Death by Devotion (Caribbean Murder #9)

“Wonderful,” said Cindy, “a great crowd to be with.”


Mattheus smiled. “But when I told them about someone throwing a rock in your cab window, they were actually confused. Seems like someone’s barging into their territory. They ordered me to find out who the jerk could be.”

“So the rock throwing came out of left field,” Cindy mused, “just like the killing might have.”

“Could be,” said Mattheus.

“Tell me more about Cain,” Cindy suddenly felt like her old self, following the scent of the true culprit.

“The guy was heartless - a sadist,” Mattheus continued. “I heard he enjoyed ordering the killings, wanted to hear every little detail about them after they were done.”

“So, he got his just due,” Cindy mused. “It’s easy to imagine that there’s someone around who wanted to get revenge.”

“Absolutely,” Mattheus agreed, “but why hadn’t they gotten it before? How come Cain’s killing was linked to the time I came down to see Andrea?”

“It’s a good question,” said Cindy, “I kept asking it myself.” You’d think the cops would be all over it, too.”

“You’d think so,” Mattheus muttered. “But I’ve seen it before – rotten cops who’ve been paid off to look the other way. Paid off big, probably. But what bothers me most, what I can’t get it out of my head, was that Petra was married to Cain.”

“There’s a lot of things that trouble me about Petra,” Cindy quickly added.

“Like what?” Mattheus seemed startled.

Cindy didn’t know how he’d handle what she had to tell him. She didn’t want to throw him more off balance than he already was.

“Petra wasn’t a good mother to Andrea,” Cindy started mildly.

“Why do you say that?” Mattheus looked disturbed.

“Mattheus, Petra let Cain beat Andrea,” Cindy retorted.

“Let her? That’s harsh,” he replied. “Cain also beat Petra. She must have been scared to death.”

“A mother defends her daughter,” Cindy insisted.

“And maybe she couldn’t?” Mattheus’s face flushed. “Obviously, you’ve got something against Petra.”

Cindy was amazed that he was defending her. The idea that his daughter had been living in danger, with no protection all these years, didn’t seem to hit him at all. Maybe he was too guilty to face it. Cindy decided to try another tack.

“I’m not accusing you, Mattheus,” Cindy continued. “What happened to Andrea all these years is not your fault. There’s no way you could have done anything about this. You didn’t even know her.”

“I didn’t care to know her,” Mattheus corrected her. “And I never would have known if you hadn’t pushed me to find Andrea. So, I’ve got to thank you for that. But I don’t see Petra the way you do. I see her as gutsy and trying to do the best with the little she’s got.”

“We’ve got to find out if that’s so,” Cindy said slowly. “So, while you’re talking to the guys in the gangs, I’ll go speak to Petra.”

Mattheus bristled, “I’m not sure it’s the best idea.”

“It has to be done,” Cindy said uncompromisingly. “It’s part of my investigation.”

There was no way Mattheus could disagree. “Okay, so go talk to her, but tread lightly. Her daughter’s in danger, her rotten husband has been killed and now Petra’s on her own.”

Cindy wasn’t so sure about that, either. I’m more on my own than she is, Cindy thought.

*

After breakfast Mattheus left to continue his discussions with the guys in the gangs. Cindy went upstairs and enjoyed spending some time in her new room. It was spacious and open, with pink flowered wall paper, a large bed, comfortable settee and large white wicker doors that led to a balcony. Cindy felt safe and protected here, finally able to unwind.

The next step would be to go talk to Petra. Cindy wondered whether she should let her know in advance that she was coming, but decided against it. It would be best to arrive unannounced. That way Petra wouldn’t have time to prepare for the visit and Cindy would find her just as she was. Petra wouldn’t like it, but so what? Cindy wasn’t there to make a friend.

After relaxing out on the patio for a little while, Cindy got up, went to the bathroom, showered and changed. She slipped on a lovely lemon summer dress, with a lime green cotton sweater. Then she spent some time on her make up. It had been awhile since she’d had a chance to pamper herself. It made her feel better, more ready to face whatever was next for her.

Just as she was about to leave to drop in on Petra, her phone rang. It was Sean.

“I’m a block away and would love to have some time with you,” he said. “Does it work?”

There was no way Cindy could say no. This wasn’t necessarily a personal call. Sean might have new information for her. “Sure,” she replied lightly.

“Great, let’s meet in the lobby in ten minutes?” he said. “Looking forward.”