Chapter IX

A STARTLING REALIZATION
VINCENT strolled down the street. He was to keep an eye out for someone named Tracy Trinh, but he had no clue who he or she was. He rounded the corner and spotted the small courthouse, and then an idea struck him.

Jessie's trial was today and with any luck, this Tracy person might be there. He grinned to himself and headed toward the courthouse.

"I'm sorry about your fiancée, Tracy."

A young woman looked up at the officer at the door, stunned for a moment. "Oh, oh. Thank you. It's okay."

Vincent was behind her and slightly puzzled. "Who was that?" He asked, unintentionally out loud.

"Tracy Trinh. Haven't you been readin' da papers?!"

"Yes. I just never knew who she was."

"You must be new in town."

"Yes."

"Aahh. I see. The strange thing is, she never told me she had a fiancée. She was a single woman when I ran into her a couple days before."

Vincent shrugged. "Women. Never can understand 'em."

The officer laughed. "True. True." He suddenly snapped back to reality. "Come on, the trial's 'bout the start. Git in your seat."

Vincent hurried into the room and found a seat where he could keep an eye on Miss Trinh. His hunch was correct.