Death in the Dolomites by David Wagner (feel good books .TXT) 📕

trying to decide if Luca was making the piccolo scherzo, when the policeman continued.

“And when he realized he’d stabbed the wrong person, he went out and found himself a snowmobile.”

“You aren’t joking, are you Luca?”

“I wish I were, my American friend, but we have to consider that possibility.”

“So I should be more careful.”

Luca shrugged. “It wouldn’t hurt. And now, Riccardo, who have we missed?”

“If Muller is involved in some way, we must include his wife and son. At the very least they could have known about it. I can’t see Auntie Mitzi wielding a prosecco bottle or pushing the body from the gondola, but there may be some other way she was involved. The son, he could have done either or both. But it doesn’t make sense that Taylor would have been up there with young Vittorio, even if there was someone else along.”

Luca tapped his pencil. “There is another possibility that we have not yet considered.”

Rick perked up. He had started to become frustrated that the case was going nowhere, as well as feeling claustrophobic in the windowless room.

“The man whose life you saved, Riccardo. He was, after all, on duty the night that the body was put on the gondola. He could have been somehow involved, and the knife attack was intended to keep him quiet.”

“If it was, they succeeded.”

“For the moment, at least. He could come back into consciousness at any time. So let’s think about that possibility as we continue. Let’s also focus on the vehicle that would have taken Taylor’s body from the field to the base of the gondola. I don’t want to try to ask for a search warrant from my prosecutor. She would want more evidence for the judge, but there may be ways to check the vehicles of our three main suspects by more informal means.”

Rick smiled. “This could include me talking to Muller about his Jeep Cherokee?”

“Well, he was proud of it, and pleased that you showed interest. You could ask to see it.”

“Sure, I can do that. What about Melograno? His car’s in the shop.”

“All businesses, including auto repair shops, need to be inspected from time to time by the authorities to protect consumers.”

Rick grinned. “No doubt, Luca. But what about the mayor and his city Land Rover? You can’t really pull him over to check his license and registration.”

“We’ll figure something out.”

Rick got to his feet. “Let’s figure it out somewhere else, this room is starting to close in on me again.”

“Of course, Riccardo. The sergeant has checked on where our various suspects will be this morning, so we can make our rounds accordingly.” He pushed his papers together in an attempt to create some semblance of order, but soon gave up. Instead he stood and picked up his jacket and hat from where they sat on another chair. “Why don’t we go get a coffee and plan our next move? We can go to Mitzi’s bakery and perhaps have something with the coffee.”

“Fine with me, it’s been a while since breakfast.”

Luca was slipping on his coat. “I missed you this morning at breakfast. You must have been up very early.”

“It’s a habit.” Rick pulled on his leather jacket and picked up his hat.

“Those raisin rolls they had were delicious, Riccardo, did you try them?”

“I had a chocolate éclair.”

“Really? I didn’t see any éclairs on the buffet table.”

Rick opened the door for the inspector. “You just have to get up earlier, Luca.”

***

They were passing the chocolate shop when the muffled sound of the Lobo fight song came from Rick’s pocket. He fumbled for a few seconds before fishing out his phone and checking the number. “Let me answer this, Luca, it shouldn’t take long.” The policeman gave him a “take your time” wave and strolled in the direction of the chocolate smell. Rick pressed a button and was about to give the usual greeting when the voice at the other end stopped him.

“Are you being careful?”

“Of course I am, Zio, why do you ask?” In fact Rick knew why: Luca’s reports had made their way to his uncle’s office in Rome.

“I wasn’t concerned about the attack on the man. In fact I was pleased to see that your quick response may have saved his life. But this avalanche business, Riccardo, is something entirely different.”

With his mother, Rick would have played down any danger, blamed it on a misunderstanding, assured her that there was nothing to be concerned about. He would not try that with his uncle, and not just because the professional policeman would have seen right through it. Their relationship since Rick’s move to Rome had been devoid of artifice, unique in a country where subtlety and nuance was the norm in human interaction.

“Luca, I mean Inspector Albani, thought of the possibility that it was just a lost snowmobiler, but I know the guy was trying to get us. I could sense it. The only motive I can think of is that the murderer believes we are getting too close.”

“So it was a warning. They know that both you and Albani are working on the case and they don’t think much of Albani. By getting rid of you, or scaring you off, the investigation is delayed or perhaps goes cold.”

“I never thought of it that way, Zio. But if that’s the case, they’re underestimating Luca.”

“From what I’ve heard about him, I would agree. A tad eccentric, perhaps, but highly competent. Are you getting close to finding who is responsible?”

“Luca and I were just going over it. I think we’re closing in, but we can’t seem to get the break we need. I hope we get one soon.”

“The longer it goes, the colder the trail becomes, and so I hope you do. Riccardo, I have to go. I’ll be anxious to hear all about it when you get back to Rome. I hope you’re taking notes.”

“It’s all in my head, Zio. A presto.”

“A presto, Riccardo. Fai bravo.”

Rick closed his phone, glad that his uncle had finished by telling