Chapter 39 The Decisive Evidence Marcus and Cicero's Encounter with the Pirates Marcus traveled through Syracuse and Messana, recruiting all the people on Dion's list. The governor, Lucius, only learned of Cicero's evidence collection and departure after they had left Messana. He was preoccupied with the news that Hicetas, the client representative, had summoned the witnesses.
Upon hearing that Cicero was heading to Lilybaeum, Lucius felt a sense of suffocation. Unlike Quintus and Hortensius, who were in Rome, Lucius was fully aware of Verres' extensive embezzlement. Hortensius had assumed Verres only took bribes, preparing his defense accordingly. Had Hortensius known the full extent of Verres' corruption, he likely would have declined the case. Quintus was aware of the significant embezzlement but not the full details.
Lucius, on the other hand, was intimately familiar with Verres' illegal acts, as he had to cover them up. He questioned whether it was worth risking his own safety to protect such a person but felt he had no choice. Verres' embezzled money had also benefited the Metellus family, making them complicit. If Verres was convicted, Lucius could face charges for concealing evidence.
"Damn it… Do I really have to do this?" Lucius fretted, anxious about the extent of evidence Cicero had gathered.
"If he had gone straight to Lilybaeum as expected, I could have detained him on various pretexts… But he's too cunning."
Lucius nervously tapped his desk, muttering to himself. Cicero was en route to Lilybaeum, but he could change his route at any time. Lucius feared something was going wrong. He had ordered all evidence to be destroyed, but there were no guarantees it was done properly. If Cicero continued his search, he might discover something.
Lucius seriously considered the drastic measure suggested by Verres. It wasn't his fault if things went wrong; he could always claim ignorance. He resolved to secretly instruct a servant.
"Go and tell them to follow the former governor's instructions exactly. But don't kill them or hurt them badly. Remember, they are senators."
"Yes. I will convey your message respectfully."
The servant departed, and Lucius clicked his tongue. "He still has connections with pirates even after leaving his post… I should keep my distance from him after this."
Lucius shook his head in disgust.
Marcus and Cicero continued their journey in the carriage. Although they had achieved good results in the previous city, there was no guarantee that everything would proceed smoothly. They assumed their whereabouts might have been exposed and acted accordingly.
Cicero broke the silence. "When we return to Rome, I'm thinking of introducing a new trial method I devised."
"Do you think the current trial system is unfair?"
"In a way. The Roman court is too favorable to the defense. No matter how thoroughly we gather evidence, presenting it effectively is challenging."
"But even if we propose changes, they'll likely refuse."
"No. Hortensius will think my proposal doesn't disadvantage him. He's absolutely confident in his rhetorical skills."
The Roman court's trial procedure was complex and sophisticated. It was divided into two stages: the first and the second. The jurors made their verdict after the second stage, but the final speeches of the defense team occurred at the end of this stage. Jurors had to decide while the defense's eloquent speeches were still fresh in their minds, which many lawyers believed favored the defense over the prosecution.
Cicero intended to propose changes to the first stage, not the second, as the defense team would never accept alterations to the second stage.
"If you have a surefire strategy for this trial, I'll focus on the evidence and witnesses."
"You're doing well enough. I'm unsure what trouble Lucius might cause, but we should be able to handle it."
"We can't relax yet. Desperate people can act irrationally. He might resort to using force."
"Ha ha, I doubt he's that foolish."
As if on cue, their carriage slowed, and Spartacus' voice came from the driver's seat. "Sirs, there are people blocking the road ahead. They look suspicious, so be cautious."
Marcus and Cicero exchanged glances and sighed almost simultaneously. "He is an idiot after all."
"I can't believe he's so reckless."
Looking outside, they saw nearly twenty people blocking their path. They had horses ready to chase them if necessary.
"They brought more people than I expected."
The leader, a sinister man with an eyepatch, and his men were armed with sharp weapons, suggesting they had been waiting for them.
The road was deserted, but the sudden appearance of these armed individuals indicated their intentions.
Marcus stepped out of the carriage and addressed the leader calmly. "If you block the road like this, we can't pass. How about moving aside?"
"What? Don't you understand what's happening?"
The leader narrowed his eyes, unimpressed by Marcus's calm demeanor.
"Are you trying to kidnap us and demand a ransom? How much are you asking for?"
"Forget the ransom. Just come with us. We won't treat you badly, so don't resist too much. We'll keep you for a few months and then let you go."
"Given your attire, you're not bandits but pirates. Did someone instruct you to capture us?"
"That's none of your concern. Just follow us quietly."
Normal pirates would have demanded a ransom, not kept their captives for months. This confirmed their suspicion that someone more powerful was behind the pirates' actions—most likely Verres.
Marcus, scratching his head and sighing, said, "I don't think you realize what a bad choice you've made. I'll give you one chance. I'll increase your payment and ask you to join my side. It's better for you."
"…You'll pay us more?"
The pirates momentarily hesitated, but the leader did not waver.
"It's a tempting offer, but we can't accept it. This is more than just money."
"Really? Do you know this man is a senator and still refuse?"
"That's why we're talking now. But we don't have time for more discussion. Just come with us quietly, or we'll use force."
Their reactions revealed they were sent by someone powerful. Marcus knew this and used the opportunity to stall. The pirates, ordered not to harm their captives badly, hesitated.
"I gave you a chance, so don't blame me too much."
As he spoke, a pirate ran up hurriedly. "Boss, several carriages and wagons are approaching from behind."
"What? This area is usually quiet… Damn it, we have no choice. Capture any witnesses who are Roman citizens; otherwise, kill them. Grab the senator and the young man but don't kill the driver if he's a Roman citizen."
The leader's desperate orders led to two pirates drawing their weapons and advancing toward Cicero and Marcus.
Spartacus stood calmly in front of Marcus. "If you come any closer, I can't guarantee your lives."
The pirates, undeterred, moved forward. One pirate attempted a foolish attack but was swiftly defeated by Spartacus. The sight of the pirate's cleanly severed neck shocked the remaining pirates.
As the carriages and wagons arrived, the escorts, former soldiers in full armor, revealed themselves. Marcus had recruited skilled combatants from those he had suppressed after the slave rebellion.
"Spare those who surrender. Kill the rest," Marcus ordered.
His escorts charged, and the pirates, demoralized and outmatched, fell apart. Spartacus ensured the horses were secured to prevent escape.
Cicero watched with admiration. "Did you anticipate this?"
"Not exactly. I brought them just in case. I instructed them to stay hidden to avoid drawing attention."
"Honestly, I was concerned about the excessive weapons, but now I see it was a prudent measure."
The pirate leader, realizing his defeat, surrendered. With fewer than five pirates left alive, he knelt, begging for mercy.
"Please… have mercy…"
"You should have cooperated when I offered you money," Marcus replied coldly.
The leader trembled. "I'll do anything you want, just spare my life."
"First, tell me who sent you. Was it Verres? Do you have evidence?"
The leader eagerly agreed. "Yes, I have evidence."
"Good. And inform your employer that you succeeded in your mission. You'll keep the hostages and release them in a few months. Since I can't trust you, you'll remain here as a hostage until I confirm you followed the instructions. Send one of your men with the message."
"Yes, I'll do as you say, but…"
Cicero understood Marcus' strategy. "That's a clever idea. Verres and Lucius will think we're imprisoned and lower their guard. We can operate more freely now."
"Yes. Let's surprise them while they're celebrating their supposed victory."
Cicero laughed heartily, anticipating Verres' shock when he was caught off guard. The trial, expected to be a loss, now seemed promising. The evidence collection had gone smoothly, and his anxiety had dissipated.
He looked forward to the trial date like never before.
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