request that the district court take a definite position on the question of Froken Salander's declaration of incompetence. Moreover, I believe that she should adequately be compensated for the violations of her rights that have occurred."
Lisbeth Salander turned towards Judge Iversen.
No compromises.
Judge Iversen looked at Salander's autobiography. He then looked over at Prosecutor Ekstrom.
"I too believe we would be wise to investigate exactly what has happened that brings us to this sorry pass. I fear that you are probably not the right person to conduct that investigation. In all my years as a jurist and judge, I have never been party to anything even approaching the legal dilemma in this case. I confess that I am at a loss for words. I have never even heard of a case in which the prosecutor's chief witness is arrested during a court in session, or of a quite convincing argument turning out to be an utter fabrication. I honestly do not see what is left of the prosecutor's case."
Palmgren cleared his throat.
"Yes?" Iversen said.
"As a representative for the defence, I can only share your feelings. Sometimes one must step back and allow common sense to guide the formal procedures. I'd like to state that you, in your capacity as judge, have seen only the first stage of a scandal that is going to rock the whole establishment. Today ten police officers from within Sapo have been arrested. They will be charged with murder and a list of crimes so long that it will take quite some time to draw up the report."
"I presume that I must decide on a suspension of this trial."
"If you'll excuse me for saying so, I think that would be an unfortunate decision."
"I'm listening."
"Lisbeth Salander is innocent. Her 'fantastical' autobiography, as Herr Ekstrom so contemptuously dismissed it, is in fact true. And it can all be proven. She has suffered an outrageous violation of her rights. As a court we could now stick with formal procedure and continue with the trial until finally we arrive at an acquittal, but there is an obvious alternative: to let a new investigation take over everything concerning Lisbeth Salander. An investigation is already underway to sort out an integral part of this mess."
"I see what you mean."
"As the judge of this case you have a choice. The wise thing to do would be to reject the prosecutor's entire preliminary investigation and request that he does his homework."
Judge Iversen looked long and hard at Ekstrom.
"The just thing to do would be to acquit our client at once. She deserves in addition an apology, but the redress will take time and will depend upon the rest of the investigation."
"I understand the points you're making, Advokat Palmgren. But before I can declare your client innocent I will have to have the whole story clear in my mind. That will probably take a while..."
He hesitated and looked at Giannini.
"If I decide that the court will adjourn until Monday and accommodate your wishes insofar as I see no reason to keep your client in custody any longer - which would mean that you could expect that, no matter what else happens, she will not be given a prison sentence - can you guarantee that she will appear for continued proceedings when summoned?"
"Of course," Palmgren said quickly.
"No," Salander said in a sharp voice.
Everyone's eyes turned to the person who was at the heart of the entire drama.
"What do you mean by that?" Judge Iversen said.
"The moment you release me I'm going to leave the country. I do not intend to spend one more minute of my time on this trial."
"You would refuse to appear?"
"That is correct. If you want me to answer more questions, then you'll have to keep me in prison. The moment you release me, this story is settled as far as I'm concerned. And that does not include being available for an indefinite time to you, to Ekstrom, or to any police officers."
Judge Iversen sighed. Palmgren looked bewildered.
"I agree with my client," Giannini said. "It is the government and the authorities who have committed crimes against Lisbeth Salander, not the other way around. At the very least she deserves to be able to walk out of that door with an acquittal and the chance to put this whole story behind her."
No compromises.
Judge Iversen glanced at his watch.
"It is 3.00. That means that you're going to force me to keep your client in custody."