Death by Request (Caribbean Murder #11)

*

The plane glided to an easy landing. Cindy and Mattheus got off, picked up their luggage and walked to the front of the airport where the car Owen had sent was waiting for them. As they walked, Cindy breathed the sweet, balmy air, and enjoyed the beautiful palm trees that welcomed visitors from near and far. To her surprise, Cindy was relieved to be in Jamaica, felt at ease here. As she and Mattheus got into the car and drove off to their hotel, she felt ready to start on a new case again.

Mattheus’s mind was not on the case right then though. “Great place for a honeymoon,” he said, edging close to her.

Cindy couldn’t respond. The idea of having another honeymoon was startling. And the realization that her sister Ann would not be at her second wedding felt like a terrible blow.

“Jamaica looks like a great place for everything,” Cindy replied simply.

“I took the liberty of getting just one room for us at the hotel this time,” Mattheus said softly as the car sped quickly along the highway. “Is that okay?”

Cindy smiled at the boyish look in his eyes. “Yes, it’s okay,” she said softly, relieved at the thought of being close to Mattheus and sleeping in his arms all night long. At this point, she wouldn’t have it any other way.





Chapter 2



After quickly checking into the beautiful Sands Hotel, Cindy and Mattheus planned to go to their first destination, the crime scene at the Ranges Hospital. They wanted to personally inspect the room Tara Danden had died in.

The Sands Hotel well situated, equally distant from the hospital, police station and center of town. It was one of the most luxurious hotels on the island and Owen had reserved the grand suite on the top floor to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

“Not necessary, not necessary,” Mattheus muttered as he and Cindy stepped into the elevator with the bellman.

They arrived at their suite and the bellman opened the door and dropped their bags inside.Cindy looked around at the magnificent surroundings. The room was filled with exquisite antique furniture, paintings and plants. Huge windows looked out at the sprawling ocean and sky.

“This wasn’t necessary,” Mattheus repeated.

“It’s fine,” Cindy assured him, “Owen’s just letting us know that we’re important to him.”

“It’s all just a distraction,” Mattheus was irritated by the grandeur. “What’s this guy thinking? This is not a party, it’s a murder investigation. We’re not here to join the rich and famous. We have to stay focused on his wife’s death.”

“We always stay focused,” Cindy replied as Mattheus tipped the bellman. “Let me freshen up from the plane trip and then we’re off to the hospital.”

Cindy went into the marble bathroom, splashed cool water over her face, brushed her long, wavy hair until it felt smooth and manageable. She freshened her makeup and then looked in the mirror for a long moment. The face that looked back out at her was different now, older, more worn. The ordeal she’d just been through had certainly taken a toll. Despite Cindy’s rose lipstick and suntan, a deep sorrow was etched into her skin. Would it ever leave her? Cindy had no idea.

“Are you tired? Do you need to rest?” Mattheus was calling to Cindy from outside, obviously eager to get going.

Despite herself Cindy smiled. She liked the fact that once Mattheus started on a case he wouldn’t let himself be held back by anything.

“No, I’m good to go. I’ll be there in a second,” Cindy called to him. Mattheus energized her and inspired her and she inspired him as well. They were a great combination and she knew it. She was tremendously grateful for him now.

Cindy walked out into the main room, ready to go.

“God, you look beautiful,” Mattheus declared, as if seeing her for the first time.

“You always look beautiful to me, Cindy. No matter how many times I see you, I’ll never get over it.”

Cindy smiled, went closer and hugged him. “Okay, beautiful or not beautiful, time to go,” she said, “the crime scene is waiting for us.”

*

It was a short taxi ride to the Ranges Hospital, which was situated on the top of a cliff, up a winding hill. As you drew closer you could hear the waves below beating the shore. Internationally known and tremendously expensive, the Ranges hospital was beautifully designed, filled with light, sun and views of the now turbulent ocean. When wealthy residents or visitors to Jamaica got injured or ill, this place was a haven for them. It was totally different from most of the other hospitals on the island, which were sprawling, crowded and often dirty.

“Come up here often?” Mattheus asked the driver as they were almost at the hospital entrance.