Deadly Countdown

by Margaret Daley

  Chapter Eight

  Allie wound her arms around Remy and deepened the kiss. She’d hit a low yesterday, making her revisit how she’d felt after Landry’s death. She’d missed and needed Remy. She didn’t want to see him leave.

  When Remy’s hands slipped down her back and pressed her closer, he slanted her across him as he cradled her against him. They had never shared a kiss like this, and she began to wonder what she was doing. But then he began nibbling a path to her ear and caressing it with his mouth.

  “You’re so beautiful, not just outwardly but inwardly too.” Remy pulled back and stared into her eyes.

  His look melted any doubts about what she had just done. She’d wanted to do that ever since he came home. To feel close to someone again.

  She traced his mouth, wanting to kiss him, wanting to unburden herself finally. When he nipped her finger and caught it between his teeth, she knew it was time to tell him what happened the last day she and Landry were together before he went out fishing in the bayou.

  Allie scooted back and clasped her legs to her chest. “I need to tell you something not even Aunt Evelina knows.”

  His eyebrows slashed downward.

  “Landry and I had a huge fight right before he went fishing the day he died. We both said things we didn’t mean. We got along great except for one thing. He loved going out with his buddies drinking a couple of times a week. I was getting concerned…” The fear she’d experienced when he didn’t return until the early hours of the morning deluged her as though, at this second, she were in her bed unable to sleep until she heard him stumble into the house.

  “About his drinking?”

  Swallowing hard, she nodded. “I still remember how my mama was before the state sent me here to live. I would get up in the morning and find her passed out on the floor in the living room. I loved Landry, but I didn’t want to see that happen again. Before we married, he would drink occasionally, but not like he did afterward. We were trying to have a baby and couldn’t. That might have been the reason. Or maybe I was.” Tears blurred her vision, and she closed her eyes.

  The gentle whisper of his fingers moving across her cheeks urged her to finish sharing what she’d kept secret for three years—the guilt of that last day with Landry eating at her.

  She looked at Remy again, and her heartbeat throbbed at the concern she glimpsed in his eyes. “On the dock at the house we rented, we were yelling at each other. I never used to yell—not until a few months before he died. He had made me so mad. As he started to get into the pirogue, I told him if he didn’t come home right after fishing then not to come home at all. He slapped me, screaming he would do what he wanted, not what I wanted. Then he left, and I never saw him again.”

  Remy moved nearer and embraced her. “I’m sorry, Allie. I didn’t know.”

  “I tried to put up a brave front, even today. I thought I knew him so well when we married. It was scary to find out I didn’t.”

  “You should have told this to me or your aunt before now. That’s a lot to hold inside.”

  “Everyone thought we were the perfect couple. I didn’t want to tarnish Landry’s memory. After he slapped me and left, I went to Aunt Evelina. I intended to stay there until he could get help.”

  “She didn’t ask you what you were doing?”

  “I could only tell her Landry and I had a fight. He’d never slapped me before. I didn’t want anyone to know, not even my aunt.”

  Remy gave her a gentle squeeze. “What he did wasn’t your fault.”

  Through her blurry vision, she stared at the bayou, trying to put a wall back around those memories, but she couldn’t. The barrier lay crumbled around her. “I’ll never forget the deputy coming to my aunt’s house and notifying me of my husband’s accident. Landry wasn’t even in the area of the bayou he’d told me he was going. I didn’t know my own husband after all those years we were together. I’d thought I’d forgiven Landry for slapping me, but when Bo was found, all those feelings of failure and regret came crashing down on me.”

  “Why? You weren’t responsible for either Landry’s or Bo’s death.”

  She closed her eyes then opened them and looked at Remy. She remembered that day, how she’d wished she could have talked to him, but he had moved to Dallas. By the time Remy came home for Landry’s funeral, all she’d wanted to do was bury the memories of that last day with her husband, and she had until Bo died.

  He brushed her long hair behind her ears. “Please tell me you aren’t feeling responsible for their deaths.”

  “I wish I could. I figure Landry took some beer with him when he set off to fish that day and probably got disoriented and careless. He usually had a healthy respect for the swamp, but in his anger, I think he forgot about the dangers. That part of the bayou could be treacherous. He knew it as does everyone around here.”

  “Landry would do things on a dare no one else would, even me. It was his decision, not yours.” Remy clamped his jaw together, a nerve twitching in his cheek.

  Allie heard a splash in the water and glanced toward an alligator lurking among the vegetation—waiting for its next meal. Why did she feel that was what was happening right now in Port David? “Please be careful. I don’t want anything else to happen to someone I know.”

  “I will be, but I’m going to continue investigating. If something is going on besides Bo’s murder, I’m going to find out.” He rose and offered her his hand.

  She took it, and he hauled her to her feet, moving into her personal space.

  “Then you and I need to talk.”

  “About what?”

  “Us. We’ve gone way beyond friendship.”

  * * *

  He stood deep in the shadows of the vegetation where Allie’s yard ended and the swamp began. How could she not appreciate that he’d taken Bo out for her? She shouldn’t be mourning his death but celebrating it. Bo was where he deserved to be, brought on with the help of the same drug he’d given Allie—a roofie. At the end, as Bo lost consciousness, he’d realize the error of his ways—too late. Good riddance. One less guy he’d have to monitor to keep Allie safe, and soon, one of the other main concerns would be gone too.

  He’d be glad when Remy went back to Dallas. He wasn’t going to find any evidence that would lead Remy to him. He’d been careful, but if Remy found anything to tie him to Bo’s death, he’d take him down too.

  A movement on the first floor gallery caught his eye. Allie came outside and stared down the drive. The breeze teased with her long brown hair. She kept pushing it away from her face, but the breeze caught the strands in spite of her efforts.

  Then in the dim light he saw Allie smile at the same time he heard a car coming down the drive.

  Remy’s SUV appeared, and he fisted his hands.

  He thought Remy had left half an hour ago. Why was he back?

  The sight of a duffel bag in Remy’s hand as he crossed to the stairs and mounted them to a waiting Allie churned his stomach, the spicy Cajun food for once bothering him.

  Remy set his bag on the porch and tugged Allie into his arms, kissing her—not as a friend. As he watched them, his muscles tightened until pain spread through him.

  No one could be good enough for Allie.

  * * *

  Remy escorted Allie to her office at the Sundowner’s headquarters. Lying on Allie’s couch hadn’t been conducive to getting rest, but then he couldn’t blame it totally on the sofa. Every sound seemed to pull him from sleep. Nothing could happen to Allie. Finally, he’d let her know how he really felt about her. Although they hadn’t talked about their relationship in the future, he intended to once she was safe and Bo’s murderer was captured.

  “What time do you want me to pick you up?” he asked as she unlocked her office door.

  “I have an appointment with a possible tenant at two-thirty and won’t be finished until four.”

  “Then I’ll be here at four. If something delays me, I’ll call or text. I don’t want you going
home without me.”

  “I won’t. I always have work to do.”

  She walked into her office, turned, and gave him a smile that was different than any in the past. A radiance glowed from her expression, directed at him. Was it love or gratitude? Finally she had unburdened herself to him and later the previous evening to her aunt about her marriage to Landry. After that, she seemed different.

  He made his way down the hall. Before she’d gone to bed last night, she’d told him she could finally start working on forgiving Landry for his drinking and behavior. She’d kept it bottled up inside her for so long, she hadn’t really dealt with her emotions those last months they were married.

  She might be able to forgive Landry, but Remy wasn’t sure he could—even as she said that was what the Lord wanted. Landry had everything, and he’d messed it up. Remy wished he’d been the one she married.

  He turned into the main corridor and nearly ran Paul down. “Sorry. Deep in thought.”

  “How’s Allie? The last few days must have been tough for her. I’m surprised she even came to work.”

  “She has appointments with prospective tenants for the condos. She didn’t want to reschedule.”

  “That sounds like Allie. She works harder than most of my employees. I’m lucky to have her as my lease manager.”

  “You took a chance hiring her four years ago. She didn’t have a lot of experience.” Had there been an underlying motive for Paul?

  “But she knew how to handle people and was really personable. I could teach her what she didn’t know. She was a quick learner, and it didn’t take long for her to understand what she needed to do. When Landry died, I thought she would take some time off, but I think her work was what kept her going.”

  “Bo went to high school with you. Do you know anyone who would want to see him dead?”

  “Bo?” Paul thought for a moment then shook his head. “The only one left Port David years ago. Jay Chauvin. Bo and Jay fought over a girl who graduated with us.”

  “Anthony’s older brother?”

  “Yes. He’s been back a couple of times but not for long. I haven’t seen him lately, but toward the end, before he moved closer to New Orleans, he’d lived like a hermit, spending most of his time in the bayou.”

  “Thanks, I’ll see if Anthony knows where his brother is.” Remy started down the hallway, paused and twisted around. “Oh, by the way where were you Saturday night from eight to five Sunday morning?”

  Paul’s eyes grew round then his features morphed into a thunderous scowl. “You think I killed Bo?”

  “I’m asking everyone. Someone did and until I know who—”

  “I went to dinner with Mary Lou, a woman I know in Houma, then returned home at twelve and went to bed, so no one can vouch for me after twelve. But then I didn’t think I would be a suspect in a murder.”

  “I’ll need her information to verify where you were earlier.”

  Paul pulled out his cell phone and rattled off Mary Lou’s number and address. Remy wrote it down, stuck it in his pocket and walked toward the main lobby, feeling Paul’s glare boring into his back. Paul had been interested in Allie, and although Remy didn’t think he’d murdered Bo, he couldn’t dismiss him totally.

  Next stop was Chauvin’s Garage to talk with Anthony. They had hung out together occasionally when he’d lived in Port David. Jay was five years older, like Paul and Bo, and Remy remembered Jay as quiet, intense, and a loner.

  “Not another nail in your tire?” Anthony shook Remy’s hand.

  “Nope. This is about Bo’s murder.”

  Anthony glanced around his garage then waved toward his office. “Let’s talk in there.” After he closed the door, he rotated toward Remy. “I don’t know where Bo went Saturday night. He called me in the late afternoon, upset, and wanted me to go drinking with him. I couldn’t. I had a special date with Rebecca—all night. I didn’t see Bo at all that day. Now I wish I had called off my date.”

  “When he was upset, where did he go?” Remy asked the same question he had to guys who used to hang out with Bo.

  “Bo rarely let things upset him, but maybe to Houma to a bar called Cajun Joe’s. Sometimes he went to a shack on the bayou where he used to spend time as a teenager with friends.”

  “Was your brother one of those friends?”

  “Yeah, until they got into a fight over Rosie. Jay wouldn’t talk to Bo after that.”

  “Where’s Jay now? I heard in New Orleans.”

  Anthony dropped his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “Not in the city but in the bayou near New Orleans. Sometimes he calls here when he wants money.”

  “Have you seen him lately?”

  “Yes, two weeks ago, but he was leaving again.”

  “Does he stay with you?”

  “No, we aren’t the closest brothers. He’s wasted his life away. He didn’t have to tell me he’s taking drugs. They’ve left their mark on him.”

  “Then where did he stay?”

  Anthony shrugged. “Maybe his old black pickup or somewhere on the bayou.”

  “So he could still be around here.”

  “I guess so, but he hated Port David. Do you think Jay killed Bo? Why would he after all these years?”

  “I don’t know, but I’d like to know if he’s still in the area. If you hear from him, please call me.”

  “Sure. Maybe jail time would knock some sense into him. At the rate he’s going, he’ll either die from drinking or drugs.”

  “Thanks for the help.”

  Anthony opened the door to his office. “Bo was a friend. I want to see his killer captured.”

  After leaving Anthony, Remy stopped by to talk to Pierre at the general store. When he entered, the first person he saw was his grandfather sitting at a table in the coffee shop part of the store. Pierre was with him. Remy waved at them and headed for the table. He sat across from the storeowner.

  “Want some coffee, Remy?” Pierre asked, pushing his chair back to stand.

  “No, I can’t stay long.”

  Papere lifted his mug and took a sip. “He came home to visit and has been gone more than at the house.” A teasing twinkle gleamed in his eyes as he drank more coffee and watched Remy over the rim of the cup.

  “I thought I would check with you, Pierre, and see what you can tell me about Bo. Do you know of anyone who would kill him?”

  “If it was ten years ago, Jay Chauvin. Those two had a fistfight right here in my store.” Pierre pointed to an area near the front counter. “It took a couple of men to pull them apart. Jay left not too long after that.”

  “I talked with Anthony about him. Anyone else know if Jay is here?” He glanced between his grandfather and Pierre. Jay was his best lead if he was in town right now.

  Papere rubbed his chin. “I think I saw him a week ago in a boat going up the bayou. At least it looked like him from a distance.”

  So it was possible he was still here, and if he was into drugs, he would know where to get the roofies. But why would he go after Allie? Maybe there wasn’t a connection between Bo’s murder and Allie’s stalker. So many questions. Few answers.

  * * *

  Before grabbing something to eat, Allie needed to pick up some paperwork from Adrien. Maybe he hadn’t gotten his lunch yet. She could use a little company after working by herself all morning in her office. This afternoon she had a prospective tenant coming to see one of the luxury condos on the top floor. Cinching the deal would be great, but she felt anything but that at the moment.

  She entered the marina office and waved to Adrien on the phone. He nodded, turned his back on her, and finished his conversation with the caller.

  When he hung up, he swiveled around with a big grin on his face. “It’s always great to see you.”

  “I need to pick up the Franklin papers. Mr. Franklin said he would drop them off here before leaving on his fishing trip.”

  Adrien snatched a manila envelope from his desk. “Yep. He did when he stoppe
d to get gas. I wish I could sail to the Florida Keys. I need a vacation.”

  “Me too.”

  “Have you had lunch yet?”

  She shook her head, tired after only putting in half a day. The emotional rollercoaster she’d been on had mentally worn her out.

  “Then join me at the marina café.”

  “I’d like that. I didn’t eat much breakfast.” She wasn’t sure she could eat much lunch either.

  Adrien strolled toward the exit, opening the door for her.

  When she stepped outside, the first place she looked was Captain DuBois’s slip at the far end. “Where’s David’s Folly?” she asked, although she was relieved not to see the vessel at the pier. She’d never be able to look at it the same after finding Bo there.

  “He went out on a three-day fishing trip. He’ll be back in time for Bo’s funeral.”

  “Does Remy know?”

  “Yes. He spent a few hours on the boat yesterday. I guess rechecking the crime scene.”

  “Who was the captain’s mate?”

  “One of his nephews.”

  Inside the café, Adrien found a table free next to one of the large plate glass windows that afforded a view of the harbor.

  After the waitress took their orders, Adrien covered her hand on the table. “Maybe you should take a vacation. Go somewhere like Key West.”

  She attempted a smile that lasted only a second. “I look that bad?”

  “I would never say that. Tired, maybe.”

  “I couldn’t leave right now regardless. I want to go to Bo’s funeral at the end of the week. That’s the least I can do.”

  “Why do you say that after all he put you through?”

  Allie tilted her head to the side. “I would never wish that on Bo. If I’d been able to talk to him before he was killed, I’d have told him I forgive him.”

  “Why? He could have really hurt you.”