BENEFICIAL DINNER

If there are any cases that I regret taking on my detective profession? There are a few. But this one is now overcoming everyone. First, because the deputy asked to close the case for lack of evidence and I still follow him. Shy with some things that I can't get out of my head. I have always been attracted to the supernatural, although I am a little incredulous. And I always wonder what my reaction would be to the unlikely, the inexplicable. I felt, with the experience that enables me to do that, that there was much more to this boy's story than what he told at the bar, or at least what I remember he did. I asked Veronica, my secretary, to call him and give the psychiatrist's number. Now I would keep an eye out to see if he would consult. No. I had no intention of stealing information from her and breaking doctor / patient confidentiality, my intention in this case was merely therapeutic and philanthropic. But my intention of getting closer was to get to know my friend more closely and immerse myself in this world that seemed to move him so much that it made him think about killing himself. I thought about the next step, the rapprochement. Our first meeting was quite unexpected, I am ashamed to say that I was caught with pants in my hand. I already knew about your routine, your steps. Even from her most frequent home with one of her students in the Limoeiros neighborhood, it was not a question of how but in what situation it would be better to approach.

Invariably many of my cases have led me to adventures and situations so unseemly that I dare not talk about them, so as not to tarnish my resume. And the case I was working on now, yes, because officially I had dropped the case where Reinaldo was a suspect, only officially. Well, that case was another one that offered me a range of incredible possibilities and opportunities so that, with my keen sense, I would take advantage of all of them for my own benefit and use a springboard to reach my goal. In short the case is a businesswoman named Diana, who suspects that her partner is trying to default on her and pass her back on business. The partner is called Clóvis and is an extravagant guy who displays a cheesy goatee and wears cheesy clothes. That night the citizen would be at a charity party to raise funds for charities that care for homeless people and I would be there, watching closely. I watched the party from afar. He was in a cafeteria across the street, which served sugarcane juice and pastries. I thought it was funny. See the limousines stopping and the pompous couples getting out and posing for the photos. Shouldn't all the glamor, lights and sequins on top of that, something that has this philanthropic edge be less flashy? Less exhibitionist? I don't know, I just don't see the need for the spotlight. I saw when he arrived, Clóvis, accompanied by a beautiful young woman. Discreet, without attracting attention, neither did they seem known to the press that was there or to the curious and celebrity fans. I finished my pastry, turned the cane juice glass over and left the money on the table under the napkin holder. Damn, I spilled sugarcane juice on my shirt, as I am clumsy. I went back to get some napkins and I came across the white place attendant, sweating, looking everywhere.

- What is it? - I asked. Slapping him on the chest to face him. - Did you think I sweat without paying? Here is the money. I took the napkin holder out of place revealing the money underneath. The guy was embarrassed and rubbed his greasy hands on his apron. The party was a bore. Bad music, bad food, at least the drinks were good. The tables were all reserved. So it would be very difficult to find a place to be close to the two to hear something. The way would be to wait for them to socialize. Maybe the prom. I hope you enjoy dancing. I waited. Lord, what suffering. They opened the microphones and it was a show of decorated speeches and all the litany that always has in these parties and it is not even worth repeating. But in spite of being dull, the interminable moment served to make me realize something. The naughty one of Clóvis's companion was well done. You could see her offering herself to the guys, shamelessly. Then there was dinner. My first opportunity. I took my plate and went to the buffet. I stood in line behind the girl. - Are these onion rings? - I asked, while watching her serve herself. - Squid rings, sir. A delicacy. - Delicacy? Swear? No. I think you are a delicacy. - Wow. How clumsy. Are you comparing me to a plate? That's right? - She asked smiling. Then I realized that we were standing in line and looking at us. I nodded to her while I was still thinking what to say. - And the good things in life can't be compared to food? Our favorites are delicious and the slower we taste, the better they get. I said that and smiled, staring at her steadily. But we left the buffet and she went to her table. I didn't see Clóvis. And maybe that approach to the young lady was the distraction that always ends up harming some of my cases. The distraction called "skirt tail". Probably and I already knew that. That meeting would be just for sex, they wouldn't deal with business. But I was there. Because as you already know, I'm not just motivated by work. In fact, it is what motivates me the least. I ate inside, together with other mere mortals, because the tables in the hall were all reserved. I put little food on the plate. Strange things I had never seen. I wasn't going to risk it. Remember when I talked about the opportune confidences of the profession? Look at that. I just saw Reinaldo here. He sat alone at a table in front of mine. He's turned his back on me. I went there to check it out. - Look at the friend. I didn't know that I also volunteered. - He was surprised to see me. And then he looked angry. - Sorry, but I'm with you. If it's one of those interrogations, could it be another day? The time and place are not appropriate. - Not alright. The case was closed. You weren't even asked to testify. It is not? Nothing weighs against you. I am in another case now. And about your company. Who is she? It's a girl, right? - Daiane, it's a woman. A teacher like me. Very respected. Do not even try. You are being inconvenient. Don't you see? - I want to help you, boy. Did you accept the consultation with the psychiatrist? Accept. I liked you. Only that. So I can't help you? Get real. You are not well. And whatever that is, I know you have to share it with someone. It can be too big a weight to carry alone. - While I was talking, the teacher arrived. It was beautiful. A simplicity. Thin and slender, in a black dress, hoop earrings, red lipstick filling her voluminous lips. I got up as a gentleman and introduced myself, but not as a detective but as a friend. She said she was going out to put them at ease, but she was so kind and asked me to stay. I paid for that round of drinks and the conversation went on for a long time. I was totally distracted from the couple. Until the girl with Clovis went to our table and left a napkin, whispering in my ear: "I'll meet you in half an hour." I was embarrassed around my colleagues. Then Reinaldo took advantage: - So this is your job? - Daiane looked at me suspiciously. I didn't know what to say. - We have some distractions along the way, professor. I think you know. And we all laughed at the situation. I broke the ice and that was very important for what came next. We didn't even drink as much as we did that day at the bar. But I think the initial confrontation between the suspect and the investigator has been overcome and now we were the same. He identified with me. That beautiful young woman who left the napkin on the table helped with that. He ended up telling his whole adventure. From the beginning. I was very impressed with everything. I recognize. But I didn't try to teach a moral lesson or accuse him of being crazy. As a detective, we learn to think like the other and put ourselves in his place. - What if you stopped seeing this as a curse? Look that. You were stabbed. Aline saw you die, didn't she? Hmm? - I asked, knocking on the table. He looked at me and shook his head. - Look man. Thinking that everything you said is true. And look, I'm not doubting you. I think it is a blessing. Not a curse. Maybe if you could study this book more. Where is him now? What if the book turned you into a kind of hero? A superhero? Like us comics. Only not like the ones in the comics, you know? But real. You don't die. So it's invulnerable. Have you tried experimenting? - What? As well? - He reacted impressed. - Cut yourself. Get hurt, to see if it regenerates. I think it happens. - Concluded and threw my knife on the table. - Come on, try. - Not here. You are crazy. Do you want them to call the police? - I also think it's not a good idea. - Daiane corroborated. - Go there. It's just a little cut here, "I pointed out," no one will notice. And we will see if it happens or not. Then he took the knife and cut his palm. Blood ran. He put a napkin underneath. We waited a minute but nothing happened. - See, man? I think you're reading a lot of comics. - Look again, man. The three of us were looking at the regeneration in amazement. Gradually, from the inside out, each cell, fiber, fat and skin, all returning to their original structure, like a rewinding tape. It was so strange to see that. But it was happening.