by Jaden Skye
“You didn’t answer my question,” Mattheus continued, his brow furled. “Are we different people when we’re working and when we’re not?”
Cindy paused for a long moment. “We’re different people every day,” she replied. “We grow, we change.”
“You’re avoiding my question,” he said.
“No, I’m not,” Cindy answered simply. “I’m grateful for everything, Mattheus, I really am. Let’s just enjoy ourselves and let whatever’s going to happen be revealed on its own.”
*
After a beautiful dinner in their suite, complete with Champagne, strawberries, and the very best chocolate, Cindy and Mattheus both felt tired. To Cindy’s relief, the moment they went to bed, they immediately fell asleep, wrapped in each other’s arms. Before her eyes closed Cindy remembered thinking that it was a good thing that they fell asleep quickly. Cindy knew she loved and cared for Mattheus, but he also felt a bit like a stranger to her now. She needed time to get used to being back with him. When she’d left for the Dominican Republic to work on the last case alone, Cindy had thought that their engagement was totally over. She’d thought that despite their love for each other, they’d decided that their different needs and styles of life couldn’t be reconciled. Now Cindy wanted to be open to what might be possible between them, but it was a big leap into this honeymoon suite. Cindy wasn’t sure she was ready for it yet, and obviously Mattheus must have felt the same way. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have fallen asleep so fast, she thought.
In the morning Cindy woke early and got right out of bed. While Mattheus slept, she headed to the bathroom to shower and dress. As the warm water from the shower ran over her body, Cindy wondered how they would spend the day.
Once out of the shower, she slipped on a light, colorful summer dress and a favorite hand-printed scarf. When she went to the sink to put on her makeup, Cindy suddenly saw Mattheus standing in the doorway, looking for her.
“You certainly jumped up out of bed quickly.” He seemed disconcerted.
“I had a good sleep,” Cindy replied lightly, “and I didn’t want to wake you up.”
“There’s all kinds of ways you could have woken me up.” Mattheus tried to be playful, referring to the many mornings in the past that they’d lingered together in bed together for a long while, before approaching a new day.
“Should we go down for breakfast or order up?” Cindy deflected his comment.
“Let’s go downstairs,” Mattheus replied. “It seems like it will be good for us to get out of the room and mix it up with others for a while.”
“Great,” said Cindy, not knowing exactly what Mattheus meant, but not wanting to make much of it, either. She was hungry for breakfast and eager to explore the magnificent island she’d found herself on.
*
The hotel had several dining rooms and the one they went to for breakfast was graceful and sprawling, taking up almost half a block. Cindy felt as if she were entering a garden as there was a huge potted fern plant placed behind every wicker table.
Cindy and Mattheus sat at a table near the front, in full view of the ocean. They picked up the latticed menus and began scanning them for what to order.
“Is that Mattheus?” a young woman’s voice broke their concentration.
Cindy and Mattheus looked up over their menus at the same moment. A beautiful young couple stood at their table. “Yes, I’m Mattheus, but who are you?” Mattheus looked puzzled.
The young woman had long, wavy brown hair, was dressed in expensive summer slacks with a light lemon blouse. The young man beside her was tall and attractive with dark, sandy hair and deep-set blue eyes.
“I’m Kara, Rod’s daughter,” the young woman replied, delighted to have taken Mattheus by surprise. “And this is Rowley, my new husband. We’re on our honeymoon here. First of all, thank you for sending us such a beautiful wedding present.”
Mattheus paused and rubbed his forehead, incredulous. “How in the world did you recognize me?”
Kara laughed freely at the look on Mattheus’s face. “It’s simple,” she said in a lilting, almost sing-song voice. “My father keeps pictures of his friends from the past all around. And he updates them as the years go by.”
Mattheus grimaced. “The years have certainly gone by. I remember when you were born.”
Kara laughed again. “Do you really?”
“You were a beautiful little girl,” Mattheus mused.
“And she’s still beautiful now,” Rowley added, enjoying the encounter and thoroughly proud of his beautiful bride.
“She certainly is.” Mattheus jumped on it. “Congratulations on your marriage.” Then Mattheus turned to Cindy. “And I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée as well,” he continued. “This is Cindy Blaine.”
Cindy stood up. “Hello,” she said, smiling, surprised to be introduced as Mattheus’s fiancée.
“Hi,” Kara offered brightly as Rowley smiled and extended his hand. “It looks like congratulations are in order for the two of you, as well,” Kara added.
“Thank you,” Mattheus responded proudly before Cindy could say a word. “Would you like to join us for breakfast?” Mattheus asked then. “Of course there’s absolutely no pressure about it at all. I totally realize that you’re honeymooners.”
“We’d love to.” Kara took the lead. “We’ve been here a few days already and my dad will be thrilled when he hears that we ran into you. He really wanted you to come to the wedding.”
Mattheus seemed to feel bad. “So sorry I couldn’t,” he said.
“Of course,” said Kara. “It’s great to run into you now, though. I’ll tell my dad and he’ll be thrilled.”
“Well, thank you for that,” said Mattheus. “I’m thrilled to have run into you too.” Then he motioned for the waiter to find a larger table for four.
*
Cindy thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast, finding Kara and Rowley to be a delightful couple. They’d known each other for years and said their marriage was the next natural step. In his thirties, Rowley was already a successful plastic surgeon and Kara worked as a counselor at a job that meant a lot to her. Cindy was surprised to hear that. It didn’t exactly fit the picture Cindy had of Kara, who was perfectly put together, dressed in expensive designer’s clothes from head to toe.
“It’s wonderful to love what you do,” Cindy commented to her. “Where do you work?”
Kara paused a moment. “I love what I do,” Kara declared, “although Rowley’s not totally thrilled with my job and neither is my family. But it means a lot to me.”
“Your job is fine, it’s okay,” Rowley defended himself, smiling first at her and then at Cindy. “Once we have children, though, things may be different. Kara may decide that our family’s enough to occupy her then.”
“It’s not one or the other.” Kara gave him a long glance. “I can do both. We’ve discussed it, Rowley.”
“Yes, of course, we have,” Rowley conceded. “It’s fine with me, whatever you want, truly.”
Kara smiled, looking relieved. “That’s what I love so much about our relationship,” she went on cheerily. “Rowley and I work things out in a minute or two. Whatever I want, he’s happy about.”
Amazing,” said Cindy, impressed, wishing she could say the same for herself and Mattheus.
“Yes, I know it’s amazing.” Kara beamed at Rowley with love. “Everything about Rowley’s amazing when you get to know him. How did I get so lucky?”
Rowley loved that. “How did I get so lucky?” he shot right back.
Mattheus laughed. “How did we get so lucky to meet the two of you and find a couple who knows how to work things out?”
They all laughed together then as Cindy winked at Kara in encouragement. Cindy was taken aback by Kara’s free spirit, liked her immensely. Other than that little difference between them, Kara’s and Rowley’s lives seemed entirely harmonious. Rowley said he’d just bought a condo a few blocks away from their families, and they were
surrounded by many friends. It was heartwarming to watch the newlyweds hold hands as they talked about the life that spread out in front of them with seemingly endless possibilities.
They all chatted easily throughout breakfast, as though they’d known each other for years. Kara told Cindy and Mattheus about the Love Conference that went on routinely in St. Lucia. Wedding planners gathered from all over to discover the incredible wedding venues here and plan dream weddings for their clients.
“We’ve just been through that ourselves,” said Mattheus.
“Really? You’re planning a wedding?” Kara looked surprised.
“We were,” Cindy chimed in lightly.
“Just haven’t found the right spot yet,” Mattheus quickly added.
“Take your time, it’s important,” Rowley joined the conversation. “Kara and I were engaged for almost two years before we firmed things up. We finally decided to have the wedding back in Connecticut and our honeymoon here. That made it so much easier for our guests and worked out beautifully for us as well.”
Rowley seemed to have a maturity and solidity about him that one might miss at first glance. Cindy liked him very much. So did Mattheus.
They all talked a little longer, then breakfast was over and Kara and Rowley had to go. Cindy and Mattheus thanked them for the time they’d spent together. Kara and Rowley said they’d enjoyed it as well. When they left, Cindy felt sad.
“What a beautiful young couple,” Mattheus said, watching them walk out of the dining room. “They’ve got it right so early. My friend Rod must be very proud.”
Cindy felt a pang of regret. She wished she could have gotten it right the way they had. If only she’d met her partner early on they could have built a life together that naturally progressed from stage to stage. Then Cindy wouldn’t be left at this time of life thinking about wedding destinations. A strange sense of emptiness filled her as Kara and Rowley disappeared from view.
“Your friend Rod’s a lucky man to have a family like that,” Cindy mused.
Mattheus stretched out his hands and reached for Cindy.
“Yes, he is very lucky. But we’re lucky, too. We have each other, don’t we? Better late
than never.”
Much better, thought Cindy, as she held Mattheus’s hands tight, wondering how late it really was, and if it there was enough time left for them.
CHAPTER 3
The breakfast with Kara and Rowley definitely lifted the mood between Cindy and Mattheus, allowing them to thoroughly enjoy the rest of the day. For starters they decided to rent a car and take a scenic tour of the majestic Pitons on the way to the Diamond Waterfall. Cindy craved time in nature and the Diamond Waterfall was located in a beautiful botanical garden surrounded by nature’s finest plants and flowers. As she walked beside Mattheus through the gardens, it seemed as if all her concerns gently floated away. They held hands, laughed, and made the kind of easy small talk they used to do so freely. A day like this brought back to Cindy all that she loved about him and their time together, how warm and natural it could be.
After lunch at the gardens, they decided to drive through Soufriererto, an incredibly quaint town with a view of the world’s only drive-in volcano. As they passed, its sulfuric waters bubbled wildly, thrilling Cindy. She’d always wanted to bathe in sulfur springs and was excited to actually visit the volcano. The sour smell in the air was difficult to take, but the power of the churning volcano captivated her. Cindy was amazed and inspired by the incredible forces of nature and the endless treasures and healing powers that came right up from the earth.
“I love it here,” Cindy murmured to Mattheus, who seemed to be thoroughly content to be at her side.
“We’ll come here often, all the time,” Mattheus whispered, delighted that she was having such a wonderful time. “Do you have the energy to go over to Rodney Bay and join the Friday night Jump Up, too?” Every Friday night a lively party, called the Jump Up, spilled out onto the streets, and people came from all over to join in the fun.
“Absolutely,” said Cindy. She felt invigorated by having nothing else to worry about except how to enjoy all the wonders this amazing island was offering them.
After leaving the volcano, Cindy and Mattheus arrived at Rodney Bay just as the party was beginning to roll. As expected, the place was packed with honeymooners laughing, dancing, drinking, and celebrating to their hearts’ content. Without a moment’s hesitation, Cindy and Mattheus joined in the fun, drinking rum and dancing along with everyone to the intense reggae music that rang out all around.
“It’s working, we’re wonderful,” Mattheus whispered to Cindy, as they danced under the stars. “We’re happier than we’ve ever been!”
“It’s true,” Cindy murmured, “this vacation is so perfect, we may not ever need another honeymoon again.”
Mattheus laughed along with Cindy as they allowed the joy of the island to embrace them, making them forget everything else.
*
By the time Cindy and Mattheus returned to the hotel it had been a long day. Both felt somewhat tipsy, filled with music, laughter, and drink.
“Do you want to get a nightcap before we go up to our room?” Mattheus asked as the taxi pulled up to the hotel.
“Absolutely,” said Cindy, delighted.
Filled with joy, they got out of the cab and entered the lobby, heading toward the cocktail lounge. Then to Cindy’s horror, she saw swarms of police milling around.
“My God!” Cindy grabbed onto Mattheus’s arm as she felt him stiffen up as well. “What’s happened?”
“I have no idea,” said Mattheus, heading straight over to one of the cops, a tall, wiry [cl2] Caribbean man. “What’s going on?” asked Mattheus.
The cop looked at Mattheus and shook his head. “Damn lousy, rotten luck,” he muttered, genuinely disturbed.
“What’s lousy, rotten luck?” Mattheus pressed him.
“Look, I got to go, man. Time’s of the essence in cases like this.” The cop pulled back.
“We’re talking to everyone in the hotel to see if anyone saw something.”
“Stop a minute!” Mattheus insisted in an authoritative tone. “Talk to me. We’re C and M Investigations, detectives in the Caribbean.”
The cop stopped short. “I heard of you guys,” he muttered, his eyes darting back and forth between Mattheus and Cindy. “My name’s Abe.” He extended a long hand.
Mattheus shook his hand promptly. “Okay, Abe, now tell me what’s going on.”
Abe gazed around the lobby furtively. “Well, in truth, no one’s sure yet. From what we know so far, seems like one of the guests went missing late this afternoon.”
An icy chill ran up Cindy’s arms.
“One of the guests?” Mattheus wanted more.
“Yeah,” Abe continued, “one of the honeymooners. This place is loaded with them.”
“That’s horrible,” breathed Mattheus.
“We’re not jumping to any conclusions yet.” Abe tried to calm him down. “These couples come down here and go crazy and all bets are off. They party all night long, get wasted, and do something stupid. Sometimes they fall asleep where no one can find them and wake up a day later and wander back. Could be this gal who went missing was high as a kite and is wandering around as we speak. I’ve seen it before plenty of times.”
Mattheus suddenly seemed ill at ease. “I want details,” he insisted.
“I told you, we’re not sure,” Abe went on. “The husband says his wife went out for a late afternoon swim at the beach. He didn’t feel like going, decided to do some stuff and wait in the room for her. When she didn’t come back in about an hour and a half, he went out to the beach, looking for her. She wasn’t there, though. There was no sign of her anywhere. Then he went back to the room to wait, but she never returned.”
Tears stung Cindy’s eyes. This was exactly the same scenario that had played out with her and Clint in Barbados. He’d gone out to surf in the late afternoon while Cindy had
stayed in the room to nap.
“The husband called the police about eight o’clock. The wife had been gone for about four hours by then,” Abe continued. “We’re putting a search team together, talking to people.”
“You got anyone loose on the island who’s trouble?” Mattheus asked quickly. There could be gang members of all kinds floating around, just waiting to spot a woman alone.
“Nothing like that.” Abe shook his head. “All that’s under control in St. Lucia. Right now we’re talking to everyone at the hotel, putting posters around, scanning the neighborhood from top to bottom. If she didn’t get in trouble when she went swimming in the ocean and the tide didn’t take her out, someone’s got to have seen this young lady. We’re worried about the husband, too. Right now he’s freaking out.”
“Of course he’s freaking out,” Cindy interrupted.
“Yeah.” Abe backtracked. “But this guy’s a surgeon, he’s seen lots of stuff.”
Cindy’s breath caught in her throat.“What did you say? A surgeon?” She could barely speak.
“Yeah, Rowley Flynn, ever heard of him?” asked Abe.
“Rowley Flynn?” Mattheus sounded as horror-struck as Cindy felt.
“It’s not possible,” Cindy barely whispered. “Kara and Rowley?”
“That’s it,” said Abe, “the gal’s name was Kara.”
Cindy felt Mattheus freeze up. “You’re absolutely positive her name was Kara?” Cindy asked Abe.
“You knew her?” Abe was startled.
“Kara Flynn?” Mattheus repeated.
“Yeah, that was her name,” Abe assured him.
“That is her name, not was,” Cindy interjected. “There’s no reason to think she’s dead, is there?”