by Jaden Skye
“That’s why you have your own private security guard?” said Mattheus.
“When you’re tremendously careful, you’re tremendously safe,” said Petrovich. “Without it, who knows? There are snakes crawling in even the most manicured grasses.”
Mattheus took a deep breath. This guy was tough.
“I heard there was trouble between you and the Senator over building the casino,” Mattheus didn’t want to pull any punches.
“You’ve heard a lot,” said Petrovich, who turned to the bartender then. “Glass of Vodka,” he demanded.
The bartender immediately poured the drink and Petrovich took it and drank half of it quickly.
“Come with me, please,” he said to Mattheus then and led him into another, more private alcove, with two comfortable chairs. “Sit down,” he said, “and listen.”
Mattheus sat opposite him.
“First of all it is not a matter of trouble between me and the Senator. He’s insignificant to me in the long run. This casino will be built here, with or without him.”
Mattheus finished his own drink.
“It’s a matter of whether or not the Senator decides to be of help. If he does, wonderful, it makes life easier. If he doesn’t, someone else will. It’s his loss, and a stupid loss at that.”
“Is he trying to stop you from building the casino?” asked Mattheus.
Petrovich shrugged. “Maybe he is, but so what? He is not a truly powerful man. He simply has a few ideas he fights for like a bulldog. They build a reputation for him.”
“Like protecting the environment?” said Mattheus.
“Yes, the Senator fights for popular, foolish ideas like that,” Petrovich said. “I have tried to tell him that the environment is here to serve us, not the other way around. The casino will bring jobs, money, tourists to the island. It will put money in people’s pockets. What idiot wants to stop that? Why? To save a couple of lizards?” He laughed.
“Is the Senator making it harder for you?” asked Mattheus.
“A little, but I always find ways to get what I want. Ultimately, he’s no more than an irritation – a mosquito on a summer night.” Petrovich laughed and looked at Mattheus directly. “What about you? What do you think of his cause?”
“My job is to find out about who killed his daughter,” Mattheus answered, non-committal.
“And to get a beautiful woman to desire you instantly,” Petrovich lifted his eyebrows approvingly. “You’re good at it, too. Obviously, you have a taste for women.”
Mattheus smiled. “Not really,” he said.
“You lie to yourself,” said Petrovich.
Petrovich was playing with him like a child’s toy, but Mattheus was fully aware of what was happening.
“Tell me, how long has it been since you’ve had a woman as beautiful as Alana?” Petrovich continued.
Mattheus couldn’t remember. It had been a long time now though since his wife had died. He was strangely silent.
“You can’t remember?” Petrovich said. “You never married?”
“I was married,” Mattheus replied, despite himself.
“It’s the old story, you grew to hate her and she grew to hate you?” Petrovich cocked his head to the side. Clearly, Mattheus had caught his interest.
“She was murdered,” Mattheus said somberly.
Petrovich was taken aback. “That’s bad news. And this is why you became a detective?”
“Maybe,” said Mattheus.
“You could have a bigger, better life,” Petrovich said, then. “You don’t have to work for the little Senator. If you like, you can work for me. I need intelligence about many things.”
Mattheus wasn’t sure what he was hearing. “You’re offering me a job?” he said.
“I’m offering you a job with me, and I’m also offering you Alana, for starters.”
Mattheus was shocked. “Is she yours to offer?”
“She does what I want,” said Petrovich. “So do the other women here. Look around, see which one suits your fancy.”
“I have a partner,” Mattheus blurted out suddenly.
Petrovich was surprised. “What kind of partner?”
“A partner I work with, Cindy Blaine.”
“A woman?” asked Petrovich.
“Yes.”
“And is she beautiful?” his eyes dug deep into Mattheus.
“Yes, she is,” Mattheus said, trembling. He had no idea how the conversation had gotten off to this tack. “Very beautiful, actually.”
“Then why isn’t she here at your side, if you love her?” asked Petrovich.
“I didn’t say I love her. I work with her.”
“She’s also a detective?”
“Yes,” Mattheus nodded.
“A woman detective?” Petrovich laughed. “Listen, forget about all this nonsense. I like you. Come on board with us and help us get the casino built. You’ll find out about who is stopping it and let us know what they’re planning before they do it.”
“I’m working for the Senator now,” Mattheus replied. “Cindy and I have been hired to find out about who killed his daughter and why. Can you help with that?”
“I can help with everything,” Petrovich said, “but first you have to be on my side. We have to make a deal.”
“You know who may have killed her?” Mattheus asked.
“I don’t,” Petrovich said plainly, “but I can find out. I have tentacles all over the island.”
This was one hell of a powerful guy, Mattheus thought, wondering if he could actually find out who killed Tiffany, and why he wouldn’t just do it if he wasn’t involved?
“Seems like it’s something you should do, no matter what,” Mattheus said. “An innocent girl has been killed.”
Petrovich was getting bored with the conversation. “As I see it,” he said, “no one is truly innocent. In one way or another, everyone deserves their fate. And, I don’t do anything unless it’s clear what’s in it for me.”
Mattheus got that.
“You come to work for me and I’ll pay you triple what the Senator pays.”
“Why do you want me working for you so badly?”
“You’ll be a valuable asset to my organization. I have a nose for this kind of thing. I’m never wrong and I always get what I want.”
“And you don’t want me working for the Senator,” Mattheus said. “You want to take away his support?”
“That’s part of it,” said Petrovich, “but just part. “This Senator isn’t as great as he sounds. There’s lots of people around who can’t stand him.”
“Tell me more about that,” Mattheus said to Petrovich.
“If you ask me, he’s a self-righteous little skunk,” said Petrovich. “The guy thinks he’s God gift to the people, but you should see the way he treats others, especially his wife.”
Mattheus noticed it. He didn’t like that, either.
“And look how I treat my women, shower them with gifts, champagne, roses, all kinds of parties and handsome men. You know how you can tell the worth of a man? See how happy he makes the women around him.”
Mattheus smiled. This guy was larger than life and yet down to earth at the same time, generous to a fault.
“I’ll think it over,” said Mattheus, playing for time. He didn’t want to cut the cord with Petrovich, wanted to keep all doors open.
“Good, you think about it,” Petrovich said, “and next time you come over, bring your beautiful partner along.”
Mattheus’ stomach lurched at the idea of introducing Cindy to Petrovich. He wouldn’t do it. There was no way he would share her with him.
“I see you don’t like that idea,” said Petrovich grinning, and motioning for Alana to return.
“We’ll see,” said Mattheus.
“Could it be because you’re in love with this partner and don’t even realize it?” Petrovich egged him on.
Once Alana got the high sign from Petrovich, she quickly returned, cozied up to Matth
eus and and ran her arms up and down his back.
“Darling, I missed you,” she cooed softly.
Mattheus momentarily enjoyed the warm touch of her hands, and then quickly wanted to shrug her away.
“It’s been nice meeting both of you,” Mattheus said as he pulled himself together, “but I have to leave now.
“So early? That’s terrible? You’re leaving me? “Alana pouted. “We’ve only just met.”
“He has an appointment,” Petrovich soothed her.
“With who?” she asked petulantly.
“Go tell Scanda to call for a taxi,” Petrovich ordered her.
Alana obeyed. She smiled wanly at Mattheus and turned to go.
“Don’t forget me,” she whispered as she was leaving.
“No one can forget you,” Petrovich assured her, “now, go.”
She left.
Mattheus shook his head. “You run some operation here,” he said.
“Remember, I like you,” Petrovich answered, holding him there another moment. “And, I’ll be waiting to hear your reply to the offer I made.”
“Fine,” Mattheus said, “I’ll be back in touch.”
Then he shook hands with Petrovich, turned swiftly and went to the front door.
*
The taxi was waiting in front of the entrance. Mattheus got in and undid the front buttons of his shirt. The night had been more than he bargained for. Despite himself, Alana had stirred him and Petrovich was a force to contend with. Mattheus had to figure a way to get more information from him.
As the taxi drove back to the hotel, Mattheus looked in the rear view mirror and saw that he was being trailed by a car, no doubt Petrovich’s security force. This guy was a snake, no question about it. He trusted no one and no thing. Mattheus wondered if he himself was personally involved with the murder. He certainly had it in for the Senator, wanted to take his support out from under him. Petrovich’s connection to the crime couldn’t be ruled out.
CHAPTER 10
To Cindy’s surprise, Mattheus wasn’t there when she went down to the restaurant for breakfast this morning, as he usually was. They’d made a habit of meeting for breakfast around eight o’clock every morning. It was still early, and the restaurant was partially empty at that hour, so they could eat quietly and talk. If they got there later on, the place was noisy and packed.
Cindy sat at a table waiting for Mattheus to arrive. When he didn’t show by eight thirty, she ordered some eggs and coffee for herself. Had he gotten in late from the party at Petrovich’s party last night, she wondered? How did it go? As she ate her breakfast, she began to feel queasy as different thoughts crossed her mind. Cindy had read about Petrovich’s parties when she’d researched St. Bart’s. They had a reputation for being incredible, filled to the brim with beautiful women, famous models, actresses, heiresses. Had Mattheus met someone? He was an extremely good looking, rugged guy and Cindy could easily see how the women would be drawn to him.
Cindy was shocked at the wave of anxiety that came over her at the thought of Mattheus meeting a woman he liked. She was startled to realize how disturbed it made her feel. Of course, Mattheus had every right to spend time with anyone he wanted. She and he were working partners, that’s all. Was she becoming more attached to him than she’d realized? She’d have to guard against it.
It was still a little early to go into town to meet Tiffany’s sisters Wynn, Rori and the other friend. They had a date to meet at eleven. After breakfast, Cindy went back up to her room to wait. As she sat out on the patio, she looked up at the soft clouds that drifted by unknowingly, unaware of the suffering down in the world below. Was Mattheus in his room sleeping, or had he slept somewhere out last night? The question gave Cindy chills. Despite her better judgment, she pulled out her phone and dialed his room.
A groggy voice answered, “Yeah?”
“Still sleeping?” Cindy asked sheepishly, tremendously relieved that he hadn’t slept out last night.
“Jesus Christ, what time is it?” Mattheus rallied.
“About nine thirty,” Cindy said.
“Oh boy,” said Mattheus.
“Stay out very late?” she asked, lightly.
No answer.
Cindy sensed he didn’t like the question.
“Alright,” she said lightly, about to get off the phone, “just checking in to make sure everything’s okay.”
“Why wouldn’t it be okay?” Mattheus answered defensively.
Cindy’s heart sunk. He was covering something.
“What you’re really calling for is to find out is how the party went,” Mattheus mumbled. “You’re checking up on me.”
“Anything wrong with that?” Cindy asked. “We usually have breakfast around eight o’clock. This morning you weren’t there.”
Mattheus got quiet again. “Nothing’s wrong with it,” he said. “It’s just not a reason to wake me up.”
Cindy wanted to get off the phone quickly. This had gone further than she wanted it to.
“So, go back to sleep then,” she said, in a business like tone. “I’m going into town in a little while to meet Wynn, Rori and another one of Tiffany’s friends.”
Mattheus was taken by her change of tone.
“Okay, we’ll catch up later after your interview. I want to hear what they have to say,” he said.
“Fine,” said Cindy and hung up abruptly, her heart pounding.
This wasn’t good. Obviously, he’d stayed out late last night and clearly, it was no business of hers. She got up, changed outfits, put on a pretty, lemon, linen dress, brushed her hair and shook it out. Mattheus had every right to live his life and so did she. This was a delicate balance between them. She had to be careful about it.
Cindy took a cab into town, which was as charming and civilized as she could have imagined. The streets were lined with upscale clothing boutiques, jewelry shops, gift and wine shops, florists and cafes. The same beautiful, slim, tanned people were everywhere, milling around. Cindy felt as though she could have been walking along a street in Paris, rather than on an island out at sea.
She went to the café Wynn mentioned, and sat down on a bench outside to wait. It was still a little early, but she felt better being away from the hotel, getting distance from Mattheus, focusing on her work. It had been a long while since she’d been involved with a man and had forgotten the strange mixture of feelings that could come over her. It had been mostly easy with Clint, though. He’d never given her a reason to feel nervous or insecure. She was horrified to feel this way with Mattheus, now. It could mess up their entire relationship.
As Cindy sat there wondering how to proceed, she saw Wynn walking down the block, accompanied by two young women. Cindy stood up to greet them, and was startled as they got closer. Rori was the spitting image of her dead sister. It felt almost as if Tiffany had come back from the grave.
“Thanks so much for coming,” Wynn gave Cindy a hug.
“It’s my pleasure,” said Cindy.
“I think you’ve met Rori,” said Wynn, “and this is Tiffany’s best friend Alma.”
Alma smiled nervously and Rori looked Cindy right in the eye. Her glance had a flicker of challenge in it, as if to say, I have a right to get off the boat and move on with my life no matter what anyone says.
“I’m glad you could come into town,” Cindy commented.
“We had to get off the ship,” Rori answered. “It’s getting to be a nightmare no one can wake up from. What’s the good of all of us going crazy?”
“No good at all,” said Cindy.
Rori seemed to appreciate that.
“Let’s go for a walk,” Rori continued, flippantly. “I’ve had it with sitting in one place.”
Rori started strolling along the street and the others joined her. Clearly she was the ring leader.
“Oh my God, here’s Winstons,” Rori squealed, as they approached an expensive boutique with huge glass windows, decorated with Christmas wreaths. “I absolutely a
dore their clothes. Let’s look.” And with that, she plunged inside.
Cindy stood back, but Alma shrugged and followed her in.
Wynn gave Cindy a knowing look.
“It’s a distraction for Rori,” Wynn covered for her. “We all have to do something to get Tiffany off our mind. Rori’s a great shopper. Come on, let’s join them.”
Winston’s was a high end boutique with designer label clothes. Like every place else on the island, it was filled. Young and old women drifted around, inspecting the dresses, skirts and silk blouses. This was serious business, the dresses started from seven hundred and fifty dollars and up. An older woman that Cindy had seen at the hotel, accompanied a sales person who brought four dresses to the checkout counter. All together the dresses must have gone for at least five thousand dollars. The woman handed over her credit card without blinking an eye.
“This dress is perfect,” said Rori, pulling a green, silk dress off the rack. “And just my size. I’ve got to try it on.”
It was hard for Cindy to imagine how Rori could enjoy shopping for clothes so much when her twin sister had just been killed.
As if reading her mind, Wynn said quietly, “Rori’s a lot like our dad. She forges ahead, doesn’t let things knock her over. She’s dealing with the loss her way. She’s been on the phone all night with friends. Shopping is an outlet for her, a release.”
Alma joined Rori, inspecting different shirts.
“And Alma’s latched onto Rori now that Tiffany’s dead,” Wynn continued. “Alma was always lost without a best friend to latch onto.”
“Do either of them have any idea who might have done this?” Cindy asked.
“We’ve all been talking about that constantly,” said Wynn.
Rori turned around and looked at Cindy and Wynn before she went into the dressing room.
“You girls talking about us behind our backs?” she asked.
“Why would you think that?” said Wynn, perturbed.
“Because you are,” said Rori, disappearing behind the silk sheets of the dressing room.
“Are the two of you close?” Cindy asked, as Rori went in to try on the dress.
“I can’t say so. I’ve tried with her over the years,” said Wynn. “It just never worked. It was
