A criminal lawyer encounters an unusual client, Jason Howley, who presents a gadget designed to influence the outcomes of roulette and dice games. Howley, a New Yorker, intends to use the device in Las Vegas, where gambling is legal but cheating is not. He seeks legal representation, claiming he has no criminal intent. The lawyer, intrigued yet skeptical, agrees to take the case. Howley visits a casino, where he uses the gadget to win a substantial amount of money, drawing the attention of casino staff and law enforcement. He is arrested for suspicion of fraud, and the lawyer begins working on his defense. The lawyer believes in the importance of finding loopholes in the law and is determined to help Howley. As the case unfolds, the lawyer discovers that the gadget is not what it seems. Expert witnesses testify about its lack of functionality, and the prosecution struggles to prove that Howley intended to cheat. The lawyer employs a strategy to highlight the gadget's ambiguous nature, suggesting it could be a mere good luck charm rather than a cheating device. During the trial, the lawyer calls Howley to the stand, who maintains that the gadget is simply a good luck charm. The jury, comprised of gamblers, is swayed by Howley's charm and the notion of luck. The prosecution's case weakens as the lawyer successfully raises doubts about the evidence. Ultimately, the jury finds Howley not guilty, and the lawyer negotiates a settlement with the casino to avoid further conflict. The case garners significant media attention, leading to public interest in psionics and the potential implications of the gadget. The story concludes with a reflection on the advancements in technology and the unforeseen consequences of Howley's actions, hinting at a future where such devices could have a profound impact on society.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Legal Thriller