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

“I will, be calm, I promise you,” said Cindy.

“You promise me?” Loretta’s voice became softer, almost childlike for a moment.

“Yes, I promise I’ll do my very best to find out both who threw the rock and who killed Pete.”

“They’re connected,” Loretta whispered gravely then. “They have to be.”

“It’s possible,” said Cindy, “we don’t yet know. Someone might be getting too close to the truth and this could be a huge distraction.”

“Just find the killer! Find him, find him!” Loretta started to scream.

Cindy hung up the phone and before even calling the police, she put a call into Eric.

“I had a great time last night,” he answered happily. “Always wonderful to hear from you, Cindy,”

“Someone threw a rock threw Loretta’s window in the hotel,” Cindy answered abruptly, by passing the small talk.

“That’s crazy,” Eric stopped cold.

“Could it be Burnd? The guy’s unhinged,” Cindy answered, nervously. “Did we put the idea in his head?”

“I’m not sure, I’m not sure,” Eric was mumbling.

“I’m calling the police now,” said Cindy. “Is there anything else I should know before I do?”

“Let’s think about this for a minute first,” Eric became calmer. “Taylor’s been digging into the books at Pete’s company. That could be stirring up trouble. Someone there could be sending a warning to cut it out.”



“I’ll talk to Taylor about it as soon as I can,” said Cindy. Cindy’s heart beating faster now. From the very beginning Loretta felt as though she were in danger and Cindy worried that this premonition could become a reality now.

“I should also talk to Charma about it,” Eric said then, in a hushed tone.

“Why Charma?” Cindy didn’t like the idea.

“Burnd said Charma’s antsy to get out of jail and he’s right. He’s also right that she’s got contacts. If something’s going on in the street, she’ll know about it. I’ll go talk to her right after breakfast.”

“I want to go with you,” Cindy suddenly said, surprising herself.

Silence greeted her on the other end of the phone. “Why?” Eric asked finally.

Cindy didn’t know why exactly, but it couldn’t hurt to see Charma again. “She’s the main suspect and I want to see her again,” Cindy answered flatly.

“Fine, have it your way,” Eric said quietly then. “I’ll meet you at the station where Charma’s being held.”

Cindy hung up feeling unsettled. It seemed strange that before they went to speak to Charma Eric didn’t offer to have breakfast with Cindy first.

*

Cindy called the police to let them know what happened to Loretta, then ate a quick breakfast up in the hotel room. As she ate, she put a call into Taylor who wasn’t there and left a message for him. Then she got dressed. It would take a few minutes to get down to the station and Cindy decided to give herself some time. It wouldn’t do anyone any good for her to arrive frazzled and unkempt.

As Cindy stood before the mirror, brushing her long, auburn hair the phone rang suddenly. It was either Eric, Taylor or Loretta, thought Cindy, and all of them could wait until she had finished dressing.

After she was dressed and ready, Cindy picked up the phone to see who had called. To her surprise it was Mattheus. A message was waiting from him.

Please call me back as soon as you can, Cindy, Mattheus familiar voice rang out. I can’t stop thinking about you there alone. I don’t like it. I’ve been thinking of going to Antigua to live with my daughter, but I can’t. I need to come down and see you as soon as possible. Please call and tell me if I can.

Come down and see her? The thought both startled and relieved Cindy. She stared at the phone and then ran her hands through her newly brushed hair. Then she sent Mattheus a quick text message in response.

Thanks so much for your concern. I’m doing fine. It’s okay. It’s not a good idea to come down and see me now, right in the middle of everything.

Cindy felt better that, at least, she’d answered. She’d left the basic question of whether Mattheus could come down hanging, but it wasn’t something to be addressed on the run. Right now she had to get down to the station. Eric had probably arrived there already some time ago.

*

When Cindy walked into the small, holding room at the station she saw Charma and Eric seated close to each other, their heads practically pressed together, talking softly, but heatedly.

“I swear, I swear,” Cindy heard Charma saying as she walked in.

When Charma saw Cindy, she jumped a little back. “What’s she doing here?” she asked Eric, irritated.

Cindy found it odd that Eric had not told Charma she was coming.

“Do you remember me, Charma?” Cindy took the initiative.

“Sure, you’re the detective, right?” Charma slid a little away from Eric.