Death by Divorce (13 page)

Cindy stared back, surprised at her venom.

“Are you suggesting that Ames, my beloved Ames, killed himself?”

Dalia stood, shaking with rage.

“HOW DARE YOU!” Dalia suddenly shrieked, eyes flaming with rage. “THAT’S MY HUSBAND YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!”

Cindy was horrified, and scared. She had never seen someone so filled with rage, so quickly and unpredictably.

Cindy had never seen Dalia like this before. She had no idea why she had inflamed her to this extent.

Dalia turned around quickly then, and fled.

After a few moments, Cindy decided to follow Dalia to her room. She wanted to get her to calm down and understand more about what happened. When Cindy got there, she stood outside in the hallway a moment and to her horror, heard a voice speaking inside the room.

Cindy opened the door a crack and peered in. There was Dalia, standing in front of her mirror, talking to herself.

“You’re a good person,” Dalia was speaking to her reflection. “Don’t be afraid, I love you so much. I’ll never let any harm come to you. ”

Cindy stopped cold.

“Now, tell me that you love me, too,” Dalia continued and paused. “Go ahead, say it. I need to hear you answer me, or I won’t be able to sleep all night long. ”

Who was this person? Had she completely lost her mind? Cindy felt as if she barely knew her.

Cindy turned and fled through the hall, and out the front door. She had to leave the house, and clear her head, and decide if she wanted to keep working for her at all.

Preparations for the Millionaire Yacht Festival were taking place all over town, and Cindy walked through town slowly, taking in the vibe. Hotels were filling up, villas being readied, restaurants preparing for the parties, feasts and celebrations that would go on for three solid days. Local merchants were gearing up and bands playing. Wherever she went, she couldn’t escape the celebratory feeling.

A sense of sadness overcame Cindy, as the gaiety in town intensified. It made her feel lonely, as there was no one for her to enjoy it with. She felt like a stranger passing through town, who wasn’t really a part of the celebrations. At moments like this, the reality of being alone became more vivid. She could busy herself with work as much as she liked, as soon; as she stopped, she realized that she’d become an outsider.

Cindy thought about the rock through the window and the note she’d received. She knew Mattheus had her best interest at heart when he told her to back down. She also thought about Dalia’s rage. It wasn’t with her personally, Cindy decided, but with the frustration of waiting for a husband, who might never come home. Cindy couldn’t allow that to force her to retreat and hide. Her whole trip down here would be meaningless if she fled at the first sign of danger. Maybe Mattheus was right-- maybe she had become a little crazy now. But helping to solve Ames’s disappearance gave her a purpose for living. And doing her job gave her more strength and energy than worrying about what could possibly happen to her.

Dalia was wrong to yell at her like that, but she could understand. Dalia was temporarily out of her t mind. It could happen to anyone. She owed her another chance. Cindy had hit upon something that upset Dalia deeply, but she wasn’t exactly sure what. More and more these days Cindy noticed Dalia’s moods changing, like a flash flood that suddenly came to shore, and then subsided. It must be the strain of time passing and nothing breaking in the case, Cindy thought.

Cindy thought about her own sister, Ann. She’d emailed her a few times, letting her know that all was well. Ann answered tersely, upset that Cindy was back in the Caribbean, putting herself in danger again, and putting Ann through this worry. Ann was sick of it. She asked when Cindy was coming home and when Cindy couldn’t answer, didn’t email back for a while. When she did, it was only one line.
It’s your life to live, I can’t do anything. And I can’t stand hearing about it.

Cindy took that to mean that Ann didn’t particularly want to hear from her right now. She could understand how Ann felt and also realized that she needed a break from her family as well. It was time to get in touch with new parts of herself, with who she’d become and what life could mean to her now.

Cindy decided to give it all a break, and take a walk down to the docks, and watch the Yachts pulling into shore.

*

Incredible Yachts were moored in the dock, and moved in from all directions on the horizon. This renowned festival drew the best and most beautiful. Handsome sailors, dressed in white slacks, lined the decks, along with smiling women, song and wine. The weather participated fully, with soft breezes, blue skies, and wonderful, warm seas. A list of the races was posted all over and old friends greeted one another, while new friendships were being made.

Cindy wondered which Yacht belonged to Dale and when she would actually meet him. She enjoyed watching the boats sail in and sensed the growing excitement in the air as the wind blew her hair and skirt gently.

As she stood there watching, she heard a voice behind her, “I thought you were going home?”

She turned and there was Mattheus, looking disturbed to see her there. .

“What a beautiful day,” Cindy said softly.

Mattheus shook his head. “Not smart,” he said gruffly.

It’s a great time during the festival,” Mattheus said, “but you can’t roam around alone. There are too many people in town now, the crowds are too thick. It’s a perfect setup for something to happen. I can’t risk anyone hurting you. ”

Something in his tone touched Cindy deeply. She looked into his eyes.

“I’ll be all right, I promise,” she said softly.

“You can’t promise something like that.” Mattheus looked troubled. He looked off into the horizon, silent for several minutes. Finally, he sighed deeply. “My wife was killed back home, right under my nose. I was two doors away when it happened. I’ll never, ever forgive myself. And I couldn’t stand it if something like that happened again. In fact, I made a vow that it would never happen again to anyone I knew, as long as I was around. ”

Cindy gasped. “I’m so sorry,” she uttered. “I had no idea.”

“It was a long time ago,” he said quietly, “but it feels like yesterday.”

Cindy wanted to reach out and hug him, to comfort him, but she held back.

“I can only imagine the pain you must have gone through,” she said.

“I know you realize,” he responded. “Not many people have been through something like that.”

Now Cindy understood why he was so protective of her.

“I wish I could make it better,” she said.

Mattheus grinned in an odd way, then. “In your own way, you already have,” he said.

When Cindy returned home, Dalia was waiting for her. She was clearly apologetic, feeling sorry about her outburst.

“I’m sorry I blew up like that.”

“It’s okay,” said Cindy, “I only had your best interest in mind.

“I’m going to make it up to you, Cindy. I’m taking you to the opening party of the Yacht Festival. It’s an incredible, formal affair, with fantastic music, people, dancing. Dale will be there, for sure. I’ll introduce you to him casually, and you can spend as much time with him as you like. Usually, he drinks a lot at these parties, and it’s easy to get him talking. ”

Cindy hadn’t brought a formal dress with her, so Dalia opened her huge closet and told Cindy to pick anything she liked. Dalia’s closet was filled from top to bottom; there were all kinds of afternoon dresses, cocktail dresses and full length gowns.

“My God, you could open a store with these,” Cindy laughed and chose a beautiful, fitting, pale ivory, cut dress with a shimmering neckline. “I hope this fits,” she said.

Cindy slipped it on easily and was amazed to see that the dress hugged her body in all the right places and had a wonderful flow.

“You look breathtaking, “said Dalia, “as if it were made for you. Come take a look in the mirror. ”

Cindy looked in the long, gold framed mirror, hanging in Dalia’s room. She could hardly believe the person who looked back out at her. Her hair had grown blonder in the sun and she looked long and willowy, as if she’d stepped off the cover of a model’s magazine, ready to go partying in the finest spots in town.

“You’ll be the newest star on the horizon,” said Dalia.

“Thanks,” said Cindy and the two of them looked at each other, for a moment old friends in high school again, getting ready for the prom. Then, suddenly the situation they were in seemed to hit Dalia. They weren’t back in high school.

“How did we get to this point?” Dalia said, in an odd tone. “We can’t push time backwards, can we?”

“No, we can’t,” said Cindy, wishing like Dalia, that they could. “You never met Clint,” Cindy went on, “but he was a wonderful guy. Whatever happened, he had something smart to say about it and also something funny. He’d never let anything bog him down, or stop him from doing what he thought was right. When his family tried to convince him not to marry me, he stood up to them immediately. It didn’t matter what they thought, I was the love of his life. He was proud of being who he was. He made a choice and never looked back. You can’t imagine how much I miss him. It’s a different world without him in it. ”

Dalia listened raptly, her face softening as Cindy spoke.

“I’m really, really sorry this happened, Cindy,” she said. Then her eyes fluttered, “but this isn’t a world that lets love grow. It’s a world that tears things down. Don’t you notice that? ”

Cindy thought it was a strange way to put it.

“It’s a world that makes you pay for every minute of happiness you get,” Dalia continued, her lower lip curling. “When happiness comes, you have to hold onto it tight, with both hands.”

Cindy looked at Dalia’s face closely. It changed shape as she spoke, almost like a chameleon.

“That’s what I used to think,” said Cindy. “I tried hard to hold onto Clint, but what good did it do? When the time comes to let go, you just have to let go. ”

“What are you trying to say to me?” Dalia suddenly turned nervous and then just as quickly, her mood changed and she became completely business-like.

“Enough of this,” she said. “We have to focus on what’s happening now. Okay, so this is the agenda, this is what will happen tonight - the party will be beautiful. Lots of guys will flock to you. You should take advantage of the opportunity. You won’t be young and beautiful forever. Neither will I.”

Dalia’s words hit Cindy hard. She didn’t want lots of guys flocking to her. She wanted Clint. She wondered if she would ever be interested in anyone again.

“But stay away from that Mattheus,” Dalia continued. “He’s bad news.”

“Why?” Cindy felt stung.

“Why do you ask me, why? See that! You like him!” Dalia retorted. “You have a reaction every time I mention his name.”

“I respect him,” Cindy countered.

“Listen, don’t be a fool. This isn’t time for playing around. You’re alone now, and I’m giving you a great opportunity tonight. ”

“For what?” Cindy said.

“To start your life over. Grab the opportunity. Do it while you can. ”

“That’s not what I came to Grenada for.”

“Sometimes, we think we know why we’re doing something,” said Dalia, “and then it turns to be about something else.”

Cindy’s ears perked up. “Did that happen to you, Dalia?” she asked.

“It happened before I met Ames,” she said. “I got stung over and over. But once I met him, everything fell into place. And nothing will take that away from me. Nothing at all!”

*

The party was held out near the dock at a huge restaurant in the dunes. Lights hung all over the entranceway, welcoming guests, while music played in both the main room and out on the outside deck. There were two open bars, wood planked floors, and waiters walking through with trays of hor d’ouerves. The party was set for eight o’clock in the evening, just as the light of the day was beginning to fade.

Cindy entered the room in the ivory gown feeling beautiful, as though this evening could be a turning point. Dalia, right beside her, looked stunning as well, in a lime green satin gown and pearls. She had been to this festival many times and knew practically everyone who was here. Dalia stayed at Cindy’s side, introducing her to people who had flown in for the races and festivities from all over the world.

Almost without exception, people were surprised to see Dalia there. She pretended not to notice, acted as if nothing out of the order had happened. When they asked about Ames, Dalia kept her composure and responded carefully.

“He’ll be back,” she said, again and again. “These things happen. We’re covering all bases,” and then she’d introduce Cindy as an old friend who’d come down to keep her company. She never once told anyone, though, the real reason Cindy was here.

As they mingled, Cindy suddenly spotted a very handsome, well dressed guy, with dark hair and dark eyes, who stood out from the others. He was laughing and talking to both Elizabeth and about five people at once, as he held a cocktail in his hand.

“That’s Dale,” Dalia mentioned, as Cindy stared at him.

Cindy hadn’t pictured him to be quite like this. She thought he’d be somewhat downhearted after having lost his friend.

“Let me introduce you,” said Dalia.

Cindy felt a little nervous to meet him. She and Dalia wound their way through the crowded room to where he stood. The moment they got closer, he turned and stared, first at Cindy, then at Dalia.

“My God, Dalia, what are you doing here?” he said.

“A party’s a party,” she said flippantly.

He tried to smile, but couldn’t, and instead made a feeble attempt at comforting her.

“I’m keeping track of everything,” he said. “They’re funneling all the information through me.”

“That’s what I hear,” said Dalia.

Then Dale’s attention quickly turned towards Cindy. He seemed unable to take his eyes away.

“And who is this absolutely ravishing beauty you’ve brought along?” he asked Dalia.