This new day brings much news to many households. Lorenzo is in his office. He has just finished his call to Victor, when he is interrupted by his aid.
"Sir, you have Lieutenant Simones at the door, who wishes a word with you."
Lorenzo is surprised at this visit but motions the aid to let the man in. The Lieutenant is brought to Lorenzo’s office and stands at the doorway.
"Come in, come in." Lorenzo says to the man, as he slowly limps with his cane toward the doorway to greet him. They shake hands. "Please have a seat."
"Thank you for taking the time to see me." Simones says, as he seats himself.
"Yes, yes, what can I do for you today?" Lorenzo asks, as he limps back to his chair behind the desk and slowly seats himself.
"Well, I’ve been working on this case of the Valentino deaths. I was about ready to close it when I looked through the file one last time. I did not see your name mentioned before. So now I have a few questions for you, if you do not mind?"
"Questions? No, please ask me." Lorenzo replies.
"You were spotted one day several months ago after the Valentino deaths at their home. Apparently, you also went into the house. What is your relationship to them, and what were you doing in their home?" Simones asks, sitting with a pen in one hand and a notepad in the other, ready to take notes.
"The Valentino’s are friends of a friend. I did not know them personally. I was driving one lovely, sunny day and decided to stop and pay a visit to Jennifer. I was led to believe that she was staying there and taking care of the home after the Valentino deaths." Lorenzo replies.
"How do you know Jennifer Evans?" Simones asks.
"Oh, lovely girl! I met her at the charity ball event. She was with a friend. She was kind enough to dance several dances with me. I wished to thank her again for a lovely evening. That is why I stopped by."
"I see!" Says Simones. "Is that all?"
"Why, yes!"
"And whom may I ask is this friend that Jennifer was with?"
"He is Victor Fandetti." Lorenzo replies to the Lieutenant.
"Ah, yes. I know of Victor." Simones comments. "I will meet with him then. Thank you for your time."
"You are welcome!" Lorenzo replies, as he rises out of his chair to bid farewell to the Lieutenant.
The Lieutenant rises from his chair, shakes Lorenzo’s hand and leaves the house. After about two minutes, Lorenzo telephones Victor.
"Hello!" Says Victor on the line.
The voice speaks, "The fox was in the hen house, but I feel the hens are safe. I have done all I can, but I feel the fox will visit you shortly." Lorenzo says without giving himself away. Then the line goes dead.
Victor hangs up the phone and knows that it was Lorenzo informing him that the police have been to his home and are now on their way to see him. This has long been their secret code for trouble; simple and yet to the point. Never before having been used, Victor is nervous at what might transpire and for what purpose. Lorenzo’s home is only a short distance away and the police will be arriving at his home momentarily. He runs to find Anna. He tells her to make herself scarce. That he will handle the police when they arrive. Anna is not pleased by this news but says nothing. She gathers the children and takes them to the beach, pretending to have been building sand castles most of the morning.
Soon the door bell rings; Victor gathers his composure and answers the door to see the Lieutenant.
"Yes, may I help you?" Victor says.
"I am Lieutenant Simones, may I have a word with you?"
"Yes, come in. What brings you here?" Victor asks in a puzzled manner.
"I have a few questions for you about Jennifer Evans, if you don’t mind." He says in return.
"Sure, come in and sit." Victor closes the door and leads him into the living room.
They no sooner seat themselves when the Lieutenant begins his questioning.
"As you may know, I have been investigating the deaths of Jon and Stacey Valentino. I am almost done, but have a few puzzling questions left unanswered." Simones says.
Victor says nothing but looks intently at the officer.
"You know Jennifer Evans?" He asks.
"Yes."
"How did you meet her?" Asks the Lieutenant.
"I met her shortly after the funeral. I could not attend. I was in an important meeting." Victor then sadly added. "Jon was my best friend."
The officer takes notes and continues with another question.
"Miss Evans left for the United States with the children after the funeral. How did you meet her then?" Simones asks.
"Yes, she did. But she returned and spent about two weeks here at my request. We got to know each other during that time. Is there a problem with her?" Victor asks in a puzzled manner trying to shift the conversation into a new direction.
"No! Why is it that you now have the Valentino children?" Simones asks.
"How did you know this?"
"Probate papers." Simones replies.
"Oh, yes. Well, as I said, we got to know each other during her stay. She discovered I was the biological father of the children. When she decided to leave, she thought it was best to place the children here with me, instead of raising them in America."
"So your relationship with Jennifer is good?" Simones questions.
Victor firmly remarks. "My relationship with Jennifer is private and not related to this case!"