“If you’re as serious about this as you seem,” Mattheus said, “then there are certain places you have to be accompanied. You can’t just walk into people’s worlds and shake them up and think they won’t react. In fact, I was just on my way to another place Ames’ hung out, when your call came in.”
Cindy stood at the side of her car, feeling forlorn. “Thanks so much for coming,” she said in a quiet voice, shaken.
“Does Dalia know you’re here?” he asked.
“Yes, she does. I told her. ”
Mattheus raised his eyebrows. “And she let you come by yourself?”
“In my opinion,” said Cindy, “she’s not entirely in touch with reality right now. It’s been too much of a shock for her. ”
“Right now or ever, maybe?” Mattheus said. “All kinds of types come down here to live on this island. Most of them have been running away from reality for a long time. ”
“How about you?” Cindy couldn’t help asking. Mattheus fascinated her and she wanted to know more.
He stopped and smiled. “Sure,” he said, “me, too. I ran away from what I couldn’t face. Just like you. ”
“Sorry about that,” said Cindy, and meant it.
“Listen,” he said then. “You can’t be alone now after what just happened. How about coming with me to my next stop? ”
Cindy broke into a little smile. “That would be great,” she said.
“Good,” he said, “but, it’s not a main tourist attraction. It’s a part of the island you’d never see on your own. And probably wouldn’t want to. Maybe I’m even crazy taking you there. ”
“I want to go,” said Cindy.
“So, get in the car,” he said then. “And buckle your seatbelt tight.”
CHAPTER 13
Cindy got into the car with Mattheus, weak in the knees. She wondered where they were headed as they drove the car wound down narrow, winding roads, along the edge of a cliff. Driving along, Cindy began to realize the danger she had placed herself in. With a shock, she wondered why she hadn’t realized it fully before. What was she really doing down here, anyway? Was it only about helping Dalia? Was there something else going on with her inside?
As if reading her mind, Mattheus began talking. “It’s easy to be lulled into a sense of security on this island,” he said as the car took a sharp, left turn. “And for lots of people, the idea of solving a crime is exciting – you talk to a few people, discover some clues, become a hero overnight.”
Cindy smiled. Had that been the way she’d viewed it? She didn’t think so, but anything was possible. She was open to exploring all possibilities now, including about herself.
“You could have gotten into real trouble there on the dock. And who would know the difference? As they see it, you’re a woman alone. Who knows what you’re really looking for? ”
Cindy shivered.
Mattheus slowed, driving down a narrow incline into a village, with small, narrow streets, shabby homes and outdoor markets, on top of each other. He pulled the car over and stopped.
“Where are we?” Cindy asked.
“A part of the island most never see.”
Cindy looked around. The tight, crowded streets directly contrasted with the warm, open, opulent feeling of the rest of the island. The place felt shady, furtive and smoky.
“Ames came here a lot?” she asked quietly, puzzled.
“That’s what we’re discovering,” Mattheus said. “Not only Ames, but Elizabeth too. Believe it or not, she still does. ”
Cindy was shocked. She turned to him and saw him watching her carefully.
“We’re still hot on this case,” he said then, “there’s a lot we’ve found out. We’re one of the best forces in the West Indies. Why do you think we needed extra help? ”
“I never meant to imply otherwise,” Cindy said. “It’s just that a fresh eye can pick up something that’s off the beaten path.”
“My partner Sand is down here right now, a few blocks away, talking to some contacts. I’m meeting up with him in a few minutes. There’s all kinds of things going on in this island that you have no idea about, including trafficking. ”
“Drug trafficking?” Cindy asked.
“All kinds of trafficking,” he said, briskly. “Worse than drugs.”
Cindy became silent. He was talking about sex trafficking. She shuddered.
“Thanks for taking me to see this place,” she said.
“Don’t thank me,” Mattheus said. “I didn’t plan to. It was just that I couldn’t leave you alone after what happened at the boats. Those guys who tried to push you around are going to talk to others. They’re not going to just let this go. ”
A long, slow chill went through Cindy.
“And you don’t have any protection with Dalia.”
Cindy was shaken by the strength of his tone. “You don’t like her?”
“What has this got to do with liking someone or not?” he asked. “You’re here on business. So am I. It’s my job to solve crimes and to protect people. ”
Cindy had clearly gotten in the way. She felt as though he had lost respect for her and viewed her now as someone he had to protect. He was just doing his job, taking her here. It wasn’t that he wanted her opinion about anything.