by Lynn Emery
“M.J. says I don’t need to go back to the scene. We’ll go in tomorrow and provide more detailed reports.”
“How is Patsy?” LaShaun turned to face him.
“She’s in surgery. Orin’s bullet hit her in the back. The doctor will know more after the operation, but right now her injuries aren’t life threatening. Orin won’t make it through the night.”
“I know.” LaShaun let out the breath she was holding.
“Let’s not talk about anything else grim. We’ll have enough of that to face again tomorrow.” Chase let go of LaShaun, stretched and rolled his shoulders to work out the tension in his muscles.
LaShaun put on a serious expression. “Wait a minute, I’m getting a vision. I see a warm rainfall shower, soothing cups of tea and a warm bed in our future.”
Chase grinned at her. “I must be psychic, cher, cause I see it, too.”
They spent the rest of the night enjoying the warmth of their love, and the happiness of being together.
*****
The next morning LaShaun and Chase went to the station, refreshed and ready to face more questions. After two hours, the deputy assigned to take her statement wrapped up. To her surprise, Chase’s election opponent sat in. Dave Godchaux came across as a friendly old boy from the home town. LaShaun knew that he had ambitions far beyond being the Sheriff of a rural parish. Still he didn’t say much after introducing himself.
“Thanks for all your help, Ms. Rousselle. You had a very interesting night,” Godchaux smiled at her.
“Interesting is one way to put it,” LaShaun replied in a dry tone.
“Well hopefully we can make sure this parish gets safer with more patrols and strong leadership,” Godchaux said with a crisp nod. The other deputy cleared his throat, which earned him a sharp glance from the candidate.
“Vermillion Parish isn’t a hot bed of criminal activity now, so I’d say past leadership has done a good job.” LaShaun stood.
“It’s been pretty quiet until the last year or so.” Godchaux stood with her. “But times change, and crime is up everywhere. You have a good day now.”
“You, too, Deputy Godchaux. I’ll be seeing you.” LaShaun gave him a big smile. Godchaux blinked rapidly at her then left the interview room.
Minutes later LaShaun met Chase in M.J.’s office. The muted buzz of the station went on outside the closed door. M.J. wore a tired expression. Dark circles under her eyes made her look older than her thirty-seven years.
“The last few hours convinced me, Chase. That election can’t come fast enough. I haven’t been home to see my kid yet.” M.J. rocked back in the leather desk chair. “But at least we’ve seen an end to Orin Young’s brand of badass.”
“Are you going to charge Patsy with anything?” LaShaun asked.
“We’re still investigating, so that’s yet to be determined,” M.J. said.
“Those other two guys won’t talk, one of ‘em is sick and getting sicker. I’d say they were being cagey, but I think they’re scared.” Chase rubbed his chin and frowned. “Strangest thing trying to get through to them.”
“Orin’s influence is strong as the pack leader,” LaShaun said softly.
“Maybe they’ll change their tune once it sinks in he’s dead. Can we all agree not to mention packs and rougarou to anyone else?” M.J. looked from Chase to LaShaun.
“Sealed lips,” LaShaun said.
“Folks in town are going to whisper about this for years. Not to mention that ghost busting crew sniffing around. With everything that’s happened, Schaffer may move his operation to town for a few months,” Chase retorted.
“Don’t even say that as a joke.” M.J. rolled her eyes. “Now you, Chief Detective Broussard, can take a couple of days off. Out.”
“Call me paranoid, but I think you want to get rid of me.” Chase raised an eyebrow at her.
“A cooling off period would do us all some good,” M.J. said pointedly. “A little peace and quiet, no excitement or eerie happenings.”
“She’s looking at me,” LaShaun said to Chase using a stage whisper.
“Enjoy yourselves away from my station. Far away,” M.J. shot back.
Chase and LaShaun grinned at her but took the hint. Moments later they slipped out a back exit of the station, but Schaffer had good sources. He appeared around a corner of the building.
“Good morning, Deputy Broussard and Ms. Rousselle. If I could just have a few moments...” Schaffer lifted a hand.
“No,” Chase and LaShaun said at the same time.
“I could make your election a done deal,” Schaffer called out as they walked to Chase’s truck. “Some people believe you’re the hero in this whole series of events. With one appearance you could be golden in the parish, and the entire state.”
“Goodbye,” Chase said.
Once they were in the truck and driving away, LaShaun glanced back at Schaffer. His videographer pointed his camera at them. “He’s right. You could be missing your chance at political stardom.”
“Pass. If I’m elected I’ll do my best to make Vermillion Parish safe. If Dave is elected, I’ll help him do it. I’ve got the career I want, a great place to live and you.” Chase winked at LaShaun.
“You’re my star already, cher.” LaShaun snuggled close to him.
Chase hummed along with the radio as they drove. She didn’t want to spoil Chase’s sunny mood. Still LaShaun thought about the election, his mother’s bitter words and Manny Young. Her extra sense told LaShaun she would see The Blood River Ripper again, and face the entity in the glowing mist that once again dwelled in her woods.
Read the first LaShaun Rousselle Mystery
A Darker Shade of Midnight
About the Author
Mix knowledge of voodoo, Louisiana politics and forensic social work with the dedication to write fiction while working each day as a clinical social worker, and you get a snapshot of author Lynn Emery. Lynn has been a contributing consultant to the magazine Today’s Black Woman for three articles about contemporary relationships between black men and women. For more information visit:
www.lynnemery.com
Follow me on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/LEmeryWriter
More Books By Lynn:
Best Enemies
One Love
A Time To Love
After All