Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“You seem certain that Shari jumped,” Cindy commented.

“Yes, of course,” he replied without hesitation. “Given Shari’s history and the mixture of feelings she must have felt upon actually committing to a wedding venue, I believe the illness got the better of her. When people get close to getting what they want, it’s not unusual for them to suddenly sabotage their happiness. I see it all the time.”

Cindy couldn’t help but think of Mattheus. Was that what he was doing? Was she doing that, as well?

“Why did you ask me if I were certain that Shari jumped?” Dr. Boden seemed troubled by Cindy’s question. “What else could have happened to her?”

Cindy searched her mind quickly to find a suitable answer. She realized that at this point there was no way she could build a case for foul play. There was no solid evidence and no one was a viable suspect. Of course Edward suspected Deidre, but there was absolutely no evidence backing that up. Then, suddenly, Cindy flashed upon something.

“Did you know there’s recently been a small crime spree in Aruba? Two young women were killed here a few months ago,” Cindy declared. “Case went cold. Suspect still not apprehended.”



Dr. Boden seemed momentarily stunned. “No, I hadn’t heard it,” he finally said, “but that seems farfetched. Has there been any evidence at all pointing to Shari being another victim? Any connection between the cases? No one’s even suggested it.” He quickly stood up.

“I’ve looked into it,” Cindy continued, matter-of-factly, happy to have something to hang her hat on. “The suspect was thought to live in Amaneuten. I went down there and talked to people. Right now he’s nowhere to be found but the people down there are definitely nervous that he will strike again.”

“Why haven’t I heard about this?” Now Dr. Boden seemed nervous as well.

“I believe it’s easier for the police to lay low and consider it a cold case,” Cindy quipped. “There are tons of them around, especially in Aruba.”

“But what are the chances that something like that could have happened to Shari?” Dr. Boden looked at Cindy intensely. “Were the other victims similar to her? Is there some pattern repeating itself?”

“No,” Cindy admitted quietly. “The other victims were two single women who came down to Aruba to have a good time. They hung around at the clubs and casinos. From what I understand Shari was accompanied by Doug wherever she went. Except on her final walk the evening she died.”

Dr. Boden breathed more easily. “Thank heavens for that,” he uttered.

“Thank heavens?” Cindy replied softly. “Whether or not Shari was always accompanied by her fiancé, her life also came to a terrible end.”

“Yes, it did,” Dr. Boden agreed sadly. “And for that I feel deep regret. But I strongly urge you not to mention these other victims to the family. The idea of Shari being murdered would make her loss so much more difficult to bear. There’s no reason to bring that possibility into the picture without strong evidence to back it up. When I explain to the family that Shari’s illness took her, that’s more manageable for them, somehow. I explain that depression can be like an emotional cancer. It’s something they can get their minds around.”

Dr. Boden’s comments made sense, were well thought out and compassionate. There was only one thing wrong with them. They weren’t concerned with what actually happened, only with the best way to help the family recover from the shock. But whether her family could bear it or not, Cindy’s first responsibility was to find out what actually took place that horrible night.

There seemed little more to go over at the moment. “I really appreciate your time,” Dr. Boden said, obviously eager then for the interview to end. “It’s been my pleasure to help you.”

Before she left, though, Cindy wanted to hear his conclusion just one more time. “So, in your expert opinion,” Cindy repeated, “you would say that Shari took her own life?”

“I do believe that’s what happened,” Dr. Boden responded, looking at Cindy closely. “Why are you so reluctant to believe that?”

Cindy was surprised that her reluctance was so clear. “I’m working for Shari’s father,” she responded. “I’m committed to finding out the truth.”

“But you seem unwilling to even accept the possibility that Shari took her own life,” Dr. Boden repeated, an edge of exasperation in his tone.

In a flash Cindy realized that he was correct.

“That’s true,” she conceded. “At the moment I have nothing tangible to base it upon either, just something I’m sensing, that keeps getting stronger.”

Dr. Boden’s eyes opened with interest. “What?”