by Jaden Skye
Cindy couldn’t disagree. “Sure, it’s one thing to give them the information, it’s another thing to hate the kid.”
“Who said I hate him?”
“It feels like you hate him,” she said.
“I don’t hate him, I hate what he did. I hate the fact that the Senator’s daughter was left on the beach like garbage, and he could have been part of it.”
“Yes, but you don’t know for sure that he was.”
“Not for sure, but it’s a possibility. A good one if you asked me.”
“How about the Petrovich and his vendetta against the Senator?” Cindy reminded him.
“Possible, but I’m not sure,” said Mattheus. “The Senator isn’t enough of a thorn in his side. And, the nature of the crime was more personal – she was stabbed so many times. Had to be someone who knew her and felt passionately. Frances is a passionate guy and he knew her very well.”
Cindy didn’t buy it. All these logical deductions added up to nothing in her mind. No matter what Mattheus said, she liked the kid. Something about the way he went weak when he heard about the baby, and the way he didn’t defend himself. Mattheus thought it made him look suspicious. Cindy felt the opposite. And she felt they were ganging up on him.
“I’m going to take a quick swim in the pool to unwind now,” Mattheus said as they got to the hotel. “Want to join me?”
Cindy didn’t. She wanted to get back into her room, get to the computer and do more research on Frances, see what she could find out.
“Not right now,” she said to Mattheus. “I want to find out more about Frances first.”
“Have it your way,” said Mattheus. “But, as for me, some of my best ideas come to me when I’m in my bathing suit, swimming in the sun.”
“Have a great time,” Cindy said lightly as she went in the opposite direction, to her room.
The minute she got inside, her phone rang and to Cindy’s surprise, it was the Senator. This was the first time he’d called her directly.
“Where’s Mattheus?” he asked, when she picked up the phone.
“He’s downstairs,” said Cindy.
“Look, I just got news that the police made an arrest in the case.”
“Yes, they did,” said Cindy. “Mattheus tipped them off.”
“When in hell were you guys going to let me know?”
“It just happened a few minutes ago,” said Cindy. “I’m sure Mattheus is planning to give you a call.”
“Who is this kid? What have they got on him?”
Cindy flinched. She wasn’t going to tell Tiffany’s father that his dead daughter had been cheating on her fiancée with this guy.
“It’s complicated,” she said.
“Listen you two are working for me. I need facts, and I need them right away.”
“There was motive,” said Cindy. “He had feelings for Tiffany.”
“That’s it?” the Senator got quiet. “Lots of guys had feelings for Tiffany.”
“What do you mean?” Cindy honed in on that.
“I mean she was a beautiful, young woman. I could see the way guys looked at her. Lots of them. So what?”
“Maybe this time it went further than that,” Cindy mentioned cautiously.
The Senator wasn’t impressed. “That’s all they have?”
“So far there’s no evidence connecting him or anyone to the crime,” Cindy repeated professionally. “Whoever did it took every precaution to leave nothing behind. No fingerprints, no DNA, no trace evidence of any kind. The necklace she wore was missing. That’s all there is.”
“It was premeditated,” the Senator growled. “First degree murder.”
“So, for now we focus on motive,” said Cindy.
“What’s the motive here? This guy was jealous of her fiancée?” the Senator sounded skeptical.
Cindy felt upset keeping this chain of conversation going. Deep within she felt that Frances had nothing to do with the crime.
“He’s just a suspect,” Cindy added. “I’ll let Mattheus fill you in on the details.”
“Listen,” the Senator cleared his throat. “The police are gloating about this. They’re taking all the credit and, also, they want you guys off the case. As soon as possible. They’ve brought other investigators in from Guadeloupe who don’t want foreign detectives poking around.”
“They wouldn’t have had Frances without us,” Cindy was irritated. “I got the lead and Mattheus and I followed it up.”
“I’m not talking about what’s fair or right,” the Senator said in a husky tone. “I’m just telling you how it is. I’m not giving into their pressure, but you guys got to keep me tight in the loop. As far as I’m concerned, Frances is a convenient cover. First it was Tad, now it’s him. I don’t know exactly what you found out that led to the arrest, but it was stupid. He didn’t do it.”
Cindy agreed, but not for the same reasons.
“There’s much more to this than meets the eye,” the Senator went on vehemently. “There’s murky dealings going on under wraps all over the island, at last a billion dollars’ worth, and people want it kept very quiet, if you get what I mean.”
“I get what you mean,” said Cindy.
“These guys can’t stand the sight of me. Tiffany’s death was a warning, I’m sure. I’ve called Washington and they’re sending down someone from the C.I.A. “
Cindy gasped. The Senator was working on his own behind their backs as well.
“Does Mattheus know that?” asked Cindy
“He will when I get him on the phone,” the Senator said.
“Good,” said Cindy.
The Senator paused, and as if surprised, added, “It’s been really nice talking to you.”
“Thank you,” said Cindy, “you, too.”
“What are you up to, next?” he asked, calming down a bit.
“I’m doing more research on Frances now,” she said. “I don’t believe he did it.”
“Good,” said the Senator, approvingly. “Dig him out of this crap. He’s just a foil. A kid on drugs, like the rest of them.”
“I’m digging,” said Cindy.
“I appreciate that.”
After Cindy hung up, she felt a bit dizzy, the C.I. A. coming down was a big deal. Well, why shouldn’t they? The daughter of a U.S. Senator had been killed on a foreign shore. Even though the story hadn’t surfaced, it could certainly be bigger than anyone imagined. Cindy had an impulse to call Mattheus and let him know, but instead turned to her computer to learn more about Frances.
Cindy dug through Frances’s background quickly. It was easy to see that he’d had a troubled past. His family had a history of domestic abuse, with his mother taking out an order of protection against his father three years ago. The man she was with now was a new husband. Cindy checked through more material, including Facebook pages as well. She discovered that Frances’s father had moved to California and had almost no contact with Frances now. After the divorce Frances had grown belligerent and had a few brushes with the police. He had a wide circle of friends who supported him though, and a couple of beautiful ex-girlfriends, whose photos were still up on his page. The all kept in touch, too. No wonder Frances didn’t mind about Tiffany and Tad. Frances was still in touch with all the women in his own past.
Cindy shook her head slowly. This world that seemed so beautiful on the outside was filled with loneliness and pain. She got up, walked around her room a few times, and felt a compulsion to watch the video of the engagement party again.
It was startling to see Tiffany alive again, and everyone exuberant, toasting to her happiness. Cindy stared at the people at the party, running the video again and again, looking for any clues she might have missed. Tad looked handsome and gracious, completely on top of his game. Cindy did see something that jarred her somewhat, though. She ran the tape again and noticed Rori, acting oddly, flirting with Frances a lot. He seemed to be enjoying it too. Perhaps it made him feel better to have a woman who looked exactly l
ike the woman he loved, admiring him. Rori and Frances were chatting and laughing. At the end of the video, they started to dance. Cindy wondered how Tiffany felt about that, or if she even noticed. The place was packed and it was certainly possible that her sister’s flirtation might have escaped her.
Cindy drummed her fingers on the table. She wanted to speak to Rori again, ask her more about Frances, find out how well she really knew him.
As Cindy stared at the video there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Cindy called surprised.
Mattheus walked in, looking refreshed and handsome, in linen slacks and a light blue shirt.
“I got a call from the Senator,” he said, coming in and sitting down opposite her.
“I know,” said Cindy. “He called here looking for you.”
Mattheus’ brown creased. “There’s an unexpected glitch,” he said.
Cindy felt uneasy.
“More pressure from the Guadeloupe police force to get us off the case.”
“It doesn’t mean anything,” said Cindy. “They’re being territorial. The Senator doesn’t want us to go.”
“He might not have much choice about it,” said Mattheus, somberly.
The tone wasn’t like Mattheus. Cindy was startled.
“The Senator said those guys are in the pocket of the government. If they want us out, they’ll find a way. It’s been done before.”
Cindy had a quick moment of fear. It flashed upon her like a sudden, summer thunderstorm. There was no way she was going to let it grip her, though.
Mattheus continued, “We have limited time to get this tied up and get out of here.”
“They say it’s dangerous for us to stay?” said Cindy.
“Something like that. The Senator said people disappear on this island when they fight against the ruling families. It’s happened before, it will happen again. Case files are filled with missing persons. Not one of them has ever been found.”
“What has that got to do with us? Are we fighting against the ruling families?” Cindy was momentarily distressed.
“Could be, and we don’t even know it,” Mattheus said. “Could be the Senator’s daughter’s death really was a warning to him.”
“I thought you rejected that idea,” Cindy objected.
“I’ve been wrong before,” Mattheus said. “The Senator told me what we were up against and said it was up to us to decide what to do. He’s trying to be fair.”
Cindy shook her head, she didn’t buy it.
Mattheus looked at her carefully. “The last thing I want is to place you in danger,” he said.
Cindy stopped and stared at him as they shared a moment of silence.
“I’ve never been someone to run away from danger,” Cindy said quietly, then. “In fact, when I’m threatened, I do just the opposite - run directly into the situation.”
Mattheus smiled. She knew he liked her bravado.
“It’s not so simple this time,” said Mattheus. “Right now there’s a bunch of rough guys up from Guadeloupe who don’t want anyone on the prowl.”
“What exactly are they protecting?” asked Cindy.
“That’s what I need to find out,” Mattheus said.
“What about me?” Cindy was offended. “I need to find it out too.”
“Cindy,” Mattheus started softly.
“If you’re about to tell me I should go home,” Cindy burst in, “forget about it.”
“These guys mean business,” Mattheus said. “It’s not a joke.”
Cindy couldn’t believe that Mattheus actually thought she would back out.
“Forget it,” Tiffany exclaimed. “I’m not a quitter. I owe it to Tiffany, her mother and the entire family to stay here and finish what I’ve started.”
“I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you,” Mattheus said suddenly, then.
Cindy was touched by the warmth in his tone.
“It happened to once,” he went on. “I can’t have it happening again.”
Cindy knew he was talking about his wife’s murder. Cindy wanted to reach over to him and comfort him for all he’d been through. At moments like this, the walls between them fell away and the deeper connection between them appeared. At these moments their being together seemed so right, as if they’d been brought together to help each other grow and heal from what they’d both been through.
“Don’t worry,” said Cindy, “nothing bad is going to happen to me. And this is different anyway, we’re detectives. I’m your partner, not your wife.”
Mattheus looked sad for a moment.
“Besides, how in the world can I go home now?” Cindy joked. “Christmas Eve is two nights away. There won’t be any plane tickets anywhere to be had.”
“There’s going to be a huge Christmas Eve party at Petrovich’s villa,” Mattheus continued. The Senator said there will be someone important at the party who knows exactly who has a vendetta against him. He’s convinced this will be a direct lead to his daughter’s murder. He wants me to be there and get her to talk.”
“And how about me?” asked Cindy, her eyes flashing. “Aren’t I going along?”
Mattheus grinned, “You want to this time?”
“Don’t you dare leave me out,” said Cindy. “Especially on Christmas Eve.”
“Fine,” said Mattheus, “It’s a date.”
Cindy felt better. The thought of him alone at a Christmas Eve party without her made her feel profoundly alone. Had he even considered it?
“And, as for now, I called and invited Tad to the hotel,” Mattheus continued, “so we could find out more from him about Frances. He should be downstairs in about fifteen minutes.”
“Good idea,” said Cindy, standing up and brushing herself off. “Give me a few moments, and I’ll meet you both down there.”
She wanted to wash up, change, be refreshed. Despite her calm demeanor, the conversation with Mattheus had unnerved her. There were too many loose ends floating around. She had felt trouble coming, but wasn’t sure where it would come from. She certainly hadn’t expected it to be the police. These cops from Guadeloupe weren’t here to solve Tiffany’s murder, Cindy was certain of that. They couldn’t care less about Tiffany. There was something else going on. Something possibly deadly, a tidal wave brewing, getting ready to pull all of them in.
CHAPTER 14
Mattheus went down to meet Tad in the garden in back of the hotel, while Cindy took a quick shower. When she got out she changed into a lovely lime green short, silky, halter dress. It was very warm outside and she felt light and breezy in it. She’d washed her hair and now blew it out and let it fall carelessly to her shoulders, rather than tying it back as she usually did. Then she put on a colorful shell bracelet, flip flops and made her way downstairs.
The garden wound around palm trees, lined with stone paths. Small white tables and chairs sat around a large fish pond and the fragrance of flowers filled the air. Tad and Mattheus were sitting and chatting when Cindy arrived.
When Cindy approached the table, Mattheus looked up, surprised. He looked her over quickly, and smiled.
“Wow, you look beautiful,” he quipped lightly.
Tad raised his eyebrows, admiringly.
Pleased, Cindy sat down at the empty seat between them. “Thanks,” she said lightly.
“I ordered you lemonade,” Mattheus kept his eyes glued to her.
“Perfect,” she said, and then turned to Tad.
“Nice to see you, Tad,” thanks for coming.
“It’s my pleasure,” Tad answered easily.
Everything seemed so natural, Cindy felt as if the three of them could have been there to simply enjoy the afternoon, chatting about little things, like which party they might be attending that night.
The table they sat at was surrounded by plants and trees. A few small birds sang in the distance and once again the atmosphere lulled you into a sense of beauty and safety from the ills of the world.
“How are
you doing, Tad?” Cindy asked, gently.
“As well as can be expected,” he said evenly, lifting a glass of fruit juice.
“It must be very difficult,” Cindy murmured softly.
“Yes,” said Tad, “but it’s slowly becoming real.”
Cindy knew how long it took to absorb such a great loss.
“It takes time,” she offered, wanting to soothe him
“How long do you plan to stay here on the island?” Mattheus interrupted, looking closely at Tad.
Cindy thought, once again, what a good counterpart Mattheus was to her. She enjoyed calming a situation in order to look more deeply into it. Mattheus was impatient, wanting to jump in quickly and get to the bottom line.
“I’m not going anywhere until they find out who did it,” Tad said tersely.
“That could be a very long time,” said Mattheus.
“Why?” Tad looked disconcerted, “I heard they have a suspect in custody.”
“It’s not so sure,” said Mattheus, “there are lots of complications.”
Tad shifted in his chair.
“The police told Tiffany’s father it looked like they’ve got their man,” Tad said. “They’re just waiting for one more lousy report from the medical examiner.”
Cindy and Mattheus caught each other’s eyes.
“What kind of report?” Cindy was startled.
“Something about whether or not Tiffany was pregnant,” Tad said slowly, as if trying to absorb the reality of words.
Mattheus bolted upright. “How did you hear that?”
“The police here on the island told us,” said Tad. “The medical examiner told it to the police.”
Cindy got chills. Tiffany being pregnant was a fake story Mattheus made up to scare Frances into speaking. These guys were taking it on now, hook, line and sinker. It sounded as if the medical examiner, in cahoots with the police, was going to present false evidence to get the case closed, fast.
Mattheus looked startled as well. This was news to both of them.
“Wait a minute, I need details,” Mattheus said, focusing squarely on Tad. “Is the medical examiner suggesting that Tiffany might have been pregnant when she was killed?”