Rhodia River - In the stream of love

Chapter 13 First confrontation (1)

POLICE STATION - DAY

Wednesday, the routine begins. Casual amount of residents and policemen. Among them, Ricardo smiles silly, he seeks with his eyes until he finds Carlos's desk.

He goes to him and sits down, "Here I am. What do you want to know?"

Carlos doesn't like Ricardo's stance, "You know that our neighborhood is relatively new, Mr. Oliveira."

"I know. I came here in 1997. There was almost no one on my street. It looked like a ghost town. Now that it's getting fun."

"Yes, and unfortunately there is a resident who is not having any sense of fun. On Monday, I had to intervene in an armed robbery. You must have heard of it."

"No, our neighborhood still doesn't have a radio or a newspaper." Ricardo's tone is always jibing and mocking.

"Well, that's what happened. And yesterday, I receive an anonymous tip about clandestine electrical connections, what people call a ‘cat’."

"Okay, and what do I have to do with it?"

"They mentioned your address, Mr. Oliveira."

Ricardo looks thoughtful for some seconds, "'They mentioned', is it?"

"Verb in a third of the plural does not identify the subject."

Ricardo keeps with a silly smile, "I know, officer, I also studied. I just find it funny that you're in a hurry to complete it."

"If you swear you have nothing to do with it, we’ll leave it for the record and proceed with the investigation."

"So easy?"

Carlos is always tough, "Easy, as long as there is no new evidence. I hope not, right?"

Ricardo is already withering, "Certainly not."

Now it's Carlos's turn to smile silly.

MALTHUS SNACK BAR   

Rosa opens the door and gets in. There is still no soul. Aurélio is already ready, putting the food in order.

"Good morning, Miss Rosa!"

"How many times have I asked to cut the 'miss'."

"It’s to maintain respect."

"You won’t believe it, but I am twenty years old."

Aurélio stops and stares at her in amazement for a few seconds. Then, he back to service.

"No, I really don't believe it."

Rosa laughs.

Aurélio continues, "What is going to be?"

"This sausage roll has an appetizing look. It’ll be it today. And see me a can."

Aurélio serves Rosa's request.

While he is doing other things, like organizing the tables, she goes on, "Do you know who bought a ream of A4 yesterday and didn't pay me? The 'mayor' Tito Aguiar."

"Wow! Didn't he pay?"

"No... Who paid was a nice girl, with curly hair, even cute. She called him all the time by the title and he just missed going to the clouds. He told me that the residents' association was without funds and she was promptly paid for the sheets together with the inks."

"Paints? Do you sell paint?"

"Acrylic paint. It looks like she paints."

A puzzled Aurélio looks at the wall. In his view, an impressionist painting by Carina, signed by her.

"Wouldn't it be Carina Sousa? She is a friend of Monica, a neighbor."

"You know, I moved not even a year ago. I'm getting to know the interesting crowd."

Aurélio follows the arrangement in doubt. He goes to the back and then comes back with a broom. Those who read the previous chapter will understand.

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Célio enters. He hears the noisy printer working. Tito is on the other side, receiving the sheets with the announcement of the "meeting" of residents. Perceives the boy's entrance.

"Ah, young man! Today there will be one more job for you."

Célio notices the sheets, "Got it?"

"A very conscientious resident made this donation. Now you can continue to spread the announcement of our meeting where you failed. Especially the police station."

"Yes, we need to inform everyone. Especially after I had a chat with my friend Cássio."

"What did he say?"

"He wants to be a famous soccer player from Rhodia River. Can you imagine the fame that this will bring to our neighborhood? But, with the square and the whole field blown up, he can't train."

"Yes, let's help our young talents!"

Tito dumps the printed pile somewhat awkwardly in Célio's arms.

CARIJÓ STREET

Monica leaves her house and walks to the sidewalk, looking at the posts' wires.

"I'll find out where this interference is coming from. Some wire must have been cut, spliced."

Monica goes for a walk and looks up. When taking a few steps after Fábia Peres's house, in the background, she appears screaming at her.

"Little Monica!"

Monica makes another disgusted face, then turns. Fábia is already approaching.

A very ironic Monica replies, "Speak, Fábia, dear to my heart!"

"Gee, stop being silly. The conversation is straightforward! What's this about giving my boyfriend your phone?"

"How was it?"

"Yesterday, Fabinho decided to call you and he was already dialing! That is, he had his number engraved in his mind! When did you give it to him? Any hidden meeting that I am not aware of?"

Monica faces Fábia Peres, holding on to the urge to laugh.