"One Angry Man"

by MelMac

Notes: Co-written with Lauren (Lone Wolfette), names in story are chemical elements: Berillio - Beryllium, Aurum - Gold, Argentum - Silver, Wolfraam - Tungsten, Lawrencium - same, Ferrium - Iron, Tigreton - is actually a made up name, will stay as such, as Lawrencium is also a real life last name.

It was one of those days when it seemed everything was going wrong, thought Ralph as he turned the corner to his house. He had taken his class out on a field trip to the aquarium to watch the dolphins. He thought by showing the kids how the trainers taught the dolphins how to help out, it'd show them that teamwork would be the best way to handle situations.

Unfortunately, Tony and Cyler got into an argument, and before Ralph could them to stop, the students egged them on and it turned into a fight. In the process of trying to stop the fight, Ralph was shoved into the dolphin pool. While it did stop the fighting, Ralph had to apologize to the people at the aquarium for the fight and disturbing the dolphins. He made the Cyler and Tony also apologize to the aquarium as well before they headed back to the school. "Good thing my clothes dried fast in the heat," he mused, "Or I really would've been in trouble when I got back to the school."

Ralph’s station wagon pulled into the driveway and he got out, headed up the walk to the front door. He stopped and checked his mailbox, pulling out several envelopes.

Just as he started looking through the mail, a tan Dodge Diplomat pulled up next to the curb. Bill got out, slamming the door closed after him. "Ralph, perfect timing!"

"You’re getting better, Bill. Did you bug my car or something?" Ralph commented, then stopped, looking at a particular envelope. His eyes widened.

"Kid? What’s the matter?" Bill asked. "You’ve already got that look and I haven’t even told you the scenario yet."

"Jury duty..." Ralph managed to get out.

Bill rolled his eyes. "Is that all? Ralph, you make it look like you’re being audited."

Ralph frowned. "Very funny, Bill. That’s not the same look, by the way."

"It’s close to it." Bill grinned. "Come on, kid, there’s nothing wrong with jury duty. Everybody’s gotta do it sooner or later."

"Yeah, but my luck is that I always get stuck with the cases that last longer than a week and I end up getting holed up in a hotel room with some big guy who either smokes, snores, or both." Ralph put the key in the lock and turned the knob, opening the door. Bill followed him in. "I wonder what it’ll be this time..."

"I’ve got an idea, Ralph. Why don’t you wear the jammies to it? Maybe you can vibe off the exhibits."

Ralph turned to see if Bill was serious. The grin he wore didn’t give a clear answer. "You’d love that, wouldn’t you, Bill?"

"It would make for an interesting jury deliberation."

"I don’t know, Bill..."

"Just think about it, Ralph." He headed for the door.

"Wait, Bill, I thought you had a scenario you wanted to talk about?"

Bill shook his head. "Nah, I just wanted to see the look on your face when you saw the jury duty notice. Bye, kid." He slammed the door after him.

Ralph paused, thinking. "How did he know that I got the notice...?" He thought for a few more seconds, and then shook his head. He headed for the bedroom.

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A week later, Pam and Bill were waiting for Ralph to come back home from being called to jury. When the blonde-haired man entered, they had an idea what happened. "Well hun, how did it go," asked Pam.

"Just dandy," said Ralph with a bit of sarcasm. Noticing Pam's look, he softened his tone. "I'm sorry Pam, it's just been a long morning. Sat in the lobby in a very uncomfortable chair for about an hour and a half to wait to be called in, another two hours to go through roll call, then when all's said and done, another two hours, I'm selected to sit on a jury, and we don't know the case yet."

Bill chuckled. "Well, considering the state pays $3 a day for jury duty, I bet it's something lame. Too bad kid, maybe you ought to wear the suit after all so if it's something like a property dispute ya can get outta there in five minutes."

Ralph shook his head. "Maybe. Listen, I've got to call the school and say I'll be out the rest of the day and possibly the next couple. The trial begins this afternoon."

As he headed over to the phone, Pam put a hand on his arm. "Ralph, maybe Bill's right. I have a feeling that if they're starting the case the same day, it's a pretty big one. Some of the ones I've represented the state in have been in the afternoon."

"You sure hun? I mean I don't want to say I found out something that wasn't evidence. That could get a mistrial, not to mention get me put in jail for contempt."

"Yeah I know you'd have to be careful, but I'm just remembering some afternoon cases I was the attorney. Two recent ones were a sexual assault case and a massive drug operation."

Bill, overhearing the conversation continued. "Counselor's got a point there Ralph, besides, you might end up saving someone's life this way. I've seen one too many cases where the wrong person was set free."

Ralph pondered the idea. "OK, I will... but I'll use it only as what you'd say a worst case scenario. If I find out I'm going to be a juror for something simple, I won't use it. Now, let me make this call real quick and we can get a bite to eat before I have to be back at the courthouse."

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That afternoon, Ralph and the other members of the jury, seven men and five women, were seated, waiting for the case to start. Ralph fidgeted with the collar of the suit, second-guessing himself about even wearing it. 'Bet this will be a case of two people fighting over property,' he mused. 'Just hope Bill doesn't decide to get himself into some situation that he needs rescuing. Don't think I can get out of this save pretending to faint, and that could lead to some odd questions when they checked to make sure I'm all right.'

He glanced around the courtroom and the attorneys for both sides gathering their papers and talking to their clients. It looked as though the trial was about to begin. The door opened, and the judge entered the room. "All rise. The Honorable Beth Aurum is presiding," said the bailiff.

"Please be seated," said Aurum. "Case number 100283-45, the State vs. Drew Tigreton. State, you may proceed with opening statements."

"Thank you. On March 25, the defendant was working with his crew at warehouse fire on the coast. After hearing reports that there were men trapped inside, he ran in to help save them. The state will prove that during this fire, the defendant ran into the fire to 'search' for the missing man, Paul Glaston and instead of rescuing him, bludgeoned him to death. Furthermore, the state will prove that he deliberately sabotaged Glaston's breathing apparatus to ensure that he would lose consciousness from smoke inhalation, enabling the defendant to bludgeon him without a fight."

After the attorney sat down, Tigreton's attorney stood up. "Your honor, on the evening of March 25, my client was at the fire doing what captains do best: Help work fires, which includes sometimes going in to rescue people. My client would never hurt another of his firefighters, and would rather die in their place. I intend to prove my client was deliberately set up to take the fall for Glaston's murder by being attacked from behind by the true assailant. I also intend to prove that he did not sabotage anyone's equipment."

Aurum glanced over her files and glanced back at the state attorney. "Counselor, you may introduce your first witness..."

"Your honor, the state calls to the stand Seth Lawrencium," said the attorney. A young man dressed in the formal dress of a firefighter walked up to the stand.

After the bailiff swore in Lawrencium, the state attorney began her questioning. "Mr. Lawrencium, what is your position at Station 27?"

"I am the lieutenant of A Shift."

"And your captain is the defendant, is it not?"

"Yes ma'am, he's been our captain now for about two years now."

"Can you tell me the events that happened on the evening of March 25?"

"Well, we were at the scene of a warehouse fire when there were reports from the HTs.... sorry, handi-talkies, that there were victims trapped. I realized Glaston was in the same area mentioned, and told the captain. Then Cap and I rushed into the scene and started to search the place."

"Were the two of you ever separated," asked the attorney.

"Yes, for a few minutes. When I finally caught up to him, I found him standing in the room saying he had passed out. I looked down and ..." The man paused to clear his throat. "I found Paul lying on the floor, unmoving."

"Was Glaston injured or unconscious?"

"No, I checked his pulse. He was dead."

"And then what happened?"

"Well, I took a closer look at Paul's wounds. They weren't from a fall or debris, but looked like they were intentionally inflicted. I also noticed that the breathing tube to the mask had been sliced. And looking up, I found my answer..."

"It was Mr. Tigreton as the attacker, was it not?"

"Objection, leading," said the defense.

"Sustained," said the judge.

The state attorney rephrased her question. "What did you find, Mr. Lawrencium?"

"I found the Cap holding a bloody forcible entry tool. He said he didn't know where it came from."

"But you didn't believe that?"

"No. I looked at his coat and found that his entry tool was not on his jacket."

"Thank you. Your witness," said the attorney.

The defense attorney stood up and headed toward the witness stand. "On the night in question, did Mr. Tigreton pass out in some sort of accident in the fire?"

"Objection, calls for speculation," said the state attorney.

"Sustained. Rephrase the question," said Aurum.

"Did he look like he might've passed out?"

"He looked a little pale, but he's always pale. Doesn't get a tan," said the lieutenant.

"Was he checked out by the paramedics or doctors after getting out of the fire?"

"Yes, both. They gave him a clean bill of health. Said he wasn't injured or ate any smoke."

"How long were the two of you separated?"

"About seven minutes."

"Is it possible that during that time Mr. Tigreton did pass out and after coming around, found the deceased and the tool lying on the floor?"

"I don't know, all I saw was Paul was dead and the Cap had the tool in his hand. Judging from the look in his eyes, I didn't force the issue just in case he went after me next."

The attorney pondered the answer. "Thank you. You honor, I request the right to call this witness back to the stand."

"The state has no objections," said the other attorney.

Aurum nodded. "Request granted. The state will call its next witness."

"Your honor the state calls...."

Ralph sat in the jury box and listened to the next witness as she gave details about that night. He glanced at the defendant and noticed the man was sitting there impassive. Ralph realized this was a case that the suit might be needed after all. 'Pam, I know you're an attorney, but sometimes I think you've got the suit's precognition skills,' he mused. He then continued listening to the trial, wondering what was in store next.

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That evening, Ralph returned home and after kissing Pam, sat down on the couch. "So hun, how was the first day?" said Pam as she headed toward the kitchen.

"Well, you were right, it's big. They only had one witness testify so they let us come home today. Probably go into sequester tomorrow, so I'd better pack an overnight bag. Can't say too much about it because they swore me in, but it's a murder case. "

"Let me guess, it's that firefighter murder case," said Pam as she came back with a soda for Ralph.

"Yeah... how did you know?"

"It was on the 6 p.m. news. Can't believe someone would murder a firefighter, especially during a fire."

Ralph sipped the soda and sighed. "I know, and judging from what I heard today, it's going to get worse. The testimony was pretty bizarre, and judging from what I heard today, I'm already dreading listening to the coroner's report," he said. "But, there was something about the case that seemed out of place. I looked at the captain, and he seemed to be totally quiet about the situation. It was as if he didn't know what was going on."

"Ralph, he's on trial for murder and he could go to jail for the rest of his life. It's possible he could just be acting that way to get the jury's sympathy," said Pam.

"True, but still... You know, as much as I hate saying it, Bill's idea of me wearing the suit's a good idea. Something tells me this is going to only get stranger."

Pam chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't tell Bill you said that. Just hope he doesn't decide to get himself into trouble while you're at court."

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After two days of testimony by other firefighters, doctors, paramedics and the coroner, Ralph realized one person hadn't said a word in the case. The DA, however, was going to make him talk.

"Your honor the state calls Drew Tigreton to the stand."

Ralph watched as the captain went to the witness stand. He noticed the man took a couple of deep, calming breaths to prepare for the questioning. 'Must be worried that the state attorney will bully him. Have to admit, after yesterday's questioning of that one rookie firefighter/paramedic, she is a bit of a bulldog,' Ralph mused.

"Mr. Tigreton, can you tell the court what you do as captain of station 27?"

"Yes ma'am, I am in charge of a group of five other men, a lieutenant or second in command, in this case Mr. Lawrencium, two other firemen and two firefighter/paramedics. During the course of a fire or rescue, I lead the command post along with other captains responding and help with fighting the fire or rescue."

"On the night of March 25, were you at the command post during the warehouse fire?"

"Yes, until I heard reports that two men were trapped inside the building. Everyone else was fighting the fire or treating patients, so Seth and I entered the building to help search for them."

"Can you tell me what happened during your search?"

"Yes, Seth and I were separated in the midst of the search. Hearing about my absence on the scanner, I notified the other men on my HT that I was all right and was still searching for Paul. After a few minutes, I passed a few boxes and then I found something on the ground."

"What was it?"

"It was a person, Paul. I went to the man to check his pulse, finding it there but thready, and then...." he stopped, confusion etched across his face.

"Then what Mr. Tigreton?" When she didn't get an answer, she pressed. "Then what, Mr. Tigreton?"

Snapping out of his trance, Mr. Tigreton coughed. "I-I don't know. For some reason, I felt some sort of pressure, got tunnel vision and everything went black. When I came to, I found Paul had massive injuries to his head and body, ones I didn't see before."

"Blows that killed the deceased ... ones that you inflicted Mr. Tigreton."

"Objection, speculation," said the defense.

"Sustained. You'll rephrase the question."

"Your honor, allow me to continue in another manner instead." When the judge nodded, the state attorney picked up two items from the exhibit table. One was a mask, and the other was a flat piece of metal and about 18 inches long. Ralph noticed it looked a lot like a crow bar. "The people wish to present exhibits A and B. Mr. Tigreton, can you explain to the court what these are?"

"Yes ma'am, A is a forcible entry tool and B is a self contained breathing apparatus mask," said Tigreton.

"What are each used for?"

"The forcible entry tool is used to get into locked doors and windows so we can have access to people trapped inside buildings. The SCBA mask is used in conjunction with air tanks so the firefighters have clean air to breath as they enter the fires."

The attorney smiled. "Your honor, members of the jury, this is the forcible entry tool found to be in Tigreton's possession after the attack. The lab did tests on the tool and found the blood on it was Glaston's. And the fingerprints matched Tigreton's."

Tigreton paled. "I didn't and wouldn't harm Paul. When I found him he was out cold."

"Yes, he was because of smoke inhalation. The state wishes to show that this mask has been sabotaged, the hose sliced so that the air could not reach Glaston." She pushed the edges together, showing there was indeed a deep slice in the rubber tubing. "And since he could not get the fresh air, he eventually succumbed to the smoke and lost consciousness."

"Objection, speculation."

"Your honor, we've heard reports from the coroner that Mr. Glaston did have smoke inhalation among his other injuries."

"Overruled," said the judge.

Tigreton shook his head as though trying to remember. "I'm telling you, I found him lying on the floor, went to check his pulse and something happened and I passed out," he said.

The state attorney, knowing she hit a sore spot, continued. "But, both the doctors and paramedics have testified that you didn't receive any blows to your head or any contusions or marks during the night in question. Your blood didn't show any evidence of sedatives or drugs nor did you suffer heat exhaustion. And, your lungs were also clear, so you you couldn't have had smoke inhalation. You were faking, Mr. Tigreton, pretending to have passed out so as to throw off suspicion that you bludgeoned the deceased after he lost consciousness from smoke inhalation, which you helped him receive..."

"Objection... move to strike."

Before the judge made a decision, the state attorney smirked. "I withdraw the comment. Your witness."

The judge put her hand up and addressed the jurors. "Jury, although the DA asked to withdraw the comment, I order you to not consider her comments during deliberation. You may proceed with your cross-examination defense."

Nodding, the defense attorney stood, giving his counterpart a slightly dark glare, and started his questioning. "Mr. Tigreton, in your years of service, how many times have you been injured on duty?"

"Out of 20 years of service, I've only had two that were serious enough to put me in the hospital for an extended period of time. The others were minor injuries, bumps and bruises consistent with my duties."

"Were either of your injuries potentially career or life threatening?"

"No, one was a moderate concussion and the other were a few broken ribs from falling down a flight of stairs."

"Do you have any history of fainting spells or unexplained loss of consciousness?"

"No none. Never had syncope on duty until March 25, and I know I passed out that night. Besides, if I had a history of them, I would resign my position from the fire department. It's too much of a risk to me and my men if I did."

"So, you're saying that you have been careful when you're fighting fires and what happened that night was a rare event?"

"Yes...well, there's always risks of being injured or killed, but I do my best to be careful."

"This includes your men doesn't it?"

"Objection, leading," said the state.

"Your honor, I'm establishing his responsibilities as a captain again."

"Overruled," said Aurum. "Mr. Tigreton, you may answer the question."

"Yes, especially them. Our station was ranked one of the best as far as firefighter safety. We always make sure that their equipment is safe and in working order."

"Was all the equipment in working order on the night in question?"

"All of it was. It was the first thing we did after roll call. All the air tanks were full and the hoses to the masks were intact. All the equipment was in working order."

The defense attorney smiled. "Thank you, no more questions," he said.

Ralph leaned back in his chair and frowned. There was something about the captain's testimony that had him confused. Ralph believed the captain, but he also knew from Pam that in murder cases, the defendant would always do what he or she could to avoid receiving life in prison or worse. He knew that the only way he'd be able to figure it out would be during jury deliberations. That way, he could put to rest the questions he had, especially as he knew he had Tigreton's life in his hands.

---------------------------------------------------

Later that afternoon, Ralph and the others listened to closing arguments to the case and was given instructions by the judge as far as their decision making process. Then the group was excused to go to the jury room for deliberation.

The door of the jury deliberation room opened and the men and women entered. A police officer followed them in with the exhibits from the case. He put them on a long table against the wall, then left, locking the door after him.

The jurors rounded the table, picking out seats. Ralph walked past the long table with the exhibits and noticed the mask from the SCBA gear hanging out, over the side of the box. He stopped and touched the mask, planning on spreading the items out on the table.

Ralph paused, his fingertips on the mask. He tilted his head and looked at the wall, wavy lines appearing. His eyes widened slightly at the holograph that was beginning to appear. The wavy lines faded into an image. He could see one of the firefighters in a darkened building, wearing the SCBA gear, which covered his face. He watched the man look around, coughing almost incessantly, then stop.

The man checked the breathing tube leading to his mask, pulling it... until he found the end that had been sliced. He pulled the mask off, proving it to be Paul Glaston, as it was not helping anyway and inspected the tube for a moment until a dull thump was heard. Glaston's eyes rolled up into the back of his head and he slumped to the ground, revealing another firefighter behind him, who also wore the SCBA gear. The man held a forcible entry tool, slightly raised, looking down at the motionless man on the floor. The holograph began to fade, but not before Ralph noticed the helmet this man wore was slightly different from Glaston’s.

Ralph gave his head a slight shake. He realized he was getting the vibes from the murderer, not Glaston. Something still struck him as odd about the helmet, though. Hearing a couple of coughs behind him, Ralph knew he'd have to wait a little while before he could go back to the mask.

He put down the mask and turned around, looking at the jurors. Ralph knew he needed to get an idea about what they thought before trying to put in what he just found out.

Ralph sat down and waited for the group to get comfortable before proceeding. "All right, we're here now to decide the fate of Mr. Tigreton," said Ralph. "Now as the judge said, we have to be unanimous in our decision. Who would like to start with discussions?"

A tall man with dark hair, Henry Ferrium, raised his hand and when Ralph nodded spoke. "Come on, this is an open and shut case. Tigreton bludgeoned that guy, no question about it."

"That's awfully blunt," said Ralph, hoping not everyone was as gung ho. "I mean, we need to look at both sides to this case Henry..."

"Come on, Ralph, you heard the coroner's report," said a second man, Zach Argentum. "Glaston passed out from smoke inhalation then Tigreton bludgeoned the man at least seven times. I mean, Glaston's ribs were broken, causing punctures to his heart and lungs, and if that didn't kill him, his skull was split. You don't get those just falling on your face."

Ralph frowned. "Well, that's true, but you've got to listen to the other side of the situation. According to testimony from the other firefighters, it was possible that Tigreton passed out from heat exhaustion, especially in a fire that hot. And that could've happened before Glaston was killed. The murderer could've found both firefighters lying unconscious and killed Glaston."

"What about Tigreton," said one of the women, Melissa Wolfraam. "If there was a third person, why didn't he kill Tigreton too? The story just doesn't add up."

"Maybe the killer was startled and didn't have time to kill him too. So instead, set it up to where Tigreton was the supposed attacker."

"Come on," said Argentum. "That doesn't make sense, the paramedics said the captain was fine physically. Doctors also said Tigreton didn't suffer any injuries or was severely dehydrated. As far as his supposed confusion, that can be made up to throw off suspicion."

Another female juror, Kirsten Berillio went over to the table and picked up the SCBA mask. "I agree, look at this mask. The firefighters also testified that none of their masks had any evidence of sabotage, nor did Tigreton's. Only this one was sliced, so the killer was specifically after Glaston. The log said that Tigreton was the last person to check the equipment."

"But log books can be cooked. People have done that with finances, so why not equipment?" said Ralph.

Ferrium frowned. "Nah, you heard the fire chief say that those books are kept in the captain's office, and everyone was helping hang up hoses and checking firefighter equipment. ..."

"What all did the firefighters say they did that evening before they went to the fire," asked Berillio. "I had a question about..."

As the two talked, Ralph stood up and walked to the evidence table again. He put his hand on the mask again and got another holograph. It was the same holograph, but the helmet still bothered him. He tried to get a better view....

"Hey, Ralph come on, we haven't got all day," said Ferrium. "The other jurors are ready to vote, but we can't without all of us here."

The holograph suddenly faded, and Ralph turned around and saw the other jurors staring at him. "You all right, Ralph," said Wolfraam.

Ralph nodded. "Yes, fine. All right, we'll pass out ballots and please put your vote, 'guilty' or 'not guilty.' Do not put your name or juror number on the ballot."

The group wrote down their votes and, after Ralph wrote his vote, handed them down to the blonde-haired man. Ralph read the votes out loud. "Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, not guilty..."

"All right, who voted not guilty," said Argentum. "This is an open and shut case. Let's take another vote ..."

Shrugging, Ralph did it again, and again the vote was 11-1. The jurors groaned. "OK, everyone we have two options. We can either continue this tonight or we can go into sequester again and return tomorrow," said Ralph. "My guess is whoever the dissenting vote is needs to think about what he or she heard in the courtroom. I agree, not just for that person but for all of us. After all, we have a man's life in our hands."

The jurors reluctantly nodded. "Fine, Ralph. Let's call it a night," said Ferrium. "So long as the person really thinks about this case so we don't go another night."

The bailiff entered and asked if they had come to a decision. When Ralph shook his head, the bailiff said they would be sent to a hotel to spend the night again.

Because of the division of men and women, two had single rooms. Ralph, being the foreman, had received the solo room for the men. 'Perfect,' he thought. 'Now I can get out of the room easier and come back here. Something's not right in that holograph and I've got to figure out what before the jurors figure out I was the dissenter.'

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It was 1:30 a.m. at the Hinkley home, and Pam was woken up by the telephone. "Hello..." she said, yawning.

"Pam, hi it's Ralph."

"Ralph, how did you..."

"I got a private room, and managed to get out by using invisibility," he said at the pay phone. "Even staying invisible at the pay phone so no one can see me. and this time not just because of the jammies. Listen, I need your help."

"Sure hun, what is it?"

"Can you come to the courthouse? I need to get back to the jury room..."

Pam frowned, looking at the clock. "At 1:35 in the morning? Ralph, don't you think you can snoop any little earlier in the morning?"

"I know hun, but I had to make sure that no one tried to come by again and ask if I was all right. Found out they're coming back around in a couple of hours, so I don't have too much time. Look, I found something odd in the holograph I got off the SCBA gear, and something was out of place. Today during the deliberations, I was the lone dissenter and I need to figure this out so I can give my vote one way or another."

"OK, hun, but I'm not sure why we're doing this. I'll meet you there in 20 minutes."

"Great, and if you can, bring Bill along. Before you ask, that way we have some cover incase someone finds out. I can turn invisible, you can't."

Pam smiled. "All right, but Bill better not say a word about my appearance at this time in the morning. I'll see you there."

"Love you, bye," said Ralph as he hung up the phone. He turned around and noticed a man standing near the phone looking at it curiously. Ralph could also tell the man had been drinking. Surprised, Ralph popped in visible, causing the man to stagger back a couple of feet. "Uh, hi, the phone's available if you need it. I had to phone home," he said sheepishly.

The man blinked a couple of times before his eyes closed and he started to slump toward the ground. Ralph caught the man and finished lowering him to lie on his back. He checked the man's vitals, looked into his eyes and sighed. "Great, you had to faint," he said to the insensible form. "Most just think I'm crazy and walk away. Well, can't say as I blame you after drinking and seeing this getup. OK, revised plan, I'll call the paramedics and wait here, invisible, until they get here just in case then go to the courthouse." Ralph called the ambulance, and once he was sure the now recovered, but rambling, man was on his way to the hospital, he flew to the courthouse. As Ralph flew, he started to think about what he needed to find out and if it was in his favor, how to get the other jurors to listen to him.

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"Hun, I'm still not sure about this," said Pam as they entered the courthouse, courtesy of the suit. "If we get caught, you could go to jail and I could get disbarred."

"Come on Counselor, as the kid said if something happens, the kid can turn invisible and I can say you're helping with a FBI scenario," said Bill, patting his gun holster.

"I'll be careful Pam, for all our sakes, it's just I know something's not right in this case," said Ralph as looked around the corner. "There was something wrong in those holographs, and I've got to figure it out. If nothing else, it'll just confirm that Tigreton's guilty and I can be back with you tomorrow for all the time you want."

Noticing the mischievous glint in Ralph's eye, Pam smiled. "OK, now, let's get to the room quickly so you don't get missed in the hotel room."

The trio arrived at the jury room and again, Ralph used the suit to silently unlock the door. Stepping inside, Ralph walked up to the exhibit table, beginning to touch the items. "All right, I got the first holograph off the breathing mask, so I should try something else. Too bad the helmet isn't here, otherwise it'd be easier."

"Well maybe hun, you said he wasn't wearing it in the other holograph. And since Glaston was hit over the head with the tool, it might not have worked anyway," said Pam.

"True, but then again judging from that first holograph, I'd rather not risk reliving his last moments," said Ralph shuddering as he remembered the coroner's report. He had to admit it made him a little queasy hearing it again in the jury room today.

"Good thinking, kid... now, any luck with the other items?"

"None so far, but I..." he stopped when his hand brushed the forcible entry tool. He felt some vibes and kept his hand on the item. "OK, I'm getting something here..."

The other two waited as Ralph watched the holograph. In it, Ralph saw a firefighter walking in the fire in full gear, but this time it wasn't the same person. The man stopped and looked down, finding another firefighter lying motionless on the floor. Ralph noticed that the prone form was Paul Glaston, and he guessed it was after the man was knocked out with the forcible entry tool.

Through the holograph, Ralph watched as the firefighter kneeled, revealing a white strip running from front to back across the crown of his helmet, something he didn't see in the last holograph. The man checked Glaston's injuries, placing a hand on the unconscious firefighter's carotid. Obviously not liking what he felt, the firefighter took off his helmet and removed his SCBA mask. Ralph gasped when he saw it was Drew Tigreton, who had now placed the mask over the Glaston's face. "Come on Paul, wake up. No time to be sleeping on the job" said Tigreton as though to keep the other man calm, and got ready to lift the man. Tigreton had just begun to lift the man to carry him when Ralph saw an arm wrap around Tigreton's neck, almost like a vise, and another around his waist.

Ralph watched in horror as he saw that the arm belonged to a third firefighter, and on closer inspection, the same firefighter he saw strike Glaston. The helmet was similar to Tigreton's except the stripe was not there. He continued to watch as Tigreton was struggling to strike the other man and get free, but the mysterious firefighter had moved the man back into a position so he couldn't strike his attacker. After about 8-10 seconds, he saw Tigreton's body relax as his eyes rolled back into his head and closed. The other firefighter finished lowering his second victim to the ground. After checking the man's pulse and replacing the SCBA mask over Tigreton's face, the attacker chuckled. "Well, Tigreton, not as strong as we thought, huh? Just wait until you wake up, then you'll have a headache worse than the one you've given me. Now, to finish what I started..." the holograph faded just as Ralph saw the murderer lift up the forcible entry tool to strike Glaston.

Ralph shook his head, trying to clear the feeling of nausea he had, and Pam and Bill walked back over to him. "Ralph, you OK?" asked Pam. "You had us worried there for a minute when you didn't say anything."

"Yeah, hun I am. It's just..." said Ralph, slightly gagging at what he saw. Bill, noticing Ralph turn slightly green too, went over to get a trash can. Ralph stopped him. "No Bill, I'm not going to throw up, I'm fine. I found out what I wanted though."

"What was it kid," asked Bill. "Has to be something big to make you green around the gills."

"I saw Tigreton. He was walking in the fire during the rescue when and found Glaston lying out cold on the floor. He kneeled to check Glaston's pulse and then took off his breathing mask to put on Glaston's face so he could get some fresh air." Ralph paused for a moment to clear his throat and continued. "Tigreton was about to lift the guy up to carry him when another firefighter came up from behind and put his arms around Tigreton's neck and waist to stop him. Tigreton tried to hit the guy, but the murderer found a way to protect himself, and well, for some reason, Tigreton passed out. Last thing I saw before the image faded was the murderer about to hit Glaston again."

"Did you get a look at the murderer's face?"

"No, the murderer still had his breathing gear on," said Ralph, glumly. "Didn't see the back of his turnout gear to get a name, so no luck on just catching him ourselves."

Pam and Bill stood across the room from Ralph, thinking. "So, Tigreton was right, he was out cold before Glaston was killed," said Pam. "That means he's innocent."

"Yeah, but I can't prove it Pam," said Ralph. "I mean, the doctors and paramedics testified that Glaston didn't have a mark on him or any other signs of drugs or illness. ..."

Bill spoke up. "Uh Ralph, you said that the murderer had his arm around Tigreton's neck. How was it positioned?"

"He had it where Tigreton's adam's apple was in the crook of his elbow, and a little tight too. Why, you on to something partner?"

"I think I know why the doctors weren't able to find a mark on him," said Bill. "My guess is the captain was knocked out using a sleeper hold."

"Sleeper hold?" asked Ralph.

"Yeah, I've had to use it once or twice myself on criminals. Puts pressure on the other's carotid arteries and puts the person's lights out quickly. Some people come round within seconds after the pressure's released, but my guess is that the murderer kept the hold on long enough to keep Tigreton out for a few minutes but not kill him."

"So you're saying that Tigreton didn't pass out, that he was actually rendered unconscious," said Ralph. When Bill nodded, Ralph continued. "Would explain the lapse in memory of a few minutes. But it doesn't explain why the murderer just didn't kill him too."

"Don't know kid, could be many reasons."

"OK, so we know Tigreton wasn't the murderer. How are you going to prove it to the jury without putting yourself in contempt," said Pam. "And, if you do that, the judge could declare a mistrial and the true killer could go free."

Ralph walked around the room. "You're right, Pam. This info won't do any good if. ... Bill, you said you've had to use this before."

"Yeah, learned it in the Army in hand to hand combat."

"Could you show me how it's done? I have an idea ..."

Bill shook his head. "Uh, kid you can't just go knocking out people puttin' them in headlocks. There are risks to this hold to ya know, not to mention you getting into trouble."

Ralph nodded. "I know, and I don't plan on actually knocking out someone, but I need to know how it's done just in case the other jurors want me to show what a sleeper hold is. Besides, it might be the only way to prove Tigreton's innocence at the same time."

The agent sighed and stood behind Ralph. "OK kid, since you put it that way, but just in case, I'm also going ta show ya what to do if something does happen. Now for the hold, first off, the person comes up from behind and wraps their arm around the other's neck...."

Bill put his arm around Ralph's neck, very gently putting a slight pressure on the blonde haired man's neck. Ralph heard a faint roar in his ears and started to feel a little lightheaded as he felt Bill start to lower him down. Panicked he was going to pass out, Ralph straightened up and grabbing the other's arm, flipped Bill. The agent landed on the ground with a thud.

"Ow, geesh kid what did ya do ..."

Ralph helped Bill stand up, frowning. "Bill, why were you lowering me to the ground?"

Bill rolled his eyes. "Kid, ya said you wanted me to show you how this was done, and I was..."

"You sure weren't trying to knock me out to teach me a lesson? Felt a little lightheaded."

"NO, Ralph I wouldn't do that to ya, even when you get on my nerves. Now, I did put ya in a very light hold, but so you could feel what it did but it not affect you. But given we know the suit doesn't protect your head and you having a glass jaw without it, I wasn't gonna risk it not protecting your neck and ya actually fainting from this, possibly getting hurt too."

Ralph took in the comment. "You're right, sorry I flipped you Bill."

"Well, I've had worse," said Bill with a soft chuckle, though inwardly he grimaced at the pain. "Besides, it's my fault too for not telling ya to tap me on the arm if you felt like you were gonna go out."

Pam stepped forward. "Ralph, it'd probably be best too if I stood in and you watched. Just be careful, Bill."

Seeing the warning glint in Ralph's eyes, Bill nodded. "Don't worry Counselor, had enough fun being flipped like a hamburger once. OK, Ralph as I said before, the person would've gotten behind Tigreton and put his arm around the captain's neck like so." He put his arm around Pam's neck, but didn't apply any pressure. "Now, after starting to add pressure, he'd lower the man to the ground, or I guess in this case the rest of the way, so he didn't get hit. Once Tigreton was out, the murderer would be sure that he wouldn't wake up for a while, then he went to finish the job on Glaston. Now, if you do have to show this and something does happen, you need to release the pressure on the person's neck immediately and lie them on the ground. Put their feet up and then the usual ABC's. They should come to quickly that way and be all right."

"Ralph, one more thing hun," said Pam as she got up from the floor where Bill placed her and headed toward Ralph. "If you have to show this, you'd better make sure the person understands that they could pass out. That way, you have some protection in case they actually do."

"OK, now that I know, I'll be sure to be careful," said Ralph. "Hopefully, they'll believe me from the get go. Now, we'd better get out of here before someone sees us or I'm missed. Lucked out getting a private room this time, but still..."

The other two nodded, and left the jury room. Once outside, Ralph said goodbye to Bill and Pam before taking three steps and taking flight. Once he arrived at the hotel, he snuck back into his room and changed into his pajamas. He had just sat down on the bed when he heard a door knock. Ralph got up and looked into the peephole, seeing the officer. "Mr. Hinkley, are you all right?" the man said. "We came by 10 minutes ago and you didn't answer."

"I'm all right, just finished taking a shower," said Ralph. "Have a good night."

"All right, good night." The officer left, and Ralph breathed a sigh of relief. 'That was too close, but it was necessary. I know for sure Tigreton's innocent. I just hope I can use diplomacy to get these guys to listen so I don't have to use the sleeper hold.'

--------------------------------------------------------------

It was day two into deliberations, and things weren't going well. While the night's sleep helped with clearing minds, it but not people's moods. New questions weren't helping out either, and the others had an idea who was the dissenting vote.

"What do you mean there's reasonable doubt," said Argentum. "We've gone over this time and time again, Ralph but you keep holding out on us with your 'not guilty.' Tigreton's prints were on the forcible entry tool, and the blood on it was Glaston's."

Ralph shook his head, frustrated. "Well I believe he's innocent and someone's set him up. It wouldn't be the first time someone did that to another."

"True," said Berrillio. "But there's too much evidence pointing against him. And with the coroner's report, I'd rather not give the man a chance to go free where he could harm another firefighter or person."

"I agree too. We've listened to testimonies from many people who don't believe Tigreton's story, and even I don't," said Ferrium. The other jurors nodded.

Ralph ran a hand through his hair. "Something keeps telling me Tigreton's innocent, and the more I think about it, his story seems to be the truth..."

Ferrium and the others started to argue, but stopped when they heard a sharp whistle. They turned and saw it was Wolfraam who also put a hand up. "Listen, arguing will get us no where except a 'friendly' talk with the judge," she said. "I say we let Ralph tell us why he thinks Tigreton's innocent and then we decide."

Ferrium grumbled, but nodded. "All right, but I'd still like to get out of here sometime this century," he said.

"OK, if you'll all take your seats again, I'll start," Ralph gave a slight smirk, though inside he had his doubts. He knew he had to be careful or he'd risk revealing the suit, and found a way that he thought would work.

When the jurors were seated, he cleared his throat and started. "Now, as we all know, Glaston passed out from the smoke and was lying on the floor. According to Lawrencium, he found Glaston dead and Tigreton standing saying he passed out. The captain also testified that he's lost a few minutes of his memory..."

"Yeah, but anyone can do that," said Berillio. "Anyone can act as though they forget something."

"OK, I'll concede that point, but I know from experience you can lose a few minutes of memory from something abrupt and traumatic. About four years ago, I was in an accident that left me with circumscribed amnesia. That's where you lose part of your memory, but it's odd because you can remember your past, but parts of it suddenly become missing. Now, I did recover the memories I lost, but I still don't remember first-hand the last five minutes or so before my accident. My wife and friend had to fill in the details. I guess I'm saying that it's possible Tigreton could've been knocked out and lost part of his memory."

The others looked around at each other and Ralph continued. "Now, I know you're going to say that Tigreton didn't have a mark on him, so he couldn't have been hit over the head and no smoke inhalation. And, though it also was ruled out, dehydration usually doesn't cause memory loss. Anyway, I did some more thinking last night and remembered an event I watched a couple of years ago. It was a judo competition, and the competitors used several techniques to pin their competitor. One match, a competitor had a man in a pin when the pinned person suddenly collapsed. Turned out he was all right afterward, but it did concern me. When I asked another spectator, he said the guy had been in a sleeper hold and passed out before he could tap out."

Ferrium shook his head. "Sleeper hold? You mean like one of those headlocks those wrestlers use? Come on, that stuff's all make believe to begin with."

Ralph rolled his eyes. "I know you don't quite believe me, but hear me out first. After the competition, I decided to go to a friend who had taken the classes. Asked him what happened and he told me. What a sleeper hold does is put pressure on the person's carotid arteries, which are in the neck, and constricts them and reduces the blood flow. When that happens, the person loses consciousness within seconds. ..."

"What are you getting at, Ralph," said Ferrium.

"Well, what I'm saying is that it's possible Tigreton found Glaston and was trying to actually help him, but instead the true attacker came up from behind and put the hold on Tigreton. Once he was sure the captain was unconscious, the attacker then went to finish up what he started. And it would explain Tigreton's loss of memory."

Wolfraam took in the comments. "OK, Ralph, let's say that Tigreton was actually out cold at the time of the attack. What I don't get is why he didn't hit his attacker and it still doesn't explain why he wasn't killed too. He looks strong enough to take down someone three times his size."

"Neither do I," Argentum said, still unconvinced, as were several of the other jurors. "Ralph, it still doesn't make sense. I've seen many fights in my time where the people were at each other's throats and no one was knocked out."

Ralph turned his back to the jurors and made a face. He knew he was going to have to show them what happened, and frowned when he remembered the lightheaded feeling he got when Bill put a light one on him yesterday. Ralph grimaced, knowing that wearing the suit, he could quite possibly knock out the person, but he needed to show them or the real attacker could go free. 'Good thing Bill taught me what to do just in case,' he mused.

Ralph sighed and turned back to face the jurors. "I was hoping that an explanation would be enough, but I can see that I’ll have to show you how the hold works." He paused, letting the thought sink into the others’ heads. "For this, I need a volunteer. Whomever volunteers has to understand there is a chance of being knocked unconscious. I spoke with a good friend of mine who happened to know how to do the move and also told me what to do if the person passes out." He paused. "Will anyone volunteer to help me prove a point?"

A pin drop could’ve been heard as the jurors glanced at each other, looking for who the guinea pig would be.

Finally, Wolfraam raised her hand, then stood. "I’ll help with the demonstration, Ralph." She walked over to Ralph. "What do I do?’

"First, I want to ask if you’re prone to fainting. ..."

"What’s that got to do with anything?" Ferrium asked.

"Because," Ralph began, "women are more prone to fainting because of fewer red blood cells as compared to men, and I want to make sure that the demonstration works correctly."

"No. Besides, if I was prone to fainting, I would’ve tried to be excused from this case. Or I would’ve fainted by now, surely," Wolfraam said, referring to the case in general.

"Okay. Now, I’m going to put the hold on lightly, but because there will be pressure, you may still be knocked out. If you start to feel lightheaded, like you’re about to pass out, just tap my arm and I’ll let go. But just in case, I am more than prepared to help you if you do."

Wolfraam nodded. "Okay. I’m ready, then."

Ralph stepped around behind her and wrapped his arm around her neck in the same manner that Bill had done with him. He applied as minimal pressure as possible, knowing that the suit would still give off more force anyway. "Now, the third attacker would have grabbed Tigreton like this and then. .."

Ralph only had the hold on for a few scant seconds when he felt Wolfraam go limp, without even enough time to tap his arm. He silently cursed the suit’s added strength as he lowered her to the ground, and the rest of the jurors stood up, half leaning over the table to see what was happening. Several of them began talking at once.

Ralph didn’t hear any of it. Instead, he went about bringing Wolfraam back around. He grabbed a chair and propped up her feet. He said her name quietly and calmly to help her come around. Again, it was only a few seconds until she woke up.

Wolfraam’s eyes opened and she glanced up at Ralph, who gave her a smile.

"Are you okay?" Ralph asked, loud enough for the room to hear and quiet down to hear Wolfraam’s responses.

"Yes, I think so. How long was I out?" she asked.

"Not even a minute. Do you remember starting to lose consciousness?"

"No, I just remember the pressure around my neck... then nothing until just now, waking up. And, you just said wasn’t even a minute, wow. ..."

Ralph helped Wolfraam sit up, then making sure she was okay, helped her stand, then sit back down in a chair. He then took up a spot in front of the room once again. "Any more questions?"

Ferrium sat in his chair dumbfounded. "OK, it's possible," he said. "But she came around quickly. Why didn't Tigreton?"

"It could be that the third person had Tigreton in it longer. In Melissa's case, I had the hold on her briefly. If it was longer, the person would've been out longer. Now too long and...." The other jurors got the point.

Wolfraam, still a little pale, took a sip from the glass of water she had been given by another juror and cleared her throat. "I don't know about you guys, but after going through that I do believe we have reasonable doubt in this case. Tigreton did say that Glaston had a pulse before he felt a pressure and getting tunnel vision before blacking out."

Argentum nodded. "True and if as Ralph said he was out longer, then the attacker would have enough time to kill Glaston. I think we need to talk more about this possibility before we vote again. Ralph, I apologize for behind steadfast and jumping to conclusions."

"Listen, I'm the same way, just wish I didn't have to prove my point," said Ralph slightly embarrassed." Now, that everyone's seated, let's discuss this other possibility."

The jurors nodded and they all began discussing the case again, from both sides and what they just found out. Within an hour, they voted again, and unanimous in their decision, Ralph notified the bailiff so the court could reconvene.

-----------------------------------------------------------

After about a half an hour, the courtroom was filled with an audience, the attorneys, Tigreton and the jurors. "All rise," said the bailiff as Aurum entered the courtroom.

"Please be seated," said the judge. "Jury, have you reached a verdict?"

Ralph stood up and cleared his throat. "We have, your honor," he said as he presented a paper slip.

The bailiff took the paper from Ralph's hand and presented it to the judge. She looked over it and nodded. "Will the defendant please rise?" she said. "Jury, you may tell your verdict."

"We find the defendant, Drew Tigreton, not guilty of the murder of Paul Glaston." The audience gasped and murmured their comments, one in particular was very upset.

Aurum to banged her gavel to quieten them down. "To confirm, I will read the jury's response to the case. We, the members of the jury find Drew Tigreton not guilty by reasonable doubt. And as such, case is dismissed."

The audience and jurors started to get out of their seats when one man rushed up to the front. Several people shouted and ran for the door, and before the bailiff could stop the man, he jumped over the juror's box and tackled Ralph. Looking up at his attacker, to Ralph's shock, it was Seth Lawrencium.

"You're a dead jury, starting with you," Lawrencium said wickedly as he tried to stab Ralph in the side. The suit broke the blade, to the lieutenant's shock. "What the hell..." he said and instead tried to strangle the blonde-haired man. Ralph, realizing he couldn't do what he normally did wearing the suit, instead grabbed Lawrencium's arms and barely pushing with his foot, flipped the man over his head. Lawrencium landed on his back before he sat up, shaking his head slightly. Ralph sat up at the same time and, turning, wrapped his arm around Lawrencium's neck in the hold, applying pressure. Within a couple of seconds, Lawrencium's eyes closed and he relaxed.

After lowering the man to the ground and checking his vitals, Ralph looked up to see everyone staring at him. The bailiff walked up to handcuff the insensible man as judge banged her gavel. "Order in this court. I want the room cleared of the audience." The audience left, and Aurum turned back to the jury, frowning at Ralph. "Mr. Hinkley, can you please tell the court what you did to Mr. Lawrencium to put him in this state," she said.

Ralph took a deep breath, knowing if he wasn't careful could get himself thrown into jail. "He'll be all right your honor. Mr. Lawrencium tackled me as you saw and tried to stab me with a knife," he said softly and pointing to the ground where the knife lay.

Berillio nodded. "Yes, your honor, I saw it too as well as the other jurors. But Lawrencium hit the knife on the ground and broke it."

Ralph turned to her and nodded, but inside was relieved that she didn't see it actually get bent instead when it hit his side. He continued. "Anyway, he started to strangle me, and in self defense, I flipped the man and before he could attack me again or anyone else, put a sleeper hold on him."

"Sleeper hold," inquired Aurum.

"Yes ma'am, and he was rendered unconscious. That's all that I did and would've done to him." Seeing the handcuffed man stir he smiled. "And it looks like he's coming around now. What you saw your honor is why we voted not guilty. We realized it was possible that Tigreton was knocked out using this hold and, as he testified he saw Glaston alive before his blackout, could not have not killed Glaston. It also explains why there were no marks on Tigreton, as you can see with Lawrencium."

The judge asked the bailiff to bring up the now conscious but groggy man to the bench and looked at Lawrencium's neck. Sure enough, there was no noticeable marks. She frowned and nodded to the bailiff. "Take him to the jail for contempt of court, bring a weapon into the courtroom and assault right now. Also notify bookkeeping this court will discuss with the state other charges to be filed." The bailiff nodded and walked the man out.

Aurum then turned to the jurors and gave a soft smile. "Members of the jury, I want to thank you for your service to the court. I apologize to you Mr. Hinkley personally for assuming you seriously harmed Lawrencium. You are all now discharged and are free to go."

The jurors smiled and began exiting the courtroom. After he and the jurors exited the room, Ralph, still feeling a little guilty about what happened, pulled Wolfraam over to the side. "Melissa, I want to apologize again for what happened. ..." he began.

Wolfraam just smiled. "Ralph, no need to keep apologizing. I trusted you enough to volunteer, and you said you knew what to do if I did pass out. And, since we've been released from our oath, I can say this now; I had my doubts too that Tigreton was guilty. I believe Berrillio and a few others weren't too sure either."

"Then why vote guilty?"

"Well, there was too much evidence pointing to Tigreton. When you mentioned what you thought might've happened, I realized you truly believed it and were willing to look like a fool to prove it. That's why I volunteered too. And, if it helps any, I'd much rather be embarrassed for fainting than send an innocent man to jail."

Ralph smiled and shook his head. "Always seems you have to be embarrassed to prove a point," he said chuckling as he saw Pam enter the hallway, having to stop by anyway to go through some records. "Well, I see a friend of mine here. Goodbye."

"Goodbye," she said as well, and the two parted. Ralph headed over to where Pam was. "Hi Pam," said Ralph as he gave her a kiss.

Pam, seeing the scene earlier, decided to kid Ralph. "So, who's the girl?" she said a bit cool.

"Uh, that was Melissa Wolfraam, one of the jurors," stammered Ralph.

"Oh, really? I never thought you'd go to trial to find a girl on the side," she said frowning. "Here I am slaving over records to help pay our bills and you're out here hitting on a girl to take to dinner."

"Pam, I would never do that, you're the love of my life. I was just talking to her and. ..." he stopped when he heard Pam chuckle. He ran his hand through his hair and made a face. "Funny. Listen, if you're done with records, why don't we go get a bite to eat and go home? I'd like to spend the evening just being with you. No scenarios, no Bill, no suit..."

"Works for me," said Pam. The two smiled and, wrapping their arms around each other, headed out the courtroom.

---------------------------------------------------------------

A couple of days later, Ralph and Pam were at a restaurant having drinks and looking at menus for a nice quiet dinner. They were both surprised to see Bill walk up to them and sit down.

Pam turned to Ralph and gave him a questioning look. "No hun, I didn't call him," he said. "Remind me to look through and under the car for 'bugs.'"

"Bet there are enough in it that we need an exterminator," said Pam, and the two laughed.

Bill rolled his eyes. "OK will the two of ya can it. I know you want a nice quiet dinner but I thought you'd want to know about our dear ex-firefighter Lawrencium. He's resting comfortably, well maybe not, in prison on charges of murder, assault causing bodily injury among other things. Even tries to say he was innocent and just had a crazy moment trying to attack Ralph."

Ralph chuckled. "Yeah, nothing says innocent like jumping over into the jury box and trying to strangle the foreman," he said. "What about Tigreton?"

"Well, I found out that he's going to be reinstated into the fire department, that is if he passes his physical and reinstatement exam," said Bill. "Sounds bad, but it's a precaution given how long he's been off duty. My guess is that he'll pass both with flying colors."

"OK, but why did Lawrencium kill Glaston and try to set up Tigreton," asked Pam as a waitress came up and took orders.

When the three finished placing them, Bill started. "Would you believe this it was all over a fight, drugs and a promotion? Lawrencium had been in a fight with another firefighter and Glaston and the captain, seeing it, stopped the fight. Glaston brought Lawrencium to the bunks to chat with him and found about an half an ounce of heroin hidden in Lawrencium's open locker. Lawrencium tried to deny it at first, but when he tried to club Glaston afterward, he was brought to Tigreton's office. The captain, after hearing what Glaston found had no choice but to suspend Lawrencium for a month with no pay."

"So then what," asked Ralph.

Bill took a sip of his beer and continued. "Well, Lawrencium went through his suspension and tests and was reinstated. During his suspension, however, he devised a plan to take out the other two in revenge. His first day back, March 25, Lawrencium volunteered to examine equipment to make sure it was in working order. As they all went through their duties, he sliced Glaston's air mask so that the air would leak from it when in use, and put it back in the fire truck. He cut it just enough to do what it needed to but not be noticeable to be replaced. Anyway, when they went to the fire, he followed Glaston around when they were searching for victims. Glaston had problems breathing, and when he pulled off his mask, Lawrencium hit him over the head with the crowbar...."

"Forcible entry tool," said Ralph. "There's a difference."

"Fine kid, but still, it knocked out Glaston. Then Lawrencium went out to say there were two missing firefighters, though it was just Glaston. The report of victims trapped was just an added bonus and made the captain more concerned. Anyway, Lawrencium followed Tigreton around in the fire from a distance waiting for the right moment to knock him out as well. Unfortunately, Tigreton found Glaston and started to help him. Lawrencium, seeing this came up from behind and put the captain's lights out with a sleeper hold. Originally, he was going to just knock them out, hide them where they couldn't be found and let the fire do the rest. But in that moment, he decided to instead make Tigreton take the fall for Glaston's death, and all because he beat Lawrencium in the captain's test a couple of years ago. This year, Lawrencium tested into the ranking, but he was suspended a couple of days later. When he got the suspension, he found out he wouldn't get the rank and would be ineligible for the promotion indefinitely. The rest you know."

Ralph shuddered. "He killed a man and nearly sent another one to prison for the rest of his life over his own faults? Good thing you suggested wearing the suit to the trial, or Tigreton might've lost out."

"Yeah hun, but you have to remember it was you who had to convince the jury that Tigreton was attacked," said Pam. "All the suit did was tell you he was innocent and Lawrencium attacked him," said Pam.

Bill shook his head. "What I want to know is how you managed to get the jurors to listen to you. Bet that was tough given the evidence."

Ralph ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Well, they didn't listen to me at first, so I told them a story about how it was possible for people to lose part of their memory, such as how I did a few years ago, but it didn't quite convince them so..."

"Let me guess hun, you had to show them," said Pam.

"Yep, and after a couple of minutes, one of the jurors volunteered. I warned her about what could happen and she said she understood. Anyway, I put my arm around her neck gently like you did Bill and well, my guess is the suit made the hold a little stronger and she passed out before she could tap out."

Hearing Bill and Pam groan he shook his head. "Don't worry, I did exactly what you told me to Bill. She came around after a few moments and was embarrassed but all right. I apologized to her again after the trial and she said that she knew it was an accident and not to blame myself. Also found out that she started wondering herself and wanted to be sure herself. So when she woke up lying on the floor, she knew it was possible and said there was enough doubt to prove Tigreton's innocence."

Bill shook his head. "Well, wish that didn't happen to either you or the dame, Ralph."

"True, but I was glad you taught me when Lawrencium attacked me. 'Course I had the suit on as protection, but it was a lot easier to explain knocking him out that way than a tap on the head like I usually do with the suit. Before you ask Bill, I won't use it again unless it's a life or death situation like it was those two times. It proved Tigreton's innocence and released him from prison while it literally saved my life and the lives of others."

The other two nodded as they received their dinners. As Bill ate, his mind drifted off to a couple of scenarios he had in mind, especially after riffling through his mail the other day. "Uh kid, I have a favor to ask ya."

"Yeah, what is it?"

"I have jury duty week after next and I was wondering. ..."

Ralph shook his head. "Bill, I'm not going to go through the storage closets and go through all the exhibits to get holographs. I'm a teacher, not Sherlock Holmes. You can decide the cases for yourself."

"Come on kid, it'd only take a couple of hours and..."

"No Bill. ..."

Pam put a hand up. "OK guys, as an attorney, I have to say one thing."

"What's that?" said the two.

"You two are guilty of driving each other and your favorite Counselor crazy. The sentence, you have to buy me dessert. Case closed."

Bill and Ralph looked at her serious face then each other. "What do you think Ralph? Can she do that?"

"Well, in this case I guess she can. Guess we have to buy her dessert." he said.

"Fine, then maybe she'll say that you have to help me out with my idea," grumbled Bill as he took a bit of his dinner.

Ralph and Pam chuckled. "Guess for once the bug's on him," said Ralph with a chuckle. "Now, let's close your verdict with a kiss."

"My kind of case," said Pam and the two kissed.

The end.