Red-faced with anger, the District Attorney heaved himself to his feet and strode toward the bench.
"Objection, your Honor!" he stormed. "This is the most outrageous deception I have ever witnessed in a courtroom. Frankly, I am astounded that opposing counsel would stoop to such tactics!"
Judge Hayward's voice had the bite of steel drill as he directed:
"Will you please explain to the Court exactly what you mean?"
"It's a matter of record," the D.A. snapped, "that the defendant was seriously injured in the accident that resulted in his capture. Massive burns were part of his injuries.... Bone and skin grafts were necessary to repair the damage to his hands—as well as to other parts of his body. Naturally, his fingerprints would be different! The Defense Counsel knows that!"
Jake smiled, and replied mildly:
"Of course the Defense Counsel knows that, and will certainly make the full extent of the defendant's injuries a part of the trial record. However, I have called this particular witness to show that Tony Corfino cannot be identified as Tony Corfino by what is still regarded as the most infallible method of criminal identification."
"Your Honor," retorted the D.A., "This so-called testimony is totally irrelevant and immaterial. I request that it be stricken from the record!"
"It is most relevant to our case," Jake shot back. "Furthermore, the Defense will prove that Tony Corfino cannot be identified as Tony Corfino by any known method of criminal identification!"
Judge Hayward's eyes narrowed speculatively. He thought the matter over for a moment before stating, with unconcealed interest: