Murder in Barbados: An Anna Winters Cozy Mystery (Murder in Paradise Book 4) Read Free

close to Laura.” Stuart tried but failed to hold back a sob.
    “Unfortunately, I do.” Anna nodded. “I hate to say it, but I need you to spend some time thinking about who else could have wanted her dead. You knew her better than anyone else. Can you think of anyone she was concerned about or someone who made her even slightly uncomfortable while you were talking?”
    “She never really let anyone get under her skin.” Stuart replied. “She would spend more time worrying about things in life that were real. I’ve never known her to spend her time worrying about speculation and things she couldn’t change. She would always say that just wasted time and there were so many other things she could focus on and enjoy rather than worrying about things that didn’t really matter.”
    “Laura sounded like a smart person.” Anna smiled.
    “To be honest, she was one of the wisest people I knew.” Stuart sighed. “I wish I wouldn’t have let the chance to make her mine slip away. There was a time when I knew she was interested and wanted to be romantically involved with me. Unfortunately, I was too blind or perhaps was too stupid to put the pieces together until it was too late. By the time I was able to see the writing on the wall, Gordon had come into her life. She was so surprised that someone like him would be interested, that my time had passed.”
    “What do you mean someone like him?” Anna asked.
    “He was rich and handsome.” Stuart laughed. “Laura had never looked at herself as being someone who was beautiful. She was surrounded by women she thought were breathtaking. As they got married, she was genuinely happy for them and by the time Gordon came along, she couldn’t fathom why he was in love with her or why he would even give her the time of day.”
    “She was such a beautiful woman herself.” Anna replied. “I find it hard to believe that she didn’t realize just how beautiful she was. I guess some people never really see their true beauty shine and are in shock when they do find someone who loves them for all they are.”
    “You don’t think I am a suspect, right?” Stuart asked point blank. “I honestly had nothing to do with her murder.”
    “If I am being completely honest, I don’t suspect you in the slightest.” Anna offered cautiously. “What I need to do is to gather enough evidence so that the police have their curiosity satisfied if at all possible.”
    “I don’t have anything else I can offer.” Stuart began to sob again. “But if I could bring her back, I would. She was the most important person in my life and I loved her so deeply.”
    Anna patted the man's back. If he were guilty, it would come as a complete surprise to her at this point. Thinking back on some of the other cases she worked, she had been led to believe that someone was innocent solely on their actions and it backfired on her. She knew she couldn't rule Stuart out as a suspect until she had something concrete that suggested there was no way he was a cold blooded killer.
    “I need to get back to my investigation.” Anna replied softly. “I think it is best to let you grieve and find solace in the game. If you want to talk, you can reach me on my cell phone. Here is my business card.”
    Anna reached into the pocket of her black slacks and pulled out a business card. Stuart took it and looked it over curiously. He looked at the card and then back at Anna.
    “This says you were in charge of event catering.” Stuart asked curiously.
    “Yes, that is correct.” Anna nodded.
    “Did anyone who shouldn't have been touching the food have access to it?” His voice strained. “Was there a guest attending who maybe stumbled into the room long enough to have poisoned the food? I know I am asking for a miracle right now. But you are in charge of that department and if there is even the slightest chance you can solve this murder for me.”
    “If I had any leads, I’d share them with you, Stuart.” Anna