Death by Proposal (Caribbean Murder #7)

“Who said it has to be easy?” said Cindy. “After we talk to Sean and Riva, and go through Kate and Clay’s online correspondence, we should be able to grab some time. Don’t you think so?” Cindy felt eager to be closer to Mattheus again.

“Everything is possible, anything can happen,” said Mattheus, backing slightly away. “We could even get a few hours to go kite boarding at Fisherman’s Hut. But first we’ve got to focus and get the basics under our belt. There’s a lot to do and time is short.”

Cindy knew he was right and greatly appreciated his dedication.

“That’s what first made me fall in love you with Mattheus,” she said, playfully.

“In love with me?” He truly looked surprised. “What made you feel that way?”

“The fact that you care about what you’re doing, and do it with all your heart.”

Mattheus took a few steps back, held Cindy at arms distance and smiled. “That’s what intrigues me about you,” he murmured, “the way things go up and down with us, high tide, low tide.”

“It’s natural, isn’t it?” asked Cindy.

“Maybe,” Mattheus replied, “but also a bit dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” the word struck at Cindy.

“Yes,” Mattheus said softly, “it can be rough and confusing never knowing what’s coming next.”





CHAPTER 12


Cindy felt put in her place as she and Mattheus left their room and went straight to the gym on the third floor.

“Sean’s waiting for us there,” Mattheus mentioned as they got into the elevator. “It’s high time someone talked to him.”

“What did you find out about him so far?” Cindy asked, switching into professional mode.

“Not much yet,” said Mattheus, “I’ve been busy investigating Kate and Clay and their families first. Nothing worth reporting. Everything with them is on the up and up. They both come from terrific families, had everything they ever needed. There’s nothing in either of their backgrounds that would lead to this.”

The elevator door slid open and Cindy and Mattheus walked down the hall to the gym at the end. They walked through large double doors and Cindy looked around. The gym was a huge and well equipped with big glass windows, overlooking the ocean. Right now it was practically empty with a few people on treadmills and a guy doing weights.

“We’re here to talk to Sean McKenzie,” Mattheus said to the young woman who was sitting at the front table. “He’s expecting us.”

“Yes, he told me to tell you he’s boxing in the back,” she said, casually, as if the visit were the most natural thing in the world.

Mattheus nodded and Cindy glanced around. Two punching bags hung down at the end of the room with someone in the distance, skirting around. It had to be Sean.

“He’s over there,” Cindy motioned to Mattheus.

“Figures the guy would be punching something out,” said Mattheus.

“There’s all kinds of ways to get frustration out,” said Cindy. “Don’t be too quick on the draw.”

Mattheus smiled, put his arm around Cindy and hugged her for a second.

“Okay, I won’t,” he said. “And I hope you’re not upset with what I said a little while ago.”

Even though she knew what he was talking about, Cindy pretended she didn’t. There was no reason to make a big deal about it now.

“What did you say?” she asked lightly.

“About our relationship changing all the time, high tide and low tide,” Mattheus reminded her.

Cindy laughed. “Oh yes, you said it was dangerous.”

“It can be dangerous when the tide comes in and you’re not expecting it,” Mattheus joked back.

“Life is dangerous, Mattheus,” Cindy said then, “but it’s also amazing. Low tide is beautiful and high tide is too.”

“Yeah,” he replied, “as long as you’re not thrown up against the rocks by it. As long as you’re not found dead on the pavement early in the morning right after you just got engaged.”

“Even that,” Cindy responded, “it’s amazing, too. It’s worth the risk, isn’t it?”

Mattheus looked at her and smiled, impressed. “You’re right,” he said. “Forget it, I mouth off sometimes.” Then he zeroed in as they approached the figure in the back, now punching the boxing bags for all he was worth.

As Cindy and Mattheus came closer, Sean wiped the sweat off his face with the back of his arm, tossed his dark hair off his forehead, and looked up at them.

“What brings you two here?” he started, his feet still dancing around.

“How about we go and sit and the bench near the window?” Mattheus started.

“I like it here,” said Sean.

Mattheus took a step closer. “It’s better to sit at the window,” he repeated.

“Have it your way,” said Sean, joining them and sitting down.

Cindy looked out at the vast sky behind them, and the surf rolling up on the shore. The day was still cloudy and unsettled, just like the case, she thought.

“We hear you and Kate knew each other for a long time,” Mattheus started.

A swift look of pain crossed Sean’s face, “Yeah,” he said. “I’m surprised the cops didn’t come and talk to me sooner.”

“Me too,” said Cindy.