Death by Seduction (Book #13 in the Caribbean Murder series)

“Your father feels certain that Pete visited Charma and that she killed him,” Cindy repeated evenly. “He said all guys cheat.”


“That’s disgusting,” Loretta eyes were flashing. “I’ll always hate my father for saying that to you. Maybe he’s talking about himself? Ever think that? Who knows if he stepped out on my mom or not? I don’t know and don’t want to know. But I know that never happened in my marriage, not once.”

Cindy was stunned by Loretta’s fierce determination not to let this point go by.

“Well, if you’re so positive, then I believe you,” said Cindy.

“You don’t have to just believe me,” that wasn’t good enough for Loretta. “I called Andy and asked him to come over and talk to you. He’s one of Pete’s coworkers down here and friends.”

“Good,” said Cindy, “I’d love to talk to him.”

“He’ll give you a better picture,” Loretta went on. “It’s awful enough that Pete is dead, I don’t want people thinking that he died at the hands of a whore. I couldn’t live with that, Cindy.”

“I understand,” Cindy said. “Tell me where else should I look for answers, Loretta?” Cindy was glad that they finally they were dealing with the reality of Pete’s death.

“Check the real estate company Pete was buying the condo from,” Loretta’s eyebrows arched. “There are definitely guys down there that are shady.”

“Shady in what way?” asked Cindy.

“I don’t know exactly how,” said Loretta. “But I know that Val, the guy Pete dealt with there, definitely had an eye for me.”

“Val came on to you?” Cindy tuned right in.

“No, not blatantly, of course,” said Loretta. “But I saw him look me over a few times. Pete saw it, too. He mentioned it.”

Cindy wondered if that was what Loretta meant as shady, that a guy came onto her? It seemed strange.

“Did it bother Pete that Val looked you over?” asked Cindy.

“Actually, no, not at all,” Loretta laughed a bit. “Pete knew I belonged to him completely. He trusted me and I trusted him. We just laughed about it, that’s all. But look into the real estate company anyway. Pete left them a huge down payment on the condo. You never know. Could be they wanted more money and he refused to cough it up?” She shrugged.

“Were you aware of all Pete’s finances and activities?” asked Cindy.

“Absolutely,” Loretta replied. “We hid nothing from each other. Nothing at all.”

“Okay, I’ll look into the real estate company” Cindy replied, “right after I talk to Charma.”

Loretta’s face flushed again. “Talk to who? The whore?”

“Yes, the woman’s who’s accused of killing Pete,” Cindy replied.

“Why in hell would you bother to go and talk to her?” Loretta didn’t get it.

“Right now she’s the number one suspect,” Cindy replied. “It’s routine procedure.”

“So what?” snapped Loretta. “Don’t waste your time. It’s obvious, she’s being framed.”

“It’s important to hear her side, as well,” said Cindy.

Loretta stamped her foot on the floor. “I’d rather you didn’t talk to the whore.”

“Her name is Charma,” Cindy couldn’t stand it any longer.

“Who cares what her name is? She’s a whore, isn’t she?” Loretta demanded.

“So what?” said Cindy, “it doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a name.”

At that Loretta shook her head vigorously, “Whores are the dregs of the earth, believe me,” she retorted. “They draw men down into hell and wrap their tentacles around them. They wreck marriages, eat up all the money. I can’t imagine why in the world you’re standing up for her?”

Well, they certainly don’t come to your wedding boutique, Cindy wanted to answer, but kept her mouth shut. There was no point in upsetting Loretta further, getting side tracked on this point.

“Do what I say,” Loretta continued forcefully then, “talk to Andy, Pete’s coworker, and then investigate the real estate company.“

“I plan to do both,” Cindy complied.

“And forget about talking to the whore,” Loretta threw in for good measure.

Cindy felt no need to respond. She had no intention of reporting to Loretta who she

Would or would not interview. Of course she would speak to Charma . In fact, Loretta’s adamant protests made Cindy want to do it all the more.

“When can I speak to Andy?” Cindy turned the conversation in a direction that Loretta could tolerate.

“He’ll come and meet you downstairs in the lobby any time you’re ready,” Loretta said, seemingly relieved.

“Okay, I can see him in a few minutes,” said Cindy.

At that Loretta’s eyes closed. “Thank you so much Cindy, really, thank you. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you respect my wishes and respect me.”

“Of course I respect you,” Cindy went over to Loretta and gave her a hug. “What happened to Pete doesn’t reflect upon you.”

“It could though,” Loretta surprisingly began to whimper. “How would you feel if the man you’d lived with and loved for years ended up killed by a whore?”