“What does he say?”

“Aly Seriakous. They’ve found no one else.”

“Perhaps he confessed?”

“I don’t know.”

“He was tempted by petty thievery.”

“He denied the theft.”

“But he had already confessed to it,” Saber said, as though defending himself.

“Yes, but later he denied it.”

“But they found the money at his home.”

“He said the wife gave it to him.”

“Mr. Khalil’s wife?”

“Yes.”

“But why?”

“Charity, maybe.”

“But did she give charity to the other servants?”

“No. All the others were questioned. He’s the only one.”

“That’s very strange,” said Saber, swallowing hard.

“What is stranger still is that he then confessed again to the theft.”

“And what about the so-called charity?”

“He said that she normally gave him tips for jobs that she wanted done. He saw where she kept the money, and this tempted him.”

“He went to steal, and he killed.”

“That’s it, I think.”

“What does the investigator think?”

“Who knows? But they seem convinced that he’s the murderer.”

“He has probably confessed,” Saber said hopefully.

“Probably.”

“No doubt the lady used to tip him.”

“Perhaps.”

“But why did he deny it and then confess?”

“Who knows?”

“There must be another facet to the problem.”

“Ah. Who can be sure?”

For the first time he inspected the old man’s face. Green, faded eyes. The closer he looked, the more he felt that he was seeing a new face, forgetting the old one. “Do you think that there is another facet?” asked Saber.

“How can I know?” replied Sawi, showing no interest in the matter.

Yes! That’s how men will feel approaching the gates of hell! “You know much more than you’re willing to tell,” said Saber cunningly.

“I’m afraid that the opposite is more correct.”

“Did they ask the wife any more questions?”

“The officer called her more than once.”

“Did Seriakous’ statement have anything to do with that?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have confidence in your friend? The one who gave you this news?”

“But she said so herself.”

“The wife?”

“Yes. She was here yesterday evening.”

She chose a time when he would be out! That cunning, wicked devil! Of what consequence can the investigation be compared with his predicament? Beware; the old man might read more than just curiosity into your questions. But how can I avoid these burning questions?

“Did she speak about her gift to Seriakous?”

“Yes, it was only charity, of course.”

“That’s reasonable.”

“Why?”

“Aly Seriakous doesn’t strike me as a man…”

“Are you aware of these things?” asked Sawi.

“Not every man is capable.”

“But I’ve lived far longer than you,” said the old man.

“Are you doubting her character?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Then you are confident she’s honest?”

The old man closed his eyes sadly. “I don’t doubt her, I know.”

Observe how matters are being revealed. Your investigation is proving more successful than the real investigation!