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"I'm sure Capitano Lavezzo made a note of that similarity, but the group disappeared a long time ago.It's doubtful they're back now.If anything, it is someone who is copying them."
"What do you know about the crew, the leaders?"
"Well, let me think about that."He paused for a moment, then said."I believe the crew was run by a thief named Roberto Falconeri.His brother was also involved, but I don't remember his name off the top of my head.I think they both passed away years ago."
"What about their families, their descendants?"
"I don't know.I can look into it.But I'm curious why you're asking me about it and not Captain Lavezzo."
"You seem to be more interested in helping us.Captain Lavezzo has not been forthcoming."
"He likes to run his operations without outside input," Stefano said, suggesting he'd experienced a similar lack of cooperation from Captain Lavezzo."But I'm certain he will conduct a thorough investigation and will do his best to recover the paintings."
"I hope so, but if you can find out anything about that investigation or a possible tie toLa Mano Nera, I'd appreciate hearing about it."
"Certainly.Is there anything else?"
"Yes.My other question is about my grandfather's accident.Is there a police file on it?Would you be willing to share that with me?"
Stefano hesitated."Why are you asking about your grandfather's accident?"
"I want to know what happened that night."
"I can tell you what happened.It rained heavily.The streets were quite wet and puddled.Marcus braked suddenly and skidded off the road into a tree.He was sadly killed on impact."
"There were no other vehicles involved?"
"No.It was late in the evening, and he was on a road outside of Rome that was not well-traveled.A passerby reported the accident but said he did not see it happen.He called for help, but it was too late.I wasn't working that night, but I went down there as soon as I heard the news.Everyone in the department was devastated.Your grandfather was one of the best police officers to ever serve this country.We all respected him a great deal.I can assure you that if there had been any evidence that the crash was not an accident, we would have left no stone unturned to find out what happened."
There was nothing but passionate sincerity in Stefano's voice, and it made him feel marginally better.But he wasn't completely convinced.If the department had had knowledge of what Marcus was looking into, maybe they would have viewed the crash differently, just as he was doing now.Everything looked different when the context changed.
"I'm curious," he said."Had you spoken to my grandfather in the weeks before he died?"
"Actually, I did.We ran into each other at Mass one Sunday and talked for a while afterward.He said he was enjoying retirement, that he and Anna were talking about taking a cruise."
"Did he mention anything about his father's death?"
"His father's death?"Stefano echoed."No.Wasn't Marcus's father killed in a fire years ago?Why would that be on his mind?"
"I'm not sure.My grandmother said he was stressed about something in the weeks before he died."
"He didn't mention his father to me."
"What about a friend with problems?Maybe another police officer."
"No.I'm sorry.We didn't discuss anything serious, and Marcus didn't appear stressed in any way."Stefano paused."Why are you so worried about your grandfather now?Perhaps I could be of more help if you tell me what you're concerned about."
"I'm just caught up in the past because of the stolen paintings," he said, not wanting to share what Victoria had told him.
"That's understandable.Have you decided if you and Signorina Rossi will be staying in Rome?"
"Not yet."
"I hope Signorina Rossi is feeling better after the attack last night."
"She's doing well," he said, reminded of just how well Isabella was doing.She hadn't mentioned the attack once.She hadn't acted like someone who should be taken care of or coddled.Instead, she'd been resolute.She really was a gutsy woman.Beautiful, too.As the errant thought entered his mind, he pushed it away.He didn't need to think about how pretty she was and how much he was starting to like her.He had enough problems."Thanks for your help," he said.
"I don't think I helped you at all, but I would very much like to.Please feel free to call me any time."
