It did not surprise me, given your attitude over the last few weeks. I even understand, in part, your reasons for writing it. And thus I am (almost) convinced I should meet you halfway. But don’t you think that asking me for total freedom and autonomy in investigating the critaru case, of all things, might be a mistake on your part? You know I consider you a skillful, intelligent detective. But this seems to me the sort of case that might stymie a policeman even better than the two of us put together. If I hesitate to turn it over to you, it is precisely because I am your friend. Because, were you to fail, it would create endless complications, and not only in our personal relations. Think it over. At any rate, if your mind remains unchanged, allow me a few days to decide. With unwavering affection, Salvo He reread the letter. It seemed perfect to him. It would help keep Mimì in line for a few days, while the inspector awaited the results of Ingrid’s surveillance. And it gave him no reason to get angry and pull any more stupid stunts.
