Professor Layton and the Angel's Prophecy

The Turnabout Demon - Part Five

--The Previous Day--

Once again, Hershel and Luke found themselves at the archaeological centre under the setting of a glorious orange sky as evening encroached. This time, however, they were joined by the colourful assortment that was the determined Phoenix Wright, and the timid Alexandros Monriel. So far they had found luck in both their previous destinations, so it seemed a sure thing that their final visit would prove fruitful.

They ran into Clark as they pushed through the heavy glass doors, almost colliding with the man. Clark, for his part, almost dropped the box he was carrying.

"Oh, Luke, Hershel... And others," Clark commented, a wild look in his eye. He spoke fast as well, Hershel noted. It was clear he was in a hurry to be somewhere else.

"Good evening, Clark," Hershel smiled. "It seems we caught you at the right time. We would like to ask a few questions. We shouldn't take up much of your time."

Clark seemed to weigh over his response, and then a shadow fell across his eyes.

"I'd love to talk, Hershel, but I really must be on my-"

Luke grabbed hold of his father's arm, fixing him with a steely gaze.

"Please, father. This is important."

Craning his neck, Clark let out a sigh, unable to resist his son when he gave him those concerning eyes. Gritting his teeth, he pushed back through the doors, nodding for them to follow him. They ascended the helix stairs until they reached the second floor and Clark took a sharp right, legs moving quickly as he made for a nearby table. Resting the box on it, he looked about the room and seemed to take it all in: the dusty equipment, digging tools, layabout gloves and other curious assortments. Finally he turned around and met eyes with the group before him.

Phoenix stepped forward then, hand raised.

"Phoenix Wright, attorney-at-law."

Clark took his hand tentatively and offered a brief shake before letting go and glancing left and right.

"Clark Triton, Luke's father."

Hershel introduced the final member of their party.

"This is Alexandros."

Clark nodded and the boy looked up before darting his eyes away quickly. Hershel couldn't decide which of the two seemed more anxious. He offered a concerned glance to Phoenix who returned the gaze. He noticed exactly what the Professor was doing. He carefully neglected to mention Alexandros' surname. Hershel hadn't spoken much about their previous visit to the centre, but from what Phoenix had gathered, Clark was most troubled by the goings on with Costillos Monriel and his Auriolus henchmen. And rightly so.

"I suppose we should cut right to the chase," Phoenix stated with a hint of enthusiasm which died as soon as it appeared once he saw how gloomy Clark looked. "We've built up quite the compelling case against Costillos Monriel for the upcoming trial."

"I'd imagine," Clark commented dryly. "A dangerous business. I don't mean to offend you, Mr. Wright, but if not for Hershel being here, I would never allow my son to get involved in such an affair. I am still terrified for him now."

"Dad!" Luke huffed, but rather than the usual crossed shoulders, Luke simply offered his father eyes that glistened with the promise of tears. "I'm fine. And there's no need to be afraid. There's no way we're going to lose tomorrow."

Clark's eyes betrayed his disbelief in such optimism, and Hershel stepped in to reassure him.

"I understand you are tense. Costillos Monriel is a very powerful man. But even the most powerful of men leaves a few cracks in the pavement from which we can turn the tables. You are the final piece of the puzzle, Clark. You can end this. If you help us."