Death by Obsession by Jaden Skye

never know what’s going to
happen when you go out into the outlying villages,” Mattheus replied. “Okay,
tell me more.”
    “Tara’s obsessed with the boy,”
Cindy started.
    “That’s what I was worried about,”
said Mattheus. “Does she want to adopt him for her own?”
    “No,” Cindy replied. “She just
wants him to be part of her and Lynch’s life. She won’t marry him otherwise.”
    “That’s nuts,” Mattheus sighed
loudly. “Sounds like the shocking news made her come unhinged.”
    Cindy sat half up on the sofa. “There’s
something wrong with all of us, Mattheus,” she said.
    “Some more, some less,” Mattheus
agreed.
    “Well, I like her,” Cindy
insisted, “she’s brave, she’s interesting, has principles she fights for.”
    Mattheus smiled, “But you, Cindy,
are perfect. At least I always thought so.”
    Cindy smiled softly too. Mattheus
always knew just what to say to defuse her upset, had a way of charming her. “I’m
far from perfect,” Cindy said as she put her head back down on the couch to
unwind.  “And I actually never wanted to be perfect.”
    “But you are,” Mattheus insisted,
smiling.
    Cindy didn’t know if he’s was still
kidding, or telling her how he felt.
    “I can’t lose you, Cindy,”
Mattheus went on. “I’ll never find anyone like you again.”
    Cindy closed her eyes, feeling
frightened. “There are probably plenty of people much better for you than me,”
she said softly.
    “We need each other,” Mattheus
went on.
    Cindy wanted to roll over and
fall asleep, do anything to get away from the painful moment. She had no idea
right now if she and Mattheus could actually get married. Not knowing what to
say, she just continued focusing on the case.
                 “Tara wants us to
come to the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night,” Cindy went on.
    Mattheus laughed. “So, now she’s going
through with the wedding and wants us there, to boot?” His voice sounded both
relieved and incredulous.
    “She said she can’t do it alone,”
said Cindy.
    “This gal has emotional problems,”
Mattheus commented.
    “Whatever she has or doesn’t
have, will you come with me to the rehearsal dinner?” Cindy wanted an answer
right now.
    “Is it okay with Aldon?” Mattheus
asked.
    “Tara said it doesn’t matter
about Aldon. She wants us there. I’m going, and I need you there with me, too.”
    “Glad to hear that,” Mattheus
relented. Then he leaned over and stroked Cindy’s arm. “Of course I’ll go with
you to the rehearsal dinner. There’s nowhere else in the world I want to be but
at your side.”

CHAPTER 9
     
     
    Cindy and Mattheus decided to rest the next day and
visit Philipsburg, the capital city. Cindy and Mattheus were attracted by the
lively atmosphere. It would be a good place to put concerns aside for a day. Phillipsburg
was located on a narrow strip of land that wrapped around Great Bay and was one
of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports, known for its duty free shopping. There
were casinos, marinas and a mile long beach with a beachfront boardwalk, lined
with bars and restaurants.  
              They arrived and strolled along together,
looking at the ships and shops and enjoying the bustling boardwalk. Both needed
the break and, without saying a word about it, discussion about Mattheus’s
daughter was put on the back burner.
    They made small talk, laughed, had a delicious lunch
and Cindy bought some souvenir gifts for her sister. As the day ended and they
were finally heading back to the hotel, Mattheus put his arm around Cindy.  “After
the rehearsal dinner tonight, where to next?”
    Cindy smiled. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow,” she
said. She knew that Mattheus needed an answer, but she needed quiet time to let
the questions she had go deep within and root in the silence. That usually
helped things sort themselves out and answers come naturally.
    Cindy and Mattheus returned to the hotel somewhat
refreshed, in