by Jaden Skye
“I get what you’re saying.” Mattheus listened deeply to him. “It doesn’t surprise me.”
“I’m a convenient patsy, a stupid ex-con,” Angua continued. “What they don’t know, though, is that I got a new friend in another gang. If they don’t treat me right, he’ll settle things for me.”
“More killing to come?” breathed Mattheus harshly.
“Look, I didn’t kill this jerk on the beach,” Angua repeated.
“He wasn’t a jerk, he was my friend.” Mattheus’s voice rose as a vein in his neck protruded.
Angua lifted his creased hand. “Sorry, sorry,” he muttered. “Whoever he was, I didn’t kill him.”
“Who did?” asked Cindy, stepping forward and joining the fray.
Angua definitely seemed surprised at the sight of Cindy. “Who’s that?” he asked.
“My partner,” said Mattheus. “CM Investigations.”
“Private detectives?” Angua seemed impressed.
“Who killed Sparks?” Cindy repeated firmly, moving in on both of them.
“If I knew I’d tell you.” Angua sat up straight. “Why wouldn’t I? My best guess is that it was one of the guys in the Tortinnos. They kill tourists randomly for sport.”
“Sparks wasn’t a random tourist. He was an ex-cop who ran a big security company,” Mattheus said.
Angua shook his head. “Then talk to the people he knew.”
“We are,” Cindy insisted. “And we’re also talking to you.”
“Someone obviously had it in for him,” Angua went on. “What the hell has it got to do with me?”
Mattheus focused for all he was worth. “There’s no one you know we can talk to about it?”
“I don’t know the first thing about what happened to your friend,” Angua spoke quickly then. “I do know it wasn’t me. I was down at the Richhaven Bar when he got killed. Lots of people saw me there. It was a homecoming party for me. I just got out of jail.”
“The police wouldn’t take this information?” asked Cindy. She saw no reason at all not to believe Angua or to have his alibi checked out.
“I’m convenient, honey. They take me in, throw me in the clinker until the heat dies down. Then, maybe if I’m lucky, they look into my alibi in about six months or so. When everyone’s forgotten about the guy who got killed, they open the back door and let me out of jail. That’s how it works down here. Everyone wins that way. The heat’s off the cops and the case is closed. It happens all the time.”
Cindy breathed deeply. She knew it was so. “We’ll check out your alibi immediately,” she said.
“Wait a minute.” Mattheus stood up.
“We have to check it out, Mattheus,” Cindy insisted. “Or else the real killer goes free to kill.”
“You’re right, you’re right, I know,” said Mattheus.
“You jokers are gonna check out my alibi?” Angua’s face lit up.
“You better believe we will,” said Cindy, fiercely. “And we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.”
The three of them looked at each other as the door opened quickly then, jarring them all.
“Your time is up,” the guard announced in a high, nasal tone. “Ten minutes exactly.”
“Okay.” Mattheus stood up obligingly. “We got what we needed.”
The guard looked surprised, but Angua chuckled.
Cindy stood up as well, and followed Mattheus to the narrow doorway.
“Thanks, Angua,” she said, turning around before she walked out. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“Pleasure meeting you too,” Cindy heard Angua echo, as she and Mattheus left him alone in the tiny, dark room.
*
“Ten to one Angua’s alibi checks out,” Cindy said to Mattheus once they were outside the police station, back on the street.
Mattheus agreed. “But once we confirm it, we’ll have to get out of town fast,” he remarked. “Unless we give the cops someone to replace Angua, they’ll be after us.”
Cindy thought about that for a little while.
Mattheus hailed a taxi then. “Okay, next is Wess, you go see him,” he declared. “It’s better for you to talk to Wess alone, while I go check out Angua’s alibi. I don’t want you around the gangs either. They’re as rough as they get. I’ll handle that. We’ll gather what information we can and see what to do next.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Mattheus took his own taxi down to the gang while Cindy headed directly to Wess’s hotel. She decided to go without calling first to see if he was there. If he wasn’t, she would talk to others who were drifting around. People had a way of turning up unexpectedly with information of all kinds.
As Cindy’s cab pulled off the main highway, it drove through a cluster of side roads, covered by trees and tall bushes of every kind. Many different species of exquisitely colored birds were flying, singing, and perched on branches. Cindy smiled, listening to them, feeling as though she were entering a wild bird preserve.
When Cindy’s cab pulled up to the hotel, she gazed at the long, low, sleek wooden building. It was built along the side of a hill, eerily blending into the surrounding scenery. Not only was the hotel completely private, but perfectly camouflaged by nature as well.
The cab let Cindy off at the main entrance. She paid the driver and glided inside as though she belonged there, had been a guest there her whole life long. As she entered the exquisitely appointed lobby, Cindy went right up to the front desk.
A young perfectly groomed clerk stood at the desk smiling brightly as she approached.
“I’m here to see Wess,” Cindy crooned to the clerk, suddenly wondering if she could get by without remembering his last name.
“Wess Chambers?” the clerk conveniently replied.
“Yes, that’s it,” said Cindy, hoping this was the right person.
“Well, you’re in luck.” The clerk smiled broadly at Cindy. “He’s just returned about half an hour ago.”
“Wonderful,” said Cindy brightly.
“Wess is expecting you, of course?” the clerk added, to be sure.
“Of course,” said Cindy, playfully, “unless he’s forgotten me so quickly! And I truly hope he hasn’t.”
The clerk chuckled. “I’m sure no man could forget someone like you so fast.”
“Well, I’m about to find out,” Cindy bantered with him. “Tell me Wess’s room number and we’ll soon see.”
“Absolutely.” The clerk winked. “Suite 722, didn’t he tell you himself?”
“He did and I forgot,” said Cindy, giving the clerk a playful grin before she turned to go to Wess’s quarters. “Thanks so much.”
*
To Cindy’s surprise, the suites in this hotel were all located in small villas, set back along a winding pathway. Each villa was surrounded by high, broad trees and endless flowers. Cindy walked slowly, trying to find the numbers on the doors, all of which were carefully hidden behind the foliage.
When she reached 722, Cindy paused. Usually she gave a person notice she was coming
before she rang the bell. Was it foolhardy not to have called first? Cindy had no idea how Wess would react or whether he was even alone. Still, as he was set on being so private, Cindy had a desire to surprise him. Surprise was always the best way to see what was truly going on beneath a person’s façade.
Cindy took a deep breath, walked to the door, knocked on it loudly, and waited.
To her delight, Wess immediately came to the door and opened it. Tall and handsome, he looked a bit rumpled, wearing jeans and an expensive blue sports shirt which was opened at the collar.
Wess took a long look at Cindy, a bit perplexed. “Have we met?” he asked calmly.
“We have now,” said Cindy, smiling. “Cindy Blaine.”
Wess smiled as well. “Should the name ring a bell? I wish it did.”
“Probably not,” said Cindy, brushing her long, auburn hair off her face, languorously.
“Well, come in if you care t
o.” Wess looked somewhat amused. “I imagine you want to talk to me about something?”
“Yes, I do,” said Cindy, delighted by the invitation and pleased that he felt so safe with her.
“I never refuse a beautiful woman the courtesy of a visit,” Wess proclaimed as he led Cindy into the elegant suite.
Inside, the space was furnished naturally but with expensive pieces of furniture. Incredible modern art hung on the walls, and a sense of nature permeated the entire atmosphere.
“Please sit down,” Wess said then, the perfect gentleman. “To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from such a beautiful woman?”
Cindy wondered who he thought she was and what she was doing here. “Who do you think I am?” she couldn’t help asking, playfully.
At that, Wess laughed. “I’m not sure exactly,” he said, running his hand over his forehead. “But I’m guessing someone on the yacht sent you over to say hello and get me to join the party. They love playing these kinds of games, don’t they?”
Cindy laughed along with him. “Who would do that?” she asked, enjoying the banter.
“I’m betting it’s Kiera,” Wess said slowly, looking at Cindy carefully. “You must be a friend of hers and she’s probably wondering when I’m coming out of hiding.”
“When are you?” asked Cindy, fascinated.
“I’m not at all in hiding,” Wess replied and smiled. “I’m just living the kind of life I love.”
Despite herself, Cindy was taken with him. He was charming and smart. “What kind of life do you love, Wess?” she asked.
“Ah, now that’s a big question.” He smiled once again. “I could also ask you that, couldn’t I?”
“You could,” Cindy quipped. “But we can save that for later. Right now I’m wondering why you think Kiera sent me to you.”
I’m guessing that woman has all kinds of designs on me,” Wess remarked offhandedly.
Cindy found his response interesting. “But why does Kiera think you’re in hiding?”
“Everywhere you go there’s a party on this island,” Wess replied as he leaned closer to Cindy. “If you’re not at every one of them, they decide you’re in hiding.”
“Are you and Kiera close?” asked Cindy.
“Close is not exactly how I would put it,” said Wess. “Kiera’s close to Benita and Sparks. Sparks brought her down to the island to meet some guys, have fun, get over the loss of her sister. I’m guessing he had me in mind as one of her possible suitors.”
For a strange moment, Cindy wondered if Wess knew that Sparks had been killed. Even though his hotel was isolated, he had to have kept up with the news. Cindy looked around the suite quickly to see if there was a television.
“What are you looking for?” Wess asked as Cindy glanced around.
“I was just wondering if there was a TV here,” she said, “whether you’re keeping up with the news.”
“There is a TV,” Wess responded, “but I’m not turning it on. It’s a pleasure to be away from the noise and clatter. When I’m on vacation, I stay off the grid.”
Cindy suddenly felt nervous. “Have you heard what happened?” she asked, haltingly.
Wess stood up slowly and walked around the room. “You mean have I heard the latest rumors? Listen, I have no interest in what those lousy celebs have to say,” he replied. “Let them live their lives and I’ll live mine. Their stupid games really don’t mean a thing to me. I’m not interested in Kiera. I’m off limits.”
“You have something against the celebs?” Cindy asked, realizing that Mattheus didn’t like that crowd much, either.
“Not really.” Wess turned around and took Cindy in. “And you’re not really part of that gang, are you?”
“No, I’m not,” Cindy replied.
“At first I thought you were. But as we talked, I didn’t think so,” said Wess. “You’re much too naturally pretty and sweet. There’s not one thing natural about any of them and once you get into their clutches, you’re done.”
“Did Kiera get into their clutches?” asked Cindy, alerted.
“Not only Kiera, but plenty of people,” Wess replied. “Even I was tempted for a long time. Until I saw what their lives were really made of.”
“Was Sparks pulled in too?” asked Cindy, her voice lowering, wondering how Wess would react.
“Yes, Sparks, too,” Wess answered heatedly. “Now there’s an example of a guy who got railroaded and went for it a hundred percent.”
“How was Sparks railroaded?” Cindy was fascinated.
“Who was Sparks in the beginning, anyhow?” Wess’s brow furled. “He was no one, an ordinary cop, until he moved to Los Angeles and met Benita. Then he built himself a big company on her back.”
“What do you mean on her back?” asked Cindy.
“As soon as Sparks got Benita into his clutches, she introduced him to all her friends. It was Benita who got Sparks his clients and backing,” Wess went on, distressed.
“The situation upset you?” asked Cindy.
“Of course,” Wess replied. “And first, Sparks got Benita to fall for him. And he knew just how.”
Cindy hadn’t heard anything like this about Sparks before. It bothered her.
“Sparks worked the ladies?” Cindy asked. “He was a ladies’ man?”
“He was scum.” Wess turned on his heel now, his face growing dark. “When you give scum money and contacts, they go wild, want more and more, don’t they?”
Cindy shivered. Clearly Wess had it in for Sparks. “You hated him,” Cindy commented.
“You got that right,” said Wess, rubbing his foot on his carpet, as if to stamp Sparks out.
Cindy didn’t want to ask Wess yet if he knew that Sparks had been murdered. If he didn’t know, the information could close him down. Cindy wanted to hear all Wess had to say first. But to her consternation, all of a sudden there was a knock on the door.
“Who’s that?” asked Cindy, jolted.
Wess laughed again. “Looks like I’m having a visitor. I hope it’s all right with you?”
Cindy tried to laugh too, but couldn’t. “I hope it will be all right with your visitor that there’s a woman alone with you in your room,” she quipped.
Wess went to the door to open it. As soon as he did, to Cindy’s amazement, Benita walked in and Wess threw his arms around her quickly.
“Sit down, sweetheart,” he crooned.
Benita stayed inside Wess’s arms as Cindy trembled, wishing for the moment that she could disappear.
“We have a visitor,” Wess then told Benita, “someone you know, I’m sure.”
Benita looked up and spun around swiftly. Then she stared at Cindy.
“She’s not a friend,” gasped Benita. “She’s Cindy Blaine, private detective.”
“What?” Wess’s face grew taut.
“Cindy’s investigating Sparks’s murder.” Benita’s voice rose. “Sparks was supposed to be best man at her wedding.”
“You lied to me?” Wess confronted Cindy.
“No, I didn’t. I never said I was part of the crew on the boat,” Cindy answered fast.
“What the hell are you doing in my place, then?” Wess grew angry.
“What is Benita doing here?” Cindy countered. “I thought she and Sparks were engaged.”
“We were!” Benita shouted. “But he’s gone now. He’s dead, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“That’s why you’re here with Wess now?” Cindy wasn’t buying it. “Why would you be with someone who’s been stalking Sparks since he got out of jail?”
“So, you’ve heard all the garbage about me!” Wess bit his lower lip hard. “Did you also hear that Sparks set me up?”
Cindy recalled hearing something like that.
“Sparks wanted to get me away from Benita,” Wess went on. “And what the hell do you mean, I stalked Sparks? I couldn’t care less about that idiot. It was Benita I wanted to be close to. She and I were engaged before she met Sparks. That bast
ard broke us up.”
“Please, please, I’m sorry, so sorry,” Benita wailed. “I made such a mistake.”
“I told you I forgive you,” Wess flung back at her. “I told you I’m taking you back.”
Both Benita and Wess stared hard at Cindy then. “What else do you want to know?” Benita, furious, took a step toward Cindy. “Wess and I were engaged so it’s natural that I would be here with him now.”
“If Sparks were alive, would you still be here?” Cindy couldn’t let it go.
“That’s no business of yours.” Benita shut her lips tight.
“Were you cheating on Sparks?” Cindy pushed further.
“That’s enough, get out of here now!” Wess wasn’t having it and took a step toward Cindy.
“Where were you three days ago?” Cindy asked Wess directly.
“You’re asking if I have an alibi?” Wess growled.
“Yes, I am,” said Cindy.
“I was here at my hotel,” Wess murmured. “I was waiting for Benita to call. She promised she’d call me every day, and I was waiting to hear from her. I was hoping she’d come over.”
Cindy threw a quick glance at Benita, who began to tremble.
“Did anyone see you at the hotel then?” Cindy needed details.
Wess stopped talking completely then. “That’s for me to know and you to find out,” he finally murmured. “And frankly, the police couldn’t care less if anyone saw me or not. None of this matters to them a bit.”
A long chill went up Cindy’s back, realizing that was so.
Agitated, Benita turned and flew into Wess’s arms again. “Make up any kind of alibi you want!” she yelled at him. “They’re not taking you away from me again! And they’d better not try.”
“Get out,” Wess shouted to Cindy then, over Benita’s shoulder. “Look how you’re upsetting her. Get out!”
Without another word Cindy turned quickly and left.
Once outside, Cindy slowly calmed down. As she slowly walked away, she was soothed not only by the luxurious foliage, but by the birds who, perched on branches all around, were singing to their hearts’ content.
