Look what I did, I've updated! XD Thanks to all who have favorited/added to alerts and have stuck through with me. I apologize for being so slow this past... year, but between school and drama, fanfiction was the last thing on my mind. But here's another chapter for you to enjoy! XD

As always, Professor Layton and all characters do not belong to me, I'm just riding the wave.

Plus, if you see any misspelling, please let me know and I'll fix it.

Thanks again, please review when you're done!

The sun rose slowly the next morning, Luke rousing from his deep sleep just as slowly, rubbing his eyes gently to remove the sleep. He found his mentor already up and dressed, waiting for his morning tea to finish brewing so he could enjoy. Sensing his assistance was awake, Layton faced Luke and smiled softly.

"Good morning my boy, did you sleep well?"

"I suppose... but I don't believe it was enough."

"If you need it, after our noon tea, you may rest for a time." Layton replied, pouring his cup gently as to not spill.

"I may need it..."

"I feared as much, keeping you out so long was not the best idea of mine..." Layton sipped his cup of tea thoughtfully.

"But we have a job to do."

"Nothing is worth risking your health. Now, get dressed and we'll head down to eat. We'll leave for the manor as soon as possible."

"Yes sir."

Dressed and fully fed, they made their way down the familiar path to the large white mansion. Knocking once again, they were surprised to find, not Matthew, but Ramon to answer their call.

"Ah, the famous Professor Layton. You graciously call upon us, for a reason I'm sure."

"We call upon Lady Dahlia for a small request."

"Of course. Please wait here while I fetch her. Ahoo hoo hoo!" He walked off, laughing at something that Luke was not apparent of. The duo entered just into the entrance until they were allowed permission to enter further.

They did not need to wait long as Lady Dahlia soon floated towards them, Claudia walking along side. Upon seeing Luke, Claudia let out a low mew of happiness and rushed forward, rubbing against his leg happily.

"Well, my Claudia seems to have taken a liking to you." Lady Dahlia smiled sweetly down at Luke before turning to Layton. "Ramon says you have a request for me?"

"Very, we are starting our search for the 'Golden Apple'." stated Layton, Luke picking Claudia gently.

"Oh?" Lady Dahlia looked curiously.

"I apologize for the wait, but after the cat search and Ramon's disappearance, you see, we haven't had much time to actually look."

"That's a fair enough assessment, but what is your request?"

"We ask permission to look at your late husband's possessions and his room."

"You mean my room."

"Pardon?"

"We shared a room professor, we were married after all. I'm to assume you aren't?"

"You'd be correct."

"Have you a lady?"

"Had once before."

"Then you should know about the feelings that you have and share with your other. Sharing a room is something that happens when you wed, for you find you can't stand to be apart, surely you knew that."

"Of course."

"If you see a reason to look through my husband's belongings, they I grant you permission. I do ask you keep your search to my husband's items and to not wander into my items."

"Of course, no action such as that will be taken."

She clapped her hands and Matthew suddenly appeared. "Mi' lady?"

"Please show the professor and his assistant to my chambers. But leave them be unless called upon. Understand?"

"Fully," Matthew bowed to Layton, "Follow me please."

They were lead up to the second floor of the mansion which held all the bedrooms of the household. While Matthew explained the construction of the mansion to Layton, Luke peeked into each room, Claudia still held in his arms, attempting to look at everything and not to be lost from the group. But reaching a room at the end of the hall, as Matthew and Layton turned to continue on, Luke stilled looking in, this room drawing his attention more than any other.

Stepping in further, Luke was surprised to find that this room was not just another guest room, but a nursery. He continued in quietly, afraid to disturb the silence that pressed around him, and looked around. The walls were painted a light, lilac color, every furniture piece the same with white, drooping ribbon tied on the ends of the chairs. A crib was placed under a large window, which was closed to the outside world, a changing table and a rocking chair on either side.

Mouth open in wonder, Luke's attention was drawn towards a small picture frame and, holding Claudia in one arm, he picked it up. It showed a mother holding a small child lovingly in her arms, Matthew and another older woman smiling warmly at the child. Luke was slightly stunned to find the loving woman looked strongly like Lady Dahlia... but something was very off. Looking back around the room, Luke couldn't really remember seeing another room that actually belonged to someone in the household, and this was the only thing that showed that the Late Baron had a daughter.

"Boy, what are you doing in here?"

Luke jumped and turned to face Lady Dahlia, who looked rather stunned to find Luke in the nursery, Claudia held tightly. "I-I'm sorry, this room just looked... looked different and..."

Lady Dahlia frowned, but she didn't seem terribly upset as she walked further in. "Curiosity isn't a horrible thing, but be careful to where it takes you."

Luke nodded meekly. "Y-Yes ma'am."

Now level with Luke, Lady Dahlia features softened considerably. She patted Luke's head motherly, making him flush softly. "You're not in trouble child, just be mindful of your actions. Now, you said this room appeared different to you, how so?"

"Well... We've passed guest rooms aplenty and I looked in here and it's... a nursery."

"You sound confused."

"I haven't seen any children about and it's so dusty- I mean no offence," Luke said hastily, "And this picture, it's odd as well, as I see you in it with a small girl, but you've never mentioned of a child."

Lady Dahlia suddenly went ridged. "I've had no children."

Luke frowned, looked at the picture again, then back to Lady Dahlia. "But isn't this you in the picture ma'am?"

"No, I'm sorry, but you're very much mistaken. And as far as this room, this is..." Lady Dahlia looked distant, then snapped at Luke, "You should not have come in here, let's find the professor and get you back to him."

"Y-Yes ma'am." Luke was very taken aback by Lady Dahlia's mood swings. Clearly there once was a child here, so why should Lady Dahlia appear to be so ashamed and lie? Or was she being honest in never having children and if true, then who was the woman in the picture?

They exited, Lady Dahlia keeping a good grip on Luke's shoulder, Luke in turn holding onto Claudia for some comfort at the odd emotions that had just passed. Barely reaching the end of the hallway, Layton and Matthew turned the corner, Layton looking very relieved.

"Luke, there you are," Layton frowned, "Where did you get off to?"

Luke opened his mouth to speak, but Lady Dahlia beat him. "He was just exploring a little Professor, no harmed in doing so. He have a very curious mind, you've taught your son well."

Luke flushed very darkly at that and hide his face in Claudia's fur, feeling very flattered. Layton merely smiled. "While I'm flattered, he's not my son. As I've said, I never married and I do not hold the belief of conception without marriage, but Luke is under my charge."

Lady Dahlia was slightly taken aback by this. "But there's such a resemblance... But I take belief in what you say Professor, I've taken up enough of your time and I'll hand Luke back to you." Picking Claudia up out of Luke's arms, Lady Dahlia gave him a quick peek on the cheek and made her way off, Matthew trailing behind her as he's already shown Layton the way.

Luke, whose face was already a shade of red, went as dark as possible as he placed his hand on that cheek. Layton smiled gently and ruffled his assistance's hair. "Quite the lady charmer, aren't you?"

"Professor, that's not funny!" Luke blurted out, now able to use his voice, still very shocked at what had happened.

"She's just showing motherly affection Luke, nothing to be flustered about. But please tell me boy, where did you go?"

Embarrassment instantly forgotten, Luke launched into the story of how the nursery caught his attention, the picture, and the odd resemblance Lady Dahlia and the woman in the picture held, even though Lady Dahlia denied it being her. "And she has a baby in her arms, but she said she didn't have a child. It's really confusing sir..."

Layton kept quiet throughout Luke's story, thinking deeply. "Are these two women very similar in appearance?"

"Very much so, the only thing that looked off was that the woman in the picture was... softer in appearance than Lady Dahlia. That's the best that I can explain it sir."

"No, I understand, but why would she feel the need to lie on this? Unless she isn't, and if so, then who is in this picture here? ...Why don't we ask Matthew of this affair once done in the Baron's room?" Luke nodded in agreement as they enter the late Baron's room. The bedroom was something amazing to behold, but clearly showed signs that only a woman used that grand room now. Walls a deep red, a four poster bed contained the same color with dozens of throw pillows placed precisely on it. A grand vanity and dresser were propped against the wall opposite of the bed, a full length mirror hung in the middle of it. The only thing that didn't look as if it belonged to Lady Dahlia was a small desk that had a few well-worn books on it, a thick layer of dust covering it.

Luke was slightly puzzled at this and gave the room another look around, attempting to find something that wasn't red and feminine. "Is this really all that's here for the Baron?"

"Matthew explained that, in her distress, Lady Dahlia removed anything that was connected to her late husband. But for whatever reason, couldn't part with this desk, as she remembers some, ah, fond moments with it." Layton cleared his throat, but Luke tilted his head in curiosity and confusion.

"Like what?"

"Ah, that is a topic for another day, which I fear may be sooner than I hope. But enough of that let us begin our search." The look through was quicker than Luke expected, but it revealed nothing absolutely amazing that could be of some use. Crawling out from under the desk, Luke stood to claim his dismay of finding nothing, but stilled finding Layton staring intently at one of the well-worn books.

"Professor, what did you find?"

Layton didn't respond to Luke's question, rather said, "I'm not one to poke into another's private affair, but giving the circumstances..."

Luke walked over and stood on tip toe to look at the book. It was simply black, the word 'journal' written in gold lettering in the middle. "Do you suppose those are the Baron's written word?"

"It would appear to be..."

"Then it may hold the clue we need, open it!"

"Luke, there's nothing more terrible than pushing oneself into other's privacy, as you have recently found out."

Luke's face burned once more and he calmed. "But I doubt Lady Dahlia will give us permission to read it and it may be really important."

"This is true..." Gripping the edges of the journal, Layton sighed and gave a quick glance to the heavens. "Forgive me Baron, but I must." Slightly reluctantly, Layton opened the book and began to read aloud.

I fear about the remaining time that my dear Katie has is little.
Her normally high spirits have begun to drop as no doctors
bring any good news about her recovery. I fear that, while we've
not told her, Flora knows that her mother will be gone soon.
No child should ever have to go through this.

"Katie, Flora, could they be the missing family members?"

"It doesn't say straightly, how odd... But as it's the Baron's journal, he would need remembering of whom these people are, just a name."

She's passed, quickly and thankfully painlessly, angles take
her well. Flora, for being so young, knows of what's happened
to her mother and has accepted the news well. I attempt to
show that even without her mother, she can be as
she once was, but she'll have no part.

"Flora sounds like the daughter and Katie the first wife of the Baron's. So Lady Dahlia wasn't lying, the child in the picture was not her own."

"But then, where could the daughter be now Professor?"

"Who knows..."

In an attempt to lighten my Flora's spirit, I've asked
a favor of one I've called upon many a times. He's
completed it and I must say the appearance is
uncanny that even I was tricked to this it was my dear
Katie. But Flora hasn't reacted like I had hoped and is actually
terrified by this new being. It saddens me more when
Matthew tells me that Flora has taken to playing at her
mother's grave. As an attempt to fix this situation, I've asked
that its memory be erased a fixed with another one as it
becomes its own being.

"I haven't seen a grave or a graveyard and what's 'it'?"

"Wait Luke, there's one more passage."

It has happened; I've fallen to bed and am unable
to get up. The illness that took my wife has
struck me down as well. My Flora, my poor poor
little flower is so sad knowing she's about to
lose her father. I've given her all I can, but I know it
will never be enough. As a late attempt to
provide for my daughter, I've given my dear friend
directions, hoping he will help continue to
help care for my Flora.

Luke looked up a Layton as he finished the passage. "The Baron has a friend, this is the first I've heard."

"As have I... Why would he not name someone near to him is this journal, this would aid us greatly. Perhaps Matthew can shed some light on this matter, plus show us to the grave of the first Lady Reinhold."

"I know nothing of a friend of Lord Reinhold, he was a very solitude man," Matthew sighed gently, "I'm apologize, I'm not as much help."

"Do you know of anyone who might know?" Layton pressed.

Matthew thought, picking up a small basket of gardening supplies and heading out to the back of the mansion, Layton and Luke following. "Ingrid would be the only person I can think of who could possible know."

"Ingrid?"

"She was a maid here, but only for a few years, and what a good few years they were."

"Where would she be now?"

"Now, around this time, at the market, and that will be the only time you can possible talk to her."

"I shall go visit her then. But I have one question and request for you."

"That being?"

"I'd like you to show Luke the grave."

"Grave sir?"

"Lady Katie's grave, the Late Baron's first wife."

"Oh, well, of course, if you feel the need."

"I do, Luke will follow you."

"Professor," Luke tugged at his mentor's sleeve, "why am I going alone?"

"Covering more ground will help us greatly in our search."

"But what need will there be to see it?"

Layton smiled. "You may find something useful. If not, you may just enjoy yourself." With that, Layton tipped his hat and walked towards the front entrance to the mansion.

"Come along child, I'll show you the way." Matthew followed a small dirt path to, what Luke believed a small forest and soon hide the mansion as they walked further in. They continued on, the forest opening onto a small clearing in which a stone stairway was found leading down into the Earth.

"This is a grave?" Luke asked slightly bewildered.

"Indeed, the late Baron wanted his wife as close as possible. Watch your step as you descend." That Luke did, surprised to find a stone door blocking the entrance, words carved into it.

All whom enter, please pass with care
For the sleeping life that rests here.

Luke swallowed gently, preparing to find, what he held in his mind, a dark and very spooky grave. But he was taken by surprise to find an underground flower garden, a statue in the middle, light streaming down onto it.

"This is Lady Katie's grave."

"It's spectacular... nothing what I expected." Luke said in awe.

"Even in death, the late Baron wanted to pamper his wife as much as possible."

Luke frowned. "You mean his first wife?"

"Oh, yes, of course."

"If I may ask, I saw that Lady Katie had a child, where is she now?" Luke asked, "I saw no room for any girl, except for the nursery."

"I... that I do not know," Matthew picked up the basket again, "Please take your time at looking around; I must tend to the garden."

Luke remained where he stood, thinking. There was a child, a girl, that was a missing member of the Reinhold family, yet none seemed to be worried. No clues to say that she was alive, but thankfully no clues to suggest that she were dead. Yet where was this child?

Mind buzzing with so many questions, Luke jumped finding himself at the statue. It was that of a female, features much like Lady Dahlia, but much softer. Even though she was made of stone, the dress she wore seemed to blow in some invisible wind. In one hand, she held a small collection of violets which was clutched tightly to her chest; the other was outstretched, appearing to want the feel of human warmth again. Luke answered that want, placing his hand gently into the stone one, surprised to find if warm.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Luke jumped and turned finding Layton standing behind him, smiling. "P-Professor? H-How was the meeting with Ingrid?"

"It showed nothing new. She suggested Ramon, but he denied anything about it and had no one in mind of who it could be."

Luke frowned; hand still in its place with the statue. "Then we're back to where we started."

"Not true, we do know that the Baron had a friend. And from what I've gathered, no one has moved out of this village."

"So the friend is still in the village?"

"I believe so; we just need to ask the villagers if they know of anyone who was close to the Baron."

"Should we go then?"

"You'll have to let go of the lady's hand."

Luke flushed and dropped it quickly. "S-She seems wanting..."

"That she does," Layton smiled, "You're an odd child Luke."

"How so?"

"You speak of the late as if she's still alive."

"The statue looks so!"

"True... but, come, it's near noon. I'm not sure about you, but food sounds wondrous... as does some tea." They entered the dinner once more and sat as proper customers, both served quickly. Luke casually sipped his milk, Layton his tea, in deep thought.

"...Professor," Luke spoke, "Matthew told me something slightly confusing."

"Hmmm?" Layton placed his cup down, "And what would that be my boy?"

"I asked about the girl, the only child of the Baron's, seeing if Matthew knew where she might be. I asked for a room, for anything. But Matthew became nervous and said there was no room and no one knows where she is. It's as if, once the Baron died, she disappeared. Do you think she dies or perhaps left?"

"No, as good as your line of thought is, something doesn't add up. As I said, no one has left and as far as a death, well, the only one I know of is the Baron's, but I haven't even seen a grave yard... I believe that daughter is still here, but where... that's the question isn't it..." Layton trailed off, staring into a corner. Luke frowned, realizing that, if a window had been placed where Layton was looking, they'd be looking straight at the tower.

"Are you daft man! Are you attempting to KILL me!"

Chemley's voice rang out from the mansion, Layton and Luke looking at each other with some slight worriment. They had returned to the mansion hoping to ask for another look at the grave, but were pulled aside upon hearing Chemley cry out in clear rage. Layton quickly lead the way to the parlor, very worried at what has just taken place, only to find Matthew at the mercy of Chemley's rage.

"Sweets! How dare you serve me sweets!" Chemley pointed to the accusing tray held in Matthew's hands, "Get these out of my sight this instant!"

"Y-Yes sir, my apologies!" Matthew dashed from the room, quiet scared. Layton and Luke stepped out of the way, before stepping into the parlor.

"You seem in high spirits today inspector." Layton smiled.

Chemley frowned at the smile. "Layton, I've actually wanted a word with you."

"Oh, and what would that be my good sir?" Layton sat down, Luke standing next to him.

"I hear that, not only are you continuing to ask about my investigation, but asking about something about a 'Golden Apple'. Now, what's that about?"

"Certainly the lady of the house has told you of the Baron's will."

"Something, yes, but to tell me what you've found so far?"

"Nothing too amazing, but why ask? Surely you should be more focused on the murder." Layton smiled softly.

Chemley growled softly. "Surely..."

"Then we have our own business to attend to."

"Stop asking about the murder then! This is a case of the Scotland Yard, I don't have time to worry about people who think they're smart enough to play detective!" Chemley stood, bearing down on Layton. Luke frowned and stepped forward, but Layton blocked him, smiling up at Chemley.

"Of course, my appologies. I'll leave that matter to you. Come along Luke."

"Where are we heading?" Luke asked as they left, Chemley looking murderous after them.

"I was actually hoping to meet with Lady Dahila, but I believe she needs some time alone. Let's attack the street with questions again, shall we?"

"Maybe we should try the streets behind the clock tower. I noticed another market when we were chasing Ramon's attacker."

"It should be quiet lively at this time, let's see what we can find."

Even though Luke smiled with confidence, his mind was racing with doubt. No one seemed to have any information on anything about the Reinhold family members. And no one seemed to know what happened to the daughter; she just disappeared after her father died. The 'Golden Apple' seemed to be another thing people knew nothing about, but they demanded he and Layton find it. Everything in this town just lead to another dead end and Luke had no idea how they'd get out.

He was distracted from these thoughts as they neared the entrance, finding Matthew pain-snakingly cleaning family portraits. Luke's eyes feel on the closest portrait, that of a young female with thick brown hair that was tied back tightly, wearing a red dress made clearly of fine fabric with gold trimmings. But what stood out the most were her eyes, which were brown as well, be even in a painting seemed to pierce Luke easily.

"Matthew, is that Flora?" Luke walked over to the butler, having Layton double back to not lose his apprentice.

"Hmm, oh yes, that is Flora. That's the only way I remember what she looks like she's been gone for so long."

"Matthew, I find it so impossible that none know of what happened to this child," Layton joined Luke, "She's the only heir to the Reinhold fortune."

"This is all I know Professor: before her father died, she was here, afterwards, she just disappeared. I'm not saying I'm not worry about her, but I don't know what to do for her," Matthew sighed softly and looked at Layton with some desperation, "Please sir, please fix this village."

"Professor... what did Matthew mean?"

Layton frowned as they headed for the back alley market. "I'm not sure, but something is weighing heavily on that poor man's mind."

"Isn't it rather unfair for him to ask that much of you?" Luke asked.

"Perhaps he believes I'm the only one who can help... which does seem like a lot to deal with."

"But where are we supposed to go for answers now?" Luke frowned, "No one at the mansion knows anything…."

"Perhaps we need to look outside the mansion for answers now, it is a Saturday morning and Ingrid had mentioned something about a market being open today. It should be lively enough that hopefully we can find some information there."

Even though Luke smiled with confidence, his mind was racing with doubt. No one in the family knew any useful information about the location of the Golden Apple or where to find this missing daughter of the late Baron. Surely the only heir to the fortune would be carefully looked after since the Baron passed, but the residence in the mansion didn't seem to worry too much about it. Could they possible know but hiding the truth from Layton and him, and if that's true, for what reason?

"So you know of no one who could have been at least close to the Baron?" Layton asked in slight dismay to the vender.

"Nope, the Baron was a pretty secluded person, liked his privacy. If he did have a friend, it was a well-kept secret. Now, if you don't mind, I kind of need to make a living today." The vender shooed them away slightly and turned to a customer.

Layton frowned in disappointment and the fact that someone could be that tactless, but he only pulled his hat down instead of voicing anything pushing on ahead. Sighing slightly, Luke started to follow but was held in place by a rather sturdy grip on his shoulder. Looking up, he was towered over by an aged man wearing rather thick glasses that hide the man's rather rather well.

"P-Professor!"

Layton turned around quickly and snatched Luke away just as fast, face still holding his composure. "Can I help you sir?"

"Didn't mean to frighten your child, but I couldn't help overhearing that you were attempting to locate the late Baron's friend."

"Um, yes, that is correct. Can we assume that it is you?"

"Well, maybe friend is a bit too strong, but I was rather close to him. He did invite me a few times into his homestead and we did share a few good memories. My name's Archibald."

"I'm Hershel Layton and this is my young charge Luke."

"Well, now that we have the intros out of the way, is there a reason why you're asking around the market for the Baron's friend?"

"We believe that the Baron gave you something of his possessions to you before his passing and that may actually hold a key to locating the Golden Apple." Layton explained.

"Well, you're right about the first part, the Baron did leave me a wonderful writing desk to me on his death bed. But I don't it has anything to do with the Golden Apple."

"Would you be at all opposed to us looking at it?"

"Not at all, but what you'll find will be an amazement, I've searched that desk over hundreds of times but found nothing. Follow me please, my house isn't too far from here."

Archibald led the way out of the market, he and Layton continuing to talk about the Baron and eventually the will. Luke, who was only a few steps behind, slowed slightly, feeling eyes burning into the back of his and Layton's retreating forms. Turning around, Luke's attention was instantly drawn to a tall man wearing a purple overcoat, hair pointed up into horns. A smirk slid across the man's face making eye contact with Luke, causing him to turn around quickly and catching up with his mentor.

Luke frowned in slight disappointment upon viewing the old writing desk. "This is it?"

"I know it's not much, but it's the thought that counts right?" Archibald defended.

"That it does," Layton smiled, "Well, come Luke, let's starts searching."

They did, hands running over every inch that they could reach, searching for about a half hour with no results to show for it. Layton stood back, eyes scanning the entire desk, while Luck bent down and crawled underneath the desk. Looking around, Luke's eyes landed on a small wooden button in the right corner of the desk. Curiosity getting the better of him, Luke reached forward and pushed it, a small drawer opening next to him.

"Professor, I think I found something." Luke called happily, opening it further. Layton's face appeared, looking very curious as Luke pulled out a worn piece of parchment.

"What did you find my boy?"

"Some weird sort of map." said Luke crawling back out, holding it out for Layton. The only thing on the crumpled piece of paper was a drawing of a wall, a small 'x' placed rather randomly. Up in the corner, a small tower was quickly scrawled.

"Well now, that is rather odd." Archibald fixed his glasses peering at the paper as well.

"What is this?" Luke frowned. Layton didn't have time to respond as a chiming suddenly sounded, Archibald disappearing into a different room. He returned shortly after, looking quiet worried.

"That was Beatrice, she need your help on something."

"On what?" Layton asked.

"She said someone else staying at the inn has skipped his bill. She's asked for your helping in trying to locate him."

"That's horrible, who would do such a thing?" Luke frowned.

"I wasn't even aware that she had another customer," Layton frowned, "No matter. Let's see what we can for her shall we?" Layton smiled and led the way back to the inn, both meeting with a very upset owner. "Miss… Miss, please, you must calm down!"

"I apologize, but my other customer did the old dine and dash! I went upstairs to check on him, but he just simple disappeared without a trace."

"Would you allow us to see the room he was staying in?"

"Yes, right up here, please follow."

She led them to a once clean room that was now covered in grim and filth. The bed was undone, the sheets crusted with something brown, the trash overflowed with half eaten slightly rotting food, and cigar butts littered the floor.

"Ew!" Luke exclaimed, pinching his nose in disgust, "Who lives like this?"

"The same who skip their bill." Beatrice huffed hotly, Luke took a step away from the heated owner just in case.

"This room is in such disarray that I doubt we'll find anything to help track this person down," Layton turned to the innkeeper, "Do you remember what this man looked like?"

Beatrice frowned in concentration. "Well, let's see…. Rather ruff looking man and smelled very strongly of smoke."

"Smoke? Would you happen to talking about Inspector Chemley? He smells rather strongly of smoke as well." Luke frowned.

"No no, not even close, this man looked much more… evil. Plus this man was wearing a heavy dark purple trench coat, with some interested pointed hair and mustache, almost looking like horns."

Luke's stomach dropped; that described perfectly the man who was watching him and Layton leave the market place with Archibald. He bit his tongue as Layton allowed Beatrice to tell them everything she knew, and then asked them to go out and bring the person back. It wasn't until they had walked a good distance away that Luke couldn't hold back any longer.

"Professor, I need to tell you something." Luke said frantically.

"What is it Luke?"

"That man that Beatrice described, I saw him at the market place, he was watching us leave with Archibald."

"Did you know?"

Luke nodded. "Do… do you think he might be trying to find the Golden Apple as well?"

"That and perhaps more."

"What do you mean?"

"The killer of Simon is still on the run, but no one has been able to enter or leave the village for a while now since the drawbridge is out. So we have to assume that he's still here, unable to escape, and since the village has been gossiping about the Golden Apple, this person must have overheard. And since we and the inspector are the only people not from this place, the killer must have guessed what we're up to and has decided to follow in hopes that he can find it first."

"Um… do you think that's true?" Luke asked, looking around them, thinking that the killer could be close. Layton smiled and placed a comforting hand on top of Luke's head, causing him to look up at his mentor.

"Try not to fret Luke, I won't let anything happen to you."

Luke smiled, calming instantly. "What do we do now? All we received from Archibald was a rather confusing piece of paper, we don't really know where to go now."

"I believe the last place to look is the place that the village seems to avoid…."

"You're attempting to go where!" A lady with a shawl asked shrilly

"The Tower, my dear lady." Layton replied, smiling.

"With a child, are you insane sir! That tower's no place for a child!"

"It's alright ma'am, I can handle myself," Luke smiled, "It's really important that we find our way there."

"Well… if you insist. There's a road back of there that will take you there. It's rather seedy, I'd keep a close eye on your child if I were you sir."

"Thank you ma'am, we will be careful." Luke tipped his hat and walked on.

"You taught him well." She nodded to Layton approvingly.

"He's very willing to learn," Layton tipped his hat as well, "If you'll excuse me."

Looking back, Luke smiled seeing how far back Layton was and stopped, allowing his mentor to catch up.

"Hey, kid." Luke looked around to find a gruff vender gesturing him over, "Come 'ere a second."

"What can I do for you sir?"

"You friends with Mr. Top Hat there?"

"You mean Professor Layton? Of course."

"Good. Just had some creepy looking guy give this to me sayin' it belonged to him." Luke was handed a simple designed blue vase, the lip and handles of it a rather worn gold.

"I've never seen it before."

"What do you have there Luke?"

Luke looked up at his mentor, showing him the vase. "The vendor says it belongs to you."

Frowning, Layton took the vase and looked it over. "You must be mistaken my good man, this does not belong to me."

"Ah, well, was told it did." The vendor sighed.

"And who told you that?"

"Some weird looking guy, he was in kind of a hurry and he disappeared to quickly for me to get a good look at him."

"Well, I'm sorry, but this doesn't belong to me," Layton placed it down on the street cart, "We must be on our way if you don't mind."

"Of course, sorry to bother you." The vendor waved them off, Layton and Luke heading to the Tower.

With vendor's back turned to the object, a hand quickly extended from the nearest alleyway and snatched the vase up. Both the person and vase disappeared before the vendor had turned around again.