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Chapter Text

“And by the power vested in me by the state of Japanifornia and the gracious goddess of law I now pronounce you husbands. You may kiss the groom,"

And the crowd cheered as the new Edgeworth-Wright couple kissed. From the 'Wright' side of the crowd, Phoenix's friends and family, everyone was crying. Apollo, Athena, and Trucy shared handkerchiefs with one another absolutely bawling. Indeed, this side of the now conjoined family was much more emotional than the left side.

Not to say they were unenthusiastic, but they gave polite claps, a clear notion of the complicated relationship Miles had with them. The only loud people in the area were Gumshoe, his wife, Kay, and Sebastian, but for the most part they had a pleasant reaction to the newlyweds.

In the background, Tyrrell Badd was staring as the grooms headed to the reception hall. He was surprised he was even invited to begin with, despite his relation to Kay, the only way Miles and he knew each other was work, and their few interactions were always followed by something tragic.

He stopped clapping and put his hands in his pockets, and continued to stare at the happy couple in awe and curiosity. Sure he heard about their relationship, but he never thought they'd actually tie the knot. He was snapped out of his thoughts from a tap from Raymond Shields.

"Boy, if only his man could see him now," He says. His outfit was surprisingly neat for the occasion, wearing a tuxedo and even sticking back his curly hair. Wrapped around his arms is his wife Katherine, who, with now cut and mostly gray hair, wore a green velvet dress for the occasion.

"He'd weep from joy. Probably doing it now that I think about it," Badd explains pulling out candy from his cigarette looking pouch.

"How are faring Monsieur Badd," Kate asks with a gentle smile,

He looks back a the couple,
"After all these weddings, I'm sick," he says jokingly.

His back acts up and cracks and he finds himself hunched over.

"And I'm old," he huffs.

Raymond shakes his head.
"You're not the only one," he sighs.

All three of them sigh,
"Gosh I can't believe how long it's been since we met them," Ray sighs,

"You? To think I saw his father and his son at different points in their career. I'm not old anymore, I'm ancient,"

"What have you been up to nowadays,"

"I've been retired for years, I've been helping Kay with her detective work, but I'm confident that she has a handle of things now,"

"From great thief, to prosecutor, to detective,"

"We all have different paths in life. Sometimes life calls us to different ones, but when we find our fit, we find home,"

"Hmmm, wise words. Who told you that?"

"An old friend of mine," Badd murmured.

In the back of his mind his vision flashed to a woman. She had blue hair and a birthmark below her eyes, her expression was so young and full of life. She wore a vintage white blouse with puffy sleeves and bubbles attached to it. Below her that hugged her hourglass figure was a tight knit skirt that hung to her thighs.

Badd immediately shook the thought.
"Hmmph, I'm too old to be eligible for that," he thinks to himself.

It was funny, he thought. By this age he figured he would be married by now, just like Miles, Gumshoe, and Raymond were. And while he longed for a life of solace, he couldn't help but feel his life could've been different if he had just made different decisions.

"It's too late now," he sighs to himself, sucking on his lollipop.

It was many a year ago, when he was just starting off as a detective, the prosecutor's office looked too much different. Heck, even the precinct seems like a different place, back when he was young, back when he had time to kill, back when he was fit.

Badd smiles at the memory and listens to the conversation absent-mindedly of Raymond and his wife. All the while he was being stared at by a fraile being.

The woman's hair was completely white and she had wrinkles to match, she wore a knitted shawl that covered the torso of her body, and a skirt that reached her ankles.

She stared in awe at his watch.
"That watch," she sighs.

Memories were filling her as she attempted to move her wheelchair in an attempt to feel the fabric. She brushes it gently but Franziska was there to push her chair.

"Excuse me fools!" She interrupted.

"My mother is trying to get by,"

When Badd turns around to meet the woman, his eyes widen in shock. The woman presses her palms together as happy tears fall from her face.

"Badd! Badd! it's really you!" She says happily.

"Uh Badd you know this woman-OW!" Ray was whipped by Franziska.

"Show some respect. You're talking to the esteemed Mrs. von Karma," she scolded.

"My darling daughter, it's okay," She reassures.

At her mother's gesture Franziska immediately calms down.

"Helga," Badd says, awakening from his shock.

"It's...been a while," He sighs, gaining a welcoming smile.

"53 years...but hey who's keeping track," Mrs. von Karma says.

Franziska looks at her mother,
"Mother, you know him?"

"Know him? I used to work with him back when I was a prosecutor, oh it's been too long Detective Badd,"

"Tyrell, Helga, I haven't been a detective in 12 years. Gosh, I can't believe you remember me,"

"How can I possibly forget you, after all you've done for me. I...I...," The woman was unable to finish her sentence as tears fell from her eyes.

Franziska fell down to her mother and began to comfort her.

"There there, it's okay," she whispered.

"My dear, these are tears of joy. (Sniff) that coat...you could've thrown it away the last time you saw me, but you kept it,"

Badd knelt to her and wiped her tears with his thumb.

"It's...my good luck charm. Much like your necklace that I gave you. You could've thrown it away years ago,"

"This necklace....it reminds me of my youth, of when times were simpler. It reminds me about the law, and about the people who pursue it truthfully. It reminds me of you,"

There was a silence between them, everyone around them just looked in awe about the union before them with many questions in their head but one realization.

They, at one point in their lives, were in love.

Kay came to break the silence.
"Why are you guys still back here?! The reception is starting!" She says happily.

All of them snap out of their gazes and head to the reception hall.

The couples all danced, and all the whole Mrs. von Karma and Tyrell Badd talked.

She talked of home, and how, after Manfred von Karma was sent to jail, she sent her family to Germany to stay.

He talked of his cases, what he did after Byrne passed, he dedicated his life to searching for the one woman who took his friend away.

"So that Kay girl, she isn't your daughter?"

"Hmph, as if I had time for such things,"

"Well, were you at least happy,"

"...sometimes, not that I didn't think that being with someone would make me happy, but there were moments that made me happy,"

"Describe them to me,"

"....when music played at the precinct. Specifically the one Byrne sang to,"

Mrs. von Karma stifled a laugh, then erupted in laughter with Badd, both reminiscing, talking about the things they missed being away from each other for so long.

Kay, Franziska, and Ray all looked at them.
"Franziska, did you know of this?" Kay asked curious

The prosecutor became defensive,
"Now how would I know? Mother never talked about her life before my father!"

Kay remained silent at the notion. Franziska realized her sudden outburst and apologized,
"My apologies, I know it's been 12 years but certain aspects about my family history are still a little touchy,"

"Tch, what are you apologizing for," Raymond suddenly interrupted,

"It's not like anyone knew, or could know now that I think about it," he finished.

Taking a deep breath Franziska asked the most shocking question,
"Do you think they had an affair?"

Kay's eyes opened wide, but Ray held a serious expression.

"That's a question you should ask your mother Franny," he says,

"(Sigh) I know,"

So after the party, after watching the new couple disappear to their lives Franziska paced around the dance hall alone. Her mother wheeled herself to where her daughter was.

"My darling, everyone has long since gone and you seem troubled. Tell me what's on your mind," she asked.

Badd looks at the moon but hears footsteps. Taking a gruff pause, he hisses,
"Can I help you guys,"

Then Gumshoe, Ray and Kay step out from their hiding spaces.

"Uh, lovely evening huh?" Gumshoe says awkwardly.

"I'm disappointed Gumshoe, you're the chief of police and you still can't tell a lie,"

"I'm nervous, okay! In my eyes you're still my boss,"

"Alright, what's your question? Out with it!" Badd demands.

"It's about Mr. Tyrell Badd," Franziska answers her mother.

The older woman's eyes furrow at the notion.
"Please I have to know, did you and him have....have an,"

"Affair?" She answered honestly.

Franziska gets on her knees.
"Please tell me the truth, mother. I know the man my father was, I don't know the type of relationship you had with him, over the years I had to come to terms with the fact that my life is a lie, I need the truth now,"

"Franziska, I assure you, it isn't what you think,"

"So you didn't have an affair?" Ray asks with a lifted brow.

Badd gives him a stern look.
"As if our relationship was any of your business,"

"No...but it would be nice to know about your personal life Uncle Badd," Kay says waving a finger.

"Hmph," he sulked, turning away from them.

"Oh come on! Please! It's not like we're gonna tell anyone!"

"Yeah tell us the story!" Gumshoe added.

Badd turned to face them and took his lollipop out of his mouth.
"Alright, what's the use of keeping this story to my grave? Before I delve in there's something you need to know," He explains,

"Manfred wasn't a good man," The mother says, crossing her arms.

An image of him pops in her mind,
"He was very arrogant, and pompous, and and so much more. He rarely thought of anyone but himself and I was no exception. My darling, you need to know that he was like this even before we met and after. Tell me, do you know anyone who has self respect for themselves would marry someone like him?" She asks truthfully.

"Of course not, even to me it sounds exhausting, and that's saying something as someone who's sought his approval for so long,"

"So you can imagine how lonely he must've been,"

Franziska perks up at this last notion.
"That's my theory anyway. Why someone so narcissistic would do something such as this to get married,"

"Oh mother, what did he do to you?"

Her mother closes her eyes and thinks back to when she first met him. She had to go physically back in time, back to when he first slapped her, first held her, first used her, made her cook for him, made her do unquestionable things, things that she never wanted to share with her daughter, with any of her children.

Mrs. von Karma let put a tear from the memories,
"Mother, I, I'm sorry I ever asked. Please let's go home,"

"No...NO!" She snapped,

Franziska flinched from shock.
"This...I've never told to any of my children. Your siblings, they'll never know now because I was too weak and afraid to tell them....but now he's gone and you stand before me as my last descendent. To hell with Manfred, I have to tell you the truth. Of everything that happened when I first met him,"

Franziska laid her head on her mother's lap letting tears fall from her cheeks. Her mother shared them and patted her head. In Franziska's mind, she went back to the days of her youth. When her beautiful mother would teach her and her 'younger' brother Miles stories about Germany, stories of her mother, stories of happiness. Always when Manfred was gone, the spoiler. Always telling them how foolish their thinking was, bringing down everyone in the house until he was on top yet again.

"You know of your eldest brother Otto about how he is your half-brother?"

"Yes,"

"It started with him, when he was five years old. His father and I both lived in Germany. That terrible man and I had a horrible fight, and took Otto with him to America. At the time I didn't know a word of English, if I wanted to pursue him I'd have to learn a new language. Unfortunately, the only profession I knew at the time was prosecution, but given my limited linguistic knowledge that skill was not something I could rely on. I would have to start everything from scratch, while also trying to save Otto. I searched and searched any district office, but each one turned me down, the only one that didn't was your father's office in L.A and that was how I became to rely on him,"

"Because papa was the only one who could speak German fluently,"

"At the beginning, he didn't take a liking to me, thought I would slow him down, I had to work twice as hard to show him I wouldn't be useful. I couldn't lose my only job, but for some reason he let me stay, and so I was his assistant,"

Badd threw away his lollipop.
"There was a new prosecutor in town. A foreign one. And by the time she made her appearance known in the precinct, she had everyone eating out of her palm. Even me,"

"Franziska, Badd would've been your father under very different circumstances. This, is how we met,"

Chapter Text

53 years ago...
Criminal affairs department

"Ugh!"

Badd said nothing at the sound continuing to type away at the keyboard. He was jotting down some notes of some kind,

"Ugh!"

The noise came again, but still Badd was silent despite the noise coming from behind him.

"UGH!"

"OKAY THAT'S IT! WHERE IS THAT BLASTED CAT!" Head detective Damon Gant boomed slamming his fist down on the table.

"It's hard working enough with all the things going wrong in this God forsaken office!" He sneered.

Badd slightly turned his head.
"Byrne, you heard him shut up!" Badd yells continuing to type as if it weren't some big deal.

From the door behind him, Byrne Faraday struggled to open the door.
"No! UGH!"

Damon gets from his chair and goes behind Badd.
"What is the meaning of this Faraday! You never give the police this much hell!"

"I'm in pain! Ugh! I need to go to the hospital!" Moaned the prosecutor.

Damon opened the door to see Faraday on a stretcher. The prosecutor was breathing hard and sweat dripping down his brow.

Badd stepped behind him.
"He's fine, the patrolman, the doctors and the hospital, and the chief prosecutor said that he would be okay to work. He just sprained an ankle is all," he explained.

"I didn't just sprain an ankle Badd I was shot! I was shot by those good for nothing Weasels!" He moaned, putting his hand on his brow in a dramatic notion.

"Shot?" Damon asked,

"Yeah, but they removed the bullet. I don't why you're making such a fuss! You're not taking another vacation and leaving me with those other prosecutors," Badd sighed.

Damon gained a friendly smile,
"Now now Baddy, if a prosecutor is unable or in this case unwilling to cooperate we will have to find a replacement,"

"Not today you're not, not if the chief prosecutor says no," Badd argued.

"Then I suppose I'll have to give him a call. We detectives can't tolerate EVERYTHING from the prosecutor's office!" Damon says,

Byrne lets out a laugh of victory.
"Take that Badd!" He sighs,

As Damon leaves Badd steps closer,
"You're fine Byrne! I don't understand why you have to be so dramatic. Everyone said you'd be able to go back to work,"

"Well everyone isn't me! I'm telling you there's something wrong. It hurts! It hurts!"

"Then take your doggone Ibuprofen and shut up! Even the medics said didn't find a bullet,"

"I know what they said Badd I was there dammit but still. I feel pain. You don't think I didn't take the Ibuprofen, If I take any more medicine I'll overdose!"

Damon comes in,

"Oh Faraday, somebody is here to talk with you!"

Chief Prosecutor Blaise Debeste comes in.
"Now Faraday, I heard many things about you but this takes the cake. Why don't you just cut the charade and do your job?!" Byrne's mouth drops to the floor.

"Are you serious? Not you too Chief Prosecutor, please!"

"Of course I do too! We had this discussion earlier, your injury wasn't that serious, we can go back to work now," Debeste says.

Badd crosses his arm with a smirk, Faraday notices and growls.

"Don't do this to me, I'm in so much pain,"

"Let's not go in circles Faraday, either you work today or don't work at all, not get out of that stretcher!" The chief says annoyed.

Faraday takes a moment to adjust his seating. He sighs and attempts to move his injured leg, his injury giving him more pain as he does.
"Ugh!" He moans,

He tries to get up again, but still it doesn't work,

"Ugh!" He yells again.

"Oh enough of this, get up!" Badd demands as he yanks Faraday up.

Big mistake, for the moment he does, blood spills on to the floor.
"Oh no!" Damon sighs seeing the blood get larger.

"You WERE injured!" Debeste says in shock.

"THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU MOTHER(BLEEP) EVERY (BLEEP) TIME I (BLEEP) (BLEEP) (BLEEEP)"

The video is muted and Chief Debeste goes in front of the monitor.
"He continues to say inappropriate words after this kerfuffle," He says looking at the video.

In the prosecutor's office, the prosecutors called in for the meeting and looked at the video in awe and disgust. Manfred von Karma squeezing his arm snarls in disdain.

"That Faraday, so dramatic. He'll use any excuse to get out of work. So pathetic," he mumbles to himself,

Meanwhile his 'partner' scribbles down everything she learned thus far. Looking at her Manfred says,
"You don't need to write that part down," in German.

She looks up to him tilting her head.
"Do you know what was said in the censored parts?"

"Derogatory words. Words you must never mutter in my presence, understand?!" Manfred scolds.

The woman nods her head.
"Yes sir,"

Chief Debeste takes out a piece of paper.
"Okay on the facts of this case,"

Manfred whispers in her ear.
"Write this down,"

And she obeys,
"Yes sir,"

Debeste continues.
"Prosecutor Faraday and his partner detective Badd have been investigating the murder of the previous Chief of Police. On the day of the crime at exactly October 25 5:24 pm, a group of vigilantes known as the Weasels came to the police department and murdered the Chief of Police along with his wife. You understand now the severity of this case. So far, the pair have discovered the identity of one of the Weasels, however, when attempting to confront the man, they were both shot resulting in the video clip you see today,"

He explains.

The woman, though her eyes were covered from her long floppy white hat, grew a disgusted look.
"Isn't it because you refused to send the man to the hospital?" She thinks to herself in her native tongue.

"So we need replacements! But I must warn you, this case is very dangerous compared to others as you're dealing with an active lethal group," he explains.

All the prosecutors remain silent.
"Please don't all volunteer at the same time," he sighs. No one says a word.

The woman looks around wonders,
"Why is no one taking the case?"

She places her hand on her chin,
"I wouldn't mind taking it if I understood English better,"

She looks at Manfred who takes notice.
"Don't look at me like that. I refuse to clean up after someone else's mess," he harrumphs, closing his eyes in disdain.

Debeste looks at the woman and smiles.
"Okay on another note we do have another prosecutor in the office. Little miss, why don't you come up!"

The woman stays still, not moving. Manfred rubs her shoulder.
"He means you," he whispers,

And she automatically gets up.

She makes her way to the middle of the room while the entire prosecutor's office stares in awe at the woman's beauty.

They got to take in her puffy sleeved shirt that somehow managed to accentuate her large breasts and how the skirt that clang to her body brought out her hourglass shaped hips. When she made her way to the middle of the room, she removed her hat and revealed her clear gray eyes, her rosy cheeks and cherry-looking-flavored thin lips. Her long hair curled at the bottom, and a black beauty mark sat just below her left eye.

While the entire office, including Debeste, stared with their mouths watering, the woman carefully calculated and translated the following words.

"Hello my name is Helga Kringle, I am a prosecutor. I'm...trying to learn English," She explains.

There was silence again.
"AND WHAT A FINE JOB YOU ARE DOING!" One prosecutor with a high pitched voice says.

Just then the entire office save for Debeste and Von Karma began flaunting their way towards her.
"You're beautiful Ms. Kringle!"

"You have a soothing voice Ms. Kringle,"

"Ms. Kringle I was wondering if your available we could go to the movies sometime-"

"HEY I WAS HERE FIRST!?"

"YOU?! WHAT ABOUT ME?!"

Then in the midst of the ensuing chaos Manfred screams,
"OBJECTION!"

Suddenly everyone stands still from where they are looking at the voice from whence it came.
"Back to your seats you fools!"

Everyone obeys.
"Honestly, have you no ounce of dignity?!" He says angrily as he takes Helga's arm forcefully.

"These are idiots. Do not let me catch you in the likes of them," he says to her in German.

"Yes sir," she replies.

"Ahem, going back to the case at hand. If no one will volunteer I will just have to assign it. Either way this case is being handled by some prosecutor in this room, now...everyone in a circle,"

Everyone begins to moan in annoyance. Everyone hates it when he does this.

As he spins around in an unceremonious manner he stops at points at Helga. Manfred objects,
"Now just wait one minute! She can't handle this case, she can't even speak English fluently,"

"...then you go with her!" Debeste says enthusiastically.

"Are you insane, I am not cleaning up after Faraday's mess,"

"Look we don't have a lot of willing hands alright, I know the stakes are high but so are the losses of the prosecution office if this case isn't brought to a swift end,"

"How do you mean?"

Debeste looks as everyone goes to the office except for Helga. Debeste whispers,
"Can we talk in private?"

He nods and sends Helga off. He leads Manfred to his office and has him take a seat. When Debeste takes him, he places his face in his palms.

"Before we begin, I would like to send my condolences on your sister's passing,"

Manfred growls,
"There's no need to sugar coat, just tell me what happened," Manfred says, crossing his arms.

He hates being reminded of her. He's working so hard so he can forget her.

"If we don't find the culprit we're screwed, and by we I mean the entire prosecution's office,"

"Of course Mr. Debeste I came in here knowing that already, now please get to the point,"

"Alright, the new Chief of Police came in here while you were called off and asked for Byrne Faraday to take the case, do you know why?"

"I recall the new Chief of Police wanted Faraday because he was a witness to the crime,"

"That and he bought the crap about him believing in pursuing the truth,"

"What an idiot that Faraday. I don't blame the Chief of Police though, he did lose his father,"

"Yes and in his grief he gave me an ultimatum, find the culprit bring him to justice or the entire Prosecutions office would be entitled to a look through,"

"And why on earth would he do that?"

"Crime rate in L.A has skyrocketed all because of those Weasels, the current Chief of Police thinks that this because our office is 'lacking' as he puts it,"

"Lacking how,"

"In our ability to catch actual criminals,"

"Hmph, if prosecutors actually did there jobs this wouldn't be a problem,"

"And that's the problem, we don't have enough prosecutors like you and me, those driven to get a guilty verdict. Faraday isn't like that. He found the criminal, the one he witnessed so I hear, but he hasn't brought him to court yet,"

"Honestly, why is he still here, he doesn't have the ability to do his job,"

"You did see the clip right?!" Debeste asks,

Manfred cringes, remembering the scene about Faraday being sent to the hospital. It got so bad to the point where he needed a helicopter to get him to emergency care.

If Chief Prosecutor Debeste fired him now it would be too easy for Faraday to sue, and with the Chief of Police on his side, there'd be no battle to win.

"Him being in the hospital is a sign from the Goddess of Law. It gives me time to hire a 'temporary prosecutor' to find some evidence and take of this case,"

"Hmph, what Faraday can't do in a week I can do in a day,"

"That's what I'm hoping for, that's why I'm assigning you,"

Manfred stays silent at this,
"That wouldn't be a good idea. The current Chief of Police and I are not on good terms,"

"I am aware of that, but what if your 'assistant' took the case,"

Manfred actually thought this through.
It wouldn't be a bad idea, of course she doesn't know English, but if Manfred were there to pull the strings this case would be solved, maybe not in a day as he'd like but soon.

"The case wouldn't be solved in a day unfortunately. Remember she doesn't know a lot of English. Despite being a prosecutor,"

"I'll handle that, you just make sure that whatever comes out of her mouth leads to a guilty verdict,"

"Understood,"

"Wonderful. Oh and just one more thing. It's about the evidence,"

"What about it,"

"Faraday is the only one who has it, you'll have to talk to him,"

"Very well I will add that to my agenda,"

"Good, but if you scan over the evidence and find something that may not help this case, I need you to make 'modifications'"

"Is the chief prosecutor giving me permission to do such a thing,"

"Given the circumstances, I'd say it's a necessity. I need that man in jail,"

"You have my word Debeste. I shall keep my eyes peeled,"

Debeste let out a sigh of relief.
"What a relief, I trust Ms. Kringle has no objections,"

"...she won't, not when she believes everyone word that come out of my mouth,"

"Oh you and her huh?"

"Don't be absurd, she believes me because I'm the only one who speaks her language,"

"Huh, I never took you one for taking on students. What caused the change of heart if I may ask,"

Manfred before leaving thought back to him and Helga's first encounter. It was with his friend Ernest Amano.

He remembers being invited for tea one afternoon and talking with him.

"So why did you call me here? You rarely want me over for just tea,"

"Of course, I need a favor from you. You see I recently approved the hiring of a prosecutor, but here's the problem. She only speaks German,"

"Hmm. That shouldn't be a problem for you, we both studied abroad in Germany,"

"Yes I would've taken her on myself, however my wife had the gall to accuse me of infidelity,"

"And that gall was correct. You are unfaithful,"

"How dare you, we'll talk about that later. Anyways, I'd hate to lose a good prosecutor on account of a language barrier so I figured you could help me,"

"Hmph, as if I have time to babysit some other prosecutor,"

"Well it's not as if she's a rookie. In fact back in Germany she became a prosecutor at 16,"

"As if that could impress me, I became a prosecutor at 10,"

"Come on please! Help me out!"

"I'm not helping you gain another mistress,"

"I'm not doing this just for me?!"

Manfred gave Ernest a stern look, hinting that he is not fooled.

"Okay maybe a little, but think of yourself too! I know you've been a little lonely since your sister's passing but-"

At this Manfred stands up, snapping,
"If you're going to waste my time talking nonsense I'm out of here!"

Ernest shook his head in defeat.
"Look before you discharge her why don't you talk to her,"

"I won't talk for more than 2 minutes," Manfred says sitting back down,

"Very well I'll send her in right now,"

Amano gets up and knocks on the door.
"Oh Ms. Helga," he says in German.

"You're needed up here,"

Helga Kringle entered in her current attire at present and is stunned. Something inside him starts to warm up and begins to feel his body grow.

"How is this possible," he asks himself as he looks at her.

Just a few moments ago, his body temperature was fine and his clothes fit his body. Now with the exception of tea, his body temperature is extremely high and now his pants won't fit him for some reason.

As he stares at her, he doesn't say a word so Helga takes it upon herself to introduce herself.

"Good afternoon, my name is Helga Kringle. I am a prosecutor,"

She begins to list her experience back in Germany, as well as some familial aspects about her. Despite being cautious, Manfred couldn't bring himself to take her seriously. All while she was talking, he was trying to keep this abrupt thought from taking over his body.

After another brief pause, he brings himself to ask a question,
"What...brings you to America?"

She fiddles with her thumbs, something he quickly notices.
"My son," she answered Honestly.

"Hmph she fiddles too much," he says in English to Amano.

"She's trying to impress you, if this '2 minute' meeting goes well you'll be her boss,"

"Her boss..."

Why did that idea bring him pleasure? Why is he constantly scanning her for flaws? Finding faults in other people used to be so easy, but now he's so distracted. Why? Why is this happening? Why can he suddenly feel his heart beating? Why can't he find words to say?

"This is how it works, Manfred. If you feel that she's being a hindrance, you have full authority to let her go. She doesn't even need to stay forever, just until she learns English or until the dispute with her son is settled,"

"I don't want to be apart of her family drama,"

"You won't, as far as you are concerned professionally, you are helping her learn English. Now, how will you respond?"

He looks back into her eyes that were full of concern and worry. Their first ever encounter. The next words will determine if he'll ever see her again. Normally, he wouldn't care. He's Manfred von Karma, he doesn't have time for such intricacies. Taking in a woman, who was so clearly beneath him, seems preposterous. He shouldn't take this charity case.

....and yet,

Every fiber in his being refuses him to say no to her. Deep down, he sympathizes with her and her problems. Sympathize, no that wasn't the right word. To be honest he wasn't really paying attention to her story though he listened to bits and pieces.

Then what was it that he felt for her? Was it...attraction? Perish the thought that a von Karma has no time for such things, and yet it seems that just this once he would like to indulge in it.

Some part of him, some part where he doesn't have a lot of strength (as if he'd degrade himself and admit he has a weakness) wants to see her again. Frequently.

He can't describe how he feels, but his body, his body wants to see her again.
"Manfred," Amano whispers, breaking the silence.

"Do you need more time to think?" He asks, absolutely shocked about his hesitancy.

"Hmph, no need, I was merely debating. I and I decided, (in German) Helga Kringle I shall take you as my assistant. But I have some rules you must follow,"

"Understood sir," replies Helga as she bows.

"Let us converse outside,"

He tells her the rules of her employment. He describes what annoys him, what he doesn't like, what he won't tolerate. While she is under him she will obey his every command without fail and without questions. But above all, she will do everything possible to achieve perfection in everything, from the way she walks to the way she dresses, to the way she talks.

If he finds one flaw, one flaw at all in her work or in general, he'll let her go without a second thought.

The usual essentially when he talks to his police comrades.

Through this talk he successfully instilled fear into her heart, for a good minute she obeys, but something bothered him that he couldn't explain.

"A friend of mine wants to invest in her. I'm merely helping him," He finally says to Debeste.

He nods to himself pleased with the answer, and as he closes the door behind him he finally finds the answer. Not that he's proud of it. He heads to his office and sees the prosecutors from various offices seeing her get a cup of water for herself while looking over a document. She doesn't notice him, and she heads back to his office.

The feeling returns as his usually fit pants tighten and his body temperature rises. With these sensations the thought comes to him,

"She's too attractive for her own good,"

Chapter Text

Later that day, Helga and Manfred head to the Dye-Young Clinic with the intention to speak to Byrne Faraday.

They head to the front desk and Manfred asks,

"Where is Byrne Faraday?"

The nurse, absolutely panicked from his sudden aggression (or, since this is Manfred, regular demeanor), said,

"Mr. von Karma, I didn't know there was a murder here,"

"That is none of your business. I asked you where he is?"

"Right, room 218, down to the left second floor. Can't miss it,"

He turns away, and Helga, wanting to practice her English says,

"Thank you,"

Then quickly runs after her boss.

Manfred presses the button for her and they sit in the elevator alone in silence. Helga takes out her trusty notebook and begins to look over her notes. Despite not having a reason to, he finds himself staring at her. There are so many questions in his mind, none of them appropriate for work, but one knowledge ever present.

Helga is a very attractive woman.

Manfred crosses his shoulders impatient,

"What is taking this blasted elevator so long,"

He finds that he has nothing to do with himself so he takes it upon himself to chat (bully) Helga.

"Quite a troubling case we have ourselves in," he says.

Helga puts her notebook down and looks at Manfred,

"Indeed, it is quite sad to hear about what happened to the Chief of Police. I feel sorry for his family,"

"I feel sorry for you. To think this could be your debut as a prosecutor in this country. We take these things very seriously, you could lose everything if you lose,"

"Hmph, as if that could scare me,"

"Mmm such boldness. But does your claim have merit, or in this case evidence,"

"But of course. Just look in the mirror,"

"Ha, I don't follow, I just acting as your translator,"

"Exactly my point Mr. Manfred von Karma, why weren't you just telling about your prosecutorial career. It's without equal. I'm sure with just your presence I can do anything,"

He cracks a smile at the remark.

"I do remember saying that. My dear with your words we might just be alright, but remember I'm not taking anything less than perfection,"

"Why would I serve you a dish unfinished?" She replies slyly.

"Such confidence. Let us test this since this elevator is taking a lifetime. Tell me the facts of this case,"

The woman puts her notebook in her briefcase and begins to recite the facts of the case.

"On October 25th at precisely 5:24 pm the Chief of Police and his wife were murdered by a gang known as the Weasels. According to the periodical, they were found shot multiple times while in an intimate position. Both corpses had 3 scratch marks on their heads, the symbol of the Weasels. The Weasels are a long standing gang that resides in downtown L.A. The motive for the murder is yet unknown, however, there is one suspect by the name of Chrys Anthemum that was seen at the scene of the crime. When the previous Prosecutor Byrne Faraday discovered his membership to the Weasels he was shot. Luckily his partner Detective Badd was able to apprehend the suspect,"

"Hmph, so you do have some competence, but let me give some words of wisdom. Never take your word directly from the periodicals, although the information is correct, some knowledge of evidence in this country are only handled by the prosecution and select view detectives. It's best you run your information by me so you don't get confused,"

"Of course sir. Thank you,"

"Hmph...what is taking this elevator so long," He asks,

"We've been here for about 10 minutes. Should I call the emergency button?"

"Yes, we can't be here all day,"

He presses the emergency button, just that Second the door opens. They never left the lobby floor.

Immediately stepping outside and taking Helga by the hand he heads back to the lobby desk.

"And what happened just now?" He asked.

"Oh sir, the most horrible thing. The power went out in the entire hospital,"

"And you didn't think to tell us this as soon as we stepped into the elevator. What if we weren't on the lobby floor,"

"Sir I am so sorry,"

"You will be, I'm looking forward to your salary review next month,"

"(Sniff) oh sir,"

"Come Helga, we've wasted enough time,"

Helga looks at the pitiful look of the nurse before quickly following Manfred

"Your influence extends to the medical department?"

"Not all of the medical department. This particular hospital handles the majority of the autopsy reports that are sent to the prosecution's office. We prosecutors in this country are in charge of all the departments that we use to receive evidence, including the police,"

"How interesting. I trust you don't have to use this power often,"

"Hmph, how naive. Of course I have to use this power. I don't want to do it often, but if it makes people actually put effort into their job...,"

"I understand,"

They arrived at the room door. Helga knocked gently.

"Ugh! You're too polite for your own good," he says to her as he barges in.

Byrne Faraday was asleep at his bed in a Johnny uniform, with half of the blue sheet covering his torso and left leg while the right remains exposed. There is an IV in Faraday's right wrist that is resting on a nearby stand.

Helga looks at him curiously, she takes a look at the sleeping prosecutor, then looks at the heart monitor. The beats were irregular.

"Go on Helga. Wake him up," Manfred says impatiently.

She gently taps his shoulder earning a subtle response from the man.

"Mmm, w-who?" He asks.

When his eyes open he sees Helga illuminated from the candle lights. His eyes widen and his pupils dilate from his sight.

"Oh merciful goddess of law," he says enamored.

"Forgive my insolence, but I know now that if such a beauty as yourself exists then, oh forgive me. I am ready to weigh my sins,"

Manfred shows up behind her with an irritated look. When he enters Faraday's sight he lets out a horrified scream.

"I'm in hell! I'm in HELL!"

"Quiet you fool! You are alive!"

Faraday gets out of his trance and sits up.

"M-Manfred? What are you doing here?"

"Taking over. All we need is the location of your documents and we'll be out of here,"

"...how did you die?"

Manfred cringes.

"Byrne Faraday I am alive. You are alive. We are in a hospital,"

Byrne looks around and places his hand on his head.

"Oh my gosh, it's all coming back to me," he sighs.

"Mr. von Karma, shall I get the nurse," she asks.

"Yes, please do so, press that red button,"

"But what about the power outage?"

Manfred gave a condescending smirk.

"What did I say Helga,"

"Press the button," she says,

"Trust me my dear. I know what I'm doing. The hospital may be out of power, but did you know that this particular clinic has back up power to rely on?"

"No I didn’t,"

"Of course you didn't, that's why I asked you at the beginning to obey me,"

"Forgive me sir,"

"Hmph, don't doubt my ability, now go press that red button,"

She obeys trying not to let the slip up affect her work.

A doctor in a white uniform, purple hair and some small reader glasses comes into the room and takes Faraday's temperature.

"Not again Faraday," she mumbles as she presses a button and slowly he comes to.

"Oh Dr. Young. Did I go out again?" He asks,

"Mhm, and you have some visitors,"

He looks disdainfully at the other man.

"Von Karma. To what do I owe this visit?"

"We wanted to ask about the evidence. Where did you put it?" Manfred asks,

"I see Debeste put you on the case,"

"Enough idle chatter, where is the evidence,

"Ugh wouldn't even let me finish. Check my briefcase over there,"

Manfred ordered Helga to do it and she obeyed. She opens the case and shows it to Manfred. When he looks inside he sees that the papers are covered in blood. He hesitantly goes through each sheet of paper and sees each one of them stained in blood.

"Faraday, what....what is the meaning of this?!" He says angrily.

"Oh yeah, uh all the evidence got stained by my blood after my accident,"

"Why didn't you say anything,"

Byrne paused for a second to look directly in Manfred's eye.

"You wouldn't let me FINISH!" He screamed so loud that he made the other male prosecutor flinch.

Helga grew tired of the tension in the room.

"Sir, if you would let me try?" She asks.

Manfred concedes,

"Please. It seems I'm not going to get anywhere with him," and he steps behind her.

She says in English to Faraday,

"Mr. Byrne Faraday, can you please give me your story,"

He nods, giving a gentle smile.

"If her mercifulness commands. It started when I was 9 years old, I played on the swings every day when suddenly,"

"Um actually, is this what happened the day of the um you know"

"Don't worry I'm gonna get there,"

"Objection!" Manfred yells.

"She's talking about your case files," he explains,

"Oh, I'm sorry why didn't you say so,"

"She's learning English. In fact she's the one that will be handling your case until you get better. I'm acting as a translator,"

"Got it...well then, let me start with the day of the crime. As you know I was to meet with the Chief of Police over certain matters, when I arrived he was already busy so I decided to wait until he was finished. I met up with my girlfriend,"

"Why were you meeting with the Chief of Police?"

"Well you know how I have a girlfriend. My girlfriend is the Chief of Police's daughter,"

Manfred intervenes,

"Isn't that an egregious conflict of interest,"

"It would be if I knew that the Chief of Police had a daughter I could date. When he found out he asked that I speak with him on that date,"

"And what exactly was he busy doing? Is it not rude to keep a guest waiting,"

Manfred and Byrne look awkwardly at each other.

"Well uh..." Byrne managed to squeak out.

"Um, you know how the body was found in a compromising position," Manfred answered.

"Oh I see, you think me too naive to understand sex Mr. Byrne Faraday,"

Byrne began to sweat.

"Wait that's not true,"

"I am 21 years old, I am just as adult as you. We need not use such terms with censorship,"

Byrne nodded at the comment.

"I'll keep that in mind Goddess,"

"...my name is Helga Kringle, you may call me Ms. Kringle for now,"

"Yes ma'am,"

"Please go back to your testimony Faraday," Manfred demands.

He nods in response.

"Anyways, my girlfriend found me at the house and we went out together. Didn't seem like the Chief of Police was going to be coming back so I left a note. I came back to drop off my girlfriend, but when I was about to leave I heard her scream, and the Gardner who was there at the time ran past me,"

"What is the name of the gardener?"

"Chrys Anthemum,"

"And why did you suspect him? Couldn't it be that the man was terrified of what he saw?"

"I didn't suspect him at first, but when I went to question him with my partner he shot me. I figured only someone who was hiding something would shoot a prosecutor with a detective near him,"

"The only reason he is in a cell is because he shot you, not because he killed the Chief of Police. Why?"

"I don't have evidence to prove he alone killed the Chief of Police,"

"But you do suspect him,"

"Yes, I think he had an accomplice somehow. The timing of the Chief of Police and the time Chrys Anthemum was hired to work on the lawn was too convenient. I believe he's secretly a weasel, but I don't have evidence to prove he is,"

"Does he have to be a Weasel? Is it not possible that he left the message to pin blame on the gang?"

"You're very sharp I like it, but I'm afraid there'd be no reason for Chrys Anthemum for kill the Chief if he wasn't. I mean, he was hired that day, the two never met prior to this and nothing was stolen,"

Manfred gave a condescending laugh,

"Please, the fact that he shot you proves his guilt,"

He snaps his finger and points at himself.

"I predict the trial will last 3 minutes,"

"That is so like you von Karma," Faraday whispers.

"Mr. von Karma, despite the facts of this case, don't you think it's a good idea that we continue to investigate? I don't know what the defense will do, but I do know I can come up with a good argument if I know all the facts,"

"...you have a point. Let us get the remaining information from Detective Badd. See about this 'accomplice' if such a thing exists," he scoffs.

Helga curtsies for Faraday.

"Thank you Mr. Byrne Faraday,"

"Of course and um could you do me a huge favor,"

Helga raises an eyebrow at this,

"Hmph. As if we have time to do your dirty work,"

"You're going to see Detective Badd right? I have this note for him. It's just a small favor,"

Helga looks at von Karma.

"It's not time taxing," she says in German.

With the look she gave him, Manfred feels as though he has to listen.

"Very well, we'll give him this note,"

And he snatched the note away.

"And one more thing. If he doesn't take this note, please read it for him,"

"Read?"

"It's nothing inappropriate okay, he just has to have the note,"

"...I will do it,"

"Gesundheit,"

"...that word doesn't mean what you think it does," and she leaves the room.

Manfred goes after her but before he does he is stopped momentarily by Byrne,

"Uh von Karma, what did I say?"

"...bless you,"

"Oh darn, if only I took that German class in high school! I'd take her from you,"

"As if you could," Then he leaves the building.

Byrne is taken back surprised. Dr. Young enters the room afterwards.

"I overheard my nurses talking, is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"Is she Mrs. von Karma,"

"No...her name is Helga Kringle. But given von Karma's leniency I'd say he wants her to be,"

Manfred takes Helga to the precinct and there she is bombarded with onlookers impressed by her beauty. With the crowd and distinct chatter trying to get her attention, Manfred gestures to her to go in back of him.

"Not so fast!" Damon Gant announces and the other officer disperse.

"Ugh sometimes it feels as though we live in a cartoon. How can I help you von Karma?" He asks with a gentle smile.

Damon looks at the woman behind her, who seemed lost in thought.

"And who is this beautiful lady?" He asks, gesturing towards her.

She steps from behind him and introduces herself.

"My name is Helga Kringle, how are you?"

Damon whistles in response.

"Now I know why my men are acting crazier than usual. My goodness you are gorgeous,"

"Th-thank you. But who are you?"

Manfred intervenes.

"This is Damon Gant, lead detective of this precinct,"

Damon grabs her hand and places a kiss on it.

"Charmed I'm sure,"

Enraged, Manfred yells,

"Hands off!"

Damon does as he's told. Taking a deep sigh and calming down he takes Helga's other hand.

"Look where is Detective Badd,"

Damon points outside to a cloud of smoke.

"Let's go," He says.

And Helga follows. His grip tightens on her wrist and she feels as though she is in trouble of sorts.

"You let them flatter you too much," he says in a rushed tone.

She doesn't respond. She doesn't know how.

"Such flattery is unbecoming of a prosecutor. If you're going to stay under me you will not entertain such things, do you understand?" He asks, stopping suddenly and grabbing her chin.

"Yes sir," she says immediately.

He heads to a sink and pushes her towards it.

"Wash your hands you have his germs on you,"

She does as she's told and she tenses up while doing so. Her anxieties filled her mind, did she wash for a long time? Just the area where Mr. Damon Gant kissed? Or should she speed up?

She decides to speed up, and quickly dries her hand. Noticing that she was gone, Manfred takes her hand and leads to the area of smoke.

"Why is there so much smoke out here?" She asks.

When Manfred opens the door, she finds her answer. There was a tall gentleman there, though not visible because of the smoke, was clearly the cause of all this haze.

Manfred and Helga cough from the sensation.

"My god. Won't you put that thing out, we can't even see you,"

The man stops what he's doing and makes his way out of the smoke. When Helga sees him she places her hand on her chest, feeling her heart pace fasten.

"My word," she thinks,

She's taken aback by the man, but the scars on his pale arm, by his annoyed demeanor. He looks intimidating.

"Are you (cough) the detective Mr. Byrne Faraday works with?" She asked, covering her mouth and nose.

"Who wants to know?" He snarls in disdain

Manfred takes over,

"The prosecutor taking over the case in his absence," he sneers.

Blowing out some more smoke, he introduces himself.

"Tyrell Badd, homicide, and I'm on break,"

Then he quickly goes back to the wall, continuing to smoke his cigarette.

"Pardon me, but my name is Helga Kringle, and this is Manfred von Karma. We were assigned to this case because of Byrne Faraday's current condition. I would really appreciate it if you cooperate,"

"...I'll cooperate after my break,"

She stays silent not really knowing what to do, until she remembers the paper that she was supposed to give him.

"Byrne Faraday asked me to give you this,"

She hands him the paper, but Tyrell doesn't respond.

"He says I can read to you,"

She unravels the paper and begins to recite

"Badd, if you see this or if she is reading this to you, you are probably on your smoke break. The 5th one at that. As your boss I must concede that you put it out right now and you talk to these people," she says.

The little paper shrivels up and he finds himself without a cigarette. He goes into his pocket and gets out another one. When he opens the silver case he is met with an empty case.

Helga catches this and says,

"There is a section that tells me to read if you run out of cigarettes,"

Badd looks at her annoyed but then listens.

"Badd, if you are going through your pocket right now to continue your cigarette break and continue to ignore these people I have predictions on your next actions. Here's one of then, in the middle of this message your going walk out of this conversation and go to your other pack,"

He shakes his head and opens his desk where he has a pack. When he opens it he finds nothing inside.

"Don't think I don't know about that one. It's empty, "

He growls then goes to his locker.

"I bet you're pretty irritated not having your pack right now but I need you to focus. If the person who reads this sees he is listening they may jump to the next section of the paper,"

Helga looks up at him to see Badd search frantically for something in his locker. When he finds his key he gives a triumphant smile. Understanding that she does not have his current attention she continues.

"Badd I am so disappointed in you. That you would rather be caught up in your own smoke than sit and actually have a conversation. I usually tolerate because you're my favorite detective and my best friend but even I can't help you if you're going to behave this way towards other people. I want you to think about yourself and your actions. You would rather have another smoke break than do your job, and don't tell me it's because you hate the prosecutors, because I promise you ever since you were promoted you've only worked with me. I can't keep defending you if you're not here, so I need you to get your ...bleep.. together and do your job. These better be the last words they have to read,"

The Detective pauses for a second, but then continues to shuffle for another cigarette. He finally finds his prize and brings his lighter to light it, but the moment he does, water is dropped on him from a ceiling above.

Helga snorts at this. The rest of the department struggle to hide their laughter, but only Helga giggles afterwards.

"It seems your friend knows you better than you do,"

He looks down and gives an expression that Helga couldn't read. Was it shame? Was it remorse? She stops laughing and continues to read.

"I know why you're doing this. It's not just because you're you, it's because of the suspect. I know you don't want these people to know because you're afraid of how I'm going to react, or how everyone else is. My friend, I am leaving this to give you my blessing. Tell them what's on your mind and this craving may pass, but going back to your smoking, you have a problem. I'm not saying this because I want to embarrass you, but I want you to pay attention and let other people know that you have a problem. Please don't think I'm doing this to be cruel. I do this because you're my best and only friend. I know that if you've gotten this far in the message you're beginning to cough,"

And he coughs just as Faraday predicted.

"To the reader, keep reading, he won't stop until after this note is finished. Anyway Badd, I need you to focus and do your job. I know it seems I'm asking a lot, but I'm doing the bare minimum. Talk to them. And don't expect a miracle on your salary report,"

Badd stays silent, seeming to take in the words that were said. Helga clears her throat.

"So, I believe you had something to say to me,"

He looks up at her and while doing so gets a towel from his locker and wipes his face. He takes a deep sigh, then says,

"Ava Leisman,"

Helga tilts her head.

"And who is she?"

"The Chief of Police's daughter. That's the second suspect,"

"Umm, will you tell me why?"

"She's dead,"

"That's helpful,"

"You asked,"

"So let me ask you this, why is her death relevant to the case?"

"...you're not from here are you?"

Helga rolls her eyes at this.

"Why is her death relevant?"

"She died prior to meeting Byrne, and she was there at the scene of the crime. My belief is that either of them committed the crime,"

"Do you have proof?"

"Not yet, I'm waiting for the printer to be available,"

"Well, you were there when Mr. Byrne Faraday was attacked,"

"Shot but yeah. We found him in his house and we were going to question him. I remember asking him about why he ran away, and that's when we were shot,"

"So it wasn't just Mr. Byrne Faraday,"

"No...he was shot in the leg but I was shot in the chest,"

"How did you live?"

"I'm a detective Ms. Kringle, I always wear a vest wherever I go,"

"...you say you have evidence. Of what exactly,"

"Well I managed to get a copy of the autopsy report from the clinic, but that's about it,"

"That's all you have, the autopsy report?"

"Yes,"

"Do you know where Ms. Ava Leisman is right now?"

"I was getting to that but,"

"What happened?"

"I was on break,"

They seemed to tick Helga off and she slammed the desktop.

"How many times are you going to push me away? I'm trying to do my job,"

"I don't have to explain anything to a rookie prosecutor,"

"Rookie?! I'll have you know I have been a prosecutor since I was 16 years old,"

"How did that happen? Your daddy paid your way through law school. Or better yet your boyfriend,"

"How dare you!"

The door bursts open revealing a fellow detective with a cigarette in his mouth.

"Wait a damn minute!" He says hopping over to talk to the other man.

"That's mine?!" He yells.

"What is!?" The other man says offended.

Badd snatched the cigarette case from his hand.

"This! It has my last name on it,"

The other man rolled his eyes,

"You act like 'Bad' isn't commonly used,"

"With two 'd' s'?"

The man stayed silent,

"So you're the one that's been stealing my cigarettes!"

"Oh lay off! You have 5 packs let me at least have 2," Then the man takes out a cigarette.

"At least let me have some,"

The other man passes the cigarette. Helga stomps over to them.

"I can't believe your fighting over your own poison," she says,

"Lay off woman," Badd says, lighting the cigarette.

She snatches it out of his hand.

"Hey!" He yells,

"After your friend begged you not to, after you see him predict your every move? What is wrong with you?!" Helga boomed, absolutely appalled by his behavior.

"What's her problem?" He officer asked,

"She doesn't know how to mind her business," Badd answered.

"Don't speak to me as if I weren’t here and give me that?!" She snatched the cigarette case.

Badd gets up in an attempt to get it back.

"Give it to me,"

"No!"

"I'm not asking again,"

"I'm not telling you again,"

He attempts to snatch it from her but she quickly dodges, and he finds himself fighting to get it from her. In the meantime Manfred is talking to Damon.

Damon has a clipboard and is going through the officer list of the precinct.

"Cut his salary, cut her salary, fire him, and fire him,"

"Welp that's everybody,"

"And look how quickly we did it, 15 minutes, and she's still trying to get a testimony out of him. How useless!"

"I can tell she's doing the best she can, a shame she can't get anything out of him. She's so pretty-"

"I was talking about Badd. If Jr. hadn't assigned the two of them in the first place,"

"It's stupid I know. Look at them fighting like children, but regardless we need them. How's the evidence coming along,"

"...as I predicted the two of them are useless, they had evidence to make a case but they had to ruin it before it could take to the courts,"

"This might be a blessing in disguise, since we're here to witness this spectacle I have enough evidence to show Junior how incompetent the pair is,"

"You're as giddy to get rid of them as I am aren't you,"

"Not really giddy, but they do know how to bite where it hurts. I'm ashamed to say, a spectacle such as this has never happened,"

"Well then you can make sure it never happens again,"

They chuckle amongst themselves then look back at the two of them,

"Give it to me!" Badd says, grabbing her hand.

At this Helga steps back and slaps him dead in the face. He stumbles backward from the impact.

"I can't argue with you anymore. I've wasted enough time as is. I didn't want to have to do this, but since you clearly allowed your addiction to hinder your I have no choice but to cut your salary,"

"You don't have the guts,"

"Don't I?!"

"Well!" Manfred intervenes with his shoulders crossed.

"30 minutes. It took you 30 minutes to do what should've been done in 10 seconds. I must say Helga you disappoint me,"

Helga paused for a moment then gained a smile,

"I'm not prone to giving people what they want,"

"How do you mean?"

"Think about, Has Detective Tyrell Badd ever had a history of getting smart with their superiors, has smoking ever been a problem until today?"

Manfred remained silent then looked at Damon.

"Hmm, no this is out of the ordinary for Badd,"

"Exactly! Recall that the note Mr. Byrne Faraday left us told Detective Badd to list a potential suspect, but every time I try to bring up the subject he gets smart. I would understand his hostility toward me since I'm a foreigner, but towards a von Karma and his boss in the same room? You're literally asking for punishment," Helga explains,

"I suppose you have a reason for this?" Manfred asks,

"It's the autopsy report. The time of death and will lead us to the culprit, and if it coincides with the time Mr. Byrne Faraday arrives at the scene,"

Badd's eyes widened as she realized what she was referring to. Manfred answers her question,

"That is a possibility, but without evidence we can't make an arrest,"

"Not so fast!" Badd yells Enraged.

"You can't just accuse Faraday like that you have no evidence,"

"And your reluctance to cooperate with us makes both him and you look bad. Isn't it convenient that the evidence you retrieved magically gets ruined and the only thing you have to salvage is the autopsy report, to top it off you named a new suspect without giving evidence. Ava Leisman is dead? Where is your proof?"

Badd goes to his desk and takes out a piece of paper.

"Look at this news article! It talks about the death of Ava Leisman, you can see a photo of her. Now look at this picture,"

He pulls out a picture of himself, Faraday, and the same woman in the news article.

"They're the same person. I found out that the reason the Chief of Police wanted to talk to Faraday was because he found out he was dating an imposter,"

"...so?"

"What do you mean ‘so’? It means that this Ava Leisman has a motive to murder the Chief of Police,"

"So since she has a sufficient motive, it certainly means that the Weasels aren't responsible for the crime,"

"I know they are,"

"Hmph, likely story. Instead of telling me stories why not showing me they exist-"

"Cough!" The man behind Badd coughed but they ignored him thinking it was a side effect of the cigarette.

Badd pulls a bullet from his pocket.

"See this bullet. On its barrel there are three scratch marks the bottom,"

He takes out a little back.

"This is the bullet I was shot with, even though it's too squished to get its ballistic markings you can see the insignia-"

"Cough cough cough," the man couched.

"How do we know this isn't your gun?"

"The police don't own guns like this, especially not specially crafted bullets. I have the gun with Chrys Anthemum's finger prints on it, that proves he shot Faraday,"

The officer coughed some more, his ears and lips turning blue as he stumped over.

"But it doesn't make sense that he's still in the hospital. The operation to remove the bullet should've been done when he was initially shot at the house. How could the operators miss it unless he was faking it,"

"Take it from the blood on the floor, there's no way Faraday was faking that outburst,"

"Then why did the operator miss the bullet?"

The man faints on the floor not getting up.

"Rip?" Detective Badd asks getting on the floor and moving him.

"Rip!" He yells again.

"Somebody call an ambulance?!"

And the rest of the men surround the guy as doctors pile up in the precinct.

While everything was going on, Manfred, Helga, and Badd waited outside. None of them say anything for a long time. Manfred had his eyes closed and his arms wrapped around his wrist, Helga was playing with the ends of her hair, and Badd had his hands on his face.

"What do you smoke?" Helga asks, continuing to fiddle with her hair.

"Merrill Barrels,"

Helga takes out the cigarette case from her pocket, but von Karma snatches it from her.

"Are you insane!" He says in German.

"You saw what they did!"

"Badd smoked a pack earlier today and he was fine, this man smokes his pack and nearly dies. His symptoms weren't likely from overdose," she explains.

"You mean to say that Badd was poisoned?"

"Almost poisoned.  It's all starting to make sense, first the paramedics when they failed to remove Byrne Faraday's bullet and now poison in the Tyrell Badd. It's clear someone is trying to kill the two,"

Badd looks up at von Karma.

"Translation?" He asks.

Manfred crosses his arms.

"Helga thinks you were nearly poisoned because you didn't overdose like Rip did,"

Badd stays silent then places his hands in his pocket.

"I don't think it's poison. I've been buying stronger packs and I don't know how much Ian has had. It could just be the cigarettes,"

Damon enters the outside room with a box of items and some paper.

"So how is he?" Badd asks, looking shamefully.

"He's alive, but he did overdose. Considering it was your pack I'm sure you know what this means," Gant says, handing him the box of supplies.

"What does this mean?" Helga asks concerned,

"Nothing for you to worry about Ms. Kringle," he replies as he takes the box of supplies.

When Helga looks at the box she sees items that used to be on his desk. Looking through a window of the old desk and seeing it was empty, understanding what this meant she intervened.

"Objection!" She says,

"What now?" Manfred asks, annoyed.

Helga gives the pack of cigarettes to Gant.

"Uh, Ms. Kringle? I don't smoke. And I wouldn't smoke this pack if you paid me, " he says sarcastically.

"I want to know what's inside," she says in English, placing her palms against each other on her lap.

"Why is that my dear, I mean we already saw what happened," Damon says fiddling with his hair,

"Badd smoked the same cigarette and was fine, Rip Lacer smokes the Badd's cigarette and dies," she says,

"Rip isn't actually dead Helga," Manfred explains,

"Regardless, body tolerance can't be the only reason he's still alive. All I ask is that we test the cigarettes,"

Damon looks at Manfred and raises his eyebrow. Manfred keeps his eyes closed,

"What do you hope to gain from this?" He asks her in German.

"He needs to be fired,"

"I understand sir, but I believe that Detective Tyrell Badd is much more useful as a detective than a witness, especially since he has so much information,"

"But he's unreliable,"

"Unfortunately, since he and Byrne Faraday were responsible for this case, they're the ones with the most knowledge on this case. If we are going to go to court, we need all the evidence we can manage until we fill all the holes the defense may give us,"

Manfred allows these words to sink in, then concedes.

"Take the test, Gant,"

Gant nods and leaves and when he's out of sight he Helga grabs her arm and whispers in her ear.

"I hope for your sake you know what you're doing,"

Then he lets her go and walks away. Helga watches him go as Badd approaches her.

"You...you didn't have to do that. I deserved to be fired,"

"Yes...you do...,"

"Then why, why did you save me?"

"....humans are weak creatures. We often act in our own comfort....I saw...how Byrne Faraday protected you despite everything you've done...I've never seen love so rare,"

Badd looks to the ground and kicks his feet.

"Besides, I'm not over how you treated me in the beginning," she says with a smile.

Badd sneers, but ultimately smiles back though it was a faint one.

"I owe you everything," he says softly.

Damon and Manfred enter the room with sweat dripping down on their faces.

"What happened?" Badd asks,

"Helga was right, we found traces of atroquinine. A deadly dosage,” says Gant afraid.

"Now I doubt the Detective would go as far as to poison himself. Didn't that other officer steal the pack from him?" Helga says.

"It is as you say," Manfred replies with arms crossed.

"Badd, where did you buy the cigarettes?" Damon asks, crunching the paper in his hands.

"From the store where I usually buy them. Off Malvern avenue,"

"Do you share them with anyone?"

"...no I don't,"

"Well this is just great! Who could've done this if you don't know!" Manfred asks.

"Atroquinine, how do you say it in German?" Helga asks head tilted.

He translates for her, then she speaks.

"I'm familiar with the poison. It's actually used in the pill making process. Usually, a doctor has some on them,"

"Are you saying someone from the police force did this?"

"That is a theory. It certainly explains why a doctor missed the bullet on Faraday's leg, and why he's still in critical condition after what should've been an easy surgery,"

Badd eyes widen from realization.

"Doctor," he says in shock.

"DOCTOR! I KNOW WHO DID IT!" He yells running for his car and dropping his items.

"Wait! Let me go too!" Helga yells as she runs after him.

Manfred and Damon follow behind. As they head back to the hospital, they rush back to Faraday's room despite warnings from the doctors. When Badd sees Faraday unconscious he rushes to wake him up.

"Byrne! Byrne! Wake up!" He shakes.

Helga and the others enter the room after him.

"WAKE UP BYRNE PLEASE!" Badd yells.

"BADD!" von Karma yells pointing at him.

The Detective looks like he's on the verge of tears.

"Such familiarity is unbecoming of a detective. He's gone," Manfred says.

Badd covers his eyes with one hand.

"We're too late,"

Dr. Young enters the room, later.

"What's all the commotion?" She asks.

Manfred gestures towards the body, and she walks up to him. She goes to feel his pulse on his neck.

"Sigh, what a tragedy," she says, shaking her head.

"So it's true then?" Helga asks with a solemn look.

Dr. Young checks the time.

"Time of death, 11:19 am. Cause of death, excessive blood loss. Let us remain silent in memory of our beloved,"

Then everyone places their heads down in respect.

"Cough!"

Says a soul in the room. Everyone breaks out of their trance to glance at the one who dares disturb the violence.

"Cough! Cough! Cough! Badd....your breath could choke a man to death. I see haven't stopped smoking,"

The revived Faraday leans up in his head to give an annoyed look at Detective Badd.

"Byrne, you're alive!" He says relieved.

"It's a miracle!" Dr. Young says absolutely shocked.

"Even your charts say you heart stopped beating,"

"I was taking a nap. And I'm about to take another one after you brush your teeth," Byrne says.

"Well since you're alive we have a few questions to ask you," Manfred says getting straight to the point.

"So you found the accomplice. Not that I'm surprised. Welp, tell me your reasoning," Byrne says, prepared for the worst.

"Detective Badd just proved the possibility that your girlfriend Ava Leisman is the accomplice," Helga says.

Byrne's eyes widen in shock,

"WHAT!?" Then his eyes roll back into his head and the heart monitor gives a continuous beep.

"BYRNE!" Badd yells, shaking him awake.

Byrne wakes up and places his hand on his heart, the Heart monitor resumes again.

"You're a medical marvel Faraday," Dr. Young says, terrified.

"You guys better take that back! There's no way my Ava is the accomplice!" He says.

"Mr. Byrne Faraday, it was you who came up with the accomplice, if you are innocent then she has to be the culprit," Helga says.

"I'd rather it be me than her! Oh Badd tell me it's not true!" Faraday begs.

Badd doesn't say a word.

"If it wasn't you, it had to be her. I'm sorry Byrne,"

Byrne looks as though he was about to panic.

"Wh-what's your proof?" He asks,

Badd takes out the newspaper about Ava Leisman's death.

"This is what the Chief of Police wanted to talk to you about. He heard you were dating a woman named after his daughter and he wanted to talk about her death. That same day when you wanted to talk to him, your girlfriend pops out of nowhere and leads you to rendezvous. Next thing you know, the Chief of Police is dead," Badd explains.

"She didn't pop out of nowhere. I called her! I said, 'Babe you're never gonna believe what happened but I'm at your dad's place. He's a little occupied at the moment do you want to meet up'" Faraday recites,

Helga comes forward.

"Is what you say the truth?" She explains,

"It's true! I called her!"

"Then why is she dead on the newspaper, and why didn't she seem shocked about her dad,"

Faraday struggled to make a response.

"I...I don't know, but she can't be an accomplice,"

"Do you have evidence to support that,"

"I....I don't, but, but!"

Manfred booms.

"You're girlfriend's a sham. Get over it,"

At his words Faraday faints and the heart monitor stops.

"BYRNE STOP! If you keep that up you'll really die," Badd says, shaking him awake.

"I'm dreaming, I'm dreaming. I'll wake up any moment now,"

"BYRNE! I need you to focus! Someone is trying to kill you and I know it was the doctor, so you need to tell me who they are alright!"

"What?! Slow down, why do you think someone is trying to kill me,"

"Because we know too much! I need you to tell me where your girlfriend is right now,"

"She was in the next room, I-I-I,"

Suddenly the power went off, the only thing keeping light was the candles in the room. The next thing that was heard were three gunshots and a loud cry from Detective Badd.

He falls to the floor, feeling a strong impact.

"LOOK OVER THERE!" Helga yells in German and a cloaked silhouette stands in the window sill.

She points at Byrne's suitcase.

"Give me that...now," the voice says in a low feminine voice.

Manfred says,

"Fiendish criminal! You can not have-"

"I wasn't asking!"

Then she lunges towards Helga. Helga tries to run away but is quickly apprehended by the cloaked person. She puts the gun against her head.

"Give me that...now!" The cloaked woman says.

Detective Badd gets up and pulls out his gun along with Damon.

Both of them step forward and put the gun on the ground.

"What are you doing?" Manfred asks, upset.

Damon looks at him sadly and shakes his head.

When Badd goes to take out the suitcase, he slowly walks over to the cloaked woman. They make the exchange and by the time the light goes on, she vanishes.

Helga drops to the floor sweating from all that's happened. She breathes heavily when Badd goes to help her up.

"Who..." Helga can't bring herself to finish that sentence.

"Who....who is...is," she faints and Badd carries her bridal style to the couch

“Gant, can you make a search warrant for this woman?" Damon asks giving him the newspaper.

"You mean?"

"Yes. That was Ava Leisman,"

Chapter Text

October 30th

10:36 am

Criminal Affairs

Faraday and Badd walk into the office together. Faraday, had a bandage wrapped around his, and Badd equally having medical tape around his arm. They go towards Lead Detective Gant at the center of the building.

"You bounced back quickly," he says with a serious tone.

"The doctors took away the bullet. I left as soon as I could walk," Faraday says with the same expression.

After nodding he looks at Badd,

"You as well. I'm glad the shooter missed,"

"So am I, though I wouldn't want to miss this case in death either," Badd replies, crossing his arms.

"I take it they didn't find her?" Faraday asks.

Damon rubs his temples.

"No one has seen a trace of that woman, and what makes it more difficult is that she has literally all the evidence needed to incriminate her. What a mess!" He snarls disappointed.

"But now we know it was her, and it proves that with the assistance of Chrys, they killed the Chief of Police," Badd says.

"Yeah, but it's going to be an impossible feat to prove in court without evidence," Damon says,

"Evidence this, evidence that! 6 people saw the shooter! 6! Badd and I recognized his voice, why isn't that enough?!" Faraday says,

"Because the defense will use the fact that all of us saw unrecognizable features we can't say for sure we know who she is, nor can we prove that this has something to do with the Chief of Police!"

"But we know it is! We know!" Faraday says booming.

"Tell that to the judge," Damon sighed.

Manfred and Helga enter from the door, Manfred with an irate face and Helga with one of sorrow. The woman is the first one to speak.

"Did you find her?" She asks hopefully.

Damon shakes her head, and she looks down.

"I'm sorry, my carelessness caused this," She says.

Badd snarls,

"No one has time for a pity party Ms. Kringle. If it were anyone else we'd still make the switch,"

Helga nods and turns to Damon.

"With your permission I'd like to stay on the investigation,"

"Permission denied, with all do respect Ms. Kringle we don't even have a case, just a suspect in custody, with everything that just happened, this is now the police's job," Damon says.

"I told you, you were pushing your luck," Manfred says with arms crossed in German.

Helga doesn't reply to his comment and instead takes out a piece of paper.

"At the very least take this. It's information I found about the poison,"

"I don't understand,"

"There's no way Eva Leisman could put off this crime without knowing about atroquinine, and since from what I've heard about her she has no history in the medical facility, I'm wondering if there's something wrong with the poison,"

"-And wrong with it there is,"

A man wearing a black fur coat entered the building. He had light brown hair and the same colored beard that avoided his chin but was completely bushy on the other sides of his face. Underneath some black crossing-looking glasses hid light brown eyes.

Helga stood back placing her hand on her chest from looking at the man.

He goes up to Damon Gant.

"Names, Da-Long Lang, I'm an investigator in Zheng-Fa and I've received permission from my country and yours to investigate this case,"

Damon started to sweat.

"Wait a minute, what do you mean permission where are you from?"

"I'm from Zheng-Fa, but like I said," he pulls out official documentation allowing his investigation for this certain case,

"I have permission," he finishes.

Damon stands up from his desks and stands up completely appalled by this sudden change of information.

"I said wait! I received no warning from anyone stating that ANY foreign investigator was coming to this place, nor did I know they would be sending anyone from Zheng-Fa. Just what is the connection,"

Detective Lang puts out his hand in a smile.

"Oh apologies that would be my fault, you see when this beautiful lady called me asking for clarification on the type of substance used to make atroquinine I practically hopped on the plane and forced your Chief of Police to let me in the scene,"

The crowd started to stare at Helga. She stepped back defensive,

"Forgive me, I merely asked for clarification, had I known you would make an appearance I would've said something earlier," Helga says.

"But what even brought this question? And why didn't you come to us first?" Damon says clearly irritated.

Detective Lang comes between them.

"Please calm down, and direct your anger at me. Last night I got a call from a close friend asking about the contents of atroquinine, then I went the extra step and called your bosses. I have no intention of taking over the investigation but I do have some insights to put in and calls to make back home. Please spare her your wrath," he reasoned.

Damon calmed down,

"Let me see your paperwork, I want to make sure this is authorized,"

Detective Lang handed over the papers and Damon snatched them out of his hand. Then, without a word, he goes to his phone.

"So what about this atroquinine caught your attention?" Manfred asks.

"Just its components sir. After doing research on the poison itself, I found that it should be next to impossible to attain it without having some sort of medical background, on top of it I know that Eva Leisman isn't of medical background, so I had to know how she attained it," Helga explained.

"And given how this atroquinine was liquidized it lets me know that it was being homemade. Which is where I come in," Detective Lang says.

"In order to make this poison, you have to have Cohdopian Mead, a highly dangerous and highly ILLEGAL substance to make. Since this country doesn't have the natural resources to make it, it means that it was smuggled in. Illegally," Lang finished putting his hands in his front pockets.

"But, aren't you from Zheng-Fa? I highly doubt how Cohdopian material would affect your country, nonetheless bring you here," Byrne says.

"You'd be surprised. You see, Cohdopian Mead is used to make something called Cohdopian ink, which is used to make counterfeit in my country. Any dealings that happen outside of Cohdopia with Cohdopian Mead is illegal. And I'm willing to chase down any lead I find on cracking the source," He explains.

"So, you believe this to be part of an international smuggling ring?" Detective Badd asks.

The other Detective nods his head.

"I see you're familiar,"

"Vaguely, Detective Tyrell Badd, and this is my partner, Prosecutor Byrne Faraday,"

Faraday goes to shake his hand,

"Charmed,"

And Detective Lang nods in response.

"Manfred von Karma, prosecutor, and I see you know Helga Kringle,"

Detective Lang laughs in response.

"Do I ever. I investigated multiple times with her back in Germany. Knew her since she was a rookie. (Snort) HA ha ha ha ha ha! Hey Helga remember tha time when we,"

"Let's reminisce after work shall we Mr. Da Long Lang,"

Detective Lang grows a sly face,

"Oh English! I know you're serious now. Don't worry I'll try to comply," he replies.

Helga crosses her arms.

"I really didn't expect you to make an appearance today. If someone had to come I would expect you to send some of your subordinates,"

"HA! Once they found out you were single, suddenly everyone wanted to volunteer. Besides it's nice to rest these eyes on something nice for once,"

Von Karma growled at this and quickly grasped her hand. Without taking her eyes off of Lang she replies,

"Your flattery will not work on me. Now please,  if there is an investigation,"

Lang backed off immediately taking the hint even though he didn't care for Manfred's behavior. Instead of questioning it he decided to let it go to the back of his mind just in case something similar happens again.

Damon hangs up the phone and places it on the ring with a loud sigh.

"Alright, I get the picture. You're approved but this investigation is about to get bit 'rocky'" He says,

Lang raises an eyebrow asking,

"Why is that?"

The second he asked that the man in question pops up with two policemen behind him. He had a green jumpsuit on with multiple pockets of what looks like tool equipment inside. On the arm of his rolled up sleeve are three scratch marks the sign of the weasel and upon looking at him Lang already knew he was the cause of all the trouble.

Everyone in the room looks at the black haired and green eyed man in shock as he makes his way to the exit without saying a word. Faraday, livid, blocks his path.

"What the hell are you doing out!?" He asks angrily.

The other man crosses his arms,

"I had bail, and they let me go,"

Faraday continues to block the door.

"They can't let you go! Questioning is far from over!"

"Questioning? Please! You need evidence to do that, and that's evidence you don't have. Now get out my way!"

Manfred crosses his arms.

"This is outrageous! Damon, place this man back into his cell!"

"You can't!" The other man says pointing at him.

"Arresting a man without evidence is illegal!" He says,

"Bah! A prosecutor being educated on law by a criminal. Such lunacy. Arrest him!"

Damon gets up.

"He's right we can't," he says with a sad smile.

"Surely you jest!" Manfred says while sweating.

"I assure you he doesn't. When this goes to court IF this goes to court your case will be shattered in minutes,"

Helga steps up.

"You have some nerve talking to THE Manfred von Karma like that!" Helga says, putting her hands on her hips.

The other man takes a good look at her and gives a smug look.

"Aren't you a sight," he says, taking a step closer to her.

She steps back.

"And who are you,"

He takes a big bow,

"Chrys Anthemum, local florist. And did you say that you were a prostitute?" He says with a sly grin.

Helga gives a serious face.

"...yes,"

"Objection! Helga Kringle, you will retract your statement this second!" Manfred says angry.

Chrys gives a loud laugh.

"So this is what the law office has come to? Tch! What joke,"

"Not so fast!" Damon Gant cries out.

"If you're going to leave, leave! If you're going to stay, go back to the cell!"

Chrys raises his arms up defensively and closes his eyes like it's not his fault.

"Alright, alright. Just move that man out the way and I'll be out of here,"

Faraday keeps his back to the door.

"You're not going anywhere!"

"Yes I am! Like I said before, you have no evidence!"

"I take it the police questioned everything? Everything?"

"Ha, of course. How else would I know you have nothing,"

"Oh I have something, I have evidence showing your timing being remote to the time of death, and it's all in the security tape!"

Chrys begins to sweat at this remark though his gaze remains serious.

"You don't mean it. You don't have evidence!"

"I guess you didn't take everything from my suitcase when you shot me. So long as this evidence exists, you can't go anywhere! Policeman or whoever you are?! Take this man away!"

In seconds multiple police officers surround the man. Chrys gazes at Byrne with a dangerous look.

"You better pray you have that evidence. Lord knows what will happen to you if you don't,"

Manfred gave a smirk.

"Hmph, desperate whispers of a pathetic man. Take him away,"

And he is escorted back into the cell. Da-Long goes up to Byrne.

"Byrne! You genius! Where is it?"  He says with a smile.

Byrne looks at the detective confused.

"Where 's what?"

Both Detective Lang and Badd began to sweat.

"The video tape you said you have?!" Detective Lang says,

Byrne gives an awkward smile.

"Oh THAT?! Well uh, I don't have it-"

"YOU WHAT?!"

The entire building said in unison. Byrne raises his finger to his mouth in a shushing motion.

"Shh! Calm down! I said I didn't have it! That doesn't mean it doesn't exist! The Chief of Police put video cameras all outside his mansion. If Chrys wasn't outside LIKE HE SAID HE WAS this would be enough to prove his guilt," He explains.

"Byrne you fool! You can't prove something that doesn't exist!" Manfred scolded.

"It exists! I know because I saw it, but after I was shot I lost it. There's still a chance we can find it!" He replies with hope in his eyes.

"And if you don't?" Detective Badd says, crossing his arms.

"I turn in my badge at the trial," Byrne says with a serious face.

"You really are an idiot Byrne, staking your badge over evidence that may not exist anymore," Badd scolds disappointed.

"This man evaded law for so long because prosecutors are afraid of losing their badges. I can't back down now. Not when we're so close,"

Detective Lang begins to laugh at this remark.

"Such fury, such determination!"

He bows towards Byrne.

"You have my respect Mr. Faraday. I'll do anything to help out,"

Badd nudges his partner's shoulder.

"You already know I'm down with you for whatever,"

Helga steps forward.

"I want to help to,"

The three men look at her, as a record scratching sounds in the back.

"Oh no, no no no no no!" Lang says, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Look, don't take this personally but I'm not sure you can handle everything given what happened at the hospital,"

Helga looks down.

"You heard,"

"How could I not? You nearly died. We're not saying it's your fault, we just need more people who can handle an active shooting situation,"

".. Detective Lang,"

"Besides, I'd kill myself before I let you take this wolf's battlefield,"

Helga remained silent at the last remark and gave a look that was both understanding and disappointing. She knew there was no winning an argument when Lang was involved, especially given the fact that he heard about the hospital incident.

Helga and Lang have known each other a short time, and he only visits when work is involved, but Helga knows that even after everything that happened between them he still cares.

Manfred places his hand on her shoulder.

"There are other cases. We did our jobs, let's leave the rest up to them,"

And the woman nods and gives a gentle smile.

"I leave everything in your capable hands,"

Present Day

Reception Hall,

"I never thought I was going to see him again after that day. In fact I wasn't even sure your father would let me handle other cases, but he did. In his own von Karma way," she explains.

Franziska crosses her arms.

"In other words, wait for you to make a mistake, take over, and berate you for making the mistake until the assignment is over?" Franziska says not surprised.

Helga sighs,

"Yes. It wasn't as though I were trying to mind you. But after that day in the hospital, no one thought I was even capable of being a prosecutor. I felt as though the only way to keep my job was if I made your father happy, so I did everything he asked of me,"

"But you obviously saw Mr. Tyrrell Badd again,"

"Of course, and it was through the Weasel case. Him, and Byrne Faraday  bonded over this case and so did Detective Da-Long Lang. They gave it their all that day and the days after, and even with me I couldn't stop thinking about it,"

Badd leans forward on the chair he took in front of his audience.

"Faraday and I hit stalemate on the case. We just couldn't find any trace of tape he said existed. We both assumed it was destroyed after shooting because that's the place he said he had it. Anyways, Faraday felt bad for taking away from Detective Lang's investigation so we had a conversation about the case. The plan was for Faraday to confess that he had no evidence and turn his badge in, that was to avoid conflict from getting any worse,"

53 years ago

Precinct lunch area

Byrne Faraday looked dead to the world after coming up with such a plan, and the other two detectives didn't seem pleased either. Badd was going to reach for his cigarette case but Byrne slapped his hand away.

"I. Wish. You. Would," he threatened in a dark tone.

Badd, not wanting to start an argument, backed off.

"So that's it then. That's the plan?" Agent Lang says.

"Yes, I only apologize you came all this way for nothing," Faraday says looking blank.

Lang covered his eyes.

"Well, not really for nothing, I know to keep an eye on that guy, he's clearly guilty and an investigation doesn't need to prove that. But I will admit, this trip was more pleasure than it is business," he laughed,

"Besides, there are other ways to prove his guilt than besides the tape,"

"But that's the thing Detective Lang," Badd says covering his eyes with his gray paperboy cap,

"We have no other evidence to make a lawful arrest,"

Detective Lang puts his two palms together and centers them around his face as he's deep in thought,

"Lang Zi says: Don't give yourself an open wound just to surrender in the end. It means don't give up. You were so determined to prove that man's guilt you practically turned in your badge just to do so with about a hundred people watching. You had hope then, let's have hope now," he says.

Faraday looks down,

"I don't want to give up. Believe me I don't! But I don’t know what else to do! In the trial that MAY happen, the defense will have trump card after trump card because of our lack of evidence,"

"Look, the evidence you were supposed to have is gone, and there's nothing we can do about it. However if we find evidence that the tape that was supposed to be debuted in court was trampled with, then we have a case,"

"It's no good, the woman who took the last remaining pieces is still missing," Badd inserts,

"Then we look at other parts of the gang. Come on, there's no way a Weasel wouldn't know what the other Weasel was doing,"

Badd's eyes perk up.

"You have a lead. Why'd you wait till now to tell us,"

"I wanted to make sure I exhausted all other methods because I wasn't positive my influence in this country would take me far," Lang admits as he puts his hands in his pockets.

"So what's the lead?" Faraday asks hopefully.

"Okay look, some guy smuggled a portrait to the U.S. It's special because it had white crystal oil, one of the substances used to make Cohdopian Mead. Interpol actually sent me this lead before Helga caught me. All we have to do is go to the museum, figure out who smuggled the portrait, and slap the guy until he talks," Lang explains.

"Gee, you make it sound so easy," Badd says, rolling his eyes.

"You think this will work?" Faraday asks meekly,

"We don't have any other plans, although you can feel free to sit around here and mope,"

Giving one last glance toward each other Badd and Faraday nods,

"Alright, let's get going,"

Then they head out together. They finally arrived at the Museum labeled Pictures at an Exhibition and walked inside.

Badd whispers in Lang's ear.

"How do we know which one is smuggled?" Badd asks,

"Let me worry about that. Try to act inconspicuous. There's another case going on, maybe the people in the museum know about it,"

"Play question boy. Got it," Badd says as Lang leaves the two.

"Shall we start investigating?" Faraday asks, confused.

Badd sighs.

"Yeah whatever,"

They walk between two wide walls with grand white pillars and green marble flooring. As their shoes squeaked between the rich exterior they looked around at the paintings. All of them, literally, all of them were made by some sort of famous artist of local rich people.  Badd takes a look at the design of the Amano family. He covers his hat in his disappointment.

"You think having at least 10 summer houses would be enough with the Amano's but you have to take an entire museum too?" He asks under his breath in frustration.

Faraday, who hears this, comes closer.

"What has he even done?" He asks in a disdainful voice.

"Own a business or whatever. I can't stand rich people,"

"Well we definitely won't find the oil here. Let's keep looking.

They passed through the open hallway where light seemed to shine through. In this particular room with a royal blue wallpaper, and paintings of various things, one in particular catches the audience's attention.

"Ah so this is where the crowd went?" Faraday sighs.

The two walk over to two men, one with light brown slicked back hair, and an orange suit, and another with golden long hair and black robe. The one judges tend to wear. Badd approaches the one in the orange suit and asks,

"What's all the hullabaloo about?"

He turns around to reveal, light brown eyes hidden with a pair of clear spectacles.

"Ugh! Use your eyes and look!" He says dramatically in the portrait.

When Badd takes a glimpse he sweats immediately.

"Is that?!"

Faraday finishes,

"No way! Helga!?"

The golden frame portrayed, laid a woman with appearances extremely similar to Helga Kringle. She was laid on a pink couch and draped in a silk light blue lingerie that both hid and emphasized the woman's most prominent features. Next to the couch, her arm lay on a very expensive and vintage looking table which sat some documents. In fact, the entire background of the woman was covered in papers, but she seemed too preoccupied to worry about that. With her right arm, she carried a fountain pen and did her work, with her left, her fingers drawn upon a prosecution's badge turned necklace that the lady seemed to be fiddling with.

The man in the orange suit turned around shocked.

"Who?! No! She's obviously a representation of the goddess of law,"

Faraday and Badd looked at each other. The blue hair, the beauty mark sitting just below her right cheek, and let's not forget she's carrying a prosecution's badge. Yup, she had to help Helga Kringle.

"She looks a lot like our coworker," Badd says, not averting his eyes from the portrait.

"I don't quite see how that's possible,"

The man (possibly a judge) says while closing his eyes.

"This portrait was imported from Germany. That most likely means the inspiration was there," he concluded.

"What a coincidence, our coworker is German. Isn't crazy how small a world this is," Faraday says with hands on his hips and a smile on his face.

The plump orange man argues irritated,

"No! I'm telling you! It's a modern Themis. Take a look at her badge. It's a prosecution's badge, but look at all this paperwork. That symbolizes the burden we lawyers all carry at some point. The downside of our jobs, the restless nights trying to come up with logic and piece the evidence together- you can even see it is nighttime given her attire and the lamp on the table is the only thing light. Look at the bags under her eyes she's tired, but wait her fingers grasp the prosecution's badge, notice how the light changes there, notice how her eyes are reflected from that light? That symbolized her push to work in spite of everything, giving us a glimpse of her passion for law. Deep down she knows that if she falters here, justice will be lost, so she continues to work harder and harder than ever, oh"

A tear drops from the man's eyes.

"What beauty! And at the same time such realism! The artist really captured the idea of unattainable beauty but in a realistic setting. I truly believe that this is the Goddess of Law. And oh how this photo inspires me! Inspires me to keep pushing on despite my body wanting to fall apart," he replies while holding his heart.

"You're quite right Mr. Grossberg, I do feel inspired by this photo," the man says, taking out his gavel.

He elongated it and took a powerful stance with it.

"I feel inspired. I feel like I can take on any case. Even if the prosecution had von Karma!" The judge says happily.

Badd raises his eyebrows and looks at the portrait again.

"Hmm, despite your analogies on the paintings symbolism, I still feel like it's photo but with artistic liberties,"

The crowd lets the detective take the stand.

"I say that because from the moment I walked in I saw nothing but Amano and some other rich guy I don't know. I feel like this is more of an exhibition of who has it and who doesn't," he says, placing his hand on the wall.

"Though I will admit," he thinks to himself.

"This picture has to be my favorite,"

Man laughs in the background and the men turn towards him. He had white long hair that curled into a bun at the top back of his head. His suit had a navy blue theme to it and just below his right ear lay a defense attorney's badge.

"You're both wrong, but you're both right it's amazing how it works like that," he says, going towards the portrait.

"You mean it is lady justice?" The judge asks, confused.

"If that's what you want it to be then yes. She is Lady Justice. But at the same time to you Detective, you knew it was just a photo based on what is given to you, which I do admit is not much," he explains.

"What do you think it is?" Faraday asks.

"Doesn't really matter. I can't have my own free will since I know the artist. He drew the portrait of his wife back when they were still in love. It's supposed to be Germany, but it's not," he says sadly.

The mood instantly was brought down.

"You know, I came all this way to bring it back but seeing how his honor reacted and how good it could probably do other people, I wonder if I should let this one stay,'  he explains.

"You mean, there are more?" Grossberg says with a smile.

"They should all be in the back. My friend sold them all,"

The judge and Grossberg giggled to each other as they ran towards the back.

"What's happening in the back?" Faraday asks,

"Auction," he simply says.

"Is it really true you know the couple? Or an ex-couple. I think we know the woman in this picture from work," Faraday says thinking.

"You said her name was Helga?" The man says simply, not looking at Faraday.

"So you do know each other," Badd concludes, crossing his arms.

"You could say that. But let's just leave it at that," he says as he turns around.

Lang enters behind the three men.

"Hey guys I found the portrait," he says,

When he sees the white haired man his expression becomes dangerous.

"I should've expected to see your pathetic ass here," he says with a venomous tone.

The white haired man doesn't reply, and only looks straight at him,

"Let's have a conversation, just the two of us," Lang says, taking his arm.

"Agent Lang. What about us? What about our mission?" Faraday asks, confused.

"Trust me boys it just got easier. It's just a little personal matter we need to discuss, that's all,"

And he drags the other man to a private location.

"Hey Badd, you know somethings rotten in the state of Denmark," Faraday says with his finger on his chin,

"Yeah and it's the paint," Badd replies, kicking his feet.

There was a lot to think about. Number 1: Helga has a past, Number 2: there's a possibility it has to do with their case, and number 3: Helga's beautiful body in that portrait.

He goes to look at it again. Faraday grows a smile and goes up behind his partner.

"Well Badd, I didn't think you were interested in art,"

"I'm not normally, but this portrait may just be an exception,"

"Hey! Do you think Helga will like it?"

"It's too early to tell,"

"It should be harmless. We can just show her how similar she looks in this photo. It'd be nice to have something like this in the prosecution's office,"

"Don't tell me you’re thinking about buying?"

"Oh yes Badd, absolutely. To be honest I just want to see her reaction,"

"Byrne...I don't think that's a good idea,"

"Oh why not! It shouldn't be too expensive. How much is it? 100, 200,"

"3,000"

"Ew!" Faraday says while sucking his teeth.

He looks around.

"Hey, maybe we can ask that white haired guy if we could get a bargain?"

"If we can get a bargain,"

"Worth a shot! Let's go follow the crowd,"

"You go on ahead without me. I need to use the restroom,"

"Okay,"

Then Faraday speeds towards the auctioning room.

At first, Badd really was looking for a restroom, but it took him a minute to realize that his bladder was fine, and now that he has a minute alone, he could finally check his pocket.

Taking a quick look around, he checks every single bit of his personage. Maybe just one cigarette, just to take the edge off. And like a prayer answered it was in his two fingers again. Badd nearly gave a smile, until he looked at the cigarette again.

His mind flashed to Rip and how his lips turned blue and he fell over from smoking HIS cigarette. But Badd looked at it again and he thought,

"But there's a possibility she didn't get to this one,"

He nearly absent-mindedly put it in his mouth when another vision popped up in front of him: Badd laying on the floor with lips blue and eyes closed dead.

For a minute, he was going to ignore the thought like he does his chores, but the thought that he might not actually care when he died scared him.

He was so close to being the one on the gurney that day, so close to not being able to make it, and now by a miracle, he has another chance.

He should've been fired from his job, he should be fired now for what he was about to do, but for some reason, he just couldn't find it in himself to care, and that scares him.

He's scared of being vulnerable, predictable, he's scared of losing himself to his sin.

He just told a lie and didn't even think about telling it. He was going to smoke even though smoking is what almost got him fired.

He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't even see Helga stand next to him and take the contraband from him.

"You know there is a no smoking sign," she says with disdain

His eyes go toward a wall and he blankly says,

"It's weird, I want a cigarette, but I know it could kill me," he says.

"It's so hard to focus," he places his hand on his chin to feel something close to something sticking out of his mouth.

Helga gives him a sympathetic smile,

"You're going through withdrawal symptoms,"

She goes through her purse to look for something. She takes out a strawberry lollipop and hands it to him.

"It's sugar, but I think it's a better replacement,"

He hesitantly accepted her offer, unwrapping it for the first time and placing it where the cigarette was. Suddenly his mind began to focus.

"...It worked....thank you," he says, trying to get used to the new thing in his mouth.

"It is a small term solution, but a solution nonetheless,"

Badd nods sucking on the strawberry lollipop, after readjusting his mouth he begins to speak,

"So what are you doing here?" He asks, leaning against the wall.

"I'm here on assignment. There was a smuggled painting here and we had a suspect,"

"Hmm, what's the verdict?"

"Guilty obviously," says von Karma as he exits the door.

He looks at Detective Badd with a raised brow.

"And what are you doing here?" He asks with his hands behind his back.

"Yes, did you ever find the tape?" Helga asks in response.

Badd shakes his head.

"No, it was destroyed,"

Helga looks down disappointed while Manfred gives a disdainful look.

"Hmph, serves that amateur of a prosecutor right, now because of his foolishness a criminal will walk away free,"

Helga goes up to Badd.

"I'm sure there are other ways to convict him. The fact remains that he shot Mr.Byrne Faraday, perhaps the evidence was lost then?" She explains,

"Whatever the case may be, it is of no concern to us,"

Badd decides to change the conversation.

"Say, you two are handling a smuggling case. Was the portrait by any chance overseas,"

"Who knows,"

"What?"

Helga sighs, and says,

"The suspect smuggled multiple portraits, who knows where they came from. At the moment he's being uncooperative," Helga says looking at the room Manfred stepped out of.

"Not even that foreign Detective can get anything out of him,"

"You mean Lang?" Detective Badd says, shocked, taking out his lollipop.

"Yeah, it seems the culprit has a 'warped' understanding of his punishment," Manfred explains.

"....what do you mean warped,"

"Well...,"

30 minutes earlier

"No! No! No! I'm not going to confess and you can't make me?!" says the witness as he pouts with his legs crossed and his chin up high as if he had better moral standing than Manfred von Karma.

The prosecutor rolls his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose.

"We're not asking for a confession, we asking you to tell us the reason you have those portraits," he explains

"They were sold to me, I bought them,"

"In or out of Germany?"

"That's none of your business,"

"YES IT IS!"

Helga grabs hold of Manfred's arm.

"Sir. May I please try," She says in a calming voice.

Manfred flinched at the moment but didn't relax.

"What, you don't think that I can handle this?"

"I didn't say that. I asked that you would let me try talking to him so that you may calm down. We can't have him get the best of us can we?"

Manfred settles, her touch quickly taking all the frustration from him by the witness. He breathes heavily in her scent allowing himself to be intoxicated. Now that his demeanor has calmed, he wants to try and talk to the man again, but Helga looks at him with those calm eyes.

"Please sir?" She asks once more in her deep but light sultry voice,

And without thinking about it, Manfred says,

"Yes,"

She lets go and goes in front of him, Manfred stepping back. It took him a minute to be brought back to reality from what he just did.

...did Manfred von Karma just concede?

Well, it's not that it's unheard of for his opinion to be changed from time to time, but the way his mind was changed.

Was there an act of logic? Was there something in it for him?

Even though he knew he had nothing to lose from Helga gaining control for just a minute, the fact that she did manage control scared him.

"I must keep my wits above me," he thinks to himself as he crosses his arms.

"That blasted woman....what have you done to me?" He thinks sadly as he looks down.

He was so caught up in his thoughts that he missed the quote before the witness says,

"Are you going to prosecute my case?"

"I am one of the prosecutors, but I'm not in charge,"

"I'll tell you everything if you prosecute my case," he replies with a smug smile.

Helga looks at Manfred with a begging look. He nods in return.

"If that is the easiest way to get something out of him,"

"Very well. I know the head prosecutor of this case until otherwise. Now will you confess,"

"Oh yes baby. Yeah I bought those photos in Germany. What my sentence,"

"Well since you confessed it will be a shorter sentence. I do thank you for your cooperation,"

"But wait, aren't you going to give me my punishment,"

"Punishment is the job of the police, not mine, but since you confessed I'll indulge. What would you like,"

"The 69,"

Manfred, Damon, and Helga give the man a straight look.

"What?!" They all say in unison.

"No wait, the guy in the orange suit I and in the back I want in the front, and you squeezed in the middle,"

They stood there in silence with their mouths agape. The man in the chair grows confused and looks at them.

"Why aren't you getting undressed?"

"Why on earth would I get undressed?"

"Well isn't this part of the show?"

"What show?" Helga asks.

Damon faces cringes at the realization.

"Oh crap," he says to himself as he hides his face.

The guy in the chair looks confused.

"The act I paid for online. Aren't you that prostitute,"

"There are no prostitutes in this room!" Helga says her voice higher showing her frustration.

"Wait a minute...this is real?"

"Of course it's real. Why wouldn't it be....hold it....you thought I was a PROSTITUTE?!" Helga asks.

From the outside of the room, all one could hear was the echo of a hard slap across the face.

Back inside the room, Manfred grabs hold of her and brings her back.

"Now, let's calm ourselves. Since we solved this understanding we can bring him back to the precinct,"

"He just insulted me,"

"And justly so, especially in that outfit," Manfred asks, crossing his arms.

Helga steps back, now doubly insulted, Damon speaks up.

"What the hell Manfred!"

Helga steps outside to recollect herself.

"That was uncalled for!" He continued.

"She shouldn't feel too bad," The culprit says now in handcuffs.

"I thought you two were prostitutes too,"

Manfred looks up at this statement.

"You thought I, Manfred von Karma, was a prostitute?"

Knowing what was to come, Damon steps outside. The moment he does the echo of a slap ring in his ears,"

Present time

"And that's what happened, " Manfred finishes with his arms crossed.

Badd looks at the papers from what Manfred just said,

"Yeah but that doesn't explain the defamation charges,"

"It'll make sense come time for the verdict," he says with an evil smile.

Damon stepped in back of him.

"Manny, we just finished taking back the smuggled photos, and 'finding' evidence of where they were bought. All we have to do is one last search of the house and we are done,"

"How many times have I told you. Do NOT call me Manny," Manfred says with arms crossed.

"Sorry, I was so excited to get out of this place I forgot," Damon says while clapping.

"Shall we head off?"

"Wait a moment Detective Damon Gant," Helga intervenes.

"Detective Da-Long Lang is still questioning the suspect,"

"You mean culprit my dear," Manfred corrected.

Though Damon smiles, he doesn't hide the hostility in his tone,

"And why is a detective that was supposed to be on another case here?"

Detective Badd answers,

"One of the smuggled portraits has white crystal oil on it. A substance used to make Cohdopian Mead. If his suspicions are correct than the 'culprit' might actually be a Weasel, or last in coalition with them,"

Manfred lets out a condescending laugh.

"All this and no proof. You and that prosecutor are incredibly useless,"

Badd doesn't reply to this remark.

"I must say Detective Badd...you are getting pretty 'Bad' at your job. Are you sure you're up for it?" Damon asks,

Helga jumps to his defense.

"White crystal oil is hard to come by. As far as I'm concerned it's illegal to export it from Cohdopia. The fact that it's in this country means someone's after the oil, not the art. I have faith in Detective Lang's deductions,"

Badd looks at Helga with interest.

"Twice you have jumped to my defense," he thinks with gratefulness.

Faraday runs into the hallway, nearly skidding once he sees Badd.

"Badd! I got it!" He says with joy.

"You what!?" Badd asks, confused.

"You know," Faraday says, eyes looking towards Helga.

"Wait how? Aren't the portraits like crazy expensive,"

Byrne fiddles with his fingers at this remark.

"Well ya see, I wasn't the only one who wanted them so to make up for the cost I kinda had to dig out of your salary,"

Badd sweats at this remark.

"Are you serious? Is there anything left at my salary at this point?"

"Bah! Your salary should be zero considering what you've done," Manfred scolds.

"Yeah I don't think you're in a position to complain," Damon agrees.

Lang exits the room.

"Welp he's all yours," he says.

"Detective Lang. I thought you said you weren't going to get in the way,"

"And I'm not. I promise you. I just wanted to confirm something. Helga Kringle," he says looking at her.

"Can we have a moment?"

Manfred steps forward.

"And how long is a moment?" He asks.

"10 minutes no longer. I promise," Lang assures.

Helga looks at him.

"I'll be back quickly I promise," she reassures.

Then he nods his head.

"Very well then,"

Before Helga leaves with Lang, Byrne steps up to her.

"Wait Helga! When are you off today?"

At the sound of Byrne's voice Manfred becomes irritated.

"What is this Helga? Everyone seems to want your time. They assume that you have it even when you're at work. I wonder how this assumption came about?" He scolds.

She bows to him.

"I'm sorry sir. Mr. Byrne Faraday I'll talk to you when I'm off work. Good day,"

Then she leaves with him. Lang puts up his fingers saying with a 5 sign, indicating 5 minutes.

"What has become of this office?" Manfred says irritated walking away.

Damon quickly follows after him.

"Are they gone?" The Judge asks, coming out from the corner he was hiding from.

"You honor, how could you eavesdrop!" Detective Badd says upset.

"I'm sorry I really didn't mean to. I wanted to talk to Prosecutor Byrne about the portrait, but when I saw von Karma I hid,"

Byrne shakes his head,

"It's not good if a prosecutor has control over a courtroom," he comments disappointed

"So it is true," Grossberg says, coming out of his hiding place.

Badd pinches his nose.

"Not you too,"

"And what is true exactly?"  Byrne asks.

The judge and Grossberg look at each other.

"About Mrs. von Karma," They say in unison.

"Um, who's Mrs. von Karma?" Byrne asks, confused.

Badd rolls his eyes.

"Helga Kringle," he replies.

"Exactly my thought, her last name is Kringle, don't go around spreading rumors, now she just got here," Byrne says.

Badd raises his hand toward him in agreement.

"He's right! That's not fair,"

"No, what isn't fair is how she got here," Grossberg explains.

"Did you know that Ernest Amano hired her?" Judge says whispering to their ears.

"So what?" Byrne asks,

"So what? Does that man know anything about law? He had an entire room of 1,000 dollar portraits just dedicated to him. I'm not sure I trust her background,"

"But I am sure Manfred von Karma feels something towards her. This is the nicest he's ever been," Grossberg explains.

"I have no interest in this topic," Badd says about walking away.

"Helga has an entire room dedicated to her as well. I don't trust her background,"

"And we don’t trust you!" Badd says more than irritated.

"Come on Badd, we don't need to take this," Faraday says walking away.

After giving a loud "Hmph!" Badd follows.

They enter the hallway to the outside of the auction room.

"Hmph, the nerve, and evidence do they have to support these absurd allegations?" Faraday says,

"Nothing, absolutely nothing. What evidence anyways, and so what if that slug hired her,"

They entered the room to see a bunch of portraits closed.

"Uh oh," Faraday says,

"What is it?" Badd asks,

"I don't remember which one's hers. You know what that means,"

"Unveil everyone until we find the one YOU bought," Badd says, frustrated and pointing at Faraday.

They start at the one closest to them and unveil it, but the moment they do and see the contents of the portrait they immediately put it back up.

Once they finished Badd and Faraday looked at each other with equally red faces.

"They aren't all like that...right?"

They were. Save for one other portrait, the one Faraday bought, every single painting featuring Helga was "suggestive".

Even as they exited the building with the covered photo they argued one whether or not to show it to her.

"This could very well have white crystal oil, it's too valuable to sell back!" Faraday says as they enter the prosecution building.

Both of their legs were squatted, and they moved like crabs through the hallway.

"We can't even sell this back! We have to give them back to Helga, or at least let them know they're there," Badd says while sweating.

They make it to Faraday's office to attempt to squeeze it through.

"It's no good! We'll never get it out," Faraday says.

"Yes we can and we will. We worked too hard to back down now!" He continued to push.

Faraday stumbled backwards.

"Ugh! Badd it won't fit!"

"Yes it will! You just gotta take it!" Badd replies.

Chief prosecutor Debeste walks behind Badd with hands on his waist and an eyebrow raised.

"Guys, you HAVE to realize how that sounds,"

Badd turns around to face him.

"Chief Prosecutor Debeste, we're trying to put it in his office,"

After inspecting the painting he sighs,

"Yeah, that's not gonna fit. Just put it in the break room,"

After that Faraday falls on the floor to let off a huge sigh. He gets up to help the three put it in the break room.

It was a small but nice complex with a round table covered in a white sheet. It had a little window, a refrigerator, a stove, and on the white table lay some white flowers.

They placed the portrait in front of the refrigerator and the three men gave a heavy sigh.

"I hope you know you can't keep it there forever," Debeste explains.

"This is temporary until Detective Lang gets a look at it," Faraday explains, putting his hands on his hips.

"How is the case coming along anyways?" Debeste asks.

Byrne and Badd struggle for an answer to that question, and the silence enough gave Blaise his answer.

"I'll take that as it's not going well," he says as he attempts to walk away.

"Wait, do you know where Detective Lang is?" Badd asks,

"He came in not too long ago. With von Karma and Helga," he added.

Byrne takes a sigh of relief.

"Alright, all we have to do is make sure Helga doesn't see the portrait," he says in relief.

The moment was short sighted as a scream was heard from the kitchen. The three men cringed as they entered the kitchen again just to see Helga shocked at the sighting of a photo.

"Wh-what?!" She asks hysterical in German.

"WHAT IS THIS MONSTROSITY?!" She yells.

"Woah woah! English Helga. There is a perfectly good explanation for this, right guys?!" Blaise asked, giving an accusatory look.

"Yeah! We swear we didn't mean any harm and we were going to tell you as soon as we found you. But we needed that photo!" Byrne explains.

"Bah! As if such pornography had any place in the courtroom!" Manfred yells appalled at the scene.

Byrne rolls his eyes.

"Oh yeah, ankles, how scandalous!" Byrne says,

"Ankles? Ankles?! Did you look at this portrait before you bought it?!" Manfred asks.

"She's in her nightgown. I can't possibly see the pro-oh...."

When Byrne moved to uncover the portrait, he saw Helga in an 'inappropriate' position. He rushed to cover it up as his face was red and looked at the crowd.

Tyrell Badd was appalled and shocked at the portrait

Blaise was covering his face with his palms, seemingly embarrassed and annoyed that something this personal made it to the office.

Manfred had a look of great anger and the audacity of the two men before him.

And Helga? Oh she was livid. Her face was a flushing pink, her left eye twitched and so did her hands.

Byrne finally managed to say a couple of words.

"This isn't the portrait I bought,"

The others in the room rolled their eyes as Helga took two steps forward. Byrne, knowing what was coming, attempted to defend himself.

"I know what it looks like but you have to believe me!"

SLAP!

Byrne flew across the other side of the room, he was weak from the impact and the side of his face held a tinge of red from impact. Badd rushes to his aid,

"We really can't blame her," Byrne says, accepting the fact that she was hit.

Helga took the portrait and rushed up the stairs out of the kitchen.

"Helga wait!"

Badd says running after her. On the stairway when he grabs onto her arm, he is rewarded with a hard slap on his face.

SLAP!

And just like that, Badd was sent tumbling down the stairs. He was out for a second, but when two figures covered his eyes he began to speak.

"We really can't blame her,"

Then falls unconscious

Chapter Text

October 30th

Precinct Lobby

3:46 pm

Byrne and Badd had ice packs on the side of their faces while Detective Lang was pacing around the room.

"So let me get this straight, you HAD the portrait with the white crystal oil, you PROVED that portrait had white crystal oil, and you're saying it's been switched with a stag?"

Badd shakes his head.

"That's the thing, we haven't proved it yet. But I know what I bought. I don't know when the switch was made, if it was then it had to be because of the white crystal oil,"  He sighs.

"Look, we know it doesn't make any sense, we know we don't deserve your trust, but I don't know what else to say,' Byrne says with guilt.

"I don't know either," Lang says with a sad look on his face.

"It'd be really case breaking if we had a portrait and it had white crystal but without it, we're stalemate again, and I can't stay long enough to figure out how to get out," Detective Lang explains seriously.

"So that's it then? The case is closed?" Byrne asks, looking at the two of them hopefully.

Badd scowls,

"The case was closed the moment that tape was stolen. We might as well start packing our shit now,"

Taking a defeated sigh, Byrne rests his face on his palms.

"Damn it," he curses, upset.

"Look, before I leave I need you to talk to Helga again," Lang says,

"But why? Won't she slap us again? Does she have energy to knock us out again?" Byrne asks.

"Shut up Byrne, we owe it her," Badd says,

"Yeah, especially since you might have gotten her out of the job. I heard how von Karma works," Lang finishes.

They take a heavy sigh and stand up together.

"Thank you, and we're sorry," Badd apologizes.

"Yeah...so am I," Lang replies.

Then the three of them go their separate ways. Byrne looks at Badd with a mournful look.

"What should we do now?"

"What else is there to do? As soon as Gant discovers we failed yet again, I'm as good as fired. No Helga to save me now, and Chief Debeste. After your stunt, you're gonna have to turn in your badge,"

"Ugh, I know he did it. I just know it,"

"I think the problem with our plan...is that we only targeted one man. Chrys isn't our only enemy,....the Weasels who serve him are. And with them doing his bidding it's no wonder we keep hitting fork after fork,"

"But I don't want to give up. As soon as we do, they win,"

"I don't want to give up either. But at this point our credibility is at rock bottom. Come on, let's go see if we can find Helga Kringle,"

Present Day

Reception Hall

"Byrne wasn't happy about losing the round to the Weasels," Badd explains, leaning against the wall.

"But at that point in time, we could do literally nothing else,"

"I've heard of the Weasels. As far as I was concerned their crime was very public wasn't it?" Ray says with his hands in his pockets.

"Yeah...it was like a big middle finger to the police department, the fact that they were still around I mean. They're gone now, the gang, and later developed into the smuggling ring but that's later in the story," Badd explains,

"But what about my mom?" Kay asks, interested.

"You said they couldn't find her. But my father must have met her in order to have me," Kay says.

"Patience little one, I'm getting there. Anyways, we finally found Helga on top of the roof of the prosecution building. Back when it was still roof I mean. To my utter horror, she was crying,"

53 years ago

5:10 pm

Prosecution's building

"(Sniff) (sniff)" Helga goes as she clings to the portrait of herself.

Even though she had scissors in her hands, she couldn't bring herself to destroy it. Her mind was all over the place with her thoughts but one emotion rang clear; anxiety.

What was to happen to her now that the Chief prosecutor found a photo of her in such a way?

How could Manfred von Karma EVER look her in the eyes again?

How could she show her face to L.A?

If it weren't for those meddling detective and prosecutor, if it weren't for the painter -

CRACK!

Helga turned her head quickly to the source of the sound, and was horrified to see Tyrell Badd standing over a cracked wine bottle.

His face made a visual cringe, as we made another step. When Helga made a defensive stance, puts his arms up reassuringly.

"Please don't slap me! I'm here to make amends!" Badd begged.

Helga scoffed through her tears.

"As if you actually cared about that. Do you seriously think I'd be willing to hear you out after the stunt you and your....your sidekick pulled!"

She takes a knee and begins to cry again.

"You don't want to stand there. You don't know what it's been through,"

"Don't talk to me! Just....leave me alone," her voice was defeated as she covered the portrait by placing it upside down.

"You have every right to be angry, and I'm really sorry for putting you through this," Badd sighs.

He goes to walk away knowing that she wouldn't hear him out if he begged.

"Well, I did what he asked me to do, no thanks to Byrne," he sighs, about to leave.

"Wait," Helga says softly.

Badd quickly turns around.

"Before you go...at least tell me why? Why would you humiliate me like this?" She asks.

He goes up to her slowly, knowing to keep his distance as she continues.

"I...I know you didn't think fondly of me in the beginning, but I thought I could prove my worth or at least usefulness. I know how much you wanted to stay on the current case so I couldn't just have the police let it go....I..I...I have done no wrong to you so why?" She finishes.

Badd looks at her sad eyes taking pity.

"You did nothing wrong Ms. Kringle. In fact, I did and still have great respect for you. It's just this case, I needed a portrait of you. One of them had white crystal oil, and we thought we picked the right one,"

Helga was silent for a second.

"Were their others?" She asked, not looking at Badd.

"....yes,"

"And...all them were in my likeness,"

"...yes they were,"

This time she looks at Badd in the eyes.

"Did you see them? All of them?"

He nods and repeats his answer, earning a repulsive look from Helga. She calls him a name in German.

"Huh?" Badd asks.

"You Mr. Tyrell Badd! You should've told me the moment you saw that portrait,"

"I know. I know!"

"Why didn't you?"

"Byrne and I weren’t sure if the portrait was you or just a coincidence,"

"So you thought it wise to buy one, especially the worst one?"

"I assure you, that wasn't the one we bought. I don't know what happened, but somehow we switched the portraits with a nude one,"

"Somehow?!" Helga asks with venom,

Badd flinches and tenses expecting a slap to the face.

"Portraits don't magically switch. You knew about my past didn't you, and this is the best method you have of humiliating me!"

Badd stayed silent and looked at her with utmost empathy. His silence seemed to tick Helga off,

"Oh don't be so humble, laugh! Go on I know you want to! But know this, I will have revenge. Do you understand me Mr. Tyrell Badd?!"

"...yes Ms. Kringle,"

Helga looks suspiciously at Badd.

"But how do you know who I am?" She asks,

"The seller...or someone...knows quite a lot about you,"

Helga places her finger on her chin,

"Is he a man?"

"Yes?"

"And does he have white hair?"

"So you are acquainted. Who is he?"

"Hmph," Helga laughs, giving a smug smile.

"If you are in cohorts with him, you should already know,"

"I promise you," Badd begins,

"We don't know who he is, and we thought the guy arrested was responsible for the smuggling,"

"He couldn't have. If he did he would have recognized me the moment we met,"

Badd cringes, remembering what von Karma told him.

"Wait, didn't he think you were a prostitute?" Badd asks.

Helga clicks her tongue.

"Doesn't everyone else here think so?"  She asks, crossing her arms and looking at Badd disdainfully.

"No! I promise you no!" Badd defended.

He looks to the corner.

"Byrne you can jump in at any time you know!" He called out,

"She's still pretty steamed, I'll hop in later," Byrne explains,

"Hmph, the coward can't even face me," Helga sneered.

Badd looks at her.

"Look, why don't we ask him if he smuggled a couple of extra portraits,"

"Why do you care?"

"..."

Badd didn't know how to answer that question. He did what he came her to do, and knows that he will carry this guilt for the rest of his life. Forget revenge, this woman, who came into his job, saved his life , and his job, and this is how he repaid her?

He knew he didn't serve to hear another thing from her, and if he was slapped he'd welcome it. He had accepted his failure as a detective.

But....

It was the way she put herself down, assuming everyone thought she was a prostitute. It made him wonder what she was subjected to before the portrait made itself known in the prosecution's office.

He felt that he had to, he had a duty to prove her wrong.

If their stunt left her jobless, at the very least give her some self-esteem.

He finally came up with an answer.

"This is my last day as a detective. Why not bring down as many people as I can, and you ought to know who was in on it," he explains.

Helga holds her chin.

"Hmm, I do like the sound of that. Very well you contemptible slug, let us abscond to the precinct for the last time," she agrees.

Badd nearly smiles at her lack of reluctance. He holds the door for her and they leave the prosecution's office together.

5:35

District Precinct

It's dark already from the outside, and the white painted walls of the precinct illuminated the room, shedding light on the overworked and underpaid policemen.

When Badd came back, the others stood by in shock and started murmuring amongst themselves. Looking around he heads toward the office desk of Head Detective Damon Gant.

"Damn!" Damon says in shock at seeing him.

"I thought you took the hint and left already," he sighs while playing with his hair.

"Consider this my last deed. We need to see the upcoming defendant, um what's his name Helga?" He asks,

Helga tilts her head and raises her eyebrows.

"You don't know? He is your comrade after all,"

Badd sighs, shaking his head and looks at Gant.

"You know that guy you were investigating at the Museum earlier today? The one von Karma and Helga found? What's his name?" Badd asks.

"Pherb Bert, cell 69, can't miss it," he sighs with a smile,

"Don't know how anyone can," Badd replies.

"Oh and uh, do you think you can clean out your desk later today, seeing as how you don't need it anymore,"

"...of course,"

Then they head out. Helga rushes to Badd as they walk.

"What's this about Cell 69?" She asks.

Badd shakes his head,

"Trust me Helga, you don't want to know,"

They arrive in the visitor's room, both of them standing up as Mr. Bert enters the room.

"Geez, for an interrogation aren't you guys usually in this room?" He asks, tilting his head.

"Let's cut the chat short shall we?" Helga says, taking her seat on the chair.

"What else did you smuggle in this country?" She asks.

The man clicks his tongue and looks away.

"As if it mattered. I told everything to your boss earlier today, so I'm keeping my mouth shut,"

"Were you in Germany at some point? Did you get portraits from a man with white hair,"

"H-how did you? You know what, never mind, it's gonna bite me in the butt anyways," he sighs looking away.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Badd asks,

"Does it really matter what happens to me? Especially if that von Karma guy or whatever is prosecuting. The end result is still the same. I don't want to make it worse by confessing to his lackey,"

Helga looks at Badd.

"What's a lackey?" She asks,

"Not important...look we don't work for von Karma anymore, or the police for that matter if that makes it easier on you," Badd says,

"It doesn't, it just makes you not a part of my case. Now can you please leave? I want to enjoy my few moments left of peace,"

Helga gives a reassuring nod to Badd.

"You don't have to worry about that," she begins in a soothing voice.

"I don't work for him either anymore. No one, save that gentleman, will know of this conversation, and there's nothing Prosecutor Manfred von Karma can do to obtain this legally,"

At this the defendant looks at the woman with eyes that can only be described as a moth to a flame. His eyelids smooth and shut for a minute and a small smile appears on his face along with a tint blush.

"Furthermore, I have some questions to ask about the man who sold them to you. Did he sell you all of his portraits?" She asked.

The man, seemingly in a daze, confessed.

"Yeah, all of them. Even the naughty one's. I specifically remember the day he gave them to me he said, 'take them, pay however you like just get rid of them' he said. And he also said how 'he had no need for them'"

Badd caught an expression unreadable from Helga. Was it disappointment, was it scorn? He didn't know.  All he knew was that there was more to the portrait than meets the eye.

"I see, and all of them....did they all look like me?" She asks, holding herself.

"Yeah they did. That's why when I first met you I thought you were a prostitute,"

Her expression changed so quickly to one of disdain.

"Why you!" She began,

Oh all the curse words she would fling at the man, but none would be said because she was a lady.

"Hmph, you'll get your just deserts you'll see!" She declares.

Badd steps up,

"But that does show that he thought you were a prostitute because of that portrait alone. I suppose the seller didn't give much context to his paintings,"

The defendant shakes his head.

"Nah, not really. Relationship gone sour me thinks,"

"...your accent is all over the place,"

"(Sigh) I know,"

Helga looks at the man curiously.

"But why? Why bring all of them here, surely home paintings don't cost that much and you have no prior convictions," Helga reasoned.

"Well that's the thing?" The defendant says rubbing the back of his neck.

"You see, I wasn't planning on bringing ALL of them over. Just my favorites, but I got a job offer from this country and that's where the smuggling came in," he explains.

"Job offer? From who?" Badd asks,

"I'm not at liberty to say, but anyways one of the portraits apparently was painted in white crystal oil. They just needed that painting for samples,"

"And the painting wouldn't so happen to have a woman in a nightgown would it? Doing paperwork?"

"Man, you're good at your job. You're right!"  He says with a smile.

Helga looks at him and Badd looks back.

"Don't look at me like that," she pouts, crossing her arms.

"I literally didn't say anything,"

"But you thought about it! The fact that you knew one of my paintings doesn't mean you didn't purposely buy the other one,"

The defendant leans forward in his chair,

"Wait, is that what this is about? If you want to catch the buyer you're too late. She already got her samples,"

Badd perks up,

"Wait, did you say she? As in a woman?"

"Look, that's all I'm telling you alright. I don't know what will happen to me if I spill some more," He sighs.

"Look, we have no reason to tell anyone. The portraits are of me after all, besides no one can hurt you here. You're in jail," she sighs,

At her soothing words the man felt obligated to tell.

"Mary Jane. That's what they call her,"

Helga memorizes the name.

"Mary Jane, thank you for your time," she says heading up to leave.

"W-wait!" The defendant yells and places his face amongst the glass window.

Helga turns towards him.

"Yes?" She asks.

"Please prosecute my case," he begs.

Helga looks at him then shakes her head.

"That is out of my control. Your guilt will be presented tomorrow,"

Then she exits the building. Badd follows after her and repeats to himself the name.

"Mary Jane....Mary Jane,"

Over and over again he repeats himself, even after going to his desk to get a box of his things.

"I've heard that name before. Where have I heard that name," he says to himself.

"What are you muttering about?" Helga asks as she helps Badd pack his things.

Badd was taken aback by this, but quickly dismisses it.

"I've heard the name Mary Jane before. I just don't know where," he answers, taking good care to move his delicates in his boxes.

Some of the photos were too painful to watch, as it forced him to realize that he was jobless, and that he failed.

"No," he thinks to himself while looking at his soon-to-be empty desk.

"This is no time to get emotional," he looks at Helga,

"Can you please take care of the photos for me?" He asks,

Helga obeys without another word, and they both move on to other parts of the desk. Tyrell handles the paperwork: notebooks, case files, his badge, and other things.

Helga takes care of the delicates which consisted of photos, decorations, and a little tiny reward that read, "Patrolman of the year".

While Tyrell was distracted, Helga asked him a question.

"Where do you think you heard that name?"

"From the song of course," Byrne's voice says.

Helga, Badd and Gant look around.

"Byrne, where are you?"  Gant asks, getting  up from his desk.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out," he says.

"What song?" Helga asks, interrupting.

"Oh you know, ~Mary Jane~  ring a bell?" Byrne asks.

Helga looks confused as she tries to search her memory

"Do do do do! Mary Jane! You know the song. I'm in love with Mary Jane, she's my thing! She makes me feel alright, she makes my heart sing!"

Damon sings the next part,

"And when I'm feeling low, she comes as no surprise! Turns me on with her love! Takes me to paradise!"

The both of them sing the next part.

"Do you love me Mary Jane!"

Helga places her palms together and tilts her head.

"Aw, how romantic," she sighs.

Badd looks at her and shakes his head.

"Not really, the song is about a drug. Marijuana," he clarified.

"Ugh! Way to ruin the moment, Badd," Gant sighs.

"So glad this is your last day,"

Helga goes to grab another photo when she looks at its contents. It's of Badd of course, but this was when he was still in uniform.

His chest was covered in all sorts of colorful badges, awards of some sort. And he seems to be saluting the camera. Next to him, was a very young Byrne Faraday who was trying to mimic the then cadet Badd.

"What's this?" Helga asks with a smile as she shows the photo to Badd.

Badd instantly blushes and goes to reach out to it.

"That's an old photo, you can hand that back,"

She swipes the photo away from him and gives a mischievous smile.

"No no no! This is too cute. Too cute to just give it back to you," says Helga as she looks at it adoringly.

"I think I'll keep it. As revenge for the stunt you pulled," She says with a smile.

Badd gives Helga a look with no emotion, then concedes.

"It's only fair, but please don't break it," he asks.

Helga at first is a little disappointed. She so wanted to see his agony, the same way he made her feel. But the way he just conceded left the photo useless. Of course she COULD just break it right in front of him, but that's not ladylike.

So she keeps it to her side for a bit.

"Welp, that's everything. THANKS FOR THE HELP BYRNE!" Badd yells.

"You're welcome,"

Then they leave the police station.

"Come over here, Byrne's car is over there,"

"Why Byrne's car?"

"Because I don't own one and he owes me for ditching me,"

They both walk back to the prosecution's office with their fair share of boxes in their hands. As they walk back Helga couldn't help but think about Badd and his actions.

Why wasn't he disappointed in losing his job? Why did he take it with such grace? Did he anticipate this was coming?

She asked herself these questions not knowing that Badd was staring at her.

"What's your question....come on I know you have one,"

Helga looks into her bag of questions, and picks one that's not so obvious, but blunt at the same time.

"Why did you become a detective?"

Badd looks at her surprised.

"Huh, did not see that one coming," he sighs,

"I ask this because you seem to have so much potential. They don't give the title Detective to just anyone. So why? Why did you ruin everything?"

Badd looks down at the question, not really knowing how to answer. To fully answer her question he would have to go into his past and show her the skeletons. And while his reasons for being a detective aren't a secret, he really didn't want to display his full self to the woman.

"Those Weasels," he began, looking down at his box

"They've been getting away with crime for as long as I can remember and it kills me that no one is able to bring them down. It kills me,"

Helga looks at Badd with sympathy.

"I know it's possible...I just don't know how, and unfortunately the higher ups don't care,"

"..what are the higher ups,"

"Folks from the uptown parts of L.A. Where this district is,"

Helga raises her eyebrows at this notion.

"How can you tell the difference between uptown and everywhere else?"

"Tch, do you have to ask? Uptown is the lighter area of L.A. the suburbs if you will. Only big businesses reside her and the occasional small shop, but here, the biggest aspect about this place is that when crime happens there's always someone there to arrest the culprit,"

"Are...you implying that there are some parts of this city where crime goes unnoticed?"

"....I keep forgetting you're not from here, but yeah. I call it Downtown. It's where I live. It's where Byrne lives. It's where people with low income live,"

Helga tilts her head at the tall detective, and takes note about his sudden change in expression.

"It's a big BIG part of L.A. It's completely urban. There are no trees there, and trash piles the streets. It's congested, it has smog, and crime seems to run around free there,"

Badd takes an abrupt stop, seeming to heat up from the conversation. He pulls out the long since sucked out lollipop and throws it in the trash. Then he takes a heavy sigh.

"You know something Helga...I can't stand rich people,"

"And why's that?" Helga asks, leaning next to him.

"All of the money that is taken out of our citizens' wallets goes to theirs. What is supposed to be used on our streets is instead used in vanity. Byrne and I...we tried to stop them. We did our damnest trying to get crime to stop in Downtown, or at the very least let the people know that there are consequences to their actions, and not just in Uptown either," he finishes.

"Isn't the police district responsible for crime that happens throughout all of Los Angeles? I fail to see how which side of the city matters,"

"It's not which side of the city that matters, who gets called the most. Now in Uptown you folks won't just stand by and watch a suspicious person enter a building he wasn't supposed go, but in Downtown, with so many gangs around there are consequences to snitching,"

"What's  a snitch?"

"A person who tells on someone,"

"So if I were to appear as a witness in court. I would be considered a snitch,"

"In retrospect, yes. Don't they have snitches in Germany,'

Helga snapped at him with an irritated look.

"We do a lot of things you Americans do, our language is just different,"

"Oh," Badd sighs, feeling guilty.

"Sorry," he apologized.

Helga looks straight ahead. The prosecution's building is getting bigger by sight.

"I have one more question," she mutters out of her courage.

What the hell, might as well ask while no one of law enforcement was around.

"Hmm?" Badd asks, looking in her direction.

"Why do people call me Mrs. von Karma?" She asks, looking down.

Though he wasn't expecting the question his body physically cringed. He did not want to answer that question.

"Um...well it's mainly because of von Karma,"

"...what about him?"

"Well, let's just say he's not popular among his peers, for obvious reasons,"

Helga gives him a stern look.

"What do you mean obviously? He's a respected individual," Helga defends.

She couldn't believe that there was someone, or worse multiple people who thinks ill of Manfred.

"He may be respected but he's not respectful!" Byrne's voice says.

Badd gets and annoyed look,

"Byrne, either make yourself known or shut up!"

Despite Badd's warning, Byrne continued,

"Tell her about the rumors, she's gonna find out sooner or later,"

Badd takes a gruff sigh but nonetheless tells her.

"You've heard about his win record right?"

"How could I not? He's undefeated as of yet,"

"Yeah, that's the main problem, the rumors. Some people say he forges evidence to get the verdict he wants, others say he forges testimonies. Most say both, but whatever it is, he's not liked. On top of that his attitude and treatment towards other people makes him one of worst colleagues anyone could ever tolerate. That is until you showed up,"

Helga raises an eyebrow.

"Until me?"

She thinks to herself,

"But he's still terrifying to work with,"

"Ever since you entered the office he's been surprisingly lenient with his subordinates," Byrne says from a distance.

"And they think it's because you two are in a relationship," Badd finishes.

"But I'm not!" Helga defended.

Badd looks at her solemnly.

"I know. We know," he says softly.

They arrive at the prosecution's building at last, and Byrne finally makes his appearance.

"Where were you hiding?" Helga asks.

"Now if I told you it wouldn't be a secret. Come on!" He says as he uses his key to get to the garage.

It was late now. Hardly any cars save for 2 or 3. The odd one being Byrne's and his car was hard to not miss.

If the car was beaten up, it would be Faraday's. There were 3 flat wheels that threatened to come off the car, the door handles were taped together, and the door itself was a hair away from coming off.

There was no windshield, seeming taken out on purpose, and the side windows had bullet holes in them.

Helga looked at the...contraption in shock.

"You...drive this?" She asks.

Faraday pops out and takes her box.

"Yeah!" Faraday says lovingly.

"The Faraday heirloom. You know this car belonged to my grandfather, then when he got a new car he passed it to my father, then when he got a new car he passed it to me,"

Helga watches as Faraday kicks the car to get the trunk open. The alarm kicks in, and he quickly puts all the boxes in to close the truck which shuts up the alarm.

"Oh this car...it's so...so precious to me," He mused.

Helga looks at Badd for answers and he just simply shakes his head.

"Don't ask, only he knows the answer,"

Byrne and Badd get into the front seat of the car.

"Hey Helga, need a ride?" He asks.

Helga hesitantly shakes her head no.

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly intrude, besides my bus could arrive any second now,"

"Oh then this will be a lot faster. Where do you live?"

"On E Z Street,"

Byrne and Badd look at her in shock, then at each other. Helga impatiently places her hand on her hips.

"Now what?" She asks,

She so hates being the last to know something.

"You live on E Z Street? You...you-you live DOWNTOWN?!" Byrne asks in shock.

"Why is that such a bother for you?" She asks with her head tilted.

"Helga...you remember our talk about Downtown and Uptown?" Badd asks.

"Of course, they are separated by a matter of wealth. You seriously don't think I'm wealthy do you?"

"Well....you certainly dress like it,"

At this Helga curtsies,

"I was taught to dress for the type of job you want. Professional but stylish,"

She compliments

Byrne exits the driver's seat and gets out of the car, then opens the door for her.

"And stylish you are my lady,"

Smiling, she enters the backseat and Byrne gets back into the front.

He places both hands on the wheel and begins to mumble to himself. Helga grows a worried look at turns to Badd. He instantly catches it and turns toward her.

"He's praying, don't mind him," he says as he turns towards the front again.

When Byrne finishes he awakes with a look of such hope in his eyes.

"Alright gang! Let's go home! We have a big day tomorrow!" He says with happiness.

"What? We're all out of work, what do you mean tomorrow?" Helga asks,

"The investigation duh! We have to figure out where the real portrait went!" Byrne explains.

Helga rolls her eyes.

"If it even exists," she mumbles.

"I remember the name of the guy at the auction who wanted to buy the same portrait of ours. His last name is Grossberg, all I gotta do is go to my computer and badabing badaboom find him!"

Helga raises her eyebrow.

"You are awfully cheery for a man who just lost his job. Shouldn't your concerns be elsewhere?" Helga asks.

Byrne starts the car and begins driving.

"It should, but I'm already in the hole, why not see how low it gets,"

Helga looks at Badd for clarification.

"He's not given up on the case," he simply says.

"I really don't understand why. I was taught  when to accept defeat, and when it comes to accept it gracefully.  This is far from graceful," Helga reasoned.

"I'm not beaten yet, and I refuse to give up!" Byrne adds.

He looks to his rearview mirror and laments,

"When I do, they win, and I simply can not let that happen,"

He closes his eyes to think for a moment, then opens them with a newfound sense of anger.

"And their ways of getting us out of the game are far from fair. I mean swapping portraits with a stag, not to mention the one we bought has white crystal oil. Poor Lang had to leave before could have a proper investigation,"

"It could be said that your incompetence is the reason for this,"

The car becomes quiet at this, but Helga quickly takes back her words.

"Although I have found it odd how everything we seemingly need goes missing. I mean first the hospital, then the smuggling, and now this Mary Jane. Evidence disappears left and right. And we never did know what happened to Ms. Eva Leisman did we?" Helga asks.

Badd clicks his tongue.

"No one knows where she is. It's looking really bad for our police department,"

"Especially now that we have no evidence and we're keeping some random man hostage. This particular case has a high chance of being dismissed," Byrne explains,

"Now we can't let that happen. The people of L.A want that man in jail, and allowing him slip through our fingers once again would only make them more fearful of the Weasles," Badd explains,

"And less respectful of the police," Byrne adds.

Helga looks at the two of them fondly.

"You really care about this city don't you?" She asks with a gentle smile.

Byrne and Badd look at each other with smiles on their faces.

"E Z Street Downtown L.A born and raised baby," Byrne chanted.

Badd looks at Helga,

"When a place you love gets overrun with mobsters, gangsters, whatever you want to call them...you get defensive. Of course you want to save that town, your memories are there and the memories of your friends and their family," Badd sighs.

"How sad," Helga sighs as well.

She looks down lost in thought.

Was it worth the trouble to help these men?

She shakes her head. Of course not! They humiliated her! She will not be swayed by tender words again.

But, the way they sounded, it almost sounded genuine, but crooks are notoriously known for their acting. Helga really ought to find another job as soon as they let her go.

However, it didn't really seem like the two had anything against her.

Helga nearly pulls her hair. Why is it so hard to tell if someone is being genuine?! Why can't she just stick to her mind?!

Even if she decided never to call them again, or see them again for that matter she knows she'll never stop thinking about it.

Isn't this what happened last time? And look where it got her.

Taking a heavy sigh she speaks,

"Are you seriously sticking to your claim that the portrait you originally bought was stolen?" She asks.

"That's the only story we have, and as crazy as it sounds it's the truth. We just don't have proof," Badd says looking back to the front of the window.

"Theoretically!" Byrne intervenes with a single index finger up.

"I'm willing to bet that the Grossberg guy will help us," Byrne says.

"Well...if, and only if you are able to prove it, I might be able to help you," she says looking away.

Badd turns to look at her with a mix of gratefulness. Byrne shouts out,

"You mean it,"

She nods her head in response with a small smile.

"HOORAY! I DID IT! I stole from von Karma right from under his nose! Ha ha! Do you know what this means Helga?" Byrne says enthusiastically.

"I shudder to ask. What does this mean?"

"We're a team! It's no longer a dynamic duo, it's a TRIUMPHANT TRIO!  Oh we have to have a name now!" Byrne says excitedly.

"Please no!" Badd sighs exhausted.

"I don't think that's really necessary," Helga added.

"Ooh, what should we be called? It has to be super cool like G.I Joe, but not too obvious or crazy. But it also has to describe us...hmm, the last chance club?" He offered.

The other two verbally disagreed.

"Absolutely not!" Badd says.

"Ugh! What describes us," Byrne says.

Badd speaks up,

"We have literally nothing left,"

The car grows silent and the other two give him mournful looks.

"I mean think about it. We're going into dangerous territory because we literally have nothing left to offer. We're going on these missions because there's nothing else to do...if we died...well it's not like I'd leave a legacy worth keeping," Badd sighs.

"You don't have to put yourself in the rut my friend," Helga says, placing her hand on his shoulder reassuringly.

"I know what I've done. I'm willing to answer for it as well. I have nothing left to give either," she says.

"Well save for one other person," she thinks to herself.

"I'd put my hand on you, but I'm driving," Faraday says.

"Is the word you're looking for Suicide?" Byrne asks.

Badd nods in agreement.

"What's suicide?" Helga asks,

"Oh uh, when you kill yourself,"

Helga looks at Badd with such pity.

"Don't look at me like that, I'm fine!" Badd says defensively.

"But there's already Suicide Squad, it's in the comics," Byrne laments.

Badd shakes his head.

"You have got to stop watching so many superhero fics," he says.

Helga points her finger up,

"Or we don't need a name?" She offers.

Byrne shushes her,

"No, we need a name. I know! How about Agent Suicide?!" He asks.

Helga and Badd look at each other.

"He's not gonna stop is he?" Helga asks,

"Let's just entertain him for now," Badd replies.

He speaks up to Byrne,

"Yeah, it's not so bad!" He says to him with a smile.

"Oh yeah! Agent Suicide. We got Tyrell Badd, the brawn, we have Helga Kringle the beauty lastly me Byrne Faraday, the brain,"

"And f you too Byrne," Badd says aloud with the same expression on his face.

Helga giggles at the interaction.

Present Day

Reception Hall

"It was the beginning of a sort of dysfunctional kinship between the three of us," Helga says to Franziska.

"Hmm who would have thought, before the Yatagarasu there was you three Agent Suicide. But why that name?" Franziska asks a little uncomfortable at the thought of the mental state of her mother back when she was young.

"At that time, we had little hope for our lives. We were so desperate to achieve justice we blind ourselves to our own worth as human beings. I know for sure I felt that way. I came to this country looking for your brother, and I had yet to find him, on top of that I was fired from a job I hadn't had in 2 weeks, and I'm sure no one was to hire a foreigner. In my eyes I failed as a mother and lady," she says sadly.

"So what happened? Weren't you fired?" Franziska asked.

"See that's the thing....I wasn't,"

"What?"

"I just assumed I was fired. No von Karma would take in anyone less than perfect, and I had already smeared his reputation with me being called Mrs. von Karma and all. I thought I'd save him the trouble of removing my things and not looking him in the eyes again, but that's not what happened,"

53 years ago

???

"Um, Mr Byrne Faraday? Where are we going? We missed our stop," Helgs says,

Byrne sweats as he turns back to face her.

"Um...I forgot something very very important," he says with a tone akin to one about to throw up.

"What happened?" Badd says already expecting the worst.

"The portrait," Byrne sighs,

Helga mouth drops and Badd covers his face with his palms.

"It's still up there?" She panicked.

"It should still be!" Byrne says making a quick u-turn.

"Oh mein gott! I can't believe I forgot!" She is disappointed in herself.

"Don't worry, I know a shortcut!" Byrne declares as he speeds down the highway.

Suddenly they were back in Uptown again as if they didn't just pass a couple of homeless people with a couple of teeth in her mouths.

This made Helga wonder why such a long route to the Prosecution's office. It was 11:16 in the evening, and they left 4 hours ago. They should've been home by now.

She hums to herself.

"I suppose it is that dangerous to go from one side of town to another?" She thinks.

"Mr Tyrell Badd, is it really that dangerous to go from one side of town to another?" She asks, tilting her head.

Badd goes to face her.

"It's usually worse at night. The route we take is different so that people can't recognize how we get to our destination," Badd explains.

"I still can't believe you took a bus to from E Z Street to here," comments Byrne,

"Yeah, I'm surprised you weren't killed," Badd adds,

Helga grows defensive,

"Well it's not as if anyone would tell me it was dangerous!" She hisses,

"Exactly, you're right," Badd agrees.

"Look, I just want to get the portrait and go home before Manfred von Karma sees me,"

"Too late," says Manfred from the outside.

From seeing him Byrne slams to a stop. Badd hits his head at the front of the car and pinches his nose.

"And what the hell was that Byrne!" He yells upset.

"I didn't see him!" Byrne defended, quickly opening the car.

"Are you alright?" He asks Manfred,

Manfred stands up straight, seeming uninterested in the confrontation.

"Your worries should go to your partner over there. I'm more curious as to what my assistant is doing in your car,"

He looks at Helga with a look of fury. Her mouth goes agape,

"Sir I assumed, I thought," she choked out anxiety taking her in.

"You saw the portrait didn't you? I didn't think you wanted anything to do with me,"

Manfred looks back thinking about the drawing.

"About that. I took care of it. You needn't worry about it," he says to her in German.

Helga looks down and fiddles with her fingers.

"But...what about your reputation?" She asks in the same language.

Manfred shakes his head.

"Let me worry about that. I for one would much rather have a conversation with you outside this...." he looks at the beaten up vehicle.

"Whatever this is," he finally finishes.

Badd and Byrne look at each other to shock them back at Helga.

Helga, without saying a word, exits the car and follows von Karma. She looks back at them one last time with a look of uncertainty.

Badd shoos her off.

"Go, we'll talk later,"

She takes a final bow then follows Manfred up the stairs to the prosecution's office.

He takes her to his usual office then sits her down on the chair in front of his desk, him naturally, taking the big chair. Helga is consumed with anxiety, she expects a lecture, a confrontation of her behavior.

While fiddling with her fingers, Manfred gently takes her hand.

"Do not look so pitiful. You're not in trouble," he says.

She looks at him in shock.

"How could I not be?" She asks, concerned.

"That portrait wasn't your fault, it was that idiot who smuggled it. And you could not have foreseen Faraday's foolishness," Manfred says with understanding.

He leans in the back of his chair and glances at his computer.

"Now, to the matter of discussion. How did the defendant get his hands on such, intimate, drawings?" He asks.

"...." Helga places her finger on her chin.

"I was in love with a painter back in Germany. To put it bluntly, we did not split on the best of terms," she says in German.

Manfred hums,

"So the defendant met with your lover did he?" He questions,

"Apparently so..."

At this Manfred gets up from his seat and goes to whisper in her ear,

"You know, we usually try to keep our personal lives out of work...but I know it's not your fault,'

He takes a seat next to her and takes her hand, leaning closer to her ear.

"Is there something else I should know about?" He asks calmly.

Helga closes her eyes then looks down.

"Yes, it's the reason I came to the country in the first place,"

Manfred separates himself from her though his hands remain on hers. He patiently waits for an answer.

"He's here, in this country. And he took our son with him. I'm trying to look for him," she says looking down.

Manfred knows that's not everything. He could bring up what he knows but he doesn't want to.

"Sir...um where did you put the portrait?" Helga asks,

She does not want that thing getting out to the public. Manfred shakes his head and gives a smug smile.

"Like I said, you don't need to worry, I took care of everything,"

Everything indeed....

4 hours earlier.

Manfred goes to the top of the stairs, for the sole purpose of giving that blasted woman a piece of his mind. How dare she allow such filth like that in the prosecution's office.

It's an affront to justice, a mockery to the courts. He had half a mind to fire her on the spot, but then he stumbled upon her and Badd's conversation.

"You have every right to be angry, and I'm really sorry for putting you through this," he heard.

He stood back, though he didn't know why. Why was his body reluctant to confront the two? All he had to do was yell at them and fire them, right?

He didn't care much for the details of the conversation, but from what he gathered, they were going to go and meet this guy at the defendant lobby and see if the portrait was smuggled through him.

Knowing that they were gonna go out through the way they came, Manfred quickly absconded through the steps and went back into his office.

He took a heavy sigh of relief, that he wasn't caught, and gazed as they walked to the precinct by foot. As he was looking at them, he realized that they didn't have the portrait on them.

"Hmph!" He hummed to himself.

"Not even the decency to clean up after themselves," he says as he heads back up to the top of the prosecution's office, the roof where Detective Badd and Helga talked.

Just as he surmised, the portrait was there lying face down on the ground. All he had to do was pick it up and throw it away.

As he went to touch the portrait, a different thought, a WEAK thought took over him.

" Turn it around " it said

Manfred shakes his head no.

"Of all the impertinent thoughts, don't you dare!" He told his body.

He leaves it on the floor for a second, closes his eyes and turns away.

"Since when was it my job to pick up after people," he thought to himself.

They should've known better than to leave something like this for all to see. He should call them right now and have them pick up after themselves.

.....he should....

But, he didn't. He doesn't know why but he just doesn't. For some reason, some part of him wants to look at the portrait. Just once more if possible.

"I mean," Manfred thinks to himself.

"It's not as if I got a good look at it,"

He only glanced at it before averting his eyes, simply because he recognized the person in the portrait.

"It's not as though I haven't seen such things before," he reasoned to himself.

In fact, in his studies he encountered quite a bit of art that had some sort of aspect of nudity to them, and it was far from sexual.

"Hmm," he hums as he searches his mind for examples.

There was Lady Liberty Leading the People. And of course the statues of Michelangelo.

Manfred nodded to himself.

"I suppose I've been to modest, it can't be that bad,"

Then he lifts the portrait and oh was he wrong.

Two things, he wasn't being modest, it's exactly what it looks like, and another it was entirely sexual.

Manfred places a hand on his mouth while looking at the contents. There was not one unsexual thing in the photo, which was a shame because it would only hurt his pride later.

But the interesting thing was....he couldn't bring himself to look away.

"Curse that woman," he mutters as he adjusts the painting to get a better look.

Everywhere he looks, all he sees is beauty. From the tip of her baby blue hair to the bottom of her toes that's all he sees, and what haunts him is the fact that the woman in the photo knows it and teases.

She teases him with her clear silver eyes, and the way she looks at the viewer, at him only makes him feel worse.

"Enough of this," he says with a red face as he covers the photo.

"I'll destroy you myself," he says as he grabs the portrait's handle.

He takes the stairs all the way down to the garage, to make sure no one sees him, though it really wasn't necessary. What's so suspicious about him taking out trash.

Well...that's not what he did. Instead he just put it in the back seat of his car.

Temporarily, the cloak that covered the portrait was loose and revealed the woman's eyes, but he quickly covered them.

"I'll deal with you later," he says as he closes the door, locks the car, then heads back to his office.

There was paperwork on his desk, but they didn't seem to catch his attention more than his actions just now.

Why did he put that portrait into his car? Why didn't he throw it away like he was supposed to?

Back at the garage, when he was closest to a large trash can he could've sworn he heard, " Don't throw me away ," in a very Helga like voice.

And what was so interesting about her voice? It wasn't like he didn't get to hear it everyday? The enthralling submissive way she would obey his orders.

How she tries so hard to get an American accent, how in less than 2 weeks she managed to mimic von Karma's vocabulary.

He smiles briefly at the thought, when she spoke to someone on his behalf.

"So cute," he thought.

But then that thought turned into realization.

"Don't tell me?" He asks himself with utmost disappointment.

"Is this the reason you're putting up with this sort of behavior...because you're attracted to her?"

If his father was alive he would be slapped so hard in the face right now. He was kind of glad he wasn't alive, so that he may face his shame in peace.

He begins to organize his files. He can't work in this state, there's just to much on his mind.

If it weren't for that woman he would've been done by now.

Blasted woman...making him think about her instead of more pressing matters, like the case.

Although the trial for the defendant wouldn't be for another 2 weeks. But still, his usual performance has been tainted all because of that temptress, that vile she-devil, that...that...that beautiful woman.

He stops organizing his files so that he may pinch his nose.

"How could I allow myself to be taken so easily by her," he asks himself.

Ring ring! Ring ring!

He would normally make Helga get the phone, but he's an adult. He can do it himself.

"Hello, von Karma speaking," he repeats.

"You'll never guess what just happened!" Gant says on the other line.

"Gant, does this have to do with work?!"  von Karma asks, annoyed.

"Of course it does. It has to do with my prestigious reputation. My connections are on the line if these rumors continue my credibility will sink,"

"Gant what happened?" Manfred asks just out of curiosity,

"Udgey's wife kicked him out, and it's all because she thinks we're sleeping together,"

There's a brief moment of silence, until Manfred hangs up. He shakes his head disappointed and begins to look over his case files once more.

The phone rings again and Manfred answers,

"Don't hang up Manny! But seriously, this is serious!" Gant whines.

"Damon...I don't care,"

"Well you should, he's going to be the judge of the upcoming case,"

Manfred growls in frustration.

"Uh! Is there no one who can keep their personal lives out of their jobs!?" He asks,

Both for the judge and for himself. Damon notices the tone and intervenes.

"That reminds me...is it official? Is Helga fired?"

Manfred grits his teeth at the mention of her name.

"...why do you ask?" He asks with venom.

"Mmm. I was just wondering if she was on the market that's all. It's kind of hard to date someone when your coworkers and all,"

Debeste kicks the door open.

"Wait, it's official? She's fired?" He asks intrigued.

"Chief Prosecutor Debeste!" Manfred says appalled.

"Look Manfred, give her my phone number!" He demands.

"Hey! I was here first!" Damon intervenes.

"I didn't say we couldn't share," Debeste says with a smug smile.

Manfred's face grows red with anger by the second.

"Oh I like the sound of that~" coos Damon as Debeste laughs.

Slamming his fist on the desk, Manfred yells,

"GET OUT!"

Debeste jumps back in shock

"Woah Manfred," he says, placing his hand on his heart.

Without thinking Manfred says,

"She isn't fired. What gave you that impression?"

Debeste raises his eyebrow.

"Oh I don't know, maybe on the count that we know you, and you usually would do something like this," Debeste argues.

"Oh leave him alone! Is it really that bad to keep her around, I mean look at her!" Damon says,

Debeste nods in agreement.

"Can't argue with that,"

"Besides, there's more to this story than meets the eye. I heard from a little birdy that the defendant in your case got the portraits from a certain someone,"

Manfred looks at the phone intrigued.

"And where did you get this information from?" He asked,

"Oh Badd is having Helga help him move out of the office, but before they packed up, he had and her talked to the defendant about why there are so many portraits of her,"

Manfred was very interested in the conversation. The fact that he could potentially know more about the artist behind the portrait and the story seemed too good to be true.

"What else did you find out?" Debeste asks,

"Apparently, the portrait that Badd and Byrne bought was stolen and swapped with a stag. He accurately described the portrait he bought, and now they're trying to prove to her their innocence,"

"But why does it matter which portrait has what?"

"The portrait they bought had white crystal oil on it. Apparently it was smuggled because the supplier wanted the white crystal oil to make some more Cohdopian Mead,"

Manfred asks,

"Who is this supplier,"

"The defendant called her Mary Jane. I'm willing to bet there are more answers at the Museum," Damon finishes.

Manfred looks at the phone curiously.

"Why are you telling me this? Doesn't it benefit you that Detective Badd is out of the office? He was close with the new Chief of Police,"

"Yeah I'll admit it, I was kinda waiting for the opportunity to kick Badd to the curb, but with them out the case Chrys Anthemum gets to leave prison and the case will go unsolved. I'm more worried about the reputation of the police than I am about some junky detective, "

Debeste hums,

"I agree. The prosecution's office has never suffered so hard. The people already view us as incompetent. Letting that man go won't make things easy for us,"

Manfred crosses his arms.

"Very well. I'll have a chat with her. Right after I take care of these documents,"

Debeste claps his hands.

"Oh, it sounds like a plan! I do love plans!" He says happily.

"They should be coming back now, be sure to update us on the details,"

"Will do, goodbye,"

Then he hangs up.

Then he met with Helga outside as soon as he saw her, then he tried to talk to her and get some information out of her as best he could.

He didn't want to put on his prosecutor's face. For some reason he felt himself relax around her. Especially when he got a whiff of her scent when he whispered in her ear.

He thought to himself at the moment,

"How delicious~"

Her hands felt so warm and soft in his. He couldn't help but think about how she looked in that portrait. How enticing...how well... he wondered if she felt this soft all over her body.

He pulled himself away so that we wouldn't be too trapped by her beauty, although the toxins have already sunk in.

When he sent her off, he couldn't help but look as she left the door, taking in all of her beauty until she was out of sight.

Suddenly a familiar wave washed over him. It was the feeling he had before he met Helga, that was with him from the moment he fell asleep and followed to the prosecution's office.

And the courtroom after a trial, and dinner, and breakfast for the next day. It followed him without fail ever since his sister's passing. The somberness, the loneliness.

As he stepped into von Karma Manor, the century old home of the von Karma's he walked past all the grand halls to go to his bedroom. The servants have turned in for the evening, not that they would be around when he came home.

They were long off the clock, and so was he. The only person around was his cook, but they rarely said anything to each other.

Lonely he felt, sitting in a grand dining room with more than enough room for a party of twelve, only for him to sit by himself at the head. For a moment, he felt sad.

Yes, he was used to this feeling, he grew up on it. Being alone is what shaped him into the perfect man he is.

But now that he has encountered the feeling of flesh, he realized that being alone wasn't his just reward.

"What am I being perfect for?" He asked as he placed his untouched meal in the trash.

If this is his reward, if this is the byproduct of perfection then he didn't want it.

Bah, of course he would still do anything to obtain it. In his job, there were no other areas, besides Helga, that needed perfection.

He lives in the perfect house, and his servants keep it tidy for him while he's away. Everything should be perfect. But there's something in the way of that, and his foolish human flesh is to blame.

"If only I didn't have this carnal desire," he says to himself as he washes the dishes.

There really wasn't anything else to do. Might as well brush up on his tidying.

He wonders, does this desire have to last forever.

His mind flashes to a portrait in his trunk, and he comes upon a thought.

"What if I...no!"

He slams his wet hands on the desk. It was out of the question. It was weakening, and he was above that.

However, the thoughts wouldn't go away on his own. Perhaps if he indulged in his body's wishes, just this once, he would be cured of this infatuation.

With this in mind, he absent-mindedly headed to his car and unlocked the door. His heart stopped upon seeing the portrait still in the same place where he left it. Gathering his courage he removed it from his car then made it to his bedroom where he laid it upon his chair.

"(Sigh) I can't believe I'm doing this," he says to himself as he removes his cravat.

Then this shirt, then his close, every piece of clothing laid neatly on the hamper so that he may finally indulge himself.

When he began, the feeling of loneliness left him, and he felt himself slowly growing addicted to it.

Meanwhile at the prosecution's office, Blaise Debeste gets a call from his cell phone.

"Hello?" He asks.

Gant answers,

"Manny likes Helga doesn't he?" He asks bluntly.

"Seems like it,"

"SHIT!"

Then Gant hangs up the phone.

At Grossberg Law Offices, Marvin and the Judge Elias Raize put up the stolen portrait in his office.

"Do you think we'll be caught?" Marvin asks worriedly.

"I hope not, if anything just deny that it's there," replies the judge.

CRASH

Marvin gasps at the sound of the sudden break in. He grabs his umbrella and Elias his gavel and heads up to the source of this sound.

They enter the main room and to their shock see a woman who tries to shut them down.

"Eva Leisman?!!"

They both say in shock

Chapter Text

Present Day

Marvin Grossberg Law Offices

November 16th

"Uh, mother, what are we doing here again?" Franziska asks.

"I want to show you something. I had long since thrown this photo away, but I think it's still here somewhere," Helga says as she wheels herself around the office.

Marvin Grossberg had long since retired as a lawyer, and he passed this office down to one of its surviving descendants. They were kind enough to allow Helga access, but Franziska wonders how long they would be able to keep this up.

"All right mother, but don't be disappointed if you don't find it okay," She asks.

Helga nods but nonetheless continues her search. She made it up to a picture frame that had a photo of Marvin Grossberg and his students. 

"Franziska, take a look at this!" She says pointing at the photo.

Franziska goes over to it and sees its contents.

"Grossberg Law Offices, 1977," Franziska reads.

"No, look who's in the photo! Look! There's Delilah, and Marvin of course, Robert Hammond, Gregory Edgeworth,"

"Gregory Edgeworth! You knew his father?"

"It was more of an acquaintance , dear. I haven't seen him since he was alive at 16, and even then he had yet to earn his attorney's badge. We met solely because of this case,"

"Yes but...Robert Hammond? Seriously!" Franziska looked at her mother with shock 

She was hearing the names she did not want to hear.

"Robert Hammond was an employee here for a while. Back then, we had no idea that our lives would change the way it would. But if you look at that photo,"

Franziska gently took the photo off the wall then handed it to her mother. Her mother gave a gentle smile then turned it back towards her,

"You'd see that we were so happy," 

Franziska smiled at her mother, then crossed her arms.

"We still have yet to find the photo you speak of mother,"

"No need. I already know where it is," 

Helga wheeled herself to the old desk of Marvin Grossberg.

"I'm so glad they kept the desk after all these years," She says while lifting the corner of it with such force it looked as though she were breaking it.

"Mother!?" Franziska says with irritation.

She looks inside the desk and sees a huge photo of a group of people in law enforcement, with Helga also to the side. Franziska covers her mouth,

"I don't believe this,"

Helga takes out the photo and wipes the dust off of it. There they were, Gregory Edgeworth was on the very edge looking as serious as ever, even though he had yet to don his signature cloak or fedora, his black sweater vest and same color hair slicked back as always. 

He didn't have on his glasses, at that age he didn't need to. At that moment, Franziska couldn't help but think that was just Miles Edgeworth with a different hairstyle. 

The plump woman next to him. With two black bangs on the side of her head, much like Miles' had her fingers with red nails wrapped around the other mans.

"Who is this?" Franziska asks.

"That's Delilah Edgeworth. Though at the time the photo was taken they weren't married yet. She was a singer and part time assistant at the firm.

She glances over at everyone else, and especially her mother and father who was in the opposite direction of the Defense Attorney's.

"I've seen photos of Papa when he was young, but I've never seen any with you,"

"There's a reason for that my darling...I didn't like having anything taken of me during those days,"

Franziska cringes remembering the story,

"Not that I blame you. But why is this photo here?"

"I asked Marvin to keep it there for safe keeping since none of us could agree on a better place to put it. You see at the time, we were looking for a replacement because somehow, my stolen portrait made it to the courthouse. It was just my luck that Byrne Faraday and Tyrell Badd discovered it though.

53 Years Ago

October 31st

1:28 pm

Byrne and Badd enter the museum building. They head to the area where they last saw Helga's portrait, but to their disappointment they didn't see a replacement.

It was just empty hanging on the sealing, and there was a yellow tag, next to the description and pricing of the painting that said 'sold'.

"Dang it! I knew this would happen!" Byrne says taking a better look at the description.

"Do you remember the name of the artist?" Badd asks, tilting his head.

"It should be somewhere around here...come on...come on, there! It's a 'Kringle' ironic right,"

Badd nods his head in agreement and an associate walks by.

"Excuse me...do you have any portraits by the name of Kringle?"  Badd asks,

"Yes sir, they're in the auctioning room, but unfortunately you cannot come in without  an invitation," he says,

Byrne steps up,

"Look I bought a Kringle, here's my receipt. There was a mistake in acquiring my purchase, I just want to collect my painting,"

The man takes a look at the receipt.

"Do you have the original portrait with you?" He asks, 

"....yes it's in my trunk,"

"Very well then, you may enter,"

They both enter the auctioning hall to see Damon Gant, Manfred von Karma, Blaise Debeste, and Ernest Amano standing around the room. They seem to be discussing the hidden portraits.

Byrne looks at Badd and curses,

"Shit!" Running out the door.

Badd catches Byrne by the neck scarf.

"Look we're already here, we might as well ask around,"

"Are you insane? We're never gonna be allowed to investigate the scene. I say we wait until their gone,"

"But an auctioneer might sell the one we bought,"

"Not so fast!" 

The voice of Damon Gant interrupts the two's conversation.

"Well well, I can't say I'm surprised to see you two," he says with a smile on his face.

"Damon, so good to see you we were just leaving!" Byrne says about to make a run for it when Badd stops him.

He takes the receipt off his hand.

"We're just here to confirm if there was a mistake in our purchase look," Badd says, showing him the receipt.

Gant takes a look, then gives the two a mischievous glare.

"Are you sure you peeping toms aren't here just to get another look at Ms. Kringle,"

Badd steps up,

"And earn another slapping session...I think not," 

Gant places his palms together.

"Alright, you can have a look around, but remember, I'm watching you," he warned though his expression never faltered.

"Thank you," Badd says as he makes his way to the other portraits, Byrne not too few steps behind.

Of course, they were earned with a few dubious stares from the other officials that were there, but for the most part they kept to themselves. Debeste heads over to Gant.

"Hey, what's with those two?" He asks, whispering in his ear.

"They're trying to see if their portrait was stolen. It shouldn't take too long for them to find, or not find it," 

Badd was about to lift the cover of a portrait when Byrne stopped him,

"Dude! Noo!" He warned.

"How else are we supposed to check?!" Badd asked.

"Try to find the feet! They're usually at the bottom. I know the one we bought had slippers," Byrne explains.

Gant steps up behind them.

"My, you perverts have so much attention to detail," he says.

Badd rolls his eyes and Byrne shivers at him.

"Ugh, I'm going to be sick," he says to himself.

They check every portrait's bottom, but come up with nothing. They refused to check again out of respect for Helga, however they didn't know how to proceed forward without knowledge of the portrait they bought.

"Okay well, we can't seem to find any good answers," Byrne says tapping his foot.

"I've been avoiding it, because I don't want to talk to them, but it seems the only way we'll get our answers is if we talk to the others," Badd sighs.

They first go to Gant.

"So what are you guys even doing in this case?" Badd asks straight forward.

Gant fiddles with his hair,

"Sorry, but that's confidential only to the police," 

"Right....do you know the transaction history of this place? When were all these portraits bought?"

"I'm not sure I'm obligated to give that information,"

Byrne steps in,

"Oh my gosh, Gant! Dude why are you so stingy,"

"Byrne you know as well as I do that if you don't have premise to investigate you can't get involved at a crime scene,"

"There was a crime here,"

"...nice try Byrne,"

Byrne snaps his fingers upset.

"Uh, It's days like this I really miss my prosecution's authority," Byrne sighs annoyed.

Gant fiddled with his hair some more,

"You know, you could always get permission to investigate. Debeste is in the process of transferring authority as we speak. You might be able to get a word in before von Karma makes your investigation impossible,"

Badd raises his eyes at his former boss.

"All of the sudden you want to help us?" Badd asks with eyebrows raised.

"Of course not, you two have a problem of  taking everyone down with you. I was just giving a suggestion," he says playfully.

Byrne and Badd gave each other suspicious looks before agreeing.

"Very well then, thank you,"

"Don't worry about it," he says.

As they walk over towards Debeste, Gant could compress his giggle, which the both of them caught on.

"So what brings you here?" Debeste asks, trying to turn on his match.

"Uh we were just wondering if we could have permission to just know some of the information of the current case...NOT ALL of course but, look," 

Byrne takes out his receipt.

"We just want to know when all of these portraits were bought,"

Debest turns off his match then places his hands on his hips.

"And why should I? You two caused a lot of problems for the prosecution's office! Don't think I haven't heard about what happened about the tape," 

Badd steps in,

"We are fully aware of what we've done, and we have no intention of intruding on the current case, we just need to know who bought these portraits and when. We think there's been a mistake in getting our portrait for the police,"

Debeste places a finger on his chest.

"Well if that's all your gonna do," he stars off,

Then he gives the two a smile,

"I suppose I can concede," 

Byrne and Badd look at Debeste in shock. 

"Don't look at me like that, officially I haven't started documents yet, so you can still keep your badge...for now at least," 

"....okay," the two men take a careful step back from the Chief Prosecutor.

"However I do need to see if this is okay with the current head prosecutor...hey von Karma,"

Manfred turns around to face the three of them.

"Can they get some information on a case?' Debeste asks.

Manfred replies with a gentle smile and nod,

"Sure, I don't see why not,"

At this, Byrne's and Badd's mouths drop in shock. They jump back having their previous suspicions confirmed.

"Oh hell no," Byrne starts pointing at Gant, then Debeste, then von Karma who all had smiles on their faces.

"This is far too easy, and now Manfred's smiling?!" Byrne asked hiding behind Badd who in response gives a protective shoulder to him 

"What? I can't smile because I'm in a good mood?" He asks.

Badd and Byrne glance suspiciously towards him.

"...no," They both say in unison.

Manfred's smile never falters.

 "Go ahead and investigate. I trust you two won't get in the way," he says

Byrne whispers into his partner's ear.

"Tyrell, I'm scared," 

Badd shakes his head.

"We don't have a choice. Might as well see where they're trying to lead us," he replies.

Badd goes to talk to Manfred.

"Do you know when all of these portraits were bought?" 

Manfred crosses his arms to think.

"Two weeks ago actually," 

Badd and Byrne give each other the same look.

"The same day we bought our portraits?" They ask Manfred.

"I suppose so. The interesting thing is that they were all bought by one man," 

"And did the man by any chance go by Grossberg?" Byrne asked.

"No. They were bought by a man who goes under some surname I can't remember," 

Manfred searches the back of his head.

"Ernest, what was the name of that man?" He asked.

"Kris,"

"That's the name,"

It took about a minute for the two to recover from their shock. Manfred von Karma, forget a name? Impossible, but there he was asking his comrade for assistance he used to brag in his court cases for.

After shaking his head, Badd turns to Amano,

"Mr. Amano, do you know where we can find this guy?" He asks,

"He's somewhere in this building, but I doubt you'll be able to convince him to see you. Even I tried to buy from him, raised the price quite a bit, and he still didn't budge," Ernest explains.

"Wait, why can't the police just confiscate it for a bit?" Byrne asks,

Gant steps in,

"Since we don't have any proof that one of the portraits had white crystal oil, it would be hard to make an official request, besides, we can't let go of the fact that a legal official 'bought' what we assumed was the only portrait with the oil," Gant explains,

"Besides, since Kris bought the portraits, their his property now, and without evidence to confiscate it, we can't do anything about it," Manfred explains.

"Hence why Mr. Amano is here," Badd adds.

"Hey...do you know where we can find this Kris guy?" Byrne asks,

"He should be around the museum somewhere," Manfred says,

"Thank you," Badd says,

Then they both leave the room. Byrne looks at Badd with a curious look

"von Karma's in a good mood today, and that's saying something compared to the hell he usually gives to the police district," he comments,

"Tell me about it... I don't know what's going on...I don't know why they're acting so strange, and to be frank I don't want to find out...let's just get that stupid portrait back,"

Back inside the auction room.

"Woah, von Karma you can tone down the jolliness, they're gone," Debeste says with a smile.

"What jolliness?" Manfred asks, tilting his head, not even noticing his own gentle smile.

"Oh wait a minute, it's not an act? Manfred I've never seen you behave this way!" Ernest says in shock.

"I'm just in a good mood today. Is that such a crime?" He asks softly.

"No....but why, and how? Now that is the question?" Gant says leaning on Manfred's shoulder.

Manfred loses the smile for a second and raises his eyebrow. Gant whispers in his ear,

"Come on...who is she?"

And just like now, Manfred's mood is ruined. He pushes Gant away.

"You've got some nerve! As if I'd answer that,"

The rest of the room begins chuckling at his flushed demeanor.

"Now it makes sense, someone got some head!" Debeste laughs, leaning on Amano as he laughs as well.

"Yes...a head full of migraines. It's no wonder I'm never in a good mood thanks to you fools!" 

Ernest speaks up.

"You know, someone is missing today," He says, raising both his eyebrows twice.

Gant and Debeste both, 'ooo' together.

"Yes little Ms. Kringle. Where is she?" Asks Debeste as he searches around for her.

"What I want to know is, how is she?" Gant asks,

Manfred raises an eyebrow.

"What are you talking about, she's fine. She's at the prosecution's office organizing some files for me,"

"No no no no no, what I meant was....can she walk?"

Fed up with the group, and Gants boisterous laugh, Manfred knees him in the crotch, causing him to tumble forward.

The group instantly stop laughing as they watch von Karma leave the auctioning room. He crosses his arms and pouts.

"They don't know what their talking about,"

He says to himself. He makes his way to the hallway and begins to look at the area where the bought portrait was. 

When he looks at the area in lighter paint, he begins to imagine his personal portrait on the wall and begins to shudder. 

No one can know he kept one to himself, especially one so...lewd.

He closes his eyes and starts taking deep breathes.

"That's right...breathe in...breathe out,"

He thinks to himself as he leans against the wall. Thanks to the deep breaths he begins to think about Helga.

"I know I let her stay inside, so that she wouldn't have to associate with her portraits anymore...but I do need her help. She could convince the man to give them to us," he reasoned.

Nodding to himself he locates a telephone oh one and dials Helga. She instantly picks up,

"You've reached Manfred von Karma's office, this is Helga Kringle speaking. How can I help you today?" She answers.

"So cute," Manfred thinks shamelessly in his head.

"Helga, it's Manfred. I need you to come to the museum today. 

He can hear the gasp in her voice.

"B-but sir I,"

"It's non-negotiable...be here," Then he hangs up. 

He takes a large sigh and sits back.

"Hopefully she can resolve this mess...I am...really out of it today," He thinks to himself.

He sighs one last time before he walks off.

"Are you sure there is nothing we can do to change your mind Mr. Kringle?"

Interlopers, nothing more.

Step, step step step step

STOMP

Manfred stops in his tracks when he replays the last words that were said.

Did that man just say, Mr. Kringle? 

This had to be a coincidence, but it seemed too familiar to just walk by. Manfred hides himself in the hallway to get a good look at the men who were having a conversation.

There was Badd, and Faraday, and some white haired man with a bun standing in front of them.

Manfred couldn't place the expression on his face, but it seemed as though the man with white hair couldn't have a good day.

He didn't feel, or seem to have ever felt the 'jolliness' as the others described, but instead of a serious face, the man seemed sad.

"I'd be doing a disservice to the woman in the portrait if I did,"

The woman in the portrait.

Those were all the words Manfred needed to tell who this man was.

"Kris Kringle," he says to himself.

The man who bought the portraits, and the one who refused to sell to Amano. This the man they needed permission from to conduct their investigation properly. But it wasn't even the fact that, a seemingly nobody, had so much authority on a potential key piece of evidence. It was his connection to Helga.

"Look, we know the woman in the portrait too! Helga Kringle, we work with her!" Byrne shouts.

He grows an interested look on his face.

"Helga?" He repeats,

"Yeah, big white hat, baby blue hair, beauty mark?" Byrne says giving a description.

Kris gives a gentle smile.

"She's in this country....w-well where is she?" He asks,

"Umm, we're actually not sure at the moment-"

"Right here!" 

Helga appears from behind Kris with a look of fury on her face.

Damon Gant, Blaise Debeste, and Ernest Amano enter in from behind her as well. Kris gives a big smile.

"Helga, well... aren't you a sight for sore eye-"

SLAP

Kris is greeted with a large slap to the face and he is almost sent to the floor. His face seems sad at the moment, but then grows a weak smile.

"It's been to long since I've seen your beauty shatz," 

Helga trembles and looks as though she's about to cry.

"I hope you're proud of yourself Kris! And those portraits you took!"

Then she stomps past the men. Kris stumbles back then immediately goes after her.

"Helga please!" He says in German.

Helga does not look back and actually begins to sprint away, but Kris catches her.

"Please!" He begs in German.

"Please listen to me,"

She stops trying to get away, but doesn't face him 

"How could you do this to me.... haven't you hurt me enough?" She replies in the same language.

Kris takes the bottom of her hand.

"Haven't you?" He asked in response.

Helga sniffs, then goes to face him.

"Kris," she begins,

"I don't feel comfortable with you having them," she explains.

Kris takes both of her hands, but she quickly takes them back.

"Helga I-"

He reverts back to german, then gives a sad look,

"No...I won't. It's all I have left of your beauty,"

He goes to caress her cheek but she slaps his hand away.

"Do not talk to me like that! Give them back!" She demands also reverting back to German.

Kris simply shakes his head no.

"I won't," 

At this Manfred steps out of the corner he was hiding from,

"Helga, who is this man to you," he asks,

Helga looks at him sadly.

"He's the reason I left Germany, and unfortunately the rightful owner of the portraits," 

Ernest steps in.

"But are these portraits not of you? Don't you have some ownership of them?" He asks,

Helga places a hand on her chest and looks down.

"Since at the time they were being drawn I consented to being a model, the ownership technically belongs to him, though I fail to see why you have any use for them," he says directly to Kris,

"Helga...I'm sorry," he apologizes,

"Sorry won't cut it! Not only did you allow these portraits to go on public display, but now 2 of them go missing! Now some low-life has my portrait, Kris! MINE!" She yells.

"Wait...2 of them are missing?" He asks, confused.

Badd steps in behind him.

"That's where we were getting at. We already have one, the other one...the original one we bought is gone somewhere...my guess is that either you or somebody else bought it," he says.

"You have one?" Kris asks the two.

"Well...sort of," Byrne admits, rubbing the back of his head.

"...can I have it?" Kris asks,

"KRIS!" Helga yells.

"Sorry," he replies.

"Wait, I'm confused... you didn't buy it...and I bought the wrong one then who else could have?" Byrne asked.

The door opened revealing Marvin Grossberg. He had a happy look on his face.

"Oh Mr. Kringle!" He coos,

"We're ready for our lesson," 

When he stumbles upon all the legal officers he visibly sweats.

"Erm...I didn't interrupt anything did I?" 

Byrne grows a smile.

"Hey! It's...it's you isn't it! Grossberg! You were there!" He says.

Grossberg sweats some more.

"You were at the auction! You saw me buy the portrait of Themis, remember!" He asks.

Grossberg crosses his arms.

"I don't know what this man is talking about," 

Byrne's mouth drops in shock and so does Badd's.

"Now hold on a minute! I remember you too! You were at the auction!" Badd says appalled by the man's behavior.

"Sir...kindly do not raise your voice at me. Mr. Kringle my class will be waiting outside whenever you are," 

Then Grossberg leaves. Byrne ears steam,

"That liar! That good-for-nothing liar! I know he was there! I'm not crazy I-"

"Not so fast!" Gant says.

"I think that proves one thing though....that you were sadly mistaken," he explains.

Manfred crosses his arms.

"Indeed. If you two could kindly show yourselves out,"

Without a word they do as they were told. Kris goes up to Helga.

"Helga, may I have a word?" Kris asks, putting his hands in his pocket.

Helga blankly stared at him, then replies,

"No,"

She's about to walk away when Kris grabs her hand.

"Please, we have to talk,"

She snatches it away once more then says,

"If we must talk, it can wait after work. Now go...your 'friend' is waiting for you,"

Kris stares blankly as she watches Helga leave, and Manfred go behind her. Before departing he gives one last look at Kris before following.

Gant, Debeste, and Ernest sit in the room in silence as Kris walks away.

"So.....now what?" Ernest asks,

"Unfortunately this is as much of what we can do. If we can't buy the portraits then, there's nothing else for us," Debeste explains.

"But what about the new Chief of Police?" Ernest asks

Debeste takes out a match and begins playing with it.

"To be honest, I haven't seen him as of late....must be doing something on his own. Ugh this case is such a mess!" He sighs.

Gant goes to leave as well.

"And what say you Damon? What are you going to do?" Ernest asks,

Damon doesn't look at him and replies,

"...to get some answers,”

Chapter Text

Helga sat by herself outside the courtroom. She allowed the tears to fall, and her makeup to smear across her face. She was in a little private area where she surely wouldn't need to worry about other people intruding on her.

As she sobbed, she hugged her knees and rocked herself.

"How could this have happened?"

She asked herself over and over again.

It was exactly one month ago...ONE month, where she was happy. She was in love, she had a family, she had a stable career. Everything was going perfectly.

She didn't need to undermine herself and become a prosecutor's assistant to one of the most intimidating men law enforcement has ever come across.

She didn't have to care about portraits of herself going on the market because they were in the basement back home where they belonged.

And she certainly didn't need to worry about facing the man she used to love...or love still.

The whole relationship was rather complicated as of late. She came to the country searching for someone, yet was in the worst of positions she ended up being.

"How could this happen? How could this happen?"

She thought to herself over and over again.

When she closed her eyes all she thought about was the scene with Kris and that woman Victoria. Then her mind flashed to her former boss, the Chief Prosecutor in her district, back in Germany.

So many things, oh where oh where did it all go wrong.

She feels a hand upon her shoulder which jolts her back into reality. She sees her boss face to face with an unreadable expression.

"S-sir," she says in English, quickly wiping her tears.

He rolls his eyes and sneers.

"Oh for heaven sakes Helga get up,"

She does as she's told so quickly she does even realize she's doing it. 

From Manfred's pocket he pulled out a clear white embroidered handkerchief then handed it to her.

"Wipe that make-up off your face, you look terrible," he judges.

Helga instantly tries to stop her tears, and eventually succeeds almost. They're on the verge of falling again.

"Forgive me sir," she says in a weak voice.

They sit in silence for a moment as she wipes the tears off her face. As Manfred watches Helga recollect her face he couldn't help but notice how, even in bad conditions...she was beautiful.

"It's amazing, this woman could wear a potato bag and lose half her hair, but still look beautiful," Manfred thinks to himself.

He shakes his head.

"Quite a mess you made back there," he says while crossing his arms.

"Forgive me sir," Helga repeats,

"But forget about that now...I have a favor to ask of you,"

Helga looks at him curiously,

"Favor?"

"I need you to find some more information about those portraits. You do know why they were smuggled correct,"

"One of them had white crystal oil. But sir, I'm quite sure that Kris only painted one portrait of white crystal oil,"

"Well we can never be too sure. Kris sold them to a man, but to whom is the question and why. I'm not dropping this case until I have the perfect explanation, understand?"

"Yes sir,"

"Good,"

He looks solemnly to the ground then back at Helga. She was almost back to normal. Her eyes were red, and that couldn't be helped, and there were some makeup smudges here and there.

Look, one right below her left eye where her beauty mark is supposed to be. Without knowing it he places his them on her cheek, while the rest of his palm caresses the other side of her face.

With the thumb he wiped the smeared makeup. Huh, so that beauty mark is natural...how rare.

He didn't even notice Helga flinching for a second.

"Uh, sir?"

He's snapped out of his trance and he clears his throat.

"Well go now and do not fail me,"

She goes to leave from whence she came when Manfred stops her.

"And if you're going to cry, don't wear makeup,"

And with that she leaves the door. After closing it she takes a huge sigh of relief.

"That was so awkward," she says to herself as she almost slides to the door.

"So where to next?!"

"AAAH!"

She slaps Gant in the face causing him to tumble backwards.

"Detective Damon Gant...please do not scare me like that," 

Gant holds the side of his cheek.

"Sorry! Are you sure you don't want to join the force? Half of my men can't slap like you can,"

After adjusting herself she helps Gant up.

"My apologies,"

"No need to worry. So where are we going?"

"W-we?"

"Yeah we? We're investigating those portraits aren't we?"

"I suppose so,"

"So, yeah where do we begin?"

"We need to find Kris, Prosecutor Manfred von Karma ordered me to get as much information about the portraits as possible. He was here with a man named Marvin Grossberg, correct?"

"I've heard of him somewhat. I think he's giving lessons to students somewhere. For some sort of field trip,"

"Well he was in a museum earlier today, and Kris is a painter, perhaps we could ask some of the staff here to see where he went,"

Present Day

"Things just kept getting worse from there. I tried to keep things professional, but events kept happening over and over again.  I was fortunate to have Byrne Faraday and Tyrell Badd with me at the time, though they were on their own mission. They knew Marvin Grossberg had my portraits, but the only way they could think of getting it was through pretending to be students," Helga says,

"Interesting, and Gregory Edgeworth happened to he a student, WITH Robert Hammond," Franziska asks,

"It was so ago, I don't blame them for forgetting. Fate has a way of intertwining all of us, even with law....especially with law,"

53 years ago,

November 16th

2:30pm

Grossberg Law Offices 

"Alright class!" Marvin says getting into the middle of the room.

"I'll be ready as soon as I get these documents,"

Then he leaves the room.

There were 5 students in the living room from what it looked like, and they all sat some sort of distance from each other.

Gregory, sat on the loveseat with his girlfriend Delilah, and they both had notebooks in their hands,

Robert sat on the lower cushion with his legs crossed and fidgeted with his pen, then there was this blond haired woman with American flag earrings.

She had a white button up shirt on, but the buttons purposely exposed her cleavage. She wore a black thigh high skirt that clung to her hips, and while she was drawing on her notebook she chewed bubble gum.

Robert glared at the woman then whispered to Gregory.

"Tell me why she's here again?"

Gregory looks at her then back to Robert with a look of concern. He didn't like talking about other people, so he tried to downplay the situation.

"Like all of us, she wants experience. It takes a lot of work to be a defense attorney, especially if you just graduated," he whispered.

"And," Delilah added with a bubbly smile.

"She just passed the bar exam. Do you know how good you have to be to pass the bar exam at 16?" Delilah says impressed.

Gregory raises his eyebrow in agreement. 

"Hmmm. Excuse me miss uh,"

The woman looks at Robert and pops her gum.

"Ana. Ana Merican," 

The three nearly drop their materials.

"Ana Merican?" They all ask.

"Cute name huh," she says while chewing her gum.

"Cute isn't the word I would use to describe," Gregory thinks,

"So tell me, what brings you here? You're the youngest lawyer I've ever met, and we're all the same age," Robert says, placing his knuckle on his chin.

"Oh well, I studied really really hard and Marvin just came," Ana says with a smile.

"Literally," Robert says under his breath

Gregory taps his shoulder.

"I'm Gregory Edgeworth," He introduced himself.

"Delilah Castillo. I hope we can get along with our time together," she says with a smile.

"Me too," she says while twirling her hair and looking at Gregory.

The man in response blushes. 

Suddenly, the door bursts open revealing Byrne and his best friend Tyrell. When they see the group of students they jump in surprise.

"S-sorry, are we in the right place. Is this Grossberg Law Offices?" Tyrell asks.

"Yes you are correct-" Gregory is cut off by Ana.

"Oh yes you are correct," she fixes her hair as she goes to take Tyrell's hand.

"What brings you here?" She asks while batting her eyelashes,

Tyrell gives Byrne a desperate look and he intervenes,

"We're just here uh...on business, yes," he makes up.

Delilah gets up,

"Wait, both of you are young...are you students too?" She asked.

"Students?" Badd looked at Byrne with a raised eyebrow.

"We're studying to be defense attorney's,"  Robert clarified.

"Oh...well, we're more of observers, not really studying but we're trying to find out which law suits us y'know," Byrne answered.

"Oh well let me make it easier for you...be a defense attorney!" She says jokingly.

The two of them laugh for a second.

"Names Byrne Faraday," he greeted.

"Delilah Castillo, and this my boyfriend Gregory Edgeworth, and Robert Hammond, and Ana Merican!" 

Ana holds Tyrell tighter.

"Charmed," she says.

"Tyrell Badd...say...have you seen Marvin Grossberg?"

"He went to go get some papers, he should be back in a second," Gregory says,

"Oh well that's wonderful (he sighs of relief then catches his words) and that you guys are so young and in the legal field," Byrne says while rubbing the back of his head.

"Hey aren't you young too?" Robert asked.

"Uh yeah 17. What I meant was, it would be refreshing to see more people my age in the courtroom," He carried on.

"You work in the courtroom. Wait a minute, haven't I heard about Faraday before?"Robert asked.

Byrne visibly sweats saying,

"Probably not, I don't get cases anymore....how about you guys how have you been studying?" He asked.

Delilah holds on to Gregory's arm.

"Oh well, Robert, Gregory and I are all students at Themis Legal Academy, we're part of an internship program that will give us live experience in the courtroom, and Ana just got her badge," Delilah says.

Byrne looks impressed at Ana who was still impressed with Tyrell.

"Wow so you just passed the bar exam?" Byrne says happily.

Ana looks at Byrne confused.

"What's the bar exam?" 

It was like a record scratched when she said that, especially after she smiled.

Tyrell gets Ana to let go of him.

"You know um... the exam you need to become a lawyer," Tyrell says in shock.

"You need to take an exam to be a lawyer?" She asks.

Byrne looks around.

"Oh we're doomed," he says to himself.

The door opens to reveal the judge from yesterday.

"Ana darling!" He says happily.

"Uncle Udgey,"

They both kiss each other on the cheek.

"Oh it's so good to see you!" He says,

"You as well how have you been?"

"Oh, everything is a mess at home, you know with my brother's wife and all, but she's slowly coming....to me!"

They chuckle at each other.

"Oh we're doomed," Byrne says, understanding the last phrase.

"Anywho, my name is Elias Raize, I am a judge, and I'm here to overlook all of you future attorneys, and Marvin Grossberg happens to be a friend of mine,"

Byrne looks at Badd with a horrified look.

"Oh.we.are.doomed," he says slowly.

"Where is Marvin Grossberg?" Elias asks,

Marvin enters as soon as he asks.

"Right here,"

And Byrne attempts to hide.

"Wait a minute there's more people here than usual!" He says.

"Oh don't worry we have onlookers," Ana says while looking at Badd.

Badd shakes his head and attempts to sit back.

"I don't like that sentence," 

"Hold it! I know you two! What are you doing here?!" Grossberg says upset.

Byrne gets up,

"Guess the gig is up Byrne," Badd says to him as they walk side by side.

"We're here for the portrait! The one you have! I know you know me from before, that whole thing at the police department was one giant lie!" Byrne says accusatory to Marvin.

Marvin steps back appalled.

"How dare you insult me. In my own building no less. You shall leave this place at once,"

"Not without some answers we won't!" Byrne hisses.

Robert steps up,

"Sir, should I call the police? These men have no authority to be here," he says pulling up a news document stating 

'Desperate Prosecutor Conjures up lies'

"I fear there might be something wrong with Faraday mentally," he finishes.

"WHAT?! Let me see that?!"

He snatches the news clipping.

"Oh my gosh Badd they got me at the wrong angle, I look. I look CRAZY!" He says, upset.

"Byrne, we have bigger problems," Badd says.

"Leave at once! Or we really will call the police!" Elias responds 

Then, for the second time they escorted themselves out.

The second the door slammed behind them, Byrne's hands clenched into a fist and he began shaking.

"I know that man is lying," he says with a venom, in his voice.

Badd places a reassuring hand on him, but Byrne runs away. After a little bit of confusion he runs after him. They run into a little window on the side of the building and duck. 

"What are we doing?" Badd asks

"Shh,"

In the little view of the window they see the group readjust themselves.

"What was that all about sir?" Gregory asks concerned.

Grossberg goes to close the blinds in the room then rushes up to Gregory.

"That is trouble! He was a prosecutor, but now he's crazy. If you see him, or any prosecutor for that matter, don't tell him your name," he says.

Gregory tilts his head.

"I am unfamiliar with that man. What has he done?" He asks.

His girl rushes to his arm

"I think the better question is what hasn't he done. I heard he tried to press charges on a gardener after the Chief of Police was found dead, in which he was at the scene of the crime," she gossips.

"Delilah are these facts? Or this from some tabloid?" Gregory asks in return.

"Whatever they are, he is of no concern to us," Robert says, crossing his arms.

"Robert is right. Now we must ascend. We're going to take lessons from Kris today! Isn't that exciting?" Grossberg says with happiness.

Delilah tilts her head.

"But isn't he a painter?"

"He's more than that, believe me. Come on, off to Gourd Lake,"

Then all of them leave the building. As Ana exits she whispers to Elias.

"A shame, that other man had to be with him,"

The duo made sure that they were out of sight before breaking inside. When the back door tumbled open Byrne raised his fist up with a happy look.

"Wooh! I feel so alive!" He says,

Tyrell forces him inside.

"Get inside idiot!" 

They make sure they are careful with where they step.

"Alright, genius I hope you have a plan," he says, crossing his arms.

"Oh I have a plan trust me on that...,"

"..."

"..."

"...so why aren't you doing anything,"

"Give me a second,"

At this Tyrell sucks tongue.

"Great. Just freaking great. It's bad enough they think you're crazy, and now we're breaking and entering,"

"Look Badd! Somethings going on and I'm sick of playing by the rules just for it to throw up in our faces, so just watch your step and follow my lead,"

He pulls out a strange looking device from his pocket and presses a button.

"Father...please let this work,"

They walk through the hallway checking various doors, areas, anything that could possibly contain a portrait.

"Grossberg wouldn't be stupid enough to hang up his own portrait," Badd began as he looked at the wall.

"You think he sold it?" 

"If we can't find anything here, we may have to accept this possibility....what is that contraption anyways?"

"Oh this? I don't actually know....a thief used this to deactivate a security system and I took it home so that I could study it, never thought I'd need to use it,"

"What exactly does it do?" Badd asked.

Byrne pulls out the contraption and shows him,

"So basically you input the design of a place your planning to steal, and you use it to practice how your going to steal it,"

"Hey...do you think that you could use this to figure out how the portraits were switched?" 

"I think it's worth a shot, now let's see,"

Faraday inputs data to the day of the museum.

"When we bought the portrait, we carried it straight to the prosecution's office. I personally think the switch was made there,"

"But that doesn't explain why we had different portraits by the time we arrived. Even when we were carrying we didn't bother putting a cover on it because it wasn't a stag,"

"...yeah I remember that. Besides, no one was in that room save for you and me...so I suppose the moment between arriving at the prosecution's office and being there is the time the switch was made,"

"But also remember that it's kinda hard to miss someone bringing in a life size portrait especially in the span of 5 minutes,"

Byrne shifts the layout to the prosecution's office,

"But was it really just in 5 minutes? What if there was someone following us?" He asks,

"That has to have happened, otherwise they shouldn't have known...hmm, how did they do that switch?" Badd asks as he looks at the layout of the kitchen.

"It's too small for 4 men with life size portraits to carry in...but what if someone hid it?" He asks his partner.

"Hide that?! Where? The kitchen is too small,"

Badd looks outside the green window.

"There's only one way in, and out of the kitchen, save for the plight of stairs. If they were going to make the switch it would have to be here. Besides that table is big enough to a hold a portrait," 

He says, turning his gaze to the table.

"Are you saying that after we put the portrait near the refrigerator, Marvin hid it under the table?"

"It's plausible, but it's all we have right now,"

Byrne holds his chin,

"I see how that could happen, but we don't have any concrete proof until we find the portrait,"

He turns off the simulation and they begin to search the office again.

"We're looking in the wrong places. We have to find something that can fit a life size portrait," 

They turn their attention to the desk in the back of the room. Badd turns to Byrne,

"Can you make an individual simulation?" He asked.

Byrne smiles and does as requested. He shows the portrait and lays it on top of the desk.

Seeing that it was a perfect fit they go to lift the desk to see their prize.

"HOORAY!" They both say together going to lift the desk.

The moment they touch the portrait the alarm goes off and they instantly panic.

"Son of a bitch! What do we do?!" Byrne asks,

"Book it!" Badd replies in response. They exit through the way they came and instantly encounter a police officer.

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" 

They run the opposite direction with the portrait in their arms and the officer comes in pursuit.

Meanwhile Helga and Damon stumble upon Gourd Lake where they watch an art demonstration lead by Kris Kingle.

Helga crosses her arms seeing them,

"Hmm, it seems he is still preoccupied," she says sadly 

"How long is the dang thing anyways?" Damon asks,

"Who knows. Sometimes when Kris is in the mood, he'll go on and on and on," she says sadly, taking a seat near a shaded tree.

After adjusting his hair he takes a seat (very close) near Helga.

"You two seem to have had a relationship, hmm?" He starts the conversation.

Helga doesn't reply, not quite comfortable telling him her whole life story,

"You could say that...he was a part of my life in Germany, but not anymore. That's all I wish to say," she explains sadly.

"Aw come on. We're practically friends now, you can tell me. Besides, the police department is begging for a better explanation," he says.

After sighing she gives him her answer,

"He's....he's my soon-to-be ex husband," 

Damon raises both his brows, but he can't say he's shocked.

"That explains it....don't worry Helga you're not the only person in the world who has a crazy ex. In fact my last ex threaten to kill himself if I left, but I figured he was joking...tell me why 2 weeks later I get a call from the police department telling me that he hung himself,"

Helga looked back at the man in shock. 

"He what?! Oh you must've been heartbroken,"

"I was... for a time that is...I…look, I understand what you're going and it's not fair you have to go through it alone," 

He takes her hands and wraps them in his own.

"I just want to let you know that you can tell me everything," he says with a gentle smile,

She returns the gesture.

"Thank you for that reassurance. It feels hard to find some people to trust. Ever since I arrived here people have been calling Mrs. von Karma, all because they don't think that I earned this position that he trusts me," she says,

"Oh so you two aren't dating?"

"Damon Gant, it's not ladylike to be in relations with one's employer," she says, crossing her legs.

Damon tilts his head and hums,

"Mmm I'm sure a lot of people have the same problem. Oh it's terrible living in the legal world, everyone always assumes the worst of each other. Did I ever tell you about how I was accused of sleeping with my judge-best-friend?" Gant asks,

Helga rolls her eyes,

"Yes for the 8th time," she sighs,

"Well I'm telling you again! I was framed!"

Helga clicks her tongue, knowing the next words that would come out of his mouth,

"I was merely swimming with my best friend at my pool, I wanted to get him in the habit because he said he's noticed he gained weight. He started to choke on something and I helped him get it out. It's not fair!" 

"Mr. Damon Gant I don't think there's anything we can do about that for now even though I sympathize with you,"

"I know...I'm just....I'm just so upset,"

"We'll find a way to resolve your friendship I promise, in the meantime we need to keep a close eye on that class over there,"

"Hmm, I wonder what they're doing,"

The scene shifts over to the lawyers who were working on a painting layout. None of the drawings were of great artists and they knew that fact. Finally, Gregory mustered up the courage to break the ongoing tension,"

"Um sirs...why are we drawing?" He asked, confused.

Grossberg shushes him.

"You never know when your being watched by the von Karma's," he says continuing his work, 

"Besides, drawing is a great way of stress relief,"

Robert slams his painting down.

"Well it's raising mine up!  Why should we have to hide from them," he says angrily.

"Because they are ruthless, senseless, immoral individuals! And just like her husband, she'll do anything to win," Grossberg sighs.

Kris intervenes sadly,

"You know they're not married right," he says pausing his paintings,

Delilah steps in interested,

"Not yet anyways...there's a rumor going around that Mr. Manfred von Karma has been surprisingly lenient on a fellow individual," she says, 

Gregory asks,

"...and your source?"

"The nurses of Dye-Young Clinic. Isn't it interesting how she magically got a job, one week after being in this country, and not only that she manages to get a job, with someone as esteemed as von Karma. I don't think her work ethic has anything to do with it," 

Gregory shakes his head.

"Delilah, spreading rumors? I thought you knew better than that," he says disappointed.

"But Gregory, there's a reason I'm curious look," 

She pulls out a newspaper from seemingly nowhere. Gregory questions where she got it from but she focuses his attention on the subject of the paper.

"Princess Daphne Odora goes missing?" He recited confused from what this has to do with anything.

"According to my sources, Helga Kringle, or should I say Helga von Karma entered this country around the same time Princess Daphne went missing, and she gets a job so easily," she explains.

Gregory raises an eyebrow and gives a stunned look.

"So?"

"Isn't it obvious, Helga von Karma IS Princess Daphne. She ran away from Cohdopia so she could be with Manfred. Isn't it romantic?" She says with a smile.

The rest of the class looked at her carefully. They couldn't believe what they just heard.

"Umm, sorry to disappoint," Kris says, going back to his drawing.

"But Helga isn't the Princess," he says softly.

Grossberg looks back to the shaded tree where he sees Helga and Damon.

"Look, they're not gonna go anywhere, let's postpone this class for next week yeah?" He asks.

Everyone groans in agreement and begins to pack up.

"I wasn't a good artist anyways," Robert mumbles to himself.

Everyone seems to have packed everything except Kris who wants to continue to paint the scenery.

"Don't you want to come with Mr. Kringle, I am sorry for wasting your time like this," apologized Grossberg.

Kris shakes his head.

"Trust me, it's not wasted at all," he says with a smile, continuing to paint.

In his painting, he captured the green essence of Gourd Lake. The woody cabin, the reflection of the lake, and the tree where sat a beautiful woman. The aesthetic was too good to pass up, and it's been a while since he last did a landscape painting.

His current drawings, unfortunately, were sad as they were used as a means to describe his grief and guilt. He hasn't been happy for a long while now, and he hopes to regain it some day.

Speaking of happiness, it seems the woman of his dreams was to make an appearance as she slowly approached him. He catches her eye when her shadow covers his portrait, and he gives a gentle smile realizing who it was that caused this umbra.

"Helga," he says softly.

She does not return his joy.

"Kris...can we talk in private," she asks in German.

Realizing what the conversation could be about his smile fades.

"Yes," he replies.

They make their way to a reasonably shaded tree...not the one that Helga was hiding behind, but one more closer and thicker. So if someone was to catch their conversation, it would be clear that they were eavesdropping, a fact that Delilah would understand.

Gregory looked at his girlfriend.

"Delilah, what are you doing?" He asked with his briefcase in hand.

"Shh, I'm trying to listen," she says,

"Your eavesdropping? How could you?!" He says taken aback by her rashness.,

"Eavesdropping sounds so taboo, I'm merely practicing my detective work," 

"Delilah...please...,"

"I want to see if my deductions are correct, now SHH,"

She has Gregory duck into some bushes when she sees Damon walk around. It seems he was taking in the art scene, although he did know that the two were in the bushes.

He calmly went closer to the tree to listen to the conversation.

"I need those portraits back," She says to him in German.

"Please...they caused so much trouble for the prosecution's office, especially since the man you sold them to brought them here illegally. There's a possibility your paintings have white crystal oil on them, an ingredient used to make Cohdopian Mead," she says,

"You don't need to explain. I will give them to you,"

"Are you serious,"

"Yes...in exchange, I want you to come home with me,"

She walks away from him and looks at the lake.

"You know that is an impossible task,"

"That's all I want. I don't need those portraits if I have you..the real thing. I miss you Helga, it's time you come home with me," Kris says walking after her.

"Kris...that's not fair you know...you holding those portraits over my head. They need to be used as evidence for an upcoming trial. Please...,"

"...."

"Please Kris,"

"Are you sure the evidence is being used the way you want them too," he asked with a raised brow.

Helga tilts her head.

"What are you talking about," 

"I looked into the missing portrait that the man over there was talking about. Manfred said he got rid of them, but is that really the truth?"

"Stop right there. I don't have time for your nonsense,"

"But it's true! Come on at least question it,"

"...proof,"

"Yes?"

"Show me your proof,"

Kris looks down sadly.

"Unfortunately, I have none,"

"If you don't have proof I am not obligated to believe you....nor have a reason to go home with your either,"

He looks down sadly.

"Let me ask again...can I have those portraits,"