Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“Sure, she’s beautiful, but strange. I told you. And she had a way of turning guys into friends. She always tried to be friends with all the boys that Shari dated.”


“How did Shari feel about that?” asked Cindy.

“Shari didn’t seem to mind from what I could tell,” Edward said. “Marla and I didn’t like it, we often talked about it, but Shari was oblivious. I think she felt badly for Deidre, didn’t want her to be left out in the cold.”

“That’s lovely of Shari,” Cindy commented.

“Yes, Shari was lovely in every way,” Edward said softly.

“Was Deidre friends with Doug, too?” Cindy asked then.

“Not really.” Edward shook his head heavily. “That situation was a little different. Doug didn’t take much to Deidre, though she liked him a lot. Deidre complained about that to Shari many times. It was odd too. Even as she was complaining, in the same breath she would say what a great guy Doug was and how lucky Shari was to have him. It wasn’t as though she was trying to break them up.”

“It sounds like Deidre just wanted Doug to like her too,” said Cindy.

“Yes, that’s it,” said Edward. “But I didn’t like any of it. It gave me the creeps. Once I told Deidre to get a life and find a guy of her own. I said she didn’t need to be friends with Shari’s boyfriends.”

“How did she take that?” asked Cindy.

“Not well,” Edward confessed. “But Deidre never liked anything I said to her. She told me to butt out and get my own life.”

“Fresh,” Cindy commented, “but you still haven’t told me why in the world she would harm Shari now.”

“Talk to Deidre yourself.” Edward’s voice got lower and suspicious. “She seems to have taken a liking to you. There could be all kinds of reasons to hurt Shari brewing inside her.”

“Have you mentioned this to your wife?” Cindy asked, aghast.

“No,” Edward burst out, “I wouldn’t dare. And remember you said this was confidential, privileged communication. I only wanted to give you a heads-up when you talk to Deidre later on.”

“Of course,” Cindy concurred, “I appreciate your sharing this with me.”

“You do?” asked Edward, startled.

“Yes, the more honest you are the better it will be for all. And the sooner we’ll get to the truth of what happened.”

Edward took a deep breath and smiled wanly then. “Oh, look at that.” He turned suddenly. “[cl12] “I just thought I saw the turtles making their way to the ocean, look Shari, look!”

“I’m Cindy, not Shari,” Cindy said softly.

“Oh God, how I wish it was Shari I was sitting here with now,” he replied, , distraught. “How I wish time had never gone by.”

*

A strange peace descended upon Edward as he drove Cindy back to the hotel. They drove quietly, saying little but both of them feeling at ease.

“I’m proud of you, Edward,” Cindy finally said to him as they were a block or two away. “It took courage to tell me what you were thinking. I’m grateful for your trust in me.”

Edward closed his eyes and smiled wanly. “You’re a special woman, Cindy,” he repeated. “I couldn’t have said it to anyone else. I know you only want the best for me and Shari. I know you’ll help me find the truth. But you won’t tell anyone, either. If my worst suspicions are confirmed, I don’t want to do anything about it. I couldn’t bear to lose Deidre now, too.”





Chapter 14


To Cindy’s surprise, when she got up to her hotel room Mattheus was there with Doug’s sister, Kate. Apparently Mattheus had been spending time with Doug and his family again and Kate insisted on returning with him to see Cindy again.

“You made quite an impression on Kate,” Mattheus started, as Cindy walked into the room. “She’s been asking to see you all morning.”

Cindy went over to Kate and gave her a little hug. “I’m delighted to see you again, as well,” Cindy replied.

“Can we two go and take a walk alone somewhere?” Kate asked then, glancing over at Mattheus surreptitiously.

“I’m not exactly the enemy,” Mattheus said in a joking manner. “But I completely understand when women need to talk alone.”

“Thanks.” Kate flashed a look at Cindy.

“The girls club,” Mattheus said lightly, “I see it all the time.”

“I beg your pardon?” Kate seemed to take offense. “I don’t like being called a girl—especially in such a condescending manner.”

“Whoa!” Mattheus’s eyes opened wide.

“I consider myself a young woman,” Kate went on. “And what I have to say matters.”

“Of course it does,” Cindy interrupted. “Mattheus was not suggesting that it did not.”

“I’m not sure what he’s suggesting,” Kate remarked. “But I have to speak to you alone.”

“It’s absolutely fine,” said Cindy, “and I’m glad you let us know how you’re feeling.”

“Definitely,” Mattheus went along. “I was just joking. I’m glad for you to spend time with Cindy, Kate.” He tried to ease her feelings.