Episode 4

Heitor Bitencourt...

Although I enjoy dining in fine restaurants, nothing compares to the comfort of my home, where I can indulge freely in whatever I desire. All it takes is a request to my cook, and she prepares everything just as I wish at that particular moment.

After lunch, I'm scheduled to meet with my lawyer, Helio, who will bring me the final report on the accident where I lost my wife, Juliana. Despite everyone claiming it wasn't my fault, I will always carry it with me.

Heitor - Magnolia, my lawyer will be here; we have an important and private meeting.

Magnolia - As you wish, Heitor. I'll take this opportunity to assist Verena around the house while I continue the search for a new maid.

Heitor - I think you should have settled that by now; you're responsible for everything in this house.

Magnolia - I'm aware, sir, but with so much on my plate, I simply overlooked it. However, rest assured, I will resolve it as soon as possible.

Heitor - I expect so. I don't want to hear complaints from staff about being overworked, especially when they are well-compensated.

My housekeeper just looks at me quietly without saying a word. She's accustomed to saying I'm harsh and grumpy, but I am merely a serious and committed man. I resume eating normally when the doorbell rings, and I know it's Helio, as he's coming over to discuss a serious matter.

Helio - Good afternoon, Heitor! I might have arrived a bit too early since we had scheduled for 2 pm.

Heitor - No problem, Helio. Join me, have a seat and eat with me.

Helio - Thanks for the offer, Heitor, but I've already eaten. However, I wouldn't mind having a drink.

Heitor - Help yourself, my friend; make yourself at home.

He pours himself a glass of whisky while I finish my lunch. I know my lawyer is serious and competent, yet he drinks like no other. Nevertheless, he has never failed to meet his obligations despite being a stout man in his 60s, standing at 5'7" with scarcely a few grey hairs left on his balding head.

Helio - It's very good that you appealed, Heitor, because the news is favorable.

Heitor - I hope so, Helio. Let's go to my office.

We move to my office, and upon entering, the relief in Helio's eyes startles me, so I ask,

Heitor - What did the accident investigation conclude?

Helio - You were not at fault for Juliana's death. The evidence confirms you were driving at the normal required speed. The other car involved in the accident was going 120 kilometers per hour.

Heitor - But I was turning at a curve on the highway when I hit that car.

Helio - However, you were in your lane, with the light green, driving at 60 kilometers per hour, while the other jumped the red light at 120 kilometers per hour, leading to the conclusion that the driver of the white pickup truck, with the license plate 0000, driven by Guilherme Gonçalves Moreira, was at fault. He was only 22 years old at the time and was driving his father's vehicle into town.

Heitor - So the reckless individual took his father's car out for a wild ride?

Helio - Exactly. The investigating officer concluded that at the time, the young man did not have a driver's license yet routinely drove his father's car, as evidenced by the numerous traffic fines the vehicle had accumulated.

Heitor - I need you to dig deeper into this Guilherme's background. Even though three years have passed, I want him held accountable for the crime he committed. I lost my wife due to his negligence, and I have been living with the guilt ever since—especially after finding out Juliana was pregnant.

Helio - He will be notified of the new investigation and will certainly have to face the judge.

Heitor - I'm calling Caio to have him investigate this murderer. I'm not concerned with who he is; I just want him to pay.

Helio - Justice here is slow, Heitor, and it's already been three years.

Heitor- I don't care; he will pay for my wife's death.

Helio - As you appealed against the last report, the police decided to reopen the case. This time, they will charge him with intentional homicide because he took the risk to kill by driving without a license and under the influence.

Heitor - I bear the guilt of Juliana's death, even though I was not at fault. I might not have gone with her to that event that day, but she insisted, and I agreed. No matter what the report says, it doesn't change how I feel...