EDUARDO
— After that, I'm starting to regret not getting in line to marry you myself — Alexandre says after I hang up my playful call with Malia.
— Too bad, you missed your turn. Now you have to help me look after her — I say, my tone turning serious. He sighs.
— I'm on vacation, and you hunted me down — he says, grabbing his glass of whiskey from the bar counter. — Right in the middle of your honeymoon. I feel like the "other woman" here.
Despite it being early, Alexandre drinks as if he'd spent the whole night at it. Unprofessional as it may seem, he's the best in the business once he actually gets to work.
— I need your help. There's no one better than you, and the whole world knows it.
— You want me to work on two cases — he says, eyeing me. I just stare back. — Fine. You've come all this way. But be warned: just because we're friends doesn't mean I'm doing this for free. Knowing each other is just one more reason for me to charge you extra—especially since I'm on VACATION — he emphasizes, and I smile.
— I knew you'd accept. Please... this is very important — I tell him. He sighs again.
— I need to know what you know. Tell me everything, and then I'll see what I can do.
— Great. Then put down that drink and let's have lunch.
It's a bit early for lunch, but since Fira stays awake twenty-four hours a day, I decide to head to a restaurant and order something substantial. While we wait, I begin to explain the situation to Alexandre, who listens intently. I start from the beginning. Not everything, but from the start.
— Actually, it's a very simple case, but its simplicity is exactly what makes it complicated — Alexandre says when our food arrives nearly an hour later. — Do you want me to start with the girl's custody? You know it would be easier to win if the mother's innocence is proven first.
— No. Her custody is the priority — I say firmly. Nothing comes before little Sofia.
— But— — Alexandre tries to argue, but I'm not open to suggestions.
— No, Alexandre. Do whatever is necessary. Use my name, use my money, but get custody of that girl as fast as possible — I say, making sure he understands.
— Wow. She really has you wrapped around her finger. You weren't even like this with that bitch Cecilia, and back then, you followed her around like a puppy. — He says it bluntly—that's one of his traits, for better or worse. He simply says what he thinks.
— Speaking of Cecilia, she showed up at my wedding — I say. Alexandre's eyes widen, and he immediately perks up.
— Seriously? How was it? Did she show up at the "speak now or forever hold your peace" part and scream, "You won't steal my bank from me! Give me back my favorite millionaire, you slut!"? — he asks, acting out the scene and making me laugh despite the serious subject.
— No. She went after Malia just before the bridal march started... Can you believe she had the nerve to tell her she was pregnant with my child? All so Malia would back out of the wedding — I say, still unable to believe the audacity of that woman.
— Bitch. God, I love being right—I never liked her — Alexandre says, and I just nod.
When we were together, he even distanced himself because he knew he couldn't bite his tongue, and I was crazy for Cecilia. To avoid hurting me, Alexandre chose to stay away.
— Let's forget about that woman. Cecilia could never carry a child of mine, and we both know why. But I'll have to act if she disturbs Malia again — I say, finishing my meal.
— Well, then I'll analyze everything you've told me. Give me a week, then I'll tell you which approach to take. I need to look into Malia's background, see exactly what the charges are, and review the previous custody rulings — he says, also finishing his food. — We'll meet only when I'm done and have made a decision, because I am still on "vacation".
— Fine, fine — I laugh, but there's one more thing he needs to know. — Alexandre, if something goes wrong with the custody request, there is one thing we can use. But only if everything else fails.
— And what would that be? — he asks.
I tell him. As I speak, I watch his expression shift to pure shock. By the time I finish, his mouth opens and closes several times before he can find his voice.
— What the hell, Eduardo? How? — he asks, stunned.
— Do you really want me to explain that to you? — I ask, raising an eyebrow.
— You know what I mean! Why aren't you using this? It's a guaranteed win! He could contest it and claim—
— No. This is a last resort, Alexandre — I interrupt, leaving him confused.
— Come on, let's go talk to your wife. I'm sure she'll agree with me. — He starts to stand, but I grab his arm.
— Malia doesn't know, Alexandre.
— What? — he asks, laughing. — That's impossible. How can she not know that you—
— She doesn't. That's why it's the last resort.
— My God, Eduardo... a real last resort? — he asks, still breathless from the shock.
— Yes. A last resort. And if there are no other chances left, you use that information however you see fit.