The Empire: The Crime Consortium
Chapter 8: Arrested

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Chapter 8

Arrested

“Sir, do you really think Investigator Kincaid and Investigator Jovok murdered the assistant mayor?” Pamela asked on the drive to Raquel’s home.

“It really does not matter what I think about Nichols Chaudary,” Captain Jacoby replied. “We have arrest warrants. We’ll do our job.”

“Will there be trouble?” Pamela asked.

“We won’t make the mistake Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane made. We’re not going to draw blasters,” Sergeant Mihalie replied.

Pamela asked, “Will Doug and Javelle resist arrest?”

“I don’t think so. Neither do I think there will be any trouble; otherwise, I would not have permitted you to come along,” Captain Jacoby told Pamela.

“We may not be welcome,” Sergeant Mihalie said.

“We’ll say we have a job to do and take it from there,” Captain Jacoby said.

At Raquel’s for breakfast, after an exchange of greetings, Captain Jacoby said, “I’m afraid we may not be welcome this morning, Madam Director. It’s official business.”

“It must be serious, if you’re addressing me formally,” Raquel replied. “Presumably your task is to arrest Doug and Javelle.”

Before the captain could respond, Doug said, “Come in and have breakfast first. Javelle and I will go with you peacefully.”

“You know the drill; you are not obliged to speak, but if you do so, then anything you say may be used against you, and if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you each understand these rights as I have read them to you?”

“I represent Doug and Javelle,” Gil said, “and we stipulate that they know their rights.”

During breakfast, Doug said, “I take it we’re getting Melissa Tuvalu; she’ll be the one trying to hang us. What does she have that justifies our arrests?”

“When I asked, she said they had video of you and Javelle ascending the stairs, and drawing your blaster when you get to Chaudhary’s door,” Captain Jacoby explained.

“As I said at the time, we found the door ajar,” Doug said.

“If I went to a meeting and found the door ajar, I’d draw my blaster too,” Sergeant Mihalie said.

“As security people, we would,” Captain Jacoby agreed. “But what I do not understand is why the stairs and not the lift?” Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“You don’t have to answer,” Gil advised.

“Nothing sinister about it,” Doug said. “Javelle and I usually take the stairs.”

“I can confirm that,” Pamela jumped in. “My sisters and I live on the same floor as Javelle, and he always takes the stairs.”

“Captain, I’ll need a copy of the incident report for Chaudary’s murder,” Gil said.

“I expected that,” Captain Jacoby replied. “Pamela has your copy.”

“What happens next?” Raquel asked.

“Doug and Javelle will accompany us to security headquarters for processing and will be held until their hearing,” Captain Jacoby replied. “The hearing will probably be late today. Gil, you’ll need to contact Tuvalu’s office and find out what time.”

Melissa Tuvalu, Assistant Prosecutor, read the nameplate on the door. Gil Faber opened the door and walked in. He saw two women and one man, and he told the woman at the first desk his name and why he was there. The woman went across the room and entered another office. After some time, she re-emerged, bearing some folders and indicated that Miss Tuvalu would see him now. Struck at once by Miss Tuvalu’s beauty, Gil smiled and said, “H…Hi, I’m Gil Faber. I represent Douglas Kincaid and Javelle Jovok.”

Remaining at her desk without so much as a greeting, Tuvalu said, “The hearing is scheduled for 1600 hours. The prehearing will be at 1500 hours in my conference room. I have never lost a case, counselor, and do not plan to lose this one. You should advise your clients to plead guilty and save us all some time.”

“Isn’t this a little too fast?”

“Counselor, if you’re unprepared, that’s not my fault,” Tuvalu replied. “I’ll see you and your clients at 1500 hours.” Though she was dismissing him, Gil was mesmerized by her beauty, but stunned at her rudeness. She was done with him, but Gil remained in place. “Forget something?” she asked. He mumbled no and left.

Gil arrived back at the prosecutor’s office just before 1500. Seeing no sign of his clients, he asked the woman at the desk, and was told they would be in shortly. A few minutes later a security officer escorted Doug and Javelle into the conference room.

“You guys okay?” Gil asked.

“We’re fine, but they could improve the quality of food in this place. Lunch was terrible,” Doug replied.

“Tuvalu did not leave me much time. The court hearing is scheduled for 1600 hours. She expects you to plead guilty,” Gil said.

“Can we be overheard?” Javelle asked.

“We’re assured of attorney-client confidentiality. We’ll not be overheard,” Gil replied.

“It doesn’t matter. We don’t have any confidential information anyway,” Doug said.

It was nearly half an hour before Tuvalu entered the conference room. Gil rose to greet her, but Doug and Javelle remained seated.

“You’re late, Melissa. What took you so long?” Doug asked.

“Counselor, do advise your clients to address me formally.”

“You will address the counselor as Miss Tuvalu,” Gil said to Doug and Javelle.

“Why doesn’t she tell us instead of telling you to tell us?” Doug asked.

“She is not to speak to you directly. I am your attorney. She speaks to you through me.” Gil said.

“Counselor, as I told you this morning, I have never lost a case, and do not plan to lose this one. I advise you to tell your clients to plead guilty. Their punishment will be less severe,” Tuvalu said.

“Did you hear that, Javelle? Melissa says she has never lost a case. Should we apologize now or later for ruining her perfect record?” Doug stared at Tuvalu with an enigmatic smile playing across his lips.

“It would be most appropriate to do so now,” Javelle replied.

“Melissa, Javelle and I apologize for ruining your perfect record. You won’t convict us,” Doug said, almost playfully.

“Mr. Kincaid, I do not find you to be funny,” Tuvalu said.

A mental scan told Doug that Tuvalu was highly agitated. “Ooh, look what she did. She spoke to me directly,” Doug said, the enigmatic smile still on his lips.

Tuvalu felt her face turning red. She knew she was beautiful and often used it to her advantage. She knew that Gil found her attractive and was interested in her. But Kincaid! He wasn’t interested in her. But that smile...as if he knew what she was thinking….

And Jovok! There was something strange, even weird, about him. He had few, if any, facial expressions. His eyes never blinked. He put her in mind of a sinister character in a hyperwave show. She always prided herself on being in control. But she lost that when Kincaid pushed her buttons. Taking a couple of deep breaths through the nose, she composed herself to say, “Do I understand your clients will not make a guilty plea?”

“That’s correct, Counselor,” Gil replied.

“So what happens now, Gil?” Doug asked. Looking at Tuvalu and letting the enigmatic smile still play across his lips, added, “Is she going to let us go?”

Tuvalu felt her anger rise and wanted to get up and slap the smile off Kincaid’s face. But she would not let herself be drawn into another verbal sparring match. She waited for Gil to respond. “We’ll go before the judge. He’ll decide if there is sufficient evidence to bind you over for trial,” Gil replied.

“And if we are to be bound over for trial?” Javelle asked.

“I will ask for bail, so you will not be held until trial,” Gil replied. “Miss Tuvalu will oppose bail, of course.”

Gil then asked Tuvalu, “What evidence do you have to convict my clients?” Tuvalu told Gil about the video showing Doug and Javelle ascending the stairs and Doug drawing his blaster in front of Chaudhary’s door. “We got the ballistic report back; the projectile, taken from Chaudhary, matches Mr. Kincaid’s blaster.”

It was a shock when Doug heard Tuvalu say the projectile taken from Chaudhary matched his blaster. Peripherally, he could see Gil looking at him, but he remained still and unemotional.

On the way to court, Doug said to Javelle, “Someone set us up. I never fired my blaster.”

“Yes, but how do we learn who it is?” Javelle asked.

“I don’t know. But we cannot afford to be held in security.”

“I will make certain we are not,” Javelle replied.

They waited outside Judge Kudlow’s courtroom while two other cases were considered. Then they were called, and Gil brought them inside. The clerk read the charges against Doug and Javelle and Judge Kudlow asked Gil, “How do your clients plead, Counselor?

“Not guilty, Your Honor,” Gil replied.

“Miss Tuvalu, what evidence have you to support charges against Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok?” the judge asked.

Tuvalu requested permission to show the video of Doug and Javelle “sneaking up the stairway” and Doug drawing his blaster at Chaudry’s door. Judge Kudlow granted Gil time to respond. He said that they did not sneak up the stairs as Miss Tuvalu alleged, but used it in lieu of the lift, and that as security officers, it was not inappropriate to draw a blaster when the door was found to be ajar.

Next Tuvalu called a technician from the crime lab. “Did you have an opportunity to compare the projectile taken from Mr. Chaudhary with a projectile fired from Mr. Kincaid’s blaster and, if so, what did you find?” The technician confirmed the match.

Tuvalu said she had no more questions and Judge Kudlow asked Gil if he wanted to cross examine. Gil declined, saying he had no questions.

After asking Tuvalu and Gil if there was any other evidence and they declined, saying they had nothing more, Judge Kudlow said, “I rule that Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok be bound over for trial.”

“Your Honor, I request that Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok be released on their own recognizance until the trial,” Gil said.

“The People object, Your Honor,” Tuvalu countered. “Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok are flight risks. The people request remand, Your Honor.”

Before any more could be said, Javelle stood. “Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok are to be released on their own recognizance,” he said, imprinting the command in the judge’s mind. Judge Kudlow repeated the command.

Tuvalu was in disbelief. “Your Honor, you…”

Even Gil was looking at Javelle, unsure what had just transpired.

“I have ruled, Miss Tuvalu,” Judge Kudlow said. “As to the trial date….”

“Your Honor, the People are ready,” Tuvalu said, staring at Javelle, who sat down.

“Your Honor, we need…” Gil started to say, but Doug interrupted him and said, “Tell him we’re ready now.”

“I request a moment to confer with my clients, Your Honor,” Gil said.

“I have to have time to prepare a case,” Gil whispered to Doug.

“What’s to prepare? You know everything we know and we need to find out who is framing us. Tell him you’re ready,” Doug told Gil.

“I don’t have all day, Counselor,” Judge Kudlow said.

“We’re ready, Your Honor,” Gil replied.

“Good. There is an opening on the calendar for tomorrow at 0900. Court adjourned,” Judge Kudlow said.

Driving Doug and Javelle back to Raquel’s house to pick up their ground vehicles, Gil asked, “What happened in there with the judge?”

“I just reminded him that he was supposed to release us on our own recognizance,” Javelle replied.

“I’m surprised he did not hold you in contempt,” Gil said. Turning to Doug, he said, “You told me you did not shoot Chaudhary. How do you explain the projectile taken from Chaudhary matching your blaster?”

“I didn’t shoot Chaudhary. So it’s as big a mystery to me as it is to you. Someone found a way to set us up.”

“Using the stairs, even drawing your blaster, might be explained. But I don’t know how to explain a projectile matching your blaster,” Gil said. “You should have permitted me to ask for time to prepare your case.”

“What’s to prepare? We don’t know anything. Hopefully, we can learn something in court,” Doug replied. “I never had the opportunity to read Captain Jacoby’s crime report. Transmit a copy to my vistaview unit. Do you recall if Captain Jacoby questioned Chaudhary’s wife?”

“I recall he interviewed her, but I don’t recall anything relevant,” Gil replied. “You think she had something to do with Chaudhary’s murder?”

“If she learned her husband was keeping a mistress, she may have murdered him, or hired someone to do it for her,” Doug answered.

“But that does not explain why we are being framed,” Javelle said.

“No, it doesn’t. There is no reason for Chaudhary’s wife to even know us,” Doug agreed.

Doug and Zenobia, accompanied by Javelle and Issie, walked to the delicatessen, located a few blocks down from the Trenton Executive Apartment complex where they resided, for the evening meal. Zenobia asked, “You have no idea who murdered Chaudhary and framed you and Javelle for it?”

“No idea. What is more puzzling is why the projectile taken from Chaudhary matched my blaster,” Doug replied.

“How is it even possible the projectile could match your blaster?” Issie asked.

“Again, no idea unless the technician from the crime lab, who testified, made a mistake,” Doug replied. “Issie, did you find anything in that crime report Captain Jacoby filed?”

“I did a background search on Chaudhary. Except for having a mistress, he appears to be a stand-up guy, well liked and respected. Mrs. Chaudhary’s financial records show no large withdrawals that would suggest she hired someone to kill her husband.”

“This is too elaborate to have been perpetrated by a disgruntled spouse,” Javelle commented.

“What about Chaudhary’s mistress?” Zenobia asked.

“She had gone to visit her sister in another township who just had a baby,” Issie replied.

“Then why was Chaudhary at the woman’s apartment?” Zenobia inquired.

“I can answer that,” Javelle interjected - “For a clandestine meeting with Doug and me.”

“You told me Chaudhary requested the meeting because he had more information about the shakedowns that involved the three Trenton City Councilmen and some other people. I went back and checked. Bonasso, the chairman, wasn’t prosecuted. He was only forced to resign,” Issie explained.

“Why wasn’t he prosecuted?” Zenobia wanted to know.

Issie shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Where is Bonasso now?” Doug asked.

“It took a little time to run down, but he’s moved to Windsor,” Issie answered.

“Windsor? Where’s that?” Zenobia wanted to know.

“The Southern Continent of Attica,” Issie replied. “Windsor is the capitol.”

“What will you and Javelle do?” Zenobia asked.

“I don’t know; we have diddlysquat to go on,” Doug said. “Hopefully we can gain some insight about what is going on in court tomorrow.”

Gil recommended a jury trial, in part because Judge Kudlow was known to be strict, but Doug and Javelle instructed Gil to let the judge decide the case.

To Doug, the hearing seemed to go on forever. Gil filed a motion to exclude the video showing Doug and Javelle ascending the stairway. Tuvalu argued it was relevant to the case, and Judge Kudlow sided with Tuvalu. The legal maneuvering went on and on.

Finally, Judge Kudlow told Tuvalu to call her first witness. She called the doorman at Chaudhary’s apartment complex who testified he had seen Doug and Javelle on the night in question. She called the crime lab technician who testified that the projectile taken from Chaudhary matched Doug’s blaster, and then called the medical examiner for the autopsy report. Next, she called Captain Jacoby who testified that Doug and Javelle had called and reported Chaudhary’s murder, and that he had no reason to suspect Doug of murdering Chaudhary. Finally, Tuvalu called Sergeant Mihalie, who corroborated Captain Jacoby’s testimony. Judge Kudlow permitted Gil to cross-examine, but Gil’s questions were largely redundant to Tuvalo’s.

After Tuvalu rested her case, Gil received permission to confer with his clients. He told Doug and Javelle that because of their own insistence to rush into this trial, he still had no witnesses, and no real case to present.

“You have Javelle and me,” Doug told Gil. “Let us testify.”

Gil reminded them that they were not obliged to testify, and that if they did so, Tuvalu would have the chance to tear them apart on the witness stand. But Doug and Javelle insisted, so Gil had no choice but to agree.

On the witness stand, Gil asked Doug his occupation and if he went to meet Chaudhary on the night in question. Then he asked if he had murdered Chaudhary, to which Doug answered no. Gil followed up. “How do you explain the projectile taken from Chaudhary matching your blaster?” Doug could only say that he didn’t know.

Finally, Gil said, “Your witness, counselor.”

Tuvalu began with what seemed to Doug to be warm-up questions, such as how long had he been an investigator with the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation, and if he had ever terminated anyone in the line of duty, which Doug acknowledged he had. Tuvalu received permission to show the video of Doug and Javelle ascending the stairway and drawing his blaster. As the video played, Tuvalu said, “Note that this video shows Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok sneaking up the stairway.”

Gil said, “Objection, Your Honor. They did not sneak up the stairway as Miss Tuvalu alleges.”

“Sustained. Counselor, refrain from leading comments.”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Tuvalu replied. “Mr. Kincaid, does the video show you and Mr. Jovok ascend the stairway, and then at Mr. Chaudhary’s door, draw your blaster?” Doug had no option but to agree.

“So you acknowledge your 2300 hour clandestine meeting with Mr. Chaudhary was to murder him,” Tuvalu said. This clicked. Doug gave Javelle the ‘cold-eyed stare’ and Javelle gave a slight nod of understanding. At no time had they said the meeting with Mr. Chaudhary was scheduled for 2300 hours. They had only told Captain Jacoby they were to meet Mr. Chaudhary, not the specific time.

Guessing Judge Kudlow would not permit him to question Tuvalu to find out how she knew the meeting was scheduled for 2300 hours, Doug thought fast. Then he leaned over, hugged his stomach, and started moaning and groaning.

“Your Honor, what deception is Mr. Kincaid undertaking?” Tuvalu asked.

“Mr. Kincaid, are you unwell?” Judge Kudlow asked.

Doug moaned again. Then he covered the microphone with one hand. Raising his other arm to obstruct the view of his mouth he said, only loud enough for Judge Kudlow to hear, “I’m calling a recess. We’ll reconvene in six days at 1600 hours.” and imprinted the command in Judge Kudlow’s mind.

Judge Kudlow repeated the command verbatim and added, “Court adjourned.”

“Your Honor, you can’t do this,” Tuvalu almost screamed.

“Mr. Faber, see to your client,” Judge Kudlow instructed.

Gil approached the witness stand and asked with concern in his voice, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Get me out of here. Let me lean on you until we get outside,” Doug said.

“What kind of stunt is this?” Gil asked, more annoyed by Doug’s antics than concerned for his health.

“Just get me out of here, and I will explain,” Doug said, and he leaned on Gil as they exited the courtroom.

As they walked out, Doug saw Raquel and Issie. He was not sure if they had guessed what he had done or were genuinely concerned for his health, and winked as he and Gil walked by. Outside, Doug stopped pretending to be sick and asked Gil, “What door will Tuvalu use to exit?”

Agitated, Gil demanded to know what Doug was up to. “Gil, I need to speak with Tuvalu. It’s important. What door will she use to exit the courtroom?”

“That door, I guess,” Gil said, pointing at the door they had come out of. “Now what is this about?’

“Wait here,” Doug told Gil. “Issie, Javelle,” Doug said, and nodded for them to follow.

“What do they think they’re doing?” Gil asked Raquel, who remained beside him.

“I don’t know, Gil, but don’t try to stop them,” Raquel said. Gil gave Raquel a hard stare, not believing she would side with Doug and Javelle.

Doug saw Tuvalu place some papers in her briefcase and then walk toward the door. She was just inside the court room when Doug stepped round and said, “Tuvalu, how did you know the meeting with Chaudhary was scheduled for 2300 hours?”

Tuvalu had a startled look on her face seeing Doug. “I’m not supposed to talk to you without counsel present.”

“Answer me,” Doug said a little sharper then he had intended, implanting the instructions in her mind. “How did you know the meeting with Chaudhary was scheduled for 2300 hours?” He added a little mental persuasion to force Tuvalu to answer.

“Mr. Firmino told me,” Tuvalu replied.

“Who is Mr. Firmino?” Doug asked.

“Durrett Firmino, the Chief Prosecutor,” Tuvalu replied.

“How did he know the meeting with Chaudhary was scheduled for 2300 hours?”

“I don’t know,” Tuvalu replied.

“Was it Firmino who ordered you to prosecute us?”

“Yes, I work for Mr. Firmino,” Tuvalu replied.

“The video showing Javelle and me climbing a stairway, and drawing my blaster, is highly incriminating, not to mention the projectile from Chaudhary matching my blaster.”

This appeared to give Tuvalu pause, as she hesitated before replying, “As a matter of fact, Mr. Firmino was the one who told me the projectile would match your blaster.”

“Okay, you’ll forget we ever had this discussion,” Doug said, imprinting the command in her mind. “On your way.” As Tuvalu left, Doug said to Issie, “Find out everything you can about the Chief Prosecutor, Durrett Firmino, and while you’re at it, check out Tuvalu. Most likely she’s just doing Firmino’s bidding, but something might show up.”

“Okay, anything else?” Issie asked.

Withdrawing his vistaview unit, Doug said, “Yeah, can you do a voice comparison?”

“If I had another voice to compare it to,” Issie replied.

“As it happens, I did not take your advice and delete the junk messages from my vistaview unit. I still have that message where Chaudhary wanted to meet with us. But my sixth sense tells me it may not have been Chaudhary who called me,” Doug explained while transmitting a copy of the message to Issie’s vistaview unit.

“Okay, but who am I going to compare it with?” Issie asked.

“My sixth sense tells me it may have been Firmino,” Doug replied.

“How will I be able to compare the voice in the message to Firmino’s?” Issie asked.

“It’s time Javelle and I get proactive. We’ll pay Mr. Firmino a visit, I’ll record the conversation and transmit you a copy,” Doug replied. “Find Firmino’s home address and text it to me. One more thing; my sixth sense also tells me Javelle and I will be traveling to Windsor. Will you check on airship tickets?” Doug asked.

“You’re going to see Bonasso?” Issie asked.

“Something tells me he’s mixed up in this,” Doug replied. “Issie, it’s probably best not to say anything to Gil. He may have to report it to the judge and we’ll all be in trouble.”

“RIGHT! As if we’re not already in trouble,” Issie said, a smile playing across her lips.

As Doug and Javelle walked by Raquel and Gil, Doug said, “Javelle and I have some things to check. We’ll talk with you later.”

“Hey! Where are you going?” Gil called out after Doug and Javelle as they walked away. Without looking back, Doug threw up his arm and waved.

Issie moseyed up to Raquel and Gil, while doing something on her notebook computer.

“Where are those two going?” Gil asked Issie.

“Can’t say,” she replied, continuing on the computer.

“Well, what are they going to do?” Gil asked.

“Can’t say,” Issie replied, continuing with the computer and not even looking at Gil.

“Issie, you were just with them. Why were they talking to Tuvalu?” Gil asked.

“Can’t say,” Issie replied, still busy with the computer.

“ISSIE, I demand you tell me why they were talking with Tuvalu and where they are going,” Gil said in a stern voice.

“Gil, don’t scream at Issie. Obviously, Doug or Javelle told her not to tell,” Raquel said.

Gil threw his arms in the air and exclaimed, “This is ridiculous. I’m supposed to be their attorney and what do they do? They confer with Issie. Worse, they confer with Melissa.”

Smiling, Raquel said, “I thought you were to refer to opposing counsel formally.”

“I, er…” Gil stammered.

Raquel said, “I know, Gil, Miss Tuvalu is a very attractive woman. I don’t blame you for being interested.” Becoming more serious, Raquel added, “But Miss Tuvalu said something that piqued Doug’s interest. Do you know what it was?”

“No, she showed that video and asked Doug about the meeting he was supposed to have with Chaudhary,” Gil replied. Turning to look at Issie, Gil said, “I bet I know someone who does. Then Doug went into that act, and if Judge Kudlow ever finds out it was just an act we’re all going to be in trouble.”

“I’ll not tell, if you won’t,” Raquel said, grinning. “My lips are sealed.” Then she made the motion to zipper her lips.

“This is not funny, Raquel. Pulling a stunt like that is very serious,” Gil said.

“I know, Gil. Let’s go back to the office. There is nothing more to do here,” Raquel said.

“Chief Prosecutor Firmino knowing the exact time of our meeting with Chaudhary, and Tuvalu saying that he told her the projectile from Chaudhary would match your blaster, seem to implicate Firmino as being involved in framing us,” Javelle said.

“Yes, we were lucky Tuvalu let that slip. After the crime lab technician testified the projectile matched my blaster, the judge would have surely convicted us,” Doug replied.

“I am still puzzled as to how the projectile from Chaudhary could have matched your blaster,” Javelle said.

“Yes, I’m puzzled about that myself,” Doug replied. “A mental scan seemed to confirm he was telling the truth, although I would feel more confident had either you or I asked him directly.”

“You asked Issie to find Firmino’s home address. Were you planning to confront him at home?” Javelle asked.

“Initially, but I don’t know Firmino. I don’t recall ever seeing him. He may be married, may have children. It may not be wise to confront him at home with a wife and children present.”

“I recall seeing Firmino’s parking space. We can wait for him to exit and confront him in the parking area,” Javelle suggested.

“That would probably be best,” Doug agreed.

“It is now 1421 hours. Firmino will probably not exit from work until 1700 hours or later. Let’s interview the medical examiner and the crime lab technician,” Javelle said.

“Let’s be careful at Trenton City Hall Complex; too many people know us,” Doug said.

Javelle, followed by Doug, entered the medical examiner’s lab. When the medical examiner saw them, he gave them a quizzical look, obviously remembering them from the courtroom. Before he could speak, Javelle held up his GEBI identification and said, “I am Agent Spine and this is Agent Shims with Trenton Bureau of Investigation,” imprinting their aliases in the medical examiner’s mind.

“Doctor, we have been requested to reinvestigate the case against Kincaid and Jovok, the two Galactic Bureau of Investigation men charged with the murder of Nichols Chaudhary, Trenton City Assistant Mayor,” Doug said. “You did the autopsy?”

“I did,” the doctor replied.

“What can you tell us about the autopsy?” Javelle asked.

“Chaudhary was murdered by a single projectile that penetrated the chest area, striking his heart,” the medical examiner replied.

“Did you extract the projectile?” Doug asked.

“I did,” the doctor replied.

“Where is the projectile now?” Javelle asked.

“It was sent to the crime lab,” the doctor replied.

“Could you identify what type blaster fired the projectile?” Doug asked.

“I could not do so, but I assume the crime lab could,” the medical examiner said.

“What condition was the projectile in when you retrieved it?” Javelle asked.

“Well…it was…here, I’ll show you. I document all evidence,” the examiner said, turning to a computer and hitting a few keys. An image of the projectile flashed on the screen.

“Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate you taking the time to talk with us,” Doug said.

Outside the medical examiner’s office, Javelle said, “The way that projectile was damaged, I am surprised that crime lab technician could even identify what caliber it was; never mind comparing it to another projectile.”

Javelle entered the crime lab and a woman saw him and asked, “May I help you?”

“We are looking for - I see him,” Javelle said.

When the crime lab technician saw Javelle and Doug walking toward him, it was obvious he remembered them from the courtroom. Before he could speak, Javelle repeated his procedure from the medical examiner’s lab, and as before, imprinted this information in the crime lab technician’s mind.

“We are reinvestigating the case against Kincaid and Jovok, the two Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation men charged with the murder of Nichols Chaudhary, Trenton City Assistant Mayor,” Doug said. “You testified in court that the projectile taken from Chaudhary matched a projectile from Kincaid’s blaster.”

“Yes, sir,” the crime lab technician replied.

“It looked to be quite damaged,” Javelle said. “How were you able to identify what caliber it was, never mind comparing it to another projectile?”

The crime lab technician stared at Javelle, as if unsure of what Javelle was saying. Then he said, “Uh, the projectile was relatively undamaged.”

“Do you still have it?” Doug asked.

“Uh, sure. I have it over here,” the crime lab technician said. The crime lab technician walked over to a cabinet, opened a drawer and withdrew a brown envelope. He opened the envelope and tilted it so the projectile fell out into his hand.

As the crime lab technician said, the projectile was relevantly undamaged. “You’re sure this is the same projectile that was retrieved from Chaudhary?” Javelle asked.

“Uh…well, it was the one that was sent over,” the crime lab technician said.

“Who sent it over?” Doug asked.

“I don’t know. Material is sent over and then distributed to those of us who examine it,” the crime lab technician had said.

“Okay. Thanks.” Doug said.

Outside the crime lab, Javelle said, “Clearly, the projectile the crime lab technician compared to the projectile from your blaster is not the same projectile the medical examiner retrieved from Chaudhary.”

“That’s right, Javelle,” Doug answered, “and I am satisfied that both the crime lab technician and the medical examiner told the truth.”

“Gil can now submit a subpoena requiring all this evidence to be submitted to the court and clear us of the murder charge,” Javelle said.

“He could, but that does not answer who switched the projectile or who is behind the plot to frame us,” Doug replied. “We started this little caper. We may as well continue it and find out who is behind the plot to frame us, and, maybe more importantly, why.”

Doug and Javelle walked to the delicatessen catering to the Trenton City Hall Complex personnel. After getting a sandwich and a cup of coffee to go, they returned to Javelle’s ground vehicle to wait for Firmino, expecting a two to three hour wait. Doug finished his sandwich and called Issie. “Hi, you guys okay?” Issie asked.

“We’re fine. We had a chat with the medical examiner and the crime lab technician who testified in court this morning. Guess what we got?” Doug said.

“The crime lab technician made a mistake in the comparison of the projectiles?”

“More than that; the projectile the crime lab technician used to compare it to my blaster was not the one the medical examiner retrieved from Chaudhary,” Doug told Issie.

“That’s great. I mean, how could that have happened?” Issie asked.

“I don’t know, but I suspect someone switched them to frame us. Remember what Tuvalu said about Firmino telling her the projectiles would match,” Doug said.

“You think Firmino switched the projectiles?” Issie asked.

“I don’t know. Speaking of Firmino, what have you found out?” Doug inquired.

“Nothing incriminating. He was born on the Western Continent and moved to Trenton ten years ago. He worked in a private firm until becoming assistant prosecutor, where he remained five years, or until the former prosecutor resigned to return to private practice. Before long, he was elected prosecutor. He is married with two children, and they live modestly; there is no extravagance. I have his home address.”

“I have ruled out confronting him at home. I considered the possibility he was married and had children and I do not want to create a scene at his home,” Doug replied. “What about Tuvalu, anything on her?”

“Nothing incriminating on her, either. She graduated top of her law school class and went to work as an assistant prosecutor immediately upon graduation. According to what I dug up, she has never lost a case,” Issie said.

“Yeah, she made a point of boasting about that,” Doug replied.

“So what are you going to do?” Issie asked.

“Javelle and I are watching Firmino’s vehicle now. When he leaves from work, we’ll confront him. Anything else?”

“I checked on airship flights to Windsor. The next flight leaves tomorrow around 1500 hours. Do you want me to book package?” Issie said.

“Better hold off until we talk with Firmino. Issie, thanks for all your help,” Doug said.

“Ooh, this is going to cost you two big-time,” Issie said, laughing, and rang off.

“Javelle, you know the worst part about this job? Sitting around waiting,” Doug said.

“I do not have a problem waiting. I can remain motionless for hours,” Javelle replied.

“Yeah! Right!” Doug replied, sarcastically.

“Perhaps you desire to walk down the street to that delicatessen and purchase yourself a cup of coffee,” Javelle replied. “I will continue to observe and if Firmino emerges from the building while you are away, I will mentally restrain him until you return.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll take you up on that. Do you want something?”

“I do not require anything,” Javelle replied.

“Not even, perhaps, some 3-in-1 oil to keep the joints from squeaking?” Doug jokingly asked, grinning.

Displaying one of his rare smiles, Javelle said, “Your humor is funny, Doug. But, no, I do not require that kind of lubricant.”

It was a half hour or more before a man exited and walked to the ground vehicle in the space designated for the Chief Prosecutor. Having never met Firmino, Doug and Javelle were not certain if the man was Firmino. When the man started to open the door on the ground vehicle, Javelle said, “That must be Durrett Firmino.”

When Doug exited and walked around the ground vehicle, he found Firmino standing as if he were a statue. Realizing Javelle had immobilized him, he nodded and Firmino gave a little jerk, as if to come out of a trance. “Are you Durrett Firmino?” Doug asked.

Firmino looked around, saw Doug and Javelle and said, “Tuvalu said you were taken ill in the courtroom. Why are you here?”

“We need to talk,” Javelle said. “Please come and sit with us in my ground vehicle.”

“You’ll never get away with kidnapping me. I am a high government official,” Firmino exclaimed, excitedly.

“This is not a kidnapping,” Doug replied. “Just do as Javelle requested. Come sit in the vehicle. We do not want to make a scene.” Once seated in Javelle’s ground vehicle, Doug said, “Okay, Firmino, just tell us why you tried to frame us for Chaudhary’s murder.”

“This is kidnapping. I don’t have to talk to you,” Firmino said.

“We are not kidnapping you, Mr. Firmino,” Javelle replied. “We only wish to engage in a comprehensive dialogue regarding your attempt to frame us.”

“You don’t have to use big words, Javelle.” Doug said. “Firmino, tell us why you’re trying to frame us for Chaudhary’s murder.” He added a little mental persuasion.

Firmino tried to resist but finally said, “I’m not trying to frame you.”

“You called me to arrange that meeting at Chaudhary’s apartment. You knew the exact time the meeting was scheduled,” Doug stated.

“No, I never called you. Chaudhary called you,” Firmino replied.

Because Firmino had known the exact time of the meeting with Chaudhary, Doug had suspected Firmino himself had called him. Now Firmino was telling him that it actually was Chaudhary who called. “Chaudhary called me? Why? You had better explain.”

“When Chaudhary learned I had dropped the case against Bonasso, he threatened to make an issue of it. Of course he could not file a complaint with my office, and he was afraid to take his complaint to Trenton Security, in case Bonasso had people on the inside, so Chaudhary called you. Somehow Bonasso intercepted the message, and sent Sergeant Kaffe, who was a sergeant in Trenton Security who resigned to follow Bonasso to Windsor, to persuade Chaudhary from talking to you. I am not sure what happened. But Kaffe murdered Chaudhary,” Firmino explained.

“How come Sergeant Kaffe doesn’t show up on the security video?” Doug asked, already guessing the answer.

“A person who works for Bonasso is a computer expert. He hacked into the security system and deleted Kaffe from the video,” Firmino told them.

“So I am guessing it was Bonasso’s idea to frame Javelle and me,” Doug said.

“Yes,” Firmino confirmed.

“Why?” Doug asked.

“Bonasso learned, or suspected, that you and Javelle uncovered the shakedown scam he and the other city councilmen were involved in. He said it would be poetic justice to frame you and Javelle for Chaudhary’s murder. Of course, you and Javelle were at Chaudhary’s apartment. The video showed you use the stairway instead of the lift and you draw your blaster approaching Chaudhary’s apartment. Plus, Tuvalu is a good prosecutor. It was not difficult to connect you to Chaudhary’s murder,” Firmino replied.

“I’m not a legal expert, but a friend said the video showing us use the stairway and me drawing my blaster would be circumstantial evidence. The clincher was the projectile that supposedly matched my blaster. How did you accomplish that?” Doug asked.

“Bonasso said Sergeant Kaffe got a projectile from the firing range where you practice. He gave it to me and ordered me to switch it with the projectile taken from Chaudhary.”

“Sir, how did you come to be involved in this? You’re the prosecutor. Why didn’t you report Bonasso? Why did you not prosecute him for the shakedown scam?” Javelle asked.

“Bonasso blackmailed me,” Firmino replied.

“Sir, we had a background check done on you. It revealed no improprieties; in fact, your record, first in private practice, then as Assistant Prosecutor and now as Chief Prosecutor, appears exemplary. Do you have a mistress? Did Bonasso threaten to tell your wife?”

“Worse,” Firmino replied.

“Worse? Did you murder someone?” Doug asked.

“No, I was expelled - from law school.” Firmino replied.

Doug and Javelle stared at one another, Doug with a puzzled expression. Both said in unison, “Expelled?”

“May I inquire, sir, as to why you were expelled?” Javelle asked.

“A stupid college prank. I threw a stink bomb into the females’ personal,” Firmino said.

Doug could not help but laugh. Finally composing himself, Doug said, “I’m sure the girls did not find this prank amusing at the time.”

“As you suggest, it turned out not to be, considering I was expelled,” Firmino said.

“Being expelled from law school is hardly something one can be blackmailed over,” Doug said. “There must be more than that.”

“I practiced law,” Firmino said.

“Okay,” Doug said, waiting for Firmino to continue.

“Without a degree,” Firmino added.

“Don’t you have to take a test or something before you can practice law?” Doug asked.

“The bar exam. I passed the bar after I arrived here in Trenton City.”

“I’m guessing there is more,” Doug said, prompting Firmino. He went on to say that a college friend, good with computers, hacked into the school’s records, expunged the termination file, and replaced it with a file showing Firmino’s graduation.

“Why did you not transfer to another college and complete your studies?” Javelle asked.

“I was ashamed, embarrassed. I had been expelled,” Firmino replied.

“When our associate did the background search on you - and she is good - she didn’t learn of the expulsion,” Doug said. “How did Bonasso learn of it?”

“I don’t know,” Firmino replied. “Bonasso digs up dirt on everyone.”

“So over some stupid prank, you let Bonasso blackmail you into framing us for murder.”

“I’m sorry. I am really sorry,” Firmino emotionally said. “What will happen now?”

“You’re the attorney. You tell me,” Doug said.

Javelle issued Firmino some instructions, imprinted them in his mind, and told him to go home. As Javelle drove them back to the Trenton Executive Apartment complex, Doug called Issie to tell her about the meeting with Firmino. When he told her about Firmino throwing a stink bomb into the females’ personal, she burst out laughing. “Yeah, someone did that here at the university. We couldn’t use the personal for days.” Doug explained that, as expected, Bonasso was behind the plot to frame him and Javelle, and Issie told Doug she would make arrangements for the airship tickets to Windsor.

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