Chapter 28 Chapter Twenty Eight

As Tyler Polian left, a murmur rose in the courtroom, and Judge Iverson tapped his pen on the edge of the table to silence the crowd.He seemed unsure how to proceed.Finally he turned to Prosecutor Extron. "Do you have any comments to add to what you've seen and heard in the past hour?" Extron stood up and looked at Judge Iverson, then at Akellint, and finally turned just in time to meet Salander's unwavering gaze.He knew the battle was lost.He glanced over at Blomkvist and was filled with horror at the discovery that he, too, might be under investigation by Millennium...and that could ruin his future.

He really didn't understand how this could happen.Before the trial, he was full of confidence and thought he knew the case well. After many conversations with Superintendent Newstrom, he could understand the delicate balance that the defense unit was looking for.They had explained to him that the Salander report in 1991 was a forgery and that he had the inside information he needed.He asked questions—hundreds of them—and got them all answered.Deception in the national interest.Now, according to Akellint, Newstrom is under arrest.He had trusted Tyler Pollyan, after all he seemed so... so capable.So convincing.

God, what kind of muddy water have I been in? Next, how should I get out? He stroked his goatee, cleared his throat, and slowly took off his glasses. "I regret to have to say that some of the highlights I received during this investigation were wrong." He wondered if he could blame the investigating policeman, while thinking about Inspector Boblanski.Boblanski would never stand by him.If Extron made one wrong move, Boblanski would call a press conference to destroy him. Extron and Salander's eyes met.She sat there patiently, and he saw curiosity and revenge in her eyes. Never compromise.

He could still have her sentenced for Staller Hermann's aggravated assault, and he could probably have her sentenced for the attempted murder of her father in Gothberga, which means he'd have to change strategy immediately; about everything.There can never be any more mention of her being mentally ill, but it also means her narrative going all the way back to 1991 becomes stronger.The incapacity declaration was all false, and other than that... She still has that damn film... Then he suddenly thought. God, she's a total victim. "Judge Iverson . . . I don't think I can rely on these documents in my hands any longer."

"I think so," Judge Iverson said. "I had to request an adjournment or adjournment until I could make certain adjustments to the prosecution." "Where's Ms. Annika?" asked the judge. "I demand the immediate release of my client. I also ask the District Court to express a clear position on the issue of Salander being declared incapacitated. In addition, her rights have been deprived, and I think appropriate compensation should also be given." Salander turned to Judge Iverson. Never compromise. Judge Iverson looked at Salander's autobiography, then looked up at Prosecutor Extron.

"I also think it would be best to investigate exactly what happened to lead to this regrettable situation, but I am afraid you are not the right person to lead the investigation. I have been a judge and adjudicator for so many years, and I have never faced Such a legal dilemma. Frankly, I don't know what to say. I've never even heard of the prosecution's lead witness being arrested during a trial, or a very convincing claim that turned out to be a fabrication .I really don't see any other reason for the prosecutor to prosecute." Panglan coughed lightly. "What's the matter?" Iverson asked.

"As an attorney for the defense, I can only share your feeling. Sometimes we have to step back and let common sense guide the formal process. I want to emphasize that there is a scandal that is about to shake the system, and that as a judge You’ve only seen the first phase. Ten NSA officers were arrested today and will be prosecuted for homicide and other crimes, and because there are so many charges, it will take a while just to write the indictment.” "I think I will have to adjourn this hearing." "Forgive me for saying this, I don't think it's a good decision."

"Please say." "Salander is innocent. Her autobiography, dismissed as 'fantastic' by Mr. Exstrong, is in fact true, and all can be proved. Her rights have been ruthlessly denied. Now that she has The court is open, and we can stick to the normal process and continue the hearing until we get an acquittal, but there is an obvious alternative, which is to start a new investigation into everything related to Salander. There is already an investigation is going on to resolve this whole messy dispute." "I understand what you mean." "As the presiding judge in this case, you have a choice. It would be wise to dismiss the prosecutor's entire preliminary findings and ask him to do his homework."

Judge Iverson stared closely at Extron for a long time. "The proper course of action would be to release my client immediately. She also deserves an apology, but that will take time and depend on the rest of the investigation." "I know your point, Attorney Panglan. But I must get to the bottom of the matter before your client can be acquitted. I'm afraid it will take a while..." He paused, looking at Annika. "If I adjourn the trial until Monday and grant your request because I see no reason to keep your client in custody, which also means she should not be sentenced no matter what happens, then you can guarantee In the next procedure, will she be available at any time?"

"Of course." Panglan said immediately. "No." Salander said sharply. All eyes turned to the core character of this whole tragedy. "What do you mean?" Judge Iverson asked. "I am leaving the country as soon as I am released. I don't want to waste another minute in this hearing." "You refused to appear in court?" "That's right, if you're going to ask me questions, lock me up. Once you release me, that's the end of my part. Then I don't need you, Extron, or any of the other cops You can always find someone."

Judge Iverson sighed.Panglan also seemed confused. "I agree with my client." Annika said, "It was the government and officials who committed a crime against Salander, not the other way around. At least she should be able to walk out of this door without guilt and give her a chance Put the whole thing behind you." Never compromise. Judge Iverson glanced at his watch. "It's three o'clock. That means I have to order your client to be detained." "If this is your decision, I will accept it. As Miss Salander's attorney, I ask the court to acquit all charges against Prosecutor Extron. I ask the court to release me unconditionally and immediately. The client. I also request the court to revoke her previous disability declaration and immediately restore her citizenship." "The process of the disability declaration is obviously much longer. I have to read the statement made by a psychiatrist after examining her, and I can't make a sudden decision." "No," Annika said. "We can't accept that." "why?" "Salander must have the same rights as other Swedish citizens. She was the victim of a crime, she was falsely declared incapacitated, and we all heard the testimony of that forgery. Hence the sentence of guardianship Lacks legal basis and must be rescinded unconditionally. There is no reason for my client to undergo a mental state test. No one needs to prove their sanity after being victimized." Judge Iverson considered for a moment. "Ms. Annika, I understand that this is an extraordinary situation. I will call a fifteen-minute recess so that everyone can stretch their legs and gather their thoughts. If your client is innocent, I don't want her in custody tonight, but It also means that today this court must continue to the end." "I have no problem," Annika said. Blomkvist hugged his sister. "How are things going?" "Michael, I was amazing against Tyler Pollyan. He was completely crushed by me." "I'll just say you're invincible. At the end of the day, this case isn't primarily about spies and secret government agencies, it's about violence against women and men who do it. I haven't heard much about it, But you're amazing. She'll be acquitted." "You're right. There's no doubt about it." Judge Iverson struck the gavel. "Can you please briefly describe the facts from beginning to end, so that I can clearly understand what happened?" "Okay," said Annika, "then I'll start with the horrific story. In the mid-seventies there was a group called 'The Cell' within the Secret Police who took control of a traitor to the Soviet Union. The story has already been published. In today's Millennium magazine. I think that's going to be the headline of all the news stories tonight..." At six o'clock in the evening, Judge Iverson decided to release Salander and declared her incapacity invalid. But there is one condition.Judge Iverson ordered Salander to be questioned and to testify about the Zarachenko affair to the best of her knowledge.At first she refused to agree.Her refusal sparked an argument until Judge Iverson leaned forward, looked directly at Salander, and raised his voice: "Miss Salander, my revocation of your disability declaration means that you have the same rights as other citizens and that you have the same obligations. Therefore, you are responsible for managing your own finances, paying taxes, obeying the law, and assisting the police in their investigations. A serious criminal case. So I'm referring you now, as any citizen who has important information that might help the case should do so." The logic of the theory seems to work.She pouted as if unhappy, but stopped arguing. “After the police have interviewed you, the person in charge of the preliminary investigation – in this case the Attorney General – will decide whether you should be called to testify in future proceedings. Like any other Swedish citizen, you can refuse to appear. What you do is none of my business, but it is not entirely up to you. If you refuse to appear in court, you may be prosecuted for obstruction of justice or perjury just like any other adult. There will be no exceptions." Salander's face became even more gloomy. "So what did you decide to do?" Judge Iverson asked. After thinking for a while, Salander nodded slightly. Well, compromise a little bit. During a brief account of the Zarachenko incident that night, Annika attacked prosecutor Extron mercilessly, and finally Extron admitted that what happened was almost as Annika described.He was assisted by Superintendent Newstrom during the initial investigation and obtained information from Dr. Tyler Polian.Extron himself was not involved in the conspiracy, and he cooperated with the "team" purely out of good faith as the head of the initial investigation.When he finally understood the scope of the conspiracy, he decided to drop all charges against Salander. This decision also meant that many administrative procedures could be omitted.Judge Iverson seemed relieved. Paglan spent a full day at the courthouse, the first in years, and was exhausted.He had to go back to the Ursta rehabilitation home and go to bed.A Milton Security guard escorted him back.Before leaving, he held Salander's shoulder with one hand, and the two looked at each other silently.After a moment she nodded. Annika called Blomkvist at seven o'clock to tell her that Salander had been found not guilty but would probably have to spend a few more hours at police headquarters for interrogation. The entire Millennium crew was in the office when the news broke.Since the first batch of magazines were sent to newsrooms across the city at noon that day, the phone has been ringing non-stop.In the evening, TV4 also broadcast the first special program about Zarachenko and the "group".Today's media really shines. Blomkvist walked into the big office, put his fingers in his mouth and blew a loud whistle. "Good news. Salander was acquitted." There was immediate applause at the scene.But then everyone continued talking on the phone as if nothing had happened. Blomkvist looked up at the switched-on TV in the newsroom. The TV4 news had just begun, and the preview was a short clip showing Jonas secretly stashing cocaine in his Bellman Road apartment. "We could clearly see an NSA officer stashing an item at the residence of Millennium reporter Michael Blomkvist, which was later learned to be cocaine." Then the anchor appeared on the screen. "Twelve NSA officers were arrested today on multiple charges, including homicide. Welcome to today's extended news report." After "She" started, Blomkvist turned off the sound of the TV, and then saw himself sitting in an armchair in the studio.He already knew what he said.He looked at the seat where Dag had been sitting. His survey data on sex trafficking activities were gone, and the desk was once again covered with piles of newspapers and messy papers that no one had time to sort out. For Blomkvist, the Zarachenko incident started at that table, and I wish Dag could see how it ended.His new book, just published, was stacked on the table next to Blomkvist's own book on The Group. You're going to love this moment, Dag. At this time, he heard the phone in his office ring, but he didn't have the strength to answer it, so he closed the door, walked into Erica's office instead, and sat down on the comfortable chair by the window.Erica is on the phone.He looked around.She has been back for a month, but she hasn't hung up the paintings and photos she took with her when she left the office in April, and the bookshelves are still empty. "How does it feel?" she asked after hanging up the phone. "I guess I'm happy," he said. she laughed. "The Panel is going to be a hit. Every newsroom is crazy about it. Do you want to be on 'Current Affairs' at nine and do an interview?" "Not really." "I guess so." "This topic will continue for several months, so there is no need to rush it." She nodded. "What are you doing tonight?" Erica asked. "I don't know." He bit his lip. "Erica...I..." "Figolaura," Erica said with a smile. He nodded. "So you're serious?" "I have no idea." "She loves you very much." "I think I'm in love with her too," he said. "I promised to keep my distance until... you know, maybe, one day," she said. At eight, Armansky and Susan showed up at the Millennium office.They decided it was time to celebrate, so they brought in a case of champagne from the liquor store.Erica hugged Susan and introduced her to each of her colleagues.Armanski sat down in Blomkvist's office. They drank champagne, and for a while neither of them spoke, until it was Armansky who broke the silence. "You know what, Blomkvist? I didn't like you very much when we first met, about that job at Hedstadt." "Really?" "You sign up to hire Liz as an investigator." "I remember." "I guess I'm jealous of you. You've only known her for a few hours and she's talking and laughing with you. And I've been trying to be her friend for years and I haven't made her smile once." "Well... Actually, I'm not that successful." They fell silent again. "It's good that it's over," Armansky said. "Thank goodness," finished Blomkvist, and they toasted together. Boblanski and Moody are in charge of the formal interrogation of Salander.The pair were sent back home to their families after a particularly hectic day when they were immediately ordered back to Police Headquarters. Salander was accompanied by Annika.She answered every question Boblanski and Maud asked at length, and Annika hardly commented or interrupted. Salander never told the truth on two points.In her account of what happened to Stahlerherman, she insisted that when she attacked Niminan with a taser, Niminan shot Landing by mistake in the foot.Where did she get the electric shock rod?Got it from Landing, she said. Both Boblanski and Maud were skeptical, but there was no evidence or witnesses to refute her claims.Of course Niminan refuted, but he refused to talk about the accident. In fact, in the few seconds after being stunned by the electric shock rod, he had no idea what happened. As for the trip to Gosseberga, Salander claimed that her sole purpose was to persuade her father to surrender to the police. Salander looked honest and honest, but it was really impossible to tell if she was lying or not.Annika knew nothing about it. There was only one person who knew for sure that Salander had gone to Gothberga to end her relationship with her father once and for all, and that was Blomkvist.But shortly after the reopening, he was called out of court.No one knew that Salander was imprisoned in Sogernska during the night, and had a long online conversation with Blomkvist. News of her release was completely missed by the media.If the time of release is known, the gates of the police headquarters will be crowded.However, the confusion and excitement caused by the release of "Millennium" and the news of the arrest of the secret police by other secret police have already made many journalists feel overwhelmed. The host of TV4 "She" is the only reporter who knows the ins and outs.Her one-hour report became a classic, winning TV News Report of the Year a few months later. Modi's method of sending Salander out of the police station was very simple. He took her and Annika directly to the garage downstairs, drove them to Annika's office in Church Square on Kings Island, and then switched to Annika's car.After Maud left, Annika drove to Sodermalm, breaking the silence as she passed the Houses of Parliament, "Where are you going?" Salander thought for a few seconds. "You can drop me off at Renda Road." "Miriam isn't here." Salander looked at her. "She went to France shortly after she got out of the hospital. If you want to contact her, she lives with her parents." "Why didn't you tell me?" "You never asked. She said she needed a little space. Michel gave me this this morning and said you'd probably want to take it back." She handed out a bunch of keys.After accepting it, Salander said, "Thank you. Then can you let me get off at Rue Falcon?" "You don't even want to tell me where you live?" "Later. Now I want to be alone." "Ok." After leaving the police station, Annika turned on her phone.When passing by Slusen, the phone rang.She looked at the caller ID. "It's Michael, he's been calling every ten minutes for the past few hours." "I don't want to talk to him." "Tell me...can I ask a personal question?" "Can." "What did Michel do to you to make you hate him so much? I mean, if it wasn't for him, you'd probably have to go back to the asylum again tonight." "I don't hate Michael, and he didn't do anything to me. I just don't want to see him right now." Annika looked sideways at her client. "I don't want to pry into someone's privacy, but you're in love with him, aren't you?" Salander looked out the window without answering. "My brother is very irresponsible when it comes to relationships. He has been messing around all his life, and some women have developed special feelings for him, and he doesn't seem to know how much pain they will suffer." Salander looked back at her and said, "I don't want to discuss Michael with you." "Okay," said Annika.She came to the intersection of Ersta Street, parked the car aside before crossing the street, and asked, "Is this okay?" "Can." They sat in silence for a while.Salander didn't turn to open the door, so Annika turned off the engine. "What's going to happen next?" Salander finally asked. "From today onwards, you will no longer be under guardianship, and you can live your life however you want. Although you won the case in the district court, there are still a lot of red tape to deal with, such as the liability investigation report and compensation issues in the Guardianship Bureau, etc. A criminal investigation will continue." "I don't want any compensation. I just hope that no one will bother me again." "I understand. But your hopes won't do much, the process is out of your control. I suggest you get yourself a lawyer." "You don't want to be my lawyer anymore?" Annika rubbed her eyes.After all the stress of the day, she felt exhausted and all she wanted to do now was to go home, take a shower and let her husband rub her back. "I don't know. You don't trust me, and I don't trust you. I don't want to roll when I think about the frustrating silence every time I make a suggestion or try to discuss something during this long process." enter." Salander was silent for a while. "I... I'm not good at managing relationships. But I do trust you." It almost sounded like an apology. "Perhaps. It's not my problem that you're bad at relationships, but if I were your lawyer, it would be my problem." silence. "Do you wish me to remain your lawyer?" Salander nodded.Annika sighed. "I live at 9 Fiskar Street, above Moselback Square. Can you drive me there?" Annika looked at her client, then started the engine.She asked Salander to report along the way and stopped not far from the building. "Okay." Annika said: "Let's try it out. I can be appointed by you, but there are a few conditions. When I need to contact you, you must respond. When I need to know what you want me to do You have to give me a clear answer. If I call and say you have to speak to the police or prosecutors or anyone involved in a criminal investigation, it means that I have determined that it is necessary and you have to show up at the appointed time. place, no temper tantrums. Can you do it?" "Can." "As soon as you start getting in trouble, I'm not going to be your lawyer. Understand?" Salander nodded. "One more thing. I don't want to get involved in the unhappiness between you and my brother. If you have a problem with him, you have to solve it. But I hope you remember that he is not your enemy." "I know. I'll take care of it, it just takes a while." "What are you going to do now?" "I don't know. You can contact me by e-mail and I promise to reply as soon as possible, but I may not receive letters every day..." "You're not going to be a slave just because you have a lawyer. Well, that's it for now. Get out of the car, I'm exhausted and want to go home and sleep." Salander opened the door and got out of the car, but stopped suddenly when she was about to close the door, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words.At this moment, she was almost vulnerable in Annika's eyes. "It's okay, Liz." Annika said, "Go back and sleep well, and don't cause trouble for now." Salander stood on the side of the road and watched Annika's car recede until the taillights disappeared around the corner. "Thank you." She just said it.