Death by Jealousy (Caribbean Murder #6)

“I agree,” said Mattheus. “That’s why we have to dig deeper into other avenues as well. Will you speak to Mac about getting us complete access to the company’s records?”


That was a completely different turn. “What exactly are you looking for?” said Cindy.

“Peter’s father owns the company, Peter’s a top player, too. There could have been a transaction that someone didn’t like. I’m looking for some sign of irregularity in their dealings.” Mattheus was ruminating.

“Why would they kill Allie, though? It doesn’t make sense.”

“When I find something off at the company, I’ll be better able to answer that question,” Mattheus drummed his fingers on the table.

“I’m sure the police have been over it a hundred times,” Cindy was unimpressed.

“That doesn’t mean a thing. The police could be in the company’s pockets, paid off plenty for all we know. There’s big money down on this Island, no one’s immune.”

Cindy looked over at Mattheus. Although his eyes were clouded, she was suddenly struck again with how beautiful they were, how much he cared about what he was doing. At the same time, he seemed much more edgy than he used to be. It was harder for both of them going through the investigation when things were so rocky between them.

Cindy put her hand over his lightly, and Mattheus looked down at it, coolly, surprised.

“That’s nice,” he said, “but I don’t know if you realize that you haven’t actually reached out and touched me since we first saw each other in Key West.”

Cindy hadn’t realized he’d been keeping track.

“That’s a long, long time between hugs,” Mattheus said, looking at her hand. “Holding hands doesn’t really do it for me. I did that in high school.”

Cindy felt put on the spot.

“My guess is that you’re still mad at me when I spoiled our vacation in the middle and decided to take on the next case,” said Mattheus.

“I’m not mad at you, Mattheus,” Cindy replied, “I’m uncertain about what’s possible. We needed that time together. We promised each other -.”

“You put our personal pleasure before helping someone who was in trouble? I’d say that’s pretty selfish,” Mattheus replied.

“There’s always going to be someone who’s in trouble,” Cindy shot back. “What about us? Now we’re in trouble. Our relationship is --.”

Mattheus wasn’t really listening. “I miss being held,” he went on. “It’s not the same working together with this weird tension between us. It’s not even healthy.”

“No, it isn’t,” Cindy agreed.

Mattheus shook his head glumly. “A guy has his needs,” he muttered under his breath.

“Is that why you spent so much time with Vivien?” Cindy retorted.

“Jesus, we’re back to that again?” said Mattheus. “You think I’m stepping out on you when I focus in on a suspect and spend extra time with them?” He pulled his hand away from hers.

“I never said that,” Cindy bristled.

“I’m on a case and so are you. Vivien has a lot of good information. I want to hear every word she has to say.” Mattheus looked fed up.

“I’m sure you do,” said Cindy. “But why didn’t say a thing to me about it? That’s irregular, Mattheus.”

Mattheus ran his hands over his face slowly.

“I don’t have the energy for this nonsense right now,” he said, “especially the way things are between us. Who says we’re even back together? We’re sleeping in separate beds, aren’t we? Why shouldn’t we both have the freedom to do anything we like at this moment in time?”

Cindy felt as though she’d been punched in the gut. “A relationship is more than a moment in time. It takes lots of moments, Mattheus. It takes patience, devotion.” She felt heartsick. Once again they’d said they’d go slow, see how things developed. And once again they’d landed on a rocky shore. “If you want to see other people, just tell me.”

“There’s just one obstacle after another between us,” Mattheus grumbled. “I don’t want to upset you – I don’t know what I want. I guess we both need time.”

Cindy realized that Mattheus was still just fresh from all the shocks he’d had in Key West. How could he really trust anyone at this point? How could he let himself get really close?

“Time is good,” Cindy said quietly. “We learn everything in time.”

Thankfully, Cindy’s cell phone rang and she picked it up quickly.

“We’re ready to see you now,” a soft, male voice said. “Room 1033.” That had to be Allie’s father.

“Allie’s parents are ready for us to come up to their room now,” Cindy said.

She and Mattheus got up abruptly then and walked to the elevator without saying another word.

*

Mattheus knocked on the door of room 1033, and an older man, slightly bent over, opened it. He had grey hair, bleary eyes and an unbearably sad expression.

“I’m Allie’s father,” he said dimly.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Cindy said immediately.

“Thank you,” he acknowledged her for a moment, and then ushered them into the