She sat down on a plush sofa in the lounge, as soft jazz filled the dimly lit room. Cindy put her head back on the sofa and wondered how she’d gotten herself into all this. Just a couple of years ago, her life had been simple. She’s been part of the mainstream, had a regular job, a fiancée, and upbeat circle of friends. Now she lived on the edge of a world that was dangerous, confusing, dark and could become lethal in a moment’s flash. It was hard working on this case without a stable partner, too. At times Mattheus became the person she once knew, but then Cindy would say something and his mood would suddenly turn. His intense reactions were understandable, but didn’t leave Cindy feeling supported. She desperately needed to bounce her thoughts off someone stable, who knew the ins and outs of the case.
It suddenly struck Cindy that she hadn’t personally yet checked in with the police. It was important that she do that, as soon as possible. If it was true that Mattheus was suspected in anyway, it was definitely something she needed to know. When she thought about it, Cindy was surprised that the police hadn’t taken the initiative to call her in and talk everything over. Obviously they didn’t think she mattered much, probably thought of her as a side line on the case.
Cindy decided to dial the station right now and make an appointment to go in and talk. She called Rodney’s number, but to her surprise Alex quickly picked up.
“This is Cindy Blaine,” she started.
“Great to hear from you,” Alex responded immediately.
Cindy was surprised by his reaction, and again wondered why he hadn’t contacted her first.
“There’s a lot going on in the case,” Cindy reported.
“Something new?” Alex interrupted eagerly.
“I was actually calling to set up a time to come over talk in person,” she said.
“Terrific,” said Alex. “I was just wondering what you were up to.”
“I’ve been spending most of my time at the Shelter,” said Cindy. “It’s a gold mine,” She was glad to be checking in with someone, and also had her own questions that she wanted answered. Especially about Mattheus.
“Listen,” Alex said, suddenly, “I know it’s last minute, but I’m going to be near your hotel in about fifteen minutes for a quick stop. How about having dinner in half an hour? You can fill me in on everything then.”
Cindy was delighted. “I’d really love that, “she said.
Alex caught the urgency. “Great. Sorry it took so long to get together. Meet you in the lobby in half an hour.”
Cindy went up to her room to freshen up. She washed her face quickly, brushed her hair, and slipped on a rose, silk, sleeveless dress and sandals that always felt comfortable. Mattheus would be gone for most of the evening at Rancher’s Bar, and she couldn’t have been more grateful both for the company and support.
*
Alex walked into the lobby in exactly half an hour, dressed in slacks and a plaid shirt, looking for Cindy. With his slender, toned body and tousled, dirty blonde hair he looked younger than she’d remembered. Cindy wondered how long he’d been on the police force.
“Hey,” Alex walked over to Cindy the moment he saw her. “Thanks for contacting us.”
“It’s my pleasure,” said Cindy, “you guys must be very busy with all kinds of cases.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” Alex breathed. “It’s never dull down here, that’s for sure.”
Cindy smiled and wondered if that was why he chose to work here.
“I made a quick, dinner reservation,” said Alex. He seemed to know the place like the back of his hand. “There’s a very good restaurant right in this hotel.”
“I know,” said Cindy as they walked down a few steps in its direction.
As soon as they were seated and had ordered dinner, Alex got right to the point.
“Love to hear whatever you’ve got,” he said.
To her amazement, Cindy’s eyes filled with tears.
Alerted, Alex leaned forward, “What’s wrong?”
“You tell me,” said Cindy.
He was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
Cindy couldn’t hold back, put it right out there, “Is Mattheus a suspect or not?” she asked. She hadn’t realized how disturbed she was by the thought of it.
Alex’s brow crinkled. It wasn’t what he’d expected, and he looked confused.
“What makes you say something like that?” he asked carefully.
“Mattheus said you guys are pointing the finger at him,” Cindy went on.
“Really?” Alex took it in.
Do you believe he’s a suspect?” Cindy pinned him down.
“Do you?” Alex countered.
“Of course not,” said Cindy. “The whole idea is preposterous.”
“Look,” Alex said to Cindy, “Rodney turns the heat up on everyone. That’s how he gets the information he needs. He’s good at rattling people, making them think he’s about to throw them into jail.”
“Mattheus isn’t just people,” Cindy felt heated, “he’s a fantastic detective who’s just discovered that his wife was killed. It doesn’t make sense to rattle him anymore than he already is.”
“I get what you’re saying,” said Alex slowly.
“He’s not so stable right now,” said Cindy softly. “How could he be?”
“He couldn’t,” said Alex, “we get that. And I’m really sorry you guys have to go through something like this.”
Cindy looked at his clear blue eyes, which had a strange innocence about them for a cop. She wondered again how he got into this profession, what exactly he was doing here.
“Mattheus was in Grenada when Shelly was murdered?” Alex asked in the most soothing of tones then, looking at Cindy closely.