Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“I’d say that’s putting it mildly,” said Mattheus.

“I’m sorry,” Cindy said, “I really am sorry. I’ve been overwhelmed.”

Mattheus stopped and looked at her clearly. “Look, you need to finish up now because the storm’s coming and Shari and Doug’s families are both going to pack up and leave anyway before it hits.”

“Really? You’re positive?” Cindy was startled.

“It makes sense, doesn’t it?” Mattheus asked.

“Yes, of course,” Cindy conceded, “but there’s one more person on her way down here now who I have to talk to, a woman named Cayenne.”

“I couldn’t care less what her name is.” Mattheus’s jaw began to clench.

“She’s Doug’s former girlfriend, the one he was with before he and Shari got back together again,” Cindy filled him in.

“So what? So this lady’s coming down to comfort her ex-boyfriend and get back with him!” Mattheus was upset. “What business is it of ours?”

“Shari’s sister told me it was important to hear what Cayenne has to say,” Cindy quickly responded.

“Everything’s important, isn’t it?” Mattheus went on then. “Every last thing but me.”

“You’re the most important of all,” Cindy breathed quickly.

“If you feel that way, show it to me. Do one thing I want,” he replied.

“What exactly do you want?” Cindy asked. “For us to pack up and leave when I’m close to finding out if a killer is on the loose? Is that really all right with you?”

“There’s not one bit of evidence that a killer’s on the loose.” Mattheus looked frozen. “Not one bit at all. This is the father’s fantasy and he’s pulled you into it. Can’t you see that?”

Cindy had no sense of having been pulled into anyone’s fantasy. She’d been checking things out methodically for herself. Each time she spoke to someone else, her level of doubt that it was a suicide grew higher.

“It’s not a fantasy, Mattheus,” Cindy defended herself. “There’s a whole chain of information I’ve received that’s caused me to be doubtful.”

“Okay, I believe that,” Mattheus grumbled. “But circumstantial evidence can take months and months to bring to fruition.”

“Besides, we have to stay longer, anyway, to find a wedding venue.” Cindy tried to be lighthearted and playful. It didn’t work.

Mattheus spun around, away from Cindy, and looked out at the furthest part of the sky.

“Are we ready to take a wedding venue?” His voice quivered. “We can’t seem to even agree on small things.”

“Mattheus”—Cindy put her hands on his shoulders—“what are you saying? You’re blowing this all up out of proportion.”

Mattheus wouldn’t answer and Cindy finally turned away from him as well. As she looked back on the sand, to her surprise, Cindy suddenly saw a lone figure walking toward them.

“Oh my God, someone’s coming,” Cindy exclaimed.

“Who?” Mattheus turned to look abruptly.

As the figure in the distance grew closer, Cindy saw a beautiful young woman in her late twenties, with long red hair tossed by the wind. She was walking purposively toward Cindy and Mattheus.

“Who is it?” asked Cindy.

“Beats me,” said Mattheus.

“Cindy and Mattheus?” The young woman picked up her speed and drew close to them.

“Cayenne?” Cindy asked, suddenly flashing on who it could be.

“Yes, that’s right.” The young woman seemed pleased to be recognized. “I heard you two were still down in Aruba.”

“Yes, we are.” Cindy tried to speak to her, but Cayenne’s gaze was completely fastened on Mattheus.

“How can we help you?” Mattheus responded.

“I need to talk to you,” Cayenne replied, taking a step toward him, bypassing Cindy.

“Talk to me about what?” Mattheus voice grew concerned.

“I’m Doug’s ex-girlfriend,” Cayenne started, as light rain began to fall. “Oh my God, the storm’s starting.”

“Not yet,” Cindy interrupted. “Just light rain at the moment. “

Cayenne held out her two hands. “Light rain isn’t good either,” she said, reminding Cindy of a frightened child.

“Can we talk to you in a little while back at the hotel? “ Cindy intervened. “I have to go to the crime scene before the rain gets heavier.”

Cayenne briefly turned her gaze to Cindy, then back to Mattheus once again.

“Is that all right with you, Mattheus?” she asked.

Mattheus smiled. “Yes, it’s fine with me, and thanks for asking. Thanks for caring about what I want.”

Cayenne slowly smiled. “But of course,” she murmured.

“Let’s go back now then,” said Mattheus, walking over to Cayenne. “When Cindy returns from the crime scene, you two can continue the conversation.”

Cayenne seemed relieved. “Good, and for now I’ll go back with you.”

“That works,” said Mattheus, throwing Cindy a brief glance, “unless of course Cindy wants to join us and give up returning to the crime scene again and again?”