“How are you doing, Rowley?” Cindy asked as she pulled the chair closer to him. Rowley had a stalwart manner that impressed Cindy a great deal. Even through an ordeal like this, despite his upset, he seemed to be keeping a certain balance.
“I’m not totally wiped out. I’m holding out hope,” Rowley answered in a low tone.
“That’s good,” Cindy responded. “There’s never reason to give up hope, until we have
something definite.”
“Until?” Rowley’s eyes narrowed. “Is that what you believe? Is it just a matter of time?”
“I didn’t mean it that way,” said Cindy. “I meant it’s crucial to stay neutral and balanced the way you seem to be.” Cindy looked at him closely. He was very attractive, with an understated charm that projected a feeling of confidence. Cindy could see why women would be drawn to him. She wanted to talk to him about her interview with Alfred, but wasn’t sure how to bring it up.
“I just spoke with Alfred,” Cindy started, hoping to spark a response.
“Really?” Rowley looked interested. “What did he have to say?”
Cindy didn’t know exactly how much to tell him yet. She couldn’t let him know about the email Alfred received. That would be far too jarring for him and besides, Alfred wanted to keep it confidential.
“Alfred said that you’re quite the guy,” Cindy started, “so many people admire you.”
Rowley looked amused. “Yes, I know Alfred’s always looked up me,” he replied. “Of course he exaggerates. Everyone knows that.”
“It’s great that you’re fine with the relationship between Alfred and Kara,” Cindy quickly added, wanted to hear that straight from Rowley.
“Perfectly fine,” Rowley assured her. “Alfred’s harmless, like a kid in some ways, an eccentric kind of guy.”
“How is he eccentric?” Cindy was fascinated.
“He’s always dreaming things up, games, outings, horror novels. Kara thinks he’s fun and creative. Call it what you want. She likes him and I trust her judgment. That’s enough for me,” Rowley said.
“There’s nothing about Alfred you distrust?” Cindy pushed just a little further.
Rowley looked confused. “Like what?” It obviously had never even occurred to him that there was anything wrong going on.
“Alfred mentioned that lots of women pop up on your Facebook page and message you all the time,” added Cindy, digging deeper.
A proud smile flickered across Rowley’s face. “Sure,” he said, “they’re mostly patients. I do a great job for these women and they appreciate my work. I put their photos up to show the fantastic results I get. After all, I’m a plastic surgeon, that’s part of the game, isn’t it?”
“Of course,” said Cindy. “You like your work, Rowley?”
“Love it,” he said. “Do you like yours?”
Cindy was taken aback, didn’t expect to have the questioning turned toward her.
“I love it,” she added, “why?”
“Just curious.” Rowley shrugged a moment. “It’s strange work for a woman.”
“No, it’s perfect,” Cindy said. “There are things people tell me they’d never be able to tell a man.”
“Like what?” asked Rowley, interested.
“Like what’s going on under the surface in their relationship,” Cindy went on. “That can be very helpful to know. Lots of wonderful leads have come from that.” She paused then, hoping Rowley might want to fill her in on something.
He didn’t, just nodded somberly.
“Men don’t often focus on the subtlety of relationships,” Cindy continued. “But once they do, a lot comes bubbling up that can be of help.”
Rowley was just about to say something when they heard voices approaching. The door was quickly pushed open then and Mattheus and Rod walked in.
Rowley clammed up and Rod stopped cold on the spot when he saw Cindy sitting with Rowley.
“Well, this is cozy, isn’t it?” said Rod. He didn’t like it.
“I didn’t expect to find you here now,” Mattheus added, surprised to see Cindy as well.
“I just finished speaking with Alfred,” Cindy reported, “and dropped in to check up on Rowley before going to our room.”
“That’s okay with you, Rowley?” Rod interrupted brusquely, bypassing Cindy completely.
“Sure, it’s fine.”
Cindy didn’t know what to make of Rod’s concern.
“Well, I don’t like that Cindy sneaked in here, bombarding you with questions when you’re alone,” said Rod.
Cindy felt stunned and offended. “I beg your pardon?” she said sharply.
Rod continued talking to Rowley, however, as if Cindy wasn’t in the room. “Right now you’re in a vulnerable state and it’s best not to answer any questions unless someone in the family’s around.”
“I beg your pardon?” Cindy repeated more loudly. She was here to help and Rod was making her out to be the enemy. Perhaps he was the one with something to hide?
Once again Rod did not answer Cindy, but continued talking directly to Rowley.
“This is a complicated situation we’re in and we have to be careful of what we say and to who.”