“Everywhere,” Mattheus commented. “What else did he say? Who’s Alain?”
“He was someone who worked at the hotel and was fired the same day Ann was killed. He’d brought room service to her room. Trage told me to talk to him.”
Mattheus’s eyebrows raised. “Sounds like a good idea.”
“It was,” said Cindy, getting up. “I went down to where he lives. He’s a local with a perfect alibi, who knows his way around. I liked the guy and he liked me. He made a point of warning me not to trust anyone, said this is an international hub of business and big money, banking, the works.”
“Yes, it is,” said Mattheus slowly.
“Then on the way home, my taxi practically got swiped off the road by a dark, green car,” Cindy continued. “Trage was the only one who knew I was there. I couldn’t help wonder if he sent the car for me.”
Mattheus shook his head immediately. “Not at all, not for a second. Trage’s a great guy. He’s exceptional, really. He cares about you. That’s just paranoia.”
“You’re sure, Mattheus?” Cindy asked.
“Yes, I am,” Mattheus came closer to her. “Nothing wrong with a touch of paranoia now and then. It keeps us on our toes, makes us better detectives. But I’m sure Trage’s on our team.”
Cindy felt relieved to hear that, but also wondered how Mattheus could have come to such a strong conclusion so quickly.
“Trage opened the books to me,” Mattheus continued, “showed me everything they had.”
“That’s good,” said Cindy, standing up then, and smoothing out her dress. She’d purposely put on a special, golden summer dress, for the memorial that was coming.
“You look lovely,” Mattheus took a step closer.
“We’ve got to leave now for the memorial,” Cindy said.
“I’m glad we’re going,” said Mattheus. “This will be a good chance for me to learn lots of things.”
Cindy hadn’t thought of it that way. But it was true, Mattheus knew little about Ann, just that she was close to Cindy. He also knew that Ann had always encouraged her to end their relationship, come home to the States and live a normal life.
“You’ll also meet two of my uncles,” said Cindy, “and naturally, see Frank.”
“I’m looking forward to all of it,” said Mattheus.
“Before we go, just one thing,” said Cindy, apprehensive.
“What?” asked Mattheus.
“I want you to know that I’ll never forget what you’re doing for me. I’ll never forget how you got here so quickly.”
Mattheus pulled her to him then, grimacing. “Of course you’ll never forget,” he grumbled lovingly, “how could you forget? I’ll never let you forget. All our life long, I’ll always remind you.”
*
Cindy’s mother, uncles and Frank were all sitting in the lobby when she and Mattheus got downstairs. Her mother jumped up the moment Cindy approached and so did her uncles. Frank kept sitting where he was, looking glum.
“I’d like to introduce Mattheus,” Cindy said to all of them at once.
“Nice to meet you,” Uncle Charlie was the first to step forth and extend his hand.
Mattheus took it and the two of them smiled warmly.
“So, we finally meet,” Cindy’s mother looked Mattheus up and down.
“I’m pleased to meet you,” Mattheus said to her, formally.
“And I don’t expect this moment would ever have happened if we weren’t faced with tragedy,” her mother replied coolly.
“Not true,” said Mattheus, “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you for awhile.”
Mattheus’s words silenced her mother and Frank stood up and joined the group. Although Frank and Mattheus had met on another occasion, Frank seemed unsettled by the sight of him.
“What are you doing here with us, now?” Frank asked him blatantly.
“I’m down here to help Cindy solve the case,” Mattheus replied.
“The case, the case! That’s all you two can think of. You’re just down here as a detective, that’s all?” Cindy’s mother quipped.
“I’m here as a detective and as a friend,” Mattheus replied calmly, unaffected by her onslaught.
“What kind of friend?” her mother went on, skeptically.
“Please forgive this harsh treatment,” Charlie interrupted Cindy’s mother, “this is a tough time for everyone.”
“I’m well aware of that,” Mattheus replied kindly.
“Aware of what? What are you aware of?” Cindy’s mother seemed to be agitated by Mattheus’s presence. “I’ve lost one daughter and Cindy’s the only one left. What are your intentions with my only surviving child?” she exclaimed haughtily.
“I plan to marry Cindy,” Mattheus remarked stalwartly, as though it were an accomplished fact.
A stunned silence descended over the entire group, including Cindy. She’d never seen Mattheus like this before, standing up to everyone, refusing to be intimidated, declaring his love for her publicly.