Free Molon Labe! by Boston T. Party, Kenneth W. Royce Page A

down."
    "For the sake of your own ass, it'd better," retorts Krempler. "I didn't know a thing about this, Lorner, and I still don't. Jesus H. — what a nightmare! Just keep your mouth shut. And get the fuck out of my office!"
    "Sure thing, Counselor," sneers Lorner. As he leaves, he stops, slowly turns, and says, "Hey, you didn't even compliment me on my suit!"
    "Get out !" yells Jack Krempler. Asshole . He already knows what Agent Gordon Lorner would soon and forever more be called behind his back. Flash Gordon . Krempler lets out a mirthless chuckle.
    The crowd on the Federal Building steps has not abated and is growing more festive by the minute.
    Bill Russell invited Juliette Kramer and all the jurors over to his home for a backyard BBQ party on Saturday afternoon. Ms. Witherspoon stormed off, her wattles jiggling with every angry step. James Preston and Juliette Kramer manage to ease away from the crowd.
    "Mr. Preston, you saved my client from prison," says Juliette. "I'd hoped to get at least one serious gun owner on the panel, but who knew how important that would be! I can't thank you enough!"
    "Please, it's 'Jim.' I'm glad that I was there to help. When I reported for jury summons, I'd no idea of the adventure in store for me — for all of us. But there is one thing you could do for me."
    "Certainly, Jim. What is that?" asks Juliette.
    "Saving an innocent man from prison is hard work, and it's made for quite an appetite. Would you care to join me for dinner?"
    Juliette smiles and laughs. To Preston it sounds like bells. "I'd love to, but only if I'm buying. What are you in the mood for?"
    On a hunch, as a test, Preston replies, "Sushi. And I save it only for special occasions."
    "Oooh, it's my favorite too ! There's a new place on Midwest Avenue. Let's go!" says Juliette, laughing in that way of hers.
    Yep , he thinks. Bells .
    It is only a few blocks away, and neither of them think to drive. Without thought and in step, they turn their backs on the Federal Building and cross the street together, Juliette taking his arm as ladies do — or used to.
    "I thought Fleming was about to go into cardiac arrest when he heard the verdict," Preston remarks. "He's probably up in his chambers now, chugging a bottle of bourbon!"
    Juliette chuckles. "Actually, Fleming's a vodkaholic. Finlandia, if you want to buy him some. Hey, you know what a judge is, don't you?"
    Grinning, Preston replies, "No, what?"
    "Just a grown man wearing a dress, banging on the furniture!"
    They giggle all the way to the sushi bar.
    Preston could remember their dinner only through a sweet, dreamy fog. Never had he felt so instantly and so totally entranced with a woman. She was expressive, but not gushy. Brilliant, but not haughty. Her beauty she wore simply, without motive. Loveliness seemed to well from some deep, inner spring.
    He had never met anyone like her. He was in very, very deep smit. Walking her back to her green GMC Tahoe, Preston gives her a hug and thanks her for dinner.
    She gets in, starts her truck, and rolls down the window. "Can I get you on my next jury? We may have to disguise you a bit. Fleming won't want you back," she says, her eyes crinkling.
    "Neither would Krempler," he laughs.
    Just before he turns to leave he says, "Juliette, do you know who you remind me of?"
    "Hmmm. I've no idea. Who?"
    There's a fond wistfulness in his smile. "Nobody."
    Her face is a slow kaleidoscope of vulnerability, sweetness, and shyness. Her eyes well with tears, which she rapidly blinks back. He would never forget how she looked at him. His heart's first tattoo.
    She gets out, gives him a surprisingly strong hug and lightly kisses his cheek. Hummingbird wings . Her long wavy brunette hair is a soft bouquet, clean and fragrant. Her ivory neck he imagines a warm cradle for his face. He suddenly feels a champagne light-headedness. I'm actually tipsy from her .
    "Thank you," she says, softly. She slowly releases him and gets back into her truck. She