S3–Chapter 49
+25 BONUS
Flavian’s POV
I was going crazy! I spent the night wide awake and decided to call Bonfim and ask for help – he could definitely help me. Manu was still sleeping when I left, so I left her a note saying I needed to go back to the police station. I felt bad about not telling her the truth, but I didn’t want her to worry about it or use it as a reason to think about leaving.
“Bonfim, thanks for coming to meet me,” I said when I found Bonfim at the police station entrance.
“That’s what friends are for.” He patted my shoulder. “I’m sure well solve this.”
We went to my office, and I told Bonfim everything that happened and showed him the documents.
“Bonfim, I didn’t sign any of this I’m certain,” I conc
I concluded.
“Well, what we’re going to do is talk to a lawyer I trust who will file an appeal. We’ll also speak with the detective from the fraud investigation unit – she’s a friend and will help us. We’ll file the complaint, and she’ll start investigating right away.”
“You have many friends, lucky for me,” I commented, happy to have someone helping me.
“Many years in the police force, Moreno – you end up meeting lots of people. But you’re a detective and you know, once the investigation starts, it won’t stop. Whoever’s involved will be caught.” I sensed his concern.
“I know, but this is a crime, Bonfim. It needs to be investigated and punished.”
“Yes, but your father might be involved in this, since the woman said your father helped her.”
“Yeah, I know, but he shouldn’t have gone this far.”
“Alright then, let’s go. The lawyer will meet us at the police station I took the liberty of talking to both of them after you told me on the phone what the problem was.”
“Bonfim, you’re the man!” Bonfim laughed, and we left for the other police station.
As soon as we arrived, we were taken to the detective’s office. She was a well–groomed woman in her forties, with the firm and confident posture of someone who ran that place with an iron fist.
“Bonfim, my dear! I can’t believe I’ll finally be able to do something for you, after so many years of asking for help and never being able to return the favor.” The detective stood up to greet Bonfim with great familiarity.
“Mariangela, you know it’s always a pleasure to help you with whatever you need.” Bonfim was very cheerful and relaxed; he was truly among friends here.
“That’s good because I plan to keep asking for help. And you must be Detective Moreno. I’ve been wanting to meet you; your reputation precedes you.” She extended her hand to me.
“Reputation?” I asked, confused.
“Yes, everyone’s talking about how your precinct is running at full steam, solving more cases than we can count.” She was well- informed about our precinct’s case resolution rates, and I hadn’t realized this was gaining notoriety in the police force. “Any chance you’d spend some time here, helping me with some fraud cases?”
“I don’t think so, ma’am. I prefer working in the violent crimes unit. And I’ve formed a good team with Bonfim.” I responded politely with the truth.
“Yeah, I’m the brains, and he’s the muscle doing the heavy lifting Bonfim joked about our partnership. “Flavian, this is Dr. Romeo Castle, the lawyer who’s going to help us.”
I greeted the lawyer whom I knew by name and reputation as one of the best, a big shot in the legal field with many successful cases and a history with my father. I told him everything that happened and showed him the documents. The detective filed the complaint and called for the forensics expert.
S3–Chapter 49
+25 BONUS
“We’ll start by proving these signatures aren’t yours,” she stated, and I felt we were on the right track. “Dr. Castle, I’ll request the case files from the judge. How do you plan to proceed?”
“I’ll act as soon as you notify the judge. I’ll reopen the case, and with proof of fraud, I’ll request that the divorce decree be reinstated with all its effects.” The lawyer was confident about the procedure.
“Excellent, sir. We’ll handle this case very quickly.” She smiled at me. “Relax, colleague, I’ll keep you informed, and we’ll resolve this promptly.”
After discussing other work–related matters with the detective for while, we said our goodbyes and left the precinct, accompanied by the lawyer.
“Dr. Castle, please tell me your fee and banking details so I can make the deposit,” I asked, as I didn’t want anything to delay solving this problem, and I didn’t want him to change his mind about taking my case.
“Detective, don’t worry about it, consider it a favor,” the lawyer smiled. “I also owe much to my friend Bonfim, and he thinks highly of you, so I do too, young man!”
“Then I’ll owe you the favor. And I’m at your disposal.”
We said goodbye and the lawyer went on his way. I got in the car with Bonfim, feeling calmer, and I couldn’t help but comment on the irony of the situation.
“Bonfim, you’ve outdone yourself. Of all the lawyers in this city, you bring me the only one my father hates,” I started laughing.
“What do you mean?” Bonfim looked at me curiously.
“He didn’t tell you? Well, then the doctor was very gracious not to mention it.” I smiled, thinking it was really polite of him not to dwell on old problems. “Dr. Castle and my father faced off about fifteen years ago. It was a case involving a small company that supplied materials to my father’s company. Dr. Castle defended that company with impressive ferocity and managed to prove all their claims. My father tried to pay him to drop the case, but he refused. The two had a violent confrontation, almost coming to blows right in the courthouse. In the end, Dr. Castle won the case, and my father had to pay the other company a small fortune. That enraged him, and they became enemies.”
“So that’s why he burst out laughing when I explained the case,” Bonfim thought and then said. “He assured me he would resolve your situation in record time.”
“I believe it!” I smiled at that.
“But your father, wow!” Bonfim shook his head.
“He’s a shark, Bonfim, a predator in business. Neither my siblings nor I agree with his methods. My brother has already managed to change a lot in the company, but as long as he’s there, he’ll do things his way.” I felt sorry for my brother who had to work around fixing my father’s mistakes.
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