Cindy realized it was true. She took a deep breath and turned away from the eye witnesses who sat unmoving and unruffled in their chairs.
Ned walked into the room then a smile on his face. “Great work,” he said to the big cop,
glancing over at the men. “Now we got motive, background and positive ID on Dawl Lemmings, and we’re bringing him in as we speak.”
“Way to go,” the big cop agreed. “And, send Lynch home. That kid’s been through enough.”
“We already did,” said Ned. “Told him it’s over, we got the guy.”
“Just like that?” asked Cindy.
“Sometimes you get lucky, you get a break,” the big cop edged over to her.
“What did Lynch say when you told him he could leave?” asked Cindy.
Surprised by her question, both cops turned to her. “The kid didn’t say anything,” Ned remarked, “just ran his hands over his face and kept moaning, real low.”
*
Cindy and Mattheus thanked the police for including them and left the police station quickly.
“This is terrific for them, it’s a huge coup,” said Mattheus, as they walked down the block.
“It happened too fast, it’s too convenient,” Cindy muttered under breath. “I want to talk to the townspeople, go to the casinos and find out more about Dawl.”
“Hold on,” said Mattheus. “You do sound like you’re working for Dawl now. You sound like his protector.”
“I’m working for justice,” Cindy flew her words back. “I’m protecting Tara’s memory and I’m not convinced of anything.”
“You’re working for Aldon Whitehead,” Mattheus answered, “his daughter was murdered, the autopsy is in and pretty soon the case will be closed.”
“But it’s not closed yet,” said Cindy. “And while we’re still on it, there’s work to do. Help me out, Mattheus.”
“Of course I’ll help you out. I’ll do anything you want,” said Mattheus. “But if you ask me, they got the right guy.”
“Please put in a call into Rodney and ask him where Dawl hangs out,” said Cindy. “Tell him we want to talk to people who knew him.”
“Okay,” said Mattheus, “I’m on it.”
Mattheus put the call into Rodney immediately and put him on the speaker phone. He told him what had happened and what they wanted to do now.
“This is a lucky break for everyone,” Rodney insisted. “Leave it alone. Case closed. Justice served.”
Cindy shook her head vehemently.
“Seems like the little lady is determined,” said Mattheus. “She wants to poke around for herself.”
“I don’t see any point in this,” said Rodney, “but if you insist I’ll give you the name of a casino where Dawl would be known. But be careful. When you swim with the sharks you can get ripped apart.” Then he hung up the phone.
Cindy was relieved to have the information and wanted to head to the casino immediately.
Mattheus, however, insisted upon getting a good breakfast before they went on.
*
To Cindy’s surprise she couldn’t eat a thing at breakfast, just sat there watching Mattheus. He looked ruffled, rugged and incredibly handsome as he devoured his bacon and eggs. Cindy felt a wave of love and appreciation for him wash over her as she watched him eat.
“What are you looking at?” Mattheus grinned, feeling her warmth across the table.
“Just noticing how handsome you look,” said Cindy.
“Well, if that isn’t music to my ears,” said Mattheus. “I’m hungrier than I thought, and tired too. It will be good to get off the case and away from the island with you. Great to have more time alone together.”
Cindy reached for Mattheus’s coffee cup and took a long, sip of his coffee. “The news that they’ve got a suspect is going to be out soon,” she said. “So, everyone’s going to hear about Lynch’s secret child. I wonder how Raina’s going to deal with it?”
“It won’t be easy, it won’t be fun,” Mattheus agreed.
Suddenly, Cindy’s phone rang, surprising her. “Who could be calling so early?” she mumbled.
“Pick up and see,” said Mattheus.
Somehow Cindy wished it would be Dawl, but to her surprise a woman was on the other end.
“It’s Bala,” the soft voice was muted and shaky, making it hard to understand what she was saying.
“Bala! I can’t really hear you,” said Cindy.
“My brother’s been set up,” Bala whispered more loudly. “I saw the picture of the eye witnesses on TV. Listen to me, those guys work for Raina’s company.”
Cindy was shocked. “Are you positive?”
“Positive,” said Bala. “They were also eye witnesses when someone else connected with the company went missing a few years ago.”
“That’s not possible,” said Cindy.
“But it’s true,” said Bala. “I remember them. “
“Where are you now, Bala?” Cindy asked frantically, “I want to see you right away.”
“I’m not on the island anymore,” Bala’s voice dropped to a hoarser whisper. “I’m hiding with my son. For all we know he could be in danger now, too. Don’t tell anyone I called you.”