Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“I can see them separately.” Cindy’s voice grew dim.

“I need loyalty,” Mattheus said gruffly. “If someone is against me, I need you on my side.”

“I am on your side, Mattheus,” Cindy said, bitterness filling her heart. “I have always been on your side and I always will. Take a minute and really think about what you’re asking of me.”



The wind blew hard at both of them then, tossing Cindy’s hair across her face, which, to her surprise, was wet with tears falling.

*

Cindy tried to call her family several times, but they didn’t answer. As she watched the afternoon drift into evening, she realized that they would soon be boarding the plane to return home. Would this be the end of their relationship? The idea was incomprehensible to her, but stranger things had happened. She’d heard of families who hadn’t spoken for years. Of course, Mattheus’s feelings were also understandable. He’d felt hurt by them and Cindy realized that. She would have liked nothing more than to straighten it all out with her family and wondered if they’d ever pick up the phone again. After their discussion, Mattheus had gone downstairs alone, and Cindy was glad that he had. She hadn’t asked where he was going or when he’d be back, either. They both definitely needed time alone.

Cindy sat on the balcony and watched night fall, as a sliver of the moon glimmered behind the thick clouds. Cindy had seen this side of Mattheus before, but it hadn’t hit her as hard as it did tonight. Was this par for the course for an engagement? Everyone said it was a time when all issues with families came up to be handled. Or was this more than that? Was it a red flag, warning her of upcoming danger in her relationship with him?

It was quite a bit later when the phone finally rang. Cindy reached for it slowly, thinking it was either Mattheus or Frank. To her surprise, Edward was on the other end.

“Sorry to call you so late,” he said hastily. “Is it too late to talk?”

“No, go ahead,” said Cindy.

“Mitch Boden wants to meet with you tomorrow morning,” Edward went on.

“Who?” Cindy asked, confused for a moment.

“Shari’s psychiatrist. He’s down here visiting, helping both families. He’s spoken to Marla and also Doug. I told him you also wanted to talk to him.”

“Oh, yes, of course,” said Cindy, “that’s a good idea.”

“Great.” Edward seemed relieved. “Can you meet him in Doug’s room, at about nine thirty?”

“Sure,” said Cindy, “I’ll be there.”

Cindy hung up feeling relieved as well. It was great to have the case to focus on now. She’d have to go to bed early to be in shape for it. She got up, ran her hands through her hair and went to the bathroom to wash up.

On her way to the bathroom, Cindy heard the door to the suite open. It had to be Mattheus returning. Cindy rushed into the bathroom, closed the door, turned on the shower, took off her clothes and stepped into the shower, fast. As the warm water poured over her, Cindy stood there for a long while wondering what would happen between her and Mattheus next.

*

Cindy and Mattheus slept on separate sides of the bed, not speaking to one another. When Cindy awoke early to make her appointment, he was still sleeping. Once again, she left him a brief note.

I’m going to speak to Shari’s psychiatrist in Doug’s room. After that, we’ve got to talk.

Then she slipped into a new pair of linen slacks, put on a fresh blouse, did her makeup and walked out of the room ready for work.





Chapter 16


Dr. Mitch Boden was a formidable figure. Tall, with salt and pepper hair and dressed in a beige linen suit and blue striped shirt, he stood at the sofa in Doug’s room when Cindy walked in.

“How do you do, Cindy,” Dr. Boden said in a resonant voice as soon as she entered.

“Pleased to meet you,” Cindy responded, extending her hand.

As the room was empty except for Cindy and Dr. Boden, she took a moment to look around. This was the room Shari had stayed in before her death. Cindy had been in the room briefly when she’d first met Doug, but hadn’t had the opportunity to inspect it carefully. She wanted to do so now. Cindy wondered, in passing, if any unseen evidence could possibly be lying around.

Open, airy and well appointed, there was nothing particularly noticeable about the surroundings, though.

“Won’t you sit down on the sofa, so we can talk.” Dr. Boden took charge immediately.

“Thanks,” said Cindy, walking over and scanning everything with care. As she approached the sofa, suddenly an odd-shaped peach-colored clay mark caught Cindy’s eye. It was ground into the light gray carpet, hardly noticeable at all. Cindy sat down, leaned over and rubbed her hands over it.

“Something wrong?” Dr. Boden asked, watching Cindy intently.

“No, not at all, I’m sorry,” said Cindy. “Just looking around at the room Shari and Doug shared before she died.”