“So tell me,” said Cindy, her voice dipping.
“The police have been checking Frank’s unknown cell number. There are lots of calls on it from an untraceable number – someone with a temporary phone. That’s how Beggio’s operated in the past. He contacts his people with temporary cell phones. The police definitely fee that the caller on Frank’s phone is connected with Beggio. When I told them about Ronnelle being defriended on Frank’s page, Trage was thrilled, said that was big news. The police are going to check her phone and everything else about her. In a little while they’ll let us know her whereabouts, and for starters, either you or I have to talk to her again.”
“I’ll do it,” Cindy shot out quickly.
“Okay,” said Mattheus, “and the police also want to grill Frank again, immediately. They’re looking for him now, as we speak.”
Cindy’s heart began fluttering. “Frank’s in hiding?”
“Call it what you want,” Mattheus went on. “No one knows where he is, do they?”
Fear gripped Cindy’s heart. If they didn’t find Frank fast the police could stage an all-out manhunt for him. For all Cindy knew there’d be a shootout and she’d find Frank dead, too. She couldn’t bear the thought of that. Despite everything, Cindy knew deep inside that Frank hadn’t killed Ann.
“The evidence is mounting,” Mattheus said carefully.
“Circumstantial, that’s all,” Cindy breathed. “Nothing specific, nothing direct.”
“Cindy, face it,” Mattheus insisted then. “The police are on it full out now. They’re talking to everyone, including Grenfield. The pieces are coming in, they’re going to fit together.”
“None of this would have happened if we hadn’t been amping up the investigation,” Cindy suddenly exclaimed.
“That’s right,” Mattheus replied. “Frank might have slipped through the cracks, be sent home and gone on to kill again.”
“Don’t call him the killer! It’s not been proved!” Cindy was insistent.
“Cindy,” Mattheus got into her face, “Frank’s in hiding, he defriended someone who lied to us about knowing him.”
Just then the phone rang again sharply. Mattheus quickly picked it up and then put his hand over the phone. “It’s the police, calling with more information,” he whispered.
Cindy thought of her mother and uncles. How were they going to handle a double blow?
“Right, okay, thanks,” said Mattheus. “Cindy will be there tomorrow. Yeah, and I’ll join you with the search.”
“What was that?” Cindy asked completely alarmed by now.
“The cops put pressure on Grenfield. He protected himself, cracked and talked. Frank’s had a shifty off shore account with Beggio. Nothing important, but he has one. Frank laid about that and so did Beggio. Things are piling up – they’re not looking good for Frank.”
Cindy took a deep, bitter breath. “Some of these off shore accounts are illegal, everyone lies about them,” she said.
“Cindy,” Mattheus yelled now. “Open your mind. Stop protecting Frank. There’s nothing left to
protect. Ronnelle will be at a big Cricket Match tomorrow. You’ve got to go and talk to her there.”
“What is it? Where? Give me details,” said Cindy, gearing herself up for the worst.
“The Cup Match is a two day midsummer festival where the entire island shuts down,”
Mattheus went on quickly. It takes place between the Somerset and St. George’s Cricket Club. Even I’ve heard about it. The place will be packed.”
“How will I find Ronnelle there?” Cindy felt confused.
“The cops will be tracking her and keep you informed. You’ll stay in touch with them constantly and they’ll record everything the two of you say. You’re going to grill her about her relationship with Frank from top to bottom. For all we know, he’ll be there with her.”
“I doubt that,” Cindy didn’t believe it.
“The island turns into a carnival atmosphere during the Cup Match,” Mattheus went on. “Right now, I’m joining the cops to help track Frank down. The sooner we find him the better.”
Cindy started shaking. Even though she knew it wasn’t so, she felt as though Mattheus was abandoning her, betraying her, joining with the other side.
“Why would you join them?” she asked Mattheus, bewildered.
Mattheus seemed to be bewildered by her question as well. “Why would I? You called me down here to help find the killer, didn’t you?”
Cindy understood the words Mattheus was saying in her mind, but in her heart, she felt alone and adrift.
“We have such different views of this,” Cindy tried one last time in a small voice.
“I know,” Mattheus spoke strongly and gently. “But ultimately, it doesn’t matter what our views are, we’ll find the facts and let them speak for themselves. That’s what we do, Cindy. We find the truth.”
“I know,” she said quietly, “but right now it hurts like hell.”