Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“It’s interesting to talk to a detective,” Dr. Boden commented. “Quite a daring job for a young woman, isn’t it?”


“I love my work,” Cindy replied, immediately engaged.

“That’s wonderful,” he said.

“I understand that you knew Shari quite well.” Cindy changed the topic abruptly.

“Yes, very well,” Dr. Boden said quietly, reflecting on it all for a moment.

“This must be quite a shock for you,” Cindy went on.

“Absolutely, it is a shock,” Dr. Boden replied evenly. “Even though it’s not unusual for depressed patients to take their lives, it’s always a shock when it happens.”

Cindy valued and respected his honesty.

“I liked Shari very much,” Dr. Boden continued. “She was a lovely young woman in so many ways.”

“There was no sign that anything like this was coming?” Cindy was curious.

“If you are asking whether or not Shari reported suicidal ideation, the answer is no,” he went on. “However, over time, suicidal wishes can develop unconsciously. Patients who experience depression on a long-standing basis go through peaks and valleys.”

“Naturally, “said Cindy. “Shari was fortunate to have you caring for her all these years.”

“I was also fortunate to help her and the family,” he responded somberly.



“Was Shari happy about her upcoming marriage?” Cindy realized how strongly she felt something more was amiss, something she hadn’t yet discovered. “Did Shari have apprehensions she discussed with you?”

“Naturally, she had apprehensions, like any woman would. We worked on those over time,” Dr. Boden replied.

“Shari came to know definitely that Doug was the right one for her?” Cindy wanted assurances.

“Yes, it was a process that took time,” Dr. Boden agreed. “Over times couples get to see all sides of one another and gradually become at home with it all. Doug is a fine young man. He was a healthy choice for a mate for Shari.”

“But was she happy about the marriage?” Cindy needed a definite reply.

“Yes, she was,” Dr. Boden finally concluded. “And it’s also important to note that a dangerous time for depressed patients is when the depression lifts and they start to feel good. It’s not uncommon for them to suddenly turn at those times and harm themselves.”

“That doesn’t make sense, though, does it?” asked Cindy.

“Not superficially,” Dr. Boden replied, “but sometimes the realization of what happiness feels like, and the horror at all the pain they’ve been in and time lost, causes an unexpected response. It often feels more familiar and safer to be depressed than to suddenly feel joy. Joy is threatening for many, they can’t tolerate it well.” Dr. Boden spoke calmly, seemingly enjoying the conversation.

“But I heard that Shari was quite happy when she was dating others.” Cindy decided to throw him a left curve. “I heard that she dated a lot when she and Doug were broken up, and that she enjoyed it.”

“Who said that?” Dr. Boden was curious.

Cindy was about to tell him, but then recoiled. “Someone who knew her for a long time,” was all she would reply.

“There are many ways of looking at Shari’s behavior.” He leaned forward toward Cindy and spoke in a confidential manner. “Shari based her world around the man in her life, something she and I worked on for a long time. It was difficult to make her realize how important it was to have an identity and life of her own.”

Cindy took a swift breath in. For a flashing moment she wished that Mattheus could be here with her now, listening to Dr. Boden. Of course Mattheus would agree with him, intellectually. But Cindy wondered if Mattheus would really get it, deep in his bones.

“Shari craved the security a strong man could bring,” Dr. Boden continued. “Of course that put her in a precarious position.”

“Are you suggesting that’s an illness?” asked Cindy, irked. “It doesn’t sound so unusual to me.”

“No, of course it’s not unusual,” said Dr. Boden, “but when Shari didn’t feel secure with the man in her life, her moods began to swing.”

“That’s not good,” Cindy agreed, realizing how common that was.

“It’s never good to depend so fully on someone else for your own sense of balance and well-being,” he said calmly. “People change, life brings challenges.”

“Are you suggesting Shari wasn’t feeling secure with Doug when they were down here looking for wedding venues?” Cindy was right on it.

“I have no idea what she was feeling at the time she jumped,” Dr. Boden replied, “I wasn’t here. But mostly, she did feel safe with Doug and that’s why we all thought she was ready for marriage and that he was an excellent choice.”

It seemed clear that Dr. Boden had made up his mind that her death was a suicide.