Cindy knew that Ann was deeply unnerved by Cindy’s detective work and it seemed she’d only grown more bitter since they’d last spoken.
“Are you well, Ann?” Cindy said.
Ann started crying a little. “I miss you, Cindy,” she said, in a suddenly childlike voice. “I can’t stand the worrying you’re putting us through.”
“I’m sorry,” said Cindy.
“Sorry isn’t enough,” said Ann, “Come home. Give up this crazy obsession with finding killers.”
“It’s not an obsession,” Cindy defended herself.
“It is an obsession. Clint is gone. You found his killer, that’s enough. Life goes on. There are good people to meet, a new life to build. You’re wasting your life.”
Cindy took a deep, breath, as the thought of Andy crossed her mind. He would be exactly the kind of person that Ann would be thrilled to have Cindy bring home. But was it even possible? Cindy had seen too much by now, been down too many mazes. She didn’t think she could ever go back into that kind of life again. Like it or not, she’d become an entirely a different person.
“I’ll be home to visit soon, Ann,” Cindy said softly.
“Yes,” said Ann, “but then as soon as someone else calls, you’ll go running out on another case! You and the guy you’re working with, he can’t settle down either, both of you running away from ghosts.”
Cindy was offended. Ann didn’t know the first thing about Mattheus and Cindy wasn’t going to start defending him now.
“People need me,” Cindy said quietly. “I’m good at what I do.”
“And what about me, what about the family? We need you, too.”
Cindy was sorry she’d called and caused Ann this upset.
“I’m sorry I called,” she said.
“You miss the point entirely,” said Ann. “Don’t be sorry you called. Be sorry that you’ve left the whole family behind.”
“I love you, Ann,” Cindy said softly.
“That’s all you have to say?” asked Ann.
“Merry Christmas,” Cindy added.
“Merry Christmas,” Ann echoed, as she hung up the phone.
*
Cindy sat quietly for a few minutes after she hung up the phone. She felt even more empty and hollow after talking to Ann. They’d been so close for so many years. It was painful to realize that she and her sister were growing in such different directions and that Ann couldn’t understand her at all now.
Cindy got up then to go down to the lobby, apprehensive about how things between her and Mattheus would go. Oddly enough though, when she got there, Mattheus was excited to see her. It was odd how men could go on as if nothing happened, forget an entire upset in one minute flat. Cindy noticed that Mattheus had dressed for the occasion, looked more dashing than usual, in beige linen slacks and a brightly colored shirt. She did her best to disregard it.
“I’ve got us the best table in the house,” Mattheus said lightly, as he led her through the crowded lobby into the luxurious restaurant on the water.
Actually, it was wonderful to be in the restaurant. It was decorated for Christmas, everyone was decked out, and there was a sense of celebration in the air. Cindy and Mattheus sat at the front table, where the sun shone on them and light breezes gently drifted by.
“Gourmet French dining at its best,” Mattheus said as he glanced at the menu.
Cindy ordered sautéed salmon, salad and white wine. Mattheus chose the same.
After they’d ordered, Mattheus leaned towards her, reaching out for her hands.
Cindy did not offer them, and he slowly drew his hands back again.
“Okay,” he said suppressing a smile, “let’s get right to business.”
“Good,” said Cindy. “My talk with Rori was incredible. She claims that Tiffany was a drug addict and game me the name of her pusher.”
“Whoah, hold up. What kind of drugs?” asked Mattheus, disconcertedly.
“She recently graduated to heroine about two months ago.”
“According to her sister,” said Mattheus.
“I can check it out with the pusher,” said Cindy.
“That’s a trip we’ll take together,” said Mattheus, “it’s not a place for you to rummage around alone.
At one time that would have made Cindy feel cared for, now it irritated her.
Cindy disregarded his comments, “I have more information,” she said. “Rori also said Tiffany and Frances were in love.”
Mattheus looked startled.
“It’s an important part of the picture,” Cindy said, “could explain a lot of things, like why Tiffany chose to become engaged to Tad, who rarely could have sex, was impotent.”
Mattheus’ eyes flashed. “You sound like a living tabloid.”
Cindy didn’t like that. “Tiffany’s mother said Tiffany confided in her and told her that.”
“So, that’s why explains Tiffany’s affair with Frances,” Mattheus remarked. “But why marry a guy who’s got a problem like that?”
“Rori said Tiffany never intended to marry Tad. She became engaged to pacify her mom.”
“It’s all very interesting,” said Mattheus, “but none of it takes us one step closer to who committed this sordid crime.”