Death by Devotion (Caribbean Murder #9)

“Yes, it is, you’re right,” Mattheus agreed. “I’m grateful you’re here.”


“Okay,” Cindy went on quickly, glad the boundaries had been clearly established.

“I’ve got a cab waiting,” Mattheus continued. “First stop is the police station.”

“Good idea,” said Cindy as they walked towards the taxi stand. “I want to meet the cops on the case, let them know I’m down here on it, too.”

“They know already, I told them,” said Mattheus, uneasily.

“Really? And how did they take it?” asked Cindy.

“They snickered,” Mattheus said. “They’re a strange lot. Private detectives don’t have much clout down here.”

“Especially women detectives, I imagine,” Cindy filled in.

“Who cares what they think?” Mattheus grew restless as he hailed the cab he had waiting.

“I care,” said Cindy. “Cooperation is good. I like getting the police on our team.”

“Sometimes you get cooperation, sometimes you don’t,” Mattheus stood a bit taller, sounding more like his old self. “It’s a good idea for them to meet you, but don’t count on much on their support.”

Cindy realized with a flash that she wasn’t counting on anything much anymore, not from the cops, from Mattheus, or even from her sister, Ann. But rather than feeling deserted, she felt an unusual sense of strength. She was doing what was right and she knew it. When she did that, she also knew that the support she needed would inevitably come to her.

The cab drove up to them quickly and Mattheus tossed Cindy’s luggage into the trunk.

“Just one bag? You travelled pretty light,” he commented. “Not planning to stay very long?”

“Just long enough to get the job done,” Cindy replied, as they got into the cab and it drove away to the police station, without their saying another word.

*

The police station was housed in a low, squat building in front of a cluster of overgrown trees. As soon as they walked in, a sense of oppression came over Cindy. The stucco walls of the hallways were a dull beige and the floors were made of harsh tiles.

“Follow me,” Mattheus motioned, as they walked along to the main receiving room.

“Can I help you?” a lovely Caribbean woman sat in the receptionist seat.

“This is Cindy Blaine,” Mattheus responded gruffly. “She has an appointment to see the Chief of Police as soon as she arrives.”

The young woman raised her eyebrows and looked Cindy over. “I’ll let him know you’re here,” she said, picking up the Intercom.

*

Chief of Police August Herring walked down the corridor with big, noisy steps, finally stopping about a foot away from Cindy. He didn’t so much as give Mattheus a glance. Clearly, no love was lost between them.

“So, you’re real – not a figment of Mattheus’s imagination,” he said to Cindy looking her right in the eyes.

Cindy was taken aback. “Mattheus and I work together as private detectives,” she commented. “It’s a matter of record.”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard the whole pitch, even read all about you in the papers,” August Herring stopped her right there. “Okay, come into the office.” Then he turned his back and Cindy and Mattheus followed him to a door with his name on it.

Once inside, Cindy and Mattheus sat down opposite him, as he eased himself into a large, leather chair. Then, without a moment’s hesitation, he started drumming his thick fingers on the wooden desk. All of this seemed like a tremendous annoyance for him.

“I appreciate your time,” Cindy said, breaking the uneasy silence that was growing.

“What do you want from us, Miss Blaine?” August asked, a look of boredom settling on his thick face. Clearly, he was letting her know that their meeting was a formality. He had no intention of including her in the investigation.

“I need whatever you have,” Cindy responded coolly. “Time of death, suspects, all physical evidence.”

August grinned slowly as the outside door opened and another police officer entered.

“Come in, Sean,” August beckoned to the guy who’d just entered. Sean was about

Cindy’s age, tall, toned, blonde and handsome. He looked as out of place as she felt and Cindy wondered what in the world he was doing on the force down here.

“I thought we’d assign Sean to help you out,” August continued. “He’s an ex pat from the States.”

Cindy and Sean nodded to each other, and Sean seemed impressed.

“This is my partner, Mattheus,” Cindy quickly continued, wanting to make sure he was included.

“Precisely the problem,” August interrupted the introduction. “Number one, your partner’s behavior has been questionable. Number two, it’s his daughter we’re holding in custody.”