Judge Surra Read Online Free PDF Page A

not?”
    â€œBecause this gentleman procured from a dishonest magistrate some court papers which …”
    â€œAnd that’s what I wanted you to see,” the senator interjected without a moment’s hesitation. “As soon as you asked him, Lonero returned them to you intact. If he took possession of the papers, it was to keep them safe, since the court was no longer guarded. You see how easy it is to fall into misunderstandings?”
    â€œThese four cases are clearly close to the heart of Signor Lonero.”
    â€œIndeed, because they concern four of his friends and assistants who contributed to the maintenance of law and order, and who worked to ensure harmonious relations between people. For exactly that reason he would like – how can I put this – to see them well treated. I don’t say treated with any special partiality, heaven forbid, but treated with due regard for all that they have done …”
    â€œSignor Lonero will be pleased to know I have given instructions that those four cases are to be given absolute priority. They will be the first four trials held in the new court at Montelusa. This I can guarantee.”
    He made a slight bow to the senator, who looked at him dumbfounded, and made his exit.
    *
    â€œDon Nené is too uncouth for a man like Judge Surra,” Don Agatino said, growing more excited as he spoke. “Of course heallowed himself a slight smile when he saw the lamb’s head! It was the smile of a superior man, that’s what it was – the smile of a man who knows he could leave his opponent twisting in the wind as and when he chooses!”
    Professor Sciacca was of the same opinion.
    â€œOne thing is certain. At this moment, Don Nené is on the losing side. He’s had to give way, as he did when he was forced to return the dossiers to Paolantonio, with the consequence that his four friends will be the first to go on trial! He’s losing face.”
    *
    â€œIf you want my opinion, I think you should show a bit of patience.”
    â€œI’ve run out of patience. I’ve used it all up. Can you not see what he’s made of? What the fuck did you get out of talking to him, eh, tell me that.”
    â€œI understand how he reasons. And that is, he doesn’t reason at all.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œI’m going back to Rome tomorrow, and I’ll do what I can to have him transferred. That’s why you’ll need to show patience.”
    â€œAnd, in the meantime, he’s going ahead with the four cases?”
    â€œThat’s inevitable.”
    â€œWell, I’m going to make sure that it’s not.”
    â€œListen to me, Don Nené, and listen carefully. If you commit some fuck-up against the person of Judge Surra, not even Jesus Christ in person will be able to help you.”
    â€œI’ll not lay a finger on your judge, so you can set off with an easy mind.”
    â€œSo what are you going to do?”
    â€œThat’s my damn business.”

5
    HE WAS WAKENED BY AN INSISTENT KNOCKING AT THE OUTSIDE door. Half-asleep, he peered into the early light of the morning and recognised Maresciallo Solano. Surra was alarmed.
    â€œWhat’s happened?”
    â€œThey’ve tried to set fire to the court. You’ll have to come. I’ll wait for you.”
    The news upset him so much that he found it hard to impose order on all the thoughts buzzing about in his head. He got dressed quickly and went downstairs.
    â€œWhat’s the situation now?”
    â€œThe fire was rapidly brought under control. Fortunately, the officer on watch saw the flames in time and raised the alarm.”
    â€œIs there much damage?”
    â€œNot much, but your office has been partially destroyed. The green cabinet and the desk with all the papers they contained have been destroyed by the flames.”
    â€œAh,” the judge said, reassured. After a brief pause, he asked, “Why did you