City workers and shoppers walked the pavement. So many faces in thought. Cardilini imagined what each one’s expressions concealed: loved ones, sunny days, beaches, work, movies, family gatherings, or a nesting evil that could erupt at any moment. He tried to hunt it out in a face, a gesture, a tone, a posture. It was an occupational addiction. He saw Mrs Pass walking up from St Georges Terrace. She moved like the others, independent but inexplicably joined to everyone around her. Cardilini envied the innocence.

‘Detective Sergeant Cardilini.’ Mrs Pass stood in front of him. Her face and her tone held the office composure. She had applied lipstick and brushed her hair making Cardilini wonder about how his own hair looked. He ran a casual hand over his chin to check if he had shaved: he had.

‘Mrs Pass. Lead the way.’

She turned without speaking and marched to a doorway. Tables suitable for four crammed the space in front of a curved glass display cabinet. Occupants of several tables sat close together conversing over their cups and saucers.

‘Tea or coffee?’ Mrs Pass asked Cardilini when she reached the counter.

‘Tea.’

‘Two teas, thanks.’

‘I’ll pay,’ Cardilini said.

‘No, you won’t.’ The firmness of her reply surprised Cardilini. He turned to see if anyone else had witnessed Mrs Pass’s strong response. A couple in their thirties glanced from Cardilini to Mrs Pass.

‘I expected to pay for any drinks,’ Cardilini couldn’t resist when they were seated.

‘That’s usually the case. I understand that,’ she replied.

‘Then?’

‘I’m a widow.’

Cardilini took a moment to assess her face.

‘I’m sorry to hear.’

‘It’s been years.’ She turned straight to business. ‘I read the files. This is not my opinion, this is the intended reading by the coroner.’ Mrs Pass clearly stated, ‘A fatal single car crash with a young male at the wheel often means the coroner investigates further. If the road is an isolated country road but well known to the driver, and the car for no apparent reason swerves into a tree, he will make observations that won’t state suicide directly and also won’t result in an open verdict. But a cautious reader will understand there’s a possibility the person took their life. The shooting accident verdict read the same.’

Cardilini exhaled heavily.

‘Is that what you wanted to hear?’ Mrs Pass asked.

‘No, but it’s what I thought.’ Cardilini turned his attention to his tea.

‘Did the families think it suicide?’ Mrs Pass asked with some gravity.

‘I don’t know.’

‘Does anyone else think this besides yourself?’

‘Not as far as I know.’ Cardilini looked for her reaction.

Mrs Pass stirred her sugarless tea and said, ‘We decided to wait before having children. I regret that now.’

Cardilini leant forward, toying with his cup before taking a sip.

‘What’s your opinion of the coroner’s findings?’ He asked.