8 A Shadow of Doubt (Part II)

Cathy gathers all the contents of the envelope and stuffs them back into the manilla envelope. She plans to report her suspicions to the authorities, no matter how absurd they may sound. No matter how foolish she may seem. No matter how foolish she may feel. She decides to go with her gut.

After brushing her teeth, she notices how messy her hair is. It looks like she had spent a week living in a cave. She sighs apathetically and simply combs it as she continues to get ready for her morning at the embassy. Why does she even bother trying? Another chance to make a fool out of herself, she thinks. Just like at the Polizia when she first saw the footage.

***

At the embassy, she is met with compassion from the officials. Although they would like to help her, they inform her that they cannot and refer her to an investigative unit within the Italian Police force. The official is kind enough to take down her statement and call a detective at the unit to brief her on Cathy's matter. Cathy is told to make her way there and ask for Detective Bianchi.

She prowls around the streets of Sicily in a quest to locate the building she was referred to. The streets are furnished with beautiful ancient architecture falling on the sides with flowery walls and patterned rock paving rounding off their ensemble. The streets are narrow and bustling with locals, feeling like packed alleyways.

After prowling around in hesitation, she finally reaches her destination. In front of her is a tall orange building that looks like a castle. 'CRABABIERI' reads the sign on the building as she proceeds to enter.

Cathy is ushered into Detective Bianchi's small office. A young petite policewoman with jet black hair who speaks good English. She settles for a seat across Cathy. "Afternoon Mrs. Miller. I understand your husband is missing" she introduces as she awaits Cathy's response.

"Yes" Responds Cathy "I have gone to the Polizia and they have shown me the footage of him leaving the hotel corridor with another woman. And just yesterday while I was unpacking his bag, I saw this envelope" She hands the envelope to the detective

She reads the contents of the envelope with a slightly sad expression painted across her face.

Cathy interrupts before the detective could assess her case "I know that it may seem as if though I'm some crazy American chick who cannot handle reality but I know this isn't my husband!" She loudly justifies as she anticipates a similar type of response. "Nathan did not go to Creaksfield Highschool, he went to Crokesfield... And his handwriting is off in the second note" As she justifies her suspicions, she cannot help but feel like the person she was describing. Some crazy American chick who cannot handle reality.

After carefully studying Cathy, Detective Bianchi speaks "Calm down Mrs. Would you like some water?"

"No! I don't want some water, are you listening to me? Nathan is not the type to disappear just like that. Something has gone wrong and my husband is in trouble!" exclaims Cathy as she stands and rants, preparing to leave "You know what, maybe I will go find another detective, one who's competent"

"Sit Down!" orders Detective Bianchi with a sharp voice as she marches towards her water cooler, pouring a glass of water for Cathy "Have some water"

"Thanks," mutters Cathy under her breath as she grabs the glass and takes a seat.

Cathy takes a sip of water and the detective finally speaks after a few seconds of silence "Cathy, I am aware that the handwriting on both sets of paper is different. I am also aware that after studying the footage, there seem to be segments of the footage missing. We called his family and they have not heard from him..."

As soon as she responds, Cathy feels relieved. Finally, there is someone who believes her, someone who would help her. As the detective speaks, there is a sudden knock on her door. It is from a man whom Cathy had momentarily spotted watching the detective through her office glass wall, looking displeased with her once he caught a glimpse of her. He looks older and has a grey mustache with thick gray hair. Detective Bianchi signals for the older man to come in. "Ciao signora, scusa, my name is Detective Russo" he introduces then switches his attention to Detective Bianchi "Can I have a word," he orders as he displays a bewildered look on his face.

The two detectives proceed to talk right outside the office. There is tension between the two as Bianchi clenches her jaws and clasps her hands in front of her. She cannot completely hear exactly what they are saying because they are speaking Italian but she can pick up a few sentences here and there. Their voices are raised as Cathy deciphers what is being said between the two. Detective Russo is scolding Bianchi for what she shared with Cathy about the missing footage, accusing her of giving Cathy false hope. He then proceeds to tell the detective that she is still a rookie. Bianchi counters to say that she has worked hard to be a detective and will not stand to be undermined in the department by being constantly placed on traffic duty. The row escalates as two detectives start to argue about the footage with Bianchi believing that segments are missing from it, and Russo calling her clueless, reminding her that he is higher on the pecking order, then threatening to fire her if she does not let it go.

Cathy sat back in her chair in Bianchi's office, cannot understand why Detective Russo is so determined not to let her investigate. Despite what she said to her earlier in a fit of anger and frustration, Bianchi seems perfectly competent. She can't tell what it is but something about Russo seems off to her.

Detective Russo re-enters the office and ushers Cathy away. With a stern but demeaning expression on his face, he talks to her about the case "Signora, go home. The evidence is what it says and unfortunately, my colleague misinformed you. Your husband left you for another woman and you must accept that." He says with a slight smirk on his face and then sharpens his croaky voice "There is no missing persons case we are going to file because we don't believe that he is missing. We have bigger cases to deal with. Get your affairs in order."

A heatwave of anger rushes through her body. She feels angry. Angry at how he speaks to her and how condescending he is. Angry at what he says. She can feel her fist clench feels like punching him. She restrains herself. It is not only his condescending nature but something about him that makes her dislike him deeply.

Just as she's about to exit the building in a fit of boiled-up anger, Detective Bianchi approaches her and secretly ushers her to the side. "Mrs. Miller, I'm sorry our conversation got cut short. My boss believes that there is no foul play involved but I believe that there is. There is a lot that calls to my suspicions in the case and I want to help you." With a slightly warm smile, she extends her hand out to Cathy "Here, take my card. If you ever need anything or want to talk about the case." "Thank you, Detective," says Cathy with an eerie voice, slowly reaching out her hand to take the card as her anger subsides.

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