A new interview was released, trying to minimize the gruesome details of the cleric’s death. When the truth came out completely, it was clear to everybody that the priest had been viciously murdered.
Giacomo’s concern was palpable: “I never thought those crimes could happen in this part of town. I only hope it is an isolated incident.” Claudio replied with an ignited tone. “Didn’t you know that around the world every country is the same? You told me that once if I am not mistaken.” Unfortunately, time was changing, and in October the North Shore trails under Cypress were still closed. Police began searching throughout the mountain, hoping to find some traces left by the killer. In the past, several related homicide cases went cold because investigators gave up the research. One of the cases was discovered later to be a serial murder, active for more than twenty years.
Police did not want to commit the same mistake.
CHAPTER V
The Priest
PART I
After hearing the news, the group decided to quit the cardio training for the moment, waiting for the reopening of Cypress trails as soon as police had concluded their investigation. Soccer and football
teams decided to train as usual on the field, while hockey used the indoor ice rink. Claudio decided to introduce Isabel to his father, inviting her for a coffee, extending the invitation to his cousin Michael.
The excuse was to discuss university programs and possible exams to take. It was already evening when Giacomo decided to invite everybody for dinner. Isabel called her parents to let them know about supper plans, while Giacomo turned on the TV, watching the local news.
“Hey guys, I will prepare a good dinner for us tonight!” Said the man laughing.
“I can help and learn something here,” replied Isabel, while Michael sat comfortably on the sofa with his uncle. TV showed the latest interview released by the chief of the West Vancouver Police Department, addressing the unexpected findings of further human remains up the North Shore; those were not of Larry Murphy.
“It is clear at the moment that a dangerous, unscrupulous killer is on the loose, and probably a few of the missing people we are looking for have been murdered in the last few years,” commented a solemn audible commander.
Everybody was carefully listening to the TV news in astonishment and fear. Inspector Mesotti spoke after the chief of police. He was longing for everybody’s cooperation, liaising with the WVPD and the North Vancouver Police.
Kevin spoke with a businesslike tone: “We decided to collaborate with the other districts, intensifying our investigation and uniting our skills. After all, those missing people are from different districts, and we need all the information possible. Any clues or details about suspicious people seen on the trails must be reported. We ask of the citizens a constant opened eye.” Kevin looked like an old-time inspector. He boasted a long career as an investigator in diverse homicide squads. He worked in the States (California) and Ontario, before attaining a position in West Vancouver, where he was born. A fit man with the pleasure of smoking, especially when nervous or after a coffee, he got a serious, hollow face, showing protuberant cheekbones with thin lips, while his long brown hair framed his skinny long face.
Although he seemed at first sight sober and humorless, Kevin, in his tall figure, revealed a well-hidden sense of humor and sarcasm. His closest colleagues nicknamed him Count Vlad, after Dracula.
Father Larry was moved from his hometown Armagh in Northern Ireland to Toronto in 2010. Subsequently he studied at the Vatican Diocese in 2013 and lived in Rome for three years. He was deepening his theological studies and Latin language at first, intensifying his obsession for the research on religious history and colonial expeditions later.
All originated after the acquaintance of a Spanish clerical friend, who knew the history of religious colonial missions connected to Canada and the city of Vancouver.
Larry exercised a vigorous pressure on the Vatican Clergy, seeking to be transferred back to Vancouver. He wrote several letters addressed to the ministry of the holy order, insisting redundantly until he was finally moved in January 2016… when he lost his life. Kevin speculated on his own, “why the Priest went hiking while snow was still on the peaks, dressed in religious clothes and carrying his sacred objects? To me it remains an unexplainable mystery. He must have come here for a reason…he was looking for some- thing. I am convinced that he was not hiking. The path he took and the material he carried are not those of a picnic. Perhaps he was running away from someone!”
The officer was supposing all the theories. Larry disappeared in no more than three months, neglecting his services and duties. He was clearly dedicated to something else.
At Giacomo’s, dinner was over… Michael appeared ready to go home and turned in for the night. Claudio and Isabel had made the meal, “You guys are the official cooks from now on!” announced Giacomo.
For Claudio, the meal had been a nice way to relax together and forget about the case for a little while. Now he stood at the window scanning the hills. A half-moon was shining, and a few fluffy clouds drifted overhead. For a moment, he thought he could distinguish the shape of long swaying hair in the clouds.
Thursday was a busy day. After school Claudio’s team met at the soccer field for a final practice, going over tactics for Saturday’s game. A feeble light drizzle refreshed the players, mixing with their sweat. Claudio was pouring all his effort into playing his position, trying to impress their sober coaches. He was so focused that he forgot about the killings and the news.
Suddenly he realized someone was watching him. A chill went up his spine and he turned his head. It was Isabel, there to watch him practice. He was so happy to see her that he began showing off. His team was playing a scrimmage and Claudio tried to tackle an opposing forward, but the player dodged him while running toward the net. Claudio had no choice but to chase him. He attempted a slide tackle to get the ball, but fell, slamming into the ground. He laughed along with the spectators.
“That’s it for me, guys, I am in pain,” exclaimed the boy.
At the end of practice Claudio joined Isabel outside the fence. “You almost killed yourself! Who were you trying to impress, me or your coaches? I think you need to sober up and have a cold shower.” She laughed and slapped Claudio on the shoulder.
“Thanks for caring about me, my dear! I am just trying to show you what an Italian soccer player can do.” Isabel stopped and put her hands on her slim hips. She smirked at Claudio.
“Do you see any love handles here? Soccer is slow! If you want a challenge, I can take you running up the hills.”
Claudio countered, “My God, Isabel…are you serious? I know you are strong. Who is bragging now?”
Isabel wrapped her arm around Claudio’s neck, and put her head against his. “I didn’t realize until now that I am taller than you, Claudio. Ha!” They kissed each other good night and left the place.
Meanwhile Police had found the remains of six bodies, apparently killed within the last three years. The sacristan from Father Larry’s parish had been arrested, after he lied about several previous accidents, although on the day the priest was killed, he had been with his family at home.
The news anchor was explaining the details: “Today Morris Harrison, the church caretaker, produced a credible alibi while being interrogated by the police. The forensic investigation of the remains suggests that the killer or killers tortured the victims, and then tried to get rid of the bodies by drowning or burning the corpse.” The announcer concluded with sophisticated laboratory studies, showing that all the victims had both hands and feet perforated by sharpened rocks, followed by signs of water presence inside the bones. Burns appeared on the collagen of fibulas.”
Giacomo almost choked