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

by Lynn Emery

  “Me either,” LaShaun said quietly. “Here is what I propose. A cult has some crazy idea that taking kids will somehow restore the true divine order of the world. There’s good news in this though.”

  “Which is?” Shelia frowned at them all.

  “They need Dina, so she’s still alive.” LaShaun let out a slow breath.

  “You hope. But why take her in the first place?” Daniel stroked his chin as if that would help him think.

  Miss Rose spoke up. “Most of the time, those who are chosen or even sacrificed supposedly have some unique quality. Children are pure, innocent.”

  “So find out if there is anything unusual about Dina. Focus on the victim, and figure out what makes her valuable. Her mother seems to trust me. I will talk to family members, neighbors, and Dina’s teachers.” LaShaun said.

  “Good. But don’t sign off just yet. I have the bad news. Our contacts ran the facts I sent them in the app. We’ve found three other cases with strange writing left behind after a disappearance. That’s in the US alone. Six worldwide so far. We’re trying to get copies of those messages to see if they fit. As you can imagine, that will take some doing,” Miss Rose said.

  “Exactly. TEA is good, but we don’t have members in every police force worldwide. Now that would be a real accomplishment,” Pauline put in. “Rose and I will keep working on gathering more details on the other missing child cases.”

  “See if the children have any characteristics in common. I’ll call Sherry and her mother today.” LaShaun got up and grabbed her cell phone from the kitchen counter.

  “How does Juridicus fit into all this? That’s what I’d like to know.” Shelia’s question caused them all to pause.

  “An offshoot of the Jairo movement maybe?” Justine looked at her sister.

  “The word Juridicus is related to the administration of justice. They’re trying to restore true order to the universe. Makes sense.” LaShaun sat back down to face the laptop again so they could see her.

  Justine hissed and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, if you’re crazy as a wild pig on crystal meth.”

  “Lord be with us in the fight.” Miss Rose made the sign of the cross, followed by the twins.

  “Ensi-swat-il,” LaShaun murmured. (Amen)

  ****

  That afternoon, LaShaun spent a frustrating two hours talking to Sherry, her mother and several other relatives. Before, they’d been more cooperative with her than with Chase and Det. Anderson. That was not unexpected given their history with law enforcement. Not anymore. The Bradford clan were guarded, closing ranks to protect their secrets. By the time Chase came home from work, LaShaun could not hide her bad mood. Still she tried not to let her irritation spill over onto him. They sat at dinner: bowls of steaming shrimp and corn soup, salad, and French bread warm from the oven. Ellie slurped up her dessert having finished her own meal earlier. She greedily licked banana pudding from her fingers.

  “You might as well tell me what’s wrong. Did my mother call?” Chase dipped a piece of bread into his bowl and chewed on it.

  “Hmm? Oh no, I haven’t heard from her since Christmas.” LaShaun waved a hand.

  “And a few months could go by until you do,” Chase joked.

  “Uh-uh, I’m not going there.” LaShaun squinted at him when he gave her an impish grin. Then she went back to stirring her soup.

  Chase finished off his bowl, patted his stomach and sat back. “Babe, the soup is double delicious. Now what’s up?”

  “You’re finally away from the grind of dealing with bad people and things.” LaShaun started to pick up their bowls and leave the table. His large hand on her forearm stopped her.

  Chase pushed her back into her chair. He got up and loaded the dishwasher and put away the leftover soup in a container. Ellie grinned in approval as he used a warm, wet cloth to wipe her face clean. LaShaun tried protesting he’d had a hard day on the job, but Chase ignored her. In minutes the kitchen had been cleared of dinner and Ellie placed in her play pen. Beau dosed near her on his dog bed. Chase took LaShaun by the hand and led her to the family room. They sat on the sofa.

  “You should have some hours of peace. A warm shower and snoozing in front of the television are what you need,” LaShaun said.

  “No. I need to know what’s bothering my wife.” Chase cocked his head to one side and waited.

  With a long sigh as an introduction, LaShaun told him about the Jairo Sacred Text and the rest of her day. Chase’s frown deepened the longer she talked. LaShaun couldn’t tell if he was annoyed, suspicious or puzzled. More than likely all three at various points of her narrative.

  “I thought Sherry was frantic for us to find Dina. Now it seems like she’s…” LaShaun threw up both hands.

  “Hiding something? Yeah, the minute we started asking about her brother. I tell you something else, a few cousins and neighbors claim Sherry let Dina stay with Tommy and his new girlfriend. I’m surprised DCFS didn’t step in. Tommy wasn’t supposed to have kids living in his home. Violation of his parole.” Chase grunted. “I don’t get these folks.”

  “Because they didn’t know. Sherry could lose all of her kids, and Tommy would go to prison again,” LaShaun said. “No wonder they’re not talking so much now.”

  “State police picked up a couple of cousins on drug charges. The family business is about to be shut down. But none of that should trump a missing kid.” Chase sat forward, elbows on both knees. “If Ellie was missing, I’d turn the world upside down until I got her back safe.”

  “I need to talk to Sherry face to face. Do you mind if I go alone? Bad enough she doesn’t trust me now. If you, Det. Anderson, or MJ come, I might not have any chance with her.” LaShaun massaged his shoulders to ease the tension from them.

  “One concerned mother reaching out to another. That’s how I’ll spin it if Anderson finds out.” Chase flexed under her attention. “That feels good. You know how to bend me to your will, woman.”

  LaShaun laughed. “Hey, tell them I went even after you told me not to, if it helps. Besides, I have no other motive than to get my hands on one fine Cajun.”

  “Oh yeah? Let’s put baby girl to sleep, and you can get more than your hands on me.” Chase pulled a giggling LaShaun into his lap.

  They made out on the sofa like teenagers. Chase nibbled on her neck as he put his large hands under her sweater to rub both breasts. LaShaun straddled him. Both moaned as they kissed and caressed themselves into a heat. Beau gave a low bark.

  “I think he’s reminding us we have responsibilities before we get too far,” LaShaun murmured close to Chase’s ear. She pulled the lobe gently between her teeth.

  Chase groaned deep in his throat. “Lord, please let Ellie fall asleep fast.”

  LaShaun slapped his chest lightly. Both struggled to tamp down their lust as they got up from the sofa. Ellie sat hugging her doll, eyelids fluttering as she fought against them closing. Chase let out a soft, “Yes!” LaShaun laughed as she lifted Ellie into her arms. Moments later, after a warm bath and few minutes of rocking, Ellie gave in to slumber. Beau curled up on the soft rug in front of her bed. He seemed to give LaShaun approval to leave. LaShaun went to the master bedroom where she rocked her husband to sleep in a very different way.

  ****

  The next afternoon, Chase came home on time at the Sheriff’s insistence. He’d convinced Chase that burning himself out wouldn’t do the victims or his family any good. So he stayed home with Ellie while LaShaun followed her own leads, but not without a safety lecture and reminders not to let her guard down with the Bradfords. Progress, since Chase conceded that LaShaun could handle herself with the two women.

  LaShaun arrived at Arliss Bradford’s house where Sherry was staying. They’d finally agreed to meet with LaShaun. After a brief exchange of terse greetings, LaShaun sat at a cheap dinette table across from Sherry and her mother. She swallowed the hard words that threatened to spill from her brain and past her lips. Arliss Bradford’s kitchen had dirty dis
hes piled up. Two overflowing ashtrays leaked old cigarette butts onto the cluttered counter surrounding the full sink.

  “Look, you can tell me what’s going on, or you can talk to Det. Anderson.” LaShaun leaned back in the rickety chair. “It’s your choice. The department is only willing to keep me involved because you asked for me, Sherry. But I gotta tell ya, Anderson’s patience is getting short.”

  “You’re working for the sheriff now. Figures,” Arliss hissed. She lit a cigarette.

  “No, I don’t work for the sheriff. Okay, fine. You don’t want me involved. I’ll leave.” LaShaun stood.

  “Your husband and his cop buddies want to put me in jail.” Sherry gave LaShaun a head to toe glance. “Think y’all better than me.”

  “If Deputy Broussard wanted you in jail, you would be,” LaShaun replied mildly.

  “Sherry’s at home because they got no evidence, girlie. Otherwise she’d be sittin’ in the parish jail. We ain’t stupid,” Arliss countered. She grimaced at LaShaun through a cloud of smoke.

  “True, but acting like you don’t know anything isn’t helping. Det. Anderson found out you let Dina stay with Tommy and his girlfriend, Sherry. You knew he wasn’t supposed to be around kids for at least the year left on his probation.”

  “Tommy wasn’t no sicko like they made him out to be. That girl led him on. My son was a good boy.” Arliss swiped tears from her face. “Y’all the reason he’s dead, spreadin’ lies about him.”

  “Yeah, somebody believes he done something to Dina and…” Sherry’s voice trailed off as she patted her mother on the back.

  “Like maybe Dina’s father figured out Tommy and Kris were involved in her disappearance?” LaShaun raised an eyebrow at them both.

  “I never said no such thing. For somebody that ain’t a cop, you sure act like one.” Sherry gave LaShaun a sour look. “I thought you would understand. Folks always sayin’ and thinkin’ the worst about us.”

  “I told you better. We could have called Sister Mary to read those signs. Everybody knows she can tell fortunes.” Arliss blew her nose into a dingy dishtowel.

  “Sister Mary has been arrested five times for conning people out of money.” LaShaun pulled out her keyring. “But hey, go right ahead. Let her take a shot at figuring out where Dina is. Goodbye and good luck.” LaShaun walked to the back door leading to the small carport. She opened it.

  “Wait,” Sherry blurted.

  “Let her go. We don’t need her kind messin’ in our business anyways.” Arliss squinted at LaShaun.

  “She’s the only one that’s got the sight, mama. What if Kris knows something?” Sherry muttered.

  Arliss slapped Sherry’s arm away. “You better not be saying your brother hurt Dina. My Tommy—”

  “Hell, Tommy had his ways, mama. We all know what he done,” a male voice broke in.

  A tall man with deep brown hair stood in the opening that led to the living room.

  LaShaun studied him up close and finally saw the resemblance. The man looked like an older version of Tommy Bradford. Yet from his pressed work clothes and bearing, he’d done better in life. She nodded to him.

  “My brother George,” Sherry said.

  “Hello, I’m—”

  “A Rousselle. I can’t believe y’all call in some so-called voodoo woman. Downright ridiculous.” George Bradford ignored LaShaun and focused on his mother instead.

  “You didn’t see the writing on my wall. Dina just gone like she never even existed. Now you tell me that’s not strange,” Sherry replied.

  “Strange is knowing Tommy had a problem and letting him around your kids. The boy always been off, getting into one scrap after another. When y’all gonna clean up and change the way you live?” George stared at his mother.

  “He was your brother, George. You got no family loyalty. Just because you went to that school and got a big job at the plant, married one of them uppity Tullier sisters,” Arliss spat.

  “Yeah, but who came through to pay for most of his funeral? You didn’t mind calling me for money,” George replied mildly. He entered the kitchen but didn’t sit. “I hope Tommy didn’t have anything to do with Dina going missing, but face facts. He might have.”

  “You just mad because I wouldn’t let you take my kids,” Sherry shouted.

  “And maybe if Heather and me had taken ‘em, Dina would be safe living a decent life,” George said. He waved a hand.

  “She’s so perfect, but she can’t have her own baby. Well you can’t have mine.” Sherry stood and advanced on him. “Maybe your precious wife snatched my Dina.”

  George jabbed a forefinger a few inches from her nose. “Don’t be a bigger fool than you already are, Sherry. Want something better than what we had growing up.”

  His sister spun to face LaShaun. “Investigate them! Him and his wife done called the child welfare people on me twice. I should have thought of this before. They’re hidin’ my little girl.” Sherry hiccupped between angry sobs.

  George sidestepped Sherry’s attempts to shove him. “See? This is why I don’t come around y’all anymore. Living and acting like trailer park trash.”

  “Stop it or I’ll call the sheriff’s station, which won’t look good for any of you,” LaShaun said loudly over their shouts. Her threat brought them up short.

  Arliss pulled Sherry back from George. “Sit down. He ain’t worth the trouble.”

  “I’m leaving. Nothing has changed around here.” George stomped off.

  “Yeah, go back to that your fancy subdivision and that empty house with no kids in it,” Sherry shouted after him.

  George stopped and faced them again. He looked at his mother. “This is the thanks I get for bailing you people out time and time again.

  “And don’t you love lording it over us, throwing it in our faces every damn chance you get,” Arliss replied.

  “Excuse me for wanting more than jail, beer and bingo night, mama.” George looked at LaShaun. “You can tell Sheriff Godchaux to come visit my house anytime. We got nothing to hide. And by the way, mama. We’re gonna pick up our baby next week. That’s right. The adoption of our little boy came through. Me and Heather don’t have to steal a kid.” He left without looking back.

  “I still say you need to go search his place. I don’t trust his snooty wife,” Sherry said.

  “The detective checked out all family members and other leads, which is how they knew about Tommy. If they had reason to think George was involved, you’d know it.” LaShaun buttoned her jacket in anticipation of the cold January day. “Y’all need to do some serious thinking. Hiding stuff from the law isn’t going to help you or Dina.”

  “They wasted time lookin’ at Tommy. That’s why Dina ain’t home yet,” Arliss retorted.

  “The writing. What does it mean?” Sherry broke in before her mother could continue her tirade.

  “Nothing about where Dina is or who took her,” LaShaun replied.

  “But you know what it says though. Now who’s hiding something?” Arliss yanked on Sherry’s shoulder. “What’d I tell ya, huh?”

  “We had it translated, but it doesn’t make sense. Something about the world coming to an end or changing, and the children being the cause. Was Kris and Tommy into any kind of group with strange beliefs that you know of?” LaShaun spoke to Sherry.

  Sherry blinked rapidly. “What? No, nothing like that. Mama, do you know?”

  “Hell no. He’s not here to defend himself, so you gonna pin it on Tommy. Get outta my house and don’t bother to come back.” Arliss waved an arm at LaShaun as if shooing her out.

  LaShaun ignored her theatrics. “Sherry, you’re more intent on defending your brother than finding Dina. If it looks suspicious to me, then imagine what Sheriff Godchaux and Det. Anderson are thinking.”

  “I do want my baby back. All they did was babysit her a few times.” Sherry twisted her hands together and looked at her mother. She shrank away at the frown that twisted Arliss’s lined face.

  “N
o, they didn’t. I kept the kid. Sherry just so upset that she don’t remember right. Dina would play over there. I always knew where she was,” Arliss drawled, and then puffed on her cigarette.

  “Y’all didn’t know much about Kris, and Tommy wasn’t supposed to be around minors. But you let Dina go over there. Hear how that sounds?” LaShaun stared hard at Sherry.

  “I had things to do and…” Sherry stuttered and then went silent.

  “Kris broke into my house. Strange behavior when her boyfriend has been murdered. We can’t find her kids either. We’re not even sure where she’s been for the past ten years or so,” LaShaun pressed.

  “Then she’s not the girl we thought we knew,” Arliss blurted out before Sherry could speak. She shot her daughter another sharp frown, then looked at LaShaun again. “I guess the sheriff and his men better get on their job to find my grandbaby.”

  LaShaun stood. “Okay. But let me assure you, Det. Anderson and Sheriff Godchaux will gladly charge you with obstruction of justice. They’re really good at finding out the truth.”

  Arliss stood. “You ain’t the police, so don’t talk big.”

  “You called me for a reason, Sherry. Anything else happens or you need to talk, give me a call.” LaShaun pulled one of Chase’s business cards from the pocket of her jacket. She wrote her cell number on the back of it.

  “She won’t be talkin’ to you no more. If she’s gonna call anybody, it’s gone be a lawyer,” Arliss snapped.

  “Sherry is a grown woman and can make her own decisions.” LaShaun’s gaze narrowed at the older woman until she looked away. She held out the card.

  Sherry stared at the card. Then she took it without looking at her mother. “Thanks. I know you’re trying to help,” she said low, and flinched when her mother snorted in anger.

  “I said get out.” Arliss stabbed a forefinger at the backdoor.

  LaShaun gave Sherry a reassuring nod. Then she faced Arliss with a stony expression. “You heard about my grandmother, Odette Rousselle? She, taught me all she knew. Don’t think I won’t find out what’s been going on, Arliss.”