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it, Alex my boy. That's the best offer you've had today." He laughed, not taking her invitation seriously and knowing that she hadn't intended him to. "Sorry, Linda. Can't tonight. Previous plans." "I'm no beauty queen, but don't let my looks deceive you. I know my way around the male anatomy. I could bring tears of gratitude to your eyes. Swear. You don't know what you're missing." "I'm certain that's true," he said solemnly. "You've got enormous sex appeal, Linda. I've always thought so." Her smile widened. "That's pure bullshit, but you were always good at slinging it. Sometimes you even make me believe it. That's why I think you'll succeed as a writer. You've got a real knack for making people believe anything you tell them." She nudged his arm. "Come on, handsome. I'll escort you to the courtroom. They'll start jury selection soon. Try not to make a nuisance of yourself, okay? If you get drunk and disorderly and they kick you out, I won't take responsibility for you." "I promise to be on my best behavior." He drew an imaginary X over his heart. The bailiff snorted. "Just like I said, pure bullshit."
    The murder trial of Paul Reyes had generated much public awareness and curiosity. Alex had to arrive at court earlier each day to get a seat. Reyes's family and friends took up much of the available seating. The prosecutor heavily relied on the testimonies of the first police
    men on the scene, which was described in lurid detail. When the jury members were shown the 8x10 glossy photos, they shivered. Defense counsel had organized a phalanx of co-workers and friends, including a priest who testified to Reyes's good character. Only his beloved wife's adultery could have driven him to commit such a violent act. The jury heard the testimonies of paramedics, called to the scene by Reyes himself. The victim had a pulse when they arrived, they said. The emergency room doctor determined that there was no brain activity but kept the heart and lungs alive with machinery until permission could be obtained to harvest organs and tissue. The surgeon who performed the retrieval procedure testified that the heart was still beating when he extracted it. This testimony caused a furor in the courtroom. The judge rapped his gavel. The assistant D. A. tried, but failed, to look unconcerned. In Alex's opinion he should have gone for a manslaughter charge instead of murder. Murder implied premeditation, which in this case couldn't be proved. Most damaging to Reyes's case was that the survivor of the attack was unavailable to testify. Despite these setbacks, the D.A. delivered a brilliant summation speech, urging the jury to bring in a guilty verdict. Whether or not the victim died at the moment of impact, Paul Reyes was responsible for another human being's death and should therefore be found guilty. The defense attorney had only to remind the members of the jury, again and again, that Paul Reyes was in jail when the victim had actually died. The case was turned over to the jury after three days of testimony. Four hours and eighteen minutes later it was announced that the jury had reached a verdict, and Alex was one of the first to return to the courtroom. He tried to gauge the jurors' moods as they filed in, but it was impossible to guess their decision by their blank expressions. The courtroom fell silent as the accused was commissioned to stand. Not guilty. Reyes's knees buckled, but he was bolstered by his jubilant attor ney. Relatives and friends surged forward to embrace him. The judge thanked the jury and dismissed them. Reporters were eager to get statements, but Reyes's attorney ignored them and ushered him up the center aisle toward the exit. When Reyes reached the end of Alex's row, he must have sensed Alex's stare. He stopped suddenly, turned his head, and, for a split second, their eyes connected.
    Chapter Six
    May 1991 Eat. Sleep. Breathe. These life-sustaining functions were now done by rote. Why bother? Life no longer had purpose.