A/N: I am extremely sorry that this chapter took so long to get up. I didn't realize how long it was going to be until I started writing. As a result I've split the chapter into two separate parts to keep it a readable length. I want to thank all of you for reading this story. It was a lot of hard work to write this and having readers encouraged me to keep going. In addition I have a few more stories in progress which I'll have information about on my profile page. Once again thank you for reading!

Chapter 11

Part One – The Trial

It was still late night as the Veterans sneaked out of the Gideon meat packing plant. Hoffman was restrained to a make shift stretcher and slid in the back of the van. Art and Rigg took the driver and passenger seats while Eric, Jill and Amanda tended to Hoffman with a first aid kit. The power surge at the factory was a certain draw to attention so they were careful to avoid any other people on the way to a hospital. Angel of Mercy was their last choice because of the bomb. They planned to find an out of the way hospital and prepared for a long trip

County General Hospital lay in the boondocks miles away from any cities. It was a last resort or emergency only hospital that even citizens nearby tried to avoid. Most of the city hospitals were overflowed from the patients avoiding county. The hospitals reputation for bad health care tarnished it. Most doctors were old war medics, freshly graduated residents or retired doctors looking to sharpen there skills. There were even doctors sued for malpractice and somehow veterinarians. In addition most of the staff was on parole probation or in hiding. The location, vacancy and lack of security made it a top choice for fugitives in need of health care.

Amanda knew her way around the hospital from stealing John's medication. She quickly guided the group to the ICU where Hoffman was placed. The hospital was nearing empty. Thin gray walls supported the elderly patients walking around. It was eerily quiet even in the ICU. Soft moans, groans and whimpers floated outside however some of that ambient noise was undoubtedly from doctors and interns taking time off with each other. Eric and Rigg stayed behind in the waiting room while Art and Jill decided to go home to make sure Angel of Mercy hospital was cleared.

Hoffman lies in the barebones bed just barely aware. Amanda took a seat in front of him. She tried to smile, "I never thought I'd see you in a hospital bed." She said softly. "I thought only John was this vulnerable."

Weakly Hoffman said, "I'll be out of here in no time." He sat up on the bed. "This test was supposed to kill me. I guess John had his favorites."

"I never left his side; we were like father and daughter, inseparable. You know how much he loved kids." Amanda took a key from her pocket. She placed it in Hoffman's hand. "I don't need this anymore. It's a master key to John's old buildings. In his letter, John told me that he was going to try to kill you and save me. He wanted me to continue his work alone."

Hoffman put the key down. "You should've listened to me and ran. I could have helped you to start a new life somewhere better."

"I didn't want to believe John was going to hurt anybody. That's like telling a priest not to believe in Jesus."

Hoffman lay back down. "It's all said and done now. We can't change it. Why don't you find Eric and find somewhere to stay overnight."

"But I want to stay with you."

"Amanda, please."

"Fine."Amanda hugged him gingerly then left. "Good night."


Rigg couldn't help thinking about the past month let alone the past years. It had been the longest and most trying years of his entire police career. The constant murders, chases and the lost of many people near and dear to him was too much. He started to feel like he was losing his mind. The reactions of every one only proved he was slowly going crazy. He was quick to declare anyone a suspect and was too sure of himself to believe he could be wrong. Then there were the irrational emotional outbursts. It was all so complicated.

"Something on your mind, Rigg?" Eric said.

"Hmm? Oh, I was trying to piece together everything that has happened since Jigsaw showed up." Rigg replied. "The worst years of my life."

"It has been the worst years of everyone's life in this city. There was the constant fear of being hunted and killed. Every single thing you did you had to check on to make sure it wasn't unethical. But if people have learned to be better from it that makes it better doesn't it?"

"But how much better could it be if people had to be kidnapped, killed and held hostage? I mean your son was held hostage, you were held hostage. Our coworkers and friends died. Kerry died. What did they do wrong?"

Eric sighed, "How am I supposed to know? At the end of the day Jigsaw is still a sick bastard. The majority of the people who died were bait for the bigger pray, like my informant Michael. His death was just to get me to track Jigsaw down. People learned from those mistakes which was good. I'm not saying what happened was right or justified. I'm just saying hope these sacrifices make people understand Jigsaw's message: Cherish life."

Rigg had no rebuttal and sat in the silence. Then he heard the shouts of a women screaming, "Let me go! Let me go!" Growling, thudding and squeaking grew louder as the struggle approached. Eric and Rigg watched the approaching commotion.

Amanda struggled against the police. "You can't arrest me! You better have a warrant! I didn't do anything!"

Eric jumped out of his chair and hurried to them. "What's the problem here?"

The older officer, a dark haired male, looked at Eric. He scoffed. "A simple arrest. Who are you?"

Eric pulled his badge that was stowed away in his shoe. "Lieutenant Eric Matthews, LAPD. So again what's the problem?"

"Eric Matthews. I've heard of you. Well, Amanda Young is out on bail. Twice actually. Not only that but she violated her bail terns. She's not allowed out here."

The officers tried to keep her back and she yelled, "Eric help me!"

"She's within the county and under LAPD jurisdiction. I think I'll take it from here." Eric grabbed Amanda and pulled her toward him.

The younger female officer grabbed Amanda's arm back. "You won't be taking her anywhere Lieutenant Matthews. Regardless of your rank, you are out of LAPD jurisdiction and in mine." She cued the older officer to leave with Amanda. "She'll be booked here for the night. But don't worry I'll have her transferred to LA."

"By noon tomorrow." Eric ordered.

The officer shrugged. She said, "You know how long it takes for the papers to get through. And there's the small chance the papers could get lost."

"If you handle them yourself that won't be a problem." Eric said.

"I'm only a hospital guard. But she'll get to LA."

When she walked away Eric grabbed her arm. He glanced at her name tag then began whispering in her ear. "Officer Braxton you remind me of my last partner. She was focused and determined but also stubborn and every now and again a huge pain in the neck." Eric paused remembering Kerry. He was so occupied with Amanda he was oblivious to Kerry's absence. She was the little nagging voice in his head. If it wasn't for her Eric probably would have lost his job long ago. "Those qualities are good in serious police work but a simple guard like you doesn't need to act that way. It won't get you respect or noticed." He let go of Officer Braxton's arm.

"Thanks but I'm guessing your partner left you."

"She was murdered by Amanda Young." Eric declared. "It was that stubbornness I was telling you about. I'd be careful around Amanda If I were you. She's clever and if she gets angry who knows what will happen next."


After coming home from Angel of Mercy, Art brought Jill to his house to unwind. He remembered what it was like to be alone after his first near-death experience and Jill was more welcome company than a stranger. They both changed into dry clothes. Jill borrowed Art's t-shirt and sweatpants because he obviously had to women's clothes. To make the evening a degree better Art searched his starved cupboards for any food at all. Luckily he had cheese, crackers, grapes and a bottle of Foghorn Vineyards Chardonnay. Jill poured the wine then they toasted to life.

"You need to do some grocery shopping if this is all you have, Art." Jill stated like a worried mother.

"It's only me most of the time I don't need to buy so much food." Art answered. "Even if I only bought the necessary things I wouldn't need to by food for two weeks maybe. Foods with preservatives are the key."

"Preservatives are bad for you. Try fruits or vegetables it won't hurt you." Jill advised.

"I like to live dangerously." Art ate more while watching Jill finished her wine then pour more in her glass. "Isn't that a bit much?"

Jill finished her sip then placed down the glass. "When John left me I was so depressed. I felt faced with my own morality knowing he wouldn't be there to protect me anymore. To make me feel better I drank. John left the liquor and he had good taste. So now to make myself feel better I drink."

"If you drink any more I might have to let you stay the night. I wouldn't want you drive home drunk."


2 months later...

Eric approached the stand as he had done many times before. He cleaned up his appearance by wearing a casual suit, cutting his hair and shaving. At Amanda's advice, he left the mechanical brace at home. Instead he bandaged his ankle to stabilize it and brought a cane to walk with. After taking the oath to tell the truth Eric sat in the chair and looked at Amanda until her lawyer, Marcus Wilson moved between them to ask the introductory question, "State your name and occupation."

"Eric Matthews. Lieutenant Detective in the Robbery-Homicide Department of the LAPD."

"Thank you. Now, how well do you know Amanda Young?"

Before Eric could answer Art objected the question citing ambiguity. Eric knew it would happen. Eric had watched the previous trial and he learned both lawyers questioning styles. Wilson had a submissive style. He would ask questions, back off if the witness got aggressive and then finish. Art had a more offense oriented demanding style. He would start by asking strict yes or no questions. He forcibly strained out any opinion which gave the effect of having people say what he wanted to hear and nothing else. Many people found it questionable but Art's charisma convinced many otherwise. It worked well with Wilson who simply refused to object to what Art had to say. The end result was a hard look at the truth which distracted everyone from the manipulation.

Wilson asked more questions about Eric and Amanda's personal relationship. For the time being how they first met was avoided. In order to create a good character testimony for Amanda only the good traits were mentioned. Amanda's care of Eric was detailed. Her discovery of Eric's PTSD was praised. Her willingness to monitor Eric's therapy was highlighted. To polish up the charade the mostly unknown story of Eric's survival was fabricated.

Wilson started by introducing the scenario in the sewers. He said Amanda was about to kill Eric when she had a change of heart. To save her guilt Amanda locked Eric away to care for him. Then to finally return him to society Amanda allegedly set up the test with another police officer and a lawyer for Eric's protection. Art had a good laugh at the story before objecting it on the grounds of lack of evidence. Wilson said he had no more questions then left the floor to Art for cross-examination.

"Lieutenant Matthews, you've described Miss Young as kind, caring woman. You've said plenty to show she's only a victim of circumstance and mental disorder." Art began, "However can you please tell the court under what circumstances you and Ms. Young first met."

Eric hesitated, "It was a drug bust. I was informed of heroin possession at Amanda's residence and executed a warrant for her arrest."

"Is that all you remember?"

"That's how I first met her."

"I can understand your hesitation. I know you don't want to jeopardize your relationship with Amanda." Art grabbed a folder from his table. The defense looked on tensely. "I would like to submit this evidence to the court. It's the write up Lieutenant Matthews wrote about the arrest. It states, in Eric's words, 'Miss Young refused to cooperate with the police. She resisted arrest claiming she had done nothing wrong. After Miss Young was shown the heroin hidden behind her television she claimed it was not hers and assaulted myself and a fellow officer.' Should I continue?"

"No." Eric remembered that day vividly. His informant, who happened to live in Amanda's apartment building, stashed bottles of heroin in Amanda's room so Eric could have another arrest on record. When he stormed in (or in actuality tapped the door lightly) Amanda was asleep and shocked to see the drug force scour her home. Once the bottles were discovered Eric tried to cuff her but she elbowed his stomach then slapped another officer. She finally gave in after being threatened by a Taser gun.

Art seemed to relish the moment and continued reading from a different page in the folder. "This record has already been submitted by the court. It's Amanda's criminal record. In my opinion it's pretty lengthy for a victim of circumstance. Let's see parking tickets, public intoxication and the more serious narcotic possession and numerous assault charges. I guess she's always at the wrong place at the wrong time. Anyways, Eric could you read the fifth row down?" Art showed the folder to Eric.

"Assault of a Police Officer." Eric read, "Victim: Eric Matthews."

Art smiled deviously then handed off the folder for the jury to look over. "So today we established Amanda Young as a remarkable caretaker. She constantly watches over Eric tending to his needs. She's also a saint because she refused to murder Eric. In the end despite her criminal history, her violence towards you and your family and friends in your opinion is Amanda still a good person?"

Wilson jumped up with an objection. "That's badgering! And asking for an opinion! And it's also too vague. There was almost no question there."

"Okay, counselor. Sustained." The judge said annoyed, "Mr. Blanc, do you have any more questions? If so ask them."

Art nodded. "Eric, did Amanda Young attempt to murder you?"

"Yes."

"Did she kidnap your son?"

"Yes."

"Did she hold you and your son in captivity?"

"Yes."

The rapid fire of questions continued. They all covered Eric's time as a player in Jigsaw's games. His captivity was brought up. Daniel and Rigg were mentioned. His final test and escape were also interrogated to death. Art threw the questions fast and Eric answered similarly. The answers of the questions were clear enough but it was impossible to oppose any questions because soon Art would be at the next. For three minutes the intense questioning continued but all stopped when Art asked the question:

"Did Amanda murder your partner Sergeant Alison Kerry?"

Wilson called another objection and began arguing with Art about the relevancy of his questions. They were both called up to the bench. Eric though about what he would say if he would be obliged to answer. He grew accustom to saying Amanda killed Kerry but what happened was up to speculation. Legally there was no right answer. From what he overheard Art claimed he had no more questions then the trial was put to recess for the day.

Eric pondered the question as he drove to his last stop before home. If Art knew the question was objectionable there had to be some ulterior motive. He saw it was manipulation at the hands of clever art. Eric concluded that the question was a cryptic way of discovering where his loyalty lied. If he said yes Amanda would have been prosecuted and Kerry would have. Then Art would have won. If Eric said no Art would have a sweeter victory. Amanda would be free of the charge and Kerry would be faced with injustice.


Eric signed into the guest book then was escorted by the guards even though he was more than capable to defend himself. He was placed in front of a glass window and told to wait. Shortly after wards there was a buzz and clang. On the other side of the window a guard walked in with Amanda. He led her to the booth before unlocking her handcuffs. She picked up the phone and Eric did too.

"Tomorrow's the last day." Eric said.

"Yeah. Think I'll win?" Amanda half-heartedly replied.

"You had a bad lawyer. And you can always appeal." Eric smiled to get Amanda to cheer up but she wasn't in the mood. He looked at her hair which had been cut. "What happened with your hair?"

"I was in a fight and another girl kept pulling on it. Since I have a tendency to get in to fights I thought it would give me an advantage to cut my hair."

"Good thinking…I'm sorry I wasn't more help today. But I don't really have experience of your good side."

Amanda shrugged. "It doesn't matter." She paused. "Are you taking your medicine?"

"Yes. Why?"

"No reason. What about therapy? You're going to both right?"

"Yes, Amanda."

Amanda seemed to get more agitated as she asked more questions. They eventually got into an argument about him using his cane. Eric was against it because it didn't make him look youthful. Amanda wanted Eric to use it recalling a time when John had tripped on a wire while walking and hurt his foot. John started to limp around which was worsen by the brain tumor.

"I just want to know you'll be all in once piece just in case I don't make it home for a few years." Amanda pleaded.

"Don't talk like that." Eric encouraged. "You're not coming home in a few years; you're coming home tomorrow, I promise."

Amanda smiled, "Good night Eric."

"Good night. Don't let the mean girls bite."


Art and Jill began living together shortly after their ordeal in the tank. It wasn't a mutual decision but rather a gradual change. Jill began going grocery shopping with Art to improve his diet. After that she started to take care of his sloppy organization. Then she started spending more time around Art often going with him to press meeting and events concerning the housing project. They eventually became dependent of each other and decided to exchange house keys. Most of their time was spent in Art's apartment because Jill always found something in need of improvement. As Jill began to find more to do she stayed with Art over periods of time. With that they unofficially began living together.

Personally, Art and Jill didn't consider each other as roommates. Art paid the rent on his own and Jill continued the mortgage on her house. They never even discussed the issue. Once Jill said her house was too sentimental to sell; Art agreed then the topic changed. Jill might as well have gone back to her house when Art wasn't aware of it. All Art knew was she was there when he woke up, came back from work and went to sleep and that was all that mattered.

When Art came home that night Jill had begun cooking their dinner. Art began setting the table which was the most he could do after Jill started to cook. Then he turned the TV to the court channel to hear the roundtable discussion on the trial day. The newscaster read off the highlights of the case before handing it to commentators.

"I don't think they can really capture what happened today in a few simple highlights." Art boasted. "I was really on a roll today. I even made Eric crack a little. I would have had him in my hands but Wilson finally stood up to me and screwed up my momentum. I just gave up."

Jill teased, "That's just like you as soon as there's a little mistake in your plans you give up. You can at least try to make up for it."

"Like I said you should have been there. It was the one time I couldn't stop and start again." Art went over to Jill in the kitchen to help put out the food. First the bowls, then plates and finally silverware all in order of size. It was the same compulsive order John always used. Just like John, Jill didn't think it could be done any other way.

"I'll try to make it tomorrow." Jill said. "Won't it be on TV anyway?"

Art shook his head. "It'll be cut for commercials. Then they'll try to make it up with those poor highlights. No you have to be there. I'll have Amanda on her knees then after the closing statement the jury will be fully convinced to lock her up for good. The judge even figured out his sentence."

"Why are you so willing to win this?" Jill asked, "Amanda spared your life once before. In return you're just going to send her to death row?"

"I'm not sending her to death row. She'll get 25 years. She's young enough to live through it and go back to her life. This is just a boast to my career."

"And your ego at the expense of another life." Jill shouted, "Didn't you learn anything? She's not even the one who committed the crime."

"Jill, this is my job. There's an entire city paying me to send Amanda away. Her own lawyer is against her." Art argued. "This is how the justice system works."

"What about the justice for everyone else? The victims of muggings, rapes and murders only got to rest once John captured and tested them. They would have gotten away with it otherwise. If you put Amanda away and say what she did was wrong it's almost like saying the criminals should have gotten away to begin with."

Art sat down at the table. "I'm not talking about this anymore."

"Fine. But don't expect me to be there tom morrow." Jill dropped everything and walked out of the apartment.

Art was fully aware of Jill's attachment to Amanda. It was tied to her attachment of John. Even though they were divorced, Jill never stopped loving John. There was always a small part of her that was infatuated with him. When John died Jill had no way to hold on to the good memory of him. His last years were only signified by articles that insulted him. Amanda Young was her hope for keeping John's deeds alive.

Jill regarded Amanda as John's adopted daughter and by definition her stepdaughter. John cared for Amanda and loved her unconditionally. Amanda, when interviewed, always mentioned those qualities of their relationship. She also knew John's favorite things to eat, read and say Amanda also knew some personal details about John and Jill's relationship. Jill summarized that John would have only shared so much if he really cared about her.

Jill became intent on meeting Amanda but she was impossible to meet unless one was willing to go in the jailhouse. Her only chance was at John's funeral two days after the trial. Jill had waited so long to arrange the funeral because the city refused to release his body in case it was needed for the trial. It was two months too long but she would be allowed to put her former husband to rest and meet the woman that was like his daughter.


Courtroom 5B in the John Marshall courthouse was prepared for a long day. The frigid November morning didn't stop spectators from pouring in at five in the morning. News stations and support or protest group were the first to arrive. Next were civilians that wanted to get an up close view of the court case of the decade. People could only get so close though because the front rows were reserved for the living victims and their families.

Rigg and Eric were the first of the victims to arrive. Alison, Diana and an older man, Alison's father came next. Daniel came and even sat next to his father. They didn't have a conversation but Eric ruffled Daniel's hair and said, "Long time, no see." Corbett came in with her aunt and uncle but she was kept from Hoffman by Anthony. Even FBI agents Strahm and Perez arrived. Strahm was confined to a wheelchair and Perez's face was covered in scars unexpectedly minutes before the crowded room closed its door to spectators Jill arrived.

Before the trial began the details were briefed. The first note was Amanda's lawyer was being substituted by his second. Art was unaware of the second's ability as a lawyer. He had never seen any cases he was in. The judge then made sure the defense witnesses were present. In order of appearance they were Daniel Matthews, Mark Hoffman and finally Amanda Young. Lastly there would be closing statements and if time and circumstances allowed the overconfident judge wanted to announce his sentence.

The courtroom was silenced and the trial began. The replacment defense lawyer Gordy Smith called Daniel as his first witness. Smith asked Daniel to state his name then asked his first question. "Could you explain your relationship with the accused?"

"She was in the trap with me. She saved me. Daniel stated.

"How did she save you?"

"While we were in the sewers she gave me an antidote. It stopped the posion and let me rest. Before Amanda put me in the safe she gave me an oxygen tank."

Smith nodded. "Ms. Young protected you from death but there were six others in the house. Did she only try to save you?"

"No, no. She tried to save all of us. She told us everything to do. She wanted us to follow the rules. I believed Amanda. Every time the rules were broken someone died." Daniel's voice began to break thinking about the torture. He recomposed himself then finished, "There was a woman named Laura. She followed me and Amanda around but she couldn't stand to the poison. Amanda broke her neck as a mercy killing. That's the worse that happened. Amanda tried to get eveyrone out alive."

Art sat easy in his chair. He laughed at Smith's diverse and unexpected list of witnesses. In order to get Daniel to testify the subpoena had to be sent across the country then back when they learned Daniel was in Los Angeles. Hoffman must have been last minute because he only had a short amount of time as the case leader and the only people aware of his involvement didn't speak up. Amanda was an interesting choice of a witness due to the insanity defense. She was actually cleared by a psychiatrist as unable to competently testify and Art was respectful of that although he knew she would be called eventually. The choices showed much about Smith's ability to Art; Smith just didn't know what he was doing.

For his last question a new piece of evidence was introduced: the tapes of the gas house. Smith looked through various parts of the tapes and asked Daniel about Amanda's role in each one. Art carefully observed the tapes for any malicious behavior on behalf of Amanda. He looked at every detail even fast forwards but there was nothing. It was the only clear proof of Amanda being involved with Jigsaw's schemes and it showed Amanda as a victim suffering like everyone else. There wasn't even a slight bit of sadism in her. Art's questions were destroyed. He didn't question Daniel leaving Smith to call his next witness Hoffman.

The tapes caused uproar in the gallery giving Smith his first question. "How many recordings like this were found?"

Hoffman answered shamefully, "There was at least one audio or video tape at each scene."

"Really? That's over a dozen pieces of evidence never released, never even spoken about. Why?"

"The forensic department found nothing of use in any of the tapes. The most that was recovered was a hooded man operating on a victim before a trap." Hoffman stated. "We felt there was no need to talk about evidence useless to the public."

"Useless? I don't think so." Smith said, "You're hiding something, aren't you?"

Art was about to call for an objection but both he and Smith were called to the bench by the judge. "Your Honor, I demand Counselor Smith be removed from the trial." Art whispered. "He's setting up something completely irrelevant."

"I understand, Art." The judge replied. "Gordy, you have one chance to make a point with this or otherwise this evidence will be thrown out."

Being the silent party Smith simply nodded and walked away. He grabbed a tape from his desk and replaced it with the one in the VCR. "I'm submitting this tape as evidence. It was found in Alison Gordon's home on the night she was held hostage. I received this tape from a detective in the homicide department. Captain Hoffman when I start this tape please identify all people you recognize."

The tape began with John looking directly in the camera. He moved the camera across panning the entire bathroom trap before fixing it to one position. There was a knock on the door and a man dressed in a red cloak and pig mask came in carrying Dr. Gordon. He locked the doctor in the shackle then handed John a small remote before leaving. John began applying the prosthetic for his head. When he was almost finished Amanda came in with Adam. When the setup of the trap was finished and Amanda shut off the lights Smith stopped the tape.

"Captain?"

"John Kramer was the first man on the tape. I don't know the second person who arrived in the tape but they were carrying Dr. Lawrence Gordon. Amanda Young was next with Adam Faulkner." Hoffman recited.

"Thank you. Now in that tape, did Amanda Young seem like a willing helper?"

"No. She looked nervous, upset."

"Did Amanda Young commit any crime in that tape?"

"Um…yes. Kidnapping and conspiracy to murder."

Smith tilted his head. "I didn't notice that Captain. When did she kidnap anybody or conspire to murder somebody?"

"She carried an unconscious person in the room with the intent of murdering him."

"I agree she did bring an unconscious person in the room but that doesn't prove she kidnapped him. In can, be implied but there is no kidnapping on the tape. Also Miss Young's intent is unclear. You said yourself she looked unwilling. Someone else must have told her what to do." Smith played the tape again pausing it on a shot of John's face. "Captain, as the case officer do you have any more knowledge of this case that hasn't been you used and could be?"

The judge banged his gavel. "Counselor, that's enough. I don't want anymore evidence introduced in this trial. The jury has enough to work with. Captain you may step down. I'm calling for a fifteen minute recess. After that I want to finish this trial. Court is adjourned."

Most people congregated in the hall during the recess reporters clamored for Art and Smith. They both ignored the reporters and went to the private rooms for attorney-client meetings. Art went alone to gather his thoughts. Smith went to his room knowing he was followed by Detective Hoffman.

"You're here about the tapes, right?" Smith asked.

Hoffman demanded, "I need to know how you got those tapes."

"As I stated in court a detective in your homicide department released the tapes with proper documentation but wishes to remain anonymous."

"There's no way they could be released without a signature." Hoffman stated.

"There is one way." Smith opened his briefcase. He pulled an evidence release form out and handed it to Hoffman. "It was signed using the detective's badge number. I actually find more secure than a signature. It can't be forged as easy."

Hoffman snatched the paper away. He stared at the number on the sheet. He didn't have every number memorized; that was impossible. However he could recall the ones of the most likely suspects. "This badge number…there's no way this detective signed this or anything else out."

Smith sighed. "I compared that to the number on the badge I was shown. It was the same. You can't trick me captain."

"You don't understand. This detective has been dead for three months."


Daniel and Eric sat at the bench outside of the courthouse. It was reminiscent of the days before the divorce. Eric always brought Daniel to court when he was young. Since Eric's job was always violent and dangerous the only time Daniel could see him at work was showing the evidence and talking about the crime scenes he went to. During the recesses Eric and Daniel would wait on the bench. They would eat lunch, talk or just watch everything in the city. Daniel would always hope for a robbery to happen just to see his daddy at work. Even now Daniel anticipated a fight between the protestors or a robbery not just to see his father working but to show what he learned at the police academy.

"What have you been doing since I was gone?" Eric asked.

"Nothing much." Daniel replied.

"Well, what brings you to LA? Some of your friends actually called and said you were around. You should have stopped by."

"I was busy."

"Daniel, I've been keeping up with you. I know about you joining the police and the reserve." Eric explained. "I didn't get a chance to call you but I've had a lot to manage around here. I got a promotion not that I was actually put to work."

"I know." Daniel said, "Amanda's been keeping me up to date in everything. I came down here because she stopped calling and I got worried."

"You could've called me. Amanda and I were living together. We used the same phone."

"Well, I was going to wait until you called me."

"I was waiting. I didn't want to call you if you were still mad at me."

"For what yelling at me?" Daniel laughed. "Dad we always got into fights. That's just how we are. We almost died. I don't think an argument should have stopped us from visiting or talking with each other."

Eric nodded, "Right. So you forgive me?"

"Of course I do." Eric and Daniel embraced.

A man in suit came out an announced the recess was ending in five minutes. Eric and Daniel let go of each other and walked to the court room. While walking Daniel asked, "Why are you living with Amanda?" A little embarrassed Eric left the question unanswered.


After the court settled down Amanda was sworn into the stand to make her testimony. The press scrambled to get a shot of Amanda. She had the exact look courtroom photographers looked for in criminals. Depressed and worn out from their stints in jail and lacking apparent remorse for their crimes. To top it off Amanda was still in her jailhouse jumpsuit. Her attorney offered to buy her an appropriate suit but she declined. Amanda wore the jumpsuit as a personal tribute to the victims; she though wearing anything else showed a lack of compassion for those trapped.

Smith eyed the judge than Art with a sly smile. He then turned to Amanda with a straight expression. "Please state your involvement in the alleged crimes."

Amanda leaned forward to the mike. She was quiet as she spoke. "I built devices capable of killing under the guidance of John Kramer. Occasionally, I was put in as a participant in tests. Normally I was just to monitor the subject's behavior and ensure the rules were followed."

"Did you personally design and construct your own traps?"

"I made one trap on my own. The collar found on Lynn Denlon was my own trap." Smith pulled a picture of the shotgun collar and showed it to the jury. He asked Amanda to explain the use of the collar before continuing. "The collar was synchronized with John's heart rate monitor. It was intended to threaten Dr. Denlon to take care of John because if he died she died. When the collar went off seconds late and Agent Strahm was caught in the blast which caused his injuries. That was the only trap I did. John never trained me build my own devices. He didn't like me playing with dangerous things."

Smith collected the photo from the jury. "So if John didn't allow you to construct the devices what role did you play?"

"I was John's caretaker. I provided medication for him and I did my best to learn how his condition would progress so I could prepare him. I didn't want him to die. He's all I had."

"All you had." Smith faced the jury as if he was asking them the question. "If John was all you why didn't you take over for him or better yet take him to a hospital?"

"He didn't let me! I told him I'll do anything to make him more comfortable. I told him he had to go to the hospital but John didn't want that. All he wanted was for me to stay by him and carry on his legacy. As he got weaker he actually got more comfortable with dying. I couldn't stop him." Amanda was halfway between crying and fury. In that moment it became clear to the court that Amanda's relationship with John wasn't as simple as the reports made it sound.

Smith made his last statement directly to the jury. "So in the end all you did was care for and comfort a dying man. That same man forced you to stay by his deathbed but he never wanted you near his traps. He convinced you that you were important to him so you would work for him but it the end he was just using so you would take the fall for him."

"That's not like John." Amanda muttered.

Smith walked to the stand and sympathetically he said. "It's okay to admit it Amanda. John made you a pawn. He brainwashed you and subjected you to this. You did nothing wrong. No further questions your honor."

Jill paid close attention to Amanda as Smith demanded her to call John a cold manipulator. Smith spoke harshly about John and his actions. The unorthodox style in fact drew out more good natured comments from Amanda about John. Amanda talked about how she would past the time with John. He would tell stories about his previous jobs, his life with Jill and even a few from his younger days. Amanda used these stories to deploy John's character. She told Smith of John's protectiveness over her but also about the freedoms she was given. One freedom was the option to leave if she wanted. Jill was struck with grief. All the stories showed John wasn't too different after he became Jigsaw. It made her wish she tried harder to get John to stay. Yet she was comforted knowing he wasn't alone in his final days.

Art sat waiting for Smith to turn over the questioning to him; the sooner, the better. Art was blown away by Smith. His questions were strung together so well that Art couldn't touch any testimony. So far there were few holes or contradictions. During the recess Art learned Smith was trained as a prosecutor. That training made Smith a skilled defense attorney. Not only could Smith make a good defense he knew the right questions to ask so it would be flawless. With those skills it was almost suspicious that Smith was relatively unknown by his peers.

The questioning of Amanda continued after a second recess for lunch. Smith left no stone unturned. Every piece of evidence that turned up in the investigation was questioned. His questions were fueled with harshness that made Amanda break down and cry. But the more she broke the more convincing her statements were. Everyone in the courtroom was appalled and disgusted at the way Smith was talking to his own witness. It was like watching a child getting whipped for stealing. The punishment was necessary but the execution of it was gut wrenching and wrong. Even Art could feel Amanda's anxiety. He was ready to throw his whole case out just to get her to stop crying. Smith ended with a few questions about the Wilson Steel factory before handing the case to Art.

At that point Art wanted to spare Amanda any trauma. Almost luckily Smith tore away at any questions Art would have asked. He was left to look through all the court records to fabricate a cross examination. The judge gave Art two minutes which was enough time for him to find the trial changing piece he was looking for. Art stood from his chair and walked to Amanda. He smiled at her, "I apologize for my colleague's questionable tactics. I would want you to go through that again." He held up a piece of paper. He had one chance to get this right. "Before I begin my cross-examination I would like to read this report from Dr. Ivan Webber, the LAPD's psychologist. It explains the results of Ms. Young's mental competency evaluation. The report states: Amanda Young has been diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder, Stockholm Syndrome and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. These conditions are certain to affect the credibility of Ms. Young's testimony. The combined effects of these mental disorders led to the creation of a delusion about her life with John Kramer. She remains confident that John Kramer was a harmless man and his crimes were justified. The delusion even extends into Ms. Young's personal life as she believes she is meant to inherit John Kramer's legacy. Through the observations I declare Amanda Young incompetent to stand trial." Art presented the evaluation to the judge among much conversation in the gallery.

"Mr. Smith approached the bench." The judge turned the microphone away. "Mr. Smith, were you aware of this evaluation?"

"Yes, however, this is not the evaluation submitted for Ms. Young's defense." Smith whispered, "I took it upon myself to have her examined by a better qualified psychologist who diagnosed Ms. Young the same way but believed she was ready to stand trial."

"Mr. Smith as part of Ms. Young's arraignment she was told to be examined by the LAPD's doctor. Even if she was going to be examined by another doctor, that should have crossed my desk first. Do you know what this means?"

"A mistrial, your honor."

"Yes. Return to your desk. This trial is over." The judge turned the microphone back. "Due to the improper introduction of this mandatory report I'm forced to call a mistrial."

Even more exclamations of shock came from the gallery. Cameras focused on the judge, Art, Smith and Amanda. Journalists scribbled the events like mad. The excitement grew beyond the control of the bailiff and the judge. Systematically, the majority of reporters were taken out. Then the civilians were asked to leave. Only the victims and their families were left in the gallery but it was still a large crowd.

As the judge went through the processes of dismissing the jury and explain what had transpired Hoffman kept and eye on Smith. The peculiar lawyer was unruffled by the mistrial. The call normally sent all lawyers into range but Smith had no problem. In fact, Hoffman swore he saw Smith smile. Outside of his mannerisms Smith's style as a defense attorney was outrageous. He directly avoided the court's orders on how to introduce evidence. Hoffman noticed that his questioning brought out more hidden evidence that was signed away by the expired badge number. Lastly Smith came out of no where. Although he was called as the substitute for Amanda's lawyer it was the first time anyone saw him in the courthouse.

"Your Honor," he said, "I have to tell you something about this trial."

"Come here." The judge waved him over. "What is it?"

"That lawyer, Smith, I think there's something odd about him."

"I know he's the only lawyer unaware of court procedures."

"No it's something else. Don't you think it's unusual that he comes out of nowhere and completely overpowers the trial?"

The judge shrugged, "The previous attorney wasn't as good. Sometimes people get replaced to better a trial."

"It's too much of a change. There's no way that man is even a defense attorney. All those questions he asked? It sounded like he wanted Amanda to be found guilty." Hoffman argued.

"Unfortunately, none of that's illegal. So there's nothing-"

"The evidence he introduced was illegal. The forms he showed were signed with the badge number of a deceased detective. Also those pieces were held from public knowledge for a reason. Everything Smith showed today was stolen and confidential police property."

The judge sighed. "Are you sure of this?"

"Yes and there's one more thing need to know."

"More? Smith's guaranteed to get disbarred. What more do you want?"

Hoffman took a breath. He wanted to tell the truth. It was for everyone in that court. For the kids who lost their parents, for the men who lost their wives and the women that lost their husbands; especially for Jill, Amanda and Corbett because they were left with nothing.

"Your honor I'm the Jigsaw Killer. All the murders the twenty-eight mentioned and more they were constructed with my assistance. Amanda didn't do it. I did." The latest twist was met with one last wave of mixed reaction. It was supposed to be an easy in and out but they had spent over fours hours listening to the turning trial. Hoffman ignored the crowd and added, "Amanda's like a sister to me. I wouldn't want her going through this again. Please let me take her place."

The judge was exasperated yet he smiled. "Very clever, Captain but you know I can't do that. After everything that happened today Amanda wasn't going to get a retrial and you can't get one either. There's no evidence in this case that we can use legally thanks to Mr. Smith." The judge shook his head, "I'm dismissing the case. Under my ruling no one is guilty, no one is innocent and the evidence used today cannot be used in any trial with exact or similar charges to this. Now everyone can go home."