Death by Devotion (Caribbean Murder #9)

“He can do what he wants, as long as he doesn’t step on our toes, or get in the way,” Sean replied, waiting to hear more.

Cindy wanted to ask him exactly what the police were doing, who they were investigating and how Mattheus could get in their way, but she held back. She didn’t want to put Sean on edge with her, but to find out what he was really thinking.

“Did you grill Mattheus because he’s a suspect?” Cindy continued softly.

Sean was quiet for a second. “I talked to him because I wanted to know more about him. He seems a little paranoid.”

Cindy was taken aback. “Why? What did he say?”

“It’s not what he said, it’s what he didn’t say,” Sean answered straightforwardly. “And it’s how he said it, he’s suspicious of me.”

“He’s alone down here in unfriendly territory,” Cindy replied.

“You don’t have to defend him, Cindy,” Sean said quietly.

“I’m not defending him, I’m just explaining,” said Cindy. “He plans to investigate the underworld on his own.”

Sean let out a long, low whistle. “I wouldn’t recommend that,” he replied.

“He’s got to do something,” Cindy answered. “This is his daughter and he’s a top notch detective.”

“Nobody walks into that world on their own,” Sean insisted.

“And I want to talk to Andrea’s friends,” Cindy continued. “I heard that she spent a lot of time with them the day Cain was killed.”

Sean was silent.

“Did she tell the police that?” Cindy wouldn’t let up.

“Yes, she said something like that,” Sean replied. “I wouldn’t put too much stock in what she says though. Her story changes minute by minute.”

“She has a right to have her alibi investigated,” Cindy answered sharply.

“Of course she does,” Sean quickly agreed.

“Do you know who her friends are?” Cindy asked. “Will you give me their contact information?”

“Sure,” Sean agreed, half hesitantly. “I just don’t know how much good it will do you. I don’t want you wasting your time and energy.”

It was a strange reply and Cindy wondered about it. What did Sean know that he wasn’t saying? Why would this be a waste of time? Was he going to give her the names of the right people?

“It’s okay,” said Cindy, “thanks for caring, but I’d love whatever information you have.”

“I’ll email it to you right away,” Sean agreed. “Oh, and one more thing, Cindy.” He paused.

“What?” she asked curious.

“I asked Mattheus if he was still in love with you.”

Taken aback, Cindy breathed in swiftly.

“You know what he answered?” Sean continued.

“What?” Cindy cringed.

“He asked me if I was?”

Despite herself, Cindy laughed. “And what did you say?”

Sean laughed as well. Mattheus left before I had a chance to tell him that I could see how something like that would be a definite possibility later on.”

*

Cindy hung up the phone disconcerted. On the one hand it was nice having a light laugh with Sean, on the other she wondered what he was really saying to her. If Mattheus had really asked Sean if he was in love with her, then Mattheus had definitely gone off the deep end.





Chapter 11


Sean was right on top of everything. Cindy received an email immediately from him with the names and contact information of Andrea’s friends. It’s a good idea to talk to them, he wrote in the email. Let me know what they have to say. Looking forward to seeing you again soon and catching up on everything.

Cindy felt both relieved and anxious when she read Sean’s email. He was definitely there to help her investigate, but she also felt the personal edge. It wasn’t exactly fair to Mattheus, either, she thought. The two of them had just barely broken up and here Sean was actively making a move.

Cindy decided not to answer back right away, just take the information and see where it lead.

Before she went to make the calls, Cindy noticed another email, right below Sean’s. It was from her sister Ann.

How’s it going, Cindy? Please let us know. Everyone back here’s talking about it. Al’s worried if you’re safe enough, and his friend at the paper called twice to let us know he’s holding the job writing the column for you.

Cindy blanched. She didn’t like having people back home involved with a case she was on. It was none of their business, and she had thought the job possibility was long gone.

And, Ann continued, Marge keeps calling as well. Her ex husband Ralph is back in the picture and, if you don’t agree to sell the house to them, they’re definitely planning to sue.