Banana trees filled the front of the lot. There was only a gap in the middle of the land where you could get inside the sorcerer’s home. The gate was made by wood and barbed wire, the house, deeper down, was painted in a dirty white. Time ruined not only the paint, but also several parts of the walls, that needed urgently some repair, however the poor man is so busy with his religion that he can’t see anything else.
Clóvis clapped his hands and opened the improvised gate. The house door was open and a girl with a curious and frightened eyes showed up. She was the sorcerer’s daughter.
— Is Josias home? — he asked.
— Yes, he is.
— Could you call him, please?
— Yes, sir.
The girl went in and Clóvis turned to me.
— I have seen this girl before.
— Her name is Ester — I explained — She was at the shepherd Rafael’s house and must have came back to make company to her father.
— Interesting.
The detective went towards the flowers, crouched and contemplated a white rose. The impression was that he had been recently born and everything in this world was new to his eyes. He even forget his obligations.
— May I help you?! — roared the sorcerer, not welcoming us.
— We need to talk.
I looked back, but Clóvis didn’t care about the sorcerer’s presence. Observe roses should be more interesting to him.
— Talk about what?
— We came to tell you that you must not leave town for as long as this crime is not solved, do you understand?
— I already know this. David, the prison guard, informed about the procedures I must follow. Is that all?
Ester appeared at the door and found it funny for a man to be crouched down looking at a flower. Gradually, started smiling, while Josias stared at me, without blinking.
— Is there anything else I must do?
— No.
— What are you here for, then?
— We came to apologize — said Clóvis, crouched. — Our work is based on facts. All facts led us to you, but since there is no concrete evidences, you are free, but under custody.
I felt my body burn and shiver at the same time. This detective brought me here to apologize? Who in this world was born to apologize? Furthermore to this sorcerer, who is incapable of keeping his wife inside the house and that changes religion believing that this improves one’s life or that it changes the point of view of other people towards him. He never apologized to Judith, when he fell when bumped into her... He will never forgive his ex-wife for abandoning him, leaving a daughter for him to raise alone. That is, he will never forgive anyone in his life. Why should I apologize to him? If he was arrested it is because God intended so, and I have nothing to do with this!
— Apologize? — questioned Josias mocking. — After they threw me in that gutter and treated me like I was some animal, you are here to apologize? Honestly, I don’t believe you.
— You are still a suspect, do not forget it! — I remembered him.
— I will not forget anything you did to me!
— Is that a threat?
— I have my rights and I will sue you!
— Do whatever you want with your life! — I replied in the same tone.
Clóvis started whispering something in the garden and Josias deviated his attention to him. I also found his attitude a little bit odd.
— Talking to flowers, detective?
— Kind of.
He got up without difficulties, as a child that doesn't feel the weight of the body and approximated.
— I hope that, despite the sorrow, you understand that we work on behalf of the public safety and we make mistakes as any human being in this world. But, this doesn't mean that you are no longer a suspect.
— Is this regret? — he asked mad — You realized you were wrong and now you regret? What about my moral? When will I get it back?
— You should be grateful for not being in jail — answered Clóvis. — Your freedom is already a big step to anyone wanting to fight for a moral loss.
The sorcerer pulled a face.
It could only be heard the whisper of the banana trees’ leafs, caused by the mild wind; No one had anything else to say. So, we gave our goodbye and left.
I got inside the car, closed my eyes and gave a deep sigh. I actually wanted to send the detective to hell for that recent crap, but a flower scent impregnated my nostrils. I thought it was just my imagination, but as I opened my eyes, I realized that the fact was real — there was a white rose right in front of my nose.
— Thank you, sir, for freeing my daddy — said Ester, handing me the flower.
The smell was getting stronger, and I had no other option than accepting the rose and thanking with a half-hearted smile. After giving me the rose she went back to the house smiling at Clóvis.
— Good girl — he said. — I hope her angel never leaves her.
I threw the rose on his lap. It was the only place where I could leave it, the panel was always dusty...
At principle, I thought that Clóvis was the responsible for the bullshit of the girl bringing me a flower, but there was no way to accuse him; both not even got the chance to talk. However, he was so excited that it looked like he had started it; may, telepathy… it is best not to think about it.
— I am not going to the hotel, Isaias. I need to know what the news are talking about all of this. You are released for today.
— News? So, did you really jump out of an airplane with no parachutes?
— Do you watch television?
— Yes. But I turn it on just to watch soccer matches and police news. Soccer is for fun and the news are to be up-to-date with current events.
— This explains your terrorist mind.
— What?
— Look, Isaias, if you consider these things as current events, it is best for you to review your ideas. Thank you for today; tomorrow I will wait for you at the police station, ok?
— Alright!