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

“There’s no way to tell you how happy you’ve made me,” he murmured. “It’s heaven to be here with you.”


It felt wonderful to be in the warmth of Mattheus’s arms once again, too. Cindy put her head on Mattheus’s shoulder and left it there for a long, moment.





“Now that the case is over, we can finally make our plans,” said Mattheus.

Cindy felt odd, though. Deep down she didn’t feel the case was over. Instead she felt as though they were all jumping to conclusions too quickly, too eager to have it tied up.

“We haven’t even heard the results of Val’s interrogation,” Cindy pulled back as she spoke to Mattheus.

“It’s obvious though, isn’t it?” asked Mattheus, surprised. “Val’s in the middle of every interaction that’s gone bad.”

“When something looks obvious, it isn’t,” Cindy answered, “you’re the one who taught me that.”

“What are you saying?” Mattheus tightened up.

“I just want to feel positive,” Cindy said definitively. “I want to talk to John Burnd one more time.”

“John Burnd?” Mattheus was rattled. “Charma’s weird customer who practically stalks her? Why him?”

“Because I’m not finished, Mattheus,” Cindy repeated.

“Oh God, not again,” Mattheus murmured.

“Charma’s getting out of jail and Burnd will be thrilled about it,” Cindy went on. “This is a good time to get him to spill the beans.”

“You talked to him once already, didn’t you?” asked Mattheus.

“Yes, I did,” said Cindy, “but I wasn’t ever finished. All the evidence we’ve got now is circumstantial. It’s a good case, but there’s nothing direct.”

“Why would Burnd have direct evidence?” Mattheus was incredulous.

“He hung around Charma incessantly. He saw everything and everyone who came and went. He was her personal, self-proclaimed protector. If anyone has something extra, he does,” Cindy said.

“If Burnd had or saw something, why wouldn’t he have talked by now?” Mattheus asked. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“But I want to talk to him anyhow,” Cindy persisted. “He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. He could have seen something and not known what it meant.”

“Okay, okay,” Mattheus took a deep breath. “This is how you work, we’ve been through it before. It’s fine with me. Do what you have to. Would you like me to go with you when you speak to him?”

“No,” said Cindy, pleased that Mattheus was on board. “It’ll be much better if I go alone. Then Burnd won’t feel threatened.”

Mattheus turned and went to the window and looked out.

“I’m here for you Cindy,” he finally said slowly. “You do whatever you have to right now.”

“Thank you,” said Cindy, picking up her phone to put a call into Eric who had Burnd’s contact information. Time was of the essence and Cindy wanted to talk to Burnd right away.





Chapter 25


Cindy wasn’t surprised when Eric asked if Mattheus was going with her to see Burnd. She knew Eric didn’t feel Cindy should be with him alone.

“No, I want to go myself,” Cindy replied. “This is a good time to talk to him.”

“Not smart,” Eric replied. “Burnd’s unstable. The place to find him now is around the brothel and you never know who you’ll run into there. Reporters are going to be swarming the place as soon as word’s out that Charma’s going to be released. “

“When will that be?” asked Cindy.

“As soon as the cops finish talking to Val,” said Eric.

Cindy felt a suddenly stab of worry for Eric. “Are you worried about yourself?” she asked.

“I’m ready for whatever comes,” Eric answered slowly. “Most of all I’m excited to see Charma get out.”

“Of course,” said Cindy softly. “I’m happy the two of you will be together again.”

Eric remained silent for a moment. “I’m happy that you and Mattheus are also back together. He’s a good man, Cindy.”

“Yes, he is,” agreed Cindy.

“Much better than me,” Eric laughed quickly and then stopped.

“He’s not better than you,” Cindy couldn’t help saying. “You’re both wonderful men in your own ways.”

“Thank you for that,” said Eric softly. “And, you and me, just two ships passing in the night,” he repeated the words Cindy had said to him earlier. “Guess the tides have their own ideas about where the ships are headed.”

“I guess they do,” Cindy replied.

“Glad the tides know because it beats me,” said Eric. “Okay, I’ll call Burnd now and tell him to meet you down the street from the brothel, at Casa’s Fish Joint. Stay out in the public. I’m not sure exactly what you want from the guy, but I’m glad to put in the call.”

“Thank you,” said Cindy, “I appreciate that.”

“Happy sailing, Cindy,” said Eric wistfully.

*