Barbara stopped in her tracks. “Now that’s going too far.“We all loved Shelly, I told you.”
“Yes, of course,” said Cindy, and wondered if Shelly’s jealousy might have had something to do with why she ran away from Mattheus? Did Mattheus make Shelly jealous unwittingly? Was she getting revenge with him for that?
*
Cindy and Barbara walked down the hall then to where a group of about fifteen had gathered to take the tour. A woman dressed in an ivory slacks suit, introduced herself and said she would be leading them through the facilities, floor by floor. As they all started walking, Barbara stayed beside Cindy the whole time, listening along with everyone. The tour leader described what each section was for, all the services offered.
Cindy saw the library where group therapy was conducted, she went to the art studios, gym, classrooms, therapy rooms, meditation space, cafeteria, and then upstairs to the living quarters.
Upstairs, the women each had separate rooms, with extra space for those who had children. Clothes and toys were scattered around. There were private bathrooms and in some cases small kitchens with hot plates. Cindy felt as if she’d slipped through the cracks of one world and entered another. This was a place to hide and be safe from danger, but also a space for growth and healing. It was a place to be trained to live bravely in the world, get a new job, face difficulties and hopefully begin all over again.
When the tour was over Cindy felt exhausted.
“Let’s go have lunch in the cafeteria with the others,” said Barbara, giving Cindy a friendly tap on the shoulder. “I know how exhausting it can be to experience all of this for the first time. After lunch, I’ll introduce you to some women here who knew Shelly well.”
“I’d love to have lunch,” said Cindy. There were tons of people to meet and talk to, all kinds of stories to hear. This was going to be a long day. She had no idea when it would end.
*
Right after lunch, Barbara started to introduce Cindy to some of the residents who were excited that she was here, and eager to speak to her. Cindy became slightly alarmed when she saw one woman after another, come in and line up, waiting for their turn, at a long table nearby.
“So many,” said Cindy, looking down the long line.
“They all knew Shelly and want to help find her killer.”
Cindy nodded.
“Don’t worry about it,” said Barbara. “You won’t get to them all, it’s impossible in one day. But just listen to what the ones you talk to have to say. If someone really strikes you, spend more time with her, or make an appointment to see her later.”
The more Cindy got to know Barbara, the more impressed she was. Barbara was on top of all kinds of details, focused, sensitive to everyone’s needs.
“You do a fabulous job,” said Cindy.
Barbara smiled broadly and her eyes shone. “Thank you. I try hard and that means so much, coming from someone like you.”
“There’s nothing special about me,” said Cindy. “I don’t know half of what you do about domestic violence.”
“But you know plenty about other things, and you’re sharp,” said Barbara.
“Not only are you sharp, you truly want to help, that’s clear. You’re willing to open your mind and listen. That takes courage, Cindy, don’t forget that.”
“Thank you,” said Cindy surprised.
“I have a feeling you’re going to be the one to catch Shelly’s killer,” Barbara suddenly added.
Cindy was startled.
“And you’ll probably be saving a few other lives in the bargain. Once they start killing, it’s hard to stop.”
Cindy’s whole body clenched. She knew that. It was one of the facts that motivated her most of all. These killers developed a hunger to kill, a taste for it; if they got away with it once, they’d strike again, others would be in danger. Finding one killer could save many lives.
“Thank you,” said Cindy, suddenly overwhelmed.
Barbara caught it. She put her hand on Cindy’s arm. “This can’t be easy,” she said. “I have no idea how you got into this line of work. You must have quite a story of your own.”
Cindy was grateful for the moment of kindness.
“Maybe we can talk about it someday,” said Barbara. “I’d really like that.”
Again, Cindy was touched by the warmth and understanding this young woman was capable of. She was also surprised at how much she wanted to talk to Barbara, tell her what happened to Clint, how she chose this line of work and what it meant to her. Ann was the only other woman Cindy had ever talked to about it. Her opposition hurt Cindy and made her shaky at times. Right now she needed inspiration and support badly.
“I’d love to talk more about it one day,” said Cindy.
“Great,” said Barbara, and then motioned to the first woman who was sitting at the table, waiting to talk.
*