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

Brad stared right through Eric, his forehead creasing in puzzlement. “You’re kidding, right?”


“No, I’m not kidding,” Eric replied. “I swore Charma to silence about our relationship, and I’ve been silent about it myself, naturally. You can only imagine what will happen to my life and my career when this information goes public.”

Cindy could not believe what she was hearing. What had moved Eric to speak up this way now?

“No one knew? Not one person?” Brad looked stunned, both at the news and sudden confession.

“Cindy knew,” said Eric softly, “that’s all.”

“Cindy knew?” Mattheus echoed.

“Yes,” Eric went on. “When Cindy interviewed her, Charma told Cindy to contact me. Charma said I’d do everything I could to help find the true killer. And I have.”

“My dear God,” breathed Mattheus, closing his eyes for a second.

“Rotten, sordid story, huh?” said Eric. “The papers are going to have a field day with it.”

“Sorry about this,” Brad shook his head slowly, “but yeah that’s right. The papers are gonna have a field day with everything. This’ll hit the front page. You sure you know what you’re doing? You don’t want to back out?”

“I know what I’m doing,” breathed Eric. “I’m saving a life.”

Eric was visibly shaken and so was Cindy. But she was also thrilled by Eric’s courage, and the turn his life had suddenly taken. He wasn’t only freeing Charma from jail, he was freeing himself, she realized.

“Okay, that’s it. Now we can let Charma out of custody,” Brad declared, “and haul Val and the other guys into the station for immediate questioning. Let’s see how their story matches up with the facts we have on them now.”

Taylor went over to Eric and put his hands on his shoulders. “I don’t care what reporters say about you, you’re a prince in my eyes,” he said.

Mattheus joined in immediately, “I can’t but agree,” he nodded warmly to Eric. “You did strong thing, you did what’s right. Everyone will benefit in the long run, including you, Eric.”

Cindy stood silently with tears in her eyes, as Eric turned, and walked to the door.

“You’ll come in and give us a formal statement?” Brad asked as Eric took a few steps away.

“Absolutely,” said Eric, then stopped. “How about Taylor?” he went on. “Is there any reason he needs to stay in hiding?”

“No, he’ll be okay,” said Brad shaking his head. “We’re on top of everything now.”

“Wonderful,” Taylor exclaimed. “I’m leaving the island the minute the case is closed. In the meanwhile, I’ll lay low.”

“Fantastic,” said Eric. “I’ll give you a ride back now. Go gather your stuff, I’ll be waiting outside.”

Eric started walking again to the door. Before he got there go, he stopped himself one more time and turned to Cindy and Mattheus.

“Thanks for everything, both of you,” he said. You got a great partner there, Cindy. CM Investigations! An amazing company, long may it thrive.”





Chapter 24


Cindy and Mattheus rode back to the hotel with Brad in the police car.

“You never know when a case will crack open,” Brad mumbled as they returned, “you never know when a chump will turn into a hero.”

“I never thought of Eric as a chump,” Cindy remarked, unable to stop thinking about Eric and what he’d done.

“Yeah, that guy’s got guts, turning the tables on himself like that,” Brad agreed.

“He’s a man of integrity,” Mattheus added.

Cindy took a long moment to appreciate the sacrifice Eric had made. He probably had no idea himself that he was going to admit that he’d been Charm’s date for the evening. But being honest and saving a life obviously meant more to him than his reputation and what would happen to him. Cindy felt both honored to know him and scared of what would he would go through now.

The police car stopped at the station, letting Brad out. Then Brad had the car take Cindy and Mattheus back to the hotel.

Cindy and Mattheus drove together silently, not saying much. When they got to the hotel, Mattheus turned to Cindy, “Is it time for us, now?” he asked.

“Yes, of course,” said Cindy quietly, “let’s go and have a long lunch.”

*

Cindy and Mattheus were seated under a palm tree at the outdoor restaurant in the hotel where cool breezes blew in through the veranda on them. It was settling to be here with Mattheus now. Cindy was grateful for the unconditional support he always offered. Despite his flare up of moods, Mattheus was a rock Cindy knew she could always depend upon.

After they ordered lunch, Mattheus stretched his hands out on the table, as if reaching for hers.

“Look, this time it’s different. I’m really sorry,” he said. “Eric’s a great guy and I suspected him and I also suspected you.” Mattheus was determined to get it all out.

Cindy was moved that Mattheus appreciated Eric.