Death by Jealousy (Caribbean Murder #6)

“Seems fair to me,” said Cindy.

“It’s fine. Take the morning off, relax a little,” Mattheus suggested. “I’m going to stay at the office and work on their computers for as long as I can. When I get back we can drive down to the drug dealer and see what else crops up.”

Cindy liked the idea of taking the morning off. A walk at the beach and swim in the ocean would absolutely hit the spot. She knew how badly she needed time to unwind.

“Perfect plan,” said Cindy as Mattheus got up and left.

*

Even before she went to the beach Cindy decided to indulge herself. She would start the day with a massage. There was a luxurious spa in the hotel and at this hour in the morning, Cindy guessed someone would be available to take her right now.

Cindy made her way directly to the spa, and to her delight, she guessed right. There was an opening, and she was able to book an appointment for right then.

The spa was incredibly beautiful, made of wood, bamboo, and hand painted tiles. The soft smell of incense greeted her as she was led through the open hallways, to the massage room.

Cindy entered the room, pulled the curtains closed, took off her clothes, covered herself with a long, plush towel and lay down to wait. The sound of a little waterfall in the room rippled over her mind, helping her relax. Cindy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This was a luxury she hadn’t allowed herself for a long time.

A lovely, young woman with a Jamaican accent, opened the door and came in.

“I’m Carita,” the young woman introduced herself.

“Thanks for taking me on such short notice,” said Cindy, turning around and smiling at her.

Carita smiled back, put on soft music and came over to Cindy. Then she opened a jar that sat on a little table. It was pungent lavender massage oil that Carita slowly rubbed over Cindy’s tense shoulders and arms. Cindy felt her body ease up as the warm oil soaked through her skin, filling the room with its delicious aroma. Why hadn’t she thought of doing this sooner?

“You’re a guest at the hotel?” Carita asked, pleasantly, making small talk.

Cindy didn’t really feel like talking at the moment. “Mmm hmmmm,” she said.

“Terrible, isn’t it what happened to that young woman?” Carita went on.

Cindy knew that some masseuses felt their clients enjoyed it when they chatted with them. She didn’t know how to tell Carita how badly she needed quiet, that she’d heard all about it and didn’t want to hear another word right now.

“Everyone’s talking about the drowning,” Carita went on in a lilting tone. “They say the body was a wreck. People at the hotel are nervous.”

“Hmmmm hmmm,” Cindy responded, desperate to put it as far from her mind as she could. At least for a few hours this morning.

“Actually, I just did an early massage with one of my regulars, a guest at the wedding, who’s been coming for massages every day,” Carita’s voice assumed a hushed, urgent tone.

Cindy closed her eyes more deeply. She couldn’t escape it, wherever she went. It was understandable that guests from the wedding would come for massages. The tension had to be terrible for all of them. What better way to unwind?

“She’s a gorgeous girl, a beautiful red head,” Carita went on, half to herself.

Cindy listened.

“I gave her an extra early appointment, today. She has so much to do, so busy helping the detectives solve the case.”

“Helping the detectives?” Cindy exclaimed, loudly.

Carita, startled, jumped. “Did I say something wrong? she asked.

Your client has long, red hair?” Cindy asked, alerted.

“Yes, that’s right,” said Carita, “long red hair. She’s meets with the top detective every day and tells him everything she knows. This is a very, very important person in the case. It’s an honor to take care of her.”

Cindy felt a wave of tension return and flood through her body. Was it possible that Vivien was meeting with Mattheus every day?

“What does she tell the detective?” Cindy asked, alarmed.

Carita stopped massaging for a moment. “Calm down, calm down,” she started stroking Cindy harder. “It’s okay, the danger’s over. They found the body and my client told me the detective she talks to is the best in the world. He promised he’ll find the killer. He’s so handsome and smart, she just loves meeting with him. He even told her there was no way he could have solved the case without her help. That means so much to her.”

“I’m sure it does,” said Cindy curtly.

Cindy wanted to jump up off the table, pull on her clothes, run out of there. Of course Vivien could be fantasizing, making up stories, or it could be something was really going on between her and Mattheus.

“Her name is Vivien?” Cindy asked quickly, just to make sure.

“Yes, that’s right, Vivien,” Carita replied in her lilting tone.