CHAPTER 97

BERNARDO WAS SITTING at the counter, the attendant said:

— What would you like to drink?

Bernardo thought for a moment and replied:

— I want a very sweet port, and if I don't ask too much, could you turn on the television to some news channel?

— If you want anything else — she said seductively — just say it.

He smiled a little embarrassed.

After placing a glass of wine in front of her, she turned on the television and winked at him. Bernardo pretended it wasn't him and turned his attention to the TV.

While sipping a drink and watching a report on the professionalization of begging, which in many countries, including Brazil, sold the "beggar kit", in some cases, they even arranged for a wheelchair to earn even more money by deceiving people, which it was a masterstroke in many ways, as it was tax-free money.

— And also — continued the reporter — the eighth victim of the self-styled assassin 'Nêmesis' has just been confirmed, this time the victim is the best-known Spanish fashion designer, Gabriel Castàn, the question that remains in the air is? Who are the Children of the Sun' and what do they want with these murders?

— So — said the attendant, still focused on her customer while chewing the gum — are you going to buy me a drink?

Bernardo woke up from his trance and realized that he was alone with the woman at the bar.

— Oh! Clear.

He placed a ten-euro bill on the counter and left without looking at it.

The attendant said to herself.

— Must be another idiot who walked into the wrong bar.

BERNARDO WALKED FAST to the stylist's house, he was three blocks away as his wife had informed him.

The house was full of vehicles.

— Hi — he said to the police officer — I'm Bernardo Garcia, reporter.

— Ahem... what do you want?

— Where's the stylist's wife?

He said while showing a ten Euro bill.

The police officer just indicated with his eyes as he took the note.

Bernardo came close to Estefânia.

— My condolences — he said gently — your husband was...

— It was late — he said — we all hoped that one day she would return.

— Do you know the person who killed your husband?

She gave a smile.

— Everyone knows her, it was a matter of time to return and have her long-desired revenge.

— Who is the person? — He said in a tone of despair.

Estefânia was shot in the head.