Jun, 11.

At the designated day, Jhonny arrives at the St. Louis Courthouse three hours prior the beginning, just so the final details could be sorted with Perminio Santo.

Given the fact that Jhonny, as a lawyer and under the BAR association code #12-A, subsection B, number 09, has the right to have plenty of time with the defendant prior the trial, crowned with the client-lawyer privacy, it was quite easy to actually sort things out, put certain tactics in motion and even fire orders to the outside world.

In this particular case, Don Perminio, a well stablished underground mob boss, as rumored, felt for a police ambush on the January, 25th, followed by the seize of narcotics, weapons and a suitcase full of what the society and the church deemed as unethical, dirty and sinful.

This fact actually caught Jhonny out of guard. It wasn’t the narcotics and weapons Don Perminio was worried about, not even the twenty years maximum sentence, it was his honor and his name at stake. A respected mob boss was never to fall out of favor under such a shameful circumstance, or better yet, twelve Darbies and forty feet of rope. Rumors ran fast, apparently Don Perminio was involved in erotic mischiefs, depravation and maybe, just maybe, something that was known as bondage in Europe and the old country.

Hence, the final details were still pending.

Jhonny approaches the judge’s office, armed with his best suit, loaded with his intellect.

“Your honor, I need to speak with my client prior the trial. It is not too much to remember you that I have this prerogative, so please, let’s cut right to it, shall we?” – Jhonny adjusts his tie.

“Yes Mr. Jhonny, do as you need. Another mobster in this court, and pretending to be a lawyer, what a joke. One day it will be you on that chair. Tell me, how many poor innocent men have you put down? Ah! You didn’t know? We already know about your rumored criminal activities, all fancy working for these greaseballs.” – The judge stands up. – “Get the fuck out of here. And Jhonny, you should know that all the jurors are family people. Your client will be locked for a long time.” – He walks toward the back door.

“You honor…” – Jhonny lights a cigarette. – “You should know that I’m, in fact, a lawyer. A good one to be completely honest. Now, if that is too much for you or the prosecution, that’s none of my business.” – A second puff is pulled. – “Now, if you are talking about me or my life, you better have proof capable of sustaining it. Don’t you ever direct me those words without any consistent evidence.” – Jhonny smiles just as the Judge turns back already red, clearly pissed.

“Are you threatening me?” – The Judge promptly asked.

“Threatening? Do you really think I would lower my level for you? I don’t need to threat a fat americano who enjoys going out with mistresses. Yes, take these photos and do whatever you want with it.” – Jhonny throws the photos at the Judge, all falling into the ground face up.

“Now, listen carefully. You better keep your mouth shut during the trial, do not interfere in my job, Figlio di Putana.” – Jhonny recomposes himself. – “So, where can I meet my client in privacy?”.

Jhonny enters the small cell where Perminio Santo were being kept.

“Those photos came to be very handy, he won’t interfere. Now, let’s finish the minor details.”

Two hours later.

“All raise! Your honor, Judge McClan is now on court.” – Shouted the court steward.

Jhonny remained seated, just as everyone stood up in respect.

“Please seat, court is now in session.” – Once again, the court steward did his job perfectly.

The Judge clears his throat and spits at the floor, accidently hitting his own leg.

“Fuc… Ahem! Mr. Perminio, you are hereby being prosecuted for the following crimes. Possession of narcotics, under the State of Minnesota criminal code, section ten, number nineteen, to a maximum of ten years based on the fact the police seized more that twenty pounds of heroin. Possession of unregistered firearms, under the State of Minnesota criminal code, section thirty, number twelve, to a maximum of ten years based on the fact the police sized ten semi-automatic Thompsons. Possession of sexual intercourse paraphernalia, this one under the society’s moral code, which won’t have a time penalty, but will forever doom your honor.” – Again, the Judge clears his throat. – “Before we begin, how do you declare yourself?”

“Not guilty of any of those accusations, your dishonor.” – Perminio smirks. Jhonny looks directly to the judge. – “Shall we begin?” – A few present people giggle.

Cleary pissed, the red head, foaming Judge directs his eye to the Prosecutor and nods.

“Your honor, jurors of the court, Mr. Jhonny, Perminio and everyone present. The defendant has been arrested on January twentieth five, possessing the following material. Please bring exhibit number one. – Two court stewards come in with two bags of heroin bricks. – “This is pure heroin, ladies and gentleman. This was found on the same house Perminio was arrested. Now bring exhibit number two!” – The same two stewards now present one big wooden crate with ten Thmpsons inside. – “This was also found on the same house and evidently under Perminio’s possession. It isn’t enough to remember everyone present that those two exhibits are concrete proof of involvement in crime and their possession are crimes of their own.” – The Prosecutor is interrupted.

“Objection your honor, the Prosecutor doesn’t know what he is talking about.” – Jhonny firmly shouts. ­– “My client is being prosecuted for their possession, not criminal involvement.”

“Sustained.” – The judge nods.

“Finally, bring exhibit number three.” – The two court stewards bring in a suitcase.

“This was found with Perminio at the exact time he was arrested.” ­– The Prosecutor proceeds to open the suit case. – “Inside we have twelve Darbies, or handcuffs if you will, and forty feet of rope, which clearly are used in what they are calling Bondage in Europe. It consists in the act of lock and tie themselves for sexual pleasure.” – Jhonny interrupts the Prosecutor. – “Hearsay your honor.”

“Sustained.”

“Now, on a previous hearing, the defendant was inquired about the circumstances, on which he stated as, quote… My car jammed outside the house i was arrested, so, seeing it was abandoned, I have decided to enter the house and search for possible materials and tools to repair my car. Little did I knew that the house was being used by criminals to stash their dirty stuff. I was caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time. There is nothing capable of trace the apprehended material back to me. I do recognize the suit found is mine, but the material found inside it wasn’t employed, by any means, in any sexual act or intended to. Quote.”

“The Prosecutor’s office then proceeded to ask the lawful five questions and to which he replied as following.”

The Prosecutor opens a piece of paper.

• Question number one: What were you doing at that time in that exactly moment, and what happened with your car?
• Answer to question number one: I was driving home, trying to avoid heavy traffic, when my car suddenly started to make strange noises and eventually stopped working. Worried about the criminality, i have decided to search inside this abandoned house for tools and materials to solve the problem as quick as possible. Just when I entered the house carrying my suit case the police arrived and pinched me.
• Question number two: The police officer described on his report you were found right next to the two bags of narcotics, staring at heir content. Why would you inspect said narcotics when you claim it wasn’t yours?
• Answer to question number two: Finding two closed and heavy bags inside an abandoned house is not something common, I simply decided to open it and, if I ever happen to have found illicit materials, I would call the police. It all happened too fast.
• Question number three: The police officer described that the crate full of Thompsons had the letters “P” and “S” stamped on one of the sides. That was not the first time a crate was found carrying those letters, let alone with actual firearms inside it. It is believed to sand for “Perminio Santo”. What are the odds of two letters in a box full of firearms to match your initials?
• Answer to question number three: Very unlikely, but not proven to be. Also, I’ve heard that one crate was stolen from “Permont Steel”, you know, the steel factory outside town some twenty days ago. You should check with them.
• Question number four: What is the purpose of the suitcase content?
• Answer to question number four: I have a ranch in Dakota, which has been declared to the IRS, and where I practice lacing. That’s what I use the rope for. About the Derbies, it’s no illegal to own handcuffs in Minnesota, or am I missing the point? Anyways, I have private detectives working for me as security guards, it’s all legal and they work their shift at my house.
• Question number five: Why were you carrying Derbies and ropes at the same time?
• Answer to question number five: After going home, I was going to pack and travel to my ranch, the rope is new and has a spectacular quality. The Derbies would stay at home and would be handed over to the private investigators, and should anyone try trespassing, then Derbies were to be used.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Perminio Santo obviously constructed a fantastic story. Nonetheless, I’m sure the witnesses are to convince you all. Let’s hear them.” – The prosecutor was confident.

“Your honor, I have no opposing about hearing the witnesses.” ­– Jhonny stated.

Witness number one, Rodriguez: “I saw a male person park his car outside an abandoned house down the street. He carried a suitcase and was alone. He acted confident, as if the house was known or of his own property. Few minutes later police arrived on the scene. That’s what I recall.”

Witness number two, Alphonse: “A man resembling the defendant suddenly drove into the layby and left his car shouting curses, he even shut the door so forcefully the window fell back into the door. Said man looked around and finally entered a abandoned house. He carried a suitcase with him and looked nervous.”

Witness number three, Curtis: “I was working on the roof of the building next to the abandoned house. I only saw the defendant when he was already inside the house. The roof was partially broken that’s why I saw him inside the house… Yes, I’m sure it was the defendant. Also, I remember seeing the defendant dragging two black bags out of the shadows and opening one. It all ended when the police arrived on scene.”

Witness number four, Monica: “I work the night, people often reach me when they desire company. Two days prior the arrest regarding the defendant, my manager called me and asked if I knew about Bondage, a form of sexual intercourse that required ropes and handcuffs. I have said no. He insisted and told me a prominent figure was interested and that said figure had a spot downtown and that he paid well. I ended up accepting the encounter, but never knew who the client was. I never received any confirmation.”

“Your honor, where’s the manager? Why is he not enrolled as a witness?” – Jhonny asked and promptly stood up.

“I’m afraid he was never found. He’s name appears to be fake and no valid addresses were found.” – Said the Judge.

“Miss. Monica already presented her detailed and satisfactory testimony.” – The prosecutor realized where Jhonny wanted to go with that question.

“So, we have three witnesses who can’t confirm Perminio’s allegedly possession of narcotics and firearms, just a bunch of assumptions. Even more so, witness number two have stated that the defendant abruptly stopped his car at the layby angrily. It’s evident his car broke mid route to his house as stated in the hearing. The way I see it, there’s no sufficient evidence for a conviction, the jurors have to be aware of that.” – Jhonny walks toward the Prosecutor. – “Do you want to hear the witness number five?”

The prosecutor was caught off guard. Nothing sufficient came from the witnesses, and Jhonny’s approach seemed like something was about to happen.

“Yes, absolutely.” – The prosecutor decided to gamble.

“Okay, let it continue then.” – Jhonny gets nearer. – “You are so fucked pal.” – Jhonny smirked.

Witness number five, Rogelio: “I was driving down the street when the car in front of me started to fail, apparently it wasn’t accelerating as supposed, it seemed stuck or losing power. It even died one time, took some time to turn back on. The driver seemed angry, always shouting curses at the wind. Anyways, I was worried that the car could get stuck further down the road because there are a lot of criminals there. They often use abandoned houses as a stashing place. The driver seemed as a respectable man. I tried contact, even honked to him, trying to catch his attention, but he didn’t hear a thing. I recall he suddenly stopped his car at the layby in front of an abandoned house but I couldn’t stop to help or to offer a ride since I’ve saw three individuals across the street walking toward the house as if they were actually protecting it. One of them even grabbed a gun from his back. Those thugs were up to something on that house, so, when I noticed the driver went inside the house, i honked again, but then two police cars suddenly stopped behind me and the agents entered the house. The three men fled the scene. I went on my way. For the record, I’m recognizing the man to be the defendant.”

The Prosecutor lost his words, so did the Judge.

“Your honor, I’d like the Prosecutor to start his final discourse. My client doesn’t have all the time in the world.” – Jhonny looked toward the Prosecutor.

“Yes, uh… Well… So, Mr. Perminio is being prosecuted for serious crimes. We… uh.. we are not talking about light stuff… It’s… it’s narcotics, firearms and depravation. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the eviden… evidence is clear…”

Third minutes of stutter and bullshit later...

“Your honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury.” – Jhonny started. – “Mr. Perminio was a victim of misfortune, caught in the wrong place and in the wrong time. There is no evidence of said possessions. The evidence and witnesses statements all converge to the fact that his car broke down, he tried to salvage materials to repair said car inside an abandoned house and ended up being ambushed by the police. Witness number two has confirmed Mr. Perminio was angry and stopped his car due it being broken. Witness number two has confirmed he was nervous. Witness number one was unclear and couldn’t confirm the identity or recognize the person he saw. Witness number two three was clear that Mr. Perminio opened one of the bags inside the house, but that only confirms his hearing statement. Witness number four can’t be taken in regard since the manager, who could confirm the client’s identity was never found, so does anyone could have contacted him with such proposals. Also, I will add that she declared to be a worker of the night, that means she, if she is even saying the truth, must have had countless clients. It is, thereby impossible to connect my client to her narrative.”

Jhonny approaches the jurors.

“Finally, we land on the witness number five. His testimony is clear, full of details and clearly attests the fact that my client, as said before, was, in fact, a victim of the circumstances. What must be insisted is that the witness recognized the defendant and the perils of the region it all happened. That said, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you all know what is to be done. My client is innocent. An advocate to the poor, benefactor of hospitals and shelters. This man’s future is on your hands. Thank you very much.”

At this moment the local press started to get agitated, around twenty journalists were scattered across the courtroom and more were trying to enter it.

The Prosecutor kept sat and silent, he knew what happened, he just couldn’t prove it.

The judge, clearly lost to what happened, stood up and ordered the jurors to reunite on the secret chamber. They stayed there for one hour.

Uppon arriving with the verdict, the court steward ordered everyone to stand up.

“Your honor, we have come to a conclusion. On the count of narcotics possession, the defendant was found not guilty. On the count of firearms possession, the defendant was found not guilty. On the count of possession of sexual paraphernalia and depravation, the defendant was found not guilty.”

Jhonny jumped from his chair.

“Justice was served!”

The press went all out, taking pictures and trying to reach for Jhonny. Perminio Santo was clearly happy. The Prosecutor was ashamed. The judge didn’t even bother to argue and ordered his release. The case was won.

All formalities finished, Jhonny and Perminio walked outside the courthouse three hours later. Both answered the press and left to street toward a small Italian restaurant one block away. There Jhonny reached for the telephone.

“All solved. Yes. Yes, you can pay Rogelio now. He was brilliant. Alright. One more thing, take care of the rest, Don Perminio gave his greenlight.”

------

In two weeks from now:

Monica’s body was to be found on the outskirts of Sr. Louis, almost unrecognizable.

The manager will still be missing.

Jhonny would be richer.