Death by Jealousy (Caribbean Murder #6)

“I agree,” said Tad heatedly.

“Why don’t you go back up to the States with your sister and brother in law, tomorrow?” Edward asked, casting a quick glance over at Ann and Frank. “There’s no reason for you to put yourself in danger, especially without your partner around.”

Cindy felt a long chill run up her arms.

“And take Mattheus with you,” Tad commented, “enough’s enough. The case is closed. There’s no need for more probing. It’s time to let the wounds heal.”

Cindy looked up and just at the moment saw Mattheus standing at Ann and Frank’s table, greeting them.

Edward looked over as well. “Well, speak of the devil! Now we can personally tell him it’s time to go.”

“This is way too abrupt,” Mac demanded, “I refuse to let Cindy go.”

Cindy trembled at the intensity of Mac’s response. She felt caught up in an undercurrent, as if tossed by a sudden series of waves.

Edward looked at Mac aghast. “Seems as if things have gotten a bit out of control between you and Cindy,” he said in a hoarse voice.

“Things have never felt better to me in my life,” Mac replied staunchly.

“Are you saying you want Cindy to stay here on the Island with you permanently?” Edward pushed on.

“I’m saying she can’t leave right now,” Mac was unshakeable.

“Why not?” asked Tad, suddenly agitated. “Has Mattheus told you what he found in the office? Have you spoken to Peter, yet?”

“No, I haven’t spoken to either of them,” said Mac, confused, “why?”

“There’s all kinds of stories floating around in their heads,” said Tad as a muscle in his jaw started clenching. “When you hire detectives they have to earn their money, keep digging for something, even if it doesn’t make sense.”

“What are you suggesting?” Edward stepped in strongly.

“Mattheus has been poking around all day, keeping himself busy. He even took the liberty of going into my personal business email account,” Tad replied.

“Preposterous,” said Edward.

“Heck, it’s what they do. If they don’t find anything, they make something up,” Tad continued.

Cindy felt her whole body tightening. “Are you impugning Mattheus’s honesty?” she asked.

Tad turned directly towards her. “Yes, I am, if you don’t mind the truth.”

Cindy flushed. “Not only don’t I mind the truth, I crave it.”

Everyone became silent.

“Not only did Mattheus poke around in personal email accounts, I found him and Vivien having a romantic dinner. Does that have something to do with the case, too? Give me a break. He’s abusing his position, taking advantage of everyone.”

Edward’s hands clenched into a fist. “How do you know Mattheus and Vivien were having a romantic dinner?”

“I was at the bar in the restaurant and I saw them there,” Tad turned to Edward. “They didn’t see me, though.”

“I am sorry,” said Edward.

“So am I,” said Mac.

“Sorry’s nice,” Tad’s face grew tighter. “But there’s no reason for keeping either Mattheus or his partner, Cindy around.”

“I have to agree with that,” said Edward. “Absolutely agree.”

Cindy turned and looked over at Ann and Frank’s table again. Mattheus had turned their way and was now staring at them all.

“I suggest you call Mattheus over to our table, Cindy,” Edward said tartly.

Cindy motioned to Mattheus to come over. He nodded succinctly and began to walk slowly to where they were seated.

“What are you doing here?” Cindy asked Mattheus as he approached.

“I finished for the day and was looking for you,” he replied. “The hotel desk said you were here, dining. They didn’t say Mac was with you.”

“He’s not with me,” said Cindy abruptly. “He’s here for dinner.”

“Why?” asked Mattheus.

“Why not?” Cindy retorted.

“What are you all gathered here for?” Mattheus scanned the crowd at the table.

“Edward wanted to talk to Mac and I am meeting Vivien in the lobby in a few minutes,” Tad interjected.

Edward stood up abruptly, as though he’d had more than enough.

“Mattheus,” Edward said, “I just told Cindy that I think it best for the two of you to return to the States. Your services are no longer required.”

Mattheus, shocked, faced Edward swiftly. “Excuse me a minute, this case isn’t closed, there are still loose threads hanging.”

“The police disagree,” Edward replied. “Dana and I hired you to help Peter. He no longer requires your services. Now that things are settled, there’s nothing further that concerns you here.”

“Things are far from settled,” said Mattheus, moving closer to Cindy. “And, my partner and I decide when a case is closed.”

Edward stared at Mattheus furiously. “Cindy was almost run over, hit by a car aiming right at her. What is the point of keeping her down here in danger?” he said.

“Almost hit by a car?” Mattheus was dumbfounded. “What are you talking about?”