Chapter 19: Burnsing Down The House!

Bart Simpson paced inside his old bedroom as he tried to think of a way to bring back not only his sister but his friends and grandmother as well.

The last couple of days hadn't been kind to the Simpsons. Mr. Burns was on a warpath and was planning on suing the entire family, calling them a "clan of trespassers." The media was also having their row as they ambushed Bart and Alex on one of their quiet night's out, Maggie told Bart how they interrupted her teaching with shouts of questions, and Marge and Homer were now too timid to leave the house.

Bart sighed; nothing has changed since that trial.

Homer had given Bart the number of the disposable cell phone that Grandma Simpson had, if he ever needed to talk with them. Bart had called and told them that he was planning on bringing back Grandma as well as Lisa, Milhouse, and Samantha.

They were supportive, but Bart knew that he was David attacking Goliath.

Mr. Burns, without a doubt in Bart's mind, would be using his vast riches to hire not only the best lawyers money could buy, but he would make sure to fill in any pockets to win.

Bart suddenly found himself laughing. He remembered when he was fretted with this same ordeal when prosecuting against Jessica.

"Bart? Your mom has dinner ready." Said Alex outside of the door.

"I'll be down in a sec'." Bart replied as rubbed his tired eyes.

This was going to be interesting, to say the least. Bart knew he had to win, though. Those people were highlights in his life. He had to win.

During the next couple of days, Mr. Burns had made a lot of public hoopla about Lisa, Milhouse, and Samantha, but of the Simpson family in general. His televised ads ran showcasing his quote un-quote dilemmas caused by various members of the family. First off was Bart whom he stated as the "ungrateful little shyster" whom he pampered when he was trying to make him as his heir and the greedy little upstart who tried to philander him of his money when he accidentally ran him over with his car. He then demonstrated about Maggie who had shot him when she was an infant and then vandalized his home when she was seven. Marge was given the rough treatment as well. Mr. Burns brought out the notion that she was a craven temptress that had both painted him as a withered monster and had seduced him into hiring her at the plant for a brief period of time. But Lisa, she was the one who got the worse treatment of all. Mr. Burns categorized her efforts to shut down the plant, when it was in his care, and the other hasslings that she did to him as she had gotten older. He also mentioned the sour business deal of theirs when Mr. Burns had become bankrupted and how she helped him gain the plant back by going through the recycling business. Homer wasn't mentioned at all, a fact that he celebrated around the house, much to the annoyance of the family.

Alex knew Bart had his work cut out for him this time. She worried on how this was going to affect his health. He was spending nights staying up and going over cases filled against Mr. Burns, in witch the other side won. He then went on to his grandmother's case and spent long afternoons calling the still living people who were there on the night of her pro-activism.

There were times when Alex couldn't bear to watch Bart do this to himself and she pleaded with him to take a break and do it again the next day. Much to her disappointment, he argued about how he needed to put everything in himself to see this one out.

"My case against Jessica was a pin-prick compared to this. I'm sorry, babe, but I really need to focus on this." Was his reply the last time she begged him to stop and for the two to spend a nice quite evening together.

Alex sighed, as much as she was proud of Bart doing everything in his power to bring his friends and family home, she wasn't happy on what this was doing to the both of them.

Maggie generously offered to spend time with Alex while Bart was pouring away at this. The two went to the movies and then spent dinner at the Simpson's house.

After dinner, sitting in the living room drinking wine, Homer was boring Maggie with his latest topic on how the whole family will be famous after squashing the old man. Alex was with Marge who was asking about the wedding.

"Where do you think you and Bart will have it?" She asked.

"I was hoping to have it near Springfield Gorge. In the late evening would be nice. The way the setting sun's light hits the rocky walls creates such a vibrant color that I believe is so romantic to have a wedding by." Alex said, starring off dreamily.

Marge smiled, "That sounds wonderful. What about your honeymoon?"

Alex laughed, "Well, I know Bart might be against it, but I was thinking having my honeymoon here."

Marge was surprised, "Wow. That's new. Why here?"

Alex shrugged, "I don't know. I guess I think I like the idea of being around a place I'm comfortable with. Besides, there are romantic places in Springfield."

Marge nodded. "Why is Bart against it?" She asked.

"Oh, he wants it to be special and glamorous. He wants to take me to Egypt or Paris."

Marge sighed, "I can see why you're against it." She then got up and walked to the kitchen.

Maggie quickly took her place as she left Homer dragging on about how people should refer to him as "King Homer" after the trial.

"So, what were you two talking about?" Maggie asked.

"Just the wedding. By the way, since my store's on hiatus and Bart's so busy with this case, do you want to help me go look for a dress to help celebrate

Bart winning this case?"

Maggie beamed, "Are you kidding? Of course! What are you looking for? Classy or down right sexy?"

Alex thought for a moment and then grinned, "Maybe a little of both."

After getting off the phone with Bart, Lisa handed the phone over to Milhouse.

The four of them were crouched in a van outside of the Bronco's Stadium in Boise, Idaho. They've been crossing the better part of half the country before stopping here.

Much to Milhouse's delight, since he was a big college football fan.

Bart had told Lisa on his plan on bringing not only the three of them home but to bring back Grandma Simpson as well.

Lisa smiled, she knew Bart had high hopes and was putting all his efforts into this.

The four had spent the afternoon in the town of Boise, touring the various art galleries and visiting the Lewis and Clark museum and then more into downtown to a place called "The Big Easy" watching a concert performed by Dido.

Lisa found this relaxing but she was still eager to get back home. She knew Bart and Alex's wedding was drawing near and she was worried about how her parent's were doing. Lisa still had with her the golden gun that she was suppose to give to Greta Wolfcastle.

Looking at the thing made her uneasy. She was now paying the price she was reluctant to pay in the beginning.

Lisa had tried to call Greta and have her come and pick it up, but everytime she called Greta was either out of town or couldn't be bothered.

This made Lisa mad. After all her efforts to try and secure her dream of owning the Jazz Hole, she ended up here. On the run and Greta was nowhere to be found.

Walking down along the Boise River to the public library, Lisa hoped that all of this would end soon and she could come home.

Mr. Burns was sitting in his bed, smiling with delight as his latest televised slander against the Simpson family came on the air.

Mr. Smithers was watching him, feeling down. Usually when it came to his own opinions, Wayland Smithers rarely spoke his ground. He found it easier to just sit idly by and let Monty have his way rather then complicate their relationship by voicing his own thoughts. Besides, the last time he did, he got fired.

He didn't blame the girl for stealing something that was already stolen.

Nor did he feel bad that Monty was making this smear campaign against the Simpson family. To Wayland, it was just easier to be neutral.

"Smithers!" Mr. Burns called out.

"Yes, Monty?" Smithers said as he came in the room.

"What other dirt can we hash up on them?" He asked turning of the set.

Mr. Smithers gulped and then decided it would be best just to go along and not endure what he knew would come.

"I'll look into Homer Simpson's old file and see what I can come up with, Sir."

"Excellent." Mr. Burns said, evilly. He then whooped with joy as "Masterpiece Theatre" came on.

Just as Bart had expected, the notice came from Mr. Burns' lawyer, Robert Gweeble arrived to Bart.

Bart knew this was it. The trial was going to happen.

He knew he had to get the four back to Springfield and begin preparation for this.

There was someone else he needed to get, but that was going to be hard.

Grabbing his phone he dialed.

It took awhile before anyone answered.

"Hello, Wolfcastle public relations, this is Margaret, how may I direct your call?"

Bart sat up straight in his chair as he took the phone to his other ear.

"Yes, hi, can I speak with Miss Greta Wolf Castle, please."

"I'm sorry, sir, but Ms. Wolfcastle is on location, at the moment. If you'll hold I'll put you through to her voice mail."

Bart hung up, not wanting to deal with some machine that Greta probably never bothered to check, anyways.

Rubbing his eyes, it dawned on to him whom he could also call.

There was a problem, though.

Bart decided to risk it. Picking the phone up again, he brought out his phone book and looked up The Springfield Mental Health Institution.

Bart knew the risks of using him. Gweeble would try his best to discredit him. But Bart knew that if he could find out if the man was stable enough to stand trial, then things will go smoother.

"Hello? Springfield MHI, this is Rebecca, who are you wishing to contact?" Said the receptionist.

"Hi, this is Bart Simpson, Attorney at law, I was wondering if I could speak with Rainer Wolfcastle, or maybe his physician?"

"Hold on." The receptionist said. Bart soon found himself hearing crappy, easy-listening, elevator music.

It wasn't until five minutes later till he got through to Mr. Wolfcastle's doctor.

"Hello? Mr. Simpson?"

Bart leaned forward. "Yes. Who am I speaking to?"

"I'm Dr. Hans, Mr. Wolfcastle's doctor."

"Yes, Mr. Hans, I was wondering if it might be possible for Mr. Wolfcastle to be a witness for a trail I'm engaged in."

There was a pause on the line.

Bart, nervously, tugged at his tie. "Dr. Hans?"

"I'm still here. To answer your question, I'd like to ask some questions myself."

"Ok," Bart said, "Shoot."

"First of all, is this in anyway to associate Mr. Wolfcastle with any known criminal?"

Bart shook his head, "No, it isn't."

"Second, if I tell you that Mr. Wolfcastle couldn't be brought back for a second hearing, would you accept this?"

Bart swallowed, "Yes."

"Finally, have you asked for Ms. Greta Wolfcastle's permission? I can't let Mr. Wolfcastle do this without her permission."

Bart knew that this might be asked. He decided to go ahead and lie.

"Yeah, yeah she did."

"Alright then. Come by at any time to prepare him. I'll let the staff know you'll be coming. I hope your case goes well, Mr. Simpson."

"Thank you, Mr. Hans."

Both then hung up.

Rainer Wolfcastle had admitted himself to the Springfield MHI seven years ago, as a result of a complete nervous breakdown.

While shopping with his wife, Maria, he heard a car back firing and immediately went into one of his many action personas. Grabbing a nearby school girl, flinging her to the ground and yelling, "Get down, we're all in danger!" He then went as far as to grab a twig, climb a tree and started going off into a rant, promising to blow off anyone's head who tried to rob him of the government's secret plans.

He's been at this facility for all this time. His only visitor was his daughter, seeing as how his mental dip lead to his divorce.

Bart had always been a fan of his since he was younger and when he met the poor guy, who had a four o' clock shadow, wearing a gown and sitting in a wheelchair, Bart still was star-struck.

Rainer looked at him with apprehension.

"Mr. Wolfcastle, I'm Bart Simpson. You may not remember but, when I was younger I was good friends with your daughter and visited your place regularly."

Rainer looked perplexed.

Doctor Hans had instructed Bart on how to approach Rainer. Making no sudden movements for they might trigger another episode.

Bart sat down in a chair in the courtyard where they were. The huge spacious environment was made up of various plants and ivies that made the place seem more like a garden rather than a socializing area for the patients.

Bart slowly went into his briefcase, noticing that Rainer's eyes were watching his every movement. Bart took out a manila folder that had the picture of the golden gun.

"Mr. Wolfcastle, this is what I wanted to show you. It's the gun my sister and her friends stole that I was told belonged to you."

Bart slid the picture across the table to Rainer.

Rainer looked down at it and his eyes lit up.

"Das da gun. Da gun that da old man stole from me." He said taking the picture in his hand.

"How did it happen?" Bart asked.

"During luggage claim. I accidentally grabbed his and he grabbed mien. When I went to get it back he had lawyers. I never stood a chance." Rainer looked at the photo, sadly.

Bart decided to change the topic. "Mr. Wolfcastle. My sister Lisa still has your gun. By winning this case, I'll make sure that you get it back. I know how much it means to you. If I were to call you as a witness, would you be willing?"

Mr. Wolfcastle looked off the side. He didn't say anything else for a moment then he turned his head back to Bart and nodded.

Bart smiled and nodded in return.

Lisa had hung up the phone after talking to both Marge and Maggie, feeling a little better.

Marge told her whom Bart was bringing in as witnesses and it made Lisa feel better. Though she still had her lingering fear on who Mr. Burns was going to use for his side of the case.

Lisa told the others what Bart was planning and got mixed results.

Milhouse, like her, was eager to get back home, while Samantha and Grandma Simpson felt that their chances were grim and that they were better on the run.

"At least this way our baby will be born free." Samantha said, rubbing her stomach.

"But Sammy, baby, don't you feel that Bart would d anything to make sure we're free? After all, you and I had our doubts when he was pitted against Jessica and looked how that turned out." Milhouse said, which surprised Lisa.

"Milhouse, this is different, we're involved, Bart isn't. We can't risk getting put into jail, they'd separate our baby from us, I won't risk that. I…uh, oh."

Milhouse leaned next to her.

"What?" He asked.

Samantha blushed.

"My water broke."

Milhouse looked down and quickly moved back.

"Eww! Shouldn't we get to a hospital?" He asked Lisa.

Lisa shook her head; "We're fugitives on the run. People ask questions at hospitals and cops are usually there."

Grandma Simpson walked forward and put her hand on Lisa's shoulder.

"I think I can help, dears. I've been on the run for almost half of my life. Being a mid-wife is second nature for me."

Lisa smiled, "What can Milhouse and I do?"

"We'll need some clean rags, water, and warm blanket." She then looked down at Samantha; "Do you drink, dear?"

Samantha shook her head, "Not since I got pregnant, no."

Grandma Simpson smiled, "Well, will get you a bottle, it'll help the pain. Don't worry, the baby won't receive any of it."

Both Lisa and Milhouse hurried as Grandma Simpson helped Samantha with her breathing.

Greta Wolfcastle stormed into Bart's office the next day, slamming the door once she was in.

"What gives you the right to corner my dad like that! He's been through so much and his health is improving!" Greta fumed, leaning over Bart's desk.

Bart took a deep breath before speaking.

"You never returned my phone calls. I'm sorry, but I need his testimony to help out Lisa and the others. You know, the ones you sent on that little "scavenger hunt" of yours."

Greta folded her arms, "Listen, it was Lisa's choice to go and do that, I didn't make her."

Bart returned the look, "You made it so she didn't have any other choice. My sister has her heart set on that stupid place and, as far as I can tell, she has nothing in else in her life to go for. I think you're a little naïve to think she wouldn't go for it."

Greta sighed as she sat down in the chair, "Be that as it may, you still didn't have to hound my father."

"You left me with no options left. My case is set on that gun being stolen before Lisa and the others took it. But, if it makes you happy, I could put the spotlight on you and say you were the one who orchestrated this whole thing and have Lisa and the others testify against you." Bart said, leaning back and giving a cocky smile.

"Wipe that smile off your face. You know damn well that I would never allow you to do that."

"Then what?" Bart asked.

Greta sighed, "Unfortunately, I'm busy so you can't call me as a witness, so, I guess I'll let you use my dad."

Bart nodded, "Thank you, Greta."

Greta shrugged, "I wish it were some other way."

Both stood up as Greta retrieved her purse.

"Greta, if you don't mind me asking, why did you want to buy the Jazz Hole? I don't remember you caring for the music that much."

Greta sighed, "My dad used to be this country's favorite action star. Now, a lot of people are only remembering him for his "freak-out" at that mall. The Jazz Hole was a perfect place to make as a sort of "McBain" museum. Did you know when he first came to America, that the corner of the Jazz Hole was where he shot his first movie?"

Bart shook his head.

"Well, a lot of people probably didn't know, either. Back then, the Jazz hole used to be a VD clinic. Anyways, thank you for seeing me, Mr. Simpson."

"C'mon Samantha, push! Push!" Said Lisa cheering her on.

"Milhouse, the baby's crowning, do you want to see the head of your baby?" Asked Grandma Simpson.

"Yeah!" Said Milhouse, enthusiastically. He came around next to Lisa and he then started to turn green.

"Gross!" Milhouse then went out of the van and vomited noisily.

Lisa took Milhouse's place next to Samantha holding her hand.

"One more push, girl. And…Your baby's here! It's a girl, congratulations!" Said Grandma Simpson.

Lisa dabbed at Samantha's forehead with the rag and then handed her the bottle of tequila.

"Where's Milhouse?" she asked.

Milhouse, then, returned ad sat next to his wife.

"You did it, baby."

She kissed his hand, "No, we did it. All of us. Thank you guys so much."

Grandma Simpson handed over the bundled baby to the new parents who hushed the tiny little thing as it began to cry.

"What are you going to name it?" Lisa asked.

"Brianna." Samantha said. "After my mother."

Milhouse chuckled, "She grabbing my thumb, this is soo weird."

The next day, Lisa managed to convince Samantha and Grandma Simpson to come back to Springfield and she quickly called Bart.

She was happy to hear that Bart managed to have them stay at the Simpson's house until he was legally obligated to tell Mr. Burns that they were back and then they'd have to stay in a holding cell till the trial.

When they came back to home, Marge was ecstatic to have a baby in the house again.

"I tell ya, there were times with Maggie that I thought she was going to be an infant forever, then she got older."

Homer was happy he had another father to chat with and also go to Moe's with.

This is where Bart had to put his foot out.

"Sorry, home-boy, but these guys have to be under the radar until I got things in order for the trial. So no phone calls to people you know will blather and second of all, no going outside of the house without using my "Lil' bastard disguise kit"." Bart then left to go back to the office.

Marge nodded, "It actually works. When he was twelve I could have sworn I had Mugsey Bouggs living in my house."

Bart went back to his apartment several hours later and found Alex sleeping in their bed.

Deciding not to rouse her, Bart went into the kitchen for a soda and came back to the living room and turned on the set to a "movie of the day" on the local channel.

Lying back, Bart felt good. This was turning out better than he had thought. The other two witnesses he secured would, undoubtedly, help this case. That and he had his sister back.

The movie was interrupted.

Ernest goes to Euro Disney will be back after this special news break.

"This is Kent Brockman with a special news report! The guilty party of the Burns mansion robbery have been arrested!"

Bart immediately stood up. "What!"

"Thirty minutes ago, this reporter had spotted Milhouse Van Houten and a Homer Simpson down at Moe's Tavern, drinking and celebrating."

"D'oh!" Bart yelled as he rubbed his hands with his face.

"Later, Police were able to find the other guilty party, Lisa Simpson, Samantha Van Houten and a surprising other wanted felon residing at the Simpson's household. Mrs. Mona Simpson, an escaped fugitive, was holding the hiding trio in her son's home. These people have been arrested and are now awaiting trial."

Bart looked at his answering machine and, just as he had suspected, there were several missed calls, probably from Marge, telling him that Homer messed things up by sneaking Milhouse to Moe's.

Sitting in a café with Maggie, Alex looked out the window, thinking.

"What's on your mind?" Asked Maggie.

"Your brother, this case, the people involved, everything that's happened since I got off the bus and came back to Springfield. I'm wondering, will anything normal happen after this trial?"

Maggie laughed, "You're forgetting what town you're talking about. This is Springfield. Normal and it don't go very well together."

Alex smiled, "I guess you're right. How's teaching going?"

"Okay, except one of my students won't stop hitting on me and I'm trying to decide if I should get him kicked out of the class or not. I've already let him down easy but he doesn't seem to take no for an answer."

"Have you tried ignoring him?" Asked Alex.

Maggie nodded, "I have. The problem is, is that he's so persistent yet he's smart about doing it. It only happens at the end of class and he never does it to me outside."

"If you don't mind me asking, what's wrong about him?"

Maggie sighed, "He smokes."

Alex was surprised. "Really?"

Maggie nodded, "Just the smell of him when he's around is driving me nuts."

"Would you go out with him if he didn't? I mean, is this the only thing that's holding you back?"

Maggie thought for a moment, "You know what, it is. He's actually very cute and has a successful job as a mechanic."

Alex smiled, "Well, then, maybe you could help him quit. Go out on a first date with him and if all goes well tell him you'd like to continue seeing him if he'd agree to try and quit smoking."

Maggie smiled, "Thanks Alex. By the way, I don't think you'll have to worry about Bart. Knowing his track record, he should come fully prepared for this. He'll be fine."

Bart was worried sick. His first witness, Doug Harper, was out of town for a National Rifle Association's bake off and wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks.

That meant only one thing. He would have to put one of his defendants on the stand.

Bart knew that it would have to be either Lisa or Samantha, knowing fully well that Milhouse would crack under any kind of pressures that Gweeble would put on.

Bart decided Samantha would be his best bet, seeing as how Lisa had way too many ties to Mr. Burns and that Gweeble would use everything he had against her.

The opening statements would begin tomorrow and Bart felt he needed to spend some time with Alex to get his mind off of it.

First, he took the two of them dancing. But it was cut short as Barney getting drunk and vomiting into the band's pit interrupted the Band.

Second, they went to dinner at the Singing Sirloin.

They were just about to have deserts when a whole crowd of people came up to Bart and wanted to wish him luck or give comment on tomorrow's trial.

Finally, the two of them went home, snuggled on the couch to a rented movie and fell fast asleep.

"Homer! Hurry, the trial's going to begin in twenty minutes!" Marge yelled from the doorway, holding a sleeping Brianna.

Homer came down the stairs hopping as he was trying to pull his pants up.

"Stupid, cheap, fits-all-sizes belt! Grrr…Err…mmph. Breaking on me when I bend over!" He grunted as he tugged and pulled.

To their luck, there was still a parking space available at the bowling alley. Getting out they met Maggie and Alex who had came on Maggie's Harley.

"Hurry you guys! It's going to start any minute!" Said Maggie rushing everyone in.

Once in, they all went through the rows to try to find four spaces for themselves but only found two in far areas.

Just as they got themselves settled, the bailiff stood and addressed everyone in the bowling alley.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Snyder!"

"You may be seated." Said the judge. "What's on for today?"

"Docket number 682920, case of Charles Montgomery Burns vs. Lisa Simpson, Mona Simpson, Milhouse Van Houten, and Samantha Van Houten charges are Grand Larceny in the first degree and Aiding and Abetting in the first degree."

The Judge nodded, "How do the accused plea?"

Bart stood up, "Your honor, my clients plea not guilty."

"Very well, you may begin your opening statements."

Mr. Gweeble was the first to come forward.

"Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, my client, Mr. Burns thanks you all for being here. He knows that all of you are very smart and educated people who know what is wrong and what is right. For instance, you know who is guilty and who is innocent. These people accused today are guilty not innocent. They broke into Mr. Burns' home, stole something that rightfully belonged to him and are saying NOW that it didn't. Do what's right for Mr. Burns, help him get his treasure back."

Mr. Gweeble took a moment to straighten his tie and then he sat down.

Bart did likewise as he stood up. Walking over to the jury box, which was a bunch of folded chairs with pizza boxes surrounding them, he coughed.

"That was the biggest crap ever told, am I right?"

This got a huge gasp and murmur from the entire bowling alley.

Judge Snyder banged his gavel, "Mr. Simpson, if you don't watch your language, I'll hold you in contempt."

"Sorry your Honor. Anyways, Mr. Burns is right on one thing, which will be presented before you. That gun was stolen. But by Mr. Burns first. My clients stole it to be brought back to its rightful owner, a Mr. Rainer Wolfcastle. He'll tell you today that the gun is his and his ALONE. Do the right thing and back the right horse."

To Bart's amazement, the following next day, Gweeble's first and second witness had gone MIA and Burns wasn't upsetted by it.

"Call your witness, Mr. Gweeble." Said the Judge.

"Your Honor, we call to the stand, Frankie." Said Mr. Gweeble.

The doors to the bowling alley opened and in came Smithers with a Doberman on a leash.

"Objection!" Bart said aloud.

The judge thought for a moment, "Both of you come to the table."

While Bart and Gweeble were arguing, Lisa whispered to Grandma Simpson.

"A dog? Are they serious?"

"Mr. Burns trains his dogs for EVERYTHING. Even identifying the people they've attacked." Said Grandma Simpson.

Lisa was worried by this.

"But how the hell am I going to ask the dogs questions, your Honor?" Bart asked, after learning that a dog CAN be admissible as a witness.

The Judge turned to Mr. Gweeble, "Well, Mr. Gweeble?"

"He understands English very well, your Honor. As long as Mr. Simpson uses yes or no questions, he should be able to answer them."

Bart threw his hands up in the air, "Fine."

The dog then sat down next to the judge.

Mr. Gweeble approached him.

"Frankie, do you see the guy you attacked several weeks ago?"

The dog nodded.

"Will you point him out?" Gweeble asked.

The dog nodded and walked over to Bart's table and leaped onto it and growled at Milhouse.

"Objection! Your Honor, the dog is harassing my client!" Bart yelled.

"Mr. Gweeble, get a hold on your "witness"."

"Frankie, down!" said Smithers as he ran up and pulled on the dog's collar till it was back next to the judge.

"Your witness." Said Gweeble.

Bart cautiously walked towards the dog but stopped a few feet from it.

"Have you seen this boy before, Frankie?"

Frankie looked away and then nodded.

"Frankie, are you afraid of your owners?"

Frankie nodded.

"Would you do anything to please them?"

Again Frankie nodded.

"Are you lying right now, Frankie?" Bart asked a put a sympathetic tone to the end of his voice.

Frankie looked away, nervously.

Lisa smiled. This had to be the first time she saw a dog perjure itself.

"Objection, your Honor! He's harassing the witness!" Shouted Gweeble.

"No more questions." Bart said and then he strutted back to his chair.

The last thing Gweeble presented to the court was the videos of Lisa, Milhouse, and Samantha. Then, the Judge announced that they'd break and would be back tomorrow for Bart to call his first witness.

Bart had spent the late evening with Alex. Even though they had spent time before the other night, Bart felt he owed it to her.

"This may be mushy of me, but, I gotta tell ya. You're my strength in all of this." Bart smiled.

Alex kissed him on the lips and then ruffled up his hair with her hand.

"You're right. It was mushy. But I liked it."

The two then went to the bedroom and closed the door.

Meanwhile at the Simpson's house, Marge and Homer were watching TV together just as Kent Brockman came on.

"This is Kent Brockman with your Trial Watch 2024 polls. In the matter of the case of C. Montgomery Burns vs. the Simpson women and the Van Houten's, the polls indicate that the people are in favor of Mr. Burns being the victor in this case."

Homer angrily shut off the set.

"What do people know!" He yelled.

Marge sadly murmured.

Homer noticed.

"Marge, honey, what's wrong?"

"Do you think we'll win this?"

Homer put his hand on his wife's, brushing it soothingly.

"Of course will win. Why not?"

Marge sighed, "I don't know. Something tells me that tomorrow will happen that might prone those "polls people" right."

Homer shook his head, "People are idiots, honey. You'll see."

Homer then kissed her and led the both of them up to the bedroom.

Across town, Maggie was visiting Lisa and the others in the jail, cradling a goo-gooing little Brianna Van Houten as her parents were fast asleep.

Lisa was softly playing her saxophone, which the guards let her use.

"I think she likes it, Lise." Said Maggie as she smiled at he tiny figure staring in wonder at the brass instrument.

Lisa put it away and sat hunched with her hand hugging her knees to her body, rocking back and forth.

"I was worried with that dog they brought out. I'm glad Bart was able to turn the tables on Burns with that one."

Maggie nodded. "He'll kill them tomorrow with his witnesses and soon the four of you will be back home in no time."

Lisa smiled, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure there's nothing they can do to shake up Bart. I thing you were to young to remember but, he once said, that, "Burns would have to use fifteen people to bring down Bartholomew J. Simpson"."

Maggie laughed, "I don't remember that but it does sound like him."

"Yeah, tomorrow will be good. At least, I hope so." Lisa said and then turned to look out the barred windows at the star lit sky.

This time it was a little bit easier to find a place to have all four of them sit together, but it was at the very back of the row.

Again, everyone in Springfield had arrived to see this trial and now it was Bart's turn.

"Mr. Simpson you may call your first witness." Said Judge Snyder.

"Your Honor, I'd like to call to the stand, Mrs. Samantha Van Houten."

Samantha swallowed as she walked up and took her seat at the bench.

The bailiff approached with his bible.

"Mrs. Van Houten, do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

Samantha nodded, "Yes I do."

"Mrs. Van Houten, do you recognize this?" Bart asked as he held up the golden gun marked as exhibit A.

Samantha nodded, "I do. That was the item that Lisa had us go get so it could be returned to Mr. Wolfcastle."

"Was that her only plan?" Bart asked.

Samantha shook her head, "No, it wasn't. It was a deal she had made with Greta Wolfcastle, Rainer's daughter. The deal was that in exchange for the gun she would get the deed for the Jazz Hole, which was Lisa's dream place. She only agreed to do this because it would be helping out not only herself but for Mr. Wolfcastle, also."

Bart smiled, "Thank you. That'll be all."

Bart walked back to his table and winked at Lisa.

Mr. Gweeble got up and strode right over to Samantha.

"Isn't it true, Mrs. Van Houten that all of this was to help Lisa Simpson get back at Mr. Burns for his contempt of the environment that she fought against him in the past?"

Samantha shook her head, "No sir."

"Because everything else I've heard you say is too hard to believe."

"Well, it's the truth, Mr. Gweeble. We did this to help out a poor man who needed his dignity and to help Lisa to get the place of her dreams. There was nothing selfish about this."

Gweeble grinned so maliciously it sickened Bart's stomach.

"So you say. I can't even imagine what your daughter's going to think of you once she finds out that you helped steal from an old, helpless, man. She'll probably think of you as a poor and petty person, don'tcha think, Mrs. Van Houten?"

"How dare you! I would do anything for my family and friends. I want to show my daughter that there are still people in this day that will fight for every person who isn't strong enough to fight him or herself. To fight against those who have money and deem themselves untouchable. That's why I did this." Tears filled in the corners of Samantha's eyes.

"I have no more questions for Mrs. Van Houten, your Honor." Gweeble said sitting back down.

Samantha held her tears back as she walked back to Bart's table where Bart patted her one the back, telling her, "You did great."

The Judge looked to Bart.

"Mr. Simpson you may call your next witness."

Bart stood up, "Your Honor, for my next witness, I'd like to call, Mr. Rainer Wolfcastle."

A loud gasp came through the bowling alley as a man pushing a wheelchair brought in Mr. Wolfcastle.

After having been sworn in, Mr. Wolfcastle seemed to relax and put all his attention to Bart.

"Mr. Wolfcastle, do you recognize this gun?" Bart asked as he held up the item.

Rainer nodded, "Jah, that's da gun that the rifle people gave me for my contributions to the NRA's accidental widow program."

"When was the last time you saw this?" Bart asked.

"In Los Angeles, just before I got on my plane back to Springfield."

Bart nodded, "Was it there when you got off the plane?"

Rainer shook his head, "Nah, it was stolen."

"Who stole it?"

Rainer pointed a finger at Mr. burns, "Da old evil man, took it. I tried to get it back from him, but he threw da schnauzers at me."

Bart nodded and turned to Gweeble; "You're witness."

Mr. Gweeble gave a grin, "No questions for this witness, your Honor." He then clicked open his briefcase causing Rainer to go bug-eyed, clutch at his chest and then go diving for Gweeble's briefcase, yelling, "Get back! It's a bomb filled with Hydro Gas!"

The Judge banged his gavel; "Orderlies escort Mr. Wolfcastle out of the court!"

Lisa looked nervously at Bart as the orderlies escorted the ranting Rainer

Wolfcastle out of the courtroom

For awhile the commotion that it had caused looked as though it wouldn't stop. It was only until several bangs later that Judge Snyder got the bowling alley under control.

"Mr. Simpson, call your next witness."

Bart stood, "Your Honor, we call, Mr. Rod Flanders."

Lisa looked at Bart with surprise.

She wasn't the only one. Rod came into the bowling alley not looking at all that sure he should really be there.

Bart got up and walked up to Rod and pointed to Mr. Burns.

"Rod, do you recognize this an sitting over here?"

Rod nodded, "That was the man that scared me and my brother."

Bart smiled.

"Rod, could you tell us what transpired that day?"

Rod took a deep breath, "It was a hot Saturday, me and my brother were out ringing door bells when we heard the loud, boisterous, evil, old man; holding up that scary gun and waiving it around. He was saying over and over, "I got it! It's mine!" Todd and I panicked and ran, afraid the scary man was going to shoot us."

Bart nodded, "Thank you, Rod." Bart then went and took his seat.

"Your witness, Mr. Gweeble." Said the judge.

Mr. Gweeble nodded and straightened his tie as he grinned at the nervous Rod.

"So you're saying that you saw Mr. Burns gloat on and on about stealing that gun, right outside his one mansion in view of the entire public, is that correct?" Mr. Gweeble said as he slowly oozed his way to Rod.

Rod clutched his golden cross necklace, "That's what I remember, sir."

Gweeble came close to Rod's face, "Tell me, Mr. Flanders, isn't it rue that you were nowhere near the mansion when this so called time occurred?"

Rod Flanders shifted nervously in his seat. "I-I guess not."

Gweeble grinned big, "I have no other questions for this "witness", your Honor."

Bart stared in horror at Rod. Rod had told him that, that event, really happened!

Judge Snyder turned to Bart, "Mr. Simpson, do you have any other witnesses?"

Bart sighed, "No your honor."

"Then I hereby call today adjourned so the jury may now start their deliberation." He then banged his gavel against the coffee table.

Bart watch as the bailiffs escorted the four out, all looking sad.

Bart bit his lower lip as he got up and headed out the bowling alley doors.

Meanwhile, Maggie leaned over to Alex.

"Wow, poor Bart. Do you think he'll be okay?"

Alex sighed, sadly.

"I don't know."

Bart stood outside of the bowling alley looking out at Springfield. The mid-afternoon's light casting their brightness all over town.

To someone else, this kind of image would have them snap out of their anger and frustration.

Not Bart.

Bart closed his eyes, turned to the side of the building, and started going berserk.

Punching and kicking, which then turned to clawing and kneeing; Bart grunted furiously as he attacked the structure.

Alex, having come out to look for Bart, quickly tried to pry him away from his imaginary foe.

"Bart! What are you doing? Stop it!" She yelled as she tried her best to pull him away.

"STUPID, DAMN, OLD, WITHERD, WRETCHED, MONSTER!" Bart yelled at the top of his lungs as he soon lost his energy and then put a hand against the building to support himself.

Alex took him aside and led him to the steps and sat him down.

"I-I've-failed them, Alex. Lisa, Milhouse, Samantha, Grandma; I've failed them."

Alex shook her head and hushed him, gently. "No you haven't. What are you talking about?"

Bart shook his head; "I went in there still unprepared. Gweeble was ready to eat me alive."

Alex didn't respond. She only held Bart's head in her lap and stroked his hair.

Alex sat down next to him. "No reason to get all psycho over this, Bart. The important thing is, is that you were there to help them. I don't think any other lawyer in Springfield would have the guts to stand up to Mr. Burns as you did."

Bart shrugged, "Well, I'm still not sure how well I did."

Alex nodded, "We'll see about that tomorrow. What are you going to do now?"

Bart sighed and got up from the steps, "I'm going to head on over to the cells and see how they're doing. Want to come along?"

Alex shook her head, "I can't. I promised your Mom that I'd help her with cleaning the Van Houten's home."

Bart nodded.

Alex kissed him, "Tell them I hope they're okay, alright?"

Bart nodded, "I will."

Bart then left Alex and walked downtown to the county's jail.

He really wasn't in the mood to chitchat with Chief Lou so he tried his best to avoid his office and walked over to the sign-in next to the prison cells.

Bart took a deep breath before entering the small, confined, prison cell.

Walking inside, he saw that Lisa, Milhouse, Samantha, and Grandma Simpson, were the only ones occupying the cramped cell.

Grandma S. was the only one sleeping, while Lisa was reading a New Republic magazine, and the Van Houten's were quietly talking to eachother.

As Bart came in, Milhouse seemed to notice hi and he broke off his conversation with Samantha and walked up to the cell's bars.

"Hey, Bart." He said.

"Hey, Milhouse, hey, Samantha." Bart replied.

Milhouse scratched the back of his neck, "Wicked trial, huh?"

Bart nodded.

Lisa joined the three. "Mr. Burns had you going hard, huh?"

Again, Bart nodded.

All four turned to the direction Bart had came as they heard the door open.

Maggie came in holding little Brianna whose eyes seem to light up as she saw her parents.

The guard took her and brought her to her eager and awaiting parents.

Bart watched Samantha and Milhouse cradling their daughter and sighed.

"I hope I haven't screwed up their lives more than I already have."

Lisa shook her head, "Bart, don't do this to yourself. They know how fierce Mr. Burns and his lawyers can be. There was no way you could have known Rod was going to lie to you. We still have faith in you, Bart. Trust me, we wouldn't have anyone else stand beside and fight for us than you."

Bart shrugged, "I hope I have done them some, if any, justice. As I hope I helped you out some, Lise."

Lisa took her brother's hand through the cell bars and squeezed it gently.

"Bart, I want you to know. No matter what happens tomorrow, I've never been prouder to call myself Bart Simpson's sister."

Bart reached through the bars and hugged his sister.

The entire courtroom packed and every seat was virtually filled as every person in Springfield sat in.

To the surprise of no one, except Lisa, there were hotdog vendors and drink peddlers making sales as they went through the various rows.

When Judge Snyder entered, everyone stopped his or her talking.

Marge was trying her best to cal down little Brianna Van Houten as the Judge took his seat.

"In the matter of Charles Montgomery Burns vs. Lisa Simpson, Milhouse Van Houten, Samantha Van Houten, and Mona Simpson; how do you find?" The Judge asked.

The air seemed to stand still as everyone within the bowling alley held his or her breaths.

Skinner rose, "Your honor, we the jury, find the four innocent of all charges."

The entire court erupted with gasps and various discussions.

Lisa gave Bart a huge hug and Grandma Simpson kissed Bart on the forehead.

Milhouse shook hands with Bart and then scooped up Samantha and took her out to meet Brianna.

Bart turned back to see Alex, grinning big at his victory.

Mr. Burns, being escorted by Smithers, walked like a creeping shadow to Bart's table.

Bart heard Smithers cough and he turned around to meet Mr. Burns' piercing glare.

"Enjoy your minor victory while you can, Simpson. You'll need all your strength before the final blow."

Bart's mouth formed into a cocky grin. He leaned forward on his desk and looked Mr. Burns directly in the eyes.

"Whatever you have, bring it on."

To be continued…