*
After they returned to their hotel room, Cindy went out on the patio, and let the soft wind blow through her hair. She didn’t know exactly what she was fishing for, but she knew she couldn’t get it from Raina directly. She’d have to unnerve her, set her up, if there would be any possibility of her spilling something important.
Mattheus walked out onto the patio as Cindy stood there, leaning on it. “I just called Raina to set up an interview for you,” Mattheus said softly. “She said it’s out of the question. In fact, she’s packing to leave as we speak. Her plane takes off in the morning.”
Cindy shivered. “She and Lynch have clearance to leave already?”
“She does,” said Mattheus. “I didn’t ask about Lynch.”
“It’s not happening,” said Cindy, turning around swiftly.
“What’s not happening?” Mattheus looked nervous.
“She’s not taking a step off this island without speaking to me first,” Cindy said.
“That’s a little grandiose, wouldn’t you say?” asked Mattheus. “Are you having trouble because the case didn’t go your way? Not all of them do, we have to accept it.”
“Mattheus, there’s too much evidence here that doesn’t compute. I have to talk to Raina,” Cindy’s voice rose shrilly.
“So, go talk to her, don’t yell at me,” Mattheus responded.
“There’s no time to lose. I’m going to her hotel room now,” said Cindy. I’ll back when I’m finished.”
“Just like that? She said she didn’t want to see you and you’re barging in?” Mattheus asked.
“That’s right,” said Cindy. “Just like that.”
“And what if she doesn’t let you in the door?” Mattheus seemed agitated.
“I’ll find a way to get her to let me in,” a smile crept over Cindy’s face.
“You’re diabolical, Cindy,” Mattheus exclaimed.
“No, I’m committed, to finding the truth, “said Cindy. Then suddenly something struck her. “Mattheus, I just had an idea. Please listen to me, I need your help.”
“What?” asked Mattheus.
“Just do me this favor. Call Lynch and ask him if he’ll spend some time with you downstairs at the café?”
“Why?” Mattheus looked nervous.
“I don’t want Raina to be able to get in touch with him for a little while.”
“His cell phone will be on him. If she calls, he’ll answer.” Mattheus looked confused.
“Tell him not to in advance,” said Cindy. “Tell him you need all his attention with no interruptions for a little while. Engross him in the conversation. Talk to him about Bala. I know he cares about her.”
“What do you want me to say about her?” Mattheus was growing interested.
“Tell him she’s scared for the safety of the child. That will get him going. Tell him she needs him to help her. It doesn’t matter what you say exactly, just keep him out of Raina’s reach for about an hour.”
“You’re setting her up?” Mattheus asked somberly.
“I have to,” said Cindy.
“I get it,” said Mattheus. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
“Thank you so much,” said Cindy. “It’s a last ditch effort.”
“Nothing to lose, I guess,” Mattheus answered.
CHAPTER 18
As Cindy approached Raina’s hotel room, she felt her there inside, packing. What if Cindy’s plan didn’t work? Barging in like this could be considered trespassing. Cindy felt encouraged though by Mattheus’s last minute support. She told him in detail what she’d planned to do, he’d listened carefully and seemed to like it.
“You’re incredibly gutsy, Cindy,” he’d said.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Cindy’d answered.
“Yes, it is,” Mattheus had suddenly agreed. “Go for it. I’m on your team.”
As Cindy walked down the corridor she thought once again about Tara, and the life she would never get to lead. Tara deserved more than a quick resolution to a case that had so many loose ends. Cindy remembered how Tara had asked her to stand at her side. Maybe she hadn’t been able to prevent the murder, but she certainly could stop the case from getting closed before they were absolutely certain about who was responsible. Cindy gathered her resolve as she stood outside Raina’s door. Then in a flash, she lifted her hand and knocked hard.
“Who is it?” a shrill voice answered from inside.
“Important! Open up!” Cindy said in a deep voice. Then she knocked again emphatically.
Raina came to the door, flung it open and stared at Cindy alarmed. “What in the world are you
doing here? I told Mattheus you couldn’t come.”
“It’s crucial, Raina, I have important news,” Cindy put her foot in the doorway.
“What’s crucial?” Obviously Cindy took her by surprise.
Cindy put another foot in and stepped inside.
“Glad to see you’re making yourself at home,” said Raina. “Of course I can call the hotel police here in a minute and get you thrown out on your ass.”