Cindy had enough. “Careful of me?” She was appalled, turning to Mattheus quickly to see how he was taking it. Why hadn’t he intervened?
Mattheus didn’t meet Cindy’s glance though, was focused instead on Rod and Rowley, looking disturbed.
“Wait a minute.” Cindy’s voice grew edgy as she walked over to Rod. “Exactly what do you mean when you say that Rowley has to be careful of me?”
Rod just glared at Cindy, refusing to say a word.
“Rod’s heard that you’ve been talking to Alfred,” Mattheus finally intervened. “That didn’t sit well with him. Rod thought you should have cleared it with the family before you brought Alfred into it. Kara’s relationship with Alfred is a sensitive topic.”
Cindy was horrified. “Rowley’s mother gave me Alfred’s contact information,” she quickly defended herself. “Rowley’s mother originally suggested that I talk to Alfred.”
“Rod didn’t like it, though,” Mattheus continued. “He thought you should have gotten permission from Rowley first.” It felt to Cindy as though Mattheus was siding with Rod.
“What is this really about, Mattheus?” Cindy took a few steps away. “Is there some family feud I’ve inadvertently stepped into?”
Cindy saw Rod throw Mattheus a knowing look. “See that, she’s trying to drum up trouble between all of us now,” Rod muttered. “That’s what women do, make things complicated, look for ways get under your bones.”
Mattheus put his hands on Rod’s shoulders. “It’s okay, pal,” he uttered.
“There’s nothing okay about it, Mattheus,” Rod mumbled. “Open your eyes and take a good look. You want to know why things haven’t worked out between you and Cindy so far? Take a good look.”
Mattheus said nothing and Cindy was appalled. Obviously Rod had taken a dislike to her and was trying to get in between their relationship. It wasn’t unusual for a grieving family member to thrash around for someone to take out their anger on. Obviously Cindy had become the butt for Rod’s upset now. But why wasn’t Mattheus setting him straight, standing up for her? That was more upsetting than anything else.
Cindy turned away, flushed and angry. She wasn’t going to get pulled into this, or let Rod’s distress derail her from the job she had to do. Her first priority was finding Kara, no matter how many obstacles came along, trying to get in her way.
“I think it’s a good idea for you go to our room now, Cindy,” Mattheus said quietly, trying to defuse the situation.
“Fine,” Cindy agreed. She was thankful that she’d had some time alone with Rowley before Rod returned, but wanted more. “I’ll be back though,” she added, flinging a quick warning glance at Rod, who had his back toward her and would not turn around.
*
Back in the room, Cindy waited fitfully for Mattheus. Although she could give herself plenty of reasons why Mattheus hadn’t stood up to Rod for her, it was hard to believe any of them. Certainly, family members had a right to go crazy when someone went missing or was harmed. It was also expected for them to lash out at others. But it was also necessary for them to be put in their place. They had to be made to understand that law enforcement wasn’t the enemy. Someone had to set things straight and Mattheus had always done it before. Cindy was agitated and eager to talk to him about it.
As she waited for Mattheus to return the phone rang suddenly. This had to be him, she thought, asking her to come downstairs and meet him in one of the exquisite restaurants in the hotel for dinner. He probably hoped they could unwind and dine there together. It would be a perfect way to clear things up.
“Yes?” Cindy answered hopefully as she picked up.
“Cindy, this is Frank,” the male voice on the other end answered. It was Cindy’s brother-in-law, her dead sister’s husband.
“Frank?” Cindy was stunned. “Why in the world are you calling me here? Is something wrong? Is my mother all right?”
“Your mother’s fine,” Frank answered soothingly. “I’m so glad you picked up.”“Why did you call?” Cindy repeated.
“Why wouldn’t I call?” Frank went on. “I heard you were down in St. Lucia’s and I wanted to check in on you. Your sister’s not here anymore to look after you, and I feel as though it’s my place now.”
Although Cindy was surprised to hear from her brother-in-law, she was also strangely comforted. She’d been thinking about Ann and missing her a great deal these days.
“That’s kind of you, Frank,” Cindy responded. “Actually, Ann has been on my mind.”
“She’s been on my mind as well.” Frank seemed eager to talk. “It’s gets harder and harder without her around.”
“Yes, it does,” agreed Cindy. Right after a loss, it was often easier, Cindy realized. One always expected the loved one to return, or to wake up suddenly from what seemed like a dream. When the days passed and none of that happened, when life had to go on without them, it was definitely a difficult time.