Chapter 3

It was almost ten when Amanda woke up. She had fallen into a deep sleep despite being curled up in a chair. She stretched out and looked to the chair next to her. Rigg had also stayed the night with her just in case Eric woke. He was still in his dirty, sweaty shirt. He tried to lie down across the chair but didn't seem any bit comfortable. Amanda then looked at Eric.

The former detective had some how managed to contort himself to lay flat on his stomach without moving his damaged leg or ripping any IVs or wires. The vitals monitor was lying on top of him which apparently didn't seem to ruin his sleep at all. Amanda remembered once when she found John in a similar position trying to pick a fallen candle off the side of his bed. Her nursing instincts kicked in and she went to work pulling Eric on to his back. He was heavy for an emaciated man making flipping him harder than expected. She watched the door and took out the IV so it wouldn't get any lethal bubbles in it. After rolling Eric over she stuck the IV back in Eric's arm. He screamed and woke up Rigg.

"What are you doing to him?" Rigg asked franticly. He went over to Eric and pushed Amanda away.

"I was turning him over. His IV and monitor would have ripped out." Amanda replied. "I was trying to help him."

"He doesn't need your help. That's why I'm here."

"Rigg…" Eric groaned, "Let it go. She didn't know any better, alright?"

Rigg was enraged. "She didn't know any better? Of course she knew better! She's a fuckin' murderer! She killed…" Rigg stopped. He was going to say Kerry but Eric didn't know that his former mistress was dead. It wouldn't be right for him to find out this way.

But Rigg also was surprised. There was emptiness in Eric's eyes. Instead of the unique, familiar rage that Rigg was used to seeing, Eric's eyes were like black holes. He seemed to see and understand everything that was going on but the events didn't register they just disappeared. Nothing seemed to matter to him. Eric's whole attitude, his whole personality changed. He wasn't angry or depressed; he was perfectly emotionless. It scared Rigg to see Eric so disillusioned and he couldn't take it so he left.

Amanda looked at Eric's leg. She undid the brace while Eric watched. He said nothing because he trusted that she wouldn't hurt him. She was on bail for several murder charges and an assault of a police officer wouldn't help. Amanda didn't have the intention of hurting him, though. She simply wanted to see how bad he hurt his ankle. Amanda yanked off the bandage. She poked and prodded at his foot. It was cleaned up but looked dirty from all the bruising. She gently touched his ankle. Eric winced but still didn't care. The joint had some bones in it but was otherwise very jelly-like.

"You gonna kill me anytime soon?" Eric asked.

"No. But I'd really like to." Amanda growled.

"So do it. I know you want to."

"You passed your tests. I have to honor John's wishes and I'm not a murderer."

"And you're not Jigsaw." Eric taunted. Amanda glared at him. That was her breaking point before. The taunt that sent her crawling to him ready to knife his throat if only Hoffman hadn't stopped her. She walked up to her ready to slap him then realized what he was trying to do. He wanted to push her to the edge. He wanted her to kill him. She smiled at him. Eric still looked coldly at her. "Go ahead. I'm done playing these games."

"This isn't a game, Eric! This is your life. You won your game. Congratulations. Stop moping around. Daniel misses you. He needs you." Amanda started to leave. "Daniel's alive. He was the entire time." Amanda then left for her arraignment.

Eric didn't believe Amanda. She was still playing a game with him. She was setting him up. Daniel couldn't have been alive the whole time because he knew his son. He would have been able to figure out if he was alive. Eric took a deep breath. He didn't care what happened to him anymore he played enough games and the next one he figured he would just lose.

Hoffman slept in a chair next to Corbett's bed. Corbett woke up before him and ruffled his hair to wake him. "David, David." Che cooed. He stayed asleep so she yelled, "Mark! Wake Up!" The night before he told her Mark was his first name but preferred David, his middle name. Hoffman remained sleeping so Corbett gently hit his face.

"What the-" Hoff man looked at Corbett. She smiled brightly unaware of her predicament. He still didn't tell her what happened to her parents. "Oh, good morning. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. You look tired. What were doing?"

Hoffman sighed. He tried to come up with a decent lie. He looked outside the room. He wanted to put together something that could seem vaguely heroic. For what ever reason he wanted Corbett to respect him. Just as he was about to get into a story Maria the social service worker arrived. Maria cheerfully greeted Hoffman then introduced herself to Corbett.

"Hi, I'm Maria. I'm so sorry about what happened to your parents."

"What happened to my parents?" Corbett whimpered.

Hoffman spoke before Maria so she wouldn't tell Corbett anything he thought she shouldn't know. "Your parents have been injured, badly. They were taken to a special hospital and won't be able to take care of you for a while. So Maria was trying to find you another place to stay until then."

Maria looked at Hoffman exasperated. She couldn't believe that he hadn't told Corbett about her parents. As mean as it seemed it was better than giving her false hope. She gave them a minute by themselves so Hoffman could further explain what was happening. She looked through Corbett's records. Her father, Jeff, was a newspaper editor until three years ago when his son Dylan died. Afterwards he became a drunk. Corbett's mother Lynn was a successful trauma surgeon. She was widely known across the state however after the accident she became distant and depressed. She recognized she was falling apart and even prescribed anti-depressants to herself.

The Reinhart-Denlon family was pretty well documented already because it wasn't the first time social services came to their house. There were several incidents that took place. The worst happened when Jeff had gotten drunk and went into a brief rage. He accidentally cut Lynn's arm with a broken bottle and slapped her. A neighbor called the police on them and they found Corbett hiding in a closet scared to death. Jeff was put into jail over night then sent to AA and anger management. That was a few months after Dylan died. It never got worse than that but after Jeff got a gun everyone was on high alert. Eventually Lynn stopped staying at the house but no knew where she went. Corbett learned how to take care of herself after that.

Although she wasn't too fond of Hoffman herself, Maria noticed Corbett was. They acted like father and daughter. It was misleading because she knew Hoffman just met her a few hours ago. However the two seemed close. She watched Hoffman give Corbett a stuffed animal then walk out.

"So, I'm guessing you didn't find anyone closer." Hoffman whispered.

"No. Her aunt and uncle agreed to take her. They'll try to make it by today but they are facing a storm." Maria replied.

"Right. Who is she going to stay with her until they come?"

"We can keep her. Although I think she'll be more comfortable with you." Maria gestured at the room. Corbett was watching Hoffman closely seemingly afraid he might leave her behind. Hoffman smiled at her and waved which put her at ease.

"I can't take care of her. I have no experience with children besides I have a lot of work to do. The station's going to be very busy." Hoffman was truthful but he also worried that if he took Corbett home she might learn about the tests he had conducted there.

"I have to tell you something detective. I've seen girls like her before. They come in and out every day. They lose everything they got and try to find someone who understands what they're going through. Around here there are all of places where she could fall in with a bad crowd. Luckily, she found you. It'll only be a few hours to day tops. It's not too much to ask." Maria pleaded. She looked at Hoffman worried. She really thought in a day's time Corbett could be pushed into a life of crime.

Hoffman hesitated. First off he was part of the bad crowd. He planned to continue John's legacy as he promised. If Amanda stayed with him then she would be another bad influence on the young girl. Then guilt set in on Hoffman. He felt like he owed Corbett for putting her through so much trouble. He also could relate to her. When his sister died he couldn't get himself together. He ended up murdering a man, a guilty man but all the same murder is murder. He framed John and the rest is history. Hoffman couldn't live with himself if something like that happened to Corbett and after reassuring she would only have to stay for a while he accepted the offer.

Shortly after leaving the hospital Rigg arrived at the police station. It was as busy as he ever seen. Cops were running here and there. People were lined around the lobby waiting to be interrogated in relation with the Jigsaw Killings. Phones were ringing off the hook. Some calls were advice to find witnesses; others were coming forth as witnesses. It appeared that John's death and Amanda's arrest put a lot of people at ease. Now everyone wanted to come forward because they weren't afraid to be put to death.

Rigg thought it was ridiculous. He knew Jigsaw only went after those in need of a 'second chance'. People shouldn't have been hiding. They probably would have found him faster if they didn't. Then again the affects of the killings didn't go unnoticed. Crime rates dropped remarkably and those who committed crimes flocked to admit it. Jail was suddenly glamorous.

Rigg saw Art leaving an interrogation room. He was dressed in a suit and walked as if nothing happened. Rigg on the other hand hadn't even been home. He was too busy taking care of other business, he didn't even have a chance to stop by to change his clothes or even shower. He wanted to make sure Amanda would be put away before he stopped.

"Hey, Art!" Rigg yelled. Art stopped and turned around. "Back to work already?"

"Yeah." He replied. "My firm was picked to prosecute Ms. Young. Since I already know a lot about the case the put me on it."

"Doesn't your boss know you were held hostage just last night?"

"Yes, they do. However, I'm in working condition. This is a very high profile case and I wanted in on it. I putting leave off until I win. I want to put justice head of relaxation. It's not over until she's jailed Rigg."

Rigg smiled. "So, you're going to get her on the death penalty?"

Art didn't answer right away. He sat down at a desk and Rigg sat with him. Rigg was worried. Good news never followed an abrupt silence. In a lower voice so the surrounding people couldn't hear Art said, "I'm not supposed to tell you anything about this but I don't think I can win. Ms. Young's lawyer is pushing an insanity defense and he's also trying to reduce the twenty-eight counts of murder to five counts of manslaughter."

"He can't actually do that, can he? Why don't you just stop him?"

"He can do it and it's not as easy as you think to stop his claims Rigg. We don't have any physical evidence like fingerprints or hair that connect her to all of the murderers. She admitted to being involved in some of them, those are the manslaughter charges, and either way he's saying she wasn't mentally well. Of course there aren't any witnesses."

"What about Daniel?" Rigg said "He remembered her being at the house."

"He didn't say anything connecting her to the crimes. A man named Obi kidnapped them and Amanda was being retested. We have no proof."

Rigg was desperate. He didn't care that some people were looking at him crazy. He just wanted Art to say there was some way to convict Amanda. He mentioned Eric but Art said he probably couldn't give much. He mentioned Hoffman but Art didn't see any relation. "Okay. What about Jill?" Rigg asked. "She's John's ex-wife maybe he told her something."

Art froze. He looked around the room. Rigg looked back at him serious. Art continued looking around and rubbed his chin as if he was trying to find an excuse not to bring in Jill. The truth was he didn't need an excuse. Jill would have come if he begged.

Two years ago, Art, John and Jill were close friends. When John met Art they were two mavericks destined for greatness. John made a name for himself assisting in the design of new business factories such as Wilson Steel and Gideon Meat. The designs were so popular that even after the business failed there were new companies already willing to occupy them again. Art was trained as a DA winning all but his first few cases. He worked his way up the ladder to defend high profile cases and got paid in thousands. After hearing about John's latest project, one that would greatly improve the city, Art decided to invest his money into it and became a partner. As soon as word spread that the two heroes of the city were pairing up the city was in celebration. Everything was running perfect until the miscarriage. After that John was never the same. Art tried to pull him back together but John fell apart and everything came down with him.

Art being an honest and respectable man never considered a relationship with Jill because she was John's wife but it somehow it happened. With John often getting lost in his own world Art became the one Jill went to for comfort. They spent more and more time together until John was completely out of the picture. Only once did the relationship go to a point of regret. The shining sun was nearly blinding after leaving John's dark factory. Jill was hurt and scared of John. Art couldn't help but kiss her. In his mind he was helping but Jill pushed him away in the next second. She told Art to leave and went back in to the factory to tell John.

Three things happened to Art after that. First he lost the housing contract. With the millions invested in the project Art lost a lot of his money and his reputation also took a lethal blow. Second, he lost all contact with Jill. No matter how much Jill needed Art to help her especially after John was identified she continued defending her self. The last event was Art's tests. His first test overwhelmingly symbolic of John's hate for Art. His mouth was wired for kissing Jill. The chain and collar symbolized Art pulling Jill away from John and how John wanted to break Art's neck for it. Art sometimes laughed at how long it took for them to find John. Traps like that were so uniquely John; Art didn't know anyone else who thought like that.

"Hello? Art. Are you still listening to me?"

Art got out of his head. "Oh, sorry. We can't bring Jill in. She won't talk to me. It's useless. Amanda's arraignment is in twenty minutes. You can come if you want." Art's words were out as quick as he was. Rigg had to run after him to catch up.

The courtroom was very standard. There was a gallery, bench, jury box and tables for the plaintiff and defendant. The whole room was dominated by wood paneling. It was average sized but the unexpected flow of reporters and observers made the room very small. Art arrived before Amanda. Amanda and her attorney were held up by reporters and photographers. Once they arrived the arraignment began. Art took a moment to realize Amanda had actually dressed nice. She was in a suit, her hair tied in a bun, and she had makeup on that was more subtle then what she usually had on. Art wouldn't have known it was her if he wasn't told.

The judge called for order in the court then began. "Amanda Young, you are being charged for twenty-eight counts of murder in the 1st degree. Your lawyer, however, informed me that you are seeking a reduction in charges to five counts of manslaughter. Can counsel explain the grounds for the significant drop in charges?"

Amanda's lawyer, Marcus Wilson, stood up. "Your honor my client informed me that she was only involved in the deaths of five victims. Three of her victims were put in situations in which they could have avoided death."

Art came back, "Three of those victims were put in devices meant to kill them. One was shot in the head with a bullet that matched the one in Amanda's gun and the other victim was suffocated."

"The gunshot victim was killed shortly after he murderer someone close to my client. The suffocation was the result of paranoia that occurred due to untreated mental disease. The final three victims were allowed to escape however the engineering and tampering of the devices make it hard to prove. The other twenty-three completely lacked her involvement therefore she can't be charged."

The judge nodded. "Movement passed. The charge is reduced to five counts of voluntary manslaughter due to lack of evidence. Ms. Young on the five counts of manslaughter how do you plea?"

Again Amanda's lawyer spoke for her. "Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. We had her evaluated by the criminal psychologist that works for the police department. The results showed she exhibits symptoms of Stockholm syndrome, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder." He handed a stack of papers to the bailiff then she handed them to the judge.

"Okay. I was wondering though Mr. Wilson why is it that your rushing this case? Ms. Young was only found yesterday."

"We wanted the case to blow over quickly."

"I'm thinking you wanted to pull wool over my eye. I won't rush this decision. Trial date is set for November 19, next month. What does defense seek for bail?"

"Ten million dollars." Art said.

"Isn't that excessive?" Marcus asked. "She doesn't have a job, house or car. She has no family anywhere. There's no flight risk. There's not even a danger of her committing any crime. She doesn't pose any danger. She needs to get herself back together. I suggest a non-monetary release. She'll give up her passport, be monitored and seek help for her mental disorders."

"Fair enough." The judge directed Amanda to stand up then said, "Ms. Young, you're being released from police custody. In order for you to stay out of jail, you must be monitored all the time. You are not allowed to leave the county and must surrender your passport. You must also get a permanent address, find a job and seek medical assistance by the end of the month. If I find you have violated these orders you will be sent directly to jail. Is that understood?"

"Yes, your honor." Amanda said.

"Court is adjourned." The Judge replied. As the crowd left Art turned back to Rigg. He was clearly angered by the turnout. It wasn't supposed to end up that way. Before Art could explain Rigg got up and left.

As night came, Rigg went back to the hospital to see Eric. It was notably calmer. There weren't many as many doctors around because not as much help was needed. Eric was awake and quietly staring at the walls.

"Hey, buddy. How's going?" Rigg greeted.

Eric glanced at him but started looking back at the wall. "Fine."

Rigg sat down. There was a silence as Eric continued to stare at the wall. Rigg wanted to talk to Eric but couldn't seem to get words out instead he started to stare at the wall with Eric. A few minutes later Eric announced, "Three hundred diamonds. I counted three hundred diamonds on that wall."

"Congratulations. Amanda was indicted today. She was only charged with five counts of manslaughter and she's claiming to be insane." Rigg said. Eric was looking at Rigg with the same empty hollow eyes. "They said you're going to be better. You're foot will heal. You'll be able to walk again. You can get back to your life as you knew it."

Eric's disinterest remained. "Sure. I'll do that. I'll join SWAT. I'll join the Army. I'll work. I'll go home. It doesn't really matter. I know that Jigsaw is still out there. Testing me, he wants to see if I learned. I want to fail this test and lose the game. It just seems better that way."

Rigg scoffed. "You know Eric you used to be a strong man. I don't know what happened to you. Jigsaw gave you a second chance use it." Rigg stormed out.

Eric laughed at him. He wanted to yell loud enough for the whole floor to hear. "You don't what it's like Rigg! You wouldn't know the things you lose when you're locked away!" He repeated from the ominous tape that sealed his fate. He said to himself, "I stayed strong. I didn't give up. It was for my son. Daniel. Where's Daniel?! Where's Daniel?!" The whole world changed before his eyes he thought he was back in the bathroom. He was screaming at the top of his lungs without knowing. He grabbed a phone book off of the nightstand and was prepared to break his foot again. But just in time nurse's came in to sedate him and bring him back to reality unaware of what just happened.