As the light faded and evening drew in, Cindy and Mattheus headed for a taxi to take them to their hotel.
The taxi drove slowly, allowing them to unwind and take in the sights of the island in twilight. Their hotel was located on the top of a hill, overseeing the bay. The beach near it was white, sandy and inviting, one of the most popular on the island. Sailing and snorkeling trips left from the dock. Jet skis were available and the hotel’s restaurants were a great spot for lunch or dinner.
Cindy was hungry, but she was also a little apprehensive. This was going to be their first night on the island. For a brief moment, she thought about how nice it would be to spend more time with Mattheus, but also felt how important it was to keep things clear right from the start.
The taxi drove up the winding hill to their hotel, which was lined with trees, flowers and little benches. They got out, paid the driver and went to register. Kendra had arranged to have their luggage dropped off at the hotel, as soon as they arrived, so they could spend the afternoon investigating. Now, they registered and received two rooms, adjacent to one another. The man at the desk smiled as he gave them the keys and looked from one to the other.
“Do you need separate bell boys to take up the luggage?” he grinned.
“Yes, please. We’re going to have dinner in the restaurant first,” Mattheus said.
“Mattheus’ smooth finessing of the awkward moment eased Cindy’s mind. Obviously, he, too, wanted to make sure things were clear between them. Cindy appreciated that and then recalled the afternoon on Grenada when someone had told her that Mattheus was unavailable. She remembered wondering why someone as handsome and engaging as he was would want to be alone
Now, they went to the dining room out on the veranda, overlooking the bay and ordered. The moment the waiter left, Mattheus immediately picked up where they left off, discussing the case.
“I think the best idea is for us to split up,” Mattheus said immediately.
Despite herself, Cindy’s stomach lurched.
“In the morning we’ll go in different directions. This way we can cover twice as much ground.”
The waiter brought their wine on a tray made of pink seashells.
Mattheus immediately raised his glass for a toast.
“To the beginning of a wonderful business,” he said. “May we help all those we come into contact with.”
“I’ll drink to that,” said Cindy, raising the glass to her lips slowly, enjoying the coolness of the drink. Then she suddenly looked up and saw Mattheus’ eyes gazing into hers. Their glance touched and held for a moment and then they both quickly looked away.
“What do you plan to investigate in the morning?” Cindy asked, bringing them both back to focus.
Matthew seemed to appreciate it. “Thinking of running over to St. Croix,” he said. “The police reports and Kendra mentioned that Paul spent time on St. Croix, both on business and at the casinos. I thought I’d check out the casinos first. They could be a treasure trove of information, especially if he was a regular. And from the looks of the reports, the police didn’t spend much time doing that.”
“Great idea,” said Cindy.
“And you?” Mattheus asked.
“I’m going to visit the bars he hung out at. Kendra said she thought he might have had a mistress. It’s an important thing to look into next.”
“Very important,” said Mattheus, draining the glass of wine quickly. “You have the name of the bars?”
“Yes,” said Cindy.
Mattheus leaned back and then frowned for a moment.
“Something wrong?” asked Cindy.
He shook his head lightly. “No, of course not. I just don’t love the idea of you hanging at these bars here alone.”
Cindy was startled and smiled. She loved Mattheus’ protectiveness, but this was a murder case they’d come down to solve. Who said it would be easy? Who said it would be safe?
CHAPTER 5
Mattheus was relieved to be getting away from St. Thomas for a couple of days. He needed time alone. He wasn’t used to being with someone as much as he’d been with Cindy these past few days. It took some getting used to. Not that there was anything wrong with her. Far from it. She was beautiful, graceful, considerate, smart as hell, anything a guy could wish for. That made it even rougher.