Judge Surra Read Online Free PDF

say it was arson?”
    â€œBecause to get in without being seen, they had to force open a side door.”
    In spite of the time, a group of about thirty bystanders had gathered in the space in front of the building.
    One of them emerged from the crowd and approached the judge. He took off his hat.
    It was Don Nené Lonero, displaying a solemnity of expression which befitted the occasion.
    A sudden, tense silence fell on the square.
    â€œI trust that justice has not suffered any serious reversal,” he said.
    â€œJustice has not suffered any reversal whatsoever, I can assure you,” the judge replied with icy composure.
    And he entered the court.
    Proceeding along the corridor, he noted that the large black cupboard was intact and in its place.
    It was impossible to get into his own office, which was completely blackened. Inside, Nicolosi and two clerks were busy picking over what little had been saved from the flames.
    The green cabinet was reduced to a pile of ashes and pieces of charred wood, while half of the desk was simply no longer there.
    â€œWhere would you like to move to?” asked Nicolosi.
    â€œTo the office next door.”
    Many of the offices were still empty so there was no lack of choice.
    He was joined by Judge Consolato.
    â€œI just heard and I rushed over.”
    The judge gave him a smile. Madonna, that man must have steel wires where other men had nerves!
    â€œHave you had any breakfast?”
    â€œI didn’t have time!”
    â€œNor did I. Want to come with me to the Caff è
Arnone
?”
    â€œGlad to.”
    They went out and walked along the street together. Consolato summoned up the courage to break the silence.
    â€œSo it seems they broke in with the sole purpose of destroying the green cabinet.”
    â€œIt looks that way, and they’ve succeeded totally.”
    Consolato yet again found himself admiring Surra’s coolness and calm even in the face of a grave setback like this. Because it was obvious that there could be no possibility now of proceeding with the four cases.
    They went into the caffè.
    Don Nené Lonero was seated at a table with four of his men, pouring sparkling wine into glasses in front of them. Many other tables were occupied with people having their breakfast. On seeing Judge Surra enter, Don Nené rose to his feet, glass in hand. “Like to join us? Myself and my good friends Milioto, Savastano, Curreli and Costantino are celebrating.”
    The four men named stared at the judge, gave a bow and then burst out laughing. Those at the nearby tables joined in.
    Consolato’s face was grey. The judge remained impassive.
    â€œNo, thank you. I never drink in the morning.” He turned to the barman and said. “What’s that gentleman over there having?”
    â€œA lemon
granita
and a
tarallo
.”
    â€œI’d like to try that. What are you having, Consolato?”
    â€œA … caff … caffelatte.”
    The judge consumed the
rigadi
. Every so often he closed his eyes.
    â€œGood!” he said when he had finished it. “Will you bring me another?
    *
    Since everyone on the court staff had rushed over as soon as they learned the news, Judge Surra was able to open the meeting an hour ahead of schedule. All around, he could see dark faces and furrowed brows. There was a funereal atmosphere.
    He was about to start talking when Nicolosi came in to say that a correspondent of the
Giornale dell’Isola
would like to put a few questions to him on the attempted arson.
    â€œShow him in,” Surra said, to the surprise of the company.
    â€œIn here?” Nicolosi asked incredulously.
    He was not the only one who was incredulous.
    â€œYes, in here.”
    The journalist came in, the judge sat him down and said: “I’m receiving you in the presence of my colleagues because my old office is out of commission and my new office is not yet ready for use.”
    â€œI won’t take up