*
The party was held out near the dock at a huge restaurant in the dunes. Lights hung all over the entranceway, welcoming guests, while music played in both the main room and out on the outside deck. There were two open bars, wood planked floors, and waiters walking through with trays of hor d’ouerves. The party was set for eight o’clock in the evening, just as the light of the day was beginning to fade.
Cindy entered the room in the ivory gown feeling beautiful, as though this evening could be a turning point. Dalia, right beside her, looked stunning as well, in a lime green satin gown and pearls. She had been to this festival many times and knew practically everyone who was here. Dalia stayed at Cindy’s side, introducing her to people who had flown in for the races and festivities from all over the world.
Almost without exception, people were surprised to see Dalia there. She pretended not to notice, acted as if nothing out of the order had happened. When they asked about Ames, Dalia kept her composure and responded carefully.
“He’ll be back,” she said, again and again. “These things happen. We’re covering all bases,” and then she’d introduce Cindy as an old friend who’d come down to keep her company. She never once told anyone, though, the real reason Cindy was here.
As they mingled, Cindy suddenly spotted a very handsome, well dressed guy, with dark hair and dark eyes, who stood out from the others. He was laughing and talking to both Elizabeth and about five people at once, as he held a cocktail in his hand.
“That’s Dale,” Dalia mentioned, as Cindy stared at him.
Cindy hadn’t pictured him to be quite like this. She thought he’d be somewhat downhearted after having lost his friend.
“Let me introduce you,” said Dalia.
Cindy felt a little nervous to meet him. She and Dalia wound their way through the crowded room to where he stood. The moment they got closer, he turned and stared, first at Cindy, then at Dalia.
“My God, Dalia, what are you doing here?” he said.
“A party’s a party,” she said flippantly.
He tried to smile, but couldn’t, and instead made a feeble attempt at comforting her.
“I’m keeping track of everything,” he said. “They’re funneling all the information through me.”
“That’s what I hear,” said Dalia.
Then Dale’s attention quickly turned towards Cindy. He seemed unable to take his eyes away.
“And who is this absolutely ravishing beauty you’ve brought along?” he asked Dalia.
“Cindy’s a dear friend of mine,” said Dalia. “I imported her from the U. S. to help me solve the case.”
Dale took a step back. “A detective?” he said.
“You could call me that,” said Cindy.
He seemed both amused and flustered by that idea.
Elizabeth wound her way to his side and put her hand on his arm. “Why, if it isn’t Cindy and Dalia,” she said. “Who in the world would have ever expected you here?”
“You guys met?” asked Dale.
“Briefly,” said Elizabeth. Her huge eyes stared at Cindy, as if warning her to stay away from her man.
A waiter walked by, serving cocktails and little hot dogs. Cindy helped herself to a cocktail and took a long sip.
“I’m here to help find Ames,” Cindy said softly to Dale, and looked up at him as she sipped her drink.
“You may find more than you’re bargaining for,” Elizabeth sniped, “something much more difficult than Ames.”
“Cut it out,” Dale said to her. “Cindy’s here for a serious reason,” and he shook off Elizabeth’s hand.
Cindy appreciated that.
“Well, I’m going to leave you two to talk things over,” Dalia said, backing away. “And maybe you can give them a minute, Elizabeth?”
“I can give anyone anything they want,” Elizabeth had a smile like a razor, showing a row of tiny teeth. Then she turned and left Dale and Cindy to have a few moments to talk.
“Let’s go outside,” he said. “Dalia’s right, there’s a lot we have to say. And it’s better to say it alone. ”
He put his hand on Cindy’s arm and led her through the crowd, which grew more noisy and dense as evening went by.
The outside lounge was at the very back of the restaurant, almost hidden in the dunes. Right now it was relatively empty, and there was a little wicker sofa in the corner they sat on.
Dale sat close to Cindy, as the salt breezes from the ocean washed over them.
“So, tell me all about yourself,” he started.
Cindy leaned over and put her cocktail down on the little table in front of the sofa.
“No, tell me all about yourself,” she countered, “and about Ames.”
Dale was taken aback. “You’re all business?” he said, smiling strangely.
“Time is getting short,” Cindy answered. “Pretty soon this is going to turn into a cold case. Aren’t you worried about your partner? ”
“If you want to know the truth, I’m not,” said Dale. “He’s a powerful guy and a smart one. Ames can take care of himself. ”