CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12

THE UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLE pulled silently into the NYU indoor parking lot. Gregory Evans, watched by the curious students, got out and walked to the History department building.

— Everything is fine? — Pietro said.

— Of course… it was just a scare, but we're heading in the right direction.

Pietro looked as if he didn't understand anything at all about all that.

— Greg, do you intend to solve this case with the help of a historian?

— Pietro, you still have a lot to learn. We can't solve everything just wielding a revolver. By the way, we will leave the weapons for the appropriate time and, rest assured, I gladly hope to continue not needing them. For now we have to find out who is behind all this, and for that, we have to use all the intelligence and knowledge that we have, that's why we are here.

The young agent was silent, acknowledging that, once again, the brilliant Gregory Evans, America's most decorated police officer, was right.

— How can I help you? — Asked the receptionist, showing some concern for the visit of the two police officers.

— Nothing to worry you, young lady — replied the detective, smiling. We are here to meet Professor Matheo Rossi, Professor of Ancient and Medieval History.

The receptionist was reassured by the policeman's friendliness. His eyes, however, stopped on the young man who accompanied him.

— Follow me, please! — I'll take you to Professor Rossi's office.

When the door opened, the old professor's surprise, perplexed by the police presence in his room, soon gave way to joy when he recognized one of his most famous students:

Gregory Evans

— Greg, my dear, you're still the same — said the old man, hugging him.

— Professor Rossi, it's always a joy to meet you again!

Greg introduced him to the agent accompanying him.

— This is Interpol Agent Pietro Ferri.

Matheo greeted him.

— It's a pleasure — he said affably, extending his hand to the young agent — but I can see this is not a family visit.

The detective then removed the photo of the iron burn on Freddy's chest from a folder, handing it to the Medieval History teacher. Matheo's eyes sparkled when he saw it. Then, remembering that the two men there were not historians, but policemen, his spirit was filled with sadness.

— Where did you find this?

— A young man was kidnapped and would be sacrificed at Trinity Church, however, he managed to kill his tormentors, but ended up dying in the hospital.

Suddenly, the old professor lifted his head, fixing his eyes on his former student. When he noticed the voice of the officer coming out choked, in a moment he understood everything.

— You can explain?

— That's why you're here, because I can explain and help you, isn't it?

The police reassured themselves, and Pietro then spoke:

— Exactly, Professor, we came here so you could help us find out who did this to a sixteen-year-old boy.

— And most importantly... — added Greg — by what?