"M-Mr Wright-! Mr Edgeworth-!"
( First time I've experienced an earthquake...it was quite sudden actually...but I better remove the banisters that are on top of them, and fast! )
"D-Don't worry-! I'll just lift these banisters..."
( Come to think of it...didn't that scruffy detective guy say something about Prosecutor Edgeworth not liking earthquakes or something? )
"Prosecutor Bloom!"
( E-Ema-! ) "Ema! Mr Edgeworth and Mr Wright-"
"I know!" Ema nodded. "Help me get these banisters moved!"
( Me and Ema removed the banisters...
Mr Wright got hit on the head, but he said he would be alright...
Mr Edgeworth was still passed out when we removed the banisters, so Ema rushed around, frantically trying to help him... )
"P-Polly-!" Scarlett called out behind her.
Bloom turned around to face her. "Scarlett! Is everyone alright? Is the restaurant okay?"
"Y-Yes...only the banisters that needed replacing fell...but sadly, they fell right on top of Mr Edgeworth and Mr Wright..." She sighed. "I knew I should have replaced them..."
"It's going to be alright, okay?" Bloom reassured her. "Where is Mr Francis? Shouldn't he be helping you?"
"I am afraid I have not seen him since this morning...but..." Scarlett hesitated.
"But...?" ( Please tell me, please tell me- )
"There's been something...odd."
"Odd?" ( Woop! )
"Yes...although I have only known him for three days, I already know he's a perfectionist..." She played with her hair. "He used to always get mad when I asked him to remove his neck scarf, since he said it was 'not to be touched'..."
"How was the neck scarf exactly?" ( I might be on to something here... )
"It was tight, and it was thin as well, but since the incident, it's been loose and he's been more careful about it..." Scarlett sighed. "I will never understand these things..."
"...Mademoiselle Curls."
( Ah-! Bad timing-! )
"M-Mr Francis-!"
( Even Scarlett's surprised... ) "Mr Francis? I believe we have not been introduced yet..."
"Non. I do not remember your presence 'ere." He looked in a nearby mirror. "As you know my name, 'ow about I 'ere yours?"
"...Bloom. Polly Bloom." She reached out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
"Oui." He shook it. "You work with the police, non?"
"Well...sort of...I'm currently a defence attorney at the moment in time..."
"I apologise. I was not aware you did both..."
"I shan't worry. Most people do not know..."
"Mademoiselle Curls. 'as Mademoiselle Cykes returned yet?"
( Oh yeah...Athena...where is she? )
"You mean the other defence attorney?" Scarlett played with her hair. "I have not seen her since I was at the front desk..."
"Strange. Once the loud noise was 'eard, she ran off. I was expecting her to be 'ere."
"I'm sure she's just somewhere else in the restaurant..." ( ...I hope... )
"What are you planning to do know Polly? Mr Wright is still getting treated..." Scarlett rubbed her arm.
"I was planning to go back to the crime scene...the police should have wrapped up their investigation by now.." She glanced upwards. "Maybe I will find Athena as well..."
"I wish you best of luck." Scarlett curtsied. "Francis. We have a restaurant to look after." She pouted. "And may I remind you this is not a French restaurant? No French customs, okay?"
"Oui. I apologise for my bad English." He looked in the mirror again. "Farewell Mademoiselle Bloom."
"Yes...so long...for now..."
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End of part 9
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