Disclaimer: All belongs to Joss. I got nada but my imagination.

Characters: Crew, omc, ofc.

Warning: PG for graphic violence, profanity and other grownup things.

Setting: In the town of Silverton, on Santo, immediately prior to “The Train Job”.

Words: 2,460

A/N: As a kid, my two favorite TV genres were westerns and detective shows. I finally decided to tackle both in a mix I’ve thought of as “Firefly CSI”.

Click my name to access the previous chapters. If you’re following this tale, I’d really appreciate hearing what you think, and if you’re enjoying this, please pimp it to your friends. Thanks!

X - posted from my LiveJournal.

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Presumption of Guilt

Chapter Seven

As soon as Shepherd Book completed the necessary paperwork to request reassignment of Jayne’s case to the jurisdiction of the Territorial Court, he left the Clerk of Court’s office and headed back to Serenity. Within minutes the Cortex link in the home of Ambrose Murchison chimed and his butler took the call. What he learned did not please Mr. Murchison.

Murchison sat in deep concentration at the desk in his study. Behind him, a tall stained glass window sent pools of multicolored light spilling across the room. He’d been examining a group of mining claims, some of them assets of Nellie’s trust, some collateral for the numerous loans made to his brother-in-law, Dwight. While Nellie’s death was a terrible tragedy, it appeared that he would soon enjoy a very substantial legacy.

The butler discretely cleared his throat and Murchison looked up. “Yes, Smith?”

“I thought you’d want to know, sir. The defense attorney in Mrs. Murchison’s murder case has filed for a change of venue.”

“I beg your pardon?” Murchison scowled at his servant. His hands reached up to grasp the lapels of his mourning suit of black merino wool. A substantial diamond stud fastened his crisp white shirt collar and equally large stones glittered in the heavy