The nephew was indeed the true inspirational motive of her visits to that apartment, and this was also because of the cold relationships with her sister-in-law.
Giuseppe Ruspoli, Carlas husband, and Luciano Mezzogori, Marcos father, used to work together in the same mechanic shop, and it occurred once in a while that Carla went to see her brother in the job place.
In this way she had met by chance her future husband.
To be more precise, Luciano was the employer of his brother-in-law given that he was the owner of this mechanic shop and the other one located in Bologna as well.
At that time, Luciano Mezzogori was already engaged to Marisa, her future wife, and it occurred to both couples to get together and arrange a hangout around.
On those occasions, Carla has had also the chance to know Marisa much better, and at once she had the feeling that Marisa seemed a woman unrealised in the full sense. Her husband used to say that she should be dealing with housework, instead of working. She had no kids and her hobbies were just limited to very minimal things. She also used to listen music, and occasionally used to go to cinema with Luciano for watching movies, and thats all.
Her self-realisation has been materialized in her son, Marco, who very soon had presented some problems with hemiplegia.
It was obvious that Marisa was never felt happy and, as if this wasnt enough, her husband also disappeared one day. Carla still hasnt been able to understand the reasons that led to such disappearance; the only thing occurred to her mind was that her husband could no longer bear to see the son in that condition, but in her view, he wasnt that kind of person who could abandon his own family due to such reason.
Moreover, their son now wasnt with her anymore, hes dead already.
Carla didnt know how to cope with such situation, as she was completely aware of the problems and hardships arisen and, on the way to the apartment of her sister-in-law, she wouldnt allow any mistake to herself. In particular, the very first approach would be decisive.
When decided to go and visit her sister-in-law, she saw no significant change happened since the day when she witnessed her sister-in-law with the son laid down dead on the floor.
On the way back home, she passed by her as usual, and went upstairs to her apartment, but once showed up at the door, she noticed that her sister-in-law was not so welcoming.
Once entered the apartment, Marisa immediately said: Id want to be alone.
You should do something to overcome this situation, Carla advised her, We both know that it has been a big shock, but now the Police is inquiring to find the murderer of your son and do justice for him. Meanwhile, you should think to do your best so that you can go back to normality.
And why would it really matter!
I can imagine its extremely hard for you, but you should do something. Have you ever tried to go out for a walk around?
No, was the sharp reply of Marisa Lavezzoli.
You need to try, said Carla, You should give courage to yourself in order to shrug off these thoughts. Unfortunately, only the idea that Marco wont be back amongst us, is very hard even to me, but we cannot help but admit it, and its worthwhile to realise that your behavior is not helpful at all.
There are only words, what youre saying, but now I remained alone, and all this due to an incident.
Im fully aware that a petty thief may have come up here through the open window, but, what if he might have an unexpected sickness, and consequently the autopsy results could have proved to be wrong? Have you ever thought about it? It may occur sometimes that even doctors make mistakes, isnt it so?
Carla has pronounced these last words mostly in attempt to make her distract from the current situation, because she herself didnt believe such words said to her sister-in-law.
Carla was convinced that something terrible had happened to her nephew, who perhaps was prompted to fight with a kind of murderer or thief without having the slightest chance to run away unharmed.
Im so sorry the problem remains intractable, Marisa expressed her apologies, But the situation is quite critical and believe me, I would get more exhausted before escaping from all this.
Carla nodded.
Now Im going home, she said at the end, realizing that it was time to go away and leave alone her sister-in-law. Perhaps it was better to take one step at a time, and for the moment, the right thing was to put the conversation to an end.
Marisa said goodbye to her sister-in-law, who left the apartment and went out into the street.
Having behind him several scenarios on the murder, Stefano Zamagni was aware that sometimes the most obvious motive was the true one, while in other cases the true motive was the the most unthinkable one.
Thinking back to what hed witnessed in Mezzogoris apartment before and what hed already learnt about the family, the inspector didnt know which way to turn.
Although the robbery attempt gone wrong was seemingly the less convincing motive, this shouldnt be excluded a priori.
Setting aside the robbery attempt by a petty thief who enters forcefully the apartment, who else would be willing to want him dead? However, taking not into consideration the version of robbery, this was the very first question to raise in order to come up with the identification of murderer.
What about if the murderer has been a friend or relative of the dead boy, who for some reasons, could have got a dispute with the boy?
What about his father? Could be possible that he might have a role in this murder? Theoretically, he was not supposed to have the keys of the new apartment, as he had left away times before his wife and son moved to the current one, nevertheless nothing could be excludable indeed.
The above were merely some versions occurred to Stefano Zamagni and Finocchis mind meanwhile they were still reasoning on this case.
Is there any news on his father?, the inspector asked captain Luzzi.
Not yet for the moment, unless hes been found right now.
So, what is our next step?, asked Marco Finocchi.
First of all, we can go back to the mother to see if shes able now to help us, then probably well have a talk with other neighbours in the building, which may likely help us to get some more information, proposed the captain, Somebody could have heard or seen any kind of things that may appear useful.
So, we have to go back to that place, said Zamagni finally. Meanwhile were hoping to find the father as soon as possible.
All right, concluded Giorgio Luzzi.
V
On the next day, Zamagni dhe Finocchi went back to Marisa Lavezzoli, hoping their visit would be much more successful than the previous one.
Good morning, madam, said the inspector, showing up at the front door of the apartment. The lady let them enter, then sat on the armchair inviting both of them to sit down as well.
How are you feeling today?, the agent Finocchi asked her.
As usual, more or less, she answered.
Do you think youll be able to talk to us a little bit?, Zamagni wanted to know, More information is needed in order to come to a final solution of this case.
Im not in good mood, the lady clarified at once, What would you like to know?
Any kind of information that could be helpful to us to move ahead with the inquiry and identify the murderer, explained the inspector, weve already made some assumptions based on those few facts weve acknowledged up to now, nonetheless, we still need much more information. Anything that you may tell us, is very welcomed.
The lady nodded.
For the moment, we consider that the version of robbery attempt and consequently, the fight between your son and the robber, is very unlikely to happen, began to say Zamagni, Were focusing more closely on other motives, although dont know yet on which element we should focus our attention.
I cannot figure out how to really help you. Nothing comes to my mind.
The inspector nodded, then added: Have you no idea of anybody else who could have had a reason to hurt your son?
The lady didnt speak at all.
We really understand your state of mind now, but we need you to make a try.
There was a short silence, and then the agent Finocchi pointed out the short time from the moment the lady left until she went back.
Could have been someone who has organized this plan well in advance?, the inspector asked the lady.
Somebody whos been very aware of my movements?
We cant figure it out, Marco Finocchi expressed his opinion, Were just making some assumptions. We need your help in order to have something more specific in our hands.
Would your son be capable to open himself the front door of the apartment, if seeing the door bell ringing?, the agent Finocchi asked a question.
The lady shook her head.
Ok, said then the inspector, It occurred to our mind that the murderer could have been a friend or acquaintance of your son who, for some reason, has got a score to settle with him.
My son didnt have friends. The only acquaintances of him were the nurse who used to assist with the injections of botulinum toxin as well as the rest of medical team that followed him since the very beginning.
Could you please tell us the name of the nurse?, asked Zamagni.
Her name is Daniela Rossi.
The two policemen inquired how to find her, then the agent Finocchi added: Hence, the suspect could be one of relatives, although such assumption could seem very improbable. Right?
After such declaration, the agent crossed with the eyes of Zamagni and the dead boys mother.
I didnt mean to hurt anybody, said immediately Marco Finocchi, Its only that I wanna exclude nothing, therefore we need to take also this version into consideration.
As regards to what Ive stated previously, what can you tell us about your husband?, asked Zamagni.
He hasnt been with us for some years, replied back Marisa Lavezzoli, I dont quite remember how many years exactly have been passed. Do you really think that he is the murderer?
As we said earlier, at least for now were trying to consider everything with no exception, emphasized the inspector. Does your husband have the keys of this apartment?
No, responded the woman, He never had the keys. He wasnt with us when I and my son Marco moved to our current apartment.
Thats clear enough, nodded Zamagni, Do you have any idea why he ran away?
I can explain it with his inability to cope with the present situation.
In what sense?, asked Marco Finocchi.
To my opinion, he couldnt bear the health condition of our own son.
Both policemen nodded.
Now I feel very exhausted, said the lady, after a moment of silence, If you dont mind, I would like to have a rest.
Were gonna leave very soon, replied Zamagni. Do you have any idea how to get in touch with your husband, madam?
No I dont, sorry.
After saying the last words, Marisa Lavezzoli kindly asked both policemen to leave the apartment.
Taking the chance of being still inside the building, Zamagni and Finocchi decided to talk to other neighbors in order to gather some information, confirmation or denial, in regards with the hemiplegic boy and his family.
They firstly knocked in the doors next to the apartment in which the boy was found murdered, but nobody responded, therefore went upstairs on the upper floor.
Hello, can we take your time shortly?, asked Zamagni, meanwhile an elderly woman wanted to know who was knocking in the door. It wont take much time. Well finish very quickly with you.
Through the half opened door, the inspector showed the police identification card and in turn, the woman let them in.
Whats up?
Wed like to talk to you for a while on something happened a few days ago, said Zamagni. On the first floor, to be very precise.
I have no idea on what youre talking about, however I will help you, if I might be useful.
Do you recognize Mezzogori family?
I merely know the mother is living only with her son in that apartment, replied the woman, Ive never seen the father.
The son was found dead one day ago, explained the inspector, without mincing words.
Oh, what a pity!, cried out the woman, expressing sadness in her face, This is the reason why I saw the medical emergency team through the peephole. I heard some noises, therefore I saw through the peephole those who were walking up and down the stairs. But how did it happen?
We dont know exactly, therefore were searching for information that may lead us to the right path in our inquiry, replied Marco Finocchi, Have you ever seen or heard anything that drew your attention? I mean, besides the fact you just mentioned, the medical emergency team that you saw through the peephole.
I am very sorry that I cant help you further, but recently I dont usually go out. You know, I am at an age that better not to undertake such risks.
Zamagni nodded, then asked the old lady if she could be able to provide some other information on the family, any sort of information that could help them to come out of the darkness wrapped around the whole investigation.
Unfortunately, I cant say much to you, she declared, I know that the mother was taking care of her son all the time and I think there was also another person... a nurse, maybe? ... Or a doctor?... who used to come to their apartment day by day. Dont know what she was doing exactly but I think she used to provide assistance to the son. He was suffering from a kind of paralysis.
Anyway, I thank you a lot for welcoming us, said the inspector, We apologize for bothering and taking your time.
Nevermind. No need to worry at all. I would like to offer my help, though only for a little. I really hope to have been useful to you.
Although your statements arent new facts to us, again weve confirmed those we already knew, admitted Zamagni. Wed be very grateful if youd let us know if something else comes to your mind, or if occurs to hear or see any kind of fact or information that draws your attention.
For sure Ill do it, with great pleasure, said the old lady, saluting both policemen.
The inspector gave his business card, then both of them said goodbye to her and left the apartment with the intention to contact other neighbors inside the building. They soon realized that only elderly people were living in that building, who all confirmed, more or less, what they already knew.