The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 26: The Fight

Nicolae closed the morgue door behind him.  He joined Viktor and Constable Browning in the hallway.  They both looked at him with pity in their eyes.  Nicolae knew they heard him sobbing over Elizabeth's body, but he didn't care.  He had made his mind up and focused on the task at hand.

"Are you alright, my boy?"  Viktor murmured to him.

"Yes," Nicolae breathed deeply.  "I'm fine."

Constable Browning cleared his throat to get their attention.

"If either one of you has any additional information that could be helpful in solving the case, please share it with me now.  Is there anyone in particular that held a grudge against Miss Thomas?  Anyone you can think of?"

Viktor and Nicolae exchanged glances.  Nicolae then said firmly:

"No... no one comes to mind.  Elizabeth didn't have any enemies."

"I agree," Viktor added.  "She was a lovely girl.  I can't imagine anyone wanting to harm her like that."

Constable Browning remained silent.  He scrutinized the men with his shrewd blue eyes for a while, wondering whether or not they were hiding anything.  At last, he spoke:

"Well then... Is there anything else I can do for you today gentlemen?"

"No," Nicolae answered.  "Thank you Constable.  For everything.  If your men come across any new information, could you please let me know?  I believe Count Bartholy wrote down our street address."

"Yes, of course," the policeman replied.  "We will keep in touch.  And again... my sincerest condolences."

Nicolae and Viktor shook the Constable's hand and departed.  As they walked back toward their flat, Nicolae stopped.  He turned to Viktor.

"Viktor... there's something I have to do while I'm out. You don't have to accompany me... Thank you for being there today... you were a tremendous help."

Count Bartholy studied Nicolae closely.  "Are you sure you no longer need me?"

Nicolae nodded.  "Yes. For now, I am sure."

"I hope you don't plan to pay Herr Eberwald a visit by yourself," Viktor remarked.  "That wouldn't be prudent."

Nicolae didn't answer right away.

"I need to gather my wits about me," he finally said.  "A brisk walk would help."

"I see," Viktor said, but he didn't look convinced.  "Please... don't do anything rash."

"I won't," Nicolae tried to reassure him. 

"Very well," Viktor said.  "If you need me... I will be home for the rest of the day."

"Thank you, Viktor," Nicolae shook the Count's hand before taking his leave of him.

He then proceeded to walk through the park.  He passed by the bench where Elizabeth had sat when they first met and felt that now familiar sharp pang through his heart.  It was impossible not to recall their strolls together, over those same paths.  Heavy hearted, Nicolae headed toward the university.  He wasn't exactly sure what he'd say to Ludwig... if he saw him.  But he needed more information.

Nicolae entered the main atrium and took the hallway leading to Ludwig's lab.  By now, he had memorized the way.  When he got to it, he stopped in front of the door and listened for any sound coming from inside the lab.  He heard nothing.  He placed his hand on the doorknob and twisted it.  To his surprise, the door opened.

Nicolae stepped inside the lab.  At first, he didn't see anything of interests. But suddenly, he made out a figure that was seated in front of some complicated glass apparatus.  It was Ludwig!  Nicolae didn't think he was aware of his presence yet.  He approached quietly.  When he stood right behind Ludwig, he called out his name: