Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Suzane's JAG gained speed as it left the gate of the guardhouse of the Europa sisters' condominium. The ride was not very far, so Vini needed to be direct. At first he was quiet, waiting for Suzanne to break the ice. And she finally did. But at what cost?

- My son says that you and Enzo are two morons.

Vini thought it was hilarious.

- Okay, so what's unclear to you?

- You've known each other for many years, haven't you?

- Many years! Look, Suzane, don't take this the wrong way, but I think there's something weird going on with Pacifier.

Vini's luck ran out at a red light. Suzane let off the gas pedal and the car started to stop right before the white line.

- What do you say?

- I won't bullshit you. Pacifier has been acting more odd than usual. And it's quite a struggle.

- He's been through quite a lot.

- A lot? Have you already been through three minutes with Enzo? A lot means dumping him off the 11th floor and hiding the remains of his body!

Suzanne stared at him, confused. Vini needed to explain better what he was saying. Or what he didn't really say.

- I mean, hypothetically speaking.

- Vini, you seem like a good kid, but there are some issues it's better not to get yourself into.

- Is there something going on with you? I went up in the elevator with a really creepy guy. You came out of his apartment.

- Oh, Vini, it's not that.

- You have marks on your arm. I noted it. It's my own business. I'm very particular about details. And chocolate spots on my expensive shirts.

- I appreciate the concern. But... I repeat what I said before. Don't get involved.

- But what if it's something that could put you at risk? Or Pacifier? In which case it would be a problem for the person.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

- What do you want me to say, Vini?

- The real deal.

- I cannot.

- I know his father is kind of...

- Criminal? Yes, I guess it's not a big secret.

- How come they couldn't trace anything? It's pretty impressive, if you ask me.

- The father of my son knows very well how to get out of an unfavorable situation. He got involved in a lot of things during those years, gave us a life of great luxury and wealth, but was harassed by many others. My husband earned a lot of money and gave us a comfortable life, but along with this he brought many enemies. That's why I said, Vini, you are young, you have a whole life ahead of you. Don't get involved in this shit.

- I do understand what you mean. I really do. But Pacifier punched someone at school, it's not really his character to be a bully. Something is wrong.

- Don't worry about it.

Vini noticed that Suzanne wouldn't trust him. As much as she was a very chatty and open woman, when it came to certain topics, she closed herself off, like an oyster's mouth. Despite this, Suzane seemed to be taken aback by her son's behavior. So, before letting Vini out of the Jaguar, she said thank you for the conversation and that there was nothing to worry about. Still, it could be worse.

- You are very handsome, Vini. - she said, embarrassing him. - You know very well how to treat and understand a woman. If I had a daughter...

Oh, boy.

- She'd be very pretty. - Vini was quick as a wink. - "Pretty mom, pretty kid", you know. That's Enzo's favorite quote.

- He seems to be a contemporary philosopher.

- More like an idiot savant to me.

She laughed and said:

- Thank you. And good night.

- Good night.

Vini waved one last time as he saw the Jaguar getting smaller and smaller, heading north on the street. But instead of following Suzane's recommendation, Vini's mind wouldn't let him relax.

- Holy shit. I'm so screwed.