Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

Cindy tossed a quick glance at Margaret, who was gently stroking the note.

“What do you think, Margaret?” Cindy asked her.

“I think it can’t hurt to look further,” she said. “This note’s too calm, I’m not feeling the energy of someone who’s gonna take her life.”

“Okay then.” Cindy began to gather herself together and turned to Alfred. “Tell me how to get down to Amaneuten Cove.”

“Whoa, hold up right there!” Alfred wasn’t having any of it. “Hope you’re not thinking of taking the trip alone. That’s no place for a lady to snoop around alone. Promise me you’re not gonna do that.”

Cindy smiled, grateful for his concern.

“You got to promise, I’m not kidding.” Alfred looked distressed.

“I can’t promise you that,” Cindy finally responded. “I’ve already promised something else.”

“What? To who?” Alfred grimaced, nervous.

“I’ve promised Shari’s father I’d find out the truth about how she died,” said Cindy.





Chapter 7


By the time Cindy left the police station it was almost early evening. Mattheus would surely be finished with his golf game by now, and most likely back in the hotel. Cindy decided to join him for dinner and wait until the morning to head down to Amaneuten Cove. She was also eager to fill him in on what she’d found out. There was no way he wouldn’t be interested in what she’d discovered now.

Thankfully, the air had cooled as the sun went down and a lovely breeze accompanied her as she walked a few blocks before hailing a taxi. The days had been more stressful than Cindy realized and she was glad for the opportunity to walk it off. As she walked, Cindy wondered whether Mattheus had enjoyed his golf game and if he was upstairs now, waiting for her to return. She imagined he was somewhere close around, expecting to see or hear from her.

After she’d walked a bit, she hailed a cab and returned to the hotel in a few minutes. She looked forward to seeing Mattheus as she open the door to the suite and walked in.

“I’m here,” Cindy called out, expectantly.

No one answered.

He could be in the bathroom, or out on the balcony, Cindy mused as she threw her bag down on the nearby sofa. “Mattheus,” Cindy called again, and again there was no answer.

First she walked out onto the balcony and looked around. The slowly setting sun greeted

her with dazzling colors spread across the sky. Another day ending, it seemed to whisper to her. Since she was a child Cindy had always been enthralled by the sky and sun. She stopped now and took a full moment to enjoy it.

Another day ending, she wanted to whisper back. It was a good day, though; a lot was accomplished, not a moment was wasted. I did all I possibly could to find some answers for Edward Twain, to bring peace to his heart. Cindy felt good about that. She walked over to the rim of the balcony, wrapped her hands around it and held on. The memory of her sister, Ann, floated before her, and after that, the image of Shari, found down at the bottom of the cliff. How could a person become so deeply despairing that this beautiful life held nothing more for them? Wasn’t there always something of value to find, even in the midst of the most terrible pain?

Cindy thought of her sister and was comforted by the knowledge of how much Ann had appreciated her life. Yes, it was unbearable to lose her, but at least she had not committed suicide. Ann had been a victim of a jealous woman, the last thing anyone in the world thought could have happened to her. But it happened, and Cindy could deal with it. Cindy wondered if she could deal with it as well, though, if Ann had killed herself.

As Cindy stood there reflecting, she felt strong winds arise from the ocean down below. It was autumn now, in the midst of the hurricane season. Although Aruba escaped most hurricanes, some did come to their shores. No one expected them here, though, didn’t prepare avidly as they did on nearby islands.

“Is that you out there?” Cindy suddenly heard Mattheus’s voice behind her, as his steps walked to the balcony.

Cindy was thrilled that he was here and quickly turned around.

“Beautiful sunset,” Mattheus said as he came up behind her, put his arms around her and gave Cindy a little hug.

“One of the most beautiful I’ve seen in a long time,” said Cindy.

“Really?” he responded, taking her hand.

“I missed you today, Mattheus,” Cindy said softly.

“I would hope so,” he answered cryptically. “I, for one, had a great golf game. The hotel has a fantastic course.”

“Good,” said Cindy, relieved that he’d enjoyed the afternoon.

“And I found out incredible new information,” Cindy started, but Mattheus put his hand gently over her mouth.

“No, no,” he whispered, “none of that. I’m not on this case, remember?”

Offended, Cindy took his hand off her mouth. “Have it your way,” she said, turning away.