“What about the topic?” he wondered.
“The tones remained a bit colder than you can expect between a couple who hasn’t murdered a couple of people...” her voice hesitated, and she didn’t have any intention to give personal impressions about the situation.
“But you think he’s also involved and the reason why she didn’t call her mother was to avoid the only person who could recognize her state of mind by simply the tone of her voice...” Maurizio concluded. “That’s an interesting point and deserves to be analyzed in more detail. You should never be afraid to make your own conclusion; this is how we solve the cases, by placing our suspects at the crime scene and see if they fit,” he added, acknowledging the hesitating tone in her voice as she suggested the involvement of Luciano.
“However,” he continued leaning on the chair, “we don’t have any leads against Mr. Calvani. Having arguments with a father is something that rarely leads to murder. I would like, first of all, to understand what Ms. Leonova will say to justify her actions or whether she’ll admit having done any of the crimes she’s accused of.”
“When can we expect to have her here?” Senior officer Milani was intrigued by Irina’s personality; she had to admit that before having met her, her charisma and ability to get whatever she had in mind was an admirable capability.
“By the end of the week,” Maurizio said, turning his head to focus on the computer screen. “This is at least what they promised. Would you like to assist with the interrogation? As you and Officer Silvani are the youngest recruits, this can be a great chance to learn what isn’t taught at the Police Academy nor at the University. Recently we had other interrogations, but this is by far a bigger case, from which you might profit.”
Her eyes opened up wide, and sparkled with excitement, as a jolt shook her, she stood from her chair. “I would love to, and I’m sure Carlo will be excited as I am to know we might be allowed to assist. I’m going to tell him the news.”
Leaving the dossier on Maurizio’s desk, she left the office, hurrying off in the direction of the room she shared with Officer Silvani.
***
The following week, on Monday, everything was ready for the interrogation, and Irina was escorted to the Police Department. After having been explained her rights, including the one of not answering any questions, Maurizio nodded at both the attorney and the officer who would have verbalized the whole interrogation.
“Ms. Leonova, I believe you have been informed about the reason why you are here today.” Maurizio commenced.
With a hermetic expression from which no sort of emotion could have transpired, she replied. “Yes, you think I am the person who has murdered Mr. Calvani, my mother’s boyfriend and Igor Leonov, my father.” Her eyes steady on Maurizio.
“You’re not?” Maurizio challenged, knowing this would have become another long session.
“I’m not.”
“Would you then explain why you entered the Italian territory eluding the border control? We could count at least a few occasions when you have used the service of human traffickers to cross the border between France and Italy.” Maurizio took a short pause of silence to let the information sink in. “You are an Italian citizen, and there aren’t any legal charges against you. Yet, you chose an illegal way to enter the country.”
“I didn’t want anyone to know that I came here. I knew my father had intended to kill Mr. Calvani, and I stayed at his place, hoping I could make him reason... Obviously, I wasn’t able, and he killed him anyway.” Her voice was steady, emotionless, and cold, likewise her expression as she glanced at Maurizio.
“What happened the night of the murder?”
“I have no idea. What I do know is that we spent the evening together and then I went to sleep. When I saw the news about the murder of Mr. Calvani, I understood it was too late, and I failed in my intent.” she replied, averting her eyes from him.
“Why didn’t you talk to the police about it?” Maurizio knew he could have smashed her immediately, but he wanted to play a bit before bringing in his secret weapon. He still wished she would have told the truth about her father and the final resting place he was destined to have.
“He was still my father, and I was afraid of him too. I decided to leave the country and stay away from him for the rest of my life,” she replied.
“Did you plan to kill your father to revenge for what he did to your mother’s boyfriend?” Maurizio pursued, ready to call Aldo and the crew to up in the room. With the help of the captain, they could retrieve Igor’s body, which had been brought to the forensic laboratory and examined, before being stored in one of the morgue’s freezers.
“I haven’t killed anyone,” she simply said.
“What is the relationship with Luciano Calvani?” Maurizio wanted to take all the time and gather all the information about the circumstances in the verbal.
“Luciano is my boyfriend,” she replied curtly, clearly aware that the least she would have said the better would have been for everyone.
“In what circumstances did you meet each other?”
At his question she knew a simple answer yes or no, wouldn’t have been enough. I need to find a way out, she thought.
She remained silent for a moment to think about what she could answer, then, when her eyes met Maurizio’s, she grinned. “I prefer not to answer this question.”
“Why?” Maurizio wondered, almost amused. It doesn’t make any sense; why not? I know the answer, and unless it
