Rougarou II

by Judith Ann McDowell

  Outside the church, Donavan and Jack released Statler’s arms. “Reverend Statler, I think you should go on home and think about all that’s just happened here,” Donavan told him. “You don’t want your congregation to think less of you.”

  “The people who fill my church, know better than to disrespect me! I am their leader. I stand between them and the Lord God Jehovah.”

  “In other words,” Jack spoke up, “if they want to talk to God, they need to go through you. Is that it?”

  “They know I sit at the right hand of God!” The smug look on Statler’s face dared him to disagree

  “Funny,” Jack looked over at Donavan as he shook his head, “I may not be up on all the Bible verses, but I coulda swore it’s Jesus who sits at the right hand of God!”

  In spite of himself, Donavan had to laugh. “I thought so too, Jack.”

  “You dare to blaspheme me!” Statler took a step forward. “I am the one who says what will happen to the souls of this parish!” His heavy jowls shook with anger. “Without me they are all doomed to burn in the fires of an everlasting hell!”

  “What do you think?” Jack’s voice took on a serious tone. “Paramedics? Or us?”

  “Neither, although he’s for sure a candidate for the psyche ward.”

  “Good Christ! Do ya think?”

  “I would advise you to go on home, now,” Donavan said turning his attention back to Statler. “Jack and I are going back to be with Christina Crawford at her daughter’s memorial. If you come back, we’re going to have to arrest you.”

  With an angry glare, Statler turned away.

  “Thank God that fiasco’s over,” Jack said as he reached for the door to have it flung open as Seelah, Barbara and Jenny ran headlong into him.

  “Jack,” Seelah cried rushing into his arms, “you and Donavan need to come back inside!”

  “What’s goin’ on?” Jack drew back to look at her.

  “A man is sitting with Christina. I think there’s something wrong with him. He spoke to me in my mind about Statler. For him to be able to do that, he has to know I am psychic.”

  In unison, the two men looked at each other. “Rafael Hindel!”

  “You three go back inside and sit down in the back of the church,” Donavan told them. “We’ll handle this.”

  Once inside, Donavan walked up one side of the aisle while Jack walked up the other. When they got to the front pew, they saw Christina sitting alone.

  “Where’s the man who sat with you, Christina?” Donavan whispered.

  “He left.”

  “He must have gone out the side door,” Jack said. “We might still be able to catch him.”

  In haste they made their way outside to find the grounds empty.

  “Sick son of a bitch!” Jack breathed. “I never gave it a thought he would show up here.”

  “Me neither, although we should have. The killer almost, always shows up at the funeral.”

  “Yeah they do. As much as I hate to say it, I guess we better get back inside with Christina, ‘case anymore lunatics crawl outta the cracks!”

  “Before we leave today, I want to ask Christina what Hindel said to her. We both know he didn’t come here to hold her hand.”

  “Not that sick prick! If anything, he came to offer his services on getting revenge on Statler.”

  “First thing tomorrow guess where we’ll be going?”

  “The one place I would give your left nut not to go?”

  “Yep!” Donavan told him as they made their way back to the church.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Growing up in a world interlaced with the other side, Seelah had faced many chilling trials in her young life, but the one confronting her now, had to be her most terrifying.

  She remembered talking with Chandra once about all the times Jonathan had crept into her mind to wreak havoc on her life. Now Rafael Hindel was seeking her out.

  Seelah picked up the phone to dial Barbara’s number. As she waited for the call to go through, she tried to stop shaking. At last, she heard a voice on the other line.

  “Barbara, I’m so glad you’re home.”

  “Seelah, what’s wrong? Is it the baby?” Her voice became anxious.

  “No, the baby’s fine, I just needed to hear a kind voice is all.” Without warning she felt as though a dam had burst inside her and she began to cry nonstop.

  “Seelah, go sit down and put your feet up. I’m on my way.”

  Seelah made her way to the couch to lie down, but she couldn’t stop crying. “Oh, god, I’m so scared,” she moaned “I don’t want this evil around our baby.”

  She heard the front door open then felt Barbara’s loving arms surrounding her. “I’m so glad you’re here!” She tried to sit up, but she shook so hard she couldn’t.

  “You’re all right, now, Seelah. I won’t leave you.” Barbara pushed her hair away from her tear-stained face. “Try and tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I started thinking about Rafael Hindel knowing I’m psychic and I just lost all control!”

  “Well of course you would. He’s a terrible man. For him to do what he did to you is unforgivable.”

  “What am I going to do?” She sat up on the couch, then leaned into the loving arms still surrounding her. “He can get into my mind anytime he wants to!”

  “First of all I want you to try and calm down. Use some of those relaxing exercises you taught me.”

  “Yes, I do need to calm myself.” She began to breathe deep breaths. “Being this upset isn’t good for the baby.”

  “That’s right, it isn’t and he’s the one we need to think about right now.

  “I can’t stand the thought of that monster being around him.” She began crying all over again.

  “Seelah, listen to me.” She turned the other woman to face her. “Jack and Donavan are going to see to it that he never comes close to any of us. Do you hear me?” Her own voice shook at the thought of what Hindel could do to them.

  Seelah heard the tremble. “You know they can’t protect us. Don’t you?”

  “I know that as long as the Hindels of this world are left to roam free, we’re all in danger.” She turned, reached for the phone.

  “Who are you calling?”

  “I want to make sure Jenny is all right. I left her a note telling her where I would be.” She punched in the number. “I’m going to tell her to come here.”

  Without warning, Seelah felt her stomach tighten in fear. She worked on calming her jumbled thoughts enough to concentrate. The picture floating into her mind had her jumping to her feet. “Jenny’s in danger!”

  “What kind of danger?” Barbara dropped the receiver back in the cradle.

  “A man I’ve never seen before is standing at your door. I can see Jenny coming downstairs to answer the doorbell. We’ve got to hurry!”

  Within moments the women sped to Barbara’s home a short distance away. As Barbara turned into the driveway, they could see a man standing on the front porch step talking with Jenny.

  “Who the hell are you and what do you want with my daughter?” Barbara slammed the car door to stride across the lawn.

  Horrified Jenny stepped between her mother and the man still standing on the step. “Mom, this is Mr. Lybbert! He’s a teacher at my school!”

  “Yeah right!” Barbara said never breaking her stride, pleased to see the man step away from Jenny. “I know all the teachers at your school and he isn’t one of them!”

  “That’s because he just started,” Jenny hastened to explain. “Oh god, I can’t believe this is happening.”

  Barbara looked into the dark blue eyes staring at her and she stood still. “Are you a teacher?”

  He brushed a hand back over his short red hair and smiled. “Yes, I am. I guess I should have called before coming over. I wanted to drop off some papers Jenny forgot when she left today.”

  Seelah watched the man smiling at Barbara and saw his hand tremble as he drew it down his well-gro
omed beard.

  “I’m so sorry. I behaved like a shrew.” Barbara reached out her hand to him.

  “No need to apologize.” He took her small hand in his. “A person can’t be too careful these days. Our children must be protected.”

  “Have you always lived here, Mr. Lybbert?” Seelah spoke up.

  “I’m from New Orleans.” His attention swung to include her. “I had been teaching in the same school for almost fifteen-years and when I heard about the vacancy, here in the parish, I thought I would look into it.” He moved to hold out his hand then thought better of it. “Guess luck surrounded me, because they hired me right away.”

  “Do you have a family?” Barbara entered the conversation.

  “No, not yet.” The grin he turned on her had her laughing.

  “We’ll have to see what we can do to remedy that.”

  “Mom!” Jenny looked at her, horrified. “I’m sure Mr. Lybbert doesn’t like talking about his personal life with a complete stranger!”

  “Don’t let it bother you, Jenny.” His eyes lit up. “Your mom is a typical woman. She can’t stand to see a man running around loose and enjoying his life.”

  Seelah watched the interaction between the three and her stomach knotted without mercy. She tried to relax, but the tension grew worse until she had to speak up. “Are you aquatinted with the Hindel family, Mr. Lybbert?

  “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with anyone by that name.”

  Seelah saw a quick flicker of fear shoot across his blue eyes before he smiled.

  “As I said, I’m from New Orleans.”

  “Yes, that’s why I asked if you are aquatinted with the Hindel family. They are a very old name in New Orleans.”

  He looked into her eyes. “In that case they are also very wealthy and since I am a teacher, earning a teacher’s salary, that would explain why the name is not familiar to me.”

  “Does that answer your question, Seelah?” Barbara gave her a pointed look.

  “For now,” Seelah told her.

  “Would you like to come inside, Mr. Lybbert?” Barbara asked. “I could give you a glass of cold lemonade.”

  “Thanks, but I better be going. I have a lot of papers to grade tonight.” He looked over at Jenny. “I hope I won’t have to come back with any complaints.”

  “Jenny giggled. “Don’t worry, you won’t. My parents are strict when it comes to homework.”

  “I’ve enjoyed meeting you, Mrs. Hays.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Perhaps we can talk again. Under calmer circumstances.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of you now that you’re Jenny’s teacher.”

  He nodded a brief nod at Seelah before walking to his car.

  “He’s a very nice man, Jenny. I think you’re lucky to have him as a teacher.” She watched him walk away. “Don’t you agree, Seelah?”

  The sick fear twisting her insides warned her not to trust him. “I’ll wait to make my judgment until I know more about him.”

  “Aunt Seelah, don’t you like him?” Jenny took hold of her cold hand. “He’s the most sought after teacher in school. All the girls think he’s cute.” She got a dreamy look in her eyes. “I like him.”

  “Aunt Seelah just has eyes for your Uncle Jack, Jenny.” She tried to make light of the conversation.

  Jenny replied, as they made their way inside, “Of course she does! My Uncle Jack is the best looking man in the world. Other than Dad!” she hastened to add.

  “Have a seat, Seelah and I’ll get us something cold to drink.” Barbara walked to the refrigerator.

  “Jenny, could I see the papers your teacher brought over?”

  “Of course.” Jenny handed them to her. “You won’t find them interesting, though. They’re just about some project Mr. Lybbert wants us to do.”

  Barbara turned from filling the glasses with ice. “Getting some insight on school projects, Seelah?” She caught her breath as she saw Seelah run her fingers over the pages. “Jenny, why don’t you go get your school clothes changed? Your dad will be home pretty soon and we’re going out to dinner.” She filled the glasses with lemonade.

  “Are Aunt Seelah and Uncle Jack going too?”

  “Of course,” Barbara replied, grinning as she saw a bright smile spread over Jenny’s face.

  “Okay.” She took off to change.

  “Why did you want to see the papers?” She set the glasses down on the table, plopped herself into the chair nearest to Seelah. “And why are you running your fingers over them?”

  “This man is not who he seems to be, Barbara.” Her eyes popped open.

  “What are you talking about? Of course he is. He wouldn’t make up a story about being a teacher if he couldn’t prove it. It’s too easy to check.” She gave a nervous laugh.

  “I don’t know all the answers of why he would pretend to be something that he isn’t, but I’m telling you right now, he’s a fraud.”

  “Seelah, if you’re sure about what you’re saying, then we need to tell Jack and Donavan about this right away.” She lowered her voice as she heard Jenny coming down the stairs. “In the meantime, you need to call Jack and let him know where you are and that we’re all going out to dinner tonight.”

  “All right, but before I do, there’s something you still need to know.” She inhaled a deep breath, in an attempt to calm her warring nerves.

  “I’m anxious to hear it, but I don’t want Jenny knowing about all this.”

  “You don’t want me knowing about what?” Jenny asked coming into the room.

  “Adult conversation, Jenny.” Barbara pulled her close.

  “Enough said, Mom.” She gathered up the papers to put them in her backpack.

  When Seelah left the room to make her phone call, Barbara reached out to pull Jenny into her arms. “Jenny, I know you like Mr. Lybbert, but I want you to do me a favor, all right?”

  “Sure, Mom. You know I always listen to you and Dad.”

  “I don’t ever want you to be alone with this man. He’s new and we don’t know anything about him.”

  “Mom,” she squealed, pulling away, “he’s a nice man and he’s very nice to me. Any time he needs something done in the classroom he asks me to do it.”

  Barbara felt uncomfortable and she tried not to let her unease show as she asked, “Does he ever ask you to stay after class to help him?”

  “Yes, but just for a few minutes. He knows I have to catch my bus.”

  “All right, that sounds harmless enough. But, if he ever asks you to stay longer you are to tell him no. Is that understood, Jenny?”

  “Yes, Mom. Jeez, I’m not a baby you know.”

  “You’ll always be my baby, Jenny.” Barbara kissed her on the top of her head. “That is one thing that will never change.”

  Seelah stood watching this tender scene and tried to remain calm. However, the fear pushing its way into her mind refused to be ignored. Someone had placed Jenny in danger and the sooner her parents knew about it the better prepared they would be to protect her.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Donavan rapped on the door to the mansion, then waited. “I wonder how long it will take him to give up and answer the door?”

  “They might not even be home. The doors on the garage are closed and with no window, I can’t look in to see. Although I doubt they would leave the gate unlocked.”

  They both turned as the door crept open. “Well, well, to what do we owe this little surprise?” Lawrence stood in the doorway glaring at them.

  “Where’s Rafael, Lawrence? We need to talk to him,” Donavan told him.

  “My grandfather is out at the moment. If you would like to leave a message for him I’ll be glad to give it to him when he returns.” He braced his feet wide apart to block their entrance. “I would ask you to come in, but I am busy at the moment and don’t wish to be disturbed.”

  “Jack, I got nothing important to do. How about you?”

  “Nope. My time is your time. Guess w
e’ll just wait ‘til he shows up.”

  “You know you could call before driving all the way out here,” Lawrence told them, the anger in his voice apparent.

  “Yeah we could, but then we would lose the element of surprise. See, we’re detectives and we thrive on catching people unawares.” Donavan smiled into the hostile face of the man staring at him.

  “What is it you need to talk with my grandfather about that can’t wait?” He left the door ajar to step outside.

  “We wondered why he thought it would be in his best interest to go to Tina Crawford’s and Paul Statler’s memorial yesterday afternoon,” Donavan said. “In most cases, when you don’t know the people the memorial is for you have no interest in going. Memorials are very sad and not someplace you make a point of being. Unless of course, you’re one of those people who get off on other people’s grief.”

  Lawrence thought for a moment then replied, “I’m sure a lot of people attended who didn’t know the children being memorialized. They came to show their respect. My grandfather and I are very well-known in this parish. It’s almost like we had to go.”

  “In that case,” Jack spoke up, “what’s your excuse for not goin’?”

  “As I told you, I have things to do. Since my father is no longer here to see to the properties, the duty falls to my grandfather.”

  “I gotta hand it to you, Lawrence, you’re quick on your feet. And you’re right, now that your daddy ain’t here to carry the Hindel torch it’s pretty much left up to old grandpa to carry on the tradition.” Jack stepped closer and took pleasure in watching the other man back up a few steps.

  “Jack, do you remember one of the first things we learned about investigating a murder?” Donavan entered the conversation.

  Jack glanced at him, a confused look on his face. “I remember a lotta things. Which one are you referrin’ to?”

  “I’m thinking about the laws of average in the killer making an appearance at the funeral or memorial of their victims.”

  “Oh yeah!” Jack nodded, knowing where Donavan was going on this one. “Nine times outta ten, the killer or killers will always show up for one last hurrah. And, if the service is “open casket” that just makes their day! That way they can look into the face of their victim and know their hand is the hand that put them in that nice, satin-lined box. I’m surprised you didn’t make a showin’, Lawrence. You must love your granddaddy a lot to let him enjoy all that excitement by himself.”