by Jaden Skye
“What?” Nina asked, her eyes growing large.
Cindy decided to jump right in. “I’ve heard that you and Ames were more than friends.”
Nina didn’t blink. “You mean that he spent time with me in the bedroom?” she pointed to the back room.
“Yes,” said Cindy. “Did he?”
“Once in a while,” said Nina, unflinchingly. “It wasn’t such a big deal, just part of the job.”
Cindy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Does Dalia know about it?”
“Of course not,” Nina said, quickly. “Mr. Ames said not to say a thing to anyone. He said he still loved Miss Dalia, but he liked to be with me, too. It didn’t hurt anything between him and her. He told me to think of it as part of the job. ”Nina suddenly looked at Cindy, nervous. “I’m telling you this because he’s gone now, and nobody knows where he is. I want to tell everything to somebody. Maybe it will help. ”
“Where do you think he is, Nina?”
“I have no idea,” she said, suddenly looking very sad. “But I miss him very much.”
She seemed like a very young girl then, who had fallen into a situation way over her head. Cindy felt sad for her as she sat there, looking around, probably wondering what had become of him.
“I’m praying he comes back soon,” Nina said.
“He may not,” said Cindy.
“But I’m praying he does. And there’s a place I can go on the island, where prayers are answered. ”
Cindy was touched by her sincerity, but had to stay with the facts.
“He may never return, Nina.”
After a moment of silence, Nina’s eyes filled with tears. “Do you think somebody killed him?” She suddenly seemed very, very sad.
“It’s possible,” said Cindy softly. “Do you have any idea who it could be?”
Nina hung her head for a long moment. Then she looked up. “I can’t even imagine such a thing. There’s no reason anyone would want to harm him. He was a good man, so good. He gave so many beautiful presents to me, made me feel like his beautiful princess. ”
Cindy sighed deeply. Nina had no sense at all of having done wrong. What happened between her and Ames was just natural to her, all part of the way life flowed down here.
“I’m sure he loved you,” said Cindy.
That took Nina back. “Yes,” she said downhearted. The she looked up swiftly, as if something just occurred to her.
“Have you spoken to the Captain of his ships?” Nina whispered. “He knew everything that went on in Mr. Ames’s life. Everything and more. He didn’t like Miss Dalia, but that doesn’t matter. He was jealous of everyone around Mr. Ames, wanted him all to himself. I always heard Mr. Ames and the Captain on the phone together. They were hardly ever out of touch. If there was trouble brewing, the Captain would know it. ”
Cindy’s mind reeled. She wondered just how many people were involved in his life, and just how deep this web would spin.
CHAPTER 9
Cindy had to remember she was down here for a purpose. She couldn’t allow her ever-changing feelings about what was happening to get in the way of what had to be done. These interviews had to be sorted out. She had to uncover conflicts, contradictions, fantasies, lies, and that one hidden detail which would break it all open. It was hidden there, waiting for her, she felt it.
As she heard more and more about him, her impression of Ames kept changing. Clearly, he was a man with many sides, including a strong taste for women. Had he left of his own will? Was he swept away by someone new? Had he decided to run off and be with her? Had the two of them had packed up and disappeared?
Cindy wouldn’t put it past him. He seemed to feel entitled to have anyone he wanted. And he was great at keeping it all from his wife.
Cindy wasn’t ruling anything out. Perhaps somebody was holding him? Or he died accidentally? It was also possible that he was the victim of a murderer. Anything could have happened, and Cindy couldn’t help shaking the feeling that Ames’s fate had been much darker than anyone thought. There was no specific reason she felt that way, either. Just something she sensed that wouldn’t go away.
Before Cindy took the next step and met the Captain, she had a desire to check in with the police again. She wanted to bounce her findings off them, see if they could confirm the information, or had anything to add. It would be grounding to hear their responses to what she’d discovered.
Cindy knew that she’d agreed to tell Dalia about each appointment she set up and what came of it. That was becoming harder and harder, though, as she learned more about Ames’s behavior. Fortunately, after Cindy’s meeting with Nina, Dalia hadn’t asked much.
Cindy didn’t want to mention to Dalia that she planned to speak to the police again now.
She made arrangements on her own for Mattheus to pick her up from Dalia’s house.
In a short while Mattheus drove up to the house in a police car.
Cindy rushed out the door to greet him in a bright yellow sundress, sandals with her hair loose and blowing in the wind. She was glad he was coming to pick her up and forgot about changing into a professional outfit.
Mattheus’s eyes opened wide when he saw her. He quickly got out of the car and opened the door on the other side.
Cindy got in and as they drove away from the house, into town, she felt her body relaxing.
“I’m taking you to La Conch,” he said, “an outdoor café. From the looks of you, seems like it’s awhile since you’ve had a relaxing meal. ”
Cindy lifted her hand to her hair, as if she might seem in disarray.
Mattheus laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with the way you look,” he said. “In fact, you look wonderful, like a different person in a simple dress. Much better than before, dressed for business, with your hair all tied up. ”
Cindy blushed. She didn’t like him crossing the line, but wasn’t going to say anything about it. From what she was discovering, this entire island said and did whatever they felt like.
“Sorry if I offended you,” Mattheus said, looking at her and half grinning. “It’s been a long while since I’ve seen a lady blush.”
Cindy blushed more deeply then, and he broke into a winning smile. She just turned her head and looked out the window until they arrived at La Conch.
*
He parked and led her into a lovely small, street side café. A warm, heavy, smiling man came over to greet him with a big grin.
“What can I do for you this beautiful morning?” she said.
“A table for two in a quiet spot,” said Mattheus.
The man looked over at Cindy approvingly and grinned.
Cindy and Mattheus were given a lovely table near a big palm plant.
“Okay, shoot,” Mattheus said then, “what can I do for you?”
Cindy decided to plunge right in and let him know what she’d found out.
“I spoke to Elizabeth first,” she started.
“Good. You interviewed her in the spa? ”
Cindy laughed and so did Mattheus. It was a relief to make light of it, if only for a moment.
“We talked about her marriage to Ames,” Cindy continued, “she said it was good and that he’d been fair to her.”
“Their divorce settlement was sealed,” said Mattheus, “but from everything we discovered, things were amicable between them. He took good care of both her and the son. ”
“She also told me that Ames was a women’s man, and that he’d been having an affair with Nina,” Cindy went on.
“Wouldn’t exactly call it an affair,” said Mattheus. “He was sleeping with her on and off.”
Cindy listened intently. “Is there a difference between that and an affair?” she asked.
“A very big difference,” said Mattheus. “When they’re having an affair, there’s emotional involvement, obligation. When they’re just sleeping with someone, it’s not such a big deal. Doesn’t usually have such an impact on the case, in general. They don’t leave their w
ives when they’re sleeping with someone. They do when it’s an affair. ”
Cindy was fascinated. There was a lot she needed to learn. “Okay,” she said.
“You’re not so experienced with this kind of thing?” Mattheus said, half inquiringly, half amused.
In fact, Cindy wasn’t. “This is my first case,” she reminded him. “Besides the case of my husband.”
“I wouldn’t call that a case,” Mattheus said, “that was a wife trying to rescue a husband, — bringing the guy who killed him to justice. That’s something completely different. ”
Cindy fell silent for a moment. This guy was smart. He knew what he was doing, had probably been in the business for a while.
“It’s okay,” Mattheus interrupted her thoughts. “I’m not saying you can’t do a good job. I actually think you can. I’m just trying to help you sort things out. ”
“I appreciate that,” said Cindy.
“What else did you find?” Mattheus seemed fascinated, sitting here with her.
“Elizabeth also said that Dalia had a lot of money, and gave plenty to Ames for his needs.”
“Obvious,” Mattheus went on. “Ames made a lot, but he also needed a lot. A rich wife is an asset that no one wants to pass by. ”
“Is that why he married her?” Cindy asked quickly, hoping it was not.
“Damned l if I know why people marry,” said Mattheus. “Could be a case of momentary madness, mixed with fleeting loneliness - and a dash of hope thrown in.”
“You sound bitter,” said Cindy.
“Not bitter, just clear. Try to call it as I see it. People marry for all kinds of crazy reasons. Sometimes they’re sorry a minute later. Sometimes they’re sorry a whole life long. ”
“And sometimes they’re not,” said Cindy. “Sometimes it just gets better and better. Sometimes people actually love. ”
Mattheus grinned, “I never deny any human possibility,” he murmured, picking up his coffee and taking a gulp.
“Do you think the reason Ames married Dalia could have something to do with why he’s missing now?” Cindy said.
Mattheus put his coffee down. “You think he ran away with somebody else?”
“It’s possible,” said Cindy, without blinking an eye. “His closets were half empty and the drawers in his desks were empty too.”
“We noticed that too,” said Mattheus. “But there was a lot of important stuff still there, though. And we confirmed that it wasn’t unusual for Ames to pack and unpack his things and take them here and there. He had boats, yachts, and ladies’ homes, to drop his things at regularly. ”
Cindy shuddered. “Doesn’t that make it even more possible then that he ran away with someone?”
“Unlikely,” said Mattheus, and grinned. “No woman meant that much to him. And, no matter what you say, It’s pretty rare for a guy to give up everything for love. ”
Cindy felt troubled. “Clint would have,” she said quietly, half to him, half to herself.
“Your husband?”
“Yes,” said Cindy.
“Well, he was a lucky guy. And so were you. It doesn’t happen most of the time. ”
“I guess not,” said Cindy, reaching for her coffee and croissant.
“So, tell me more,” Mattheus said after they’d both finished their food and drained their coffee cups, “anything else you found?”
“I found out that Elizabeth and Dalia dislike each other.”
“They do. That’s not news. ”
“And I had a long talk with Nina,” said Cindy.
Mattheus lifted his eyebrows, impressed. “You did a lot in a short while,” he said. “Nina was a suspect in the beginning.”
That shocked Cindy “She was?”
“Just because she was his latest gal.”
“That was common knowledge?” Cindy was truly taken aback.
“If you probed just a little,” said Mattheus. “By the way, she came up clean. She’s a sweet person. Very devoted to Dalia. ”
Cindy raised her eyebrows.
“Don’t judge her,” Mattheus said. “Don’t judge anyone. If you do, it knocks you off your game. ”
“I’m not judging her,” Cindy protested.
“You are,” he said. “It’s natural. But it doesn’t work when you want to solve a case. You’ve got to just look the facts in the eye clearly. Judging gets in the way. Anything else? ”
“I’m not sure I agree with all your conclusions,” Cindy wasn’t swallowing everything so fast.
“Nobody said you have to,” he smiled.
“I use my instincts to sort things out,” said Cindy. “And if I judge someone, I judge. It can help me know a little more. ”
“Have it your way,” Mattheus said, his smile turning into a grin. “I like you. You look so gentle, but actually, you’re feisty. And gutsy, too. A perfect combination for a detective. ”
That made Cindy feel good. She felt comfortable around Mattheus, too.
“Anything else?” he continued.
“I’ve run into Rosa quite a few times.”
Mattheus looked puzzled. “Yes?”
“Nothing special, I just find her odd.”
“She was born that way,” said Mattheus. “She was like a daughter to Ames all these years.”
“That’s also peculiar,” said Cindy. “Was he sleeping with her as well?”
Mattheus crinkled his face at that comment. “Never thought of that,” he replied. “Doesn’t seem likely. And if he was? ”
“Just wondering about everything now,” Cindy said.
“It’s good to wonder,” Mattheus replied, stretching out in his seat.
Cindy felt great talking this over. She stretched back in her seat as well. “Now you tell me more,” she said to him. “Before I go to see the Captain of the fleet, what do I need to know?”
“That’s a big one,” Mattheus said. “He could be quite a catch.”
“Why?” asked Cindy.
“He and Ames were really tight. The guy knows everything about his business, his life, you name it. ”
Cindy had heard all that already. Mattheus wasn’t offering anything new.
“I’m sure you guys interviewed him.”
“Of course. Let’s put it this way— we didn’t get anything from him that’s helped us as yet. ” He looked at her with searing eyes. “Maybe you can.”
“You think he’s involved?”
“I think he knows a lot more than he’s letting on.”
“How about you, Mattheus?” Cindy felt like confronting him. “Do you know a lot more than you’re letting on, too?”
Mattheus threw his head back and laughed. “You know, you’re fantastic,” he said. “While the investigation is on-going, we’re legally bound to keep certain information under wraps.”
“Even to those working on the case?”
“You’re Dalia’s friend,” Mattheus leaned forward, towards her. “You’re not on the case officially. You’re not a professional detective. ”
Cindy felt stunned. He was purposely withholding information from her. He didn’t give her much credence.
“I’m offended,” she said.
Mattheus reached out his hand on the table. Cindy did not take it.
“Please don’t be offended,” he said. “The law is the law. I like helping you. I’m doing all I can. ”
“Then give me something to go on about the Captain,” Cindy pressed harder.
Mattheus leaned closer, as did Cindy for a moment. “You’ll probably find this out anyway,” he said. “Ames fired him about one week before he disappeared.”
Cindy was shaken. “That’s huge,” she said.
“Yes, it is,” said Mattheus. “It was a lifelong relationship that suddenly broke. We’re not exactly sure why. If you could find that out, it would be terrific. Sometimes a lady could have a better chance of getting a rough guy like the Captain to talk. ”
“This helps tremendously,” said Cindy. “And wh
at about Ames’s partner, Dale? Was he also involved in firing the Captain? ”
“I don’t think so,” Mattheus said. “He’s a rich playboy who supports the company, mostly with dough. He spends his time mainly floating around the water on his Yacht, partying and having fun. ”
Cindy wrinkled her nose, and Mattheus laughed again. “You’re a pretty prim lady for a detective,” he said.
Cindy certainly didn’t consider herself prim. “Now you’re judging me,” she said.
“You’re right,” said Mattheus, “I am.”
“Well, don’t,” said Cindy. “I’m far from prim.”
At that Mattheus lifted his eyebrows. “Time will tell,” he said.
Cindy wasn’t quite sure what he meant by that. But she wouldn’t let herself be sidetracked. “I accept that you can’t tell me some details about the investigation,” Cindy went on, “but you can tell me what your take on it is. What do you think happened, Mattheus? ”
He sat up straighter when she asked that, and looked her directly in the eye.
“There’s a web surrounding this island,” he said, “it’s invisible to the eye. Powerful forces are at work here, laundering money, trafficking drugs and sex. It’s a world you don’t want to interact with, Cindy. It would swallow you in and spit you out, in no time at all. You’re not equipped to handle it. That’s our job. Leave it to us. ”
“Was Ames involved in that web?” she asked.
“Nobody knows anything for sure,” he said. “But look at it this way: he ran a fleet of cargo ships. On the surface, he traded spices and rum. Need I say anything more? Who knows what he really traded, and where it finally landed him? ”
CHAPTER 10
Thankfully, Cindy returned to the villa before Dalia came home, so she didn’t have to answer questions about where she’d been. Cindy didn’t like withholding information from Dalia, but now it became obvious that there was no other way of proceeding. Dalia had no real i notion of what was going on, and seemed to have some magical idea that Cindy would make everything all right.
Cindy sat down on the patio outside her room, and looked out over the beach. It was a beautiful day, the temperature just right, the warm, blue waters lapping the shores, little sandpipers skipping along the sand. It was hard to imagine that this magical island was surrounded by a dangerous web that pulled people off into darkness and pain. For a moment Cindy wondered if Mattheus had been overly dramatic, making his life and work seem more exciting and dangerous than it was.
