Death by Marriage (Caribbean Murder #3)

“Lots of visitors leaving. You heard the warnings about Lola? Going to hit St. Thomas in real soon.”


Mattheus meant what he said, thought Cindy. He was letting a little storm run him out of town. Cindy took a deep breath. This was totally shocking. He had told her he was leaving, but she hadn’t believed him for a second. Couldn’t imagine he’d leave her alone here with the case. Clint would never have done this. He’d stay at her side through thick and thin. Well, now I know what this person is made of, Cindy said to herself. Better find out sooner than later. But deep within she felt lonely and scared.

“Hey,” the guy behind the desk said, “you staying around during the storm?”

“Yes,” said Cindy.

“There’s gonna be a shelter about a mile from here to go when the electricity shuts down. They’re collecting jugs of water, batteries, bread, canned in the back. juice and canned food. This isn’t the best place to be. It’s low ground. When those winds hit, the roofs go flying.”

“I’ll be fine,” said Cindy.

“Don’t be so sure,” the guy said, “I’ve seen the storm wipe away stronger folks than you. If you want to stay alive, you better watch out.”





CHAPTER 22


When Cindy awoke the next morning the clouds had grown thicker and the winds picked up. She immediately turned on the TV in her room.

“Tropical Storm Lola is bringing gusty winds, rain and generally foul weather to St. Thomas,” the reporter said. “As the storm intensifies throughout the day, both of the territory’s airports will be closed, seaports shut. Expect power outages to hit and shelters to be opened on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Jon. The Governor declared a state of emergency, imposing a curfew from 6 p.m to 6 a.m. today. The U.S. Coast Guard closed the ports until further notice. Emergency shelters will be open at St. Croix Educational Complex, the Sugar Estate Head Start Center on St. Thomas.”

Cindy was riveted to the TV.

“The biggest concern,” the commentator continued, “is the wind and rain. We’ve already had a significant amount of rainfall and the ground is just about saturated. More rainfall could cause downed trees, mudslides and rockslides. Waste Management is also concerned about overflows in sewer collection. Avoid known areas where manhole overflows occur and proceed through standing water with extreme caution!”

As the commentator went on and on, Cindy called down to order breakfast in her room.

She didn’t need to have breakfast with Mattheus downstairs, as they usually did. A new kind of power filled Cindy. It felt good, being independent, coming and going as she pleased. She could handle the storm and also the case, with or without Mattheus. She’d prefer to do it with him, but only if things were mutual. An odd kind of strength filled her at that realization, and a freedom she relished as well.

The storm hadn’t hit yet and the curfew wasn’t until 6 p.m. She’d ride it out at the hotel or at the shelter a few miles away.

The bell boy brought breakfast and Cindy finished it, turned off the TV, went downstairs. She knew she had to see Kendra again before the storm hit. Had to ask her about Nell and Graham. Even though she’d been fired, the case had taken on a life of its own, much like the storm that was coming.





CHAPTER 23


The local airport was filled to capacity. Mattheus was crunched with others, waiting to get off the island. He’d checked his luggage and headed here, eager to get back to Grenada. Outside, the winds blew fiercely. He hoped they could take off before it got worse.

It was definitely crazy that Cindy wasn’t with him, but she wouldn’t listen to sense. And he wasn’t into forcing anyone. It made him feel stupid and small. The case was over, Kendra was in jail, and beyond that, they’d both been fired. Mattheus hadn’t been able to see one sane reason for staying on the island and putting himself in danger. At first he’d been sure that Cindy would come to her senses. But he hadn’t heard a word from her as storm warnings increased.

Right now he’d been waiting online for over an hour. It would be a few minutes before the flight boarded. Mattheus wondered what Cindy was doing back there, where she’d ride the storm out. She had no idea how hard it would be, either. Mattheus realized that. She was idealistic, but also pig headed. If this is what she wanted, let her have it.

Mattheus’ flight was now being called to board. He grabbed his overnight bag and quickly went to the gate. He couldn’t wait to get off the island, back to the calm, beautiful world he’d grown to love.

Jaden Skye's books