Edward Mandor is the owner of the Tasty Treat restaurant, which was completely destroyed by fire on May 1.

The police investigated the circumstances of the fire and discovered a number of interesting facts. The restaurant had not been doing well recently. On April 14 the insurance coverage on the restaurant was increased by 20%. In March Edward incurred gambling debts in Reno of $30,000. He is also in arrears of support to his ex-wife and owes his uncle $10,000. The police charged Edward with arson.

Edward denies burning the restaurant down. He claims that on April 30 he received a telephone call from someone named Rocky who told him he had been sent by the casino in Reno to collect their $30,000. Rocky instructed Edward to meet him at Tasty Treat at 1:00a.m. When Edward refused to meet him Rocky said, "If you don't meet me, there's going to be trouble." Edward was troubled by this telephone conversation. He had difficulty falling asleep that night, and finally decided to meet Rocky. As he pulled up to the restaurant at about 1:30 a.m., it burst into flames. Edward was frightened, went home and went to bed.

Edward claims that his financial situation is not as precarious as it seems. His ex-wife is not pressing him for owed support. The debt to his uncle is fifteen years old and, as far as Edward is concerned, is forgiven. Furthermore, Edward states that he has a business manager who looks after the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. One month ago, his manager reviewed the fire insurance policy and discovered that the restaurant was underinsured. Edward had a vague recollection of signing some papers to increase the coverage, but that's it.

Police Constable Cailean Forth was the first person on the scene shortly after the fire was called in by a neighbour. He arrived at about 1:45, five minutes before the first fire truck arrived. He did not see anyone else at the scene near the restaurant other than a cluster of neighbouring apartment dwellers who came out to the street to see the fire. He interviewed the person who called in the fire, a Mrs. Wendy Wait, who claimed she saw two cars leave the parking lot, one about 30 minutes after the other, but she did not know if the cars where there at the same time. Mrs. Wait knew Edward owned the restaurant but could not say she saw him driving either of the cars as it was too great a distance to make out individuals.

The Constable went to Edward's house to question him; arriving at about 3:00 a.m. Edward came to the door wearing a housecoat and acting like he had just awoken, but he had on blue jeans and running shoes. He came to the station to answer questions and provided a statement. In the statement Edward admits that it might be his fault the restaurant burned down, and that there may not actually be a Rocky. Edward was taken from his apartment to the police station and questioned in the middle of the night without legal counsel, though admittedly with his cooperation.

The Fire Marshall arrived at the burned-out restaurant at around 6 a.m. after the fire was extinguished and started his investigation into the cause of the blaze. He prepared a report that he is bringing to the trial as witness for the prosecution. The report states that the fire was started in the kitchen and it is probable that an accelerant was applied on the floor of the kitchen. It is also possible, but less likely, that some flammable material common to kitchens may have been accidentally spilt on the floor. The report states that it would have required something like a spark or match to begin the fire, but it is also admitted that there is a pilot light on the gas stove. It is further stated that the back door shows some attempt to pry open the steel door and 'pop' the lock, but it is more likely that keys would be still be needed to get in. Outside the back door in a small shed was discovered the burnt out remnants of a gas-powered lawn mower and gas can used by Edward's staff to maintain the lawn.

When a prosecutor cross-examines Edward Mandor what should he say so that he remains not guilty.