Rhodia River - In the stream of love [Book 1]

Chapter 6 - Sandra's schemes

POLICE STATION

Carlos is at his desk in front of Tito. The mayor wants to know what's going on in the neighborhood. The conversation already started.

Tito is reacting surprised. "What? Daylight robbery?"

"Exactly! The boy spent the night here in the cell. But, I checked his background. Nothing. He debuted in the criminal world and paid for it. I don't think he ever tries again."

"God help me not. Today's youth... Why did they say the 1980s were the lost decade? It didn't have half the problems today."

"Young boy, he could be working as a supermarket assistant, or in his father's workshop... But, no, they're lazy today... They don't even want to watch television, nowadays, they're all restless."

Tito asks suspiciously, "Do you think it's an isolated case?"

"He said categorically that he was not under the command of any gang. But, I trust not very much."

Tito rolls his eyes. "It was just what I needed, gangs killing each other in our neighborhood."

Carlos replies with a sneer, "With the necessary tools, we'll do a good job."

Tito didn't capture the emphasis that Carlos gave in the sentence. Carlos stares at the mayor, dissatisfied with his overlooking.

***

FÁBIO'S LIVING ROOM

Fábia Peres watches television. It's a series or soap opera because Fabio is visibly bored.

"Do you know if the electricity in your house has already returned?"

"Carina was going to call Escelsa. Why?" Fábia turns to him, "Don't you want my company anymore?"

Fábio quickly disguises it. "N-no, it's just that I'm worried. You know, this thing about short circuit, 'cats', I don't know what—"

"There is no way for me to know if the power returned without me leaving, and I don't want to go. Today the episode is awesome."

Fábio provokes, "We can call Monica." Fábia pinches Fabio, "Ouch, you crazy!"

"Mention that bitch again, go!"

"Then call Carina. I'm just mentioning your neighbors."

"I don't have Carina's phone number. And why would I?"

"For these cases." Fábio gets up, and without fearing Fábia's reaction, he goes to the phone and dials Monica's number from the heart.

"Who are you calling?"

Fábio doesn't answer, tough guy. He waits to be attended, "Hello, Monica?"

Monica is in her living room, in front of the computer, showing that electricity has returned and that she has already written a good piece of history.

"Jesus Christ, when it's not her, it's you."

"A good afternoon for you too," Fábio says wryly.

"What do you want?" Monica asks with no patience.

"Fábia wants to know if the energy has returned. So she won't miss the soap."

"For her information, it's already back. Hours ago. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a novel to write."

Fábio shamelessly asks, "Will you put me as the hero of your novel—"

The exchange of speeches ends and Fábio is surprised by the sudden silence. He thinks that Monica hung up on him until he noticed Fábia kneeling on the floor, with the telephone cable disconnected.