The Killer in My Eyes by Giorgio Faletti Read Free Book Online Page B

waiting for you, when this is all over, Jordan. You’re the only person I trust. Could you excuse us for a moment, Maynard?’
    ‘Of course.’
    ‘Ruben, will you keep Commissioner Logan company and offer him something to drink?’
    Dawson stood up without any change of expression and the two men left the room, probably grateful for the break.
    Jordan sat down on the wooden chair that had just been occupied by the Commissioner.
    ‘Logan will do what I tell him,’ Christopher said. ‘I can give you all the support you need. You just have to ask and you’ll have every available means at your disposal. Officially, we won’t say anything about you, but to all intents and purposes you’ll be leading the investigation. If you like, Burroni can head it officially, but he’ll be under your command.’
    ‘I don’t think he’ll be pleased about that.’
    ‘I just heard he’s having some problems with Internal Affairs right now. He’ll be pleased enough when we sort that out for him, and dangle the carrot of a promotion when all this is over.’
    Jordan did not say anything.
    ‘Jordan, you have to do it.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Because your nephew was killed this morning. And because being a policeman is your life.’
    Jordan lowered his eyes to the floor as if he was thinking. In reality he was angry at himself for not finding any valid counter-argument. And there was a reason for that. What his brother had just said was absolutely true.
    I’m not a lieutenant any more, Rodriguez
. . .
    ‘All right,’ he said. ‘I’ll do it. As soon as possible, I need copies of the statements, the post-mortem report, and results of all the forensics tests. I have to do things my own way, but I’ll let you know from time to time what support I require, and where.’
    ‘Whatever you want. Ruben already has a copy of LaFayette Johnson’s statement and the first findings of the Crime Scene team. The post mortem is taking place right now. The preliminary report might even arrive before you leave here.’
    ‘Good. I’ll keep you up to date with developments.’
    Jordan stood up and walked towards the door. His brother’s voice stopped him when he was in the process of opening it. ‘Thanks, Jordan, I know you’re doing it for me and—’
    This time, Christopher was the one to be interrupted – something he wasn’t accustomed to. Jordan looked hard at him, and his tone abruptly shattered the temporary solidarity that had been established between them.
    ‘For once, let me be selfish. I’m not doing this to assuage your sense of guilt. I’m doing it to assuage mine.’
    ‘Whatever the reason, I thank you. I’ll never forget it.’
    Jordan could not help making a bitter grimace. ‘Seems to me this isn’t the first time I’ve heard you say that.’
    He saw a shadow pass over Christopher’s face at these words. As he closed the door behind him, he hoped his brother did not have a conscience. Being left alone in that room to battle with it would be a hard trial, even for Mayor Marsalis.

CHAPTER 8
     
    ‘Here you are,’ Annette said, putting the cup of espresso down on the table in front of Jordan. ‘Strong and black, no sugar, just the way you like it.’
    ‘Thanks, Annette. Can I have the check?’
    ‘The boss says it’s on the house.’
    Jordan looked at Tim Brogan, who was behind the cash desk, and thanked him with a gesture of the hand. On the TV set in the opposite corner, a Harry Potter movie was showing, with the sound turned down. Annette lowered her voice.
    ‘We heard the news, Jordan. I’m really sorry about your nephew. A nasty business.’
    ‘Life is one big nasty business, Annette. Just over twelve hours ago, I never thought I’d set foot in here again. And here I am.’ He raised his cup in a toast as bitter as the coffee. ‘To missed departures.’
    ‘Postponed departures,’ Annette corrected him.
    A big bald man with a ketchup smudge on his cheek was waving behind them. Annette was forced to re-enter