A Darker Shade of Midnight

by Lynn Emery

  “No, I didn’t.” Aunt Leah stood up and looked down at Rita. “Don’t think for one damn minute that I won’t challenge this slick move.”

  “Me, too,” Uncle Albert said. “I’ve got my lawyer on speed dial, girl.”

  “Yes, we all know how much you like to sue other folks, Uncle Albert,” Rita said. She stood to face her aunt. “

  “Well, you pulled off a slick move,” Aunt Leah hissed.

  Azalei stepped between them. “Let’s not fight, mama. Rita is going to be fair to us all I’m sure.”

  “Huh?” Aunt Leah looked at her daughter in shock.

  “Trust me,” Azalei said quietly. “Rita and I discussed these arrangements. We’ll get a loan to help our business, and the rest of the assets will be managed wisely. Mr. Martin drew up the trust with protections.” She raised an eyebrow as some sort of signal to her mother.

  Aunt Leah calmed down, but only a little. She shot a warning look at Rita. “We’ll see.”

  “See hell.” Uncle Theo pointed at Martin. “I’d like to take a look at those papers. You, hand ‘em over.”

  “Uncle Theo, Monmon Odette’s lawyer has done a very good job making all of the necessary legal arrangements. We’ll be happy to discuss the details. That’s why I called this meeting.” Rita crossed her arms.

  “You called this meeting?” LaShaun glanced at her grandmother. “Monmon Odette.”

  “Rita suggested a family meeting to have my lawyer explain the particulars of how I want my estate passed on.” Monmon Odette wore a smile. Her dark Creole eyes twinkled.

  “Which is exactly what Mr. Martin did. Monmon’s lawyer has everything nice and legal. Right, Monmon?” Rita wore a satisfied expression as she faced her fuming relatives.

  “I’m sure you think so, except he’s not my lawyer.” Monmon Odette sipped from her cup.

  Rita shook her head slowly, and wore a sad smile. “See, LaShaun. Monmon Odette gets confused sometimes. That’s all right, I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Excuse me.” Savannah Honoré stood in the door. Her appearance made more than a few jaws drop. She wore a slight frown. “Sorry to get here late, Mrs. Rousselle. You did say nine thirty, right?”

  “Good morning, child. You’re right on time. Get up, Azalei, and let Savannah sit down.” Monmon Odette pushed Azalei from her seat and gestured to Savannah. “Come sit next to me. LaShaun will get you a cup of coffee.”

  LaShaun leaned down, and whispered. “What are you up to, and why is she here?”

  “Don’t be rude by whispering around others, LaShaun.” Monmon Odette sat straight. She smiled as Savannah sat down on the antique settee next to her chair. “LaShaun wants to know what’s going on, and why Savannah is here. I’m sure that’s a burning question the rest of you have as well, heh?”

  “This is a family meeting. Outsiders shouldn’t be hearing our business, Monmon.” Rita gave the newcomer a stony look. “Now you see why I needed to take control. I knew Monmon was incompetent, but this is beyond crazy. A St. Julien of all people.”

  “Someone should be in control, but don’t count on it being you for long,” Uncle Albert shot back.

  “Bring it on, Uncle Albert,” Rita said calmly. She turned to Savannah. “I’m my grandmother’s guardian. I don’t care why you’re here, but it’s time to leave.”

  “Rita, sit down and listen.” Monmon Odette’s sharp tone made the others snapped to attention.

  “You don’t seem to understand, grandmother. Our lawyer will explain it too you later. I’m in charge now.” Rita’s cold expression seemed triumphant.

  “No, you don’t understand. Mr. Martin is not my lawyer. Mrs. Honoré is my lawyer, and we’ve drafted a new trust and will.” Monmon Odette’s voice grew stronger as she spoke. “By the way, that power of attorney has been revoked. My lawyer will show you the order.”

  Chapter 4

  “Your lawyer?” LaShaun and Rita blurted out in unison.

  “That’s ridiculous,” Rita shouted.

  “Calm down,” Devin Martin said to Rita. He looked ruffled, but worked to keep his cool.

  “Yeah, you tried to run a game, but Mama figure you out fast,” Uncle Albert said pointing a stubby forefinger at Rita.

  “Shut up,” Rita snapped back.

  “Don’t tell my daddy to shut up,” one Uncle Albert’s daughters shouted over his shoulder. “You lookin’ to get a good ass-whippin’.”

  “Stop hiding behind your daddy and step up then,” Azalei replied, standing next to Rita.

  “I think we can discuss these matters in a more civil way.” Martin blinked hard when a shoving match broke out to his left between arguing cousins.

  Savannah stood behind Monmon Odette’s chair. She signaled to LaShaun. “Can’t you settle these folks down?”

  “Me? I’m still in shock over my grandmother hiring you as her attorney.” LaShaun stared at Savannah. “Our families have been feuding for longer than we’ve been alive.”

  “I was–” Savannah’s eye went wide as she looked past LaShaun.

  LaShaun followed her gaze. One cousin had grabbed another one around the collar and was shaking him. “Damn. Help me get my grandmother out of here.”

  “I’m just fine. I don’t want to miss a minute of this. Most excitement I’ve had in a long time.” Monmon Odette waved away LaShaun’s attempt to help her out of the chair.

  “Monmon Odette, you started this mess. Now fix it.” LaShaun stared at her grandmother.

  “What we need is a SWAT team,” Savannah muttered. She took out her smart phone and dialed 911.

  Monmon Odette stood suddenly startling LaShaun and Savannah. “Don’t y’all want to know the terms of my new will?”

  Her voice cracked through the clamor. Everyone looked at Monmon Odette. She sat down again with a grunt. “I thought so. Savannah, give them the particulars.”

  Savannah leaned down to her. “I’m not sure this is the best time.”

  “Yes it is. Go on.” Monmon Odette nodded.

  “Ahem, well, uh.” Savannah looked at LaShaun who shrugged, so she took out her tablet device. “Basically the will specifies that LaShaun receive the house, its contents and the land surrounding it.”

  “Oh hell no,” Azalei broke in before Savannah could go on. “This is the thanks we get after all we’ve done for you?”

  “Keep talking, Savannah, and don’t pay any mind to that irritating interruption.” Monmon Odette glared at Azalei.

  “LaShaun is also the trustee of the revocable living trust which includes a list of the following assets.” Savannah stopped when Monmon Odette lifted a hand.

  “That’s all they need to know. I’m sure my children and grandchildren know everything I own down the last blade of grass, and every penny.” Monmon Odette turned to her relatives. “You’ll have to find out how much is left when I’m dead, and not before. The most important thing to know is that LaShaun will make sure my wishes are carried out.”

  Rita pushed past Uncle Theo to stand in front of Monmon Odette. “I’m not surprised. You always put her ahead of everyone else, and especially me. Now let’s see if this stands up in court. Everyone knows you’re mind is going, not to mention being in poor health and on strong medications.”

  “Savannah?” Monmon Odette gazed back at Rita.

  “I can successfully argue that you took advantage of Mrs. Rousselle while she was in a weakened state. The legal phrase is exerting undue influence. Once Mrs. Rousselle recovered mentally and physically after treatment…”

  “Everybody knows that my doctors worked a miracle bringing me back to life,” Monmon Odette added, and made the sign of the cross. “With power from the good Lord, of course.”

  “Once she recovered,” Savannah continued, “Mrs. Rousselle realized she needed to make some changes.”

  “Well that don’t sound much better than when Rita took over,” Uncle Albert huffed for a few seconds. “Leah, you didn’t know all this was goin’ on under our noses? I thou
ght you was supposed to be on top of things.”

  “Of course I didn’t. Now shut up,” Aunt Leah cut him off.

  “But Azalei just said she wanted the best for Monmon. I’d think you all would be thrilled that she’s doing so well that she could consult her own attorney and make all these plans. Sounds to me like she’s doing just fine.” LaShaun said, and smothered a laugh before it escaped.

  Azalei walk over to face her. She jabbed a finger in LaShaun’s chest. “You’re not going to waltz back into town and take everything from us. We’re the ones who have taken care of her, and she’s not even grateful.”

  Rage crackled beneath LaShaun’s skin like an itch. She could feel heat rising from the point of contact on her chest “You need to back away from me”

  “What are you gonna do?” Azalei whispered. “I’m not a kid anymore scared to face up to you.”

  “You should be.”

  LaShaun grabbed the finger and bent it back until Azalei squeaked in agony. When Rita tried to intervene, LaShaun slapped her hard across the face. Rita spat a curse word, but before she could act, LaShaun wrapped her fingers around Rita’s throat and squeezed. The rage drove LaShaun when she saw the animosity in her cousin’s eyes. Devin managed to get between the two women and pry LaShaun’s hand free. Rita stumbled back gasping for air. Aunt Leah pushed forward yelling at LaShaun. Another cousin grabbed her scarf and pulled her back.

  “Y’all don’t think we know you and Azalei are in on this deal with Rita?” The cousin screamed. “Go on, LaShaun, whip her ass. We got your back.”

  Hell broke loose. Kinfolks took sides with either LaShaun or Azalei and Rita. Savannah shouted that they could well destroy priceless antiques, and no one would get them. When no one listened, Savannah retreated to a corner of the room. The fighting spilled out to the long front porch and into the yard. Sirens whined closer. Moments later a Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s patrol car pulled into the yard, blue lights flashing.

  Devin Martin swabbed sweat from his forehead with one shaking hand. “Thank God for the cavalry.”

  Deputy Broussard got out of his cruiser. He took several moments to observe the chaos then took put a handset to his mouth. Seconds later his voice boomed through a loud speaker on the roof of his cruiser.

  “Everybody that hasn’t settled down by the time I count to five is going to jail.”

  Deputy Arceneaux stepped out of a second cruiser. She was with her partner, a lanky man the color of dark chocolate. He walked past Deputy Arceneaux to stand on the edge of the front lawn with his feet wide apart. Deputy Broussard’s countdown had the desired effect. Loud curses and name calling gradually died away. Two of LaShaun’s male cousins got into a shoving match. Deputy Arceneaux’s partner barked orders at them. When they broke apart the deputy stood between them.

  “Who should I handcuff first?” he said, his voice a deep rumble. His tone indicated he didn’t care which one; just that he would enjoy snapping the steel bracelets nice and tight.

  “Arrest her. Me and Rita are going to press charges.” Azalei pointed to LaShaun, and then rubbed a red spot on her left cheek. “She’s going to pay my medical expenses, too. After she gets out of jail that is.”

  Monmon Odette came through the front door. She held onto a walker moving slowly. A teenaged great-grandson helped her along.

  “Monmon Odette walked to the edge of the porch with careful steps while she held onto a teenage great-grandson. “I’m old and can’t hear too good these days. Say again, Azalei?”

  “LaShaun…” Azalei stopped when she locked gazes with her grandmother.

  “Somebody wanna tell me what happened?” Deputy Broussard said.

  “Family discussion that got out of hand. Nobody got hurt, and everybody is going to go home and cool off. Ain’t that right, children?” Monmon Odette.

  Uncle Theo cleared his throat and tucked his shirt back into his pants. “Mostly a bunch of yelling, officer. No real harm done.”

  “Yeah, nothin’ but a little family disagreement.” Uncle Albert put on a tight smile.

  “So that’s the story, huh?” Deputy Broussard looked around the crowd, but no one answered. Then he stared hard at LaShaun.

  “Apparently we’re all sticking to it.” LaShaun looked at Rita and Azalei.

  ““Then I suggest everybody follow Miss Odette’s advice and go home,” Deputy Broussard said.

  He nodded to the other deputies. They in turn walked into the crowd. Deputy Arceneaux and her partner herded people toward the cars parked in the driveway and on the lawn. LaShaun’s two uncles, aunt, and Rita lingered on the porch. The deputies concentrated on moving the younger, more combative relatives out. When Deputy Broussard turned back to LaShaun she shrugged and walked toward him with a smile.

  “Thanks so much for being a source law and order. Just what these folks needed.” LaShaun titled her head to one side when he squinted at her. “What?”

  “People around town said you were trouble. Looks like you’re eager to prove they’re right.” Deputy Broussard rested a hand on one slim hip.

  “What else did they say about me?”

  “Isn’t that enough? Not much of a character endorsement if you ask me.” Deputy Broussard looked down at her with a stone face.

  LaShaun felt a rush of heat beneath her skin, the sign when she “saw” clearly what others did not. Deputy Broussard had his will set on not finding her attractive. She could almost hear his thoughts, that Sheriff Triche had lost his edge and the sharp instincts that had served him well.

  “You’re wrong about him, the sheriff I mean,” LaShaun said quietly.

  Broussard’s gaze narrowed like the laser on a Glock pistol. “Don’t try your magic tricks on me.”

  “Relax, Deputy Broussard. I’m not trying to put a spell on you.”

  “Yeah, I’ll try to remember that,” he replied in a bland tone. He took sunglasses from his shirt pocket and put them on.

  LaShaun became irritated with herself for even having this discussion with him. She kept her temper in check, barely. “Think what you want. You through here or you intend to search me for weapons?”

  Deputy Broussard looked at her for a few seconds. “Is that an offer, ma’am?”

  LaShaun studied him as the minutes ticked by, and the temperature between them rose. She then turned away and walked toward the porch. “Goodbye, Deputy.”

  “She didn’t start any of this trouble, Deputy Broussard,” Monmon Odette called out. She was now sitting in a rocker on the porch.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Deputy Broussard nodded to Monmon Odette respectfully. He looked at LaShaun. “I’ll see you around.”

  “Humph.” LaShaun stood next to her grandmother.

  She wanted to think of a reply with more pepper in it, but those dark Cajun eyes along with the silken soft burr of his accent threw her. His voice sounded like a pleasant promise instead of a warning from the law. Deputy Broussard’s lean, muscular frame folded into the cruiser with ease. He spoke into the radio handset for several minutes before he drove off.

  “Don’t think this is over. Not even close,” Azalei shouted. She marched to her cherry red mustang and drove off.

  Rita and Devin Martin stood together speaking softly. After a few seconds, both glanced at LaShaun. Martin left first, backing his BMW down the driveway after another car behind him left.

  “You may have this round, but I’m not done with you yet,” Rita said to LaShaun.

  “Stop listening to Aunt Leah and Azalei, Rita. They’re poison times two. There’s no need for us fight.”

  “Guess again,” Rita snapped cutting her off. “That old woman always favored you over me. I got what was left once she showered you with the best. I’m not taking seconds anymore.”

  “So that’s how it is, huh?” LaShaun squinted at her.

  “Yeah, that’s how it is. Don’t underestimate me.” Rita gave LaShaun a heated head to toe glare then strode to her car.

  “Hell.” LaShaun took sever
al deep breaths to calm her nerves. She went back to the long gallery where Monmon Odette sat gently moving a cane rocking chair back and forth.

  “Still glad you came back, Cher?” Monmon Odette cocked an eyebrow at her.

  LaShaun turned to watch Rita’s Honda Accord disappearing around the curve of the long driveway. “Home sweet home.”

  Chapter 5

  The next day LaShaun went into town. Three blocks into her walk down Main Street and LaShaun had an overwhelming urge to slap somebody. The stares and whispers bothered her more than she thought they would. She’d forgotten the relentless memory of small town folks. In Los Angeles she’d been just one of millions, another transplant chasing California gold in one variety or another. What LaShaun had found was a way to be herself without the claustrophobic definitions of her family’s past or the judgment of others. She had changed, but Beau Chene was the same. The downtown looked like a typical tourist area in rural Louisiana. Quaint antique shops and restaurants featuring Creole cuisine made up most of the small business district. Savannah stood in the door to her father’s curio and souvenir shop, arms crossed in a defensive posture.

  A feud between the St. Julien and Rousselle families that crossed four generations at least was another legend in the parish. After so many years, the teenage romance between Antoine St. Julien and LaShaun’s mother promised an uneasy truce. When the young Antoine fell in love with someone else, the woman who had become Savannah’s mother, the feud didn’t just continue. Things got nasty. Francine spiraled into self-destruction. Monmon Odette blamed Antoine, and LaShaun saw Savannah as the enemy. Yet, in her hour of need Monmon Odette had reached out to the St. Julien family.

  “Hello,” Savannah said. She looked into LaShaun’s eyes intently as trying to detect some sign of trouble to come. “So I’m guessing you want to find out why your grandmother hired a St. Julien to be her lawyer.”

  LaShaun let out a long sigh. “Hello to you, too, Savannah. We’re gonna skip the small talk I guess.”

  “No sense wasting time being phony. So, what’s the deal, LaShaun? You wanna start a riot in town, too?”