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

Chapter 11 Carlos Inquires

PRAÇA DA GRANJA - DAY

Ed is riding his bike when he spots Miriam sitting on the same bench, now without the book. She looks meditative and worried. He stops beside her, and she blinks, coming out of her trance.

"How are you, Miriam?"

"Hi, Ed. It seems you were right. They're targeting my almost-boyfriend."

"'They' as in plural?"

"There are other girls who like Chief Roldão. I'm not the only one. And now I'm trying to figure out how to charm him before them."

Ed says with a poetic touch, "In love and war, anything goes, right?"

Miriam smiles. "At least I plan to play fair."

"That's the spirit. By the way, Cássio scolded me this morning, worried that you might go a little crazy."

"I talked to Sandra earlier. Everything's fine."

"I'm going to keep pedaling, burn off the calories from those cheese pastries."

"Cheese pas—"

Miriam doesn't finish her sentence as Ed straightens up on his bike and rides off again.

***

STREET

Carlos goes this time in uniform and with the police car to the same house where the clandestine connection was made. However, when he approaches...

...He sees Escelsa's car doing the right repair. Carlos reacts surprised and curious. He parks the car, turns off the engine, and leaves. He gets closer.

Anestor, the neighbor, is talking to one of the employees, he is scratching his head. When Carlos gets closer, the conversation becomes audible.

"You must understand that I didn't mean to harm anyone."

The Escelsa's worker explains seriously to him, "I got it, Seu Anestor, but you have the option of talking to Customer Service so that we can help you in the best possible way. However, this clandestine connection, in addition to being a crime, caused an inconvenience in all your neighbors who are interconnected on the same network."

"Good morning, gentlemen!" Carlos says, "I'm sorry I heard part of the conversation, but I came here to check this situation out."

Anestor turns paled. "It's not necessary, 'you cop'; they have already restored the original connection."

The worker reports, "Several complaints to our complaints department. This morning we did a check."

"Well, the technical part you already took care of, now the penal part is missing. Come talk to me at the police station, please, sir..."

"A-A-Anestor..." He stutters in fear.

Carlos is smiling, but still expressing authority. And Anestor got without escape.

***

MALTHUS SNACK BAR

Annie and Jonas finish their lunch; the other friends have already left. Aurélio counts the day's earnings.

"Annie, I'm going to pay the bill."

"I'll wait for you."

Jonas goes to the counter. Aurélio keeps counting.

On purpose, Jonas disturbs him by asking suddenly, "How much is it?!"

Aurélio gets scared, smiles slightly, and puts his hand over his heart. Then he looks at the table where Annie is.