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

by Lynn Emery

  “Clearing my schedule. I have binding prayers, protection prayers and more.” Shelia opened her own android tablet and started scrolling through notes.

  Justine went to Beau and scratched his belly. Beau rolled on his back and enjoyed her attention. “What a good boy, yes you are.”

  “I can come this morning and be finished before your husband gets home. Nothing will look odd to him or your neighbors, so don’t worry.” Shelia continued to make notes as she talked.

  “I just sent you a few suggestions,” Daniel added

  “Thanks, Danny.” Shelia grinned at him before she went back to making notes.

  LaShaun stood. “Christmas is less than two weeks away, and I haven’t decorated.”

  Justine crossed to her. “Perfect. We’ll do it today then. Holly all over the windows, the doors and on the barn.”

  “Sister, you may be a pain sometimes, but you’re a brilliant one.” Pauline beamed at her twin.

  “Holly, one of the most potent protections against evil spirits and demons.” Shelia quoted as if from a well-practiced lecture.

  “TEA members own a local nursery. We can get fresh wreaths and garlands here from Lafayette in minutes,” Miss Rose said to Shelia.

  “I’m already on it, Rose.” Shelia nodded to her. “Just sent the order to Joe and Christine. I’m only a few minutes away from them, so I’ll bring what we need.”

  Miss Rose turned to Dr. Portier. “Sandy, what about the writing?”

  Dr. Portier looked away from the camera. “Some of the pictographs are Sumerian, or close. It has similarities to the Assyrian alphabet, but it’s not an exact match. I’m waiting to hear from a pal in California, Dr. Farrah Bakir.”

  “Thanks for the tutorial on what it’s not, Sandy. How’s about we figure out what it is? Sheesh, academics.” Justine smacked her lips.

  “Ignoring you, Justine,” Sandy replied mildly. “I was about to add that we’re very close to cracking this code, or whatever it is.”

  “At least the house will be decked out for Christmas in high style, El,” LaShaun said. Their confidence and teasing helped soothe her jangled nerves.

  Miss Rose stood beside LaShaun and put an arm around her shoulders. “We’re going to figure this out and make sure you, Ellie and even stubborn Chase stay safe.”

  “I know, Miss Rose. Don’t forget Beau,” LaShaun said. The dog padded across the hardwood floor to her as if answering a call. She rubbed his large head. “Who’s protecting Dina?”

  Chapter 7

  The next few hours were surreal. Shelia arrived as promised, her SUV loaded with the tools of her trade. A truck from Green Thumb Nursery pulled in right behind her. A cheerful dark haired young man, a member of the Coushatta tribe also, hopped out. Muscular with tanned skin, he looked no older than twenty-five. He gave everyone a quick hello before he got to work. His job was to plant three holly shrubs at key points as instructed by Shelia. LaShaun wondered what Shelia’s colleagues at the Louisiana DMV would say if they knew her other profession, warding off demons and evil ghosts.

  “What will we tell your husband if he comes home?” Shelia raised an eyebrow at LaShaun.

  “Chase won’t be home for lunch. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s gone until tomorrow. He’s determined to find out if the burglary at our place is connected to Dina’s kidnapping.” LaShaun helped Shelia string a lovely garland along the railing of the back porch. Then they strung holly on the windows.

  “Yeah, it’s personal now. So when he does get home…” Shelia hung one of the dozen holly wreaths on Ellie’s bedroom window.

  “I’ll tell him I went all out to make this Christmas special. I don’t want Ellie’s holiday to have a dark cloud over it. She’ll have to face the hard realities of the world soon enough. I’d like her childhood to be as normal as possible.”

  “Not like yours. Sorry, we haven’t been gossiping. Key members of the team have to know background when we’re assigned to a case.” Shelia wore an apologetic smile.

  “That’s okay.” LaShaun sighed. “Yeah, I want Ellie’s early years to be a lot happier than mine were.”

  They worked on in silence. LaShaun’s mind turned to thoughts of her troubled mother as her hands stayed busy. Francine had the wild side of Monmon Odette with none of the self-control. She’d died too young as a result. Drinking, drugs and the wrong men. Monmon Odette had stepped in to raise her favorite granddaughter. Yet Monmon Odette had let bitterness about Francine’s misspent life sour her outlook. Though LaShaun had some happy memories, it appeared the Rousselle and LeGrange family legacy of tragedy hung over them all. People around Beau Chene whispered history would continue to repeat itself. LaShaun would not let those whispers become Ellie’s fate.

  Shelia placed the last large wreath on LaShaun’s front door. She slapped dust from the legs of her denim overalls, then stood back to admire her technique. “Perfect. Anyone passing will think you have the most Christmas spirit for ten square miles.”

  “The house looks beautiful.”

  LaShaun had to admit, the greenery fit right in with the season. They walked back around the house and entered the kitchen. A small Christmas tree sat in one corner. Ellie clutched her favorite doll as she stared at the blinking lights. A larger one was in their living room. The young man stood from his kneeling position.

  “Don’t tell me you’ve finished planting outside already,” LaShaun said to him.

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll leave the big tree for the family to have fun dressing up.” He winked at Ellie, gave Beau a pat and headed for the back door.

  “I’m about done, so I’ll be out in a minute,” Shelia called after him. “Ah, the advantages of youth. I remember having that much energy twenty years ago.”

  “As if you’re old,” LaShaun quipped. Then she gazed at Ellie and Beau. The two of them behaved as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened only a day ago. If only that were true.

  “Only God knows the outcome, LaShaun. History is not destiny,” Shelia said firmly.

  LaShaun turned to her. “I hope you’ve developed the ability to tell the future along with that skill of sensing spirits.”

  Shelia smiled. “Nah, but I have a few years on you. Your past isn’t your destiny. Listen to me. I’m sounding like my grandmother more and more.”

  “Yes, I hear Monmon Odette coming out of my mouth these days when I’m talking to Ellie. I could sure use her wisdom now.” LaShaun felt the familiar nostalgia when she thought of or spoke about her grandmother.

  “They live in us and even through us, LaShaun. I only met her once or twice. She was a force. I’m sure she left you a nice arsenal to deal with the world.” Shelia made the sign of the cross. “And most important of all, don’t forget le bon Dieu.”

  “Oui.” LaShaun smiled at her.

  “I know Juridicus is out there putting something nasty in motion, but I have faith that we’ll beat them back like always. Now I better get going. My bosses are understanding, but I have to show up now and then.”

  “Thanks for everything. One of these days, I’ll return the favor.” LaShaun hugged Shelia.

  “Oh don’t doubt I’ll holler for help when my time comes.”

  LaShaun followed her outside. After exchanging goodbyes with Shelia and her helper, LaShaun stood watching them drive away. When she turned, Mrs. Marchand stood at the edge of the field that separated their land. The woman craned her neck as she examined LaShaun’s house.

  “Hi neighbor. Finally got your Christmas finery up I see. Even with professionals to help.”

  “Morning. We’ve been so busy that we just got around to it. Thankfully Ellie is still too young to notice mama and daddy are way behind everyone else.” LaShaun made to go inside, but Mrs. Marchand took the opening to keep talking.

  “Oh my Lord, yes. With all the commotion of somebody breaking in… Beau Chene used to be a peaceful little town. Now every time I turn around they’re fishing dead bodies out the bayou or reporting some crime.” Mr
s. Marchand closed the distance between them as she talked. Dressed in jeans and high top rubber boots, she looked like the typical modern farm woman.

  “Yes, times have changed.” LaShaun gave her a noncommittal smile.

  “Makes me check twice before I walk outside to feed the animals or go to the horse barn. Like that woman they found in your house. Thank the good Lord y’all caught her. Have they figured out who she is?” Mrs. Marchand’s dark eyes sparkled with anticipation of getting firsthand inside news.

  “Chase doesn’t tell me anymore than they release to the public. He and the sheriff are very cautious when it comes to on-going investigations,” LaShaun said.

  “Breaking into your house of all places. Why everyone knows…” Mrs. Marchand blinked rapidly. “What I mean to say is, folks got enough sense not to mess with the Rousselles. Er, I mean—”

  “Thanks for stopping by, Mrs. Marchand. Bye, bye.” LaShaun waved farewell. She then cocked an eyebrow at the woman and waited.

  “Um, sure. I was on my way to the barn to…” Mrs. Marchand stammered on a few more minutes as LaShaun turned away, then yelled, “Nice talking to you.”

  LaShaun went back inside and let out the giggles she’d held in. “Ellie, our neighbor is worth a good laugh every now and then. What would Mrs. Marchand think if she knew Beau can smell ghosts and goblins?”

  “Beau,” Ellie blurted out with gusto. Then she shook her chubby fist at her mother.

  “I swear you’re fussing at me not to say that too loud.” LaShaun studied her daughter with her head to one side. “Honestly, that’s a stretch even in this family.”

  The phone rang just as Ellie seemed to answer her, though the baby babble was indecipherable. Beau let out two short barks as if backing up his little person. Still shaking her head and laughing, LaShaun went to the phone. Her good humor had evaporated by the time she hung up.

  ****

  LaShaun arrived at the main Sheriff’s Department Headquarters two hours later. The shiny new building sat a mile from downtown Abbeville, the parish seat. Located inside the Vermilion Parish Courthouse Annex, the newer building had been built to match the paint and style of the older historic structure across the street. Once again she’d had to find a babysitter fast. One of Savannah’s twin girls, Daija, had decided to help out with filing at her mother’s law office in town. LaShaun had dropped off a delighted Ellie after profuse apologies. They’d waved her away and set about making the toddler the center of attention, the main reason Ellie adored her Auntie Savannah and the twins.

  LaShaun went from the light-hearted encounter with her friend who’d become like family, to the murky atmosphere of crime. For once, the bustle at the Sheriff’s headquarters seemed subdued. There wasn’t the usual banter between the officers as they carried out serious duties. Even the civilian employees went about their work with sober expressions. LaShaun didn’t have to ask why.

  “Good morning,” LaShaun said as Chase approached. “Nice to see you, Deputy Broussard.”

  Chase pecked her on the cheek and led her down a hall to Chief Godchaux’s office. “Sorry about the long hours, babe. But you know…”

  “Every day that goes by means Dina might not survive.” LaShaun shivered at the thought. Still the familiar tingle didn’t spread up her arms.

  “She could already be dead. Or almost as bad, alive and being sold for sex. Sometimes I hate humanity.” Chase opened the door for her.

  Sheriff Godchaux, MJ and Det. Anderson looked at them when they walked in. Det. Anderson had an angry set to his square jaw. MJ glared at him before looking at LaShaun again. Sheriff Godchaux marched to his desk and sat down heavily.

  “Okay, I’m the subject of an argument.” LaShaun sat down and crossed her legs. “I could use a cup of coffee if I’m going to be in trouble again.”

  The sheriff reached over to pour coffee from a carafe on the table near his desk. He handed LaShaun a foam cup. “You’re not in trouble.”

  “You know more about the woman who broke into my house.” LaShaun took a sip of coffee and waited. Anderson stared at a point on the wall. MJ looked at them all in turn.

  “Look, I told Savannah this wouldn’t take long. So somebody start explaining, or I’m out of here.”

  “Kris Evans moved in with Tommy about eight months ago. She has two kids. From what we can find out, she moved here from somewhere in California.” Chase paced as he talked.

  “She also has a record of drug arrests, disorderly conduct… no felonies. But she’s a bit of a mystery before she showed up in San Jose,” MJ said.

  “I don’t understand. You said somewhere in California, but you know she was in San Jose.” LaShaun gazed at MJ. The tingle in her body started small, a signal that the story was about to get interesting.

  “Her last arrest was in San Jose, but that was in 2011. We’re not sure where she’s been since then. She did have two arrests in New Orleans in 2004. Then she vanished, resurfaced in California.” Det. Anderson looked around. “Look, let’s get to the point.”

  “Stand down detective,” Sheriff Godchaux snapped. “I’m still in charge around here.”

  “Sir.” Det. Anderson went back to silent dissatisfaction. He crossed his arms and glared at the wall again.

  “Actually, I agree with Det. Anderson. Why am I here?” LaShaun looked from MJ to the sheriff for answers.

  Sheriff Godchaux heaved out a long breath. “The Evans woman’s cell phone had pictures of items in your home she was going to take, and—”

  “Thank God, a typical burglary. She wasn’t after my child.” LaShaun started to smile, but stopped at the frowns on the other four faces. “There’s more.”

  “To hell with it, reprimand me. A kid’s life is on the line. The pictures are of a bunch of voodoo spooky stuff you own. So what are you involved with that led nut job devil worshippers to show up?” Det. Anderson said.

  “Careful Mark.” Chase faced him with a scowl.

  “Enough.” Sheriff Godchaux stood to make his point. Anderson gave a grunt, but went silent again. “LaShaun, she also had a photo of you and Ellie. Looks like it was taken on the street in Beau Chene. It’s dated August 2016.”

  “So they’ve been tracking you,” MJ said.

  LaShaun uncrossed her legs and put the cup of coffee down. “They?”

  “Kris Evans still can’t talk, but she’s stable. We got in touch with her brother in Georgia. They say she joined a cult or Goth group about two years ago. She’d been into that kind of thing back in high school. They pretty much shunned her, didn’t want her around their two kids,” MJ said.

  “So you think I’m involved somehow?” LaShaun said to Det. Anderson.

  “That’s bull. My wife—”

  The sheriff raised a palm. “Calm down, Broussard.”

  “Calm down my ass. LaShaun has helped this department resolve at least three high profile murder cases. This is the thanks she gets?” Chase flexed his hands, opening and closing them into fists.

  “Yeah, she always seems to be at the center of something creepy that ends with a pile of dead bodies. Coincidence? Now we have a group of freaks snatching kids and prowling around your property. I don’t give a damn about politics. I intend to get answers.” Det. Anderson spoke in a level, cold voice.

  “You’re way out of line, Anderson,” MJ blurted.

  “I follow the evidence,” Det. Anderson shot back.

  “Everybody back off,” Sheriff Godchaux shouted.

  “You’re going to stand there and let him accuse us of a cover-up?” Chase stabbed a finger at Anderson.

  “Face it, Broussard. Your wife got herself involved in something shady. Now it’s blown back on your family. From what I hear, you’ve got a serious blind spot on this stuff.” Det. Anderson let both arms hang to his sides.

  “So part of your investigative technique is to rely on gossip instead of facts? Oh that’s just great.” Chase took a step toward him, but MJ got between them.

  “Take it down
a few notches guys. We’re drawing a crowd.” MJ nodded to the glass wall that gave the sheriff a view of the report writing room. Several uniformed deputies stood frozen in place. Seconds later they got busy when they realized the group had noticed them staring.

  Chase and Anderson glared at each other like wrestlers on opposite sides of the ring. Anderson blinked first. He waved a hand and turned away. Sheriff Godchaux thumped a fist on his desk as he frowned at them both. MJ hissed out the breath she’d held in.

  LaShaun broke into the tense stand-off. “I’d think the same as Det. Anderson if I was in his shoes. We’ve lived with these cases in Vermilion Parish, so we know them from the inside. All three of you had suspicions about me at one time or another.”

  “She’s got a point.” Sheriff Godchaux rubbed his chin.

  “Yeah.” MJ looked at Chase. He didn’t say anything. “Let’s take a step back and talk this through.”

  “Okay, so what do you know?” LaShaun reached up and patted Chase’s arm. He relaxed visibly, but wouldn’t look at Anderson.

  “Things are getting more strange, if that’s possible,” MJ retorted. “Evans has a boy age ten and a girl age twelve. Her brother and sister-in-law were stunned. They didn’t know she had kids. They haven’t seen her in at least twelve years.”

  “Then it makes sense. They didn’t keep in touch, she got on with her life.” LaShaun shrugged.

  “Except we can’t find a record she gave birth. We do know that she worked at a daycare at one point in San Jose, and she did volunteer work with foster children. But no kids have been reported missing,” Anderson said.

  “So she’s been hiding them and home schooling them?” LaShaun’s tingle came back.

  “No, they’re in school here. Well, we think they were.” MJ looked at the sheriff.

  “We can’t find ‘em. May be with some of her friends. We’re waiting on a court order to get their school files. Birth and immunization records should give us some clues even before she wakes up,” Sheriff Godchaux said.

  “If she wakes up. Your dog really did a number on her. Takes protecting your kid seriously. I should get one for my family,” Det. Anderson said with a grunt.