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: 2,070

A/N: Thanks to all of you who’ve read and commented on my little “Firefly/CSI” experiment. It’s been fun and I genuinely appreciate your support.

X - posted from my LiveJournal.

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Presumption of Guilt

Chapter 13

Darriel Book smiled reassuringly up at Jayne Cobb. The mercenary sat at the witness stand, looking warily out at the courtroom. With the rape charge against Jayne having been dismissed, there remained the question of who had actually taken the life of Nellie Murchison.

Against a background of whispers and the rustling of the restless crowd, Justice Howery asked, “Does the Defense have any further questions for the defendant?”

“Not at this time, Your Honor.” Book folded his hands before his chest, his strong, dark fingers interlaced in a prayerful gesture that was both unconscious and familiar.

“Then let the defendant be seated,” the judge declared. “You may call your next witness, sir.”

Jayne returned to his seat, surprised to realize he was trembling. He felt the warm, firm touch of Zoe’s hand upon his shoulder and was calmed. This whole awful business couldn’t be over too soon, far as he was concerned.

With his client seated, the Shepherd turned on his heel and stopped in front of the table where Max Garvey sat in the role of Prosecutor. For the briefest second the men’s eyes met and then Book turned to the bench and announced, “If it please the Court, I would like to call Mr. Ambrose Murchison to the stand.”

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Upon hearing himself called as a witness, Murchison immediately tensed. His straining heart began to pound painfully and his brain jabbered frantically at him.

He wondered if the note and Dwight’s body