David Réguel introduces himself to the inspector, confidently asserting that he is “the man who has reached the truth” (105). Furthermore, he asserts that Mrs. Milagros is an unreliable witness whose image of Camilo is warped and that he foresaw that Camilo would murder Rosa based on his observations in the months leading up to her death. In his estimation, Camilo’s unassuming demeanor and diminutive physical presence are a front for his sinister personality. Réguel theorizes that Camilo endured ostracization and subjugation at the hands of others, including the bossy Mrs. Milagros and her daughters, and that eventually, Camilo could not endure it any longer and responded explosively.

Réguel imagines that meeting Rosa must have been an enthralling experience based on his own experiences talking to her. Conversely, he assumes that meeting Camilo must have been invigorating for Rosa; she had such little experience of the outside world that he must have seemed exciting and new, the perfect person to project all of her desires onto. Réguel claims that having read some of Camilo’s letters to Rosa, what Camilo truly enjoyed about the affair was the power he wielded over her.