The next day, Tuesday.The police station was once again in a pink-cloud atmosphere with the definitive capture of the lord drug Lampião. The journalists who had camped out applauded Sergeant Carvalho effusively for his swift action. Unfortunately, during the operation, one officer lost his life in the shootout. Because of this, Carvalho was neither smiling nor boasting in front of the cameras.“Officer Limeira fought crime with honor and bravery. We extend our condolences to his family and friends. But he would certainly be proud to know that we captured a terrible criminal. We hope to continue until we free Lion’s Den from the yoke of the drug trade. The residents of that community deserve to live without fear!”The journalists fired sharp questions while the photographers clicked away with their cameras.Among them, Matthew stood discreetly in a corner, but with a small satisfied smile on his face.He had slept well, and just as he had expected, good news had appeared on his tablet

At Blumberg Electronics, Noemi was chatting excitedly with Ilda about the latest news, especially about her and Matthew.“We talked on the phone and worked out our differences, Mom.” Noemi’s eyes were shining with excitement. “He’s not going to trade me for his ex-girlfriend.”“No, my daughter, especially now that the other one is already very happily married.” Ilda nodded enthusiastically.“And now, with the news that one of the drug lords has been arrested, things are going to get better. Our commercials won’t suffer prejudice just because Jackson is around.” Noemi picked up a clipboard containing the storyboard for the commercials.Ilda stretched her neck and raised one eyebrow. “Jackson is dressed in all of them.”“Mom, I want to test these commercials relying only on our model’s good looks.” Noemi’s smile faded. “Dad had the audacity to assign me to this project, and I can’t plant any doubts in Matthew’s mind.”“And could he possibly think you’re hot for Jackson?” Ilda raised her

Jackson arrived at the police station at the same time as Hélio. Father and son were surprised.“Son, what are you doing here?” Hélio raised his eyebrows. “Weren’t you supposed to be filming commercials for Blumberg Appliances?”“Yes, but Matt called me and said there was a twist,” Jackson replied, opening the glass door.Both entered while continuing to talk.“About the shootout in front of our house?” Hélio asked.“That’s right.” Jackson leaned against the first available counter. “Sergeant Carvalho is waiting for me. I’m Jackson Borges.”Matthew appeared at the beginning of the hallway. “Jackson! Over here!”The officer at the counter, seeing Matthew, nodded and gave permission for Jackson and Hélio to enter.After passing through the turnstile, they approached an anxious Matthew.“What’s the problem, Matt?” Hélio had a terrible feeling. “I came here expecting good news, but Jackson said there was a twist.”“Let’s go to the sergeant’s office.” Matthew led them there.Hélio and Jack

Matthew and Hélio were leaving the police station, talking as they crossed the lobby. Around them was the usual activity of police officers, citizens, and criminals being booked — some of them resisting and being restrained by the cops.“I never thought things would get worse, Matt.” Hélio sighed. “It feels like my family will never have peace again.”“Don’t say that, Seu Hélio.” Matthew placed a friendly hand on the older man’s shoulder.“I’m being serious!” Hélio smiled sadly. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but ever since we left Lion’s Den, we haven’t had a single moment of peace.”“You can’t seriously wish to go back to the favela, Seu Hélio,” Matthew replied in warning, raising his eyebrows.“No, I wouldn’t say that. Our house had no plaster, a leaky, crooked roof, and was a breeding ground for rats and cockroaches. I don’t miss any of that. What I miss is my family living together peacefully.”“Sometimes I think all of this is my fault.” Matthew lowered his head. “But after

At Andrade Clinic, Mauricio was punched hard (but deservedly) by Walter. He spun backward and fell to the floor, looking like he was in a Three Stooges sketch.After getting back up and holding his nose, Mauricio complained in a nasal voice, “What’s going on here? Does the truth hurt?”“Don’t you dare call your filthy words the truth, you bastard!” Walter pointed a finger as he stood and approached the general practitioner. “All you know how to do is insult people and use the dirty language from your disgusting daily life! Just because you’re depraved doesn’t mean the rest of us have to interact according to your lifestyle! When you speak to me, you’ll use polite and respectful language!”Mauricio smirked mockingly, clearly disagreeing. He stood up. “Impossible. I won’t hide behind fake morality.”“And what exactly is real morality, huh?” Walter tilted his chin.Why is it that every immoral person accuses everyone else of being fake?“You really can’t control that mouth of yours, can