“It’s enough that Penny recognized him, for now,” Cindy responded. “That’s definitely something, anyway.”
“It tells you he’s been here, that’s all,” Don commented slowly.
“You recognize this guy, Penny?” Ronnelle asked surprised.
“I’ve seen him around,” Penny answered.
“There are all kinds of guys who come to the island and drift around,” Ronnelle spoke more sharply, turning to Cindy. “Why are you asking about him, anyway? What happened?”
Cindy was about to answer and then stopped herself. She wasn’t sure it was a good idea to go into details at this moment. Cindy didn’t want to cast a blanket of suspicion on Frank or create unnecessary rumors.
“It’s complicated,” Cindy answered quietly.
“Always is,” said Ronnelle, throwing her a curious glance.
Chapter 15
Cindy got back to her hotel room after the party both relieved and distressed. At least Tony had no idea who Frank was, or so he said. He had no reason to lie about it, though. Something like that could be easily traced. Cindy couldn’t shake her upset though that Penny had seen Frank around and had actually spoken to him. She knew that it didn’t mean anything necessarily, but Cindy didn’t like the thought of Frank wandering around Beggio’s parties without Ann at his side. Did Ann know about this, Cindy wondered. If she did, why didn’t she mention it? Could it have been she was ashamed, keeping the whole thing secret?
It was late and Cindy plopped down on her sofa before taking off her clothes and getting ready for bed. The evening had been strainful and emotional. She could understand why the police regularly checked Beggio and his strange crowd of friends. Why would Frank even go to a party like that? Or maybe he hadn’t gone to the parties at all, maybe Penny had actually seen him at the boat races. That made Cindy feel slightly better.
She was about to let it all go for the evening and get ready for bed when her phone suddenly rang. It was late for a call, and Cindy’s heart started racing. What happened now? Who was calling so late?
“I’m so sorry to call this late, Cindy,” Mattheus’s voice sounded pressured and harried.
“What happened, what’s wrong?” Cindy got nervous.
“I just needed to talk to you before going to bed,” Mattheus replied. “I just got back from speaking to the hotel owner, Grenfield.”
Cindy had forgotten for a moment where Mattheus had been this evening, who he’d been looking into.
“He’s the owner of the Mermaid Hotel, down from the Greenstone. Grenfield knows Beggio well.” Mattheus seemed to be relieved to be talking. “The cops told me that the two of the pal around together.”
“And?” Cindy’s mouth felt dry. She expected to hear something terrible next.
“I’d rather tell you in person,” said Mattheus. “Can I come to your room?”
“Of course,” said Cindy, “come right now.”
Cindy hung up the phone, straightened her hair, and got up to go to the door. Mattheus’s room was only a few steps away and he’d be here any second. As she went to the door, Cindy caught a quick glance at herself in the long mirror that hung on a nearby wall. She looked tired, but still lovely, almost radiant actually. Dressed for the evening, her beautiful ruby necklace still glowed around her face.
The moment Cindy got to the door and opened it, Mattheus approached and entered.
“My God, you look beautiful,” he said, taking a step back. “I’ve never seen you dressed like this before.”
Cindy raised her hand to the necklace that had to be what he was referring to. “You mean wearing incredible jewelry like this. Thank you for it,” Mattheus,” she repeated.
Mattheus drew closer and put his arms around her and Cindy placed her head on his strong shoulder.
“It’s so good to be here with you now,” Mattheus murmured. “I needed to see you tonight.”
Cindy felt the same way. Whatever he had to tell her, she could take so much better having him at her side.
“Mattheus,” Cindy went on, “the necklace you got me,” she didn’t know what to say next.
“You’re wondering what it means between us?” Mattheus asked.
“Yes, I am,” Cindy whispered. “And I’m wondering what happened between you and Petra too?”
“What happened with me and Petra? Absolutely nothing,” Mattheus was aghast. “You’re the one I love Cindy, and always will. I don’t know how to make you believe that.”
Cindy raised her hand and stroked his face. “I believe it, I feel it, I know it, Mattheus,” she responded as they drew together in a deep kiss. “And I love you, too,” she said as she came up for air.
They kissed deeply again then, and Cindy felt as if her life were returning. The joy of being with Mattheus again assuaged the pain Cindy had been feeling. It also caused her to forget what he’d come to the room for a few minutes ago.
Cindy pulled away gently. “You had something to tell me, Mattheus?” she whispered softly.