As Max and Hugh walked into John's room, the patient was awake and reading a newspaper. As both men took a seat, Max looked at his client with curiosity.

"You remember how to read?" Max asked.

"A little," John confessed. "On occasion I come across some big words that I don't understand. It's getting better at it but it can be frustrating sometimes."

"I can only imagine." Max said, as he waited for Hugh to come in a take a seat. "John, this is a close friend of mine. His name is Hugh Kessel, and I've asked him to consult with me on this case. He used to be an attorney, and I respect his opinion a great deal."

"Then so do I," John said as he extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you Mr. Kessel."

Hugh paused for a moment and then stepped forward and shook John's hand. "I hear you're in the middle of a real legal quagmire, Mr. Doe. Something a lot of us have never dealt with before."

"That's an understatement." John confirmed. He then looked over at the box that Hugh brought with him. "What's that?"

"Oh, this?" Hugh said, as he gestured at a box. "I brought some donuts in a shop down the street. I thought you guys might be a little peckish. Would you like one, John?"

"I guess," John said, as Hugh handed him the box. Inside the small box were a dozen donuts, all various flavors. John took a look inside the box and then back up at the two men watching.

"Are you alright?" Max asked him.

"You don't like them?" Hugh asked.

John sat there looking at them. "I can't remember. I don't even know if I like any of these."

John closed the box and handed it back to Max.

"They don't look that appealing," John said, laying back on his bed. He didn't seem remotely interested in the box. "Do you guys like them?"

"I'm a sucker for powdered ones myself." Max admitted.

"I'm on a diet," Hugh replied.

"I'll wait for the nurse to bring my breakfast." John said, "But thanks for the gesture. It was very kind of you."

Hugh took the box back from John and tossed it aside. He then opened one of the file folders he brought with him.

"Let's talk business then," Hugh started, "What we need to realize is that this deal is pretty much a get out of jail free card. The district attorney's case is pretty weak to begin with because they can't identify Mr. Doe here. We could even have the entire case dismissed based on the grounds that you're not fit to stand trial."

"How am I not fit?" John asked.

"In order to be fit to stand trial, you have to be aware of the charges that are being placed against you." Max replied. "Because your mind is a blank slate, you do not have the ability to remember or understand what they're charging you with."

"What difference does that make?" John asked.

"A world of difference," Hugh answered, "Without any memory of the day in question, you cannot deny or confirm the events in question. This means you're also unable to present any kind of defense as well, and many consider that a denial of a fair trial."

"I never though of it like that," John admitted.

"Since you have no recollection at all," Max continued, "It's like you're a completely different person. It would almost be like charging an innocent person because you have no memory of anything. We have more than enough to file for a dismissal and we might get it."

"That's why they're worried?" John asked.

"Exactly," Hugh confirmed, "That's why they are offering this great deal, and it's also the reason why you should take it."

"Really?" John asked.

"Really," Max concurred.

"It's a gift," Hugh replied. "There will be no charges, no record. All you have to do is get psychological treatment that most people pay tons money to get, but yours will be high quality and on the taxpayer's dime. Max and I will make sure you get sent to an amazing facility with a staff that will take great care of you. This ends everything right now, and gets everyone off your back."

"But you just said we could get the case dismissed." John said as he was a little more than confused.

"That's possible." Max said as he stepped in. "But there's never a guarantee we're going to get it."

"That's what deal is," Hugh said, "A guarantee that this goes away, quickly. No trial, no mess. It all just disappears like it never happened."

John could easily understand what they were saying. "Okay, where do I sign?"

"We haven't done all the paperwork yet." Max admitted, "But it should be done and ready to sign within a few days. Alright?"

"Understood," John said as he gave a mini salute. "Just make sure I get sent somewhere that sheriff can't visit me."

"Oh, we'll make sure of that." Hugh said, as he patted John on the shoulder.

"In the meantime, I say nothing?" John asked.

"That's right." Max said as he stood up and patted his client on the shoulder. "If you remember anything or want to talk, just tell the guard and I'll be here as soon as I can."

"Thanks, Max," John said as he shook his lawyer's hand.

Before Max could reply, there was a loud knock at the door. Agent Wilson stuck his head in. Based on the look he had on his face, the fed didn't look very happy.

"I need to speak with both of you, now." He then scowled at Hugh. "Bring the box."

Hugh closed up his files and then grabbed the box of donuts.

"They're not good for you, anyway." Hugh said with a wink as he walked out of the room with Max.

Once the two of them were outside, Agent Wilson walked over and aggressively took the box of donuts away from him.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Wilson quickly asked.

"What?" Max quickly asked, as he was in the dark about what was going on. "I have no idea what are you talking about."

"He's talking about this," Hugh said, gesturing to the box.

"You're damn right I am!" Wilson said.

"Slow down and talk to me," Max asked, "What's going on?"

"The Reaper was a big fan of donuts," Wilson said, opening the box. He sighed deeply as he held up a Boston cream, "Especially this one; what the hell were you thinking?"

"It was a test," Hugh said with a sly grin.

"A test?" Max repeated.

Wilson did a quick count. "They're all still here."

"He didn't want any of them." Hugh answered. "Not even subconsciously. This guy has really lost every marble in his head."

"That being said," Wilson said, as he tossed the entire box into the trash can beside him. "Please don't dangle any more marbles in front of him which could possibly cause him to recall his past."

"We'll do our best," Max promised as he looked over a Hugh. "This was the only time we'll attempt something like that. It appears on the surface, however, that my client doesn't seem to be faking his amnesia."

"It appears so," Wilson concurred, "Is he going to take the deal?"

"It sure looks that way," Max replied. "We should have papers submitted within a few days to the court. When he's ready, we'll transfer him to whatever facility we agree to send him to."

"I still can't believe it's over." Wilson said as he sighed.

"Not everything can end in a blaze of glory." Hugh said, shooting a glare of his own at agent Wilson. The fed didn't respond and simply walked away.

"What the hell was that about?" Max asked, somewhat curious.

"You don't want to know." Hugh replied.

"Fair enough," Max said as he walked away. He had paperwork to file and wanted this case over with as soon as possible.