“In a little while,” Mattheus told her Uncle Ben.“Cindy’s still recovering from her ordeal with Ronnelle. She’s fine, no worries, but she’s resting up.”
“Her mother said to tell her she saved the family; saved everyone’s life,” Uncle Ben murmured. “Frank will be obliged to her forever, and so will everyone else.”
Cindy didn’t want anybody obliged to her for any reason. She did what she had to and what was natural for her. She was glad the family felt good about it, but nothing anyone said could take away the pit inside her stomach. She hadn’t been here in time to save Ann.
“I’ll never get over this,” she said to Mattheus.
“We can only do what we’re given to do,” Mattheus tried to comfort her. “There was no way anyone could have known this would happen.”
Of course that made sense rationally, but the sadness inside Cindy kept growing, anyway.
Uncle Charlie came to Cindy’s room with fruit and candy. Cindy, resting on the sofa, beckoned him in and thanked him for his help in finding Frank.
Charlie leaned down close to her. “You’ve been magnificent, Cindy and this will take time, but I know you’ll find it in your heart to forgive Frank.”
Cindy closed her eyes. It was way too soon to think about that now.
“I’m so glad Mattheus is here with you, too,” Charlie continued. “He’s certainly found a place in my heart.”
“Thanks so much, Charlie,” Mattheus said as he came over and took Cindy’s hand.
“I hate to ask this, but what’s next?” asked Charlie. “You plan to come home and spend time with the family?”
Cindy knew her mother had put him up to asking that. “I will later on,” said Cindy, “but for now, I need time.”
“With Mattheus?” asked Charles.
“Absolutely,” Mattheus said, looking at Cindy questioningly.
Cindy ran her hands over her face and sat up slightly then. “Absolutely,” she agreed.
“And I heard we just got another call in,” she went on quickly.
“From Jamaica,” Mattheus said, “how did you hear?”
“It was on the radio,” Cindy remarked. “A double murder in one afternoon.”
“They’re afraid a serial killer is on the loose,” Mattheus added.
“You can’t possibly be thinking of going down there to work on this now?” Charlie looked startled.
“I can’t possibly think of not going,” Cindy replied.
Mattheus looked at her out of the corner of his eye. “You’re sure?”
Cindy nodded. “More sure than I’ve been of anything. How can I better honor Ann’s life and death? I’m dedicating my work to her.”
Charlie took it all in. “I totally get that,” he commented, “your mother won’t, but I do.”
“Thank you,” said Cindy. “Will my mother be alright?”
“In time she will,” said Charlie. “She has her brother at her side, Frank, and lots of friends back home. Someday she’ll have you, too, feeling closer.”
“I’m not sure about that,” said Cindy. “I hope so though.”
“Give it time,” said Charlie. “People grow, feelings change, they have to. And tell me, how are the two of you going on this new case? Just as working partners?”
Despite herself Cindy smiled. “That’s one way of describing it.”
“One way only,” Mattheus, too, smiled broadly. “Only part of the story. We’ll have more news for you about the rest soon.”
“A wedding?” Charlie asked delighted.
“Ann’s just passed, it’s too soon for that,” Cindy said softly. “We all need time to remember her.”
“What better way to remember her than at a wedding?” asked Charlie. “Besides from what I’ve been hearing, nothing would have made her happier.”
Mattheus grinned, “I agree.”
“There’ll be time for everything,” Cindy lifted her head and looked at both of them lovingly.
“And for now, we’re off to Jamaica,” said Mattheus.
“With all my blessings,” Charlie echoed, coming closer, pulling them together, and hugging them both for all he was worth.