A/N: Welcome to the next installment of Katarina West. In other news, if anyone wants to write a story with Katarina in it, they are free to do so, as long as they give credit.

Disclaimer: I do not own Professor Layton or Level-5. I think it's kind of silly that we have to put these, since it is fanfiction, but oh well. Rules are rules.

Anyway, let's get started!

Chapter 1: Parents

"My parents are coming!" I exclaimed as I stuffed a pile of papers into one of the drawers on my desk.

Clive yawned and leaned back on my armchair. "I thought they hated you though."

I glared at him from behind my desk, even though what he said was completely true. My parents pretty much disowned me.

"Yes, but they saw me in the newspaper and now they don't think I'm such a waste of time anymore." I hurriedly stacked a pile of books into the shelves, not bothering to put them in the right places.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

I thought about that. "Yes. Go upstairs and hide in the closet."

"What?"

"Hurry! They're almost here!" I frantically pushed Clive up the stairs.

"I'm forgetting something…" I frowned. Oh wait the mail! I forgot to get the mail this morning! I rushed to my mailbox. Sure enough, the flag was still up.

I pulled out a few bills, a letter labeled urgent, and an unlabeled envelope with a bulge in it.

I opened the seal on the unlabeled envelope and reached inside without looking. I quickly pulled my hand away in pain, revealing a small thorn protruding from my fingertip. I grimaced before sealing the envelope again.

"Urgh… who would send an envelope filled with thorns? Must be some prank." I frowned and put the envelope on my desk along with the rest of the mail.

I pulled out a rag and started dabbing my finger and then-

Ding dong

o-0-o

I awkwardly tried to avoid my parents' cold and calculating stare. Talking with my parents was a lot like trying to approach a bull. No sudden moves or sounds.

"So what exactly is it that you do? Managing this old place isn't exactly a feat." My father smirked. I thought it was interesting that he said that, because at one time he was going to run it.

"Well I also-"I was interrupted by knocking on the door. I practically raced for it.

The professor and Luke were standing outside. "Good afternoon, Katarina. Is this a bad time?" Layton tipped his hat to me.

"No not at all." I grinned overenthusiastically. "My parents are here."

"Oh, yes I see. Well, we are really looking for Clive. You should probably come too."

"Alright!" I was happy for an excuse to escape from my parents. I could only imagine what would happen when I had in-laws…

My excitement fell greatly when I realized what we were doing. I looked into the professor's flat to see a rather toady looking man with a receding hairline and glasses.

"Bill Hawks? That's why we're here?" I exclaimed while the professor tried to hush me.

"It's a long story, Katarina. Anyway, he does have a warrant." The professor tried to explain.

"How? Why, for all reasons?" The professor pointed to Clive.

"But I thought we settled that in court a while ago." I thought back to the court battle almost a year ago, in which I lost my voice twice.

"Well, he found something against us." Clive sighed as he stretched out his arms.

"Well, I'm glad. There are some things that I didn't get to say to him in court." I clenched my fist.

"Maybe you should just keep that to yourself."

"Ah, it's about time the Laytons got here. I can almost remember all of your names. Let's see: Florence, Fluke, Emery and… I don't remember you," I realized he was pointing at me.

"You should." I murmured.

"Anyway, I have reason to believe that this young… er… man should be sent back to prison. I also have a warrant to search his room and this entire house."

"What?" We all gasped.

"Why? What could give you reason to search here? Or did you blackmail them to give you a warrant?" I questioned.

"Who are you? His lawyer?" The prime minister snarled.

I thought about that a little. "On occasion, yes, actually. It hasn't been that long, has it?"

"Ah yes, I remember you now. The headstrong lawyer whose law degree we seemed to have misplaced…"

I blushed. I might have made up the being the lawyer thing.

"Go search the bedrooms."

"What?"

Two very large men started advancing towards the bedrooms. I hurried to block their way.

"Just give us a few weeks." I pleaded.

"Why? Are you hiding something?"

"No."

"Fine. You have one week. Not that you have much of a chance." Bill Hawks turned. "And keep a hold of your tongue next time."

"What?" I leaned closer. "You scared?"

A/N: Urgh… that turned out terrible.