"This court finds the defendant, Dr. James Houghton, innocent of murder in the first degree," the judge announced. "When he saw Anthony Szigetti that night, something inside him snapped and he went temporarily insane. He didn't realize what he'd done until Mr. Szigetti lay dead at his feet.

It is my recommendation that Dr. Houghton be admitted to the state institution for the criminally insane for a period of six months. If at the end of that time period, he is found not to be a danger to himself or to anyone else, he is to be released. Court is adjourned."

Dr. McCamber, Paige, and Katie all cheered. Dr. Houghton smiled in relief. He enveloped his wife and daughter in a three-way hug.

"I'll come to visit you in the hospital as often as I can," Paige promised.

Six Months Later

"After the treatment you've received, I find no remaining pathology," the psychiatrist told Dr. Houghton. "You're free to go."

Dr. Houghton was all smiles as he walked out to the lobby, where his wife and daughter waited for him.

"Hi, Daddy!" said Katie as she ran to him and he hugged her. With his other arm, he embraced Paige, who was too emotionally overcome to speak.

"I'm free!" He pulled back to look into her face. "What do you think of that?"

"Oh, Jim..." She blinked back tears of joy.

"Now can we go on that trip to Europe you were talking about?" asked Katie.

"You bet!" her grinning father told her.