from the same ring that paved him a way. Again, going back to The Promised Neverland comparison, that would be like if instead of Emma, it was Mama that helped the kids escape. Because Gregory Edgeworth was a smuggler, ringleader and an adult, Raymond had found someone that paved him a way of escape and living a better life. The fact Raymond works for Gregory proves that. 

18. If you look back at the flashback of Gregory Edgeworth's case with Rachael Newslayday, Raymond Shields instantly started liking Gregory as soon as he started speaking his language so to speak. That's because he recognized Gregory as a former smuggler. Now, as for if Gregory knew Raymond was working for the same smuggling ring, he didn't. Gregory found out after Rachael Newslayday's second trial. Gregory just knew how to speak with Raymond naturally.

19. Raymond's claim is that while he can't read Gregory's mind to come up with a clear reason, he knows for certain that there are people he doesn't trust, regardless of his relationship with them. Considering that Robert Hammond is defending Blaise Debeste in court, Raymond can't really blame Gregory for not trusting his mentor with his kid. Personally, I don't think I would either.

20. On top of not trusting some people Gregory is close to, he also feels responsible in protecting other former smugglers. This makes sense, being that Gregory never had a loving family in his life, so the Smuggling Ring was the only family he had in his life. The only reason Gregory left the ring was because Blaise had turned against him and broke his trust. Gregory realized that a majority of smugglers were backstabbers like Blaise that try to hurt each other. Other smugglers that have escaped, Gregory looks to as family and thus will protect them like he does with Miles. This also hints the different aim Gregory was talking about when he claims he hasn't changed. Instead of creating illegal evidence for the sake of the ring, he does it for the sake of the former smugglers he's trying to protect. This is what Manfred was talking about in the last chapter when telling Gregory that there is still some form of fraud he has committed that hasn't gone passed the Stature of Limitation.

21. Even though this possibility was talked about by other characters, this is the first time of Raymond Shields knowing about Miles almost being trafficked when he was kidnapped.

22. One of the arguments many Defense Attorneys in real life point out about the Phoenix Wright games is that the Defendant testifying goes against their constitutional rights. Believe it or not, Japan has the same kind of law, but it's only been in law since 2016. The Phoenix Wright Trilogy was made in 2001-2004. Still, the more you know.

23. Raymond knows that Blaise is his former drug lord and has even declared that he is sure it's  him. The reason he's revealing it right now is because he sees what Blaise's real intentions are. As he has stated, he is speaking in code by asking Blaise if he was the drug lord that gave him the drug to place in Rachael's cell. He wasn't asking Blaise if he is Raymond's drug lord, but something else, which will be revealed later on.

24. That was the question Raymond was asking Blaise, if he was trying to kill Miles. See, the code he was asking by questioning if Blaise told him to put the drugs in Rachael's cell was that the drug would've killed the baby inside Rachael. When Blaise told Raymond he would rot in jail he was talking about Rachael and since Rachael is dead, the closest thing to Rachael being alive is... *drum roll* Miles Edgeworth.

25. And, this reveals why Gregory had been trying to keep Blaise in the shadows about Miles being his son and not Manfred Von Karma's at the beginning. If Blaise had known, he would've killed Miles on the spot. That's also what Blaise had been intending on doing by trying to kidnap Miles a second time. He considers Miles to be a much bigger threat than Gregory, Raymond and the entire Police Department and Prosecution combined. When you think about it, it makes sense. Miles has no motive to want to keep the truth of his mother from the public. More like he has a much bigger motive to not want to keep the truth hidden. In fact, if Miles grew up and became a Prosecutor, he could use the evidence his father left preserved to use against Blaise Debeste or even evidence for a later crime like in Miles Edgeworth Investigations 2. If we were to consider all of this canon to what Blaise did to Miles' mother, it adds to why Blaise had tried to screw Miles Edgeworth over in Investigations 2. For Blaise, it's better to end Miles' life while he's still young and helpless or else wait until Miles grows older and strong enough to end that man's career.

26. In other words, Raymond isn't just yelling like that in court to warn the court about what Blaise's real intentions are, but to be arrested for Contempt of Court. If he's in jail, his life will be protected. Now, Raymond was planning on getting himself arrested from the moment he decided to testify, but he's only doing this now, because outside of warning the court about Blaise's real intentions, he has nothing else to say. By the way, Contempt of Court means being disrespectful to the Judge or not following orders of the Judge, which Raymond did by not shutting up when told to.

27. Manfred was also prepared for this. Protective Custody is when someone is arrested when they feel their life is at too much risk to be out in the public. They're placed in a Holding Cell until the end of the trial or anytime their life is no longer threatened. Yes, there are people that are placed under Protective Custody for protection.

28. Miles doesn't completely understand what is going through Robert Hammond's head, but no, Robert didn't know Blaise was planning on trafficking Miles, let alone kill him. He had been led to believe Blaise was after Gregory, because he exposed his crimes. Robert Hammond never once thought that Blaise would ever want anything to do with Miles and was only holding him hostage at first to use against Gregory. Now, that Robert realizes that Miles is Blaise's real target, this puts him in a bind. If he gives Blaise a Not Guilty verdict, even with a damaged reputation, that wouldn't stop him from doing harm to Miles, especially if Gregory is given a Guilty verdict in his trial. Given that Blaise has murdered or partaken in the murder of hundreds to thousands of children, Robert knows Blaise is capable of murdering Miles.

29. Remember when I said that Gregory is exaggerating? That's why Robert Hammond is acting upset. Not because he got his hand caught in the cookie jar. Now, as I stated, even though it's exaggerated, there is some truth to the Conflict of Interest. From how it's being presented right now, it makes it seem like Robert Hammond was setting up Rachael Newslayday to get a Guilty verdict, but that's not what happened. 

30. This is very shocking to Robert Hammond, because Manfred Von Karma calling a Defense Attorney to defend a defendant he's trying to prove Guilty, let alone calling the most trusted Defense Attorney Robert Hammond would accept in his books, is not like the Manfred Von Karma he faced in court. Robert Hammond would've expected Manfred Von Karma to allow the courts to set up a Public Defender or have Blaise represent himself. By choosing to provide Blaise a Defense Attorney that even Robert Hammond can't object to, it is making Robert Hammond question Manfred's intentions and if he has truly changed or not.

31. Oooooh! I think Robby-boy's gonna need some ice for that burn. Lol even as a kid, Miles was a savage and smug smartass.

32. As Grossberg had stated, he didn't approve of Robert Hammond taking in Gregory Edgeworth as his student. Him telling Robert that his students have more common sense than he realizes is Grossberg speaking from his own experience. In other words, Grossberg has realized over the years that Robert knew what he was doing when taking in Gregory. Now, Grossberg is telling Robert Hammond that Gregory knew what he was doing when he allowed Manfred to look after his son and raise him, if he is given a Guilty verdict. Now, Grossberg isn't saying that Robert did the right thing by taking in Gregory and that it was the best choice or that Gregory is doing the right thing and his decision is the best choice. What Grossberg is saying, however, is that Gregory's decision was likely decided carefully and with consideration. Robert Hammond did tell Gregory that there might be something he's seeing that Robert cannot see, being that Manfred was Gregory's former client, but just because someone says something, it doesn't mean anyone is going to put it into practice. Sometimes, someone has to be reminded of it by other people. At the point where Robert Hammond is at, he is needs to be reminded that he needs to trust Gregory's judgement.