CHAPTER 13

DELEGADO SALDANHA gave a press conference:

–– I will personally take care of the "Cardeñas Case" together with the best detective in the São Paulo State Police Department, Sandro Palmeira, a specialist in complicated cases like this, I dare say that he is the best in the world, and I guarantee that resolving this case, we will automatically resolve the other four cases spread throughout Brazil, since, of course, they are closely linked.

"Does anyone have a question?"

Countless people raised their hands at the same time.

–– You... – he pointed at the blonde with a microphone in his hand, the logo was from the same newspaper that Bernardo worked on – you can ask, but please ask questions that I can answer.

–– Do you believe that these five murders are linked to rituals, say, satanic, since all of them had clear signs of mysticism and the like?

–– At the moment I wouldn't know how to say anything about it, it could be, who knows what is going on inside these crazy sects? I prefer not to express myself in relation to the connection of these people to mysticism, if it is the case, I am sure that we will look for a teacher specialized in these things, I am a Catholic since I was born, I believe in my faith, everyone believes in what they want, I believe that it has a stamp religious yes, after all, they happened inside cathedrals, but we will only know the real reasons when we finish the investigations... anyone else?

–– Delegate, do you already have a suspect?

–– Not yet, apparently, they all hid some kind of "secret", died trying to hide something, nobody knows what it is specifically, I'm sure that if we find out what they were hiding, we will be able to find the killer, or "the " Murderers.

"Without further ado, I'll talk about it later."

As Deputy Saldanha left, the reporters tried unsuccessfully to ask questions, but he had already retired to his office.

WHEN HE SAT in his chair, it looked like he had the world on his back. Saldanha felt like Atlas himself.

Chief Saldanha spoke with policeman Fontes – the big man who had approached Henrique on the university campus hours earlier.

–– Do you know what's worse about all this? – the deputy didn't wait for the policeman to answer – it's just that this case is just beginning – he huffed with rage – as I hate this thing of secrets, mysteries, I should have read much more about it at school, if regret would kill – he sighed heavily trying take the world off my back – I had to lie to that lawyer in a big fight about who Jacques was About something, I made a fool of myself, but I'm going to portray myself, I'll find out who the killer is, even without knowing anything about this damn thing. Freemasonry and its mysteries, they may be more intelligent, but they are still far from perfect.

Chief Saldanha took the pack of cigarettes out of his shirt pocket, took out a cigarette and lit it, leaned against the back of his chair and threw his head back, reflecting on everything that was happening.

–– Do you want me to bring you coffee? – Said Eduardo Fontes trying to be helpful – it will help you to relax a little.

–– Please – I said without looking at him – I owe you one.

The policeman left and soon after, Detective Sandro Palmeira entered.

–– As far as I can see – said the detective in a tone more sarcastic than serious – you have a great deal of trouble to resolve.

–– Glad you arrived – said delegate Saldanha excitedly, returning to the normal position in his chair – did you discover anything that could help us? This case is driving me crazy, the press and the church do not stop making me angry, even the Federal Police is walking around wanting better explanations.

–– I did some research – cut Sandro to avoid the chief's lament.

–– And what did you discover?

–– Very interesting things – he smiled sarcastically – very interesting, by the way.