Related Clues:

• Plea
• Out for the accused
• Defense, perhaps
• Legal defense
• ''I was at home sleeping at the time,'' e.g.
• It might be airtight
• Defendant's defense
• Likely story?
• Criminal excuse
• Defendant's dodge
• Exculpatory story
• Cover story
• Literally, 'elsewhere'
• Suspect's out
• It may be airtight