Big Easy (Cowboy Craze)

by Sable Hunter

  This comment made Philip McCoy laugh. “He don’t have a clue who you are, Zane.”

  “I know.” Zane nodded his head with a smile, noticing his friend had reverted to speaking with a redneck drawl to match the sheriff’s, complete with poor grammar. “Not a clue.”

  “What you mean? I’m the high sheriff in these parts. This is my parish. I do what I want in my parish. Why, I wouldn’t trade places with John Bel. Why be governor when I can be king? I’m sure you ain’t even licensed to practice law in Louisiana, boy. You’d best hightail it back over the Sabine River where you belong.”

  Zane chuckled, flicking a bit of dust off the sleeve of his $3500 suit coat. “Oh, that’s where you’re wrong, Sheriff. I am licensed to practice law in Louisiana. In fact, I’m a native, just like my friend here.”

  “Oh, really? I know everybody in these parts. Who might your daddy be?”

  Philip laughed again. While he hated what was happening to Easy, he sure loved to watch Zane work. “He don’t know who you are.”

  “That’s okay. The law is on my side and this man is an elected official, put into power by the people of Louisiana for the sole purpose of upholding that law. Isn’t that right, Sheriff?”

  Sheriff Hill sidled up to Zane. “I am the law in these parts. Now, what’s your daddy’s name, fancy-pants?”

  The smile faded from Zane’s face. “I don’t need to ride on my daddy’s coattail. I’ve made my own name…but, if you’re that curious, I’ll tell you. My father is Robert Saucier. Ever heard of him? He’s called the kingmaker.” Zane shook his head. “And I didn’t see your name on the short-list. However, he is very good friends to a lot of other powerful people. Namely, the Attorney General of Louisiana and a host of judges.”

  “Robert Lee Saucier?”

  Philip smirked, realizing Hill recognized the name of one of the most powerful men in the state.

  “That’s right.” Zane sat his brief case down and took off his coat, rolling up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt. “And you either let me see my client or I’ll slap you with an obstruction of justice charge so fast it’ll make your head swim.”

  Philip could tell Sheriff Hill knew he’d been beat – but he didn’t like it, not one little bit.

  “Five minutes. Howie, bring our guest up to my office.”

  “I’ll take as long as I need, Sheriff. When is the bail hearing?”

  Hill folded his thick arms over his thicker chest. “When Judge Harris gets back from fishing.”

  “And when will that be?” Zane watched as the deputy moved down the hall to open a door at the far end.

  “Tomorrow, sometime.”

  “All right.” He cut his eyes to Philip as he saw Easy being led toward them. “Why is he still in cuffs? Get those off of him right now!”

  The Sheriff nodded and Howie removed the cuffs.

  “Thanks.” Easy rubbed his wrists. “I need to go to the toilet.”

  Zane glared at the sheriff. “What kind of place are you running here?”

  “Take him to the john,” Hill growled the words reluctantly.

  “When I’m through talking to Mr. Blackhawk, I expect you to put him in a proper cell. With water. Meals at the designated times. A toilet.” Zane knew this conversation sounded ludicrous, but he also knew inmates had died from lack of water and other forms of neglect. Crazy – but it happened.

  “Of course. Nothing but the best,” Hill drawled sarcastically as Howie reappeared with their prisoner. “My office is this way.”

  Easy was more than relieved to see Philip and Zane. Once they were alone, he let out a long breath. “How’s Jewel?”

  Philip couldn’t help but be amused at his friend’s priorities. “I haven’t talked to her since she called me, but I promised we’d go see her as soon as we’re finished here.”

  “Yea, please do.” Easy shook his head, still unable to process what was going on. “She can help.”

  “Jewel told me that she knows who did this,” Philip volunteered in a low tone.

  Zane looked confused. “How can she know?”

  Easy bit his tongue to keep from explaining what Jewel could do. “That evidence was planted. The necklace they say they found at my place. There was a break-in at my house the night before. I called it in. You can check with dispatch.”

  “What time was that?” Zane asked, making notes.

  “About ten-thirty or eleven, I guess.”

  “Did they take anything?”

  “Nope. I think they’re the ones who left the necklace.”

  “Could you identify them?”

  Easy shook his head in the negative. “No, they were wearing ski masks. The thing is…Jewel saw that necklace, Zane. Earlier that day.”

  “Where?” This question came from Philip.

  “The sheriff’s sister-in-law came to Jewel’s house for a reading. The woman showed it to Jewel then, she thought her husband was having an affair.” Easy let out a long sigh. “Jewel was surprised at the sight of the necklace because she knew it was the name of the woman I’d taken to the club.”

  “Whoa.” Zane held up his hand. “This is getting complicated. Slow down and start over.”

  As Easy told his side of the story, Philip noticed Sheriff Hill watching them like hawks. When there was a lull in their conversation, he touched Zane on his arm. “I think we’ve just opened a big can of worms.”

  Zane raised an eyebrow. “I think you’re right. And I’ve suddenly been struck with an urge to go fishing. How about you?”

  Easy looked between the two men. “Just get me out before you go, that’s all I ask.”

  Zane stood. “Just as soon as I can. Let us go run down some of these leads. Hopefully, I can learn something valuable before the probable cause hearing.”

  “Talk to Jewel,” Easy urged. “She can help. I know she can.”

  “We will,” Zane promised. “Let me tell someone we’re through and be assured, I won’t leave until I make sure they’ve put you in a proper cell.”

  “A proper cell…what the fuck.” Easy marveled at where he found himself. “Call Daniel for me, Philip. I know they can’t do anything, but I want my family to know.”

  Philip clapped his friend on the shoulder as Zane went to get the sheriff. “I know it’ll sound foolish to your ears for me to say not to worry. Believe me, I understand. I’ve been where you are. What I can tell you is that Zane Saucier is the best. He won’t let you take the fall for this.”

  Easy nodded. “I trust him. And I know it’ll sound crazy, but I trust Jewel. Go talk to her.”

  “We will. Just as soon as we leave here.”

  Easy could see the sheriff and the deputy coming to take him to a holding cell. “And give her a message for me, will ya?”

  “God, I hate this déjà vu.” Philip cleared his throat, memories of his own time in jail coming back to haunt him. “Of course. What’s the message?”

  “Tell her I miss her. Tell her she’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Okay?”

  “I’ll do it.” Philip assured him. “But that’s the kind of message she’s going to want to hear straight from you.”

  Easy nodded as they led him away. “She will. I have faith. Tell her I’ll see her soon.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  “Damn, I dread this,” Philip told Zane as they left the sheriff’s office. Holding his cell up to his ear, he placed the requested call to Easy’s brother, Daniel.

  “Glad it’s you and not me.” Unlocking his Mercedes, Zane didn’t envy Philip the task.

  “Daniel, this is Philip McCoy.”

  Although only able to hear one side of the conversation, Zane could easily fill in the blanks. This was the type of phone call anyone would dread – be it making the call or being on the receiving end.

  “Oh, I’m fine. Thanks for asking. Listen…I’ve got something to tell you, it’s about Easy.”

  Faintly, Zane could hear Daniel chuckle. Faced with uncertainty, many people r
esorted to humor.

  “No, he hasn’t been kidnapped by a spurned woman.” Philip took a deep breath, knowing what kind of response his next words would receive. “Easy’s been arrested.”

  “What in the hell for?” This Zane could hear quite clearly.

  Philip closed his eyes. “He’s been arrested for murder.”

  The silence at the other end of the line spoke volumes. Philip continued. “Of course, he’s innocent and Zane Saucier has already arrived to start the ball rolling to clear this all up.”

  Philip made quick eye contact with Zane as he pointed to the next turn the lawyer needed to make in order to get to Jewel’s home. “Yes, Zane is an excellent lawyer.” There was a pause as Philip listened to Daniel worry. “The sheriff picked Easy up this morning. We’ve already met with him. The bail hearing will be tomorrow, probably. I’m expecting our request will be denied. Next, there’ll be an arraignment where we’ll plead non-guilty. After that, the court will conduct a probable cause hearing. In other words, it’s a process. Zane is about to meet with someone who can help us make Easy’s case.”

  Another pause and Philip let out a long sigh. “I’m sure he’ll want you here. Come as quickly as you can. The home Easy rented is available for you to stay in. I’m about to meet with the woman he’s renting from. I’ll let her know you all will be coming.”

  “Tell them I’ll do my best for their brother,” Zane spoke up quickly.

  Philip nodded. “Zane says he’ll do his best for Easy. And you and I both know that’s saying a lot.” He let out a breath, listening to Daniel’s frantic speech. “We will. Just be safe. All right. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Once the phone call ended, Philip let out a long breath. “Whew. That went just like I expected. Poor Daniel.”

  “Yea, I can remember how worried Heath and the rest of your family were after…”

  Philip interrupted him. “During my unfortunate incarceration?”

  “Yea.” He didn’t laugh at Philip’s attempt at humor. “This is serious business. I believe Easy’s innocent, but we’ve still got to prove it or cast enough doubt that we can get him released.”

  “I know. I remember only too well how this works.” Philip looked out the window as they passed a string of convenience stores and gas stations. “There’s someone else you’re going to need to talk to.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “I didn’t want to bring her into this, but I can’t in good conscience ignore what she might’ve witnessed.”

  “Who are you talking about?”

  “Wren Rabalais. Her dad basically squatted on Belle Chasse property after Katrina. He’s dead now, but she’s still there. The old cabin she’s living in doesn’t even have electricity.”

  Zane ignored all the extraneous information. “You said she might’ve witnessed something?”

  “Yea, she heard a commotion early Saturday morning after Marion went missing on Friday night. A woman screaming and some men laughing and yelling. Thinking it might be college kids, she went to check it out, but someone in the group realized she was near. Wren ended up having to run from them.”

  “You think this was when Marion Cole was murdered?”

  “Her body was found in that exact spot – so, I would think so.”

  Zane nodded. “Oh, hell yeah. I want to talk to her.”

  “I’m not sure what she saw, if anything. But she heard a lot. Voices. Screams.”

  “She may know more than she realizes.” Zane tapped his finger on the steering wheel. “I’ve got to get my hands on the autopsy results.”

  “I can’t see Hill cooperating with you.”

  Zane grinned. “That’s all right. I know somebody who knows somebody.”

  * * *

  To Jewel, waiting was almost unbearable. Minutes seemed like hours and hours like days. What made it worse was that Jewel didn’t have to just imagine what Easy was going through. Every few seconds, she seemed to pick up on a psychic radio wave. She couldn’t see images, but she could feel his despair. His confusion. His worry. “Oh, Easy.” All of his emotions were compounded within her. She wanted to scream her fear and frustration…because this was all her fault.

  Yes, her fault.

  The more she thought about it, the more undeniable it became. She’d invited Willie Mae Hill into her home, opening her mind’s highway to the evil being committed by the other woman’s husband. Brazenly, Jewel had encouraged Willie to leave Everett. To suspect him. Without thought to the possibility he’d key in on Jewel as a threat. When Everett visited to warn Jewel off – who did he meet? Easy. “Face it, he would’ve never crossed Everett’s radar if it hadn’t been for me. Poor Marion would probably be alive today if I’d been more careful. More discreet. Hell, Easy would’ve never asked Marion out to begin with if I hadn’t pushed him away.”

  Okay, so if this was her fault. If this was her responsibility, then it was her place to put a stop to it. How? She didn’t know. Not yet.

  The sound of a car door slamming almost caused her to jump out of her skin. Running to the window, she looked out into the drive, spotting a tan luxury sedan. About that same time, her cell phone rang. Grabbing it, she answered.

  “Jewel, this is Philip. Zane and I are outside. Can we come in?”

  “Of course. Yes.” Straightening her hair as she walked, she hurried to the door and threw it open. “How is he?”

  “He’s as well as can be expected. Hey, I’m Philip.” He held out his hand. “And this is Easy’s lawyer, Zane Saucier.”

  “Welcome, both of you. Please have a seat. Can I get you anything?”

  “Nothing for me,” Philip said. “Zane?”

  “I’m good. Thanks.”

  They stood in the middle of the floor until Jewel directed them to the couch. “Sit. Tell me everything.”

  Philip and Zane did as she asked, one at each end of the green overstuffed couch. Jewel took a Queen Anne chair across from them.

  “He said to tell you that he misses you and he’ll see you soon,” Philip began, admitting to himself that this woman looked nothing like he’d pictured her. Her features were fine and delicate, her eyes full of love and worry.

  Jewel couldn’t help it, she started to cry. “This is all my fault.” She repeated her fears to the two men.

  “What do you mean?” Zane asked, opening his briefcase to take out his notepad.

  Letting out a ragged breath. “I’m sure you saw the sign out front.”

  “What sign?” Philip asked. “I didn’t see a sign, did you?” he asked Zane.

  Jewel frowned. “Not that it matters, but I don’t see…how you could’ve missed it…” Confused, she rose, a funny feeling coming over her. Sure enough, when she checked out the window, the familiar signboard wasn’t in its place. “What?” Stepping outside, the looked over the railing and into the yard. At first, she didn’t see it, then her eyes landed on the spot where it lay face up with the word DIE scrawled over the words PALM READER. “Well, that’s succinct and to the point.”

  “Damn.” This came from Philip as he and Zane stood looking over her shoulder.

  “Yea, that’s my third such message of the day.” She pointed to the words left on the windshield of her car. “That’s number two and number one was a dead snake with a mouse in its mouth left hanging from my door. I tossed that gift in the bushes.”

  “Shit. These folks aren’t even subtle. I don’t guess they left a calling card.” Zane started down the steps. “After we talk, you need to pack a bag. We can’t leave you here.”

  “My mother is on her way.” She glanced at Philip. “From Florida. Her plane should be landing in Baton Rouge in an hour or so.”

  “I don’t know. Two women on their own.” He pointed at the sign. “There’s no telling what this guy will do.”

  Jewel hugged herself, feeling far more chilled than the current temperature would warrant. “If I’m right, he’s killed at least five women and I’m afraid he’s involved in hurting many mor
e.”

  “Christ…tell us everything.” Zane took one last look at the threatening vandalism before climbing the stairs to join the other two.

  Jewel led the men back into the house. “I wrote everything down for you that I could think of.” She found the pad of paper where she’d listed the information and passed it to Zane.

  “Perfect.” The lawyer glanced at the first few lines she’d jotted down, his eyes widening at what he read. “Great. I can certainly use this, but I’d still like for you to tell us what you know, that way I can ask questions.”

  “Certainly.” Jewel took a seat at the dining table, ready to do anything she could to help Easy.

  “Just start from the beginning,” Zane sat across from her, while Philip walked to the window to keep watch on the outside.

  “Well, like I was about to say before, I do readings.” Jewel pulled a placemat close to her, her fingers tugging at the fringe on its edge. “I’m not sure how I would classify myself.” She let her gaze rove around the room. “As you can see, I have varied ways of using my gifts, if you could call them that. I read palms, cards, and I use herbs and crystals to perform various…”

  Zane chuckled and held up his hand. “Let me say this up front.” He gave her a big smile. “I grew up in New Orleans. None of this is new or even strange to me. I’ve known some powerful people – and by that I’m not referring to money or influence.” Leaning close to Jewel, he whispered, “I’m talking real power – magic.”

  “Oh.” Jewel smiled in relief.

  “That’s right,” Philip spoke over his shoulder. “Zane’s brother, Kane, was the one who introduced my cousin, Joseph McCoy, to his wife, the former Acadia Renaud. Ever heard of the Renaud family?”

  A peculiar look of recognition came to Jewel’s face. “Of course, I have. The Renauds, the Fontenots, the Beaureguardes – they’re legendary within the esoteric community.”

  Zane nodded. “Right. So, don’t think you have to hold back. Philip and I have seen enough not to classify ourselves as skeptics.”

  “Good to know.” Jewel nodded. “Well, for me, it began the day Willie Mae Everett came for a reading.”