Death by Divorce Read Online Free PDF Page B

herself for a moment. There had been an incredible transformation, and she felt it was far from over yet.
    She turned away from the mirror and went out onto her patio. Incredible stars spread over the sky, like a sparkling canopy of light, greeting her. Gazing up at the sky, Cindy thought about how much Clint would have loved it here. They would have gone snorkeling, listened to Calypso, gone to a fine restaurant, danced, made love.
    Cindy could almost feel his energy around her, and wondered if he had any idea of where she was now and what she was doing. Clint had always loved Cindy’s adventurous spirit, but neither of them ever imagined she’d be involved in solving crimes. Would he think she was crazy taking this case on? Or would he approve of her coming back down to the Caribbean, trying to help? It seemed natural to her, as if her own life had prepared her for this unexpected next step. It seemed impossible to return to life as she knew it. And she couldn’t imagine what else she could be doing.
    It was destiny, Cindy then decided, that had brought her down here now.
    *
    When she awoke early the next morning, Cindy was excited to get going and speak to the police. She dressed in white slacks and a short sleeve, paisley, silk shirt with a light sweater over it. She didn’t have to put on much, makeup either. Already her skin had a lovely glow from being outdoors and in the sun. To look professional, she pulled her long, flowing hair back and tied it at her neck.
    After a quick breakfast, she and Dalia got into the car and drove through a narrow road, flanked by fragrant bushes, into town. In less than ten minutes they were at the police station, a small, two story building-- made of white stucco. The day was fresh, clear and beautiful, a perfect day to be in the ocean, swimming, snorkeling, surfing. Not a day, Cindy thought, to be searching for the possible remains of your friend’s husband.
    “I’ll introduce you to the police,” said Dalia, “then I’m going back home. They’ll bring you back when you’re ready. ”
    “Fine,” said Cindy.
    When they walked into the main office of the station, two cops were standing there, waiting.
    Dalia walked up to them, quickly. Obviously, she knew them well. Cindy walked close beside her.
    “Mattheus, this is Cindy,” Dalia spoke to the cop on the right. He was a good looking guy in his late thirties, sun-tanned, with blue eyes, and dark hair.
    Mattheus seemed taken aback when he saw Cindy. He extended his hand.
    “Hi,” he said, gruffly.
    Then Dalia turned to Cindy. “Cindy, this is Mattheus’s partner, Sand.”
    Sand, a local, was probably mid-forties, heavier, with big muscles, narrow eyes and a slight paunch.
    Sand didn’t shake Cindy’s hand, just shook his head and laughed. “This is the new detective on the case?”
    “This is it,” said Dalia, routinely.
    “So, you think a woman’s going find something we didn’t?” Sand went on.
    “I just want a fresh eye,” said Dalia. ”
    “Yeah, yeah,” said Sand, disparagingly. “We know. The chief of police said to do what you want. Your husband was a big guy on the island, so now the Chief’s pacifying you. ”
    Cindy didn’t like Sand, and she could see the feeling was mutual. Clearly, he was threatened by her presence.
    Mattheus interrupted. “Okay,” he said, pointing to a chair, “You can sit down here, let’s talk.” His voice had a rough edge.
    “I’m going back now,” said Dalia. “When you’re finished, you can drive Cindy back to the villa.” Then, she suddenly turned and left. Cindy sat on the chair Mattheus motioned to. He sat opposite her, tapping his fingers on the desk. Sand sat across from the two of them.
    “I’m leaving this to you,” Sand said to Mattheus. “You fill the little lady in.”
    Cindy felt her jaw tighten. “I’d appreciate that. I know you’ve gone through everything, but Dalia just wants a fresh eye. ”
    Both Sand and Mattheus laughed.
    “How