The trial went largely as Billy had hoped, Sullivan was again charged with corruption and, thanks to Dignum's testimony and evidence along with the production of the SUI visitors log for the day of Billy's visit, with erasing Billy's records. Barrigan was also convicted of Corruption. Unfortunately, involvement in Queenan's murder could not be pinned on Sullivan because it could have due to Barrigan. More investigation would be needed. Dignum had roundly condemned the FBI for removing ( the duplicate ) evidence and refusing to release it for the trial, this was tantamount to the worst type of judicial tampering and it influenced the Judge's sentencing of Billy.
The Judge's sentencing of Billy had an unwelcome twist. Instead of Billy being let off under extenuating circumstances, Dignam's clandestine whispering into the ear of Billy's lawyer had resulted in Billy being paroled to Dignum. However the Judge was aware that there was no love lost between Billy and Dignum so the Judge had stipulated rigid terms : Billy was to release his document stash to the police in return for which Dignum would overturn Billy's false conviction for assault and battery, and try to get Billy his moneys. As neither Dignum or Ellerby could guarantee this, as a safeguard, Billy was to be reinstated in the SIU. It was not something that Billy wanted, since it was clear after the trial ended that Dignum would continue to treat Billy with his usual contempt. However, it would at least guarantee Billy's back pay and some protection from the FBI. The press had a field day with the revelations of FBI "corruption" and "amoral behaviour".
That evening, Ellerby was not happy at seeing Billy being shoved into his office by Dignum. Ellerby had been disinterested about Dignum's comments two weeks ago about Billy being a cop, and in any case had the usual police prejudice against undercover operatives. However, Ellerby was an honest cop and the Judge's decision was final, anyway Ellerby wanted to get his hands on Billy's document stash before the FBI moved in on Billy. So Ellerby, with a show of reluctance, reinstated Billy, although Billy was instructed not to openly show his badge. Billy was to be Dignum's undercover trouble shooter and SIU rat catcher. Detectives within the SIU would know that Billy was a cop, but to the uniformed cops Billy's visits to the SIU would be because of the terms of Billy's probation. Billy would also be able to rattle the bars of Sullivan's cage whenever he felt the need.
Maddy had arrived from work to take Billy home, and Ellerby was shocked to see them leave his office together. What was this! Beauty and the Beast!