He showed his ticket, walked onto the plane and packed his bag safely overhead. This was one of the last planes out before the storm and he was damned lucky to have a seat on it. He took his aisle set and waited while others were boarding. There was a sense of urgency as the plane filled up, and Mattheus was hit with a wave of anxiety. How the hell was Cindy going to manage alone? The thought of her there in the huge winds and rain, suddenly made him feel like throwing up.
He put his head back on the seat and tried to block her out of his mind. He couldn’t. She’d chosen this, he thought. He’d gotten plane tickets for both of them, tried his best to reason with her. No matter what he told himself, the anxiety gnawed. Damned, he thought, he couldn’t do it. He had to get back to the hotel as fast as he could to be there with her when the storm hit.
Mattheus jumped out of the seat, grabbed his bag, and pushed through the crowded aisle, back to the plane’s entrance. Then he flew down the plank, out into the airport, and rushed for all he was worth to grab a taxi before it was too late.
CHAPTER 24
Cindy hailed a cab and took it to the jailhouse. As it drove along the streets, the streets were much emptier, but there were also people left, rushing back and forth with packages, boarding up their houses. There was a strange excitement being a part of the fierce energy the storm was bringing.
The jailhouse, located further out on the island, was small and low, and half empty, as this was the woman’s division. The winds hadn’t hit this part of the island yet, and there was an odd calm hovering about it.
Cindy had to wait for the officials to bring Kendra to her. They put her in the waiting room which had wood plank floors, two wooden benches, and a photo of a bird on the wall. On the far corner was a table with paper coffee cups and a pot of coffee. A large female guard with big hips walked in and out of the waiting room from time to time.
Cindy got up, poured herself some coffee, and added a nice, heaping serving of sugar.
The woman watched her as she stirred it all together. “What’s someone like you doing at a place like this?” the woman finally asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Cindy turned and looked at her. “I’m a private detective,” she said.
The woman threw her head back and guffawed. “You? You’re making me split my sides laughing.”
Her laugh was contagious. Cindy couldn’t help but smile. “What’s so funny about that?” she asked.
“Nothing, honey, but it’s the last thing in the world you look like,” the woman said. “I thought you were one of her daughters. You look so young. And innocent.”
Cindy never thought of herself as innocent. “Just new to the game.”
The woman laughed again. “Well, you never know – it does take brains.”
Takes more than that, thought Cindy. “Takes heart,” she said.
“And a tough skin,” the woman added. “Better not forget that. These inmates know what they’re doing. They’re one slippery bunch. Can get over on anyone. Used to fool me plenty in the beginning. Now I can see through them the second they come in.”
Cindy could believe that. This woman seemed as planted as a huge tree, with roots that sunk down deep into the middle of the earth.
“You know what you’re doing staying for the storm?” the woman looked at Cindy closely.
“Sure,” said Cindy. “I’ve got important work to do.”
Kendra, dressed in orange overalls, was brought into the waiting room, accompanied by a female officer.
“You have a maximum of twenty minutes together,” the officer announced. Clearly it was official policy and she was informing Cindy of it. That will be more than enough, Cindy thought, as the officer departed.
“What are you doing here?” Kendra looked startled, seeing Cindy. “You’ve been fired.”
“I’m working the case anyway,” said Cindy. “I’m not done.”
“I’m not paying you anything.”
“There’s more at stake than money,” said Cindy. “I never give up on anybody.”
Kendra was taken aback.
“I want to find the killer,” said Cindy.
Kendra looked surprised. “You don’t mean you don’t actually believe I killed Paul?”
“I have my doubts,” said Cindy.
“Only doubts?”
“I still have questions.”
“Okay, shoot, what are they?” Kendra seemed ready to answer anything now.
“Tell me about Nell and Graham,” Cindy said immediately.
Kendra seemed momentarily confused. “You mean Graham Kowan? Paul’s son?”
“Yes – his relationship with Nell?”
Kendra’s brow furrowed. “Nell and Graham?” she sounded stunned.
“I saw a photo of them together,” said Cindy. You’ve never seen it?” Cindy focused in on her for all she was worth.
“Never,” Kendra was shocked. “Where did you see it? Why was it taken?”
“Listen, Kendra,” Cindy was annoyed, “if you’re not honest with me now, I can’t help you.”
“I’m telling you the truth,” Kendra said. “I never saw any photos. I had no idea they knew each other. Don’t you think I’d tell you if I knew? How did you even see those pictures?”
“I went to your house last night,” said Cindy. “Nell was there. I went into her room to talk. I saw them on her Facebook page.”
Kendra’s mouth hung open as she listened. “Believe me, I had no idea she ever met Graham at all.”