“But,” Cindy started.
“No buts allowed,” he interrupted. “It’s time to unwind. I’ve found out so much after researching Sean that for all intents and purposes the case is closed. We have the right the take time off now and play in the sun.”
Cindy wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. “Case closed? That’s a pretty big statement, isn’t it? she said.
“Yes, it is,” said Mattheus, “and a good one. Why aren’t you happy about it?”
Cindy’s surprise meeting with Clay had been troubling. There was something about him that seemed strange. She wished she could talk to Mattheus about it, but right now he would have only brushed her off. Of course Clay had just been through a trauma that would unbalance anyone, but his relationship with Kate intrigued her. She needed to know more about it.
“Are you game?” asked Mattheus
“Yes, I’m game,” said Cindy, trying to throw the specter of Clay out of her mind for the moment.
“Great,” said Mattheus, “that’s the Cindy I know and love.”
“I’m definitely up for an outing,” said Cindy. “But, as for the case being closed, that’s another thing.”
Mattheus led Cindy to a big leather ottoman in the room and sat her down on it. Then he pulled another one over and sat opposite her.
“Listen,” he said, “Everything I found out about Sean points to trouble. The kid is impulsive. He has two DUI’s. His records show that along with a black belt in Karate, he has an anger problem with lots of fights, growing up. Out there it’s common knowledge not to cross Sean, or else.”
Cindy was surprised that she hadn’t sensed that about him. She’d seen a different side, one that cared and felt deeply Kate.
“Sean actually even almost had a fist fight with Kate’s Uncle Carl,” Mattheus continued.
“I don’t believe it,” said Cindy, surprised.
“Why not?” asked Mattheus, “you think that Carl is above something like that?”
“Actually, yes,” said Cindy. “He’s dignified, powerful -.”
“Whoah, here we go again,” Mattheus shook his head hard. “You like this guy.”
“Like him? I respect him, I value him, but do I like him like that? No, of course not,” Cindy was emphatic.
“No, you do. You like him,” Mattheus insisted.
“Stop it, Mattheus, stop it!” Cindy demanded. “You’re starting again.”
“I can see it in your eyes,” he said.
“Mattheus, you’re being insecure. You’re confusing me with your ex-wife.”
“Okay, okay, you may be right,” said Mattheus. “I’ll stop. I’m overly suspicious at times.”
“That’s putting it mildly. Slightly paranoid, I’d say,” said Cindy.
“Could be,” Mattheus smiled and backed down.
“So, Cindy continued, tell me about the fight Sean almost had with Carl.”
“If you ask me, it was inevitable,” Mattheus continued, “the two of them hate each other.”
“Hate is a strong word. I knew they didn’t like each other,” said Cindy. “But hate is something else.”
“It says volumes, doesn’t it?” said Mattheus. “But it’s not surprising, paints a better picture of Sean. Not only that, Sean lied to us, too.”
Evidence was quickly piling up and Cindy could see the personal pleasure Mattheus was taking in nailing Sean, backing him into a corner. That bothered her.
“How did Sean lie to us?” Cindy was suddenly gripped with sorrow for Sean. Despite everything Mattheus said, she couldn’t bring herself to believe he killed Kate.
“Sean told us he never cheated on Kate. Well, he did,” said Mattheus, gleefully. “He and Riva got together once before, when Sean and Kate were still together. Then he and Riva broke up. This time they were back for the second go round. I dug it all up. People were talking about it. Did Kate find out? Maybe she did, maybe not?”
“You’re positive about this?” the news was unexpected.
“Absolutely,” said Mattheus. “I have air tight proof. Not only that, I got in touch with the woman Sean mentioned who saw him banging on the door. She admitted to opening her door and seeing him there that night. She heard him yelling for Kate. She said he seemed like a lunatic. I asked why she hadn’t told the police and she hadn’t wanted to get involved. So, now we have an eye witness that puts him on the scene.”
“I’m sorry to hear this,” said Cindy, quietly.
“Sorry’s an understatement, isn’t it?” said Mattheus. “A young woman is dead.”
“You think Kate opened the door and let him in?” asked Cindy.
“That’s right,” said Mattheus. “It’s obvious. And I think he’s the one who pushed her off the balcony.”
“But there was no sign of a struggle, nothing disturbed in the room,” Cindy countered.