Professor Layton and the Angel's Prophecy

The Turnabout Demon - Part Two

--The Previous Day—

It would seem that the team consisting of Hershel, Luke, Phoenix and Alexandros had simply stumbled upon a lot of their evidence for the upcoming trial, yet the truth was a little more complicated. Some documents had been gathered already, those being the most vital ones: the letters between Elrand Brand and Costillos Monriel, and of course, the diary, which was to be their final nail in the coffin.

But even with that, they needed more. More to confirm times and the whereabouts of Costillos. So it was that Luke had suggested they head to the National Park. Phoenix drove them, avoiding a lengthy commute via bus, so they made it to the Park before lunch. First, they would gather whatever else they needed, but more importantly, Luke asserted, Natalie had to testify. The lavender-haired woman had not been filled with much confidence about the suggestion, but Luke's insistence that she would do great, and that she could help stop Costillos slipped through the rigid barriers she had set around herself. Not quite breaking them down, but that would come tomorrow. That Luke was sure of.

So with Natalie on their side, they had full access to the rangers'station, where they picked up the schedule and more importantly, the camerathat had taken the incriminating picture, found in the lost and found box. Itwas a stroke of luck finding the picture, but Hershel had hope. The ranger whohanded them the lost and found box commented on the fact that the camera hadbeen lost on that very same day.They scrolled though dozens of shots throughout the park before coming to a few of the Ranger's station. The building itself wasn't too extraordinary, but obviously it caught the eye of these enthusiastic tourists.

"A shame they haven't claimed the camera yet," Phoenix mused. "You'd think with the four hundred photos they have taken, they would want it back as soon as possible."

Hershel offered a smile.

"One can often be careless, and I am sure this family will return shortly no doubt. For now, it could provide us with the evidence we need."

And sure enough, on the final photo of the station, as they four gazed down on the family standing in front of the building, it was Luke's keen eye that spotted the discrepancy.

"Blimey! Look there!" His finger pressed hard against the small window to the right. "That's Natalie!"

Alexandros coughed and spoke in a timid voice.

"And that must be my father... and his men."

Hershel grinned at the boy before resting a hand on his shoulder. Soon enough this pain will fade, he silently promised the boy.

"I think we have exactly what we need," Phoenix commented, a bright white grin now etched onto his face.

"There's one last detail that eludes you," Hershel responded softly. "Look a little closer."

Three pairs of eyes rapidly scanned the picture, and sure enough, they all found the damning evidence.

Luke chuckled and Phoenix whooped in delight.

"There's no way we can't win!" Phoenix laughed, finally starting to feel a little more at ease. Usually he was used to the odds being stacked against him. Now he had the upper hand. And still they had more to uncover. More ammunition to use in this war against Costillos. Together, the group formed a mighty and unstoppable team. Together, this case was surely in the bag.

*****

--The Next Day--

"Miss Parker," grumbled the judge sternly. "Please testify to the court detailing the day you signed over the Park rights to Auriolus."