With fingerprint in hand the prosecuting attorney approached the witness.

“As an expert in forensic fingerprint examination, tell the court your analysis of this partial print, People’s Exhibit Seven, found on the victim’s kitchen floor.”

The expert’s comparison of arches, loops and whorls was long and monotone but compelling. The crime scene print matched fingerprints of the gardener, the accused. It was hard evidence, enough to confirm my vote for a guilty verdict. I was weary of meticulous courtroom presentations and thinking about work piling up in my office.

Three days later the defense produced its own expert. Not another fingerprint analysis! The defense had flown Mr. Arbuckle from Australia, no less. My eyelids drooped and my head bobbled

“Mr. Arbuckle, please repeat your conclusion for the court.” The defense attorney’s booming voice shook me wide awake.

“After careful analysis I can say with absolute certainty that People’s Exhibit Seven was not made by a human hand.”

What kind of shenanigan is the defense trying to pull?

“This print was made by a marsupial, specifically a koala.”

The wife! That lovely, eye-dabbing blonde who discovered her husband’s body on the kitchen floor. Holy Dooley! She’s a zookeeper!