by Jaden Skye
Andy reached out his hand and stroked her hand gently, “You’re a beautiful woman,” he said.
“Thank you,” said Cindy, not noticing Petrovich approaching them as they spoke.
“Well, I see you forget your partner the moment you find another man,” Petrovich came up and laughed gleefully. “And you, my dear Andrew, have had tremendous good fortune tonight. You’ve found the most beautiful woman in the entire room.”
Andy stood up, uncomfortable.
“No need to be nervous,” Petrovich grinned “But perhaps you don’t know, dear Andrew, that this intoxicating woman, you are talking to, has other things in mind besides you.”
Cindy was horrified and appalled by Petrovich.
“She is actually a detective, plumbing the depths of your brain.” Petrovich glanced slyly at Cindy enjoying exposing her cover.
“Yes, she told me that,” said Andy, simply.
Petrovich became sullen. It was not what he expected.
“And I appreciated her honesty,” Andy went on.
“But why in the world are you two talking then? What could you possibly have to tell her about what she wants to know?” Petrovich probed.
“Not much,” Andy said. “I had no idea the Senator’s daughter had been killed.”
Petrovich remained poker faced.
“For all we know it was a mistake,” Petrovich finally said. “The girl could have been mistaken for someone else.”
“It was a vicious killing,” said Cindy, “nothing accidental about it at all.”
Petrovich shook his head. He didn’t like the whole thing.
“It was an idiotic thing to have happened,” he grumbled. “Kicking up dust where no dust is needed, getting in the way of plans.” Then he turned to Cindy. “Why don’t you ask me your questions, directly, my dear? Your dashing partner is quite busy with a beautiful woman he’s met, who simply adores him, and never lets go. And, if you asked me, he returns her feelings completely. Even though the woman claims to be here from the C.I. A., I am positive Mattheus is not thinking about work at this moment. Take a look and see.”
Cindy refused to look their way again.
“Ah, I see you’ve already noticed her. Like you, she’s extremely beautiful. A snare for the unguarded, I’d say.”
For the first time tonight, Cindy realized how much Mattheus must have been missing the attention of a woman. But she would not give Petrovich the benefit of seeing her suffer. She looked at him as clear eyed as a tiger.
“I would love to question you directly,” Cindy said to Petrovich. “What a gracious offer. For starters, tell me what you know about the murder.”
“Actually, nothing,” he said.
“A man with your clout and connections?” asked Cindy. “You have to know something.”
“But I don’t,” said Petrovich in a low, grumbly tone, “that’s why it’s so irritating. And, this so called investigation is interfering with important business dealings, which is precisely why it has to be over with and done. My only wish is to see the case closed. That’s why I’ve invited the Guadeloupe Police to be my guests here tonight, as well as your charming Mattheus, who thinks somehow I am involved. I am not. And it doesn’t look good for me, does it, to have him or others thinking I could be. Deals I make naturally. Murder is something I never stoop to.”
Andy cleared his throat. Clearly, this conversation was more than he bargained for.
“Should I be hearing all this?” Andy asked, finally.
“If you want to pursue a relationship with this exquisite woman, then you’d better get used to conversations like this,” Petrovich replied instantly. “And, also, you will have to put up with her formidable partner, who I can easily handle, but you cannot.”
Cindy cleared her throat. Petrovich was trying to put an end to her relationship with Andy.
“Petrovich thinks he runs the world,” Cindy said with bravado, “his world maybe, but not mine!”
Petrovich laughed. “She’s spirited, but foolish,” he continued. “And jealous of the attention her partner is giving other women, as well.”
Cindy’s face grew red.
“Women are my finest wine,” Petrovich continued, “I’ve had a taste of every brand, know them all intimately. It may take time for Cindy to understand, that what’s good for the goose is not good for the gander. Mattheus can do what he likes with women. She cannot. It won’t make Mattheus happy to know that Cindy has even been talking to you so intimately. In fact it could cause a dangerous strain in their relationship, if I told him so.”
Cindy stood up tall. “What has any of this to do with you?” she asked, furious.
Petrovich laughed out loud. “Nothing, but you are a guest at my party. And I’ve actually taken a liking to you. You’re the first woman, my dear, who has interested me in a long, long while.”
“Well, there’s nothing about you interests me in the least,” Cindy snapped.
Petrovich moved closer to her, seductively.
She moved away and turned towards the door.
“What do you plan to do?” asked Petrovich, “Leave without your partner? That would be foolish, dangerous, even.”
“Now you’re concerned about my safety?” Cindy could not bear to look at him.
“Yes, in fact, I am,” he said.
When on a case, Cindy knew it was a cardinal rule to stay in touch, never go without letting your partner know when you left or where you were. She decided to go tell Mattheus that she was leaving now and would meet him back at the hotel. She had to get away from Petrovich, found him entirely repulsive.
First she wanted to say good bye to Andy.
“I am staying at the Ile de Joie Hotel,” Cindy said to him. “Please call me there if you care to.”
Then she turned and left, to find Mattheus, edging her way slowly through the crowded room. It was hot and late and difficult to wedge her way between the clusters of people. When Cindy got to the far corner she caught another glimpse of Mattheus at the bar. Her heart stopped cold. There was no space at all between him and the red head now, she was pressed full up against him. They were talking intimately, drinks in their hands.
Cindy stopped in her tracks. This was more than she could handle. What did this have to do with investigating a crime? Nothing. He was obviously drawn to this woman and she to him. They were comfortable together, whispering. Her mouth was practically on his face.
Cindy spun around, tears in her eyes, and dashed back to the front door. There was no way she would get in between them and tell him about her plans. Instead, she flew to the front gate and ordered the security guard to call her a taxi immediately.
The guard looked her over and smiled. “Going home alone? So early?”
Cindy did not respond. She just wanted to get out of there, think things over, and decide what to do next.
“The cab will be here in a few minutes,” the guard said, trying to get her attention.
“Thank you,” said Cindy curtly, leaning back against the front door. It was actually beautiful outdoors, the air was warm, thick and sweet and the dark sky was lit with a canopy of stars. Tears stung Cindy’s eyes when she realized that she was so far from family, here alone.
Instead of a taxi, a small dark car drove up to the entrance. The man at the steering wheel got out, and motioned for Cindy to get in. He was muscular with dark hair, dark eyes and wore a simple suit.
She stood frozen, looking at him. There had to be some mistake. She wondered who he thought she was.
He seemed to know what he was there for though, came over to her slowly.
“Cindy Blaine?” he asked.
“Yes?”
“Officer Sanchez Hanuah,” he said in a rumbling tone, took out his badge and showed it to her. “From Guadeloupe.”
Cindy was stunned. He had a formidable power and strength.
“Get into the car. We’ll drive you back to the hotel. Along the way, we can talk a little.”
She stood
exactly where she was.
“My partner will be here in a little while,” she lied. “I’m waiting for him.”
“It’s you we want to talk to” Hanuah said, unmovable. “You came out alone and called for a cab. You’re not waiting for your partner. You’re running away.”
Cindy backed away from him. He or one of his crew must have been watching her all night. She had no intention of going into that car alone with him. She looked over at the security guard who was smirking. He hadn’t called a taxi, he’d called these guys. Following orders from Petrovich, obviously.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Hanuah said. “We’ve been waiting for you all evening. There’s no reason for us to hurt you.”
“What have you been waiting for?” Cindy asked.
Hanuah smiled a strange smile, showing a row, of perfect, tiny teeth.
“We’ve been waiting for you to leave the party, with or without your ridiculous partner.”
Cindy stiffened. She started to say something, but he stopped her.
“Do not defend him,” Hanuah smiled, waving his hand. “A ladies man cannot be trusted. It’s stupid to work with that kind of man. One, two, three, they fall into the trap. I’ve seen it happen again and again.”
Cindy realized that Mattheus had been set up. They’d provided a beautiful, irresistible woman to pretend she was an agent, and rivet him to every word she said. Of course, it worked perfectly. He was drawn in, intoxicated. Cindy’d seen it with her own eyes.
Hanuah looked at Cindy. “With a partner like that, things like this happen. Sooner or later you end up alone.”
Cindy knew he was right, but refused to admit it.
“I am not alone,” she responded, pretending that none of it touched her at all. “My partner is inside, doing his job. I’m outside, waiting for a cab. He and I will meet up later. We always do. Now, what do you want to talk to me about?” She suddenly felt a surge of anger. She was getting tired of these endless games and innuendos. “We can talk right here, right now.”
Hanuah looked around. People were coming and going everywhere. “Not really,” he said.
Cindy dug in. “The we can go inside and talk.”
“You’re feisty, I like it. But it’s too crowded and noisy,” Hanuah said. “We’ll get in the car and ride down the road straight to your hotel.”
He clearly knew where she was staying. Cindy wondered if he’d been watching her there as well.
“Why in the world would you think I trust you?” she said, incredulous.
Hanuah leaned back, amused. “Then call your partner, and we’ll wait for him, too.”
Cindy pulled out her phone and started to call. She stopped midstream. She had no intention of calling Mattheus to come to her rescue. She didn’t want to speak to him ever again. Let him be as drawn in as he wanted by that woman. She could handle this on her own.
Cindy spun around towards the guards. “Get me a taxi this minute. Or else!” she commanded.
The guard looked at Hanuah, who nodded his approval, a tiny smile playing around the edge of his mouth.
“If you insist we can ride in the taxi with you,” Hanuah said.
“Wait a minute,” said Cindy, archly.
“We don’t have a minute,” the smile disappeared. “And neither do you. This has gone far enough. If you won’t listen, I’ll tell you right here. Back off the case.” His eyes narrowed.
“Is that all?” Cindy said flippantly.
“You and your ridiculous partner have become irritants,” Hanuah said, more forcefully, “more than irritants, you’re getting in our way. We have work to do and you’re not part of it.”
His eyes flared as he spoke. There was something fascinating about his smoldering energy and Cindy suddenly felt relieved to be with him. She let her defenses drop a moment.
“What’s the problem?” she burst out passionately, matching his intensity, “We’re not the enemy. You’re here to work the case, so are we. We can work together, we can help.”
He came much closer and Cindy felt his breath filled with alcohol on her face.
“We do not want your help. Get off the island. Go home. Listen to me.”
A rush of pain flew through Cindy. She wanted to say, I have no home to go to anymore. There is nothing else I can do now but track down killers here on the islands – end up with wild men like you on Christmas Eve. Instead, she breathed deeply, trying to find her lost bearings.
“I can’t leave Tiffany’s family in the lurch,” she insisted.
“This is much bigger than Tiffany’s family,” Hanuah suddenly spoke in a confidential tone. “Now they’re sending in people from Washington. We cannot tolerate that. We’re not sure who they are, but we’ll find out soon. If we’re not careful, they’ll be calling Interpol next. Big reputations are at stake. You’re making more trouble than you know. This little, miserable murder case has to be closed, and fast.”
Cindy looked at him simply and openly. He stopped speaking and their glances met.
“Who killed Tiffany?” she asked softly. “Tell me and we’ll close the case one, two, three.”
“I don’t know,” he breathed, “and I don’t care! She’s inconsequential, at best.”
Something struck Cindy vividly at that moment and she started trembling from head to foot.
“Has there’s been another murder?” Cindy gasped, terrified. “Is Tiffany is just the tip of the iceberg?”
He put his hand on her arm to steady her.
“No, there hasn’t, not yet,” he said. “But there could be if you don’t leave soon. Murders often happen in threes down here. As an island detective with a big reputation, you should know that. I don’t want to see more bloodshed. And neither does Sasha. Once bloodshed starts, it’s hard to stop. Petrovich is a very wise man. And, by the way, he seems he likes you very much.”
Cindy made a terrible face.
Hanuah smiled, baring his perfect teeth again.
“And I can see perfectly well why he does,” Hanuah added.
Despite herself, Cindy liked Hanuah too. Under different conditions, she and he could have become friends.
“I appreciate what you’re doing,” Cindy said.
“Appreciate it or not, it doesn’t matter,” Hanuah muttered, “just do what you’re told. Go home.”
Then he turned, went back into the car, spun it around on its heel and sped down the dark road.
CHAPTER 17
After Hanuah left, the guard called a taxi which came and drove Cindy home. She felt both sad and proud to be coming home alone. She didn’t have to stay there and watch Mattheus carry on like that. It was way beyond the call of duty. She also realized that they were working on a case and had to find a way to keep going until it was closed. The warning she’d gotten from Hanuah had power behind it and Cindy knew they had to take it seriously. She and Mattheus had stumbled onto something that was way larger than they’d realized. The police and government were involved. It could be anything, money laundering, smuggling, humongous profits made on dirty deals. Big reputations and careers were obviously at stake. Cindy believed that the Senator was aware of what was going on. He’d been to Petrovich’s parties, tangled with authorities. What had he been thinking when he called Cindy and Mattheus? Probably shocked by the death of his daughter and determined to get justice.
But, Hanuah was right. Tiffany’s death was inconsequential to them. It wasn’t inconsequential to Cindy, though. Although Cindy never met her, she felt a growing connection to Tiffany, cared for her a great deal. The more Cindy found out about her, the more alive Tiffany became. Cindy could almost feel her calling out for help and justice now. There was no way Cindy could go home and leave the case open. And what about Frances? An innocent guy, who most likely had nothing to do with the crime, would probably be found guilty. One life ruined after another.
Hanuah could threaten Cindy all he liked. She was not budging. And, oddly enough, she was not afraid.
It t
ook a short while for Cindy to get back to the hotel. The taxi drove up to the entrance and you could hear the music, laughter and partying coming from inside. Cindy was relieved to be alone. She tipped the driver, raced up to her room, took off her fancy evening clothes and threw them on the sofa. Then she put on a robe and went out onto the patio to just sit and look at the stars. It helped to breathe the salty air and let the warm evening breezes wash over her. In just a few hours her entire world had turned around. Her relationship with Mattheus was different. He didn’t feel like someone she could turn to for safety anymore. But, that was okay, she said to herself. Why did she have to turn to anyone for safety? It was time to grow up, become a mountain of strength not only for others, but for herself as well.
As she sat out there musing, her cell phone rang. It had to be Mattheus, wondering where she was. She couldn’t bring herself to pick the phone up. Cindy was actually shocked at the depth of her feelings. She was more upset and jealous than she could remember, or had any right to be. This was crazy, she told herself. What had Mattheus actually done? Flirted with her a little, and then been completely drawn in by that gorgeous woman. Okay, it happened in front of her eyes, but Cindy and Mattheus weren’t a couple. She had to remind herself of that, over and over. It was easy to get lost in a fantasy down here, take little things to mean much more than they did. She must have been lonelier than she realized, and probably he was too.
The phone rang again, and she still couldn’t answer. Despite herself, their relationship had meant a lot. She and Mattheus played on the edge of intimacy time and again. They’d come to a moment and then retreat. There always were intimations, flirtations, soft suggestions in the air. Hanuah’s words had probably been designed to create suspicion and a wedge between them. These guys down here were snakes, Petrovich, Hanuah. They knew exactly what they were doing. Cindy shuddered at the thought of them. Then, Andy crossed her mind lightly. He was so normal, plain, uninteresting, but good to talk to anyway. Living this life, working day after day in the heart of suffering, intrigue and crime, she’d forgotten about people like him.
