by Jaden Skye
“Shari’s mood swings were handled by her medication,” Doug responded flatly, suddenly sounding a great deal like his mother.
“But why would you marry someone who always needed medication?” Kate flushed as she confronted Doug again now.
“Pipe down, Kate, pipe down,” her father insisted again. “It’s a moot question now, anyway, isn’t it? Shari is gone.”
The shock of that statement, and the reality of what had just taken place, silenced everyone and hung heavily in the air.
In a little while Kate willfully broke the silence. “It wasn’t only Shari,” she went on, “it was the whole family. Shari’s twin sister, Deidre, is also strange, nobody will deny that.”
Again a harsh silence fell down upon them.
“What does the fact that Deidre was strange have to do with Doug marrying Shari?” Mattheus pursued it. “There’s always some strange family members that people have to contend with.”
“Not strange like Deidre, though.” Kate ‘s voice got louder. “She only has a few friends, never dates, spends hours alone hiking on weird trails. I mean that is strange. Did Doug really want that gene pool for his children?”
At that Doug stood up briskly, pushed himself away from the table, and stared at Kate.
“Why are you talking this way now? What’s wrong with you?” he practically shouted at her.
“Shari’s gone! There’s no reason to tear down her family now.”
“There’s never a reason to tear anyone down,” Doug’s father pronounced formally. “We accepted the family, we accepted the situation. In fact, Andrea and Marla, Shari’s mother, seemed to get on fairly well. Isn’t that so, Andrea?”
“Yes, of course it is. We had lunch together from time and time and it was entirely pleasant.”
Kate spun around in her chair then and looked out the back of the gazebo. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to talk against the dead,” she piped up. “I just wanted to help the investigation.”
“Thank you, Kate.” Cindy stood up and put her hand on Kate’s shoulder. “You helped us a lot.”
“I did?” Kate spun back around then. “How?”
“Yes, how?” asked Andrea, surprised by Cindy’s comment as well.
“It’s important to get a full picture when you’re trying to determine how a person really died,” Cindy responded.
“I beg your pardon?” Doug’s father stood up and spoke loudly. “What is there to determine, exactly? I was told it was clear that the cause of death was suicide.”
Doug turned to his father then. “Shari’s father hired Cindy and Mattheus to find out if that’s how Shari really died. He doesn’t believe it was suicide, he thinks it was foul play.”
Doug’s father seemed totally stunned. “I thought Cindy and Mattheus were simply here to help the families deal with the news and adjust to the situation,” he said, unbelievingly.
“We’re here to investigate a possible crime,” Cindy informed him.
“Why, that’s preposterous, it’s ridiculous!” Doug’s father insisted. “If I’d known that I’d never have spent this time with you.”
Andrea got up as well then, and brushed her hair off the edge of her forehead.
“That does seem like wild speculation,” she concurred. “But, as I recall, Doug did mention to me that Shari’s father was prone to being suspicious of every little thing. Isn’t that so, Doug?”
“Yes, that’s exactly right,” Doug replied.
“Don’t worry about it.” Mattheus got up and stood beside Andrea then. “We’re spending a little time going over things to help Shari’s father accept the loss of his daughter.”
“You don’t actually believe a murder took place, do you?” Doug’s father swiftly intercepted.
“No, of course, I don’t,” said Mattheus quietly, calming all of them down.
“But I’m not so sure,” Cindy piped up, determined to hold to her reality and not get involved in a whitewash of any kind.
“Not so sure?” Kate’s eyes shot open. “Tell me more, I’m fascinated.”
“Kate, it’s enough!” her father demanded.
“Tell me later, then,” Kate whispered to Cindy as the little group moved away from one another and started to disband.
Chapter 11
“Lovely family,” Mattheus commented after they’d all gone and he and Cindy were headed back to their room. “Except for Kate, who’s a little rough around the edges, if you ask me. But otherwise they’re a great support for Doug. It’s good to see that.”
Cindy didn’t agree. Except for Kate, she actually didn’t much like any of them, Doug included.
“I think they’re basically stiff and formal,” Cindy replied. “I can’t warm up to any of them, except for Kate, that is. “
“Really?” Mattheus was surprised. “Can’t warm up to Doug? He’s a good person.”
“I’m sure he is,” Cindy agreed, “there’s just something cold about him.”
“I don’t see that at all,” Mattheus countered, “and what do you like about Kate?”
“She’s spirited,” said Cindy. “She’ll say what she feels, no matter what her family thinks.”
Mattheus smiled. “You always like the rebels, Cindy, I knew that from the first day I met you.”
“I like all different kinds of people,” said Cindy, “but mostly the straightforward ones!”
Mattheus put his arms around Cindy’s shoulders and pulled her to him then. “I hope that includes me? I hope I’m straightforward enough for you.”
Cindy laughed. “Why in the world would you ever doubt that?” she said.
“I don’t know,” he grumbled playfully, “sometimes I doubt everything. Sometimes I even wonder what an incredible, gorgeous woman like you could possibly see in me?”
Cindy was stopped short. Mattheus wasn’t joking, he meant it.
“I see the whole world in you, Mattheus,” Cindy responded. “I see a fantastic man with high principles, a real friend, a great lover, a loyal and deep partner, an adventurer. I see a happy life for us together.”
Mattheus closed his eyes. “Thank God,” he murmured slowly.
Cindy shook him by the shoulders. “What do you mean, thank God? Do you truly doubt that I love you, and want us to have a life together?”
Mattheus opened his eyes slowly. “Sometimes doubts do arise,” he confessed. “There are so many other things that take you away from me, grab your attention, and you’re off.”
Cindy was amazed. “Like what?”
“Like work,” Mattheus repeated. “Sometimes I feel I’m actually competing with your investigations. They engage you so completely. You jump right in, you adore it.”
“I adore you, too,” said Cindy.
“Not as much as work,” he joked.
“Do I have to choose between the two?” Cindy felt uneasy. “It was the work that brought us together, Mattheus. It’s the work we both love to do. We’re partners in it. What more could we ask?”
“Yes, of course,” Mattheus relented. “But I’m human, after all.” Then his nose crinkled as he smiled the smile that always melted Cindy’s heart. ‘“Do you want to take time together or alone when we get back?” Cindy asked. “I’ll leave the plans for the rest of the day to you.”
“Did you forget already?” Mattheus was surprised. “Your mother and Frank will be down this afternoon. We’re taking them to the Flanders, for an early dinner and then an evening sail.”
“We are?” Cindy was flabbergasted. The fact that her family was coming had completely escaped her mind. “I guess I knew they were coming,” she mumbled, “just not when exactly.” Then she turned to Mattheus, who was grinning. “And when did we make those plans?”
“We didn’t,” Mattheus laughed, “I made them as a surprise for you. Do you like the idea of the Flanders for dinner and then a moonlight sail?”
The Flanders was one of the most expensive and exotic clubs on the island. Cindy and Mattheus had planned to go
to it together to celebrate after they’d found their wedding venue.
“It’s a wonderful plan,” said Cindy. “It’s kind of you to want to share that place with them.”
“Kind? They’re your family,” Mattheus responded. “And now, any family of yours is also a family of mine.”
*
Even though Cindy’s mother and Frank were going to stay at the same hotel, the plan was to meet them at the Flanders that night for dinner. Her mother and Frank wanted to go out shopping almost as soon as they got to Aruba and said it would be more convenient to meet there.
Before Cindy dressed for the Flanders, she and Mattheus decided to go to the beach in the late afternoon and take a long swim together. It was soothing and wonderful to be relaxing alone with him and even more fun to be swimming together in the ocean, playing in the waves. As Cindy and Mattheus splashed together in the warm, rippling water, all kinds of thoughts tumbled through her mind. Cindy appreciated Mattheus’s sharing his insecurities about their relationship with her. She wanted to let him know she’d heard him and give him what he needed. He obviously needed to know that he was the most important thing in Cindy’s life. That was a tall order, Cindy thought, as she turned and floated on a rolling wave. Of course Mattheus was deeply important to her, she loved and cherished him, but was he the most important thing in her life? Was he supposed to be? That was actually a fascinating question that Cindy had not given much thought to before. Why couldn’t several things be deeply important, like work, values, friends and family? Did your life have to revolve around one person, was that realistic? Would it stay that way their whole life long?
A large wave came from behind suddenly, lifting both Cindy and Mattheus with it. Mattheus swam closer, caught Cindy in his arms, pulled her to him, and as the wave tossed them to and fro, kissed her for a long while. When they parted, as if he’d been reading her thoughts, Mattheus whispered, “You’re the most important thing in the world to me, Cindy. And you always will be, as long as we live.”
Cindy trembled as another wave swirled around them. She wished she could say the same back to him, but all she could answer was, “I love you, too.”
*
Cindy dressed for the evening at the Flanders club carefully. Not only was it a high-end spot, with glittering lights, gorgeous décor and wonderful food, but her mother and Frank would look her over carefully. As she stepped out of the bathroom in a tight silver macramé dress, Mattheus stepped back and whistled.
“Am I really this lucky to have someone like you?” He grinned broadly.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” Cindy played along. And, actually, he did look gorgeous, suntanned and toned, dressed in an expensive dinner suit. “In fact, we could be going to our wedding dressed like this,” Cindy went on.
“Might not be such a bad idea,” said Mattheus. “Just go and get it done with.”
“That’s a good way to bypass the jitters,” Cindy joked along.
“Are you up for it?” Mattheus suddenly became excited. “Your family’s here now, and we could take a day to get the papers, and then have the ceremony on the beach.”
Cindy was totally taken aback, not sure he was kidding.
“I thought you wanted a big, fancy wedding,” she replied. “You said that over and over, told me you wanted to invite everyone you knew.”
“Yes, I do,” Mattheus grinned. “But I also want to make sure my bride shows up at it.”
Cindy shivered unexpectedly. “What makes you think I won’t show up?” She felt irritated.
“How do I know another big case won’t come along just as our guests are starting the cocktail hour?” Mattheus was playing with her. “A body found at the wedding site and you’re off chasing the killer.”
None of this was really funny by now, and Cindy didn’t respond.
“Are you up for getting married fast?” Mattheus pushed the idea once again.
“Definitely not,” Cindy spoke emphatically. “I want you to have the wedding of your dreams, Mattheus. And I want you to let go of the idea that I’m not fully on board.”
“Okay, okay, just joking,” Mattheus quipped.
But there were too many jokes about it by now and they made Cindy uneasy.
*
When Cindy and Mattheus arrived at the star-studded club situated on the edge of the water, music was playing, posh crowds were circulating and they felt fortunate to have gotten a table right up near the front. As they walked to their table, Cindy saw her mother and Frank seated already. Her mother was dressed in a stunning black dress, with her beautiful hair pulled back severely. Perfectly groomed, as always, she sat tall and straight with an air of defiance about her. Frank looked the same as usual, except for a sense of sadness he now carried with him.
“Mom, Frank.” Cindy smiled and reached out for them as they got to the table.
Frank stood up and gave Cindy a hug and her mother looked up at her, blankly. Cindy realized how hard it must be for her mother to be in such a festive setting so soon after Ann had died.
Cindy leaned down to her mother and gave her a quick hug.
“You picked a great place.” Frank tried his best to be jovial and extended his hand to Mattheus.
“We got the best table in the house,” Mattheus responded warmly, “and to top it off, we’ve planned a moonlight sail for us all after dinner’s over.”
Mattheus’s words didn’t go over well, though. “That sounds like a very long evening.” Cindy’s mother raised her hand to her forehead as if exhausted.
“We’ve had a long day,” Frank explained for her. “Could be the sail would be a bit too much.”
“Just as you wish,” said Mattheus lightly, trying to cover a moment of disappointment that Cindy saw flicker across his face.
“So, have you found your wedding venue yet?” Cindy’s mother asked Cindy as soon as she sat down, barely acknowledging Mattheus at all.
“Not yet,” Cindy replied, playing with the water glass before her.
“Well, that’s a relief, anyway,” Cindy’s mother replied.
“A relief? Why?” asked Cindy, surprised. “I thought you wanted to look at them with us.”
“Let’s order dinner first, Claudia,” Frank interjected.
“You order for me, Frank,” her mother said calmly. “It’s all too much for me to go through the menu right now.”
Mattheus shot a quick look at Cindy, who didn’t know what to make of all this. This was not her mother’s usual behavior. Cindy had to believe that it was the loss of Ann that was affecting her.
“What’s good on the menu?” Frank asked Mattheus.
“Everything,” said Mattheus. “That’s why we invited you to this restaurant. It’s the best in town. We wanted to celebrate.”
“Celebrate what?” Cindy’s mother shivered.
“Thanks for the invitation,” Frank interrupted again, looking up at Mattheus sheepishly.
“Celebrate our engagement, of course,” Cindy chimed in, not wanting to let such an important question go unanswered.
Cindy’s mother pursed her lips and looked down at the table.
“Your mother must be quite hungry,” Frank intercepted. “We’ve had a really long day.”
Why not let Mattheus order for all of us,” Cindy replied. “He knows this place, has been here before.”
Cindy’s mother perked up suddenly. “Mattheus is the quite the man around town, isn’t he?”
“Excuse me?” said Cindy, alarmed by her mother’s acerbic tone.
“Your mother’s not quite herself.” Frank tried to cover for her again. “Too much is happening, too quickly, for her.”
“What are you talking about?” Cindy faced Frank directly.
“We came down here for a reason,” Cindy’s mother struck out then, bypassing Frank completely.
“What reason?” Cindy asked, trying to shield herself from the piercing glance her mother gave her.
“Let’s order first, Claudia,” F
rank repeated. “We’ll have a bite to eat and talk things over gradually.”
“Talk what over?” Mattheus now seemed unnerved as well. “If there’s something bothering you, Claudia, let’s get it out now.”
Cindy’s mother winced. “I don’t appreciate being called Claudia by an almost perfect stranger,” she commented, throwing Mattheus a nasty glance.
“Whoa, what’s going on here?” Cindy jumped in, but Mattheus held out his hand to keep her back.
“What’s wrong? Let’s have it.” Mattheus’s jaw clenched as he addressed Cindy’s mother.
“Just what I said,” Cindy’s mother went on rapidly. “I barely know you at all. None of us do. It’s actually outrageous that Cindy would plan a wedding with someone who’s a stranger to us all. And, to make matters worse, to do it so quickly after her sister Ann has died.”
Cindy threw a quick glance at Frank, who was glued to every word her mother said. Why wasn’t he stepping in to defend Cindy? Had he forgotten that she was the one who’d saved him in Bermuda? Had he morphed into Ann, the beloved daughter who hung on every word her mother said?
“What do you think of this, Frank?” Cindy tried to toss the conversation his way.
“Ann wouldn’t have liked you to get married so quickly.” Frank couldn’t help but agree with her mother.
“Quickly?” Mattheus interrupted. “Cindy and I have been working together for a long while. Our engagement has been a long time in coming.”
“But no one in the family knows the first thing about you!” Her mother’s voice grew strident. “And we doubt that Cindy does. She’s had rotten judgment and luck with guys her entire life long. The last thing she needs now is another disaster. She couldn’t survive it, and neither could we.”
Mattheus stood up from the table then, his hands clenched into fists. “Are you calling me a disaster?”
“You definitely could be,” Cindy’s mother replied provocatively, “from what I see right now.”“Look in the mirror,” Mattheus exclaimed. “I’m not the disaster, you are.”