Silence dropped in the car, as the noise of the engine and the beeping of the radio filled the gap. Maurizio’s heart started to race, populating his mind with thousands of questions, which answers he knew would have created other questions, until there wouldn’t be any more of them. His head was about to explode without having reached any solution, besides the responsibility of Igor, for which the Interpol, the French, and Spanish Police had been alerted.
Despite this, the case couldn’t be closed until all the other players would have found their place in the crime scene, and they would be given to the judge to confirm their responsibility or to acquit them.
One thing for sure, he needed proof to arrest any of them, and suspicion alone wasn’t enough. I will have to ask for a request to interrogate Irina. She has too many things to explain and to prove. After the call with Ms. Fazekas’ sister, I will call Luciano one more time and according to their answers, I’ll decide how to act. I will make sure the press will be informed about the incoming closure of the case having Mr. Leonov accused of the murder acting alone. This is also something I can reveal today to Luciano.
A grin appeared on his face. “You know what? I’m going to release the funds from the insurance and keep a very close eye on what everybody is doing. I will also invite Irina here for a final statement, as the killer is her father, we need her to testify and to clarify her position. Once they have the assurance that the case is closed, they’ll loosen up and lower their guard.”
Stopping the car in one of the parking spaces around the dock of Civitavecchia, Maurizio drew a long exhale, and turned to Senior officer Milani. “So, first we’re going to see whether the ‘Sea Rider’ is in the dock. In that case I’m sure I’ll find the Captain there, if it’s true as he said and he never leaves it. Let’s hope something interesting comes out of it.”
With those words, he rushed out of the car and started to walk to the harbor.
***
Aldo and Mario were the only ones from the team who remained to clean up after the fishing. There was a lot to be done, and the only thing they were looking for, was to go to sleep after the long night spent on the sea. In silence, hardly exchanging a glance as if they were invisible to each other, they kept on with their duties, and didn’t notice the arrival of Maurizio and Senior officer Milani.
Observing the two men silently working, Maurizio hesitated to grab their attention taking a second to understand whether this was to be considered normal behavior. Other boats arrived in that same dock, and although the members of the crew were clearly tired and looking forward to rest, they still had the strength to exchange a chat with each other, and divide the tasks to be done for the day, before they all could go and rest for the night.
Different than the previous night, when silence seemed to be almost deafening, during the day, the noises of the boats, the lapping of the waves, and the voices of the fishermen filled the air. The breezes ushered in the smell of salt, fish, engine gasoline and oil that blended together into a pungent scent, one which allowed them at times to come to their senses.
Only the ‘Sea Rider’ created a gap of silence between one ship and the other.
Shaking his head, as if to return from his inner considerations, Maurizio walked a few steps toward the boat. “Good morning,” he greeted, making sure the badge he kept hanging from his neck was clearly visible, as Senior officer Milani kept herself at a certain distance to keep an eye on whatever was happening around.
Aldo turned his gaze in the direction of the owner of the voice and recognizing the same detective he saw the previous night, he froze in the same position, waiting for him to come and arrest him. He didn’t fear ending up in jail, nor the shame of being arrested for the murder, after all he knew he deserved to be punished for something he hadn’t pondered with the right clarity of mind. What he was afraid of was the future for the rest of his team. Those were the people that, although they agreed to the murder, had to lose the most from his imprisonment.
“Good morning, detective,” he replied, walking closer to him.
“Do you mind a couple of questions?” Maurizio asked.
A weak smirk, moved the features of Aldo’s face, “If I know the answers...” With a swift gesture he invited Maurizio to climb to the boat.
“Thank you, it won’t take long. I can see you’re busy here.” He commenced taking the pictures of Irina and Igor out from his pocket. “Have you seen any of these two people around here recently?”
The trembling hand of Aldo reached for the two pictures; he noticed and recognized them as Maurizio handed them to him. The torturing feeling of having no idea where to hide, and that Maurizio knew what happened to Igor, forced him to lower his gaze, focusing
