by Lynn Emery
“Put the phone away and have a slice of homemade pecan pie and a cup of coffee,” she said.
“Thank you, baby, for making me a pie,” Chase said with one last look at his phone before tucking it into his shirt pocket.
“I never said it was made in my house. Miss Joyelle brought it by earlier, in gratitude for easing her mind.” LaShaun put a slice on a desert plate and poured Louisiana dark roast coffee into a cup for him.
Chase dug into the pie and washed down the mouthful with coffee. “Hmm, tastes might good. Speaking of which, let’s talk about rougarous. Now there’s something I never would have thought I’d be saying.”
“At least Schaffer doesn’t know that bit.” LaShaun dumped the remains of food from his plate and loaded them into the dishwasher.
“He will soon, if he hasn’t heard already. Joyelle joked to a relative about how silly she felt after talking to Pete about rougarou. The cousin repeated the story, and by the time it made the rounds it changed. You know how it goes. The original tone gets lost, and a bit more gets added to the story. By the time Miss Clo heard it, you had a starring role with Pete saying research by leading experts agree rougarou exist.”
“Damn.” LaShaun rubbed her forehead as if she already had a headache. “Pete is going to have a fit.”
“The best we can do is damage control. Keep repeating that it’s just a legend, no different from vampires.” Chase’s jaw tightened.
“What about Willie Dupuis? Schaffer dropped a hint that he knows, so Joyelle is the only one who’s been talking,” LaShaun said.
“I don’t think anyone around town is making the connection. So far all the talk is speculation, so I’m sure the hospital staff hasn’t talked,” Chase added.
“How’s Willie doing? I feel bad about cutting him, even if he isn’t exactly a solid citizen,” LaShaun said.
“You don’t know for sure it was Willie,” Chase said quickly.
“He told me it was him. How else did he know me?” LaShaun asked.
“You’re somewhat of a celebrity around here,” Chase replied with a shrug. “You told me yourself that a lot of wannabe goths and dabblers in the supernatural show up here. Maybe Willie and his pals heard about you.”
LaShaun shook her head. “No, it was Willie. I’m certain.”
When the doorbell rang Chase stood. He talked as he strode down the hall to the front door. “What I wouldn’t give right now for a normal murder investigation.”
Minutes later she heard voices and multiple footsteps approaching the kitchen. Miss Clo appeared first. She wore an apologetic smile. “Good evening. Sorry to bust in on you without notice.”
“Hi. We should have called first. Sorry.” M.J. glanced at her grandmother. “No pie for me. I wolfed down a hot meatball sandwich for lunch, and my stomach is fussing at me about that.”
“Pie for you, Miss Clo?” LaShaun asked.
“No, thank you, dear.” Miss Clo smiled at LaShaun. “But I’ll take a slice to go for a late night snack.”
“I’ll wrap you up a couple of slices.” LaShaun smiled back and headed for the kitchen again.
Miss Clo followed her. “This is such a cheerful room. I love the way you have a country feel, and how it flows to the den area.”
“Thank you. I did a few renovations in the past few months.” LaShaun went to the counter and pulled out plastic storage box. She uncovered the pie dish and sliced two generous helpings.
“Most folks wouldn’t think that this house would be so warm and welcoming. Just goes to show you can’t listen to silly old gossip.” Miss Clo smiled and sat on another stool. “Why, you could have a wonderful holiday get-together in here.”
“That’s a great idea we can talk about later,” Chase said promptly with a raised eyebrow at LaShaun. “But I’m thinking y’all didn’t drive over here to discuss ideas for entertaining.”
“No, not even close,” M.J. said. “We need to discuss the visit we had the other night.”
“Okay.” LaShaun sat down in the over-sized chair that matched the two small sofas. Chase pulled up the large ottoman and sat next to her.
“Orin Young wanted you to go visit Manny. Joyelle and I thought it might be a good idea, too,” Miss Clo said. She looked at M.J. pointedly. “Turns out we were on the right track after all. So much for my granddaughter’s theory that we were just two old ladies butting in.”
M.J. squinted at her. “No, you weren’t. At the time there were no crimes committed, just a cheating wife and a lot of intuition based on old stories.”
“She struggles with having to hear ‘I told you so’, from me and her mother,” Miss Clo said, and pressed her lips shut when M.J. glared at her.
“Monmon...”
“She’s just trying to help,” LaShaun broke in, amused at the intergenerational battle of the wills. She looked at M.J. “She’s right about what?”
“Willie Dupuis was in jail with Manny Young back in 2002, that’s a fact. Now we have more murders that are similar to crimes Manny committed between 2002 and 2005.”
“And at the time we weren’t sure we’d found all of the bodies,” Chase put in. When Miss Clo gasped and put a hand over her mouth he winced. “Sorry.”
“The typical profile of the victims were women and men who had high risk lifestyles,” M.J. added. “Folks who had lost ties with family.”
“Or the families and friends were used to them disappearing for days, even months, at a time.”
“So they might not be missed for a long while, if at all,” LaShaun said.
“Exactly,” Chase replied.
“Okay, but what does this have to do with Manny Young? He’s been locked up since 2006, so he can’t be suspect. And I know you enjoy being right, Miss Clo, but he can’t know anything about folks roaming at night around here now.” LaShaun suppressed a smile when the older woman pursed her lips in response to logic.
“Thank you,” M.J. said firmly and shot a glance at her grandmother. “But based on what Willie said, Manny could give us more information.”
“Either about Willie’s movements, which means we could see if he’s connected to more missing people or unsolved homicides,” Chase said.
“Or maybe Manny will finally fill in some of the details about other murders he committed. It’s not like he has anything to lose.” M.J. stood up and walked around as though sitting still was too much.
“Or to gain,” LaShaun replied gazing at Chase and then M.J.
“Good point. But Willie talked about how they hung out for a while after they were both out of jail. Manny got out first. Willie looked him up when Manny was hanging out in a rough part of town in Lafayette.” M.J. nodded when LaShaun’s eyes went wide.
“They traveled together,” LaShaun said softly.
“Yeah, around south Louisiana and east Texas. But how did you... Never mind.” M.J. sighed. “We’re waiting to hear back from law enforcement in Sabine and Newton counties.”
“Great, but I still don’t see what this has to do with me.” LaShaun looked at from Chase to M.J. and at Miss Clo.
“We have solid connections to real crimes and Manny Young based on facts,” M.J. said emphatically, looking at her grandmother. “We think visiting him for an interview might actually have some value. Willie implied toward the end that Manny got him into some stuff that even he’s ashamed about.”
“Okay, so one or both of you plan to interview Manny.” LaShaun stared at her. “Right?”
“That’s what I’d prefer, but...” M.J. tapped a fist on the duty belt around her trim waist she worked hard to maintain.
“He’ll only talk to you. Seems his granddaddy has been talking to him about getting help. Mr. Young is still angry about us helping him get convicted, and he’s convinced that you’ll do Manny more good than any psychiatrist,” Chase said wearing a stony expression.
“Manny hasn’t been too cooperative or chatty with the therapists at the forensic hospital, including this psychologist who is eager to
pick his brain,” M.J. said. Then she looked at her grandmother. “Don’t you repeat any of this to a single soul, Monmon. I brought you because Mr. Young has been confiding in you and isn’t all that happy about dealing with me.”
“Of course, Myrtle Jean!” Miss Clo snapped back. “You should know better. I won’t even tell Joyelle, especially after that incident with her blabbing to her big mouth cousin. I got on her about it, too.”
“In her defense, I hear she didn’t mean to spread the story as though it was true.” LaShaun gave Miss Clo a pat on the arm.
“Doesn’t matter. We agreed not to discuss it with anyone for any reason. She wasn’t thinking. But don’t worry, dear. We’ve been friends longer than you been on this earth. We’ve had our little spats before. We’ve already made up. And she’s very sorry about how the tale has grown and spread.”
“I’ll say it’s grown and spread,” M.J. put in. “All of the parish must be talking about the rougarou prowling the swamps around Beau Chene. The mayor has had more calls from Reverend Fletcher and his flock than you can believe.”
“Oh I definitely believe,” LaShaun said.
“More than a few are having fun with the story, too. With Halloween coming up, guess what will be the most popular costume this year?” Chase gave a grunt. “Even my sister and her kids are getting in on the act. They are so looking forward to their annual party.”
“Back to Manny Young, his grandfather wants you to visit him. He’s told the social worker that you’re a distant cousin he grew up with, just in case. Manny is willing to talk to you.” M.J. shook her head. “I’d prefer having one of my guys interview him, but Mr. Young made it clear that wasn’t going to happen. And if we can solve some crimes or at least get more information...” She shrugged.
“We can’t force Manny to talk to us, or even let us visit. He’s been convicted.” Chase let out a noisy breath and looked at LaShaun. “That place is supposed to be safe.”
“Supposed to be?” Miss Clo’s eyes went wide.
“Anything can happen with dangerous guys like him. They can be unpredictable. So if you don’t want to go just say so. It’s not like we’re sure he’ll even give us anything that will help.” Chase spoke to LaShaun as if they were alone. He walked close to her and put a protective arm around her waist.
“They have plenty of security, LaShaun. Trained correctional officers staff the place. If he’s been agitated or anyway showing signs he could cause problems they’ll call off the visit. I don’t think danger is a real issue,” M.J. said squinting at Chase as though chastising him for trying to dissuade LaShaun.
LaShaun had no fear about her safety, or even coming face to face with a notorious serial killer. The others mistook her silence for indecision. In truth, she’d known all along that she would end up visiting Manny Young. She only waited for the inner sense and a sign that the time was right. Miss Clo chattered on about the Young family, Reverend Fletcher and town gossip. Chase glanced at LaShaun every few seconds. LaShaun gazed past Miss Clo and M.J. to the window beyond. A trio of moths fluttered against the window. The voices of the humans around her became background noise, muted almost to silence. Instead the LaShaun heard the fluttering of wings against glass. Monmon Odette always said seeing three moths meant there were secrets about to be revealed.
“LaShaun, did you hear M.J.?” Chase spoke close to her ear and gave her a gentle shake. “You look like you’re in another world.”
She blinked out of her reverie. She looked at him and smiled. Then she pulled free of his embrace and faced M.J. “I’ll go. Set it up.”
Chapter 12
The following day LaShaun worked on being patient with Savannah. They sat in the small office behind the gift shop Savannah’s father owned a block from her law office. They had met for lunch provided by Savannah’s aunt, known for being one of the best Creole cooks in several surrounding parishes. Two bowls of steaming shrimp and corn soup gave the room a wonderful fragrance.
“Just one more question. Have you lost your mind?” Savannah asked, dipping her soup spoon into the bowl, and then paused to wait for an answer.
LaShaun sighed. “You’re starting to repeat yourself.”
“Okay, let me list just a few reasons visiting a man with the nickname Blood River Ripper is a very bad idea.”
Before Savannah could start, LaShaun broke in. “No, I don’t believe law enforcement or the district attorney is trying to trap me into revealing that I’m somehow involved in these crimes. Yes, I do remember that Willie and the dead woman were found near my woods. Of course it’s possible that Orin Young is using my involvement as a ploy to help get Manny off death row. And no, I don’t think folks will get stirred up against me and my family again.” LaShaun ate more of the delicious brew in her bowl and let the warm goodness slid down her throat. “No way could I have even gotten this in L.A.”
Savannah’s shapely dark eyebrows pulled together. “The DA still thinks you got away with something last year. << In A Darker Shade of Midnight LaShaun was accused of murdering her cousin>>
“He’s not sure what it is, but he thinks you’re guilty.”
“Silly rabbit, wasting his time stewing about a case that’s been stamped ‘closed’ for months.” LaShaun fished out a succulent shrimp and enjoyed it.
“The man hates to lose. He sincerely thinks of himself as upholding right and protecting the citizens. That’s a direct quote from his campaign talking points.” Savannah grinned at the funny face LaShaun made. “I know, but it gets votes.”
“What-ev. Guess a little thing like me being innocent doesn’t matter around here,” LaShaun said as she worked on making her bowl of soup empty.
“Visiting a psychotic serial killer in a place full of crazy criminals isn’t affecting your appetite,” Savannah said dryly.
“Hmm.” LaShaun finished off one last piece of French bread and patted her mouth with a napkin. “M.J. assured me that the place is well run with lots of big, burly correctional officers.”
“Oh well, then you should have a fine old time chatting with the grim reaper,” Savannah retorted.
“You mean the Blood River Ripper,” LaShaun corrected.
“Thanks for mentioning that while I’m still eating. Ugh.” Savannah gave an exaggerated shiver.
“Okay, change of subject. What’s up with Patsy and her husband? I heard that the guy’s actually considering taking her back.”
“Vince has completely forgotten his urge to strangle her. He looked into her big green eyes and believed her story,” said Savannah as she walked to the small kitchenette area down the hall. One of the gift shop employees stopped her to ask questions. Moments later Savannah came back and closed the office door.
“Just what is the story?”LaShaun asked and sat back in her chair.
“You’ll love this one. Patsy says Tommy chased after her until she was too afraid to resist his advances. He even implied he would hurt Vince and the kids if she didn’t meet him for sex.” Savannah rolled her eyes.
“So she was protecting her family. It could be true,” LaShaun replied. She shrugged at the look Savannah gave her.
“That doesn’t quite explain three trips to Victoria’s Secret to buy sexy lingerie, or the hot love notes she slipped him every chance she got. And don’t get me started on the sex-ting.” Savannah waved a hand.
“The what?"
“Smokin’ hot text messages. Not to mention the cell phone photos she sent. One had her wearing crotch-less panties, legs spread and blowing him a kiss.”
“Grown folks stupid enough to do that stuff? Damn.” LaShaun shook her head in wonder.
“Tommy’s wife got her hands on his cell phone, and was kind enough to show them to Vince,” Savannah continued. “I think she hoped Vince would do her the favor of bumping off the rival for her hubby’s affections. Once Patsy gets her hooks in a guy she hangs on.”
“She’s a pretty little bundle of trouble. Probably realized men were easy targets while she was s
till in kindergarten,” LaShaun said and laughed.
“Takes one to know one, huh?” Savannah tilted her head to one side
Instead of being offended LaShaun laughed harder. “I plead the fifth. I recognized her the minute she popped up at my house that night.”
“Yeah, Vince is totally on her side and saying she’s being falsely accused. He even asked me to be her lawyer. After I got over the shock at how gullible he is, I explained to him that I didn’t feel comfortable with that. I mean, I was ready to represent him in divorcing her. That lasted all of one week.” Savannah sat back and stared out the window. The narrow alley between her shop and the antique store next door had a few small trees and plant boxes.
“Patsy knew all she had to do was spend a few minutes with him,” LaShaun said.
“You’re right. He couldn’t stay away from her for long. Now he’s determined to defend her and protect his family,” Savannah said with a sigh. “I never had a guy get that goo-goo crazy over me.”
“Paul was and still is, so don’t even start,” LaShaun retorted. She nodded toward the photo of Savannah with her husband and twin girls on an antique side table.
“Paul wouldn’t be dumb enough to overlook porn pictures and hot text messages,” Savannah retorted.
“Okay, maybe Vince isn’t the brightest bulb on the tree. Still love can make you do crazy things.”
“Speaking of love and crazy, that is one fabulous engagement ring. Your fiancé is so romantic.” Savannah leaned forward and grabbed LaShaun’s hand. “Damn, girl. I need my sunglasses.”
“I hope he doesn’t suffer because of me,” LaShaun said softly.
Savannah let go of her hand and sat back again. “Don’t you be silly now. Obviously Chase knows a once in a lifetime love is worth the risk.”