

                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.A

                     NINTH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Ninth amendment entered into as of the 13th day of February, 1996 (the
"Amendment") to a certain Employment Agreement dated February 1, 1986 (as
heretofore amended) (the "Employment Agreement") by and between American Claims
Evaluation, Inc., a New York corporation, having a place of business at One
Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York 11753-1635 ("Employer"), and Gary Gelman, with
an office c/o Employer ("Employee").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Employee is employed as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Employer under the Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Employment Agreement to continue the
employment of Employee thereunder, subject to, and in accordance with, the terms
and conditions of the Employment Agreement as presently in existence;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises and
covenants herein contained, it is agreed as follows:

1.    Term

      The term of this Agreement shall commence on the 11th day of March, 1996
      and continue for a period of one year until March 10, 1997. The Employment
      Agreement shall be deemed amended accordingly.

2.    General.

      The terms of the Employment Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference
      and made a part hereof. Except as expressly modified herein, the
      Employment Agreement shall remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment on and as of
the day and year first above written.

      EMPLOYER:                   AMERICAN CLAIMS EVALUATION, INC.

                                  By: /s/ Gary J. Knauer
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Gary J. Knauer - Chief Financial Officer

      EMPLOYEE:                       /s/ Gary Gelman
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Gary Gelman - Employee

