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

“You better believe I do,” she laughed, “even though someone like you can’t really imagine what that means.”


Cindy felt suddenly slapped across the face by Sanya’s curt response. She was going to say something in return, but just then a tall, well dressed, handsome American guy walked into room interrupting their conversation.

“Hell, Eric my boy,” Shanya responded, “you came just in time.”

Eric threw a quick glance at Cindy and paused, seeming surprised.

“This here is the woman detective I told you about,” Sanya’s voice grew harsher.

“How do you do,” said Eric walking over to Cindy. Suntanned, he had wavy brown hair, beautiful hazel eyes, and looked as though he’d stepped off the cover of a men’s magazine.

“How do you do,” replied Cindy, unnerved. She couldn’t image what was a man like this doing at the brothel.

“We appreciate the help you’re giving Charma,” Eric started. “The wife hired you, right?”

“Yes, she did,” said Cindy, finding it hard, for a moment, to focus in his presence.

“The wife doesn’t believe Charma did it, does she?” Eric continued.

“Absolutely not,” said Cindy. “In fact she’s positive that Pete doesn’t know her at all.”

“Eric’s one of the best lawyers we got down here in the Dominican Republic,” Shanya chimed in. “He gets everything right.”

“I can see that,” Cindy tried to smile.

“Not everything, almost everything,” Eric looked at Cindy impressed.

“It looks like you know exactly what you’re doing,“ said Cindy.

“Looks are deceptive,” Eric joked, “but I certainly do my best.”

“I’d love to talk to you more about Charma’s life and customers,” Cindy said, and then suddenly remembered that Eric was one of them. For a second she was afraid that she might have offended him. “I don’t mean any offense.”

Seeing Cindy’s unease, Eric laughed out loud. “It’s okay, you’re obviously new to this scene.”

“I am,” Cindy confessed.

“Why don’t you take the little lady outside for a walk and to a proper restaurant for dinner,” said Shanya.

“That’s a good idea,” Eric smiled at Cindy wanly for a moment. “There’s a great restaurant three blocks away, we can sit down and talk in an atmosphere you’ll feel better in.”

Cindy was going to protest, but she suddenly realized how hungry she was for dinner, and also how badly she wanted to get out of this place. It would certainly be easier to talk to Eric in a neutral setting.

“I’d love to go there,” Cindy perked up noticeably. “It’ll be a better place to talk.”

Eric turned then and winked appreciatively at Shanya. “Thanks for the suggestion, darling,” he murmured.

“It’s my pleasure, lovey,” Shanya replied. “You two go sit and talk all night if you have to. I just want you find a way to bring my Charma home fast.”

*

Cindy and Eric walked out of the brothel into the humid summer night. Cindy felt oddly at ease walking with him. She was actually relieved to have someone of substance to talk to. Having the full weight of the case on her shoulders alone had been more difficult than Cindy had realized.

She and Eric arrived at the restaurant quickly. The place was festive and lively, stretched out over the entire block

“One of the best spots in town,” Eric mentioned as they approached the main door.

“It smells delicious,” Cindy said the moment they walked in. The was filled with people, music and the smell of hot, spicy food cooking.



“It’s beyond delicious,” Eric replied, as he lifted his hand to motion for a table for two.

Eric obviously knew everyone at the place and they knew him. Cindy wondered if he came here with Charma, as well, but then realized it was unlikely. Charma had said that no one could know about their relationship. Obviously, he had to keep her under wraps.

Cindy and Eric were quickly seated at the far end of the restaurant, where it was a little quieter than at the entranceway.

“This is a good spot,” said Cindy as she took her seat.

“You’re incredibly beautiful,” Eric replied, staring at her. “And you’re incredibly innocent, it’s an intoxicating combination. You’re definitely not someone I’d ever take for a detective.”

Cindy was startled, barely knew how to reply. Eric was not someone she would have ever taken to frequent brothels either, or be a prostitute’s main John. The picture didn’t fit.

“You’re here from the States?” Cindy quickly turned the conversation down a different road.

“Yes, I am,” Eric replied quickly, “from the Midwest, if you want to know.”

Cindy’s eyes lit up and she smiled.

“Let me guess,” he jumped at her reaction. “You’re from the Midwest as well?”





“Wisconsin,” said Cindy, “and so is Loretta, Pete’s wife.”

Eric frowned a moment. “Didn’t realize that,” he said.