Death by Jealousy (Caribbean Murder #6)

“You spend most of your time down here on the Island?” Cindy asked Mac, as she finished the squash soup.

“Recently,” he mumbled. “When we started the company, I split my time between here and the States. After my divorce, I mostly settled down here.”

“I’m sorry,” said Cindy.

Mac smiled. “Nothing to be sorry for,” he said. “The split hurt for a little while, but in the long run, was the best thing that ever happened to both of us.”

Cindy wondered who his wife was and what had happened between them. “Any children?” she asked.

“I’ve got a daughter who won’t talk to me, even if I beg. She feels I let her mother down. Never saw what her mother was up to - and I never told her. Girls have to look up to their mothers,” Mac spoke and ate quickly.”

For no reason at all, Cindy felt tremendously sad for him. She could now see why it was so important to him to take care of everyone else.

“I’m sure there are plenty of women down here to date,” Cindy said as she finished her salad. “It’s a good place to be if you’re divorced.”

Mac smiled wanly. “There are plenty of women everywhere,” he said, “but not any of them like you.”

Cindy was taken aback.

“It’s a playground down here,” he continued, “I hang out at beaches, casinos and gals of all ages are happy to spend time with me.”

“I can imagine,” said Cindy.

“Can you?” asked Mac.

It was almost time for coffee and dessert.

“And what about you?” Mac asked before they ordered. “Why didn’t you call Mattheus when that car came at you. Why did you call me?”

It was a good question and he had a right to ask it.

“It’s a long story,” Cindy said, suddenly exhausted. “We don’t have all afternoon.”

“I have all day, all night, all week, all season,” Mac murmured.

“I don’t,” said Cindy. “I have to get back to see my sister, and I need time to rest.”

“Of course,” Mac said, “but at least tell me why you didn’t call Mattheus this afternoon?”

Despite herself, Cindy could not resist. She desperately needed someone to talk to, and didn’t really want to tell her sister everything. It would only upset her and Ann would insist that Cindy return home with her immediately. They’d fight about it. Cindy didn’t want that.

“I’ve found out some things that have been going on behind my back,” Cindy looked directly at Mac. “I don’t do well with hiding and lies. If you’re my partner you’ve got to be open with me. Without trust -.”

“There’s nothing,” Mac finished her sentence.

“Exactly,” said Cindy.

“I’m with you on that,” Mac said strongly. “Been there myself. What did you find out about Mattheus?”

Cindy looked down a moment. It wasn’t like her to talk like this, but perhaps Mac could shed light on what was happening.

“I don’t know if you realize,” Cindy started, “but Mattheus and Vivien are spending lots of time together quietly, behind everyone’s backs.”

Mac looked away.

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what’s going on,” she said.

“How did you find out about this?” Mac was clearly ruffled.

“Someone up there is looking out for me,” Cindy smiled.

“I’m sure they are, but tell me how you found out?” Mac was insistent.

“I just happened to have a massage early this morning with the woman who massages Vivien, too,” Cindy said.

“The masseuse told you?” Mac seemed amazed.

“Yes, she had no idea who I was, just kept talking and talking to fill up the time. They do that. People give them bigger tips then. Obviously, she talked to Vivien and Vivien talked back. Vivien told her all about Mattheus.”

Mac’s face darkened. “What else did Vivien talk to her about?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea,” said Cindy, “but after that I went through Mattheus’s emails. There were tons of them from Vivien. She’s after him, big time, doesn’t leave him alone.”

Mac bit his lips. “Son of a bitch!” he burst out, “she doesn’t have enough in her life to keep her busy?”

“I thought she and Tad were a couple?” Cindy sparked to Mac’s anger.

“They are,” Mac said, bitterly. “Tad’s crazy in love with her, from what I can see.”

“Really?” Cindy’s back arched. “When I first met them Tad told me the two of them weren’t close.”

“Tad’s a minimal guy,” Mac spoke deliberately. “He comes from a poor family, feels lucky to be where he is. He downplays whatever he gets, is always afraid of losing it. If he says something doesn’t matter to him, then he probably figures it won’t hurt so much when it’s taken away.”

Cindy was impressed with Mac’s insight.

“Tad’s based down here and Vivien flies down to the Island all the time to be with him. They’re good for each other. I’ve been encouraging the relationship. I was sure they were in love.” Mac looked agitated.