Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

*

Just as before, Shari’s Facebook page showed nothing at all unusual. There were lots of pictures of her family, Doug, friends, and all kinds of chit-chat. As Deidre suggested, Cindy scrolled down, followed chains of messages, digging deeper. Suddenly, a message Cindy hadn’t seen before appeared. It was a short note from someone named Glenna.

Don’t marry Doug, the note declared. You’re not in shape to do it. You can’t handle a guy like him.

Cindy was stunned that something like that would be right out there in full view for the public.

Shari had only made a brief response. Have confidence in me, Glenna. Everyone else has. Why not you?

Cindy was taken off guard by the short exchange. Was Glenna suggesting that Doug was hard to handle? Or was she just pointing to the fact that Shari wasn’t emotionally ready to make any commitments in her life right then? Whatever it was, this exchange was startling. It was the first hint of trouble coming.

Cindy scrolled further and looked more deeply, but nothing else surfaced that even remotely suggested difficulty. Most people were thrilled for Shari, thought the world of Doug, and couldn’t wait to hear about the wedding venue they were choosing.

Have you guys set a date yet? a message underneath asked.

Post pictures immediately as soon as you choose the venue, another note nearby said.

As Cindy sat gazing at the messages, the door opened and Mattheus walked in.

“Okay, come on,” he said, coming over and tipping closed the top of her computer. “Time for a break. Time to enjoy.”

Cindy ran her hands through her hair. “Good to see you,” she said, standing up and putting her arms around Mattheus.

“You, too,” he murmured. “But now let’s really take a break and get to the beach.”

*

As Cindy expected, the beach was empty when she and Mattheus arrived. Strong winds, heavy clouds and rolling surf were keeping others away.

“Looks like the storm is going to hit,” Cindy commented, looking at the scattered debris thrown up on the shore by the ocean.

“The news said there’s a seventy-five percent chance of it,” Mattheus replied, as he took Cindy’s hand and pulled her down with him to the edge of the ocean. “God, it’s beautiful here, today,” he went on, taking a deep breath.

Cindy enjoyed the thrill of it, too. “It really is,” she agreed, disturbed that there was such a high possibility of the storm hitting.

“I’d better get back to the scene of the crime right away, before heavy rains wash remaining evidence away,” she murmured, looking around.

“You’ve been there already.” Mattheus snapped to attention.

“But I’m in a different frame of mind now,” Cindy responded. “And I’ve gathered lots more information since I was there before.”

Mattheus grew silent. “How much remaining evidence could there be left there by now?” he asked in a strained tone.

“You never know, and there are also a few other possibilities there I want to check,” Cindy said as the moisture in the air grew thicker. “I’m just going for a little while.”

“No,” Mattheus retorted, digging his feet into the sand. “After our time on the beach, you’re coming back to the hotel with me.”

Cindy was annoyed by his obstinacy. “This is an important stop for me before we go home,” Cindy replied.

“Really?” Mattheus’s voice got louder. “Do you really need to go to the scene of the crime, or do you just want to get away from me?”

“Mattheus, don’t start that again now!” Cindy was tired of it. “What’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me? Is there something wrong with enjoying uncomplicated time on the beach with your fiancée before you pack up and leave?” asked Mattheus as the wind blew harder at them.

Cindy flinched. What was he talking about? Was Mattheus thinking they were going to pack up and leave today?

“You’re not planning to leave right away, are you?” Cindy asked lightly.

“Actually, I am,” he replied. “It’s good to get out before the storm actually hits.”

That didn’t sound like Mattheus, either. Cindy couldn’t remember when he’d run away from a storm.

“What about finding our wedding venue?” Cindy asked, quickly hoping to find a way to turn the conversation around.

“Good question.” Mattheus stopped walking and rubbed his toes into the moist sand. “What about it?” He turned and looked at Cindy searingly. “Is a wedding venue even something you’re interested in at all?”

Cindy stopped as well. “Of course I am, why would you say that?”

“Because I haven’t heard a word about it from you,” Mattheus continued. “I’ve been waiting for you to mention our wedding even once, and you haven’t. All I’ve heard are more and more details about the case.”

Cindy looked away, out over the ocean to the horizon which was barely visible now. “I’ve been preoccupied,” she said softly, realizing it.