Death Brings Gold. Nicola Rocca

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СКАЧАТЬ Ghezzi’s death was a mess, the Chief Inspector thought. There were those damn traces of glue under the victim’s tongue. And the murder weapon was still a mystery.

      David Walker read the autopsy report for the umpteenth time, paying special attention to the parts that he had highlighted. When he reached the end, he remained there engrossed in his own thoughts.

      Making an angry grunt, he lifted the office phone receiver and dialled Dr Visconti’s number.

      The phone rang three times, then the Medical Examiner answered.

      â€œHi Umberto, it’s Walker.”

      â€œInspector, good to hear from you. I bet you need something.”

      â€œCorrect,” admitted David.

      â€œShoot,” Visconti encouraged him.

      â€œI’ve just finished reading the appraisal regarding Ghezzi.”

      â€œGood.”

      â€œActually, I dare say that I devoured it more than read it.”

      On the other end he heard an amused snicker.

      â€œSo, the victim died by strangulation.”

      â€œWithout a shadow of a doubt.”

      â€œBut the murder weapon still remains a mystery.”

      An eternal moment of silence.

      â€œWell, I made my observations, David.”

      â€œAnd now I’ll give you mine,” replied Walker. “Couldn’t the killer have used the necktie that was found on the victim’s body? That is, I mean, could it be consistent with the marks that you’ve found on the victim’s neck?”

      The doctor thought about it for a moment.

      â€œIt could be. Yes, I wouldn’t exclude it.”

      â€œExcellent,” replied Walker. “Besides, I read about some marks with little squares stamped on the neck …”

      â€œYes,” Visconti interrupted him. “Those squares are the pattern on the surface of the ligature strip or, as you have assumed, of the necktie used for the strangulation.”

      â€œIt’s exactly with reference to this matter that I wanted some clarification.”

      â€œThat’s why I’m here, David.”

      â€œI spoke with Carobbio, from Forensics. He confirmed that the necktie found on Ghezzi’s body had some small squares tone-on-tone. The surface of the fabric, I mean.”

      â€œWell, then I’d say there’s no doubt, David. It must be the murder weapon. If you want, we could confirm that, by comparing the pattern of that necktie with the marks on the victim’s neck.”

      Walker waited for a few seconds before expressing his thoughts.

      â€œLet’s do it, Umberto. Although… I was also convinced that it was that necktie …”

      â€œBut?” the medical examiner asked.

      â€œBut Carobbio excluded it. Categorically.”

      â€œSorry, but why?”

      â€œHe said the necktie was too neat, too clean and ironed to be the one used to strangle a man. In his words: it looked like it came from a drycleaner’s.”

      â€œSo he discouraged you.”

      â€œAbsolutely.”

      After an embarrassing silence, it was Visconti who came forward.

      â€œAs for the rest of the picture, is it clear to you?”

      â€œTo tell the truth, I wanted to ask you something else.”

      â€œI’m all ears.”

      â€œWhat can you tell me about his wrists? I couldn’t find anything in my report.”

      â€œThe wrists?” asked Visconti, worried.

      â€œYes. As soon as I arrived at the scene, I noticed some reddish bruises around the victim’s wrists.”

      â€œAh, those,” said the doctor. “Yes, I saw them. I didn’t attach any importance to them because certainly they didn’t cause his death. It’s very likely that the victim had been tied with something metallic before he was killed. Chains? Handcuffs?”

      Walker remained silent.

      â€œDavid, are you still there?” Visconti prompted him.

      â€œYes, I’m here,” he answered, shaking off his lethargy. “It’s exactly what I’d thought.”

      â€œWell, then why did you ask?” joked the doctor.

      â€œI wanted you to confirm it.”

      â€œWell, I did.”

      â€œGood. Thanks a lot, Umberto,” said Walker, letting his friend know that their phone conversation was over.

      â€œDon’t mention it, David. It’s my job.”

      â€œAh,” Walker drew Visconti’s attention again, “I’ll show you the necktie, to compare it with the impressions on Ghezzi’s neck.”

      â€œI’ll be waiting.”

      Walker slowly returned the receiver to its hook. It was the first time that Visconti had submitted an incomplete report. Poor Umberto, he must still be under stress from his mother’s death. He would give the document back to him and ask for the amendments. He didn’t wish to cause him any trouble.

      CHAPTER 13

      Visconti and Carobbio’s joint effort brought the first result: the necktie with which Ghezzi had been killed matched the one found on his body.

      Walker made a mental note to visit the tie manufacturer and got into his car, cursing the traffic in Milan.

      He parked his AUDI A3 in the only available spot, in a “no parking” space. He remained inside the car until the end of his cigarette, smoking with his eyes closed, sunk into his seat, thinking about his next moves.

      When he got outside, he remembered to leave a copy of his police ID on the windscreen. He had already accumulated a collection of fines.

      MODADUOMO’s main office was in Piazza San Babila, a hundred metres from there.

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