Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“A ticking time bomb,” Mattheus commented, not responding to the hug at all.

Cindy came around the chair and sat down beside him. “What do you mean?” she asked, slightly upset at not getting a hug in return.

“I mean Kate’s a ticking time bomb,” he repeated. “She’s the kind who thrives on trouble, enjoys dissension.”

Cindy was surprised at the vehemence in his tone. He and Kate truly disliked one another.

“I actually learned a lot from her,” Cindy said slowly. “Got a lot of good information.”

Mattheus reached out his hand for Cindy’s then. It relieved her greatly.

“Kate told me that both Shari and Doug dated other people regularly when they broke up,” Cindy went on.

“On again, off again,” Mattheus mused slowly. “When have I heard that refrain before?”

His voice sounded half bored, half cynical.

Cindy wanted to get to the heart of it, though. “The question is why they got back together this time. It sounded like Shari was a lot happier with other guys.”

“Cindy”—Mattheus turned to her swiftly—“I’m not really that interested in the ins and outs of Shari and Doug’s love life. It’s our love life that concerns me right now.”

Cindy flushed from head to toe. “I’m so sorry, Mattheus,” Cindy started.

“Sorry doesn’t do it,” he cut her off short. “I miss you, Cindy. I’m not happy like this.”



“I miss you, too,” Cindy breathed, feeling suddenly dizzy.

“And to top off our glorious vacation, I got another call from your mom and Frank,” Mattheus went on.

Cindy felt herself get pale. “What now?” she asked.

“They’re taking an early evening plane out of Aruba tonight,” Mattheus said, “and asked for one more chance to meet with us.”

“Oh my,” said Cindy, “I didn’t know they were still here. When did they call?”

“Right after you left with Kate,” said Mattheus. “Frank was the one who called, he sounded uptight. I’m sure your mother’s making it awful for him.”

“When do they want to see us? There’s not much time left,” Cindy breathed, feeling suddenly forlorn.

“No, you don’t get it, Cindy,” Mattheus interrupted. “I told them it was out of the question.”

Cindy’s mind began whirling. “What?” she replied. “You said that without asking me?”

“I said I had no desire to meet with them again right now,” Mattheus repeated.

“What did Frank say?” Cindy was aghast.

“He said then they’d like to meet with you alone,” Mattheus answered crisply.

“Fair enough,” said Cindy, breathless.

“No, you’re not getting the point.” Mattheus’s voice sounded grim. “There’s nothing fair about it at all. I told Frank we were a couple now and we would meet them together, or not at all.”

“That’s harsh, Mattheus.” Cindy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “This is my family,” she exclaimed.

Mattheus stood up swiftly from his chair then. “No, I’m your family now,” he replied. “You’re engaged to me, remember?”

“Are you saying I have to choose between you and them?” Cindy stood up swiftly as well, standing toe to toe with him.

“I’m saying how could you even want to go to dinner with people who treated me so badly, who bad-mouth me and want to break up the relationship?” Mattheus was appalled.

“They’re not people, they’re my family,” Cindy replied. “I have a right to talk to them and work the problems out.”

“Are you going to work out the problems between them and me, too?” Mattheus spoke heatedly.

“They invited both of us to dinner,” Cindy retorted.

“But I don’t want to see them again,” exclaimed Mattheus. “I have no desire to sit down at a table with them.”

“Not ever?” asked Cindy.

“Not now,” Mattheus breathed. “Especially the way things have been between us.”

Tears stung Cindy’s eyes and her heart began pounding. “Because I’ve been working on the case?”

“We came down here to celebrate our engagement,” said Mattheus, “and look how things have turned out.”

Deeply shaken, Cindy walked to the edge of the railing. Mattheus had no right to answer to her family for her. She could still call them, of course, and arrange the dinner, but what would that do to her relationship with him? Standing there, looking at the darkening sky, it seemed clear she would have to choose between them. At least for now.

“I need to speak to my family,” Cindy said silently.

“I can’t hear you.” Mattheus walked over to her.

“I won’t go to dinner with them,” Cindy spoke louder, “but I’m going to call back and speak to Frank and my mother. It’s not your place to answer for me.”

Mattheus grew silent and stiff at Cindy’s side.

“It’s going to have a terrible effect on our relationship if I have to give up my family for you,” Cindy went on. “How can I live with that over the long haul?”

“How will I live with them hovering over my life?” Mattheus retorted.