It seemed as if all of Bermuda had gathered for the races. The atmosphere down at the water was lively and festive, people were sprawled out on blankets with picnic lunches, some were sitting on benches, others trimming the shore, waving their favorites on. Music was playing and vendors were selling food and souvenirs of all kind. It was a perfect day too, with the sun shining brightly. Cindy knew it would be a long shot to spot Frank here, but you never knew, had to cover every possibility. Guilt couldn’t stay hidden forever, especially not when flashlights were on, searching for the truth. One of the rules she and Mattheus had lived by was that sooner or later whoever you needed to see was drawn to you. Over and over again Cindy had been amazed by the unexpected meetings that had taken place in the midst of an investigation, the pieces of vital information dropped innocently enough. The investigators just had to keep their antenna wide open and not overlook anyone who drifted their way.
“What a spectacle,” Mattheus exclaimed as they approached the gala celebration. “What’s the chance of spotting Frank here?”
“Probably ten to one against it,” Cindy commented, looking around at the boisterous crowds.
“We just need to be a little patient,” said Mattheus. “The police will call soon with more information.”
Cindy recoiled. She didn’t want the police all over this, wanted to get in and do the work herself.
“Is that the Cindy Blaine I just met yesterday?” Cindy heard a voice calling to her. Cindy turned and there was that woman Linda, she’d seen at Beggio’s party.
“Hi, Linda,” said Cindy, turning to greet her. “And this is my partner, Mattheus.”
“Is this a fabulous day or what?” Linda asked, smiling at Mattheus plainly.” No one in their right mind misses the races. So glad to see you here.”
Cindy didn’t like her overly familiar attitude, but tried to overlook it.
“Oh, there’s my friend Ronnelle,” Linda waved to her brightly. “We’re all together, no one absent.”
“What about Frank?” Mattheus asked lightly then.
“Who’s Frank?” Linda looked confused a second, then quickly remembered. “Oh, is he the guy Cindy had the photo of the other night?”
“Right,” said Mattheus.
Linda smiled at Mattheus boldly. “I have no idea at all about him,” she answered, doing a little side step, “we talked all about it at Toni’s party. You were there last night, were you though?”
“Nope, sorry I missed it,” Mattheus played along with her. Cindy knew Mattheus was being charming in order to cull information from her, but still Cindy felt rankled.
“Well, I’ve got to run to my friends,” Linda looked down the way, at Ronnelle beckoning to her.
“You guys are welcome to join us, if you care to.”
“Thanks,” said Cindy, “but -.”
“We will in a little while,” Mattheus interrupted, as Linda did a little turn and smiled at him over her slim, beautiful shoulders.
“Good,” Linda said, “looking forward to it.”
“Why join them?” ask Cindy irritated.
“Why not?” said Mattheus. “Someone knows something and we need to be positioned to hear about it.”
“I already spoke to that crew at the party,” said Cindy.
“So, I’ll take a turn now,” said Mattheus. “I can go alone if that would work better. There’s plenty of other people around you can talk to.”
Cindy knew he was right. That was their M.O. They always broke up in order to use their time wisely and have more impact on the people they were with.
“Okay,” she said, “go talk to the ladies. I’ll wander around and see who I run into, what else I can find.”
“I’ll meet you back here in this spot in about half an hour,” said Mattheus. “This way we’ll have used our time optimally. If you’re going to be delayed, give me a call.”
*
Cindy felt both uneasy about Mattheus’s joining the ladies and relieved to have time to wander alone. Even during the short time she’d been here, the crowds had grown thicker. Cindy decided to just walk amidst the throngs of people and see who and what came her way. The day was warm and sunny, and at the very least she’d have some exercise and time to relax.
Cindy wandered a bit, looking at the happy couples and families, enjoying this summer day to the hilt. All of them seemed like strangers to her and certainly she was a stranger to them all. No one had the least idea of who she was or why she was here. Though she looked like them on the surface, no one would imagine that she was actually hunting down a killer. Nor did they realize for a second that a killer could be wandering among them right now.
Suddenly, to her surprise, Cindy heard her name being called.
“Hey, Cindy, hold up a minute. I’m so glad to see you again.”