Into The Mist: A LaShaun Rousselle Mystery (LaShaun Rousselle Mysteries Book 4)

by Lynn Emery

  “We’ll be just fine.”

  “Put on the alarm as usual. I’ve already checked the perimeter.” Chase spoke in his take charge, on-duty tone.

  “You make it sound like we’re in a war zone,” LaShaun quipped.

  “Sometimes it feels like it.” Chase retrieved his duty belt. With a last kiss he was out the door.

  As LaShaun locked it behind him, the landline phone rang. The antique clock down the hall chimed a quarter to ten. “Hello.”

  “La maison est en mauvaise ordre, allons la réparer,” came a throaty female response. (The house is in bad shape, let’s repair it)

  ****

  “But you told Chase you wouldn’t go looking for evidence that Montgomery or his cult is operating again.” Savannah squinted at LaShaun across the table. “I’m an old married lady compared to you and—”

  “We’re the same age,” LaShaun replied promptly. “And you’ve known me long enough to realize lectures go over my head.”

  “Keeping secrets, even with the best of intentions, is a seriously bad idea,” Savannah finished despite LaShaun’s squint of annoyance.

  The two friends sat at a small café table in a corner of the St. Julien family shop on Main Street in Beau Chene. Savannah St. Julien Honoré’s law office was two blocks away. Her father, Antoine, sold handmade carved wooden figurines. Other Louisiana artists sold their paintings, stoneware and sculptures there also. Lagniappe also sold pastries and candy made by Savannah’s aunt, a famed Vermilion Parish cook. Decked out for Christmas, the shop had been a tourist and local favorite for over twenty years.

  “Hmm, your Tante Marie’s banana nut muffins can’t be beat.” LaShaun nibbled a morsel and washed it down with café au lait. “As usual, I’ll share what you find out with Chase, but only if there’s anything to know.”

  “And your promise?”

  LaShaun sighed and sat back against the café chair back. “Let me have this rare mom’s day out in peace. It’s like I’m on the witness stand and you’re the prosecutor.”

  “Humph.”

  “Look, I promised Chase I wouldn’t search. You, on the other hand, weren’t part of the deal.” LaShaun picked up her mug again. “So let’s skip the ‘I’m trying to keep you out of trouble again’ speech.”

  “It’s never worked anyway,” Savannah shot back. “Try not to become a murder suspect this time.”

  “So funny. Now what did you find out?”

  Savannah gave a resigned sigh. “Down the rabbit hole we go. I came up empty on the Juridicus ring leader. Far as I can tell, Montgomery isn’t practicing law in this country.”

  “He could have gone abroad. He wasn’t charged with a crime, so there’s no reason he couldn’t leave the US.” LaShaun gazed through the shop window without seeing the quaint small town scene outside.

  “True. We know Juridicus had international ties, lawyers all over the world representing some of the worst of the worst. I still can’t believe it. Lawyers and judges dressed in black robes and chanting incantations. Whew,” Savannah said.

  “You didn’t tell me some of them were judges,” LaShaun blurted out. Then she lowered her voice when a couple of customers glanced their way.

  “Sure, let the entire town know we’re stirring your magical pot again,” Savannah mumbled. She smiled and waved at Tante Marie, who worked the counter. The older woman lifted an eyebrow, but went back to chatting with two customers.

  “Don’t be so dramatic. So we’ve got people with even more power in Juridicus. Bad news.” LaShaun heard Miss Rose’s late night phrase echo.

  “Juridicus members still have meetings at their headquarters in New Orleans. I’m surprised they’ve got the nerve after that mess with Montgomery being tied to a murder,” Savannah said.

  “Why not? Juridicus was never mentioned. As far as anyone else knows, a group of crazy folks took their role playing too far.” LaShaun drummed her fingers on the glass table top.

  “Well, his influential buddies no doubt helped. Including Philip Trosclair.” Savannah said his name quietly.

  LaShaun grunted at the mention of the member of that rich, powerful old Vermilion Parish family. “Their influence in Louisiana is like the roots of a two hundred year-old oak tree. Thick, deep and wide.”

  “But it’s not just the Trosclair clan. Juridicus’ members list reads like a Who’s Who of old New Orleans families. I dug deep, so you owe me.”

  “I’ll buy you another round of beignets,” LaShaun teased.

  “Big spender. The word Juridicus means a day of court or justice. The group’s website has been updated in the last six months at least. Very impressive. Their mission statement talks about seeking justice for the underdog. Not just the poor, but those who are wrongly accused. Lots of high-minded twaddle about changing the world for the better, making the justice system work to get the right results, etc.”

  “Yeah, and?”

  “They’ve formed a non-profit as a separate division from the core group called HOPE. Legal pros take up cases. The non-profit arm helps the accused and their families with social services, housing, financial assistance, even finds them jobs. That includes folks getting out of prison.”

  “Sounds wonderful. Too bad they’re a bunch of demon loving sadists bent on world domination,” LaShaun murmured quietly.

  “Now who’s being dramatic?” Savannah raised a palm when LaShaun started to object. “Granted they got up to some creepy cult crap. But you broke up their party. You know the only good thing about crazies up to no good? They do insane stuff that gets them noticed by law enforcement eventually.”

  “Yes, but look at the damage they do in the meantime. A few members with no direct visible ties go to jail. Juridicus is free to continue operations. How many cases of killers have they been repping?” LaShaun looked at Savannah with a frown.

  “There’s no pattern, if that’s what you’re asking. Even if we tried, their attorney members are practicing just like the rest of us. Some are in law firms, while others have private practices. They take cases from the Justice Project, or get assigned by courts in capital cases.” Savannah shrugged and then drank the last of her latte.

  “The fact that they’re mostly defending serial killers, wouldn’t stand out. Nobody ever claimed the devil or his minions were dumb,” LaShaun replied softly. “I’ve got to find a way of forcing them into the open.”

  “Look, like all good Catholics, I know there are demons, spirits, saints and angels. Montgomery and his posse may be impressive, but…” Savannah gazed at LaShaun.

  “Yes, I do believe they’re trying to usher in a new world order.” LaShaun glanced around to make sure the other three tables were empty. Then she leaned forward. “Evil and chaos chip away at social order. To most folks it looks random, but there’s method to the chaos.”

  “You talk like those folks who march around shouting the end is near. Not to mention those apocalyptic sects,” Savannah replied.

  LaShaun sat back with a laugh. “Relax. I’m not about to take a group into the mountains to wait for the end of times.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Savannah joked. Then she got serious again. “Your crime right here is related?”

  “Maybe not. Then again.” LaShaun raised an eyebrow.

  “Lord.” Savannah bit her lower lip.

  “Cheer up. All I’ve got is theory.” LaShaun smiled at her friend. “We have enough humans behaving badly to make me think they must be devils.”

  “I could write a book, but I won’t. Client-attorney privilege. Even in my civil practice, the vindictiveness and double-crossing leaves even jaded me breathless at times.” Savannah gave a shudder. “Let’s talk about mundane stuff, like kids. So Ellie is spending quality time with her grandmother. Progress, eh?”

  “Speaking of witches,” LaShaun replied dryly.

  Savannah choked on the last chunk of beignet she’d just put in her mouth. After a few coughs, she took a breath. “Girl, don’t.”

  She and LaShau
n laughed hard. LaShaun pretended to pound her on the back. Savannah coughed more as they both giggled uncontrollably for several minutes. Tante Marie came over with two glasses of water and put them on the table. Tante Marie planted her hands on both of her generous hips. Even after six children, she still had her hour glass figure, though with more curves. At sixty-seven she looked good in the red sweater and dark blue corduroy jeans. She gazed at them as they both drank.

  “You two better not be plotting confusion. Again.”

  “No, ma’am,” LaShaun and Savannah said together. Then they laughed more.

  “Uh-huh, like I believe you.” Tante Marie’s dark eyes narrowed. “At least leave the town standing once you’re through.”

  “For sure.” LaShaun grinned at her and winked.

  “We don’t start trouble, but we finish it. Hey, that could be our slogan.” Savannah tapped LaShaun’s shoulder.

  “Give me strength. Kiss your little one for me, LaShaun.” Tante Marie waved a hand at them as she went to greet two new customers.

  “Will do,” LaShaun called after her. She looked at Savannah. “I don’t think we have much credibility with her.”

  “Bad track records. Anyway, back to the other Mrs. Broussard.”

  LaShaun grimaced. “Katie and Sharon took Ellie to see her. Chase will pick up Ellie in another hour or so. It’s a compromise.”

  “You have to bridge that gap some kinda way. The holidays will be miserable otherwise, and Ellie will begin to sense it.”

  “Yeah, I don’t want her to think she has to choose sides in a family feud, but Queen Bee doesn’t make it easy. I could deal with her. As long as she doesn’t treat Ellie like an outcast. The second either Chase or I think that’s happening, we’ll step in.” LaShaun nodded.

  “In the meantime, you keep your distance when possible.” Savannah shrugged. “Not ideal, but workable.”

  “At least Elizabeth is mostly on her best behavior when we do have family gatherings. Though I’m not looking forward to the big Broussard Christmas. They go all out with dinner on Christmas Eve, then we go to Mass, back home to bed, and get up to open presents the next day.” LaShaun gave a groan.

  “Lord, sounds exhausting.”

  “It is. Chase’s sisters think it’s time to retire the tradition. Katie has the twins, plus her six year-old. Sharon says it’s too much work trying to satisfy her parents and her in-laws. Even Elaine, the good, loyal daughter agrees. So the Broussard siblings suggest we just have Christmas Eve dinner early at their parents’ home and then everyone go to their respective homes.” LaShaun sighed. “Thank God, too.”

  “Oh-oh, you’re going to be blamed.” Savannah pointed to LaShaun.

  LaShaun rolled her eyes. “I don’t care. A few months of her pouting will be worth it in the long run.”

  “Yeah, you marry the guy and his family. All we can do is make the best of it.” Savannah shrugged again.

  “Sure, says the woman with perfect in-laws.”

  “I did catch a break. Although one of his sisters tends to be bossy. Luckily she lives in Dallas.” Savannah grinned. “Distance makes for harmony.”

  “But I work to get along because of Ellie. The things we do for our kids.” LaShaun smiled at the thought of Ellie.

  “Including not looking for crazed cult members. Don’t poke the hornet’s nest.”

  LaShaun’s sunny mood clouded over. The memory of curtains floating and Ellie babbling to someone, or something, gave her a chill. “Trouble can come even when you’re not looking for it. Closing your eyes to the signs is dangerous.”

  ****

  Saturday morning dawned into a beautiful day for December. In typical Louisiana fashion, the weather warmed up to the sixties after being cold for over a week. LaShaun kissed Chase goodbye to leave him and Ellie for a father daughter day. He’d laughingly assured her he could take care of their toddler, so she set off to Mouton Cove and the home of Rose Fontenot. The drive helped LaShaun clear her thoughts on recent events. When she pulled up to Miss Rose’s sprawling ranch home, Pauline waved to her from the front porch.

  “You got a good man. He spends times with his baby girl.” Tall and slim like her twin, Pauline nodded with approval.

  LaShaun laughed. Typical for Miss Rose and the twins. None of the usual greetings or chit-chat. They gave their opinions on what they already knew. A relief with other psychics since they had to curb the habit with the non-gifted, meaning over ninety percent of the population. She gave Pauline a peck on the cheek.

  “Good morning. I followed instructions and didn’t eat breakfast, which means…”

  Pauline clapped her hands together. “You’re ready to eat. Rose just put the andouille sausage on the grill.”

  Miss Rose and Justine hardly paused in their spirited discussion of a local election as they greeted LaShaun. She happily fixed a plate for herself and poured rich, dark coffee in a mug. As the three older women continued debating, LaShaun took the edge off her hunger. She savored enjoying the fluffy biscuits made even better with honey from a nearby farm.

  “I don’t trust any of ‘em,” Justine said to finish her argument.

  “Just because she got fancy friends and family in positions of authority doesn’t mean she’s crooked,” Pauline said.

  “Sometimes things are just what they seem. So LaShaun, what have you found out?” Miss Rose said. She and the twins waited while LaShaun washed down some of her food with coffee.

  “I haven’t found any evidence that Montgomery and Juridicus are trying to revive another malevolent force.”

  “Me neither.” Miss Rose frowned.

  “Good. We whipped up on ‘em, so they’re off licking their wounds.” Justine bit into a slice of sausage and continued between chews.

  “We know from experience they’re skilled at working behind the scenes. What looks like a series of unrelated events is a complex plan” Miss Rose gazed over her reading glasses.

  “Wheels within wheels,” Pauline said.

  “We don’t know they’re doing anything, Rose.” Justine blinked when Pauline scowled at her. “I’m not being naïve. But… we forced them underground, which means they can’t do as much damage.”

  “Or they’re biding their time. Let’s keep looking,” Pauline said. “So we can’t find Montgomery or his girlfriend.”

  “Probably dumped her once she stopped being useful.” Justine focused on breakfast again.

  “What about Juridicus and their sister organizations?” Miss Rose looked at LaShaun.

  “My friend says they’re still representing some of the most heinous killers around,” LaShaun went on before Miss Rose could speak, “which is no different from lawyers all over the country and the world.”

  “Ironic. We suspect them of trying to break both kinds of law, man and God’s. But on the surface, it looks like they’re after justice.” Pauline waved a hand with an expression of disgust.

  “Plenty of folks go to prison for crimes they didn’t do. Social activists love them.” Justine shook a fork at them, a slice of sausage on the end of it. Then she put the morsel in her mouth.

  “Not to mention Juridicus has never been implicated in wrongdoing, or criminal activity,” LaShaun added. “They even have a non-profit now serving families of the accused, but also kids in the community.”

  “We should find out more about it, dig beneath the surface.” Miss Rose left the table and came back with her laptop.

  “Hey, let’s at least finish breakfast,” Justine protested as she poured more coffee in her mug from a carafe.

  “You’ve had two biscuits and three pieces of sausage. At that rate you won’t be finished with breakfast until lunch,” Miss Rose shot back. “It’s almost ten o’clock already.”

  “Not yet nine thirty.” Justine squinted at her long-time friend. “Don’t exaggerate.”

  “I agree. We shouldn’t waste time.” Pauline looked at LaShaun. “Tell me about the morning with your little one. She was in the room talking,
the window was open.”

  “I didn’t see or sense anything, and Ellie talks a blue streak all the time. Well, what passes for talking anyway.” LaShaun forced a laugh to fight off the unease in her stomach. Pauline’s intense scrutiny didn’t help.

  Pauline took both LaShaun’s hands in hers. “Describe colors, sounds. Be exact.”

  LaShaun glanced at Justine who nodded at her to comply. Pauline closed her eyes. LaShaun began to talk and after a few moments lost herself in the memory of that morning. As she did so, her senses became heightened. She drifted from Miss Rose’s breakfast table to her own home. After a few moments, LaShaun opened her eyes. She didn’t remember closing them but obviously had at some point.

  “What happened?” LaShaun felt panic rising.

  “Ellie is safe, child.” Miss Rose put a hand on LaShaun’s arm. “Tell her Pauline.”

  Pauline let go of LaShaun’s hands. “She is.”

  “For now.” Justine gave them all a solemn nod.

  “For now?” LaShaun repeated. Two simple words that took on an ominous meaning.

  “There’s no immediate danger, but…” Pauline heaved a deep sigh. “Feelers going out searching for something.”

  “The open window?” Justine’s eyebrows scrunched together in thought.

  “Possible. Children can sometimes see entities even in day time that adult sensitives can’t. Of course we all grow out of it. I used to talk to an African ancestor all the time until I turned four. Still miss that old man.” Pauline looked at her twin with a brief smile. Then she grew serious again.

  “So you think Ellie saw a spirit. My God, she talked to this thing.” LaShaun gripped the edge of the table.

  “The presence was weak. That’s all I can say right now.” Pauline rested against the chair back.

  “I’ll reach out to a couple of friends in the New Orleans TEA. See if they have anything remarkable to report.” Justine stood and put an arm around LaShaun’s shoulder. “Don’t assume the worst. Could have been some passing spirit just visiting with your little one. Nothing malicious at all, right, Pauline?”

  Her sister blinked rapidly as she seemed to pull back to Miss Rose’s kitchen. “Happens all the time, sure. There are benign spirits around us”