"By involving the monster in his defense, Angus Wallace has opened a Pandora's box on the High Court's proceedings. Like it or not—and off the record I don't—what's done is done, but it's still my job to see justice served. As such, the only way we'll ever secure a fair and just verdict is to allow the authorities the opportunity to actually search the Loch. Now I'm not suggesting that a water beast killed John Cialino or this American woman. I'm only saying that the public, and the world, must at least perceive that we're doing our due diligence to learn the truth, even concerning matters of proving, or, as the case may be, disproving a water beast exists."

"Council should offer a reward for proof demonstratin' Nessie's existence." Lorrie Paulsen called out. "I think ten thousand pounds should show we're serious."

Owen Hollifeld scoffed. "I could increase that tenfold wi' a few phone calls. Discovery Channel an' National Geographic both called this afternoon, wantin' permits tae send film crews. Turned them a' down. Told them we're considerin' offerin' exclusive rights tae the highest bidder."

Loud murmurs of agreement.

"Do as you need to do," the judge countered, "but I'm only delaying the trial for two weeks. That's about as long as I can keep this jury sequestered."

That sent the room abuzz once more.

The provost banged his hand again. "Run yer trial as ye see fit, Neil, but I can't allow dozens o' monster hunters cruisin' Loch Ness without rhyme or reason. It's counterproductive, an' it's dangerous. Seen it all before. Amateurs start playin' Moby Dick, comin' out wi' dynamite and home-made bombs. What we need is someone tae manage this whole affair, someone whose credentials are unquestioned."

All eyes turned toward me, and I realized that this was why the judge had insisted I be at the meeting.

"How about it, Dr. Wallace?"

"Sorry, my lord, you've got the wrong man."

"Actually, ye're perfect," William Greene declared. "Ye were born in the Highlands, yer reputation as a marine biologist precedes ye, an' ye're related tae the accused, which means ye'll dae everything in yer power, as far as the public's concerned, tae complete an efficient, yet comprehensive search. An' those scars—"

"What about them? Half the world thinks I was bitten by a beast, the rest think I doctored them in order to save my father. My reputation as a scientist is being destroyed even as we speak."

"Then prove them wrong," the provost said. "There's somethin' very real goin' on in Loch Ness, has been ever since the A82 was blasted. Your testimony an' involvement could finally separate fact from fantasy."

"Forget it. This whole affair's been humiliating enough, and besides, there's plenty of other qualified scientists out there. Kevin Gonzalez at Scripps, or that British scientist, Antony Chomley. And what about Robert Rines? Dr. Rines has far more experience than—"