Page 141 of The Grey Wolf
“Parisi says no. The theory the Italian cops are putting out is that Paolo was targeted by the mafia as payback to his parents. Thefamily, through their attorney, has also issued a statement to that effect.”
“That’s for public consumption,” said Gamache. “What does the family say privately?”
“They’re denying that their son had anything to do with the murder of Charles Langlois.”
Gamache raised his hands. Of course they were. Even though an eyewitness was the head of homicide for the Sûreté du Québec.
“Did the head of their Anti-Mafia task force have any theories?”
“He wouldn’t take my calls.”
“Here.” Gamache reached out. “Give me the name and number.”
“I can try again,patron.”
“Non.Just give it to me. It’s a rank thing.” And “rank,” he thought, was the word for it. “Not your fault. Anything on the woman who signaled Parisi?”
“Nothing. She’s vanished.”
They both knew what that might mean. More landfill.
When the inspector left, Gamache placed the call.
“So sorry, Inspector, but Superintendent Genori is occupied.”
The line went dead.
Gamache stared at the phone in disbelief, then placed the call again, getting through to the same officious voice.
“Inspector—”
“It’s Chief Inspector, and tell him to answer my goddamned call. Tell him I’m head of homicide and the eyewitness to the Parisi murder. The one Parisi committed.” Then he said more slowly, with emphasis, “The one that almost killed me. I’m sure he’s seen the video.”
The line went silent, but this time not dead. Twenty seconds later another voice came on the line. “My sincere apologies, Chief Inspector. Gamache, is it not?”
The words were highly accented but understandable, and Gamache appreciated that the man’s English was far better than his own Italian.
“No harm done. I’ll get right to the point. Does the Parisi family have ties to organized crime?”
“I think we’ve already answered that. Their ties are deep, but notin the way you’re suggesting. Both Signore and Signora Parisi have spent much of their energy, professionally and personally, fighting the mafia. At considerable risk to themselves and, clearly, their family.”
“Clearly? What’s so clear?”
“The mafia murdered their son, Paolo. In your jurisdiction. Surely that’s obvious.”
Now the head of the task force sounded more accusatory than conciliatory.
“And the murder of Charles Langlois?”
“A terrible accident. The young man lost control of his vehicle. Probably fleeing what he recognized as those trying to do him harm. I am just grateful you yourself were not killed.”
He did not sound grateful.
“You aren’t telling me you believe that, Superintendent. You’ve seen the video, you’ve read the official reports, including my witness account. There is no doubt that Paolo Parisi meant to kill Charles Langlois.”
“I see no such evidence. I see an honorable and beloved young man fleeing for his life and making a terrible mistake along the way. What possible motive would he have?”
Gamache pushed back from his desk in exasperation. The jolt sent his cup flying, splashing coffee over the reports he had yet to read.
