Mattheus got out of the station and started running at full speed. He had no idea where he was going, just knew he had to get out of there fast. The walls were starting to close in in on him and the voice of the cops was ringing in his ears. This couldn’t be true, just couldn’t. How could it be possible that Shelly was alive all this time and hadn’t gotten in touch with him? The thought of it ripped through his heart like a sharpened knife. Everything blurred as he passed by, the trolley, cafes, little wooden shacks, the stores and homes. His breath became jagged as he ran through streets he’d once walked on with her.
Shelly, he called out in his mind. Did you leave me? Are you gone? Are they lying about you?
There was no answer and never would be.
Shelly, damn it, answer me! Are you dead or alive?
Suddenly it came to him. This could be a case of mistaken identification. How could the police so sure it was her? Who had actually seen the body? Who knew he was in Grenada and told them to contact him there? He’d been so stunned, he hadn’t had the presence of mind to ask that - or one hundred other questions. Mattheus knew he’d run out of the place way too fast, but he couldn’t stand hearing another word about Shelly or the live she’d lived without him.
Mattheus wiped away the perspiration that poured from his face as he ran. The idea that Shelly didn’t disappear, but had left on her own and was living with another guy, blew his mind. It hit like a torpedo, came out of nowhere and didn’t make sense. He’d never had any reason to believe the two of them hadn’t been completely happy together. He’d never doubted that for a minute.
As if to absorb the horrible news, he slowed down a little and looked around, to make sure this was real. Was Shelly still here, hiding behind a doorway, playing some kind of crazy game? All he saw were people ambling up and down the streets as if they had nothing better in the world to do in than take in the sun’s rays.
Soon the sun would begin going down. Then everyone would start gathering at the water’s edge for the sunset ceremony. It happened every night - people played music, sang, danced and ate Key Lime pies. They were celebrating the end of another gorgeous day. Whenever they came down here, Shelly loved it, didn’t want to miss even one night. It was the high point of the vacation for her.
Mattheus picked up his pace again, on his way down to the water’s edge. Being there would be like old times with her. Sure, Shelly loved being here, but not enough to throw away her whole life for it. Not enough to move in with another guy. Were the cops telling him all this to drive him crazy, get him to crack? Was he a suspect? His mind felt like a spider weaving all kinds of crazy webs.
Suddenly, the boardwalk zoomed in closer. Mattheus ran to the water’s edge. The water looked cool, calm and inviting. Maybe the best thing he could do for himself and everyone else would be to jump in and not come back.
“Mattheus,” a woman’s voice close behind, was calling him. “Mattheus, wait.”
He turned swiftly and there was Cindy, her face hot and flushed. He’d forgotten about her, was surprised to see her.
“Mattheus, I’m here,” she said, “slow down.”
Cindy ran up to the railing he was leaning against, her hair caught across her face, her breath coming swiftly.
“I’ve been calling for you to slow down,” she said breathless.
The sight of her startled him. He remembered that he’d called her down to help him on the case. He also remembered that they’d been together and broken up suddenly. She ran out on him. What did she want from him now?
“That was a pretty good run you led me on.” Cindy came closer, sweaty and hot.
Mattheus ran his hands through his hair. “Jesus Christ,” he muttered, “how long have you been chasing me?”
Cindy put her hand on his arm. He was grateful she was there. But how long would she stay? Could he even trust it? Yeah he’d gone back on his word to her, but her reaction was extreme.
“Let’s sit down on a bench over here,” said Cindy. “It’s a beautiful spot.”
That seemed like a strange, irrelevant comment, thought Mattheus.
“The sunset ceremony is going to begin soon,” said Cindy.
“Shelly never missed one of them,” Mattheus said.
Cindy put her hands on his shoulders, trying to turn him towards her. He didn’t really want to.
“This has to be a horrible shock for you, Mattheus,” Cindy said.
He finally turned, looked at her and felt his eyes blur.
“I’m sorry Mattheus. I really am,” Cindy went on.
“Sorry about what?”
“The terrible news,” she said slowly.