The Cathedral Murders by J.E. Morales

Author:J.E. Morales [Morales, J.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2023-05-22T16:00:00+00:00

41

The house was one of those beautiful colonial mansions in downtown Lima known as casonas. This one, unfortunately, had been restored and gaudily decorated with loud colors and ostentatious furniture. The picture was somewhat chaotic with multiple agents taking photographs and collecting evidence and police officers coming in and out the multiple rooms. “Let’s hurry up, guys! Let’s finish this job before the press gets here!” said one of them.

The press! I forgot about them! Probably better if I leave before the press gets here. Father Silvestri found himself rather intrigued by the sight. This was the first time he was present during a crime scene investigation.

“Excuse me, Father?”

The man in front of him appeared to be in his mid-fifties, had dark copper skin and was rather short. He looked extremely familiar; however, the Bishop was not able to remember if he had met him before.

“Good morning, Father Silvestri, I’m captain Raymundo Vidal. I’m with DINCOTE” he said while extending his hand. “Can I ask you a few questions?”

“Of course, Captain Vidal. Nice to meet you.” The priest looked around the colorful design of the living room. “Lovely home, wouldn’t you say?”

“Not quite my style, Father.” The man spoke slowly, with precise words “May I ask you how did you get to be here?”

The Bishop shrugged. “It was just an unusual coincidence. I’m in Lima for a few days.” He paused for a second. “Actually, I came for a meeting, which by the way went horribly bad, and I’m returning to Ayacucho later this afternoon. I met the victim’s family many years ago. His wife asked me to come over and say a prayer for him, which I did. But to be honest, I was also very curious. I’ve never been to a crime scene before,” he said with a smile. “What about you? Why is DINCOTE interested in a crime case?”

“I was not too far from here. I came to see if they needed any help.”

“Would it be possible that it’s because the victim happened to be a prominent journalist whose opinion articles were not always favorable to the government?”

Vidal’s mouth curved slightly upwards as trying to smile politely; however his eyes did not express any feelings.

The priest waited for an answer that never came. “In any case, I’d like to tell you, although I’m not an expert, I believe intelligence is the best way to approach the fight against the terrorists, rather than direct confrontation that leads to multiple casualties, sometimes of innocent people. So, I appreciate what you do.”

“Thank you, Father Silvestri.”

“I have also heard that the president is not fully supporting your office with appropriate financial resources.”

“These are difficult times for everybody, Father, but I definitely appreciate your words.”

“May I ask you something, captain?”

Vidal nodded.

“What motivates you to keep searching for Guzman? The man is like a ghost. I can only imagine that after some time it must feel like a very frustrating endeavor.”

Vidal’s expression did not change.

“Do you know what Shining Path’s first violent action in Lima was?” the captain asked.

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