Philadelphia Circuit Court, Third Tribunal.
Judge Harrison returned to the bench.
His face was grim, his shoulders stiff beneath his robes.
The twelve members of the jury filed in and returned to their seats.
They dared not look at the defendant's table, nor at the prosecution's.
They kept their heads down, staring at the railing in front of them.
The courtroom was dead silent.
Everyone held their breath.
Reporters' fingers hovered over their keyboards, ready to type out the fateful word at a moment's notice.
"Jury foreman," Judge Harrison began, his voice cold. "Have you reached a verdict?"
Mike Fonda stood up.
He clutched the slip of paper, his palm slick with sweat.
"Your Honor."
Mike's voice was a little hoarse.
"We have gone through repeated discussions and votes."
"But, unfortunately."
"We were unable to reach a unanimous verdict."
A low buzz swept through the courtroom.
Prosecutor Hart shot his head up, his face a mask of disbelief.
