Once the policemen made such request to Marisa Lavezzoli, she didnt find it difficult to get a photo of her husband, and then Zamagni dhe Finocchi saluted her and went to meet with the owner of bar caffé.
The bar caffé was actually managed by some Chinese people who initially failed to know the man from the photo the inspector showed, nevertheless they pointed out the fact of having the ownership of bar caffé in the recent years, while before them, the bar caffé had been owned by an Italian couple who, in turn, had decided to shut off the activity and enjoy in serenity the rest of their life.
When the inspector Zamagni asked them of the residence place of the past owners, one of Chinese gave to them a piece of paper with the names, address and the phone numbers.
Unless theyve changed their own address, this is what youve asked for, explained the man behind the counter, Ive received these data from the sale contract.
Despite his Chinese nationality, it was obvious that the person whom theyre talking to, used to live in Italy for some years as he was fluent in Italian, differently from his friends in the bar caffé.
Zamagni and Finocchi expressed their thanks to him and then went out the caffé heading towards the place indicated in the paper.
It is nearby, the inspector explained to agent Finocchi, We can reach it easily on foot within a few minutes.
Aldo Marini and her spouse Giovanna Carletti lived in street Parma, within the same city, San Lazzaro of Savena, a short street parallel to street Repubblica, which was located behind the café owned by them before selling it to some Chinese people.
May we talk to you for a little bit?, asked Zamagni after showing the police identification card to the man who showed up in the door.
Please, the elderly man let them in, Whats up?
Were inquiring a case and need to show a photo to you and your wife. Its about a person, who as far as it seems, used to visit your bar café.
Whats going on, Aldo?, asked a lady, in a voice coming from the other room of the apartment.
Please come here, Giovanna, the police need to talk to us, was the answer of the man, and then turning to the two policemen, he said at a lower voice: Its my wife speaking. She used to work with me in the café.
Hello, whats going on here?, asked the lady.
Were looking for this person, replied Zamagni, showing the photo that Marisa Lavezzoli gave to them a short while ago, Do you know this man?
Both spouses stared for a moment at the person in the photo, then made a gesture of approval and the husband confirmed it.
I remember him coming quite often to our café. He used to drink something and often played cards with other clients as well.
What do you know about him?, the agent Finocchi asked.
He didnt talk much to us. Only used to speak when ordering drinks.
And what did he drink usually?, Zamagni wanted to know. Alcohol or something else?
I remember that he didnt drink alcohol, responded Aldo Marini, Sometimes coffee, or merely water or soft drinks.
Did he look like a calm person or probably occurred that youve seen him angry sometimes?
A calm person, Id say, returned the wife, But, it comes to my mind now, that one day I didnt see him again, I recall this fact.
Were in search for him because it seems that he disappeared years ago, the agent Finocchi underlined.
His family thinks that something bad has happened to him and thats the reason of asking help from the Police?, asked Mr.Marini.
We have no idea what has happened. In every case, this is an ongoing inquiry, therefore we cant speak out about that, Zamagni explained to him, However, you also confirm that one day you havent seen him again, right?
Both spouses nodded.
To be exact, since when you dont run the bar café in street Repubblica?, asked the inspector.
Ive not a fresh memory, returned the man, but Id say eight or maybe ten years, at least, replied the husband.
Zamagni dhe Finocchi saluted them, expressing thanks for the time spent, then went out into the street and set off on their way to the hospital Sant'Orsola to keep talking to professor Salvemini.
Well, who is Lincoln Rhyme?, asked Marco Finocchi while driving the car from San Lazzaro of Savena to the hospital Sant'Orsola.
Oh, yeah, youre right, began to speak the inspector, I promised you to explain it. Are you sure youve never heard of him? Havent you ever watched The Bone Collector? Its a movie from several years ago.
I remember the movie title, but never watched it, responded the agent.
Lincoln Rhyme is a character born from the imagination of Jeffery Deaver, a writer of thriller novels who became widely known through publishing of his adventures, I believe so. Hes an expert in forensic science and solves the cases from the place in which he currently lives.
Thats weird, Marco Finocchi made a comment, He doesnt go to see the crime scene at all?
It would be so hard: he suffers from tetraplegia. Fortunately, hed managed to set up some technology systems by means of which hes able practically to do everything simply sitting on a wheel chair. Moreover, he has established a small laboratory in the house with many examination tools that serve to resolve the cases hes in charge.
But how does he get the objects that he needs to examine, if he cant go to the crime scene?
He does that through an assistant. Her name is Amelia Sachs. She goes onsite to the crime scene and its pretty the same as if Rhyme sees it himself.
Thats pretty interesting. And how does she do that?
She goes to the crime scene and examines it along with Rhyme. She describes all remotely through the radio transmittent, cell phone or any other appliance similar to these.
Thats great!, exclaimed Finocchi.
You could read the books of Jeffery Deaver with Lincoln Rhyme in the role of protagonist, advised Zamagni.
I would consider it.
Its time to get off the car, said the inspector at last, We just arrived at the hospital.
Following the directions indicated in the business card the nurse had given to them, both policemen reached the second floor of the hospital building, in which they asked for some guidance to find professor Salvemini.
A lady on a white sleeve said to them that the person whom theyre looking for, was momentally busy with medical check-ups, but she advised them to wait at the clinic and then get in touch as soon as he frees from the workload.
Zamagni thanked her for the politeness and along with the agent Finocchi went to sit down at one of the chairs close to the front door of clinic.
Once one patient came out, and before the doctor was about to call the other patient to enter, the inspector peeped inside from the door and, while showing the police identification card, asked if they could have a conversation together.
Unfortunately, I have some medical check-ups already pre-scheduled and its not possible to cancel or postpone, Mario Salvemini explained to them, but I promise to get back to you right away, once Im done. Its a matter of only one hour. You can wait in the hallway or come back again after a while. Its up to you. In all cases, I wont be leaving from here.