Death by Devotion (Book #9 in the Caribbean Murder Series) Read Free Page B

truth though. He also knew that she was happily
married when the photo arrived and her husband thought the child was his. Cindy
always wondered why Al had sent Clint the photo. Had he wanted to break up Clint’s
relationship with Cindy? Everyone else had tried to.  Was Al making amends for this
now by getting Cindy this column?  Or, was there something else he had in mind?
    The
job sounds wonderful,” Cindy reassured Al, who was looking at her quizzically.
    “But
you’re not one hundred per cent positive,” Al echoed.
    “Not
yet,” she answered. “Can I sleep on it?”
    Fortunately,
just then Pastor Mallord came over and interrupted the conversation.
    “Cindy,
my goodness, you look wonderful,” he said, “so good to see you.”
    Cindy’s
eyes filled with tears at the sight of this kind man. She remembered how deeply
he’d cared for her during her ordeal and the little Bible he’d left for her as
a gift. It had to still be tucked away in her room.
    “You’ve
become a great force for the good, Cindy,” Pastor Mallord was saying now. “We’re
so proud of you. You’re incredibly courageous. You’ve helped many.”
    “Thank
you, thank you,” Cindy felt humbled.
    “Don’t
give up, never give up,” he went on, “I’m sure there are many more victims of
crime out there who are waiting for your help.”
    Cindy
shivered. She felt it too, but had no idea what her next steps would be. Was
Pastor Mallord giving her a message, and what did it have to do with this job
offer she’d just received from Al?  
     

Chapter 3
     
     
    After
everyone had left, Ann and Cindy were sitting on bed talking and Cindy told Ann
about Al’s offer.
     “This
is a fantastic, amazing offer,” Ann said, her eyes getting big.
    “There’s
no way I can make up my mind about it overnight,” Cindy replied.
    “Just
go meet the guy,” Ann insisted, “let him know you need a little think to think
about it.”
    “Maybe?”
said Cindy.
    “Maybe?”
Ann was astonished. “This is too good to pass up. I remember all the years
growing up, you always dreamt of having a column of your own.”
    “That
was then,” said Cindy.”There’s no reason for me to trust Al.  He was involved
with sending Clint that photo before the wedding, do you remember?”
    “I
do now that you’ve reminded me,” said Ann. “But what has that got to do with
anything now?”
    “Who
knows?” shrugged Cindy. “Why would Al be so interested in setting this up for
me?  It really doesn’t make sense.”
    “You’re
becoming paranoid, Cindy,” Ann looked horrified.
    “No,
just careful,” Cindy replied. “There’s a web of strange relationships here in
Cove Bay. Al’s close to Clint’s family. They couldn’t stand me from the
beginning, never wished me well.”
    “Marge
told me she wants to straighten that all out,” Ann interrupted.
    “I’m
not so sure,” said Cindy. “Why would she? She’s tricky, you know that.”
    “Cindy,”
Ann put her hand on Cindy’s arm, “this is not a case you’re investigating. This
is life, people can be trusted. They aren’t all criminals. Being a detective is
making you paranoid.”
    “There’s
a fine line between being paranoid and being smart and vigilant, Ann.  You have
to consider all the angles.”
    “That’s
a terrible way to live,” Ann breathed, “not trusting anyone.”
    “Of
course I trust - when my trust has been earned,” Cindy quickly replied.
    “Well,
thank God I’m not on your list of suspects,” Ann grinned, trying to break the
tension that was forming.
    Cindy
smiled back. “Of course you aren’t, but we don’t really know Al, do we? How do
we know he’s not setting me up?”
    Ann
got up from the edge of the bed. “Cindy, it’s just an interview with a guy at
the paper. Go check out the situation yourself. Take time to think it over. If
they really want you, they’ll give you the time you need to make a decision.  For
all you know, it might be something you’d love