Death by Devotion (Caribbean Murder #9)

“So how can the truth come out?” Cindy zeroed in.

“It just does, by itself. I believe that, I always did. And I always believed that one day I’d meet my true father and we’d all be together again - him, my mother and me. And see, it’s happening, isn’t it?”

Cindy felt a deep pit in her stomach. She could understand and relate to how Andrea felt. Everyone always wanted their original family to be together. Did Andrea’s wish have something to do with why she wouldn’t give Cindy information?

“Andrea,” Cindy decided to plunge in again, “this person you were with on the other side of the Island, is it the one who loves you? Do you love him, too?”

Andrea smiled. “I have no idea what love is,” she mumbled, “and from the looks of it, neither do you.”

Cindy felt oddly stung. “I know what love is,” she tried to defend herself.

“Really? Are you in love with my father?” Andrea jumped on it.

“Not anymore,” breathed Cindy.

“You were?” Andrea asked.

“Yes, I was,” said Cindy plainly, “your father and I were going to get engaged.”

Andrea’s face turned sour. “You can’t get engaged to him, he doesn’t belong to you. He belongs to my mother.”

“He was with your mother sixteen years ago,” replied Cindy, “and only for a short while.”

“So what?” said Andrea, “he had a child with her, didn’t he? That links them forever, whether you like it or not.”

Cindy stopped at that. There was truth in what Andrea was saying. In an odd way, the bond between Mattheus and Petra was stronger than between her and Mattheus.

“Well, it doesn’t matter,” Cindy went on quietly, “your father and I have broken up now.”

“Because of me?” asked Andrea, sharply, looking ill at ease.

“No,” said Cindy, “because you’re right. The bond caused by family ties is deepest of all. Even if the family hasn’t seen each other, or been together for years.”

“So, you’ll find someone else then,” Andrea said, suddenly comforting. “How about Sean? I saw how he was looking at you. He definitely seems to be in love.”

Cindy smiled seeing Andrea now concerned about her. The little act between Sean and Cindy had made an impression, done its work. Andrea definitely believed that Cindy and Sean had something going.

“Sean and I just met each other,” Cindy replied, “but I do like him very much.”

“That’s good,” Andrea seemed relieved, “that’s fabulous, love works in crazy ways.”

At that moment Cindy heard footsteps coming down the hallway towards them. It had to be Sean returning. The time allotted for the interview must be coming to a close. Cindy was sad about it. She had grown to like and admire Andrea and wanted to spend more time with her.

Sean re-appeared then and Andrea laughed out loud when she saw him.

“See, speak of the devil and he’s right here,” she said.

“The devil, me?” Sean looked surprised.

“Cindy and I were just talking about you,” Andrea took pleasure in teasing. “I asked Cindy if she was in love with you?”

Sean seemed taken aback and a touch embarrassed. “And what did she say?” he asked, trying to be playful.

“She said she liked you very much,” Andrea babbled, thoroughly enjoying the exchange. “And, frankly, I’m glad about it, because my father is definitely going back with my mother. It would be a real shame, if Cindy were left with no one.”

Cindy shivered. Andrea was masterful in playing one off against the other.

“Mattheus is going back with Petra?” Sean asked Cindy, amazed.

“That’s what Andrea’s wants, it’s what she hopes for and dreams of,” Cindy replied.

“It’s more than a dream,” Andrea flung back at her. “It’s happening right under your eyes. They’ve been together all the time since he returned to the Island. Go, ask anybody.”

“Sounds like a good thing for us to check into,” Cindy said to Sean, alarmed.

Andrea put her hands on her hips and swayed then, delighted. “I got a lot of good ideas, don’t I? And the best idea I had was to ask Cindy if she were in love with you? You’re a great looking couple, you know.”





Chapter 16


After Sean brought Andrea back to her holding cell, he returned to the waiting area for Cindy, smiling.

“Let’s go get a bite and talk all this over,” he said, light heartedly. “After all, we’re a great looking couple, you know.”

Cindy couldn’t join him in his cheerful mood. Even though it was probably all wishful thinking, she was disturbed by Andrea’s comments about Mattheus and Petra.

“Yes, let’s go and get a bite,” Cindy replied quietly.

“You’re all upset about what Andrea said about Mattheus,” Sean said as they walked back down the hallway together, “but there’s no reason for it. She’s told us this before. And, we’ve checked on it thoroughly.”