"Not according to the physician's report," Judge Hannam retorted. "Now all of you, I want you to listen very carefully to what I have to say, because how we react to these grave circumstances will determine how the rest of the world perceives this little community we call home. My courtroom's already been turned into theater, and unless we keep a handle on this woman's murder, this whole Nessie thing's going to blow right up in our faces, just like all the expeditions did back in the 1960s."

Lorrie Paulsen, Deputy Chairman of Tourism, stood, addressing the Council. "Before ye shut doon this story, Mr. Provost, there's another issue we need tae consider, and that's tourism. As everyone in this room kens a' too well, tourism's been way doon. But this trial, it's already havin' a positive impact on our economy. I'm receivin' reports frae a' ower the Great Glen that hotels an' bed-'n'-breakfasts are fillip' up fast, an' most o' that's jist frea the media. Jist wait until season hits. This could be the best summer we've had in thirty years… in fact, I spoke wi' the airlines less than an hour ago, an' flights comin' in tae Inverness are already booked solid through June. Could be the best thing that's happened tae the Highlands in a long time."

Murmurs of agreement.

"Ridiculous," said William Greene, convener of the Northern Joint Police Board. "We're no' dealin' wi' monster sightings here, this is multiple murders, at least one o' which wis most likely committed by a man whose ravings aboot a water creature are based on lies an' circumstantial evidence at best. As tae this recent death, who's tae say Angus Wallace didnae hire an accomplice tae dae the deed an' make it look like a monster? This whole thing stinks, if ye ask me."

More murmurs, with a few accusing glances aimed my way.

Jesus… I've got to get off this island before these lunatics lynch me.

Owen Hollifield signaled for quiet. "Go on, Sheriff."

"I don't disagree wi' Convener Green's analogy, but one way or another, we need tae dae somethin'. Whether it wis human or beast that killed that woman, tae me, a' these summer tourists flockin' tae Loch Ness jist means more potential victims. How dae we police seventy- six kilometers o' shoreline? I simply don't have the men or the means."

"Might I make a suggestion?" Judge Hannam offered.

The provost nodded. "Please do, my lord."