– Don’t worry for a second, María José, – Carlos reassured his good friend. – I’ll find out who that scoundrel is who hurt Perla. – He cleared his throat. – With my connections, – he raised his voice to ensure his words reached Ted’s window – I’ll have the culprit by tonight.
Meanwhile, he glanced toward his bespectacled neighbor. He couldn’t see him, but he was certain Ted was crouching in one of his observation posts, diligently spying.
Bernard and Noud, his immediate neighbors, chuckled at the elderly man’s discourse.
– Carlos is such a big talker, – Bernard said, shaking his head.
– Oh, come on. He’s just trying to impress. There’s no harm in that, – Noud waved dismissively.
– Still, what’s the point of all this?
– He’s trying to keep Ted at bay.
– I doubt anything can stop that guy. If he wants to be a nuisance, he’ll be one. Nothing can hold him back.
Bernard shrugged.
– So, who do you think poured water on the dog? – he changed the subject.
– My guess is the kid, Uwe. No adult would do something like that. They know a small animal could die from it. Teenagers don’t think; they just act and then regret it later.
– Nah, Uwe’s a good kid. Besides, they like the old lady. She’s always spoiling them with her donuts. Why would he want to hurt her?
– I’ll talk to him.
– Noud, don’t be ridiculous! Why meddle? Let them sort it out themselves!
Uwe could hardly believe what he was being accused of.
– You can’t be serious about me hurting… – his voice trailed off suddenly. He recalled bumping into his father during the night as he was sneaking down from the roof. – Or, uh, I mean… I’m sorry. I was really annoyed by the barking. She was chasing some lizard. I know it wasn’t right. I really regret it.
Noud and Bernard exchanged glances. They patted the boy on the shoulder and went home.
– Why did he lie?
– I don’t know, but he wanted to protect someone. Probably his sister. Who else?
– Well, it’s certainly not his parents. Nothing bothers them. I’ve never met happier people. And Perla doesn’t even make a sound. She certainly doesn’t bark. She just snuffles and whimpers now and then.
– Hey there, Ted, – Carlos greeted the complex’s grumpy resident cheerfully.
– Save your breath, Carlos. Don’t waste your energy. I didn’t climb onto anyone’s rooftop to douse that little pissing machine. Though I’d gladly do it if it meant teaching it some discipline. In fact, I can assure you, if it pees on my property, I’ll take it to the pound and say I found it on the street.
– You wouldn’t do that; you’re too smart for that, – Carlos paused for a long moment. – You’re not the only one keeping an eye open, my friend. Someone’s watching you too, – he added ominously.
Ted waved him off indifferently, but a shiver ran down his spine at Carlos’s insinuations. That guy was hiding something, and Ted hadn’t figured out what yet. After the old man sauntered off, the bespectacled resident pulled out his nosy neighbor’s file and added a few more notes to it.
– I’ll catch you eventually, you rascal, – he muttered. – I’ll figure out what corner you can’t escape from.
Uwe stirred his shrimp cream soup angrily. He avoided looking at his father, who was eager to know how his son liked the new recipe.
– Don’t be so rude, – Heidi snapped at him. – Why don’t you answer when someone asks you a question? If it were me, you’d call me out for this!
– Maybe it’s because – the teenager snapped back – I was just accused by the neighbors across the yard of pouring water on María José’s dó.
– Why didn’t you just tell them it wasn’t you? – his sister shrugged.
Uwe shot a reproachful glance at his father.
– I’m sorry, – Günter mumbled. – I’ll take care of it. I don’t want them blaming you.
– Dad, – Heidi exclaimed. – What did that dog ever do to you?
– It pees everywhere. And María doesn’t take it seriously.
– Wouldn’t it be simpler to just ask her? She’s a nice old lady; I’m sure she’d find a solution.
– Uh-huh, – the family head grumbled, nodding irritably.
– Where are you going, Viktoria? – Günter sat up in bed, alarmed.
– For a drink. Why?
– Just to know whether I need to cover up another piece of evidence for you tonight…