Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“You said you were definitely against the marriage.” Cindy wanted to hear her say more.

“Absolutely, and I let it be known that Doug was definitely getting into trouble marrying her.”

Cindy was startled by Kate’s certainty. “Why? Because of Shari’s depression?”

Kate made a sour face. “You can call it anything you like. A lot of lousy behavior gets excused by calling it depression. But depression or no depression, Shari had lots of boyfriends. If she was so depressed how did she manage that?”

“Good question,” said Cindy.

“And none of her relationships turned out well,” Kate added. “She tired of guys easily. If you asked me, they were her toys.”

“I thought she and Doug met in college and were together for a long time.” Cindy was confused.

“Sure, they met in college, but Shari and Doug were on and off,” Kate quickly added. “When they were off, they both dated other people. I always thought Shari felt better when they were off and she was with someone else. She was popular with guys and it gave her a high to be out there dating.”

“So why did she always end up back with Doug?” Cindy asked.

“I’m not really sure.” Kate’s eyes narrowed. “She and Doug said they missed each other, or something. At least that’s what we heard. Doug said nobody made him as happy as Shari.”

Cindy stopped walking and looked at Kate. “Could that have been so?” asked Cindy. “It makes sense to me, it’s possible.”

Kate rubbed her hands on her face. “Sounds good, doesn’t it? But I never bought it. You know, the last time the two of them broke up, Doug was dating a terrific girl, named Cayenne.”

“Yes, I heard about her,” said Cindy.

“From who?” Kate seemed surprised.

“Just basic information,” said Cindy. “Was Cayenne still involved with Doug after they broke up?”

“No, not really,” said Kate. “Doug wanted to stay friends, of course, but she didn’t. Doug always stayed friends with the women he broke up with.”

“Really?” said Cindy. “How did Shari deal with that?”

“The funny thing,” said Kate, “is that it didn’t seem to bother her much.”

Cindy and Kate looked at each other silently then.

“Was Shari really in love with Doug?” Cindy asked softly.

“Exactly my point, exactly my question!” Kate looked appreciatively at Cindy. “That’s what I kept wondering all the time. When I once said that to Doug, I thought he’d go crazy. He told me never, ever to say that again.”

“If Shari didn’t love Doug, why would she marry him then?” Cindy felt unclear.

“Let’s take this turn here and get something to eat,” said Kate then. “I’m hungry and they have my favorite fresh fish sandwiches with delicious cole slaw.”

Cindy and Kate turned through a narrow, bumpy path which led out onto Veneto Lane. The street was filled with shops, eateries and local people lounging around the streets. A delicious smell of both ocean and cooking wafted over them.

Kate chose a little restaurant nearby. “I love it here, I’ve been here before,” she said as she and Cindy entered and took seats at a bar.

The restaurant was small, but clean and open to both the water and sky. There was a big, old wooden bar and a few tables here and there. Right now the place was almost empty.

“Two fresh cod sandwiches and Cokes,” Kate called out to no one in particular. “The guy who brings the food is back there now, but he’ll hear me,” she explained. “It’s not noon yet, but it’s still open. They’re getting things ready.”

Cindy was glad to be sitting down. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was as well. Once they were settled, to Cindy’s surprise, Kate reached out and gave her hand a squeeze.

“I’m really grateful to you for listening,” said Kate. “There’s no one else I can really talk to.”

“I’m grateful to you for talking to me so honestly,” Cindy replied.

“Everyone’s so devastated by Shari’s death,” Kate went on. “And I’m not saying my family isn’t horrified also. When he first heard my father couldn’t sleep the whole night. He kept pacing back and forth.”

“Of course,” said Cindy. “And how about you?”

“That’s what I want to tell you.” Kate stopped talking then and suddenly grinned at the waiter who emerged from the back, carrying two, huge sandwiches with cole slaw, French fries and Cokes.

“Boy, that was fast,” said Cindy as he slapped the sandwiches down in front of her and Kate.

“They have a bunch of these sandwiches ready at lunch time,” Kate informed Cindy, giving the waiter a thumbs-up.

The sandwiches looked delicious, but Cindy didn’t want to lose track of what she and Kate had been talking about.

“Kate, are you horrified by Shari’s death, too?” Cindy repeated.

“No, I’m not horrified,” Kate responded, grabbing the sandwich and taking a huge bite of it. “In a strange way, I’m not even surprised.”