Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

“What did you see?” asked Cindy swiftly.

“Not only was Doug getting more controlling, he was becoming abusive to me, trying to put me in my place. Of course there was no way I would stand for that.”

“Of course not,” breathed Cindy. This was an entirely different picture she was getting of Doug.

“And what about Shari? Would she accept that?”

“I imagine she did,” Cayenne continued, “but of course I can’t say for sure. She wasn’t as smart as me, she went through lots of sad times and wanted a strong man around. And she didn’t threaten Doug. So, for all I know he didn’t treat her that way.”

“For all you know,” murmured Cindy. “But you don’t know for sure?”

“No, I don’t,” Cayenne said more intently. “That’s why I came down.”

“Why?” asked Cindy, wanting a specific statement. “Why did you say you didn’t think Shari committed suicide? What do you think happened to her?”

Cayenne wrapped her arms around herself then. “I don’t want to accuse anybody.” Her voice dropped to a whisper then. “But figure it out for yourself, that’s your job, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is,” said Cindy. “But I need a direct statement from you.”

“I gave you enough,” said Cayenne sharply then. “Put the pieces together yourself. Or, if you need more information, why not call Glenna, Shari’s best friend?”

“Glenna? That was the name of the woman on Shari’s Facebook page who warned her not to marry Doug,” Cindy retorted.

“I didn’t see that message,” said Cayenne, “but I know Glenna, and it will be useful to talk to her. She and Shari were very tight. Doug couldn’t stand her. Anyway, Glenna knows everything that was going on in Shari’s life.”

“Cayenne, tell me, do you think Doug harmed Shari?” Cindy tried one more time to get beneath her cover.

Cayenne’s eyes started fluttering. “I didn’t say that, I’m not accusing anyone. But I had terrible nightmares after I heard that Shari died. I couldn’t rest. I kept thinking of what I’d gone through with Doug. I was frightened. I just wanted to come down and tell someone what was on my mind.”

“Thank you so much, Cayenne.” Cindy reached out and squeezed her hands. “You’ve done a wonderful thing to talk so honestly. If someone killed Shari, it could happen again. You’ve helped to even possibly save someone else’s life.”

“I know, I realize that.” Cayenne suddenly looked frazzled. “Please, please, call Glenna right away.”

“I will,” said Cindy as the two of them got up from the bench and, a bit wobbly, walked out the door of the Cave into the battering winds.





Chapter 20


Cindy quickly returned to her hotel room, half hoping Mattheus would be back by now.

The room was still empty though, and Cindy immediately flipped on the news.

“Level two Hurricane Anna about to hit Aruba,” the reporter proclaimed. Then he pointed to a map of low-lying areas that were in the greatest danger of harm.

Cindy immediately took her phone and texted Mattheus.

Where are you? Are you safe? What’s happening?

Then she sat down on the sofa waiting for an answer and realized she was trembling. Mattheus had never behaved like this before. Had he turned against her? Cindy suddenly felt a great sense of both fear and loss. No matter what Mattheus was going through, this was no way to handle it. There was no reason for him to leave without letting her know where he was.

Suddenly, the phone rang then. Completely relieved, Cindy quickly picked it up, expecting Mattheus on the other end.

To Cindy’s surprise it was Frank, calling from the States.

“Your mother and I can’t stop thinking about you,” Frank started immediately. “They say a terrible storm is about to hit Aruba. Are you safe? Are you well?”

“I’m safe in the hotel,” Cindy murmured, shocked to hear from him.

“Really, Cindy, are you okay?” Frank asked breathlessly. “Please let us know.”

For a moment Cindy wanted to break down and tell him that she wasn’t okay. Mattheus wasn’t here and she had no idea where he’d gone. She couldn’t say that, of course, it would only give more fuel to their flame.

“We’re so upset about what happened when we visited,” Frank continued. “We want to make it right, to talk to you.”

“Thank you so much, Frank,” Cindy breathed, “I appreciate that. I really do.”

“Thank God.” Frank sounded relieved as well. “There’s so much I need to fill you in on about what happened with Ann as well. I hope you won’t hate me forever for having that other relationship?”

“I don’t hate you at all, Frank,” Cindy replied. “Life takes all kinds of turns. I’d love to hear more about Ann though later on, and I am very grateful for your call.”