As soon as Cindy returned to the room she immediately went to her computer to do what Alfred suggested, check Shane’s page. By now evening had fallen and Mattheus still hadn’t returned. To her surprise, Cindy was actually pleased to have the time to explore Shane’s page alone. First she called downstairs for dinner to be brought up, then flipped open her computer.
When Cindy got to Shane’s page, she shivered. The young woman staring out at her was beautiful and there was also a striking resemblance between her and Kara. They could have been sisters. Shane had large, daring eyes, perfect features, and a dazzling smile. It was startling to realize that, in the prime of her youth, she was gone. Even more disturbing was that no one in particular, with the possible exception of Alfred and Vinny, seemed to be concerned with what happened to her. Was this case really being investigated? Cindy knew how negligent the police down in the islands could be.
Cindy scrolled down Shane’s page carefully. The usual photos of friends, events, invitations, and messages rolled along. Only one or two small photos of Vinny were included, making Cindy wonder how important he had truly been to her. One other photo seemed to dominate the page though, a red-headed young woman named Jenna. From the looks of it Jenna appeared to be one of Shane’s best friends. Was this what Alfred was talking about?
Cindy looked through the many messages between Jenna and Shane. Most of them were lighthearted enough. One message stopped Cindy cold. It was from Jenna to Shane.
I know you refuse to listen to anybody, Shane, but please listen to me. When you didn’t listen last time you were sorry. Do you remember? Jenna.
What had happened last time that Shane was sorry about? Cindy wondered. She scrolled further around trying to find out more. Soon another message struck Cindy.
Shane, be careful. Open your eyes, this isn’t a game! There are real people’s lives at stake here. Jenna.
What wasn’t a game? Cindy definitely had to know. She wondered whether anyone beside Alfred had even seen these messages. Did Jenna know that Shane’s body had been found dead on the beach? If she knew, it seemed certain that she would have turned up here by now. Cindy wasn’t going to spend another moment wondering. I was time to find out for herself.
Immediately, Cindy sent a message to Jenna. Have you heard the news about Shane? Cindy wrote. Please contact me immediately. Then Cindy included her personal email address.
After she sent the message, Cindy put the computer aside, stood up, and started walking aimlessly around the room. This message was probably only the tip of the iceberg. There had to be much more information about Shane available that no one was looking into. Cindy really had to talk to Mattheus about this. She could be on the verge of finding out something that might stop the family from leaving right now.
Cindy picked up her phone and called, but Mattheus’s voice mail came on. Cindy refused to leave a message. She hung up instead and called Rowley’s room. Most likely Mattheus was there with Rod.
The phone rang awhile and then to Cindy’s surprise, Pete answered.
“Hi, Pete,” Cindy started, “it’s Cindy.”
“Yes, I recognize your voice,” Pete replied. “It’s wonderful to hear from you again. How are you doing?”
“I’m good, I’m fine,” said Cindy, “just trying to track down Mattheus. Is he there?”
“Not at the moment.” Pete’s voice deepened. “I believe he and Rod are downstairs
in the bar. Is there something I can do for you?”
Cindy smiled at Pete’s graciousness. “I wish there was,” she answered. “I just have details I need to go over with Mattheus.”
“Sorry he’s not here,” Pete replied sadly. “Is there someone else on board, helping you out?”
“Yes, of course,” said Cindy brightly, not wanting to let him know how stranded she
really felt.
“Who?” asked Pete, unwilling to let it go at that.
Cindy quickly thought of Santos and his offer to help. Naturally she couldn’t tell
Pete anything about that. She couldn’t even let herself think that one of the bosses in
the ring would turn out to be someone she could count on.
“Wish I could tell you, but I can’t,” Cindy said in a lighthearted tone.
Pete grew quiet. “Whatever you tell me will always be held in the utmost confidence,” he replied.
“Thank you, Pete, I’m sure it would,” said Cindy. “And I’ll keep that in mind for the future, I really will.”
“I hope you mean that,” Pete added, before the two of them hung up.
*
Cindy called down for dinner and to her surprise a few minutes after it arrived, Mattheus walked into the room. She hadn’t seen him for so long, it was the last thing she expected.
“Pete came down to the bar and said you were looking for me,” Mattheus said as he entered. “Something wrong?”
Cindy looked at Mattheus in amazement. “Is something wrong? We’re working a case, all kinds of things are happening.”
“What case are we working, Cindy?” Mattheus took a step back at the sound of her voice.