“Good, you think about it,” Petrovich said, “and next time you come over, bring your beautiful partner along.”
Mattheus’ stomach lurched at the idea of introducing Cindy to Petrovich. He wouldn’t do it. There was no way he would share her with him.
“I see you don’t like that idea,” said Petrovich grinning, and motioning for Alana to return.
“We’ll see,” said Mattheus.
“Could it be because you’re in love with this partner and don’t even realize it?” Petrovich egged him on.
Once Alana got the high sign from Petrovich, she quickly returned, cozied up to Mattheus and and ran her arms up and down his back.
“Darling, I missed you,” she cooed softly.
Mattheus momentarily enjoyed the warm touch of her hands, and then quickly wanted to shrug her away.
“It’s been nice meeting both of you,” Mattheus said as he pulled himself together, “but I have to leave now.
“So early? That’s terrible? You’re leaving me? “Alana pouted. “We’ve only just met.”
“He has an appointment,” Petrovich soothed her.
“With who?” she asked petulantly.
“Go tell Scanda to call for a taxi,” Petrovich ordered her.
Alana obeyed. She smiled wanly at Mattheus and turned to go.
“Don’t forget me,” she whispered as she was leaving.
“No one can forget you,” Petrovich assured her, “now, go.”
She left.
Mattheus shook his head. “You run some operation here,” he said.
“Remember, I like you,” Petrovich answered, holding him there another moment. “And, I’ll be waiting to hear your reply to the offer I made.”
“Fine,” Mattheus said, “I’ll be back in touch.”
Then he shook hands with Petrovich, turned swiftly and went to the front door.
*
The taxi was waiting in front of the entrance. Mattheus got in and undid the front buttons of his shirt. The night had been more than he bargained for. Despite himself, Alana had stirred him and Petrovich was a force to contend with. Mattheus had to figure a way to get more information from him.
As the taxi drove back to the hotel, Mattheus looked in the rear view mirror and saw that he was being trailed by a car, no doubt Petrovich’s security force. This guy was a snake, no question about it. He trusted no one and no thing. Mattheus wondered if he himself was personally involved with the murder. He certainly had it in for the Senator, wanted to take his support out from under him. Petrovich’s connection to the crime couldn’t be ruled out.
CHAPTER 10
To Cindy’s surprise, Mattheus wasn’t there when she went down to the restaurant for breakfast this morning, as he usually was. They’d made a habit of meeting for breakfast around eight o’clock every morning. It was still early, and the restaurant was partially empty at that hour, so they could eat quietly and talk. If they got there later on, the place was noisy and packed.
Cindy sat at a table waiting for Mattheus to arrive. When he didn’t show by eight thirty, she ordered some eggs and coffee for herself. Had he gotten in late from the party at Petrovich’s party last night, she wondered? How did it go? As she ate her breakfast, she began to feel queasy as different thoughts crossed her mind. Cindy had read about Petrovich’s parties when she’d researched St. Bart’s. They had a reputation for being incredible, filled to the brim with beautiful women, famous models, actresses, heiresses. Had Mattheus met someone? He was an extremely good looking, rugged guy and Cindy could easily see how the women would be drawn to him.
Cindy was shocked at the wave of anxiety that came over her at the thought of Mattheus meeting a woman he liked. She was startled to realize how disturbed it made her feel. Of course, Mattheus had every right to spend time with anyone he wanted. She and he were working partners, that’s all. Was she becoming more attached to him than she’d realized? She’d have to guard against it.
It was still a little early to go into town to meet Tiffany’s sisters Wynn, Rori and the other friend. They had a date to meet at eleven. After breakfast, Cindy went back up to her room to wait. As she sat out on the patio, she looked up at the soft clouds that drifted by unknowingly, unaware of the suffering down in the world below. Was Mattheus in his room sleeping, or had he slept somewhere out last night? The question gave Cindy chills. Despite her better judgment, she pulled out her phone and dialed his room.
A groggy voice answered, “Yeah?”
“Still sleeping?” Cindy asked sheepishly, tremendously relieved that he hadn’t slept out last night.
“Jesus Christ, what time is it?” Mattheus rallied.
“About nine thirty,” Cindy said.
“Oh boy,” said Mattheus.
“Stay out very late?” she asked, lightly.
No answer.
Cindy sensed he didn’t like the question.
“Alright,” she said lightly, about to get off the phone, “just checking in to make sure everything’s okay.”
“Why wouldn’t it be okay?” Mattheus answered defensively.