Free Murder in Barbados: An Anna Winters Cozy Mystery (Murder in Paradise Book 4) by Penelope Sotheby Page B

mouth to speak but stopped herself as Pierre approached them. Her eyes met Anna’s, who hinted she wanted her friend to stay.
    “Hey ladies,” Pierre smiled. “Can I talk to Anna alone?”
    “I’d prefer Pauline was here,” Anna responded coldly.
    “I was hoping we could go out tonight to celebrate your victory.” Pierre offered a toothy grin.
    “I have a date tonight,” Anna informed him. “Maybe you and Cassandra can do something.”
    “Oh.” Pierre winced. “I am not seeing her anymore. She is interested in some cop who has no interest in her. But I saw her trying to flirt with him and told her I didn’t like that. So, I want to be with you instead.”
    “I’m not interested in a high school romance,” Anna whispered. “I want someone who always wants to be with me. Someone I can count on. Not someone who runs off when things are easy for them and they can get the flavor of the moment. I want love, Pierre.”
    “That is all I ever wanted,” Pierre pleaded. “I’ll change, I’ll prove it to you.”
    “I’m not committing to anyone or anything right now.” Anna replied and sighed heavily. “We are friends first and foremost. You hurt me and you damaged a relationship that was offered to you.
    “But what about your date tonight?” Pierre pressed. “What if you fall in love with him?”
    “I am not getting married tonight,” Anna replied. “It is a date. Dinner and maybe a hug. A kiss if he’s kind. But that’s as far as it goes. I’m not like you; I am very old fashioned. If you want to be with me, you need to show me a better side of yourself. Right now, I am interested in someone else. I am not going to sugar coat it. Just keep that in mind and focus on improving your life and who you are, rather than getting in a relationship with me.”
    “But we are still friends for now?” Pierre pleaded.
    “We will always be friends,” Anna assured him. “Don’t ever worry about that.”
    With that, Pierre gave her a gloomy hug and left. Pauline patted Anna on the back.
    “You did good,” Pauline said. “I know you had it hard. But he needs to know he can’t treat women like that.”
    “He does,” Anna agreed. “The door isn’t closed on him either. It will be a struggle to date Detective Jensen if I continue to follow that path. So I have a lot to think about. But a date tonight, regardless of who it is with, seems like a good idea.”
    Pauline nodded and Anna tugged her down the hallway. Anna just wanted to go to her room now and wash the blood and events of the day off herself so she could focus on other things. As for the clothing, she’d toss it in the incinerator. There was no need to have memories of the last few days in stains on clothing she’d never want to wear again.
    Outside her door, her phone rang. Looking down at it, she noticed Gordon’s name and answered it.
    “Hello?” she answered.
    “It’s Gordon.” His voice was friendly. “Thank you for helping to solve my wife’s murder. I am glad she finally has justice.”
    “You are aware your brother is dead too?” Anna asked.
    “Yes,” Gordon replied. “Detective Jensen told me. With the nightmare he has put me through for years, I have to admit I am somewhat relieved. I know that sounds terrible, but it is true.”
    “I understand,” Anna assured him. “Hopefully, you can move forward with your life.”
    “It will take time,” Gordon replied. “But it will happen. I should go.”
    The call ended and Anna reached for the door to her room. Entering her room, she was startled to see Cassandra sitting on her bed waiting for her. Leaving the door open, Anna could feel her lungs struggle for air and her heart race.
    “What did you need?” Anna asked, as friendly as she could.
    “I was worried about you,” Cassandra smiled. “I was hoping we could hang out tonight. Maybe get some drinks and have dinner.”
    “I’m very tired,” Anna lied. “I am just going to go to bed.”
    “You have a date tonight