“You’re not in danger,” Cindy tried to comfort her.
“How do you know?” Bala shot back. “Don’t give me false security! That’s worse than anything.”
“You’re right, you’re right,” Cindy realized. “I won’t, I promise.”
“Please check on these witnesses, please help my brother!” Bala voice grew thin and tinny.
“I’ll do my very best,” said Cindy, “I promise you. Please stay in touch.”
Bala hung up quickly then and Cindy felt a sharp stab in her heart. “My God, my God, Mattheus,” she uttered, “we never should have dug up the dirt and opened up this trail of pain.”
Mattheus put his fork down and stared at her. “Why? Who was that on the phone?”
“It was Bala. She said Dawl’s been set up, the witnesses work for Raina. They were also witnesses in another case connected to the company where someone went missing.”
“Hard to believe,” said Mattheus. “The police would know that. It could disqualify them.”
“But the police don’t want to disqualify them,” said Cindy. “And who else would remember a detail like that? I told you it was too convenient.”
“Where’s Bala now?” asked Mattheus.
“In hiding, afraid for her son,” Cindy said.
Mattheus saw the obvious distress on Cindy’s face. ““Okay, okay,” he said, “I’ll finish breakfast and we’ll go right away to talk to people at the casinos who can tell us more about Dawl.”
“After that I’m going to talk to Raina,” said Cindy.
Mattheus looked disconcerted. “Not the best idea,” he said, “let sleeping lions rest.”
“Who said she’s resting?” said Cindy. “Mattheus, these witnesses work for her company! For all we know Raina’s bought everyone off so she can protect her precious son.”
“Wait a minute,” Mattheus reigned Cindy in. “You’re jumping way ahead. It’s possible, but farfetched. First let’s see what else we can find out about Dawl.”
CHAPTER 17
Even at this early hour in the morning the Casino Royale was busy and hopping. Some people there looked as if they’d been up at the tables all night long. Others were at the slot machines, bleary eyed, still trying their luck.
Rodney had told Mattheus to go to the edge of the first long table on the main floor and ask for the dealer, Kent. It would be easy to find him, he was there night and day. He’d know all the folks to talk to about Dawl.
“Kent?” Mattheus asked a thin, wiry guy looked like he was in charge.
“You got to be Mattheus?” Kent replied. “Rodney told me to be on the lookout for you.”
Once again Cindy was struck with the how on top of things Rodney was. He never missed a beat, didn’t let a moment escape him.
“I need to find out about Dawl Lemmings,” Mattheus went on, “talk to folks who know him.”
A thin smile played at the edge of Kent’s mouth. “Talk to me,” he said. “I’ll give you the low down. Nothing happens here that I don’t hear about, sooner or later.”
Cindy smiled. She liked Kent’s strange, slick way.
“It’s common knowledge that they’re putting the finger on Dawl,” Kent went on confidentially.
“Doesn’t surprise anybody. That guy refuses to keep his mouth shut. Drunk or not, whatever he thinks he blurts right out. The idiot prides himself on talking big. Nothing stays inside.”
“What should have stayed hidden?” asked Cindy.
Kent turned and looked Cindy over slowly. “Such a pretty woman, a detective?” he grimaced, as confused. “There’s better jobs for someone as classy as you.”
“Cindy and I are partners,” Mattheus interjected, irritated.
Kent laughed. “Yeah, Rodney told me. But why in the world would such a beautiful woman want to poke around in garbage?”
“You’re saying that Dawl is garbage?” asked Cindy, enjoying the banter despite herself.
“You got me wrong,” Kent shrugged his shoulders. “Dawl’s a great guy, we all love him. He just can’t keep anything to himself. I mean one thing everyone knows is -don’t mess with Dawl. So, I heard that this dame who got killed went straight to his house to talk to his boy. Please! That kid is Dawl’s life. What did she think she was doing, trying to take him away?”
“Dawl killed her for it?” Mattheus asked matter of factly, as if it would have been natural.
“How the hell do I know if he killed her?” said Kent. “Sure the cops would like to say that, tie the case up and get out. I have my doubts about it. But one thing I do know is that Dawl told lots of people over and over that he wanted her dead.”
“Jesus, that guy’s a goner!” said Mattheus, “that’s all the police need to hear.”
“I’m sure they heard it,” said Kent. They got motive on him, for sure, but, who in hell dug up those witnesses? Give me a break.”
“I heard they work for Raina’s company,” Cindy murmured.