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

Cindy thought Mattheus was jumping to an extreme conclusion, but maybe he wasn’t. No matter how hard they tried, they kept getting jammed. Maybe he was right, maybe it was time to part.

“Alright,” Cindy began to say slowly.

“No,” Mattheus suddenly pleaded. “Stay here with me in Aruba. Spend time with me looking at wedding venues, walking on the beach and tasting wine. Let your friend find someone else.”

“I told her I’d come,” said Cindy simply. “I gave her my word.”

“So, call and tell her you can’t,” said Mattheus. “Tell her another emergency has come up and you have to handle that first.”

“What’s the emergency, Mattheus?” asked Cindy, wide eyed. “What has come up that has to prevent me from helping a friend whose husband has just been killed and who could very well end up dead, too?”

“Our relationship is the emergency,” Mattheus insisted. “Right now it’s on life supports. If you don’t put it first, then we’re all done.”

Cindy felt a sharp pain in her chest. “That’s a hell of a price to pay to keep a relationship,” she mumbled, “to leave a friend in a ditch.”

“Maybe it is,” said Mattheus, “but that’s what it’s gonna cost.”

“To go against my integrity?” asked Cindy, sadly. “I can’t afford that, Mattheus. Just can’t.”

“So, have it your way then,” he shot back, looking at Cindy one more time, before he turned away and stormed towards the door.

“Wait, Mattheus, wait a minute,” Cindy called after him.

“No, the waiting is over. Go make your plans, get a one way ticket to the Dominican Republic,” Mattheus gasped as he flew out of the room.





Chapter 2


Cindy’s plane, pushed forward by tropical winds, was about to land in the Dominican Republic half an hour before schedule. Cindy began to feel ill at ease. It was one thing to travel alone and quite another to take on a case like this on her own. All during the flight Cindy’s thoughts had been occupied by Mattheus. To her surprise, she’d had absolutely no contact with him since he’d left. What a way for things to come to an end, she thought, trying to absorb the new reality.

Cindy’s hands gripped the edge of her seat as the descent started. She was fine, she could do this. There were so many things Mattheus had taught her that had become part of her now. Nothing could take that away from her. Over and over he’d told her that she was strong, she was smart, she could handle anything. And by now, she was determined to prove him right.

Cindy wondered where Mattheus had gone to, probably back to his daughter and her mother, she thought. Even though he wouldn’t admit it, that girl had a pull on him. Well, why shouldn’t she? She was his daughter, after all, even though he’d only met her recently. But still, it shocked Cindy that Mattheus hadn’t back tracked long enough to say a proper good bye. He must have known they were parting forever. Or, perhaps, he didn’t realize the consequences his actions would have.

Cindy had seen this behavior before in him, this rash impetuousness. Mattheus was prone to wild knee jerk reactions that he felt badly about later on. In a way Cindy was relieved to be through with these patterns. They’d definitely taken a toll on her, as well.

As the plane slid gracefully onto the ground, Cindy knew she had to stop thinking about him. It was time now, she was here. There were more pressing matters up front and they needed her full, clear attention. Cindy had to stay focused, and she would. She was grateful for the work she was doing, the call upon her life. Never, all the years growing up, had Cindy thought she’d become a detective, hunting down killers in the Caribbean. But, in truth, she’d grown to love the work that kept her centered and strong. It also kept her from sliding into endless sorrow, spending time dwelling upon matters that could not be changed. Cindy found great comfort in helping others in this way she’d become so gifted at.

Cindy stood up, stretched and lifted her suitcase from the overheard compartment, something Mattheus had always done for her before. Then she threw back her shoulders, and along with other passengers slowly made her way out of the plane, and down into the crowded airport. Loretta said she’d be there to meet her. It was early though and Cindy wondered if she’d have to wait long.

Cindy looked around at the colorful sight of people gathered together, waiting to welcome passengers. She remembered how her sister Ann had always been there to meet her at the airport, whether the plane was early or late.

“Cindy, Cindy,” a loud voice called after she’d taken a few steps off the plane, “it’s me, Loretta!”

Cindy turned and suddenly saw a beautiful young woman with long, brown hair, in slacks and a T shirt, racing towards her. Cindy blinked. It had to be Loretta, who didn’t look a day older than Cindy remembered back in college.

“My God, Loretta,” Cindy ran over to her. “Thanks for being here early.”