Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

After a magnificent night in each other’s arms, Cindy and Mattheus called up for breakfast in their room and went out onto the graceful patio to wait for it. The patio overlooked lush vegetation, clusters of trees and rocky cliffs that led to the ocean. Mattheus had chosen this sprawling, luxurious, romantic hotel as gift for Cindy. Embedded in nature, it was also close to the main parts of the island so they could enjoy all Aruba had to offer while searching for their venue.

“This is our time, Cindy,” Mattheus said again as they reclined on the lounge chairs, waiting for their food to arrive. Cindy realized that Mattheus was trying to reassure her that despite the life they had chosen, he would be careful to carve out time for them together, alone. She was grateful to have that reassurance. When she’d called her mother to tell her of the engagement, it was the first thing her mother had asked about.

“Where do you two plan to live?” she’d asked abruptly, breaking into Cindy’s happy mood. “What kind of life are you planning together?” Cindy realized that her mother still had to be hurting terribly from the recent loss of Cindy’s [cl4] sister, Ann. Clearly she wanted Cindy to live close by now. However, Cindy could not offer her that reassurance.

“It’s not clear yet where we will live,” Cindy had answered lightly, knowing full well that the lifestyle she was embarking upon was not one her mother could understand. Neither would it be a comfort to her. Cindy was sorry about that, but also aware that she had not lived near her mother for many years. It was Ann who had been the devoted daughter, and her mother had never let Cindy forget it, either.

“Well, I suppose I should be happy for you,” her mother had answered tartly. “I barely know Mattheus though, so naturally, it’s hard to know how to react.”

Cindy hadn’t expected much more than that, and wasn’t disappointed. In fact, she was relieved that she’d finally made the announcement and it was over with.

“We’re going to Aruba to look for wedding venues.” Cindy changed the topic quickly. “I hope you, my uncles and Frank will be able to join us down there for the wedding.”

Her mother had sighed. “One surprise after another,” she commented. “Why Aruba?”

“Why not Aruba?” Cindy responded quickly. “It’s beautiful here.”

“There are plenty of places that are beautiful,” her mother remarked.

“Mattheus and I are based down in the Caribbean,” Cindy quickly continued. “This is where we do our work.”

A long moment of silence greeted Cindy, followed by another long sigh. “And I suppose you plan to continue that lifestyle?” her mother asked in a hollow tone.

“We have a successful business,” Cindy said clearly. “We do important work.”

“But what kind of life can it possibly lead to?” her mother had quipped, in return.

Cindy had had enough of the conversation at that point. She was deeply sorry for her mother’s loss and for her loss as well, but this was not the time to engage in this discussion.

“Brooding about your conversation with your mother?” Mattheus reached out now and took Cindy’s hand. The two of them had talked about the conversation at some length a few days ago.

“Actually, you’re right, I was thinking about my mother,” Cindy responded. “How did you know?”

“It’s a certain look that comes across your face,” Mattheus responded. “I can always tell.”

Cindy shook her head, as if to shake the mood away. “I’m hungry,” she responded. “A good breakfast and cup of hot coffee will set everything straight. Where’s the food? It’s taking a long time.”

“I was just thinking that,” Mattheus replied. He took his phone and called down to see what had become of their breakfast. “Room 1824,” he said when someone picked up. “Just checking to see what happened to our breakfast.” Cindy smiled at how cute and boyish Mattheus seemed at that moment.

Suddenly Mattheus sat up straighter, alert. “What happened?” he asked as he immediately clicked on the speaker phone.

“So sorry, sir,” the male voice over the phone continued. “There’s a bit of a commotion going on at the hotel. We’ve been taken off track, it’ll be just a few more minutes. The police are down here right now.”

Cindy was suddenly gripped by a sinking feeling.

“Okay,” said Mattheus. Clearly, he didn’t want to pursue it further. But Cindy had to know more.

“Ask them what happened,” she said, nervously.

“Can you tell me more than that?” Mattheus obliged her.

“No one knows yet exactly,” the voice on the phone responded.

Cindy got up and sat down next to Mattheus, prodding him onward. “Find out more,” sheurged him.“Burglary or assault at the hotel?” Mattheus kept on with it.

“No, no, nothing like that,” the voice assured him. “Our guests are safe. Nothing to worry about. Your food will be on the way. Please enjoy your day.”

Just as Mattheus was about to hang up, Cindy grabbed the phone from him.

“This is Cindy Blaine,” she said briskly, “of CM Investigations, private detectives. My partner Mattheus is here with me now. Please let us know what’s going on.”

The voice on the other end grew lower. “I had no idea you two were detectives,” he responded.

“Is there imminent danger?” Cindy probed.

“We’re not exactly sure,” he continued.