see. "The
right hand corner has been torn off where I put the date which would be
in January. The date written on this note is at the bottom and was
written in by Lyle. The ink used is entirely different for the date
than for the rest of the note and I recognize the way he makes sevens
with the slash."

"Well, yes." Lyle allowed, showing some discomfort, he had written
that date in because the note wasn't dated and he put the date on when
he received it and that was in December. He said nothing about the
torn corner and looked very anxious.

"Well I kept a copy of this note which I can bring in showing the date
to be where this piece was torn off and that date will be in January."
Trenchant announced, turning to the committee members. "Once more,
evidence in this hearing has been tampered with."

"It won't be necessary to see your copy," Henry ruled, hastily. "I'm
sure this is just a difference that occurs where each person remembers
the date a bit differently. There is no attempt to tamper here...."

Chapter 27

Henry nervously dismissed Lyle and directed the committee's attention
toward Diana to distract them from further questioning. "We have
finished with the witnesses in this hearing. If you have a brief
summation or anything you want to say in closing, we will hear it, go
ahead," he ordered. "First, however, you and the stenographer may take
a break while the panel confers."

Instead of leaving after he had finished testifying, Jimbo Jones had
gone back to the waiting room to pick up his belongings. Except for
Jonathan, the room was empty of people now that the hearing was winding
down.

"Hello, how goes it," Jonathan greeted him. He had been making
himself available in the committee waiting room a few hours every day
as Henry had ordered. This was so it would appear that Trenchant had
the availability of counsel from the ombudsman if the matter ever came
up.

"Not bad. Henry seems a mite wound up though. Can't understand why.
The whole academic council decided to terminate her, what is he getting
all haired out about?"

"As I understand it," Jonathan offered, leaning toward Jimbo and
lowering his voice into a conspiratorial, confidential tone, "Trenchant
has managed to bring forth a good defense and has the hearing panel
pretty well divided. Only Frank Anuse is going along with Henry. The
women are looking at the evidence and they aren't convinced. Jane
confided in me d