25.5.2009


ACT 16






ACT 16

    John and Violet sat in Rev. Pauline's living room. Speedy Simon's case was not well known about town, but was much discussed among the friends in the family's confidence. After they had rid themselves of contempt and contumely, they started to look coolly and deliberately at facts. Everyone agreed that something had to be done. The question was simply what to do, how and when.

    John had quickly declared that something had to be done before the man was charged formally: "Since it isn't possible to knock off the damned beast, I'd most like to pound him to a pulp."

    Director Stein, John's father, forcibly argued that the man be formally charged. Kalli Sandfeldt and Bertha agreed. Didi Stina and Solla friend, on the other hand, backed John and believed that the man should be punished first on his home ground and, then, be charged formally.

    In Violet's mind, this was swathed in mist. She followed the discussions, but found it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. Rev. Pauline had called up John and Violet earlier in the day and asked them over. She had some ideas.

    Now they were there, and Rev. Pauline spoke: "I want us to set up an inquisition."

    She was not as well dressed as usual. Her face seemed whiter and the freckles more pronounced. Her face was clammy, but it was clear she had given herself sufficient time to think the matter through. She was not smoking and was not wearing bracelets or jewelry.

    "If we want justice done, we have to do it ourselves. It's meaningless to depend on the police and courts. That's all empty crap. It can work in some cases, but not in this kind of case. I'm not talking about torture or execution. I'm talking about getting justice insofar as is possible."

    A little past midnight, the discussions had reached the point that John had begun jotting notes on paper. He immediately liked Rev. Pauline's idea of an inquisition where the defendant would be brought for an interrogation. But he wanted to carry it a step farther. After the interrogation was finished, he wanted the inquisition?which he called the family court?to declare a judgment of guilt or innocence. If the judgment was that the defendant was guilty, the family court would decide upon a punishment and carry it out.

    When the discussion had reached this point, Rev. Pauline finally saw a reason to light a cigarette and offer people some refreshments. It was as if Rev. Pauline were experiencing a gripping tragedy in the theater. She smiled without saying a word. Finally she looked at John: "Yes, you said a mouthful." She went out to the kitchen and got some Pilsner, bread and sandwich makings.

    "One just forgets himself in discussions, "she said and filled the glasses: "Yes, John, you said a mouthful; but where can we do this?"

    "That's not the problem; we don't have to worry about that; I can take care of it."

    Rev. Pauline smiled and blew out smoke: "If we establish a family court, we've got a big problem."

    "There's no question about it. We are dealing with a serious case." He seemed a bit gruff when he spoke.

    "And there's the matter of the judges," said Rev. Pauline.

    John had considered this aspect. "If we call this a family court, I suggest that, besides us three and my father, we speak to the family's closest friends who know about this and whom we trust."

    Then he named those he had in mind: Kalli Sandfeldt, Didi Stina and Bertha.

    "We can trust these people."

    Here Violet spoke up for the first time: "I want us to speak also to Solla."

    John had something to say about this proposal: "I know Solla is your best friend," he said looking at Violet, "but I don't know if she's a good choice for such a group."

    "What do you mean?"

    "This revolves around morals. Although Solla is a dear person, I don't know that she is the right person."

    It was as if Violet had wakened from hibernation. Her eyes sparked, and she said firmly: "What about Kalli Sandfeldt and his relations with Pia Leifs? What about Didi Stina and Cod-biter? Are they somehow holier than Solla? What about father-in-law's relationship with Bertha?"

    Rev. Pauline had started to smile; she glanced at John who had not expected these comments: "I think Violet is right."

    "There is no evidence that Didi Stina and Kalli Sandfeldt are having affairs. I can't see that their marriage is anything but exemplary. This talk of my father and Bertha is ridiculous. Solla's behavior, on the other hand, is clear. She hides nothing. This woman is very lovable, but whether we like it or not, she is, what in proper language is called, amoral."

    A moment passed before Violet spoke; she was deeply concerned: "What do you call it when a man sneaks at night to have sex with his acquaintance's wife while the acquaintance is away? Isn't that some kind of amorality? Or, are you perhaps telling me that you have some exemption that gives you alone a right to trample on a family's sanctity wearing dirty shoes?"

    It was clear that Violet had adapted some of the Brandur Brandsson's ideology and vocabulary.

    John looked at Violet, and Rev. Pauline looked at John. Violet had stood up: "Don't you have some more cold Pilsner?" she said, walking out to the kitchen.

    After this speech, it was decided that Solla friend would be offered a seat on the family court.