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

“Loretta and I were friends in college,” Cindy filled him in. “That’s why she called me to help.”


“You’ve also got a huge reputation for solving murders in the Caribbean,” Eric looked puzzled a moment. “CM Investigations, right?”

“Right,” Cindy responded. Eric had done his homework, as she would have thought he might.

“What’s the initials stand for?” he went on.

“Cindy and Mattheus,” she answered plainly.

“Your partner?” he asked.

“My former partner,” said Cindy. “We’re actually in the process of dissolving the partnership as we speak.”

Eric looked strangely sad for a moment. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he said quietly.

“Thanks,” said Cindy, unnerved that they were having such a personal conversation, that it was so easy and natural to speak to him. It was as if they’d known each other forever.

“I’ve heard that you’re a big time lawyer down here,” Cindy continued.

Eric’s eyebrows lifted a little. “What else did you hear about me?”

“Charma said you’re her number one customer,” Cindy forced herself to stay on track. “She said you’ll do all you can to help her get out.”

Eric flushed as Cindy spoke. “Yes, I will,” he answered promptly.

“I realize that no one can know about your involvement with Charma,” Cindy’s voice dropped as the waiter approached them.

Eric waved the waiter away. “That’s exactly right,” his low tone matched hers. “I will help Charma through you,” he said.

“Through my finding the killer?” asked Cindy.

“Exactly,” Eric replied. “And no one will know I’m involved at all. If people think anything, they’ll think I’m involved with you. Some kind of brief encounter. Tons of things like that go on down here.”

Cindy nodded. She was glad that they weren’t mincing words, but laying out things directly. Above all Eric had to be frank with her and had to trust her, as well.

“I understand you were with Charma the night Pete was killed,” Cindy went on.

“Yes, I was,” Eric responded, with only a moment’s hesitation.

“And that you brought her home after the time of Pete’s death,” Cindy added.

“That’s correct,” Eric replied.

“So Charma has a clear alibi,” Cindy continued, struck by that point.

“Not so clear because I can’t testify to it,” Eric quickly added. “If anyone knew I was involved with her my company would go down the tubes.”

“I understand,” said Cindy looking away.

“No, you don’t understand,” Eric suddenly put his hand over Cindy’s suddenly. “You’ll never understand, it’s beyond you to understand. I see that written all over your face.”

Cindy wanted to pull her hand away, but didn’t want to offend Eric in anyway. They needed each other to solve this case.

“I can understand enough to do my job,” Cindy replied. “And I certainly understand your need for confidentiality.”

“Please don’t get upset with me,” Eric took his hand away. “I have no intention of insulting you, just putting things where they belong. You’ll never understand why I see Charma, or care so much about her.”

There was no reason for Cindy to dispute that. She had to agree that she might never understand why a man of this caliber would be so involved with a prostitute, who had other customers as well.

“It’s confusing, of course,” Cindy admitted.

“That’s fine,” Eric’s voice rose. “I appreciate your honesty, Cindy.”

“But I don’t have to understand you to find Pete’s killer do I?” Cindy continued.

“Well put,” Eric seemed pleased. “You don’t understand me and you never will. We come from the same life style, both bright and successful, but that’s where our roads part ways.”

Cindy nodded. “I suppose so,” she murmured.

“No supposing about it,” Eric insisted. “So I’ll do everything I can to help you find Pete’s killer, as long as you don’t try to understand me. Don’t try to figure out why I’m with Charma.”

Cindy smiled despite herself. “Alright, I won’t, that’s fair enough,” she agreed though she couldn’t help feel what a strange request Eric had made.

“Okay then, we’ve got a deal?” he said.

“We have a deal,” said Cindy as the waiter came over once again so they could order a delicious dinner for two.





Chapter 11


After the waiter left Eric poured a glass of sangria for Cindy from the pitcher on the table. “Go ahead, ask me anything you want,” he smiled

“Did you know Pete personally?” asked Cindy. “Tell me about him.”

“I saw him in passing once or twice,” Eric replied, “but I didn’t know him at all.”

“You saw him where? At the brothel?” asked Cindy.

“I saw him taking Charma out once or twice,” Eric continued. “Why? Is that a problem?”

“No, not really,” said Cindy, “it’s just that his wife doesn’t believe Pete was Charma’s customer. She believes he was killed elsewhere and dumped him in Charma’s room.”