Big Easy (Cowboy Craze)

by Sable Hunter

  “I hope so.” As they headed back to the house, Jewel hoped she’d have reason to speak with Philip or Zane soon. She needed to know how Easy was doing.

  * * *

  The next morning, inside the largest suite at the Hampton Inn, Zane sat at a table with Philip and all three Blackhawk brothers. “Unfortunately, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about bail. Since Easy has such strong ties across state lines and the charge is murder…I can almost guarantee the judge won’t allow it.”

  “Fuck!” Daniel slammed his fist against the table. “How in the hell can something like this happen?”

  “I don’t know.” Philip stood up also, walking to the window to look down at the pool and the courtyard. “I think he was just handy when they needed to pin all this on somebody else.”

  “So, what can we do? We can’t just sit around and let this happen to him.” This question and comment came from Benjen. Although he was calmer than Daniel, he was no less worried.

  “I’m not,” Zane assured them. “My first order of business was to find out what I could about the victim and any evidence they may have.”

  “Their evidence isn’t worth shit,” Samuel barked. “Like you said, they planted that necklace at Easy’s house, then went the next morning to find it so they could frame our brother for murder.”

  “The more we know, the more ammunition we’ll have to fight with,” Zane reminded them. “For example, I talked to the coroner. Marion’s time of death was between one and three a.m. on that Saturday morning. She’d been beaten and raped, but she died of strangulation. The body was violated further after death…”

  Listening to his description of how the woman died, brought a silence to the entire room. After a few seconds, Daniel spoke up, “So, we have to find some way to establish an irrefutable alibi for Easy.”

  “Right.” Zane pulled out his notes. “According to Easy, he left Marion and the Blue Goose around eleven p.m. on Friday. He went straight to Jewel’s, where he spent the night.”

  This bit of information caused all three of his brothers to jerk their heads in Zane’s direction.

  “He had a one-night stand with the landlady after spending the shank of the evening with another woman?” Samuel shook his head tiredly. “Well, of course, he did.”

  Philip cut his eyes at Zane, then raised an eyebrow at Samuel. “What Jewel and Easy have is definitely more than a one-night stand. I think they’ve spent every spare minute together.”

  “I don’t understand,” Benjen murmured with a frown. “If that’s true, then what was he doing with Marion in the first place?”

  Looking a bit uncomfortable, Philip shrugged. “I think he and Jewel had a little tiff. He realized fairly quickly that asking Marion out was a mistake.”

  Zane sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Several people saw Easy and Marion having words in the parking lot. According to Easy, when he told her the evening was over and offered to take her home, she kneed him in the nuts.”

  “But they didn’t leave together.” Daniel was hanging on Zane’s every word, trying to piece everything together.

  “No. He said Marion wasn’t ready to leave the club,” Philip muttered. “I’ve racked my brain, but I didn’t see her come back in. I wish I had.”

  “So, she left with someone else,” Samuel spoke softly. “How can we prove Easy was long gone when Marion got into trouble?”

  “Well, he has an alibi. Right?” Daniel asked, his voice rising a bit. “His landlady could just vouch for him.”

  Again, Zane and Easy exchanged looks. “Well, unfortunately, Jewel’s opinion doesn’t hold much water with most folks.”

  “Why?” Benjen asked as he went to the bar in the corner of the room to pour himself a glass of water.

  Samuel scoffed. “Easy isn’t known for hanging around debutantes and good girls. You both know our brother has a…type.”

  Philip held up his hand. “No. Wait. Jewel is not like that. What she and Easy share is different than his normal hookups.”

  “Really?” Daniel didn’t look convinced. “I’m not sure Easy is capable of anything different.”

  “Maybe that’s why he didn’t tell you,” Philip said, then just as quickly. “I’m sorry. It’s not my place.” He looked regretful. “I just know how things get crossed up between me and my brothers and sisters, especially when we keep stuff to ourselves.”

  Daniel looked a bit sheepish. “You’re right. Easy changed when Dad died. He became reckless. Like he didn’t take himself seriously.”

  Philip shook his head. “I don’t know. I’m seeing a different Easy these days.”

  “Because of the landlady?” Samuel asked.

  “I don’t know. Maybe,” Philip mused aloud. “All I’m saying is that he seems happy with Jewel. At peace. Fulfilled.”

  “Wow, Dr. Phil.” Benjen managed to chuckle in the midst of his worry for his brother. “Are you sure you’re talking about our Easy?”

  Daniel held up his hand. “Hold it, we’re getting off course.” He looked at Zane. “Why do you say Jewel vouching for Easy wouldn’t help?”

  Zane leaned forward, dry-scrubbing his face. “I’m not saying it wouldn’t do any good. I’m just saying she has a…certain reputation. An unpopular reputation.”

  “What is she? A hooker?” Samuel asked, his anxiety level riding high.

  “No.” Zane twisted his mouth to one side, then sighed. “She’s a psychic. A palm reader. A Louisiana rootworker. A witch.”

  “What?” Daniel was shocked. “Which one?”

  “All of the above.” Philip shrugged. “In this part of the world, they’re synonymous.”

  “It’s rare for police to give much credence to a psychic,” Zane explained. “Plus, there’s another factor complicating the situation.”

  “What do you mean?” Benjen finished his coffee, tossing the empty cup in the trash.

  “After talking to several people, it’s become clear that Jewel and her mother used to be considered a benevolent force in the community. Especially the mother. Witch Hazel. She got more business than the neighborhood doctor. People came to her for everything – help finding love, luck with gambling, finding a lost pet – you name it. Her reputation was sterling. And then it all went south.” Zane stood to join Daniel by the window. “A company came to her and offered to buy the rights to use her name. Offered her a lot of money.” He shook his head. “She took it, a bad decision. The investors started sending out these letters offering help and advice for money. If Hazel had been involved, things might’ve been different – but it was a scam. Witch Hazel never saw the letters and the responses and advice offered was meaningless. People depended on what they were told and they lost money, they made bad decisions, some of them even died. Hell, the FBI got involved. The schemers were arrested and Hazel gave back the bulk of the money she’d been paid, but that didn’t make up for all the pain and sorrow the fake readings and advice had caused. Things got so bad that Hazel left town. Even though she became a recluse and an object of ridicule, Jewel stayed behind, trying to make it up to as many people as she could.” He let out a long breath. “The thing is – these women are the real deal. Are they perfect? Infallible? No. But they aren’t phonies. Jewel’s word would be as good as gold – if we can get anybody to listen.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to make sure somebody listens.” Daniel seemed energized. “Just tell us what to do and we’ll do it.”

  “Believe me, I’m working on it,” Zane promised as he turned to face the center of the room. “Easy is my first priority, but proving him innocent may depend on finding the real killer. The crazy thing is…Marion Cole isn’t the only woman who’s been killed. There may be as many as five – or more.”

  “Holy shit,” Benjen breathed in horror. “Do they suspect Easy in those murders as well?”

  “I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time,” Zane admitted.

  Samuel hit the wall with his fist. “Fuck! What do w
e do?”

  “Let me finish,” Zane said, clearing his throat. “This is where it gets wild. Jewel has been giving readings to Sheriff Hill’s sister-in-law, Everett Hill’s wife. I won’t go into all the details now, but she’s convinced the Hill family is behind the killings.”

  “The sheriff’s family?” Daniel was aghast, his mouth falling open. “Well, that sure as hell complicates things. Do you think it’s possible?”

  “We’re looking into it and…” Zane began as Philip stepped forward, an exasperated look on his face.

  “This may just be the tip of the iceberg, you guys. We’re talking human trafficking. Kidnappings. Sex slaves. The murdered women may just be collateral damage…or the sheriff’s sick brother’s amusement – we don’t know.”

  “Oh, my God.” Benjen began to pace around the room. “This has gone from bad to worse. Do you have a plan of some kind? A strategy?”

  “I do.”

  “Well, what the hell is it? It had damn sure better be a good plan.” Samuel was adamant. Clearly scared out of his mind for Easy.

  Zane tried to reassure the brothers. “One, we’re not giving up on finding evidence to clear Easy. Two, I’ve contacted a friend of mine with the FBI. Wade Prescott. He’ll be here tomorrow.”

  “The FBI?” Daniel was flabbergasted. “I knew this was serious, of course, but…the FBI?”

  “They have an ongoing investigation concerning the human trafficking angle,” Zane explained. “If we can show the murders are connected to their investigation, they may be able to help us clear Easy.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Benjen spoke softly. “I can’t imagine what he’s thinking. When can we see him?”

  About that time, Zane’s cell phone rang. Everyone froze as he answered it. “Saucier. All right. All right. I’ll be there.”

  “What’s going on?” Philip asked as the lawyer ended the call.

  “A prosecutor has been assigned. We’ve got a preliminary hearing this morning.”

  “Can we come with you?” Samuel asked.

  “Yea.” Zane nodded. “A show of support is good. Just remember you can’t say a word.”

  “We understand,” Daniel said with a nod. “We just need to see him, make sure he’s okay.”

  “Yea, we want Easy to know we’re all here,” Benjen murmured, holding his hat in his hand, fingering the brim.

  As Zane gathered his things, he glanced up at the Blackhawk brothers. “And one of you should go get Jewel. Easy will want her there.”

  * * *

  “Now, let’s go over this one more time, Blackhawk. You lured Marion Cole to the place where you worked. While there, you raped her, and killed her.” Sheriff Hill leaned in to yell in Easy’s face.

  Clenching his fists where they lay shackled together, he felt the too small handcuffs cut into the flesh of his wrists. “I need water.”

  “You ain’t getting no damn water until you confess!”

  “I have nothing to confess. I want my lawyer.”

  “It’s not time for visiting hours! You might as well admit what happened, half-breed. A dozen or more people testified how they saw the two of you together. We have the evidence found at your house. We even have a witness who saw the two of you leave the Blue Goose together just hours before you murdered her!”

  “Your witness is lying.”

  Easy knew he wasn’t supposed to say anything. It was just so damn hard not to respond when he was being accused of something he didn’t do.

  “Come on, Blackhawk. If you’ll just confess, I can help you.”

  Steeling himself, Easy ignored the lying man. He’d been awake for over twenty-four hours. The guards wouldn’t let him sleep or even lay down to shut his eyes. He’d only been given two tiny cups of water, about the size of the small paper containers nurses used to bring pills to patients. “I don’t want your help.” Easy knew what they were doing to him was unlawful. But if they were guilty of what Jewel believed them to be guilty of – their treatment of him was par for the course. “I want to talk to my lawyer.”

  “In good time. In good time.” Hill gave Easy a calculated stare. “Marion Cole isn’t the only woman you murdered. I remember seeing you at Belle Chase the day we picked up Julie Davis’s body.” An ugly sneer came on his face. “There are others too, aren’t there? You’ve been on a little killing spree, haven’t you?” He slapped the table. “Hell, I believe I’ve got myself a fuckin’ serial killer here, don’t I?”

  Easy gritted his teeth, wondering when this hell would be over with. While the sheriff droned on and on, repeating his questions, voicing his threats, Easy went to visit Jewel in his mind. He tried to imagine what she was doing. Last night would’ve been the first night she’d slept alone in a week. Did she miss him? God, he’d give anything in the world to be back in her arms. It struck him how ironic it was that people didn’t appreciate how good life could be – until it all went to shit.

  “Confess, Blackhawk! Confess and we’ll give you water, let you sleep.” Hill got in his face and yelled, “Confess, you filthy Indian scum!”

  Easy lifted his head and stared into Hill’s mad eyes. “Go to hell, you bastard.”

  “Sheriff. Sheriff. The DA called. We’re supposed to take Mr. Blackhawk down to the courthouse ASAP.”

  Hill straightened, an odd look on his face. “Who’s the ADA? Did we get John Nelson like I asked?”

  “Uh, I’m not sure, sir,” the young deputy answered as he came over to unfasten Easy’s shackles from the ring on the floor next to the chair.

  “Well, find out!” Hill yelled. “If we didn’t, I want to talk to the DA himself, do you hear?”

  The deputy nodded as he led the prisoner away. “I’ll let you know, Sheriff.”

  As Easy shuffled out of the room, he didn’t know whether to be relieved or nervous. For a while, he’d thought he might be dreaming. This was getting damn real.

  * * *

  “The breakfast dishes are done and I put a chicken on to boil. I thought I might make a big pan of chicken and dressing. You could freeze the majority of it.” Hazel wiped her hands on a dishtowel, studying her daughter as she folded laundry.

  “Sounds good, Mom. Thanks.” Without thinking, Jewel lifted one of Easy’s shirts to bury her face in the soft material.

  “He’s going to get through this, Jewel. You’ll see.” Her heart went out to her daughter.

  “I know.” Jewel was trying to remain positive. “I can feel him. His despair. His disbelief. His confusion. “It breaks my heart.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Hazel placed her hand on Jewel’s arm, giving her a sympathetic smile. “I used to be connected like that to your father, to know what he was feeling. Even after we split, that bond never went away.” She laughed softly. “I guess it was because we shared you. We both love you so very much.”

  “I showed Easy Dad’s research. He’s really fascinated with it all.” Jewel couldn’t believe how long ago that day seemed. “We’ve shared so much, Mom. In such a short time, he’s come to mean so much to me.” She bowed her head, tears beginning to flow.

  “Oh, I know, darling. I know.” Hazel came to put her arms around Jewel. “He’s going to be okay. I promise.” She squeezed her daughter tightly. “I will it to be so.”

  Jewel sighed, leaning against her mother. “I believe you.”

  “You should.” Hazel gave her a kiss on the forehead with an audible smack. “Between me and St. Expedite, there’s no room for another possibility.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” Jewel let out a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I just want to help him. Make things right. I feel so helpless.”

  Hazel scoffed. “You’re the last person I’d ever call helpless. Right now, since Easy’s arrest, you’ve been in shock. Understandably so. What you need to do is to open your mind, if there’s something you’re meant to do, the answer will come.”

  “You’re right. There are things I can do, I’m sure.” Like check on Willie. Find out if
she managed to reach Chicago. If anyone could break the case open, it was Willie Mae. “I just wish I could see Easy.”

  “I know you do, and it will happen soon.” Hazel gave her one last hug. “Would you mind if I used your computer? I need to check my email. I’m expecting something from my lawyer.”

  Her mother’s request surprised Jewel a bit. “Oh, please, be my guest.” She pointed to the reading table. “There’s no password. Make yourself at home.” Intrigued, Jewel was about to be nosy and ask her mother what was going on with her lawyer – when her phone rang.

  Standing near enough to reach, Hazel handed it to her daughter. “Maybe this is good news.”

  “I hope so.” She took the phone, holding her mother’s gaze. “Hello?”

  “Jewel, this is Philip. Samuel Blackhawk is on his way to pick you up for Easy’s preliminary hearing.”

  “Okay.” She glanced down at what she was wearing, her head spinning. “I need to put on something nicer.”

  “I’m sure you’re fine,” he muttered. “I just knew Easy would want you there.”

  “How about clothes for him? Should I bring some?”

  “You know, I didn’t ask.” Philip paused to think. “Pack something. I’ll phone Zane to tell him you’ll be bringing the clothes. If there’s time and it’s allowed, he’ll meet you and take them to Easy.”

  “All right.” Jewel made eye contact with her mother as she headed to the bedroom to change clothes and find Easy something to wear. “I’ll guess I’ll see you there.”

  “No. I have something I need to take care of, unfortunately.”

  “Oh? I hope nothing’s wrong,” Jewel kept talking as she began to rummage in her closet. “I don’t think I ever told you how relieved I was to hear your sister and her husband were rescued.”

  “Thanks. My family’s fine. It’s…Wren. She’s been staying with me and she’s promised to keep my phone with her – but she’s not answering.”

  Philip didn’t have to say more. “I understand. I hope she’s okay.” With everything that was going on, she couldn’t blame him for worrying about her safety. “I’m sure Zane will keep you informed…and I know Easy appreciates everything you’ve done for him so much. I…I know I do. Thank you for being good to him.”