The Method by Juli Zeh Read Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Juli Zeh
eventually. ‘Only his virtual trace, if you know what I mean.’
‘I’m not a lawyer. You’ll have to speak plainly.’
‘Of course, absolutely. It’s very simple. Your brother was on the blacklist.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘Here and here,’ says Rosentreter, pointing to the contract with his pen. Mia finally signs. ‘He was under surveillance by Method Defence.’
‘That’s ridiculous. There must be some mistake. Moritz wasn’t an enemy of the Method. That’s …’ Mia laughs. ‘It’s like pointing at a deer and seeing a great big bacteria with horns.’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘Never mind! Look, I’m willing to admit he was a bit of a child. He definitely had his own ideas. But he wasn’t the type to join a group – especially not some shabby little protest movement.’
‘Shabby little protest movement … of course not,’ says Rosentreter in a soothing tone. ‘I don’t know why I mentioned it … Let’s forget about it, Frau Holl! Just a few brief words on the legal technicalities, which, as your counsel, it’s my duty to explain. When it comes to certain charges, our legal system can be somewhat oversensitive. If a defendant becomes implicated in anti-Method activities, it puts the case on a different footing, so to speak.’ Right now, Rosentreter doesn’t look like an oversized boy; he looks like a fully grown man who is genuinely concerned. ‘Do you see what I’m saying? I’m telling you
why
the judge adjourned your trial.’
‘Don’t be absurd.’
‘I’ll do my best but it won’t be easy,’ says Rosentreter, reverting to a boyish grin.
‘You could start by acting like a proper lawyer. How are you going to handle my defence?’
‘First we’re going to contest the fine.’
‘What’s the point? Twenty days’ salary is affordable; if we contest it, you’ll charge me the same amount in fees. I’d rather pay the fine. I committed the infraction: I’ll accept the penalty and put it behind me.’
‘I commend your intentions, but that’s not the way it works. Law is a game, and everyone plays a part. I’m your defence counsel and as such I intend to defend you.’
‘What or whom are you defending me against, Herr Rosentreter?’
‘Against the charges laid by the prosecution – and against the court’s intention to hold you responsible for a situation that isn’t your fault.’
‘I’d rather conduct my own defence.’
‘How exactly, if you don’t mind me asking?’
‘By doing nothing and keeping quiet.’
‘That would be madness. You don’t seem to grasp what you’re up against. They’ll accuse you of subverting the Method.’
Shaking her head, Mia raises an index finger and points it at Rosentreter’s chin. ‘How old are you? Sixteen? We
are
the Method: you, me, everyone. The Method is reason; the Method is good sense. I told the judge, and I’ll say it again for your benefit: I’m not against the Method. And for the last time, I’d like be left alone. It’s all I’m asking. I’ll work things out on my own.’
‘Can you do it by tomorrow morning?’
‘Maybe not entirely.’
‘In that case, you’ll need my help.’
‘Are you short of clients?’
‘On the contrary.’
‘Why waste your time on me?’
‘I want to help. I take my job seriously. The particulars of your situation fall easily within the criteria for an exemption – a first-year law student could tell you that. Now let’s get one thing straight.’ He leans forward and pats the air above Mia’s shoulder. ‘You’re not in the least bit to blame. Not even for smoking the stupid cigarette. I’m not going to stand by while they take shots at you.’
Because Rosentreter is so damn right, or because Mia damn well hopes he’s right, she finds herself close to tears.
‘Thank you,’ she says, clearing her throat. ‘Taking shots is exactly how I’d describe it. It’s good to know we agree on something … But I don’t want any trouble; I need some time to
‘I’m not a lawyer. You’ll have to speak plainly.’
‘Of course, absolutely. It’s very simple. Your brother was on the blacklist.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘Here and here,’ says Rosentreter, pointing to the contract with his pen. Mia finally signs. ‘He was under surveillance by Method Defence.’
‘That’s ridiculous. There must be some mistake. Moritz wasn’t an enemy of the Method. That’s …’ Mia laughs. ‘It’s like pointing at a deer and seeing a great big bacteria with horns.’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘Never mind! Look, I’m willing to admit he was a bit of a child. He definitely had his own ideas. But he wasn’t the type to join a group – especially not some shabby little protest movement.’
‘Shabby little protest movement … of course not,’ says Rosentreter in a soothing tone. ‘I don’t know why I mentioned it … Let’s forget about it, Frau Holl! Just a few brief words on the legal technicalities, which, as your counsel, it’s my duty to explain. When it comes to certain charges, our legal system can be somewhat oversensitive. If a defendant becomes implicated in anti-Method activities, it puts the case on a different footing, so to speak.’ Right now, Rosentreter doesn’t look like an oversized boy; he looks like a fully grown man who is genuinely concerned. ‘Do you see what I’m saying? I’m telling you
why
the judge adjourned your trial.’
‘Don’t be absurd.’
‘I’ll do my best but it won’t be easy,’ says Rosentreter, reverting to a boyish grin.
‘You could start by acting like a proper lawyer. How are you going to handle my defence?’
‘First we’re going to contest the fine.’
‘What’s the point? Twenty days’ salary is affordable; if we contest it, you’ll charge me the same amount in fees. I’d rather pay the fine. I committed the infraction: I’ll accept the penalty and put it behind me.’
‘I commend your intentions, but that’s not the way it works. Law is a game, and everyone plays a part. I’m your defence counsel and as such I intend to defend you.’
‘What or whom are you defending me against, Herr Rosentreter?’
‘Against the charges laid by the prosecution – and against the court’s intention to hold you responsible for a situation that isn’t your fault.’
‘I’d rather conduct my own defence.’
‘How exactly, if you don’t mind me asking?’
‘By doing nothing and keeping quiet.’
‘That would be madness. You don’t seem to grasp what you’re up against. They’ll accuse you of subverting the Method.’
Shaking her head, Mia raises an index finger and points it at Rosentreter’s chin. ‘How old are you? Sixteen? We
are
the Method: you, me, everyone. The Method is reason; the Method is good sense. I told the judge, and I’ll say it again for your benefit: I’m not against the Method. And for the last time, I’d like be left alone. It’s all I’m asking. I’ll work things out on my own.’
‘Can you do it by tomorrow morning?’
‘Maybe not entirely.’
‘In that case, you’ll need my help.’
‘Are you short of clients?’
‘On the contrary.’
‘Why waste your time on me?’
‘I want to help. I take my job seriously. The particulars of your situation fall easily within the criteria for an exemption – a first-year law student could tell you that. Now let’s get one thing straight.’ He leans forward and pats the air above Mia’s shoulder. ‘You’re not in the least bit to blame. Not even for smoking the stupid cigarette. I’m not going to stand by while they take shots at you.’
Because Rosentreter is so damn right, or because Mia damn well hopes he’s right, she finds herself close to tears.
‘Thank you,’ she says, clearing her throat. ‘Taking shots is exactly how I’d describe it. It’s good to know we agree on something … But I don’t want any trouble; I need some time to