Death by Jealousy (Caribbean Murder #6)

Cindy took her hand away from his, as a parrot, in a nearby tree called out in a high, shrill tone.

“That’s what I mean,” said Mattheus. “I said something you didn’t like and you’re pulling away.”

“Is it possible you want me to pull away, Mattheus? Are you saying and doing things that you know will make me recoil?”

A small grin played around the edge of his mouth. “Not that I’m aware of,” he said.

Cindy sat up on the rock, straighter, “Come on,” she said, “you’re a smart guy, you’ve been around. How come you can’t face what’s going on in you?”

That comment didn’t sit well with Mattheus. He shook his head slowly. “Why does a lovely time in the woods have to turn into this?”

“It’s a shame,” Cindy agreed, as the parrot called out loudly again.

“Okay, let’s stay focused on the case,” Mattheus sat up straighter then as well.

“Obviously, we have to talk to Tad and Vivien next,” said Cindy. “Tad arranged for the diving expedition and Vivien had plenty of axes to grind.”

“I think you should speak to each one of them yourself,” said Mattheus, “I’ve talked to them already, and you’ll probably get a different take.”

That was their usual procedure, and Cindy was in agreement.

“In the meantime, I’ll research the company Peter works for more, get into details of what they’re involved in.”

“The police have done that already,” Cindy commented. “It’s all in the pre-report they gave us when we arrived. Everything was clear.”

“Never hurts to go over the data with a fresh eye,” said Mattheus.

“And we need the password to Peter’s email accounts. The company has got clearance. I’m sure Mac will give us that. It’s a good idea to go over Peter’s emails as well,” Cindy suggested. “I went over Allie’s last night, couldn’t get into Peter’s account.”

Mattheus looked surprised. “I didn’t know we needed clearance from the company to get into Peter’s personal email account?”

“We do,” said Cindy, “he’s involved with high level finance.”

Mattheus stuck out his lower lip. “That’s a code word for big money dealings,” he murmured, “bigger than you and I can imagine.”

“That’s right,” said Cindy, looking at Mattheus clearly. “That’s how come these people are rich. Is there something inherently wrong with that, Mattheus?”

“Not at all,” he replied, shaking his head. “Just depends where this money came from and what’s it doing out there in the world.”

“Peter’s father runs charities back in the States. He shares his wealth, he’s a benevolent person.”

“Very nice,” said Mattheus, sarcastically. “These charities could also be wonderful cover ups, a great way for money to shift hands.”

“That’s going too far,” said Cindy. “Clint’s family and Edward and Dana have been friends for years. Edward is well known in the States.”

“We’ll see,” said Mattheus, “and what makes you think Mac will give us clearance to get into Peter’s accounts?”

“He said he’d help us with whatever we needed,” Cindy replied.

“Isn’t Mac a partner in the company?” Mattheus commented. “Doesn’t Peter answer to him?”

“That’s right,” said Cindy, “he and Edward are partners.”

“And what about Tad?” Mattheus seemed as if he were sniffing out a trail, onto something.

“Tad’s Peter’s personal right hand man,” said Cindy.

“Pretty cozy,” said Mattheus.

Cindy was suddenly tired of sitting here talking to him. The wind was getting stronger, and the biting, sarcastic edge to his voice was getting to her. She wanted to get back to the hotel and start interviewing Vivien and Tad. She slid down the rock and stepped on the warm earth beneath her, breathing the exquisite aroma of flowers, trees and moist earth.

“Wind’s sure blowing up,” said Mattheus.

“Sure is,” said Cindy, “hope it doesn’t affect the festival.”

“It won’t, “said Mattheus, “people are gonna have a good time here, no matter what how much the wind blows and no matter who did or didn’t drown a few feet away.”

*

As they walked back to the hotel, an exciting sense of Mardi Gras was in the air. They could see more cars along the roads with banners, and groups of people along the sides of the roads making music, holding hands. Floats had started drifting down the main streets in town with people gathering to watch them along the route, cheering them on. All kinds of shops along the streets were open everywhere with food, souvenirs, and drinks. These were a few glorious days down in the Cayman Islands despite the fact that a nor Easter seemed to be on its way.

“This is a lousy time to track down a murder,” Cindy remarked, “too many strangers upsetting the equilibrium.”

“Could be a perfect time,” Mattheus said. “The murderer could feel safer, hidden by the crowds. For all we know they’ve come out of hiding and are joining in the celebration.”