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faded and evening drew in, Cindy and Mattheus headed for a taxi to
take them to their hotel.
    The
taxi drove slowly, allowing them to unwind and take in the sights of the island
in twilight. Their hotel was located on the top of a hill, overseeing the bay. The
beach near it was white, sandy and inviting, one of the most popular on the
island. Sailing and snorkeling trips left from the dock. Jet skis were
available and the hotel’s restaurants were a great spot for lunch or dinner.
    Cindy
was hungry, but she was also a little apprehensive. This was going to be their
first night on the island. For a brief moment, she thought about how nice it
would be to spend more time with Mattheus, but also felt how important it was
to keep things clear right from the start.
    The
taxi drove up the winding hill to their hotel, which was lined with trees,
flowers and little benches. They got out, paid the driver and went to register.
Kendra had arranged to have their luggage dropped off at the hotel, as soon as
they arrived, so they could spend the afternoon investigating.  Now, they
registered and received two rooms, adjacent to one another. The man at the desk
smiled as he gave them the keys and looked from one to the other.
    “Do
you need separate bell boys to take up the luggage?” he grinned.
    “Yes,
please. We’re going to have dinner in the restaurant first,” Mattheus said.
    “Mattheus’
smooth finessing of the awkward moment eased Cindy’s mind. Obviously, he, too,
wanted to make sure things were clear between them. Cindy appreciated that and
then recalled the afternoon on Grenada when someone had told her that Mattheus
was unavailable. She remembered wondering why someone as handsome and engaging
as he was would want to be alone
    Now,
they went to the dining room out on the veranda, overlooking the bay and ordered.
The moment the waiter left, Mattheus immediately picked up where they left off,
discussing the case.
    “I
think the best idea is for us to split up,” Mattheus said immediately.
    Despite
herself, Cindy’s stomach lurched.
    “In
the morning we’ll go in different directions.  This way we can cover twice as
much ground.”
    The
waiter brought their wine on a tray made of pink seashells.
    Mattheus
immediately raised his glass for a toast.
    “To
the beginning of a wonderful business,” he said. “May we help all those we come
into contact with.”
    “I’ll
drink to that,” said Cindy, raising the glass to her lips slowly, enjoying the
coolness of the drink. Then she suddenly looked up and saw Mattheus’ eyes
gazing into hers. Their glance touched and held for a moment and then they both
quickly looked away.
    “What
do you plan to investigate in the morning?” Cindy asked, bringing them both
back to focus.
    Matthew
seemed to appreciate it. “Thinking of running over to St. Croix,” he said. “The
police reports and Kendra mentioned that Paul spent time on St. Croix, both on
business and at the casinos. I thought I’d check out the casinos first. They
could be a treasure trove of information, especially if he was a regular.  And
from the looks of the reports, the police didn’t spend much time doing that.”
    “Great
idea,” said Cindy.
    “And
you?” Mattheus asked.
    “I’m
going to visit the bars he hung out at. Kendra said she thought he might have
had a mistress. It’s an important thing to look into next.”
    “Very
important,” said Mattheus, draining the glass of wine quickly. “You have the
name of the bars?”
    “Yes,”
said Cindy.
    Mattheus
leaned back and then frowned for a moment. 
    “Something
wrong?” asked Cindy.
    He
shook his head lightly.  “No, of course not. I just don’t love the idea of you
hanging at these bars here alone.”
    Cindy
was startled and smiled.  She loved Mattheus’ protectiveness, but this was a
murder case they’d come down to solve. Who said it would be easy? Who said it
would be safe?
     

CHAPTER
5
     
     
      
Mattheus was relieved to be