“You’ll do more than that -- you’ll find Ames” said Dalia, her face growing flushed as she spoke. “I know you will.”
Cindy remembered the intense hope she’d had right after Clint had disappeared. It was natural. There was no way she could have imagined then that he’d be gone for good. Dalia was obviously still in that phase. It was like being stuck in a dream you couldn’t get out of, seeing only one way it could end.
“I’ll leave no base uncovered,” Cindy promised, wondering how two friends in high school could have the same fate.
Cindy suddenly realized how warm and thirsty and she felt. She’d been traveling a while and needed to refresh.
“I’m so thirsty,” said Cindy.
“I’m sorry to be going on and on like this,” Dalia tried to quiet down.
“You must be exhausted after the flight. We’ll go right back to the villa. I told Rosa to have breakfast ready for us when we get there. Then I’ll show you to your room to change and shower. ”
“Who’s Rosa?” asked Cindy, offhandedly.
“Our housekeeper. She’s worked for Ames since she was a teenager. When we married, she stayed on with us. She’s actually part of the family by now -- I don’t know what I’d do without her. ”
Cindy was glad Dalia had someone there to care for her during such a terrible time. She remembered how her sister Ann had been there for her when Clint disappeared. It had made a huge difference.
“I’m glad you have her,” Cindy said.
“Me too,” said Dalia, “and now I have you, too.”
She motioned to a tall, thin red cap, who came, picked up Cindy’s luggage, and took it to the car. Cindy and Dalia followed behind him, saying how quickly the years passed and how good it was to see each other again, even in shocking times like these.
Dalia helped Cindy into the car as if she were a prize possession. Then she went to the driver’s seat, took the wheel and began the trip back to her villa at L’Anse Aux Epines, the southwestern tip of the island.
As she drove, Dalia rolled down the windows, letting the soft, beautiful breezes in.
“Grenada is considered the most beautiful of all the Caribbean islands,” she said, trying to make the trip seem normal, and make Cindy feel at home. But Cindy could sense her voice was tense, pressured. “Besides gorgeous beaches,” she went on, “we have tropical rain forests, waterfalls, wild life, scuba diving. L’Anse Aux Epines has some of Grenada’s most magnificent private villas and hotels. That’s where ours is. ”
“It’s okay, Dalia, slow down,” said Cindy.
Dalia barely heard a word she said. “Our part of the island is incredible and secluded. Celebrities who want privacy come down here regularly. Ames loves to catch sight of the celebrities on beaches, lolling here and there. ”
For a moment, Cindy felt as though she were with a tour guide. But the urgency in Dalia’s tone told her otherwise. Perhaps Dalia was orienting her to the place, giving her a broad picture, so Cindy would have some idea how to begin her search. Clearly, in the midst of this incredible paradise, something had gone terribly wrong.
CHAPTER 2
The villa Dalia lived in was breathtaking. Perched on the edge of the beach, it sprawled out invitingly over the sand, surrounded by palm trees and flowering bushes.
“This is magnificent,” Cindy breathed, as she and Dalia walked up the front path. The pungent smell of the flowers, mixed with the smell of sand and sea, was delicious and soothing, making Cindy feel deeply at ease. She had to snap herself out of the soothing state the place put her in, and remember what she was really here for.
They entered the front gates and walked along the terracotta marble floor through a large hallway that wound around gently. There were huge plants, mirrors, paintings and wooden benches placed along the walls.
“Your room is that way, off a huge, open patio,” Dalia pointed towards the beach, “Rosa will bring your suitcases. Let me show you where it is. ”
The room Dalia led Cindy to was beautiful, with floral rugs, large open windows, a white wicker ceiling fan, and vases filled with fresh flowers. A double door led to a huge patio, overlooking the ocean. The patio had lovely plants, a table, chairs and lounges on it. This was a place to unwind in, giving the sense that everything in the world was in perfect order.
“I feel like I’ve landed two steps from heaven,” Cindy smiled.
Dalia smiled back strangely. “That’s how I felt when I first got here. I never wanted to leave. ”She looked sadly out over the ocean, her eyes fastening on a lone sail boat gliding by, near the horizon.
“Sit down,” Dalia said, suddenly. “There’s so much to cover. Are you up to getting started right away? Ames is missing, and every second counts. Rosa can bring our food out here. ”
“Let’s get going,” said Cindy.
They sat at a large, wooden slatted table, shaded by a blue striped umbrella.