Free Murder in Jamaica: An Anna Winters Cozy Mystery (Murder in Paradise Book 3) by Penelope Sotheby Page B

lay sprawled on the floor, broken. Anna felt bad for her. Again, this was a case where addiction had destroyed someone’s life. Part of her felt bad and wished there was something she could do to help the woman.
    Instead, Lucy picked herself up and looked at Anna with an icy glare.
    “You did this.” Her words were harsh.
    “I didn’t do anything.” Anna replied. “I helped find a killer and bring him to justice. That’s all.”
    “I’ll never forgive you.” Lucy snapped. “You destroyed a family and a home. Why are you such a jealous person? I get that you are frumpy and you are somewhat annoying, but you couldn’t let me have happiness. Instead, you made sure the police would take away my husband. You are a monster, Anna Winters. I hate you.”
    With that, Lucy turned to go. Anna stood there alone. Walking into the lobby, she saw Pierre and Cassandra having a conversation. Cassandra was touching him constantly and he wasn’t pulling away.
    “I guess she wins in the end.” Anna sighed.
    “What exactly has she won.” a voice came from behind her.
    Anna turned and saw Pauline standing there.
    “Pierre isn't good for enough for you.” Pauline remarked. "I always thought that."
    “Everything is cool between us?” Anna asked.
    “No.” Pauline replied. “But it will get better. You look like you could use a drink.”
    “What are we having?” Anna asked.
    “Something strong,” Pauline smiled. “Something strong enough that we can forget people are dying and so we can finally relax and enjoy some time to ourselves.”
    “We can hit the spa after this.” Anna replied.
    “I’d like that.” Pauline nodded. “I could use a little pampering myself. I don’t like fighting with you. It is too hard on me.”
    “I’m not fond of it, either.” Anna agreed. “We need to work things out and we will in time. Let’s just go and enjoy some time in the spa together and enjoy our drinks.”
    “Sounds like a plan to me.” Pauline said.
    With that, the women headed over to the bar and motioned for the bartender to come over.
    “Two of your finest Bourbons.” Anna replied.
    “They are on the house, too.” a voice came from behind them.
    Anna turned to see Mr. Puccio. He walked up to her with a smile on her face.
    “Mr. Puccio, that is very kind of you.” Anna replied.
    “You saved the name of the hotel.” Mr. Puccio replied. “I am just glad we have you on our side. But I need you in Barbados by Tuesday to start setting up the wedding there.” Mr. Puccio grinned. “So, I hope you ladies are up for another wedding venture.”
    “We’ll be more than happy to do it for you.” Anna replied.
    “Very well.” Mr. Puccio smiled. “I’ll leave you to your drinks. Enjoy them!”
    “I hope everything goes smoothly in Barbados.” Anna whispered to Pauline. “I can’t handle another body.”
    “Something tells me there will be.” Pauline sighed. “But as long as you are on the case, the killer won’t escape.”
    “I should have asked him how he got the poison in the food.” Anna suddenly realized.
    “What do you mean?” Pauline asked.
    “How did Harvey get the poison into the food and precisely the right plates?” Anna asked.
    “There wasn’t any way for him to have known.” Pauline replied. “We anticipated that something might happen, so we mixed up the food three times, just to be safe.”
    “So, it would have had to be someone on the inside who pulled this.” Anna cried. “But who could it have been?”
    “I keep telling you, I think it’s Cassandra.” Pauline replied. “I know you don’t like to hear it and you think there is an ulterior motive, but the truth is, I really suspect she is helping people to commit murder.”
    “How would she be doing it?” Anna asked. “I mean, it doesn’t make sense. We should have spotted her.”
    “We need to watch her in Barbados and keep a close eye on her.” Pauline whispered. “If anything happens and she handles the food, we’ll