“They wouldn’t have had Frances without us,” Cindy was irritated. “I got the lead and Mattheus and I followed it up.”
“I’m not talking about what’s fair or right,” the Senator said in a husky tone. “I’m just telling you how it is. I’m not giving into their pressure, but you guys got to keep me tight in the loop. As far as I’m concerned, Frances is a convenient cover. First it was Tad, now it’s him. I don’t know exactly what you found out that led to the arrest, but it was stupid. He didn’t do it.”
Cindy agreed, but not for the same reasons.
“There’s much more to this than meets the eye,” the Senator went on vehemently. “There’s murky dealings going on under wraps all over the island, at last a billion dollars’ worth, and people want it kept very quiet, if you get what I mean.”
“I get what you mean,” said Cindy.
“These guys can’t stand the sight of me. Tiffany’s death was a warning, I’m sure. I’ve called Washington and they’re sending down someone from the C.I.A. “
Cindy gasped. The Senator was working on his own behind their backs as well.
“Does Mattheus know that?” asked Cindy
“He will when I get him on the phone,” the Senator said.
“Good,” said Cindy.
The Senator paused, and as if surprised, added, “It’s been really nice talking to you.”
“Thank you,” said Cindy, “you, too.”
“What are you up to, next?” he asked, calming down a bit.
“I’m doing more research on Frances now,” she said. “I don’t believe he did it.”
“Good,” said the Senator, approvingly. “Dig him out of this crap. He’s just a foil. A kid on drugs, like the rest of them.”
“I’m digging,” said Cindy.
“I appreciate that.”
After Cindy hung up, she felt a bit dizzy, the C.I. A. coming down was a big deal. Well, why shouldn’t they? The daughter of a U.S. Senator had been killed on a foreign shore. Even though the story hadn’t surfaced, it could certainly be bigger than anyone imagined. Cindy had an impulse to call Mattheus and let him know, but instead turned to her computer to learn more about Frances.
Cindy dug through Frances’s background quickly. It was easy to see that he’d had a troubled past. His family had a history of domestic abuse, with his mother taking out an order of protection against his father three years ago. The man she was with now was a new husband. Cindy checked through more material, including Facebook pages as well. She discovered that Frances’s father had moved to California and had almost no contact with Frances now. After the divorce Frances had grown belligerent and had a few brushes with the police. He had a wide circle of friends who supported him though, and a couple of beautiful ex-girlfriends, whose photos were still up on his page. The all kept in touch, too. No wonder Frances didn’t mind about Tiffany and Tad. Frances was still in touch with all the women in his own past.
Cindy shook her head slowly. This world that seemed so beautiful on the outside was filled with loneliness and pain. She got up, walked around her room a few times, and felt a compulsion to watch the video of the engagement party again.
It was startling to see Tiffany alive again, and everyone exuberant, toasting to her happiness. Cindy stared at the people at the party, running the video again and again, looking for any clues she might have missed. Tad looked handsome and gracious, completely on top of his game. Cindy did see something that jarred her somewhat, though. She ran the tape again and noticed Rori, acting oddly, flirting with Frances a lot. He seemed to be enjoying it too. Perhaps it made him feel better to have a woman who looked exactly like the woman he loved, admiring him. Rori and Frances were chatting and laughing. At the end of the video, they started to dance. Cindy wondered how Tiffany felt about that, or if she even noticed. The place was packed and it was certainly possible that her sister’s flirtation might have escaped her.
Cindy drummed her fingers on the table. She wanted to speak to Rori again, ask her more about Frances, find out how well she really knew him.
As Cindy stared at the video there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Cindy called surprised.
Mattheus walked in, looking refreshed and handsome, in linen slacks and a light blue shirt.
“I got a call from the Senator,” he said, coming in and sitting down opposite her.
“I know,” said Cindy. “He called here looking for you.”
Mattheus’ brown creased. “There’s an unexpected glitch,” he said.
Cindy felt uneasy.
“More pressure from the Guadeloupe police force to get us off the case.”
“It doesn’t mean anything,” said Cindy. “They’re being territorial. The Senator doesn’t want us to go.”
“He might not have much choice about it,” said Mattheus, somberly.
The tone wasn’t like Mattheus. Cindy was startled.