by Lynn Emery
“Yes ma’am. I think he’s sorry about the life he’s led.”
“No,” Mrs. Young said with such force her upper body shook. “I love that boy, Lord knows I do. But he ain’t sorry. Part of it’s my fault.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I didn’t have nowhere to go, not to my family for sure. My daddy... by the time he died mama was in the grave, too. I had them children. The girls, they blame me. What could I have done differently?” She strained forward, her eyes wide and filled with tears. “I took ‘em to mass. I tried to soothe their hurt much as I could. Lord, please have mercy on me.”
“Flo-rahee?” Mrs. Richard blinked at them, her head raised.
LaShaun left the chair and eased the distraught woman back against the two large pillows. “Manny takes responsibility for his own choices.”
“Can’t stop thinking of their sad eyes.” Mrs. Young gasped and breathed hard. She shook her head. Tears flowed down her face.
LaShaun found a box of tissues and wiped her cheeks dry. “My grandmother had many regrets about her children. But she did the best she knew how at the time, and so did you.”
“You’re kind-hearted, not at all like folks say. But the Lord is punishing me.” Mrs. Young twisted the wad of tissues in her hand. “I’m forgetful about a lot of things, but I can’t forget... some things just stay on my mind. My girls needed me.”
“I’m sure they know you tried, just like Mr. Orin. He’s still trying to take care of Manny.” LaShaun sat back in shock at the way her expression twisted with bitterness. Then Mrs. Young laughed, and the sound scraped across LaShaun’s nerves like ragged fingernails. Even Mrs. Richard flinched and shook her head.
“My husband likes being in control, but Manny showed him. All of them finally got away you see, “Mrs. Young whispered, and cackled softly to herself. Her perverse grin crumpled, and her expression change again to one of sorrow. She covered her face with the now tattered tissue and whimpered.
A picture formed, not a vision this time. Pieces of a puzzle formed from snatches of what Manny had said and now from this poor woman. LaShaun leaned forward and tried to pull Mrs. Young’s hands away, but she resisted. Voices in the hallway came closer then faded as staff went past the door. Mrs. Richard lay still, but her gaze was watchful.
“Did he hurt the girls, touch them the wrong way?” LaShaun said. She moved closer. Despite the growing sense of repulsion for the ugliness she would uncover, LaShaun pressed on. “You knew, but didn’t feel like you could stop him?”
“I prayed Manny wouldn’t be like him, but God punished me for not doing enough. The Bible says faith without works is dead.” Mrs. Young nodded wearily. “I deserve to suffer.”
“Manny turned out like his daddy, Ethan,” LaShaun said, thinking of what Miss Clo had said about Manny’s father.
“Poor Ethan got beat down. He took to drinking and then drugs. That was his way out. I didn’t protect him either.”
“That’s why your daughters don’t want to come back even to visit.” LaShaun spoke more to herself than to the distraught woman.
“I don’t blame them, not after they was free. They’re right to hate the sight of me,” Mrs. Young said, her voice flat with pain.
“Wait, you said Ethan used drugs to escape. Was he--”
“I didn’t give you permission to come here.” Orin Young stood in the doorway.
“I wanted to check on my grandmother’s old friend.” LaShaun stood as she spoke. Her smile tested her facial muscles. Suddenly she didn’t like this man.
“We was talkin’ ‘bout the weather is all, and old times... with Odette. Nothing else,” Mrs. Young glanced at him briefly.
Orin Young walked over to the bedside and gazed down at his wife. “Talkin’ too much ain’t good for you, Flora Lee. It wears you out, and strains your heart. You know that.”
“You’re right, Orin,” Mrs. Young murmured. Her fingers picked at the crocheted throw that lay across the drab nursing home bedspread. “I just thought it was nice of Odette’s girl to come see me. That’s all.”
LaShaun sensed the tiny hint of rebellion in her voice. Orin Young’s neck muscles pulled into tight cords, but he said nothing for a long time. His wife gazed out of the window. Mrs. Richard made no sound, but LaShaun could see the dislike in her chocolate brown eyes when her glance flickered to Orin Young. A few seconds of charged silence stretched.
“Is there some reason I shouldn’t visit, Mr. Young?” LaShaun pushed back. He shot a heated look in her direction. Her answering gaze dared him to make a scene.
Mr. Young’s face strained into a smile. “I’m just concerned about my wife. She’s not that strong.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry. I was just about to leave anyway. Nice to see you, Miss Flora Lee. Thanks for the stories about Monmon Odette when she was young. She was certainly a character.” LaShaun leaned down and gave the older woman a gentle hug. As she did so LaShaun said, “You take care now, and I’ll come see you again.”
“Thank you, darlin’. I don’t get any other visits now that the girls are gone and Manny...” Mrs. Young’s lips trembled.
“Lay back and take your rest.” Mr. Young walked to the bed and smoothed her gray hair down with one hand.
Mrs. Young’s eyes blinked rapidly at his touch. She pushed deeper into the pillows and turned to face the drab faded green walls. LaShaun watched Mr. Young fuss over his wife, patting her covers. He turned on the twenty-four inch flat screen television on a table. The sound of a game show with bells ringing came from the speakers.
“There’s your favorite show. You and Miz Richard can watch.” Mr. Young angled the screen so the other woman could see it as well. “There now, you girls are all set for a morning of entertainment. I’ll see your little visitor out and be right back.”
He turned and gestured to LaShaun, a clear signal that it was time for her to leave. As she walked past Mrs. Richard’s bed, those dark expressive eyes told a story. LaShaun had the clear sense that Mrs. Richard wished dearly that she could slap him. Once they were in the hall Mr. Young closed the door gently.
“Thank you for taking an interest in Flora Lee. Don’t think I’m not appreciative, but call me if you want to visit again.” Mr. Young put a hand under LaShaun’s elbow as they walked. He moved closer. “My poor wife’s mind is feeble, but she never was too stable.”
LaShaun felt the strange heat coming from his body. “She seemed fairly clear today.”
“She has her good days, but she talks and rambles on not making sense. And of course she doesn’t remember things. I hope she didn’t upset you with any kind of crazy stories.” Mr. Young nodded to the nurses.
One woman, about forty with flaming red hair, grinned at him flirtatiously and glared at LaShaun. “Hello, Mr. Young. I have a summary of your wife’s progress. We can go over the results in my office.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wascom. After I visit with Flora Lee I’ll come by on my way out.” Mr. Young never stopped walking, and the nurse didn’t seem pleased.
“I don’t want to keep you from being with your wife. I know how much she means to you.”
LaShaun pushed through the glass doors leading out of the nursing home. Bright sunlight bounced off the surface of the light gray concrete of the parking lot. She put her sunglasses on and faced him. They stood beneath the covered front patio where attractive wooden rocking chairs were scattered. A couple of elderly men sat smoking. A blues song came from a portable CD player on a table.
“There’s no rush getting back to the poor dear.” Mr. Young glanced around. “They try to make this place hospitable, but there’s still some sadness here. I find it difficult at times, and feel so alone when I leave.”
“I’m sure you miss your wife after being so close all these years.” LaShaun nodded as if in sympathy.
“I’m blessed to be in good health. This is a lonely life. After all the years of hard work paid off, we’re more than comfortable when it comes to money
. But what is wealth without someone to share it with, eh?” Mr. Young stood tall, his chest out. “All that land and a big old empty house.”
LaShaun figured that line must have worked wonders on the redhead inside. With a step back LaShaun gave him a full body appraisal. His iron gray hair looked sleek and thick. Well-built, he no doubt cut a fine figure in his youth. Even at his age he looked strong and vital. And LaShaun found him quite repellant.
“You could bring Miss Flora Lee home and hire sitters. I can recommend an excellent agency, the same one that helped me take care of Monmon Odette. That way you wouldn’t be so alone in that big house.” LaShaun smiled back at him.
“I ‘ll consider your suggestion. We could get together to talk about it more.” Mr. Young tilted his head to one side.
“I’ll leave the information with the social worker when I come back for a visit.” LaShaun let her smile freeze in place.
“After you call to check with me first of course.” Mr. Young’s demeanor seemed a bit less friendly.
LaShaun let a few beats pass before she answered. “Of course. Goodbye.”
She nodded once at him and walked off. LaShaun didn’t need to look back to know his scrutiny included not only her body, but her motives. The man had a creepy, controlling kind of aura about him. Before he arrived his wife might have told LaShaun more. Yet Miss Flora Lee had given her clues, and so had Manny. Now it was up to her to follow them.
“I need to find out more about the Young family,” LaShaun murmured as she got to her Honda CRV and hit the remote to unlock the driver’s side door.
Chapter 16
Chase stood at the double wash basin in LaShaun’s master bathroom shaving. He stopped every few seconds to wipe steam from the mirror. LaShaun stood at the other end of the long marble vanity. She rinsed with mouthwash and spit into the toilet. They were getting ready leave for lunch with his parents. The weather had turned warmer, and rain splattered against the bathroom window. She hoped the gray clouds and storms weren’t a sign of how her first meeting with the Broussards would go.
“Absolutely a bad idea,” Chase said, and paused before swiping the last of the creamy lather from his left cheek. “I don’t think driving over to see one of Manny’s sisters will help at all. Plus Orin could influence Manny not to talk to us again if he gets wind you’re digging up family dirt.”
“She lives in Beaumont, Texas and doesn’t even speak to her parents anymore. That tells me a lot. He won’t know. And no, I don’t want you to come with me,” LaShaun said when he started to speak.
“I wasn’t going to offer. With all that’s going on I can’t be running down shadows a couple of hundred miles away. The deputies over in Cameron Parish found another body. Tuesday I’m driving over to Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge to look at the scene.” Chase wiped his face with the fluffy towel then tossed it into the wicker hamper. “I’ll load the washer when we get back.”
“My, my, a sexy man who does laundry.” LaShaun eased up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She snuggled closer to him provocatively. “Now why don’t you get your agitator working on me.”
Chase twisted around in her embrace until they faced each other. He nuzzled her freshly washed hair. “You smell delicious, and you feel even better.”
“So do you.” LaShaun wiggled in his arms.
“But you haven’t distracted me from the subject. I’m asking you not to take a trip to see one of those sisters,” he whispered. “I might want to follow that lead later on since one of those bodies was found in Texas.”
“Mr. Smart-ass,” LaShaun said with a scowl and slapped his shoulder lightly. “Besides, you just said there wasn’t anything important to find out. So it’s my time to waste.”
“I need to get you married and busy taking care of our kids.” Chase turned on the blow dryer just in time to drown out LaShaun’s angry growl.
“Oh no you didn’t just turn into a cave man! If the phrase ‘barefoot and pregnant’ ever comes from those hot lips I’m going to barbecue you.” LaShaun yelled to be heard over the hum of the hair dryer.
Chase laughed and kept combing through his thick black hair as the hot blast of air ruffed it, making him look even sexier. LaShaun combed through her own hair, putting jojoba oil on it to moisturize the thick curls. She glared at him a few times in the mirror, but he simply grinned back. When he flipped the switch the sound from the dryer died.
“Are you still speaking to me?” he said.
“Let me think about it,” LaShaun tossed back.
She brushed his hand away when he tried to touch her arm. He tried again, and she didn’t stop his long fingers from stroking her bare skin. Chase tugged at one strap of the tank top that matched her cotton flannel pajama pants.
“Okay, we can’t go see my folks not speaking to one another. We have time to make up,” he said softly.
“Smooth talking politician. Those tactics won’t work on me.” LaShaun tilted her head back as his lips trailed kisses down her neck.
“Then let’s stop talkin’,” he whispered.
Chase backed through the bathroom door to the queen-sized bed. Not bothering to undress, he pulled down her pajama pants but didn’t wait to take off her top. He managed to kick free of his drawstring pajama pants as well. Like two college kids rushing before being caught, they made love on top of the covers. Fast and intense, Chase got right down to business. No foreplay except a few nibbles at her breast through the soft cotton tank top. The sensation sent her libido into high gear. For a long delicious time he went fast until LaShaun gasped, then slowed down.
“More,” she whispered.
His answer was a groan as he plunged deeper inside her. They came at the same time gasping words of love, and then lay wrapped together for ten minutes before LaShaun’s head cleared from the rapture. Eyes still closed, Chase had one long leg thrown across both of hers.
“Now we have to shower again,” she said finally.
“Worth it,” he replied and let out a sigh.
LaShaun kissed his forehead and then pushed him aside. He grunted in protest. “We better get a move on. I don’t want us looking like we’ve been foolin’ around just minutes before we get to your parents’ house.”
“We have been foolin’ around,” Chase said. His eyes were still closed as he smiled.
“I’ve got enough strikes against me. I’m going to look as close to saintly as possible.”
LaShaun hissed at his loud laugher and padded into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Minutes later she dressed in fresh lounge pants and a t-shirt. Chase took his turn standing under the waterfall shower head. While he sang hard rock songs from the eighties off-key LaShaun went to kitchen and put on a pot of coffee. Then she cooked scrambled eggs and made toast for a light breakfast. She gazed at the wall clock. Nine o’clock. In an hour or so they would get dressed and drive to the small town of Meaux, Louisiana where his folks lived. They were going for lunch, but LaShaun felt like she was headed for a trial of some sort. And honestly she felt unprepared and guilty as hell. Having her fresh fingerprints all over their baby boy sure wouldn’t help. Chase came in whistling. The ends of his dark curly hair were still damp from his most recent shower. He sat at the table and scooped up a serving of eggs from the still warm skillet on the table.
“Thanks for the breakfast, babe. I would have fixed it when I finished getting pretty.” He winked at her.
“I needed to work off this nervous energy.” LaShaun drank coffee and swallowed hard.
Chase gazed at her. “You don’t have any reason to be nervous. My folks aren’t going to bite. Besides, they know to be on their best behavior.”
“I’m not scared, much...” LaShaun stared out of the bay window to the sun drenched lawn of her backyard.
“You’re the woman who faces down dark forces from the other side. Surely two middle-aged Cajuns don’t make you jumpy.”
“No. I mean, well... yes.” LaShaun gave him a weak smile. “I know it
sounds silly.”
“You’re going to be part of my family. You’re already part of me.” Chase wore a serious expression as he squeezed her knee beneath the table. “Case closed. My parents will accept you.”
“There’s so much baggage attached to the Rousselle name, not to mention my bad rep.” LaShaun sighed. “And it could cost you the election. That interview Friday night was tense. Your opponent kept talking about how he’s a family man, and believes in good Christian values. He might as well have come out and said my name.”
“We discussed facts and issues.” Chase chewed on toast.
“Yeah.”
LaShaun didn’t see it that way. Dave Godchaux had taken every opportunity to imply that he was the good clean man for the job of Sheriff. “What about that stuff he said about being careful of his associations, and not giving even the appearance of impropriety? I was the elephant in the room that he didn’t mention, but kept nodding toward.”
“I think it went well.” Chase stuffed more toast in his mouth.
“You did good.” LaShaun smiled at him.
She had to admit Chase had been poised and professional, every inch the lawman. He’d talked about hiring more officers, getting the veteran deputies more training at the Louisiana State Police Academy and the new equipment the office could use. While his opponent had spent more time staking his claim on being a solid good old country boy with down home morals. Chase sounded like he was prepared for the job of being sheriff, young and ready to do his best. LaShaun wondered if it would be enough.
“The election is in April. I just hope nothing happens between now and then.” LaShaun chewed on a thumb instead of the food on her plate.
“Like what?” Chase squinted at her. “What have you been up to?”
“Nothing. Really,” she added when his expression didn’t change. “Well, not much. I went to see Manny’s grandmother at the nursing home. She didn’t seem all that senile to me; more like she was full of remorse, sadness and scared of her husband.”
“Scared of Mr. Orin? That doesn’t sound right. I’ve always heard he provided for the family, and was a solid citizen. There’s old gossip about a few flings he had with women back in the day. But...”