"Stephen Goldin - The Sword Unswayed" - читать интересную книгу автора (Goldin Stephen)

targets. He has lectured many times against us, and mentioned P'tar'houn-Hoc often by name."

"Sounds like an evangelist," Rabinowitz said. "You consider this K'anal'orb a suspect, then?"

"He has called for P'tar'houn-Hoc's destruction many times."

"Which is why I have doubts about him as a suspect. Moralists love having a bad example around to
point to. P'tar'houn-Hoc was too valuable to him alive. His death can only be milked for one or two
sermons on the wages of sin before it becomes stale and K'anal'orb has to look for a new target."

"Perhaps one of his followers became too enthusiastic."

"`Who will free me from this turbulent priest?' Deja vu all over again," Rabinowitz muttered, too quietly
for the computer to pick up. "Can you think of anyone else with a motive?"

"No one to my knowledge."

"Well, keep working on it. Meanwhile we've got a trial to worry about. How does Bian get herself a
lawyer?"

F'tim stared silently for a few seconds. "I'm afraid there is yet another translation problem. What should
Bian try to get?"

"Someone who is an expert on your legal system, who will represent her interests and defend her at the
trial."

"There are scholars who analyze important cases throughout history. We've even published some of their
books. I suppose they are experts. But they don't defend anyone."

Rabinowitz started to get a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "How do your trials operate?" she
asked very slowly.

"The accused person is brought to an assembly hall. People who have complaints state them and the
accused person tries to explain. When everyone who wants to has spoken, a vote is taken and the
decision is rendered."

"Who gets to vote?"

"Anyone who's there."

"Good Lord," Rabinowitz muttered quietly, closing her eyes. "They may look like crabs, but it's going to
be a kangaroo court!"

***

"So you won't believe I was just in the neighborhood and decided to drop in?" Detective Hoy asked.

"The Bay is a couple of blocks that way," Rabinowitz said. "Drop in there."

"How inhospitable. And just when I came all this way to help you."