142 Can’t Touch This

Mr. Big Stuff
Who do you think you are?
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love

Now, because you wear all those fancy clothes (oh yeah)
And have a big, fine car, oh yes you do now,
Do you think I can afford to give you my love? (oh yeah)
You think you’re higher than every star above

Mr. Big Stuff
Who do you think you are?
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love

Now, I know all the girls I’ve seen you with
I know you broke their hearts one after another now, bit by bit
You made ’em cry, many poor girls cry
When they tried to keep you happy, they just tried to keep you satisfied

Mr. Big Stuff, tell me, tell me
Who do you think you are?
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love

I’d rather give my love to a poor guy that has a love that’s true (oh yeah)
Than to be fooled around and get hurt by you
‘Cause when I give my love, I want love in return (oh yeah)
Now, I know this is a lesson, Mr. Big Stuff, you haven’t learned

Mr. Big Stuff, tell me
Who do you think you are?
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna break my heart
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna make me cry

Ema Skye and Klavier Gavin
Criminal Affairs Department
February 14, 2026, 8:00 AM

Klavier’s unprecedentedly coy observation about her hair had resulted in a very perplexed – and no longer quite as cantankerous  Detective Skye. The LAPD’s newest hire, much to her great shame, had actually been making additional efforts to ensure her tresses looked their best at all times ever since, all the while trying to squelch the depressing knowledge that no matter what she did with her mane, it would never be as lustrous as his pretty-boy, flaxen locks.

Ever since the fop had driven her home four days ago, Ema had taken a step back to reconsider her possibly iniquitous reactions to her boss, who’d continued exuding nothing but congeniality to her, despite her chronically bitchy attitude and indirect insulting of his manhood! Although she’d had nothing to do with the perfectly timed “Short Dick Man” deciding to play at that exact second, she perhaps could have at least tried to contain her hysterical laughter over his reaction … just a notch!

Perhaps she should take it all down a notch, period. All this hostility couldn’t possibly be good for her mind – although scientifically improbable, she was paranoid her chronic barely suppressed rage was going to wind up giving her a brain aneurysm!

Therefore, the Detective had been doing her very best to stop acting so contrary around Klavier at every given moment, taking to heart the wise adage: holding a grudge was like allowing someone to live rent-free in your head!

To strengthen this resolve, she thus vigorously attempted to find something – anything! – nice to think about the glimmerous fop, regardless of how trite or insignificant.

The unflattering nickname she’d mentally dubbed him years ago was something she had still somehow refrained from calling him – a personal victory thus far! If she could do that, she should also be capable of remaining unhostile and professional whenever in his proximity.

Filled with this new-found determination – after all, it was her 25^th birthday today, and what better way to begin the quarter-century mark than with some grown-up resolutions? – Ema was filled with utmost doggedness as soon as she got to her desk that morning.

The very first thing she did was make a list of things about Klavier Gavin which didn’t completely suck. The plan was to draw upon it whenever about to blow her top by being within his immediate vicinity – an admittedly regular occurrence – which, scientifically speaking, could not be good for her blood pressure, and no man on earth was worth having a coronary arrest – especially not before she even turned 30!

The list of Klavier’s good attributes was presently a very short one, but still better than nothing! Besides, she had to start somewhere, right?

1. Even though the fop is way too cocky for his own good, he’s quite nice and gracious to his legions of fans – who are undoubtedly why he walks around thinking he’s the King of the World, since these skanky fan girls swoon and scream every time they see him and he eats it up with a spoon! Meanwhile, the egomaniac doesn’t do a damn thing to stop it when they trample over my crime scenes and instead just beams benignly, as though this is just par for the course of being a rock God…oh shit… this is supposed to be a nice list…er, OK…
2. I guess he can afford to flash those pearly whites so much because Klavier Gavin does indeed possess… really nice teeth. Literally, a million-dollar, gleaming white smile that would put Hollywood stars to shame. They’re probably bonded and professionally bleached monthly and he’s always baring them at me like he’s auditioning for a goddamn toothpaste commercial … Wait this was posted a list of things I DON’T hate about him…
3. Fine! Um, the fop has immaculate grooming – he certainly wears enough of that spicy, woodsy aftershave to assault my nostrils from even 10 feet away…

4. To my immediate knowledge, he’s never before practiced cannibalism …although his rabid fangirls swear that the fop is “yummy enough to eat!” Ugh, gag me with a bulldozer…
5. I’ve never seen him pick his nose … or have a bout of flatus around me… does that count as one or two attributes? OK… this isn’t so hard…
   

   ---

Leaning back in her chair, she pushed her pink sunglasses on top of her head as she studied the list in her hand, then smirked to herself.

I concede he’s got somewhat of a sense of humor even when I’m mocking him for being a groupie-loving man whore! He was singing Foreigner’s “Dirty White Boy” the other day, and not only laughed but denied nothing when I snarkily told him it “must pay to advertise…”

Yesterday he stole my pink sunglasses, making, for the umpteenth time his ridiculously unfunny standard joke about how it must be nice “seeing the world through rose-colored glasses” except this time, he actually put them on… Then looked so incredibly stupid that I ended up laughing… with him not at him this time…

Ema thoughtfully tapped the pen against her teeth, lost in thought as she struggled for another item to add to the list when suddenly there was a knock at her door, and the object of her written musings materialized in the frame, holding what appeared to be two dozen, long-stemmed pink roses in his hands.

“Guten Morgen, Fräulein Detective,” he greeted her pleasantly.

“Good morning, Prosecutor Gavin,” she returned, equally as cordially. “I take it you’re here to pick up the Tillie Dyes case file?”

“I am, but I also have a special delivery for you.” He came forward to place the crystal vase of beautiful blooms on her desk. “The delivery man just dropped these off. At first, I tried to tell him that he must have the wrong address since the card is addressed to My Sharona, but he insisted this was the right place…”

“I’ll take that!” Ema said quickly, her eyes lighting up with joy as she practically snatched the flowers out of his hands and eagerly opened the envelope. “These are definitely for me!”

“It’s Valentine’s Day. It appears you have an admirer,” he observed, in what he hoped was a completely neutral tone. “Although is he truly a serious suitor if he cannot address you by your proper name?”

“It is my name,” she confessed, her cheeks flushed pink with pleasure at the message in the enclosed card, which had her idol, Madam Curie, on the cover. “But only one person in the entire world calls me that.”

Klavier watched as she read the card, feeling an inexplicable stab of envy at the person who’d caused that ethereal face to brighten up like a light bulb, desperately wishing to know the sender’s identity, but uncertain how to solve this mystery without seeming overly invasive.

Dear Future Madame Curie,  

On this exceptional day, I offer my gratitude to God for granting me the greatest friend of my life: you. You are the adorable and exquisite gift I’ve always longed for, and you hold immeasurable significance in my world. In the intricate mosaic of my existence, you are the pivotal piece; without you, my life would be a fragmented, incomplete puzzle.  

My beloved baby sister, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for being the most compassionate and affectionate sibling one could ever hope for. You’ve shared with me your joys, sorrows, triumphs, frustrations, and deepest desires, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. It is you who truly deserves to be celebrated on this special day. My utmost wish is for all your aspirations and dreams to blossom into reality. Your presence infuses my life with sweetness, for in your absence, I am devoid of feeling. The bond of care and camaraderie we share is unforgettable and incomparable.  

I envision a brilliant future ahead for you, devoid of anxieties and brimming with boundless happiness. May each forthcoming day be adorned with pure joy and fulfillment. I hope this extraordinary day is filled with the presence of cherished loved ones who hold you in the same high regard as I do.  

Today, I am filled with pride as I wish you a joyous 25th birthday, Ema Sharona Skye. Though I may not be by your side in person, know that you reside forever in my heart. I love you dearly, my darling sister.

With all my love,
Lana Heaven Leigh Skye

Ema completed reading the message, her eyes moist with emotion. Despite the absence of a return address, rendering Lana’s whereabouts unknown to her, Ema found solace in the fact that her older sister had managed to convey immense love across the miles, particularly on her birthday. It was a gesture that alleviated some of the recent feelings of isolation, a sentiment only a cherished sibling could impart. She might have succumbed to tears then and there, were it not for the presence of the inquisitive blond man standing before her.

“Are you alright Fräulein Detective?”

“I’m fine.” She tried to keep her voice steady as she hastily tucked the card away. “It was just a very poignant message, that’s all.”

“Are you feeling particularly sentimental because it’s Valentine’s Day?” He inquired, hating himself for sounding as though he were prying, but knowing full well that was exactly what he was still doing. “Or was it due to the contents of the card itself?”

“There’s nothing to feel sentimental over on the Hallmark Holiday!” Ema huffed, the disdain evident in her voice. “It’s nothing more than a cash grab by the flower and chocolate industry, specifically designed to make those who are single feel completely unworthy and dismal! At the same time, it ensures those who are coupled feel unnecessary pressure to shell out excessive funds to commemorate this supposedly romantic day – but which is historically so bloody and violent in origin that it is anything but!”

“So the flowers were not sent to you as a Valentine’s Day gift then?” Klavier confirmed, desperately hoping the answer was yes but not quite knowing why.

“No, Herr Busybody,” she replied dryly, finally deciding to put him out of his misery. “They were sent to me by my sister because as my luck would have it, this faux day of romance also happens to be my birthday.”

“Today is your birthday?” His eyes widened with surprise, while simultaneous relief flooded through him upon hearing the loving message written in the card had been from a relative and not an overly eager admirer. Taking a quick gander at the roses in the vase, he saw that there were 25 of them, not the two dozen he’d originally thought. “I had no idea.”

“Why would you?” She shrugged. “It’s not like I’m going to make a big deal out of it, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t broadcast it to everybody in the office. I like keeping things low-key and I hate when people fuss over my birthday – not that they do, anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s always kinda stunk, having a birthday on a holiday, even a completely banal one like Valentine’s Day, because most people are too busy thinking about their romantic significant other to take heed about my day of birth.”

“That is most unfair.” Klavier shook his head. “Everybody should at least have somewhat of a fuss made over them on their birthday! What are your plans tonight?”

Ema flushed slightly at the sudden reminder that she had nothing more than a hot date with Netflix and a pint of ice cream as her game plan for the evening.

“Not a damn thing,” she answered stiffly, hating to admit just how pathetically lacking her social life was – to probably the biggest social butterfly she knew! “I’m probably just going to go grab some takeout, then head home to watch The Big Bang Theory marathon.”

“Not on my watch! Nobody should be alone today, of all days,” he declared. “If you have no plans tonight, then do allow me the pleasure of taking you out, Fräulein Detective.”

Ema blinked, uncertain if she’d heard him correctly. Then she felt her face turning hot, realizing she’d just been subjected to an offer of a pity date by her boss, because she had stupidly confirmed she was pathetically single and friendless, not only on Valentine’s Day but on her milestone birthday, as well!

“I don’t think that would be appropriate.” She looked away. “But thanks anyway, Prosecutor Gavin.”

“Might I ask what you feel is so inappropriate about two colleagues grabbing a couple of drinks after a long day at work?” He appeared confused by the immediate rejection, something he obviously had yet to experience by anybody of the female persuasion.

“You don’t think people’s tongues would be wagging by the notion of you and me going out together … especially on Cupid Day?” Ema stared at the man as though he were completely daft. “They would think it was a… a date or something!”

Chief Gumshoe, in particular, would have a heyday if he ever found out about Klavier’s suggested proposal. The big man seemed to get a kick out of her constant irate nature around the prosecutor, completely disregarding her insistence that she found the German to be abhorrent and that “the lady doth protest too much.”

The big lug continually insisted that hate was equally as passionate as love, incensing the Detective so much that at times, she flat-out wanted to punch him in the very same desired way she often yearned to do with the fop! Only the fact that the big man was her only friend, and actual immediate supervisor, coupled with the fact that he was built like a tank and she’d undoubtedly break her fist if it came into contact with any part of his body, kept her in check!

“So let them talk.” Klavier flashed her wicked grin. “After all, it’s not as though we would be giving them something to talk about, ja?”

“I don’t need a pity Valentine’s date with my boss, OK?” Ema burst out, completely infuriated that he’d made her come out and admit the true reason for her negation. “Besides, I’m sure your hot date – or dates – tonight, would be heartbroken by having you cancel with them at the eleventh hour, especially on my account!”

“So that’s what this is all about!” He looked thoughtful. “How about this then? We go out straight after work and to the most crowded, unromantic pub in town. We’ll enjoy a couple of beers, rather than the more perceived mood-enhancing wine … in an environment that’s so noisy, we can’t possibly hear one another speak! Forget about today being Valentine’s Day, and just see it like a boss wanting to buy a drink for his subordinate, because it’s her birthday.”

Ema studied him for a long moment, trying to ascertain if there was some sort of ulterior motive at play, or worse, signs that this was all one big joke, but saw nothing reflected in the azure depths staring back at her other than sincerity. At last, she shook her head, letting out a rueful laugh.

I suppose grabbing a quick drink with my foppish boss on my birthday is still a better alternative than going home, hugging my knees, and pitifully weeping about how I’ve made it to the quarter-century mark all by my lonesome!

“You just aren’t going to take no for an answer, are you?”

“I never have!” Klavier grinned impishly. “You can’t win trials by being a quitter! I tend to maintain my perseverance, both in and out of the courtroom!”

He headed towards the door, glancing back at her over her shoulder.

“I’ll be back at six tonight for our non-date, birthday date, ja?”

“On the dot,” she nodded, biting back a smile. “Because since this is not a date, I don’t need to go home and change, so shall be going to our  non-romantic location still wearing my work clothes and lab coat!”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I look forward to tonight, Fräulein Detective.” He smirked, turning around and playing his air guitar. “Or should I say… My Sharona?”

“Gah! Put a sock in it!” Ema blushed furiously upon hearing her childhood moniker being uttered by anybody other than Lana. “My sister – who was fortunate enough to be the firstborn and be given the much more glorious set of middle names, which sound like Lana Heavenly Skye, came up with the nickname because my parents were obsessed with the group, The Knack! She used to torture me when I was younger, claiming whenever you said my name super fast – it sounded like their hit song. Hence how Ema Sharona became … My Sharona.”

She glowered at the amused prosecutor.

“Lana is also the only person who has ever been allowed to address me by that name … and live.”

“Achtung baby! No need to deliver death threats!” Klavier chuckled and raised his hands in a no-offense manner. “I better leave now while I can, before I unwittingly annoy you again and make you change your mind about tonight!”

He left with these parting words, but not before she heard the telltale sounds of him loudly singing on his way out the door.

Ooh, my little pretty one, my pretty one
When you gonna give me some time, Sharona
Ooh, you make my motor run, my motor run
Got it coming off o’ the line, Sharona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up, for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, whoa!
M-m-m-my Sharona

“Unwittingly annoy,” my vanilla keister! That man sets out to deliberately incite me – this is probably his sick idea of payback because of the whole “compensating for something” comment and my reaction to the subsequent song immediately afterward! He’s purposely going to antagonize me with the Achilles’ heel that is my stupid middle name because he knows it’s going to push all my buttons!

“I heard that, you insensitive…provoking … irksome … Dummkopf!” Ema shouted ferociously, already regretting her decision not to stick to her guns and refuse his offer. She was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that for some implausible explanation, she’d allowed herself to be swayed into agreeing to spend time with the glimmerous fop who grated on her last nerve … after-office hours! What the hell had she been thinking?! “I’m changing my mind about tonight!”

“Too late!” She heard Klavier laughingly respond from down the hall before continuing his impromptu serenade:

Come a little closer, huh, a-will ya, huh?
Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona
Keeping it a mystery, it gets to me
Running down the length of my thigh, Sharona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up, for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, whoa!
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona…

“I super hate you, Klavier Gavin!” Ema growled, knowing he could no longer hear her and feeling the familiar twitching in her left eye start, despite her vow to henceforth keep a cooler temperament. Rummaging for her abandoned list, she furiously began scrawling the next item for the prosecutor’s list of attributions, pressing down with her pen so hard that she nearly tore a hole in the paper.

Whenever I am having an unexpected attack of misplaced goodwill or want to cry, Klavier Gavin is the world’s best antidote to ensure any flood of unexpected sadness or lapse in better judgment is immediately replaced with a much easier-to-handle – albeit mentally detrimental! – and an even stronger sense of a homicidal rage instead!

Ema Skye and Klavier Gavin
The Surly Wench Pub
February 14, 2026, 8:05 PM

True to his word about taking the reluctant detective to a place so boisterous and unromantic, you could have landed a helicopter and it would have gone undetected, The Surly Wench Pub was exactly all that and more.

Ema was positive Klavier had chosen the place as a slight dig at her due to her normally truculent disposition, but that notwithstanding, the crowded karaoke bar was just what the doctor ordered. It had hundreds of conversations buzzing about them in loud voices, all of them competing with the rock music that dominated the atmosphere which most of the warbling patrons at the microphone were opting to perform. The crowd was young, mostly students from the nearby universities.

By now, Ema had already downed a few beers, and found herself slightly swaying along on her stool, for more reasons than just the consumed alcohol, to the current song being crooned, which was “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.”

You’re just too good to be true.
Can’t take my eyes off you.
You’d be like heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived.
And I thank God I’m alive.
You’re just too good to be true.
Can’t take my eyes off you.

Pardon the way that I stare.
There’s nothing else to compare.
The sight of you leaves me weak.
There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel.
Please let me know that it’s real.
You’re just too good to be true.
Can’t take my eyes off you…

Klavier couldn’t help but notice how adorable Ema looked as she closed her eyes dreamily and slightly rocked back and forth in her seat in time to the music. She genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself, and he was happy he’d brought her there, even though, despite the three beers he’d already bought her, he still hadn’t been able to persuade her to go up and perform! This was much to his great chagrin because as a musician, he could honestly testify, from his impromptu voyeurism of her solo performance, that the girl had quite an impressive set of pipes, which was why he’d brought her to the karaoke bar in the first place!

Nevertheless, singing or not aside, simply being there with Ema Skye was proving to be quite fun. He wasn’t quite sure if her relaxed and contented mood was due to the alcohol, or because, as promised, they were in such a loud environment, he truly couldn’t speak much to her and, therefore was unable to grind her gears, which he sheepishly acknowledged he did regularly, however unintentional it was… most of the time! Other times, he found just couldn’t help himself from riling her up – the tiny firecracker was so feisty and spirited it actually was adorable whenever she got mad!

Right now he was completely endeared by the fact that for a woman who’d been scoffing at the romance of Valentine’s Day, she seemed completely in tune with the current romantic ballad.

“So it seems you have a soft spot after all, ja?” He teased, an impish twinkle in his eye. “Or is it the effect of this song in particular?”

“Normally, I’m not at all into the usual sappy stuff that makes most women swoon.” She reddened slightly at having been busted acting like a typical girl. “That includes chick literature, romantic comedies, and overly schmoopy love songs! However, this song was my parent’s wedding song, and I cannot tell you how many times Lana and I replayed the part on the video of their first dance over and over again growing up.” She sighed dreamily. “Heaven and Lee Skye – now their love, that was true romance.”

“Your mother and father had wonderful names. So your older sister Lana was given both their first names as her middle names?”

“Yes, they wanted someone who was a part of both of them, because they thought Sis was their only chance at having a family,” Ema explained. “After Lana was born, my mother was told that she wouldn’t be able to have any more children. But then lo and behold, 13 years later, Mom and Dad went to a revival concert of The Knack… and had a lot of fun.” She blushed. “Er, exactly 9 months afterward, they had me, their surprise miracle baby!”

“You’re the gift that kept on giving, ja?” He responded playfully. “I guess this also explains the real origins behind your middle name.”

“Which I’m going to implore with you, for the final time, to please stop tormenting me about!” She regarded him pleadingly. “This could just be the beers talking, but I am starting to find you tolerable! Do you want to rock that boat?”

“Not at all,” he replied easily, genuinely loathe to do anything to ever change this nearly friendly vibe she was now treating him to. “Sorry, I didn’t think it would bother you that much, Fräulein Detective. Truly, it’s a great song, by a great group, but I can see now how it would be embarrassing now that you’ve told me – ah – the conception of the story.”

Ema flashed him a relieved smile for this, which he couldn’t help but return, thinking how cute she was when she wasn’t scowling murderously at him!

The DJ called Klavier’s name at that moment, and he gave Ema a jaunty wink as he headed towards the stage and grabbed the mike, speaking loudly over the cheering crowd, all of who immediately recognized the Gavinners frontman in their midst.

“My lovely companion this evening is celebrating her birthday tonight,” the German announced into the microphone. “She seems to get a real kick whenever I sing songs by Foreigner. Since she appreciates my rendition of ‘Dirty White Boy’ so much, I hope she likes this particular song as well.”

With that, he commenced singing one of Ema’s all-time favorite songs by the classic band, entitled “Say You Will.”

Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind tonight
Say you do, say you don’t
Wanna be mine

Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind this time
Say you will, say you won’t
Be mine tonight

I can’t sleep I keep dreaming I’m losing you
Feel so alone in the night, scared to open my eyes
I’m in too deep, I’m in over my head this time
Can’t get you out of my mind no matter how hard I try
So won’t you

Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind tonight
Say you do, say you won’t
Be my guiding light

Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind this time
Say you do, say you do
You wanna be mine

I get the feeling I’ve never been here before
‘Cause no one I’ve known’s ever moved me the way
that you do
And I know this is the real thing
It’s all I’ve been searching for
I’ve put it all on the line now I’m hoping you feel
that way too
(And if you do) why don’t you

Say you will, say you won’t
Make up your mind tonight
Say you do, say you don’t
Wanna be mine
Now will you

Say you will, you say you won’t
Make up your mind this time
Say you will, say you will
You’ll be mine tonight…

The song was touching – heartfelt but not overly sappy. It was the first time Ema had seen Klavier perform. Even at the risk of seeming like one of the Gavinner fangirls she mocked constantly…truly, the singer’s riveting voice – the aura he presented on stage … was nothing short of…majestic.

Klavier’s golden-throated vocals are a marvel, possessing a smooth and resonant quality that is both tranquil and commanding. It’s uncommon to describe a man’s singing as beautiful, yet his voice undeniably warrants such praise. Each note feels like a heartfelt declaration; as if he’s genuinely captivated by me and earnestly urging me to join him. His voice embodies the promise of a brighter future. Its beauty is profound, and I find myself wishing that it would endure indefinitely…

She stood up, applauding along with the enthusiastic crowd as the song ended, and smiled warmly when he returned to the table, thanking him for the song dedication.

“I’m so glad you liked it!” He took a huge swig of his drink. “So tell me, are you having fun, birthday girl?”

“I truly am,” she admitted shyly. “This place is great!”

“So is the company.” He spoke the words before he could stop himself, and then with a jolt, realized this wasn’t one of the flattering lines he’d grown accustomed to giving women over the years – it was the actual truth, and it floored him.

He genuinely liked Ema Skye – could even admit he was starting to think the lyrics he’d sang possibly applied to the comely woman by his side. Hers was a natural beauty, in no need of artifice, and he’d been savoring the sensation of gazing admiringly at her when she was too wrapped up in their surroundings to notice.

Ema is a unique kind of Frau. Aside from being witty and intelligent, she’s completely unlike any other woman I’ve ever met before in my life.

For one thing, he couldn’t help but appreciate how she didn’t fawn and fuss over him like every other female he’d ever encountered did. As much as he loved and appreciated all his fans, to be treated like just a regular person was quite a welcome change from the shrieking fangirls who clamored to touch his sleeve or any other part of him they could grab – then scream to their friends, ‘Omigod, I just touched his arm!’

Klavier didn’t quite have it in him to shoo away the adoring masses the way Ema did, and the Detective repeatedly made it evident she had zero qualms getting rid of the hordes who showed up at the most inopportune times – such as at investigative crime scenes!

It had turned into a typical clockwork style banter which he’d come to appreciate for its offbeat humor, as it was the same thing every time:

“Prosecutor Gavin! For the millionth freaking time: get your wannabe groupies away from my crime scene this instant!” She’d screech at him, chipmunk cheeks puffed out in annoyance.

“Is this your way of admitting you don’t like sharing me with other women and might be jealous of the attention I give them, Fräulein Detective?” He’d deride in return, barely smothering back his laughter at the spark of annoyance in her eyes. “You wouldn’t need to shout at me if you’d just admit that was the case!”

“I’M NOT JEALOUS!” She’d yell indignantly, before proceeding to pelt him with her never-ending supply of Snackoos and then storming off in the opposite direction, and on more occasions than one, destroying the crime scene she’d been so desperately trying to preserve in the process!

Ema tilted her head and scrutinized his earnest expression as she mulled over his words. Perhaps the beer had made her more forgiving than she would normally have been, but at that minute, she couldn’t deny she was somewhat affected by the charming spell of Klavier Gavin.

When he was staring at her like this, as though she were the only girl in the world, she could almost let herself believe the veracity of his words – that he was enjoying her company. Moreover, she could let herself buy into the fact that he could genuinely be a nice guy, whom she could perhaps forgive for overlooking her and not recalling their meeting all those years ago when he’d been a more pompous teen idol. Perhaps he simply had matured with age and was now just a regular, hard-working prosecutor who honestly did want to simply get along with his subordinates, and allow them to have a pleasant working relationship…

“I’ll bet you that you say that to all the girls!” Ema appeared to be slightly bashful but pleased by the comment about being called great company. “Being the smooth as silk, sweet talker that you are!”

“I meant it!” He insisted. “I’m having a fantastic time with you here. I’m hoping by the end of tonight, any ill will you’ve ever felt towards me, for whatever reason, will be completely behind us.”

“I’ll think about it!” Ema smiled coyly, unaware of how beguiling she looked as she did so. “But first, I guess you do deserve to know that the initial reason I –”

“Klavier Gavin! Omigod, it’s you! It’s really you!” A high-pitched shriek suddenly sounded from behind the duo. “I can’t believe just as my night shift started, I get to have you as a customer! All the other waitresses are going to so totes be jelly!”

Spinning around in his stool, Klavier mentally cursed the ill-timed disruption as he came face-to-face with a pretty, busty redhead, wearing a sexy bar-wench uniform. It consisted of a skintight, lace-up bustier, over a low cut, short-sleeved white blouse, which pushed her ample, tanned cleavage practically under her chin, and a flared black skirt, with a white frilly apron tied around her narrow waist.

“Guten abend.” Despite his annoyance at the disruption, the force of habit made the prosecutor flash the waitress his trademark rock star greeting smile, which of course, only made her swoon even more. He took her proffered hand and placed a kiss upon it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Gavin!” The waitress breathed, her eyes like stars, and the startled Ema suddenly realized this girl was the very same one from The Borscht Bowl Club 7 years ago, who’d accidentally caused Klavier to spill his drinks all over her! “I can’t believe my luck that we’re meeting yet again!”

“Again?” A frown of concentration marred Klavier’s brow. “Have we met before?”

Well, of course, I’m the only one who’s going to recognize little Miss Candi with an “i”! Ema felt a touch of wry amusement as the sycophantic waitress indiscreetly adjusted her sizable bosom in her tight corset so that they further pushed up. Sorry honey, no matter how much you flaunt those spectacular hooters of yours, you’re just another big-tittied face in the crowd at the end of the day. This guy is a rock star, with apparently the memory of a sieve! After all, if he’s seen one set of boobs flashed in his face, he’s seen them all! Klavier’s had so many girls constantly falling all over him that he couldn’t possibly remember any one particular bimbo from the rest of them…

“Ages ago, at the Russian bar, The Borscht Bowl Club.” Candi fluttered her heavily made-up lashes. “I don’t expect you to remember little ol’ me, but meeting you that night was the biggest thrill of my life!”

“The Borscht Bowl Club?”Klavier murmured as he wracked his mind. “It’s been quite a while since I have been there…”

“Maybe it’s best you don’t remember!” Candi giggled coquettishly and placed a hand on his arm. “I probably shouldn’t remind you of the clumsy girl who made you spill your drinks and then asked you to sign her chest.”

Klavier glanced down at the chest in question and at least had the decency to blush slightly before, to Ema’s enraged eyes, his eyes lit up with recollection as he snapped his fingers.

“Of course I remember you, schöne Frau!” He exclaimed, looking incredibly proud of himself. “It’s always nice to see – er – visages that I recognize! Candi, right?”

“OMG! I can’t believe you remember my face out of the tons you see!” Candi twittered giddily. “Never mind my name!”

“I always do my best to remember the schöne damen who appreciate my craft.” Klavier’s effortless charm was practically oozing out of every pore. “You and I had quite the run-in, ja?”

“I’ll never forget how nice you were about the whole thing, Mr. Gavin!” The redhead simpered. “You simply laughed off the whole thing and said: there’s no use crying over not yet spilled Jägerbombs, ja?”

I don’t believe this! Ema’s blood was rapidly beginning to boil. He can remember the name of the random redheaded slut who caused him to drench my lab coat 7 years ago, but he can’t recollect even the face of the poor girl he ended up soaking? Was it because of the modest proportions of my assets, which weren’t on apt display that night?

A small part of her knew she was slightly overreacting, but all of a sudden it was all just too much! After years of being in the shadow of a drop-dead gorgeous older sister who resembled a Victoria’s Secret model, and then being overlooked, if not flat-out dismissed as a science nerd by every male she’d encountered in her entire life, this was the final straw. She couldn’t believe she’d fallen for Klavier’s insincere words and phony flattery, as in that split second she realized the glimmerous fop truly was the shallow, arrogant, superficial Arschloch she had initially pegged him out to be all these years ago, an opinion from which she never should’ve strayed!

“If memory serves me correctly Mr. Gavin…” Candi hadn’t even once glanced in Ema’s direction, as she was entirely focused on the blond rock star. “You never did get around to fulfilling my specific autograph request?”

“Ah, I … didn’t?” Klavier asked awkwardly, his face turning red. “Is that so?”

“You surely did not, Mr. Rock Star. I was so disappointed!” The waitress waved a pen under the prosecutor’s pinkened face and lifted her chest to nearly eye level. “Shall we try to remedy that now?”

“Er, I …” Klavier looked extremely uncomfortable and stared helplessly at Ema, as if in hopes of rescue.

The Detective, however, was having none of it, and merely glared right back at him, her resentment continuing to grow.

“Next up on the microphone!” The DJ’s booming voice cut in over the speakers at that exact moment. “Ema Skye!”

“Oh, go right ahead and just sign…you latent Schwein!” Ema hissed, her eyes shooting daggers at the oblivious attorney as she shucked off her lab coat. She was suddenly insanely hot now, due to both the consumed beers as well her simmering, ready-to-erupt fury. “It’s pretty obvious that Candi here at least, has got what it takes to jog that faulty memory of yours!”

“Fräulein Detective, what have I done now?” Klavier cried haplessly, his attention on the waitress completely vanished now as the tiny brunette stormed away towards the stage.

“Keep jogging that defective memory, you glimmerous fop!” She snarled, whirling around so he could see the fire in her eyes – along with a questionable…hurt? “Hopefully … off a cliff!”

His eyes widened at the slur as a jolt from the past jarred at the recesses of his hazy memory.

What  did she just call me?!

Ema was up at the mike now.

“I was going to cover Whitney Houston’s ‘I Want to Dance With Somebody’ tonight,” she told the audience. “However, unanticipated circumstances have led me to believe this particular Shania Twain tune will be more aptly fitting. This is dedicated to my companion this evening. He knows who he is.”

Then she began to sing, the raw anger within her only giving more passionate edginess to the biting tune, “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

I’ve known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart
But you’ve got being right down to an art
You think you’re a genius-you drive me up the wall
You’re a regular original, a know-it-all
Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re something else

Okay, so you’re a rocket scientist
That don’t impress me much
So you got the brain but have you got the touch
Don’t get me wrong, yeah I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don’t impress me much

I never knew a guy who carried a mirror in his pocket
And a comb up his sleeve-just in case
And all that extra hold gel in your hair oughtta lock it
‘Cause Heaven forbid it should fall outta place

Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re something else…

Klavier gaped at the lush curves of Detective Ema Skye, in her full, lab coat free, fetching performer glory, standing on that spotlighted stage, while the words glimmerous fop rang over and over again in his mind.

Achtung baby! I know who she is now! It’s just she’s all grown up now…I didn’t recognize just how much Mother Nature had transformed that formerly coltish physique since our last meeting – and it’s always been covered by that ill-fitting white coat!

He cursed himself for not having clued in earlier. No wonder Ema had despised him so!

After all, it was due to me – and to a lesser degree, Candi! – that her pristine white lab coat got soiled that night!

Klavier now clearly remembered the cute yet incensed brunette from the Russian bar all those years ago; fully grasped her being grievously insulted about how he’d recollected the voluptuous waitress before he’d recalled her. But damned if, unlike the unchanged Candi, who was still as statuesque as he remembered, Ema Skye hadn’t blossomed dramatically over the years!

Though the satchel brimming with scientific equipment still spoke volumes of Ema’s enduring passion for science, he scarcely took notice. The transformation of her body from the slender frame of 18 to the curvaceous allure of 25 escaped his attention until now. Her once angular face had softened into classically sculpted features, yet her hair remained unchanged — partly tied back for practicality, yet irresistibly cascading over her shoulders. Her lips appeared softer and fuller, her skin radiating an even more luminous glow than he remembered. His appreciative gaze wandered over every exposed inch of her — from the toned, bare shoulders peeking out of her sleeveless blouse to the back of her hands, the elegant curve of her neck, and the sleek, trim legs encased in tight pants.

As a teen, Ema Skye had been merely cute. But as a grown woman … she was an absolute beauty.

Unfortunately, she was a beauty who held him in utmost contempt, for which he couldn’t even blame her. He could feel that ire reaching out to him as she continued singing the seemingly personalized scathing lyrics, each verse feeling like a razor-sharp dart piercing his ego.

As well as his heart.

Okay, so you’re Brad Pitt
That don’t impress me much
So you got the looks but have you got the touch
Don’t get me wrong, yeah I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don’t impress me much

You’re one of those guys who likes to shine his machine
You make me take off my shoes before you let me get in
I can’t believe you kiss your car good night
C’mon baby tell me-you must be jokin’, right!

Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you’re something else

Okay, so you’ve got a car
That don’t impress me much
So you got the moves but have you got the touch
Don’t get me wrong, yeah I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night…

That don’t impress me much
You think you’re cool but have you got the touch
Don’t get me wrong, yeah I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm on the long, cold, lonely night
That don’t impress me much

Okay, so what do you think you’re Elvis or something…
Oo-Oh-Oh
That don’t impress me much!

Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-No
Alright! Alright!

You’re Tarzan!
Captain Kirk maybe.
John Wayne.
Whatever!
That don’t impress me much!

It would take one hell of a lot of groveling to get Ema to ever forgive him for a screw-up of this magnitude.

“Mein Gott!” Klavier groaned aloud as he slapped his forehead with the heel of his palm. “Professional hookers shall be spending less time on their knees than I will need to…what with the amount of groveling I’ll have to do from this day onward!”

Klavier Gavin
February 16, 2026 – April 20, 2026

Klavier worked as hard as he could in attempting to placate the tight-lipped, stormy-eyed detective after that night, but Ema’s stony countenance and even more hardened resolve to keep disliking him remained unwavering, in spite of his efforts to make amends.

She obstinately refused to accept his apologies and was even more disbelieving of his attempted explanation that his delayed recognition was because she now legitimately looked that much more different than she had that fateful night at the Russian bar. She didn’t even crack a smile when he told her that it’d been her unceremonious reiteration of his nickname, “glimmerous fop” which had jogged his memory! Naturally, he certainly wasn’t stupid enough to inform her that it’d simultaneously been the first time sight of those ripe, very grown-up, womanly curves under that lab coat which had not only stirred his memories but his senses as well!

In fact, the more Ema appeared to detest him, the more Klavier found himself growing all the more determined to win her over – or at the very least, win her forgiveness and friendship if not her heart. He knew she thought he was nothing more than a shallow, pretentious, flaky show-off – all charges he couldn’t deny or blame her for – but at the very least he was hoping to thaw her out even somewhat, as she’d begun to the night of her birthday, until Candi’s worst timing in the world reappearance!

In efforts to express his remorse for being remiss in recalling the most enthralling, brilliant, stubborn, fiery woman he’d ever met, Klavier had done everything humanly possible to atone, but to no avail.

In desperation, he’d even tried buying her different flavors of her beloved Snackoos, specially imported from Europe in flavors that weren’t even available in America. All these efforts had earned him a continual pelting with her (he couldn’t help but notice!) domestic brand of snack, while shouting: “I cannot be bought, no matter how sweet the treat, you glimmerous fop!”

Since that fateful day of her birthday, Klavier had hereby been christened from Prosecutor Gavin to “glimmerous fop”… some days more tersely than others, although he tried to soothe his ego by attempting to joke that while Ema said glimmerous she really meant glamorous.

His most crushing rebuke had to be the Monday after the bar after she had refused to take his calls and had stormed out immediately after her performance. He’d showed up at the police station at her lunch hour. Knowing she didn’t like overly mushy music, but recognizing that she still appreciated meaningful lyrics, he’d started singing George Harrison’s “I’ve Got My Mind Set On You.”

I got my mind set on you
Set on you

But it’s gonna take money
A whole lot of spending money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right child

It’s gonna take time
A whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, um
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right child

I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you

And this time I know it’s for real
The feelings that I feel
I know if I put my mind to it
I know that I really can do it…

Ema had been sitting under a tree behind the precinct, looking over some papers in her lap and munching Snackoos when he’d showed up and commenced his impromptu performance. After he was done, she’d mutely stared at him in utter disbelief, as though more annoyed than enraptured this time by his choice of song.

Then, without another word, she had gathered her things, stood up, and stormed back into the building, leaving the heartsick prosecutor in her wake.

This was a sensation that had only magnified when he’d returned to his office and found Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance” on his voicemail while cringing as he listened to the barbed lyrics, which may as well have been sung by the Detective herself.

Gigolo, Huh, sukka?
Gigolo. Gigolo, Huh, sukka?

Who’s looking good today?
Who’s looking good in every way?
No style rookie
You better watch don’t mess with me

No moneyman can win my love
It’s sweetness that I’m thinking of…

And so it went on. By the time April rolled around, Klavier was positive his figuratively groveling self barely had any skin remaining on his knees! Just as he was about to throw in the towel entirely and resign himself to the fate that his subordinate was going to hold him in utmost contempt for the rest of their days his luck did a complete turnabout.

He’d never forget the date for the rest of his days. April 20, 2026.

Phoenix Wright’s trial for the murder of Shadi Smith.

Ema Skye and Klavier Gavin
Criminal Affairs Department
April 22, 2026, 5:01 PM

As was tradition, Klavier had been in the gallery to silently cheer Kristoph on during his defense trial. Obviously, considering who the defendant was in said case, this specific trial was not to be missed. He’d ensured he sat, undetected, right at the back, so not even Trucy and Gumshoe had noticed his presence in the crowd. He’d worn sunglasses to mask his famous face, and a hat over his signature standout blond mane, so as not to draw attention to himself.

The moment the ground-breaking, unforeseen verdict was announced, the agonized prosecutor staggered out of the courtroom in a daze while clutching his burning chest, feeling as though a house had fallen on him while he tried to absorb the shocking turn of events that had just transpired.

Two days later, he was faring no better at all and was like a zombie, there at work only in body, but in neither mind nor spirit.

At the end of the day, when Ema knocked quietly on the door of the shattered prosecutor’s office and entered, she found the completely devastated Klavier slumped over at his desk, head buried in his hands. He barely glanced up as she entered the room, not quite sure what to expect or what new abuse she would dish out at him, and frantically wondering how he’d handle it in his current morose state if she did.

Instead, he peered up into those normally icy, turquoise eyes, only to find them now glittering with compassion.

“You look like hell, fop,” Ema stated by way of greeting. “Knowing you, you haven’t eaten or slept since that trial. This won’t do at all. I can’t have my investigative partner withering away, so while I can’t do much to help you get a better slumber, I am taking you out for dinner so you don’t waste away on me completely – let’s go!”

Klavier gawked at her with round eyes, not sure he’d heard correctly, and she tapped her foot impatiently, coming around the other side of his desk and pulling at his arm with surprising strength.

“Let’s go, Prosecutor Gavin – I’m starved. There’s no way I can take you out to some fancy-schmancy restaurant on a Detective’s salary, but I am in a magnanimous enough mood to let you take your pick between Eldoon’s Noodle Stand and The Burger Queen.”

Dumbly, he followed her out the door, completely incapable of arguing that he had no appetite, and she flashed a wry grin over her shoulder.

“We’ll take my car. I know you brought in your motorcycle today, but there’s no way I’m getting on that death trap, fop! There’s being nice and then there’s just being insane!”

Half an hour later, they were seated at a booth at the fast-food restaurant. Ema tucked hungrily into her burger, and the still astounded prosecutor found himself able to eat more than he had in days; half a milkshake and half an order of fries, all the while wondering what had brought this abrupt turnabout in her persona.

As though reading his mind, the pretty brunette caught his perplexed expression and laughed.

“Stop looking as though you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop!” Ema teased, reaching across the table and stealing one of his French fries, having completely demolished her own. “No, I have not been body-snatched, and you needn’t worry about me whipping you with any sizzling hot, fried potatoes or anything of the sort!”

She giggled softly at his thunderstruck expression.

“I’ve decided to let bygones be bygones, and just accept the fact that like most men, you have a penchant for remembering pneumatic females before less endowed, irate ones.”

“That’s not true! I – ”

She halted his protest and put her hand in the air.

“That doesn’t matter anymore. I’m simply going to let it go and move on.”

“Trust me, I am delighted to no longer be used for target practice, either physically or verbally, Fräulein Detective,” he finally managed to utter, cursing his fate that she had finally come around, even marginally, but he was still too heartbroken over the recent discovery of his brother’s diabolical doings to fully enjoy it. “But after trying to convey my apologies for any wrongdoings these past few months, I must wonder exactly what method I employed to have finally swayed you.”

“Nothing you did per se.” Ema grinned cheekily. “Although I must admit, the constant serenading, flowers, apology singing telegram, and snack delivery were amusing, somewhat touching… but ultimately, unnecessary.”

“You mean I could have given my wallet and vocal cords a break because you would’ve come around eventually?” Klavier couldn’t help but laugh at her pluck, despite his misery. “Still, I refuse to believe the additional flavored Snackoos didn’t help sweeten the pot even somewhat!”

“Like I’ve indicated before – via song and gestures – it’s never been about money or material things with me!” She shook her head. “No, ultimately, I decided to cut you some slack, because I know the pain of what it’s like to almost lose a sibling. There was a time when Lana stuck out her neck for me and was willing to take the fall for a murder that she never committed. I could’ve lost the only family I have, and I’ll never forget that harrowing experience. I guess I want to pay it forward, the universe righting itself somewhat, in the sense that I can now be filled with an insurmountable reprieve that my dear friend didn’t wind up paying the price for a crime he didn’t commit!”

“Herr Wright was indeed innocent and it was Kristoph who perpetrated the crime.” Klavier’s voice was hollow. “Thus, justly, Mein Bruder will do the time for it.”

“No matter how bad it was for me and Lana, I understand how in your case, the circumstances are much worse.” Her expressive orbs were brimming with sympathy. “While I’m happily relieved about Mr. Wright, I am also truly sorry about your brother, Prosecutor Gavin.”

“Danke, Fräulein Detective,” he said quietly, touched by her words but uncertain of what else to say. “I had no idea you had a personal stake in the trial yourself. I knew Gumshoe was friends with the defendant, but I hadn’t realized that you were as well.”

“It’s still really hard for me to talk about that case so many years ago, which nearly destroyed both my life, and my sister’s.” Ema’s eyes clouded over at the memory. “Sometimes, I still have nightmares about the monster who, if he’d had his way, would’ve taken my only sister away from me and literally gotten away with murder.”

She caught his searching gaze and cleared her throat, obviously uncomfortable about the turn in conversation from Klavier to her.

“But while I am reluctant to divulge too much information about the man who nearly ruined Lana’s life, I have no qualms telling you about the love and respect I have for the man who saved it, as he was the defense attorney in her trial. And that man was Phoenix Wright.”

Upon hearing the name, Klavier, who’d finally decided to take a bite of his burger, nearly choked. Taking a long swallow of his soda, he stared with growing dismay at his companion while he absorbed the shocking news, suddenly feeling his stomach drop to his feet as a new realization slowly dawned over him.

Oblivious to his reaction, Ema continued to prattle on, the affection in her voice undisguised now as she reminisced about her old friend, while the knot of guilt and trepidation only continued to mount within the blond man.

“I was just thinking of Mr. Wright again today, because of the latest case we’re currently working on.”

“You’re referring to the Gil T. Azelle upcoming trial, ja?” He was eager to change the subject and away from Ema’s hero. “What is it that reminded you of your friend?”

“There’s a lot of similarities between the case of this particular defendant, who allegedly shoved his lover, Jacqueline Hyde, off the roof of the hotel they were staying at, and a case that Mr. Wright had, shortly after he helped me and Lana out,” she explained. “He also defended Chief Gumshoe’s wife, who was then Maggey Byrde, except she was accused of pushing the victim, also her then-lover, off of a cliff!”

“And Herr Wright got her off the hook?” Klavier asked, unable to contain the reflexive prosecutor cynicism from his tone.

“Of course, he did!” She told him proudly. “Mr. Wright was wholly undefeated except for the one time when he lost on purpose! Besides, Maggey was completely innocent!”

She caught the skeptical look on his face and eyed him curiously.

“You don’t seriously think Chief Gumshoe would’ve married a murderer, do you? And Mr. Wright was a true believer in fighting for justice and saving innocent people! He only defended those that he truly believed were not guilty, and always proved them to be in the end!”

“That’s just…great…” Klavier replied faintly, as the world continued to spin around him.

“Mr. Wright’s defense was just brilliant for that trial!” Ema gushed. “Lana told me all about it; he not only got a confession from the real murderer, but he uncovered an underground crime chain all at once.”

“Two birds…one stone, ja?” Klavier managed to get out, feeling increasingly ill with every passing moment.

“And, some people claim he had amnesia during the trial.” She continued happily, her eyes sparkling. “There’s never been another lawyer like him. He was the King of the Turnabout, fighting his way right to the very end, and having an unwavering belief in his clients!”

“He sounds like a real mensch …” He mumbled, now wishing he’d opted for noodles instead of the greasy food, as the oily fare was now creating a queasy sensation within his guts. “It’s a shame you haven’t been able to rekindle your friendship with this … paragon of a man.”

“I’ve been trying desperately to get in touch with Mr. Wright since I got back into town, but zero luck! It’s been a real bummer, because he always has, and always will, mean so much to me and Lana.” She smiled fondly. “I only just now found out that he’d gotten disbarred, so I decided to seize bombarding him with my calls and messages for now.”

“You were away when that happened, ja?” Klavier held his breath, waiting for her to elaborate on what else she had discovered, but instead, Ema just looked dejected.

“Yes, I was in Europe when it happened. I was beyond distressed when Chief Gumshoe told me the news because I was recently venting to him about how I hadn’t been able to reach Mr. Wright, and it was explained that he sort of turned into a mole shortly after his disbarring. The Chief himself hasn’t seen or heard from him much either for this past year or so.”

“It’s a shame that he’s pushing away his friends,” he offered weakly, at a loss of what else to say.

“It’s all a total crock!” Suddenly she looked angry. “There is no way in hell that the man I knew could ever have done such the terrible thing he was accused of!”

“But you knew him so long ago – as a young teenager…and people change, ja?” He felt his mouth go dry. “And the evidence against him certainly was damning…”

“The evidence horse pucky! I’m going to get to the bottom of this! And I still call Bullenscheiße!” Ema fumed. “Anyway, ever since the murder trial, I’ve decided to let Mr. Wright lie low and have eased off on my contact attempts somewhat, figuring he may want to be left alone to absorb everything that’s happened for a little while.”

“That’s probably a good idea.” Klavier tried not to expel a breath of relief upon hearing this. “The poor man is probably still shaken by the events, and possibly will be for quite some time.”

“Well, he can’t hide forever!” Ema declared. “It’s on my to-do list to see that man again, give him the world’s biggest hug, and tell him that Detective Skye is on his side! I’m not going to stop believing in him nor will I give up on him! I will most definitely get together with him again! I can be pretty dogged and persistent when I need to be!”

Achtung, baby! That’s exactly what I’m afraid of! The rock God moaned softly to himself. Ema still had no clue about Klavier’s part in Phoenix Wright’s disbarment, because there was no way in God’s name she would still be sitting there, happily chattering and eating fries with him if she did! Had she been aware of his culpability, she’d undoubtedly be whipping the hot, oily potatoes at him in rapid-fire succession, along with a slew of verbal insults!

In the meantime, all the prosecutor could do was fervently hope that the proverbial hammer wouldn’t fall – he’d lucked out thus far with the brunette being kept in the dark about the disbarring – perhaps his good fortune could continue just a wee bit longer.

He flashed the detective a sickly smile, all the while thinking that his archetypal nearly skinless knees might now be best suited for kneeling…and desperately praying the policewoman would remain unsuccessful in her endeavors in reaching Phoenix and that the disbarred attorney would remain out of touch – at least until he figured out how easy it would be to get reassigned to the other side of the planet in the meantime because Ema Skye would undoubtedly be out for his blood if she ever found out!

Gott hilf mir! Klavier gulped as he felt the rapidly falling sands of the hourglass beginning to pour down over his head. I am officially a Dead Man Walking …