“Cindy Blaine?” the young woman replied.

  “Yes, thanks for meeting with me,” Cindy said lightly, trying to relax both of them.

  Willow scrutinized Cindy carefully, as if trying to decide if she could confide in her.

  Cindy hoped Willow would decide in her favor. “Where would you like to talk?” Cindy asked.

  “We can go out into the back garden,” said Willow, quickly deciding that Cindy passed the test. “There’s some wrought iron chairs back there, in the corner.”

  Cindy peered at the garden through the back window. The spot Willow suggested was hidden and protected, set under the shade of a huge banyan tree.

  “Great, let’s go.” Cindy was eager to begin.

  Willow wasn’t quite ready. “Let me buy these beads and that necklace first,” she said. “I have an incredible collection of beads back home and these are special. This shop is a real find.”

  *

  It was good to sit back there in the shade out of the flow of customers drifting around. Willow held her beads, which were wrapped in a silk pouch, in her lap and looked nervous.

  “You’ve been down here since the beginning of the bachelorette party?” Cindy started, gently breaking the ice.

  “Yes, I have.” Willow looked at her straight on.

  “It must have been fun in the beginning,” said Cindy.

  “Fun?” Willow looked condescending. “I wouldn’t call it fun. Dale insisted that I be invited. He made sure that Fern included me.”

  “She wouldn’t have invited you otherwise?” Cindy was surprised.

  “Probably not.” Willow raised her eyebrows. “Don’t get me wrong. I would not have particularly cared at all. Bachelorette parties aren’t my thing, exactly. I could live my whole life happily without ever going to another one.”

  Cindy smiled; she found Willow interesting. “What do you do, Willow?” she asked.

  “I manage a small art gallery on Long Island,” said Willow, “and we’re doing wonderfully. People come from all over to our openings. In fact, we’re about to expand a great deal.”

  “Congratulations,” said Cindy.

  “Fern and I have almost nothing in common, other than Dale, of course.” Willow seemed more at ease now. “And I have absolutely nothing in common with her other friends either, with the exception of Marge. Marge’s a lawyer, more interesting and grounded than the rest.”

  Cindy hadn’t realized that Marge was a lawyer.

  “The rest of the girls at the party are basically into big time cash.” Willow smiled oddly.

  Cindy smiled as well. “You mean they’re into rich husbands?”

  “You got it right,” said Willow, “and all that lifestyle brings.”

  “Do you find that offensive?” she asked.

  “Boring,” said Willow.

  “But I heard Dale’s a big time finance guy himself,” said Cindy. “And he’s your friend.”

  “He’s my friend, not my boyfriend,” Willow said quickly. “And Dale wasn’t always a big money guy. He’s done lots of things. He’s a vulnerable person. I’ve known Dale my whole life long.”

  Cindy would never have described Dale as vulnerable. “How’s he vulnerable?”

  “Dale’s got a big heart. When he loves, he goes crazy for the person,” said Willow. “Women take advantage of it, sometimes.”

  “Did Fern take advantage?” Cindy was fascinated.

  Willow’s face froze for a moment. “Definitely,” she whispered. “Fern took advantage of lots of people and lots of things.”

  “Were you and Dale ever boyfriend and girlfriend?” asked Cindy, alerted by Willow’s response.

  Willow threw her head back and smiled. “Absolutely not, nothing like that. We’ve been friends practically since kindergarten. Dale’s practically a brother to me.”

  “What else has Dale done?” Cindy needed to know more about him.

  “You name it, he’s done it,” said Willow. “Dale’s a top-notch surfer and photographer. He owned a fleet of boats once. I know he always wanted to be in import and export. He’s involved in high finance now, manages big time money for corporations.”

  “That’s how he met Fern?” asked Cindy.

  “No, not exactly how he met her, that’s how come they’re connected though. Fern wouldn’t even look at a guy who wasn’t incredibly wealthy. Dale knew if he wanted to keep her he had to rake in the big bucks.”

  “Did he ever say he wanted to do something else?” asked Cindy, wondering if Dale stayed in finance simply to support Fern. Had it come become a pressure on him?

  “No, he never said that.” Willow sighed. “I often wondered if he felt that way, but he wouldn’t say it out loud. Not even to himself. And once he met Fern, of course he couldn’t. As soon as he met her, he became obsessed with having her for himself.”

  A red flag waved in front of Cindy. “Was Dale that way with his other girlfriends, as well?”

  “A little bit maybe, but never like this.” Willow moved to the edge of her seat. “I’ve never seen him so obsessed. It bothered me terribly. I talked to him about it once, but he wouldn’t listen. He couldn’t, was terrified that Fern would leave him, or that someone would take her away.”

  This was a dangerous scenario that Willow was describing. It certainly could have led to Dale’s losing control.

  “Did Fern play into this?” asked Cindy. “Did she give him reason to fear that the relationship would end? Flirt with others, taunt him?”

  Willow’s eyes opened wide. “She did,” she said slowly. “Fern was a master manipulator. It was how she kept Dale on his toes. Some of the girls at the party even talked about it, especially Gina, the matron of honor. Apparently Gina had begged Fern to cut out the games.”

  Cindy remembered Gina vaguely. She was the slightly older woman, the one whose husband was back at home. “Fern and Gina were close?” she asked.

  “I have no idea about that,” said Willow. “I barely knew either of them.”

  “You were basically here to keep an eye on things for Dale, weren’t you?” asked Cindy.

  “Basically,” Willow agreed. “He asked me to watch Fern for him.”

  Cindy looked up at the huge leaves from the banyan tree that were waving over them. “Dale gave you quite an assignment,” she commented.

  “Yes,” said Willow. “But someone had to do it. He was terrified Fern would do something with someone at the party. It was making him crazy. He couldn’t live with it. I told him it wouldn’t be such a tragedy if it happened. Then their relationship would end. It could be the best thing for him in the long run. After all, what kind of life would they have together with him feeling this way?”

  “How did he react to that?” asked Cindy.

  “He went nuts,” said Willow. “It frightened me. He said that nothing was going to ever take Fern away from him. It would only happen over his dead body.”

  Cindy was startled to hear that. “What goes on at bachelorette parties is usually top secret,” she commented then. “But you were here to spill the beans, weren’t you, Willow? Did you tell Dale about the stripper?”

  “No, I did not.” Willow’s back arched. “Someone posted the video on the internet. Of course we talked about it after that. He started going crazy as soon as he saw it.”

  “Who posted it?” asked Cindy.

  “I have no idea,” said Willow, as a harsh breeze suddenly blew up over both of them.

  “Would you have told Dale about the stripper if the video hadn’t been posted?” Cindy asked.

  “No, not about the stripper,” Willow answered, fingering her beads. “I was only going to say something if I saw Fern actually going off with someone! That would have been fair game then, I thought.”

  “But you didn’t see that, did you?” Cindy snapped.

  “No, I didn’t,” said Willow.

  “How’s Dale doing now?” asked Cindy.

  “Right now all bets are off,” said Willow. “I’m not sure what he realizes. He rants and raves a lot. He’ll get over it though. And if you asked me, even though it’s a horrible thing to say, in the long run, he’s better off without her. Down the road he can start again.”

  It was a horrible thing to say and Cindy was stunned by Willow’s comment. “What are you trying to tell me, Willow?” Cindy asked pointedly.

  Willow shrugged her thin shoulders. “I just wanted to let you know that Dale isn’t the monster everyone thinks he is. He’s basically a good guy who’s gone a little crazy. He would never, ever hurt Fern, though. His whole world is centered around her.”

  Cindy and Willow looked at each other deeply. “Who do you think killed her?” Cindy finally asked.

  Willow held the bag in her lap tighter. “There are plenty of guests at the hotel, ask them,” she said. “Someone saw something!”

  “The police are talking to everyone,” Cindy replied.

  “You talk to them too,” said Willow. “You’re better.”

  “Is there anyone at the party who could have been involved in Fern’s death?” Cindy went forward.

  Willow stopped talking for a moment and stroked her brow. “I don’t ever want to cast false suspicion.” Her voice lowered.

  “Say what you think,” Cindy demanded. “I’ll check it carefully, don’t be afraid.”

  “Fern’s ex, Kirk, was at the party too, with his girlfriend Rowe,” Willow murmured.

  “Yes?” Cindy was fascinated.

  “What in the world was her ex doing there?” asked Willow. “Who invited him? If Dale knew about it, he would have thrown the guy out. And I wouldn’t blame him.”

  “Did you tell Dale?” Cindy asked quickly.

  “Not during the party,” Willow answered fast. “But of course he knows now. When he got down here he asked me to tell him whatever I thought was weird. Naturally, I told him that Kirk was down here. After all, Dale deserves to know everything, doesn’t he?”

  “Yes, he does,” said Cindy. Willow was right, fair was fair. “Where’s Dale now?” Cindy asked. “I really need to talk to him.”

  “Do you really want to know what he’s doing?” Willow leaned closer.

  “Yes, of course I have to know.” Cindy was adamant.

  “Dale’s silently stalking Kirk and his girlfriend. He’s determined to find out whatever he can,” said Willow. “Dale’s smart and he found a way to listen in on their calls. He also hangs around outside their room in an alcove, watching them come and go.”

  Cindy felt chilled. “Dale thinks Kirk harmed Fern?”

  “He’s suspicious,” said Willow, “and he’s not leaving any stone unturned.”

  A wave of fear ran through Cindy. Even if Dale didn’t kill Fern, he could certainly harm someone else now. Not only was he out of custody, he was definitely out of control.

  “Anything else?” Cindy asked quickly.

  “There’s one more thing I find disturbing,” Willow burst out. “There’s an older guy, Frank, who’s hanging around with one of Fern’s friends, Sandra. I see them together all the time.”

  My brother-in-law, Frank? Cindy wondered and shuddered. Cindy felt disturbed as well.

  “Why is it disturbing that Frank and Sandra are together?” Cindy had to ask Willow.

  “This isn’t the time for whooping it up.” Willow looked disgusted. “And there’s this detective, Lance, who’s gotten tight with Kimberly, another one of Fern’s wonderful friends. What I don’t understand is how could these girls get it on with someone, when Fern was just killed? It boggles my mind. It’s repulsive.”

  Cindy didn’t like it either. “It happens all the time, though,” she said to Willow. “When people go through a shock, they need someone to be at their side. Sometimes they grab whoever’s available. I’ve seen it happen again and again.”

  Willow shuddered. “None of it will come to any good. These relationships will all backfire.”

  Cindy hoped they wouldn’t. She knew Frank had been lonely for a long time and wondered what in the world he was getting himself into. But she had more important things to deal with now.

  Chapter Twelve

  Cindy had to see Kirk immediately, if for nothing more than to warn him that Dale was on his trail. She also had to give Mattheus the news. At the very least, the police would have to get Kirk protection right away.

  “I’m not surprised Dale’s stalking someone,” Mattheus said, when Cindy called. “You should see what I’m finding out about him. He’s a low-life, he’s scum.”

  “Get Kirk protection immediately,” Cindy urged.

  “You go talk to Kirk while I set it up,” Mattheus replied. “Kirk’s been around since the beginning of the party. Get his take on everything that’s gone on. Find out what he thinks about the stripper, too, and who he thinks posted the video.”

  “I’m going to speak to him right away,” Cindy replied. “And my interview with Willow was interesting. She’s also been here from the start. Willow’s Dale’s friend. He made sure she was invited to the party so she could keep her eye on everyone.”

  “A spy for Dale?” Mattheus commented. “What was he so worried about? Why did he feel he needed that? Go talk to the other girls at the party and find out. I don’t trust any friend of Dale’s. I want the dirt on Willow, too.”

  Cindy doubted that there was any dirt to be dug up. “There won’t be any dirt on Willow,” she replied.

  “If she’s close to Dale, there’s something to find out.” Mattheus was adamant. “What kind of woman would come to a bachelorette party as a spy?”

  A woman who cared about the groom, thought Cindy. A woman who was a good friend. It was dangerous to paint everyone with a dark brush. Once again it seemed to Cindy as though Mattheus had made up his mind. She was eager to talk to the others, though. There was definitely more going on at this party than any of them ever imagined.

  Cindy hung up with Mattheus and called Marge, who seemed to have been sitting by the phone, waiting for her call.

  “How did your interview with Willow go?” Marge asked instantly.

  “Good,” Cindy answered.

  “I’m sure it was,” Marge spoke fast, “but don’t believe everything she tells you. Actually, Kirk was upset that I arranged for you to talk to her at all.”

  That took Cindy by surprise. “Why?”

  “I’ll let him tell you himself,” Marge added, “he wants to talk to you as soon as possible.”

  Cindy was delighted. “I’m available now. Where is he? I’m on my way.”

  “Meet him down at the docks where the cruise boats anchor. He’ll be waiting for you in front of the Magic Swan Line.”

  “I don’t know how to thank you for this, Marge,” Cindy started.

  “Don’t thank me for anything.” Marge seemed ill at ease. “It’s the least I can do for Fern, although Carrie is upset that I’m the one who’s setting up these meetings. She says she’s the maid of honor, after all.”

  “Should I talk to Carrie next?” asked Cindy.

  “Yes, you should,” Marge replied. “Everybody takes her for granted. You absolutely have to give Carrie the respect she’s so hungry for.”

  *

  The cruise boats were docked at the pier, along Van Wynd Street. It was lovely being down near the water, and Cindy took a deep, soothing breath. The streets were filled with people about to embark on a cruise or coming to meet passengers who had just returned. There was a festive atmosphere wherever she turned. Cindy walked a few blocks slowly, looking for the Magic Swan Cruise Line.

  Soon Cindy saw a huge, glistening white boat with throngs of people around it, which seemed to have recently pulled in. A young man stood starkly in front of it, looking up and down the street. As Cindy got closer, he looked oddly familiar to her, with long hair and sad eyes.

  “Kirk?” Cindy asked as she approached him.

  “Yes,” he replied, looking up.

  Cindy suddenly remembered that he was the young man on Fern’s Facebook page that had many pictures of him. He was obviously someone who’d been important to her.

  “Cindy Blaine, of CM Investigations.” She extended her hand.

  Kirk took it for a moment and then pulled away. “Thanks for coming down here to see me,” he said almost too softly to hear.

  “Thank you for your time,” Cindy replied. “Are you waiting for someone?” She glanced at the boat behind her.

  “I’m waiting for you.” His voice rose slightly. “Do you want to go somewhere to talk?”

  “Wherever you like,” said Cindy.

  “We can walk near the boats,” Kirk replied. “Thankfully, there are plenty of people around. We’ll just slip into the crowd and no one will notice.”

  Was he hiding from something? Cindy wondered as they slipped into the crowd of people and walked slowly down the narrow streets.

  “I knew Fern for a long time,” Kirk started talking.

  Cindy heard the deep upset in his voice.

  “Actually, I knew her much longer than Dale did,” Kirk went on as they passed a small oyster bar on a dock jutting out over the water.

  “Why don’t we go into the oyster bar and sit down?” Cindy suggested. “It’ll be easier there to talk.”

  “Have it your way,” Kirk agreed.

  Fortunately the oyster bar was half empty and they took a seat at the end, near the windows overlooking the water. Kirk fell silent then, gazing outside.

  “How did Fern feel about your coming to her bachelorette party?” asked Cindy. It was something she’d been curious about from the start.

  Kirk grinned oddly then, showing a row of small, uneven teeth. “She was surprised when she saw me,” he replied, “shocked really.”

  “She didn’t know you were coming?” Cindy was taken aback.

  “It was a surprise,” said Kirk.

  “Isn’t a bachelorette party usually just for girls?” asked Cindy.

  “Sure.” Kirk’s eyes lit up then. “But I came with Rowe, my girlfriend. Rowe joined the party and I spent most of the time back at the hotel and down at the docks. I love watching the boats pull out into the sea.”

  Once again Cindy wondered what he was truly doing here. “Marge invited you,” she mentioned.

 

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