"That's right."
    "For the record, I would like—"
    "It has been entered into evidence," the left-hand judge reminded him a bit testily. "We are aware of the contents of Miss McKay's statement."
    "Ah, yes. Well." He turned slowly to survey the room. "The prosecution will rest here, your honors. Miss McKay has admitted that she went to Mr. Vincent's home with the intention of killing him, and that she did in fact attempt to do so. Based on the evidence heard in this court, I believe there is sufficient cause and sufficient evidence to go forward with a trial." He glanced at Velke, who cleared a surprised look off his face and stood up, took a moment to gather his thoughts before he approached the stand.
    "This assault, was this the first time you had encountered this particular criminal?"
    "No." She described the scene we had discovered in Chinatown. Her emotionless voice made her detailed description of the mayhem the killers had left all the more chilling.
    "And did your assailant say anything?"
    "Yes. He said, 'Don Vincent isn't happy.'"
    "You're quite clear on that?"
    "Yes."
    "So you had reason to believe that Mr. Vincent was the motivating force behind the attack."
    "Yes."
    "You believed your life to be in danger, and perhaps those of your teammates?"
    "I did."
    "I see." He paused for a moment. "So, believing your own life and possible those of others to be in danger, you acted to remove the threat. How do you feel about that action now?"
    There was another pause, then, "I believe my action was rash," she stated, with greater care than I have ever seen her display. "But I believed it was justified."
    "Thank you. No further questions."
    
    
    No one else was called. The judges departed to deliberate. Lucky paced and chain-smoked for two hours. I fidgeted while the minutes dragged past and almost considering taking up smoking myself. The situation looked pretty good to me, but maybe I had missed something? Then they came back.
    No trial. There was sufficient evidence, but not sufficient cause, given the defendant's evident repentance and the greater needs of the community. She would, however, be subject to certain restrictions for an undetermined period of time. Further details would be passed through our police liaison, Jessica Winters.
    And that was that.
    The two guys in the back all but vanished immediately. Washington packed up and departed with what looked like haste.
    "He threw the case. He threw it. Why?" Simon looked stunned.
    "I think I know," Lucky replied darkly.
    "You think Vincent got to him?" I asked. He seemed like the obvious candidate.
    She nodded and lit another cigarette.
    I've begun to wonder if brain damage was a result of his injury. But then, revenge has never been one of my main interests, and I learned my lesson about underestimating opponents with the Blood Boards. If he's serious about going after her, he'll find a way to acquire the strength he needs. I gave my teammate a wan smile.
    "Welcome to the land of the hunted. Request a transfer?" I inquired as Reilly approached. He didn't take the bait.
    "No, I'm going to Chicago. Beth's got a job offer, we'll be there for a month or so. I've got a few years worth of vacation I haven't used."
    "Why am I not surprised."
    "Jessica's good. A little more by the book than I am, but she's solid. Congratulations, Lucky."
    It was still early afternoon. Lucky headed off to give Chandler the good news. Scott had been given the task of finding his creator an apartment and a blank check with which to do it, given that his old home had exploded. I agreed to give him a hand with the complexities of the search. First, though, I thought we ought to talk to Ellis and get his official status sorted out. And while we were there, I decided, something else needed to be done. Before I could lose my nerve.
    I stopped by base and picked up a file folder containing my notes describing the situation, and then we headed for the senator's office. His secretary let us in as he was finishing a phone call. He seemed to be in a good mood as he hung up, greeted Scott cheerfully and handed over a freshly minted Social Security card, making Scott Silver the first artificially intelligent U.S. citizen. Someday, I suppose, the moment will be recorded in history books, which will probably overlook the fact that it was all done very hastily and somewhat furtively.

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