by Lynn Emery
“I don’t care if y’all broke in a dozen houses if it helps find Ellie,” LaShaun said. “Chase is the one interested in following rules, not me.” A sharp pang reminded her that that was just one of their differences now.
“Ahem, anyway, back to the telepaths. We called on some young people. I mean these millennials, or whatever the new generations are called today, speak the same language,” Justine said.
“Yes, and they’ll relate to the kids better than us old folks,” Pauline quipped.
“Speak for yourself. Fifty is the new thirty, gurl.” Justine patted her braided natural hair. She did indeed look a good ten years younger than her age.
“You’re fifty-six,” her sister shot back, then giggled when Justine glared at her.
Miss Rose rolled her eyes and ignored their catty exchange. “Okay, I have information on the compound in Matamoros. Including an aerial photo, though it’s not very clear.” She held up the ten-inch tablet so they all could see.
Her husband, Pierre, had been mostly silent and observing. He put on reading glasses as he crossed the room. “One main building and five outbuildings. Could be dorms like military barracks. Those look like two barns. I see a fenced area. Maybe they have horses and other livestock.”
“Pierre worked in an Army intelligence unit back in the day,” Miss Rose put in. She smiled with pride.
“I was an All Source Intelligence Aviator to be specific. Haven’t flown anything more than a crop duster in years though. I even got licensed to fly helicopters in ‘Nam.” Mr. Fontenot peered at the image. “Big operation. I’ll bet they have all terrain vehicles, too.”
“Why? Matamoros is a bustling city with a growing economy. I don’t see why they’d want to venture out into the wild country. Drug cartels operate in that area.” LaShaun stared hard at the photo, despite knowing it wasn’t a real time image.
“They’ve been in Matamoros for a long time. At least two TEA sources found evidence that Legion’s roots in the area go back to the Civil War,” Miss Rose said. She used the tablet’s case to prop it up to allow easy viewing for all.
Justine blinked at the image. “Wow, seriously? I knew we’d been tracking them for about twenty-five years, but didn’t realize they had that kind of history.”
“Evil goes back thousands of years. You think Satan came up with organizing his minions in the nineties?” Miss Rose quipped.
“Well the Devil doesn’t pop in personally to have committee meetings,” Justine replied with a grin. “I didn’t think women and men bent on chaos could agree on much.”
Pauline grimaced. “They manage quite well, unfortunately for the rest of us.”
“So does The TEA have solid info that Ellie and the other children are kept there?” LaShaun mentally began listing what she needed to travel.
“Don’t rush out to pack and book a flight,” Miss Rose said quickly, clearly reading LaShaun’s intent.
“I’m trying not to go insane just sitting around talking while my baby is in danger from a bunch of fanatics. God only knows what they plan to do to her,” LaShaun cried and jumped to her feet. She paced in a circle.
Pauline stood, her eyes wide and glassy. “Exactly, cher. God does know.”
Pauline’s throaty pronouncement made the rest of them freeze in place. LaShaun gasped at the sharp spike of electric tingling that shot through her body. The other worldly look on her face signaled her paranormal ability of divination had kicked in. She went to the carved wooden cross hanging on Miss. Rose’s wall. As she fingered the polished mahogany, Pauline recited words in a mixture of Louisiana Creole French and Latin.
“Shush, nobody move for a minute,” her twin whispered.
Justine spoke so low LaShaun thought she’d imagined hearing her at first. The kitchen and everything around them became indistinct. A low melodic humming sound began softly, increased and then died away. Then as though someone had snapped their fingers, the room sharpened into focus again.
“What the…” Miss Rose rubbed her eyes, put on her glasses and looked around.
“Whoa.” LaShaun blinked her way to the solid world again.
Justine walked over to Pauline, but didn’t touch her. “Sister, that was intense. Where did you go?”
Pauline stood with her back to them all. Then she turned around with her eyes closed. She massaged her temples and then looked at them. “They are impatient with the pace of their plans.”
Miss Rose stood. “Legion.”
Pauline nodded. “You remember we’ve tracked Juridicus for the past year or more. Wars, murder, the rise in terrorist attacks that kill the innocent and more all seem like child’s play to them. They’re tired of causing what they call minor incidents.”
“Minor my butt,” Justine blurted. “People are killed, sometimes tortured. Whole villages destroyed. Serial killers stalking people to keep them tied up, and then kill them, and they call it minor?”
“Hush,” Miss Rose said, cutting into her tirade. “Go on Pauline.”
“They’ve been performing rituals to receive messages from what they call their ‘dark savior’. They want to be rescued from the vile world where there is too much cloyingly sweet sentimentality.” Pauline turned to her twin. “Of course we know what they want, for Satan to rule. But they’re not in contact with him, but one of his favorite imps. I’m not sure they realize that though. Some argue these signs come from the dark savior.”
“That’s crazy,” Justine said. She pressed her lips closed when Miss Rose shot a sharp look in her direction.
“Maybe we can use that dissention to our advantage. Stop them from raining more evil onto the world,” Miss Rose said.
LaShaun cut in. “I don’t care about their plans. I want my child back, and I don’t care who or what I have to slash, slice, or dice to get her.”
“But cher, they’re connected. There is a reason they are collecting these children,” Justine said.
Pauline nodded. “Yes, not clear but Justine is on the right track. I need to get in touch with the TEA, share this information. We have to put all the pieces together to get a full picture. I feel it.”
“I’ll open the secure cloud so you can video chat with the Strategy Section. That’s the division that looks at the information gathered and decides on action steps. All very organized,” Justine explained to LaShaun as she grabbed Pauline’s tablet computer.
“But we’re no closer to finding Ellie. More than likely she’s in Matamoros, right? Makes sense. They’re across the border, out of reach of American law enforcement.”
“Not entirely. Mexican authorities coordinate closely with our government because of the violent drug cartels, not to mention the issue of illegal immigration,” Miss Rose put in. She sat down again and started tapping away on her computer. “I’m guessing they have the children in a more remote location.”
“Which makes getting them harder and more dangerous,” Justine said with a frown.
“Exactly, so I think—” Miss Rose stopped at the sound of the doorbell.
LaShaun went to answer, but knew who was on the other side already. Chase’s distinct tall, muscular profile shadowed through the beveled glass of the large front door. When she opened it, LaShaun’s breath caught in her throat. Dark circles gave his face a hollowed out expression. Chase didn’t smile, only nodded as a greeting and walked past her. She closed the door against the chilly January morning.
“Hello everyone. LaShaun, let’s talk a minute.” Chase didn’t look at her as he spoke.
Miss Rose spoke up before LaShaun could get out an angry retort. “I brewed fresh hot coffee for us. Have one of these sandwiches. Made with farm fresh turkey breast or ham. My brother-in-law has the best meats for miles around and the ribbons to prove it.”
“No thanks, ma’am.” Chase stood stiffly. He darted on a brief glance at Miss Rose before looking away again.
“You haven’t had much to eat lately. Your energy is getting low, which means you won’t be able to think
as clear or take decisive action,” Justine said with authority ringing in her soprano voice.
Chase opened his mouth, but he closed it again when Justine walked up to him. “Coffee would be fine, but I can’t stay long.”
“You need protein. Fix him a nice po-boy, something hot,” Justine instructed.
“Right, a hot turkey and gravy sandwich dressed with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. He likes spicy mustard, and I’ve got some of the best Creole brand around.” Miss Rose hurried toward the kitchen.
“Wait, I can’t hang around waiting for a meal. I’ve got to leave,” Chase said with force. He stared hard at LaShaun.
“Listen to me, we’re on the same side in this thing. Look at me.” Justine’s voice went high and sharp with the demand. When Chase finally faced her, she lifted an eyebrow. “If you collapse physically, you’re no good to Ellie. Eat.”
“Won’t take but a couple of minutes.” Miss Rose hurried off to the kitchen.
“We’ll help,” Pauline said. She grabbed her sister’s elbow and guided her out.
Justine pointed a forefinger at Chase. “Don’t you leave.”
Chase watched as Pauline marched her sister from the den, murmuring to her. Then he rubbed his chin. “Your friends sure get bossy.”
“I managed to force down a couple of bites from a sandwich just so Justine would shut up.” LaShaun crossed her arms. “What have you found out?”
“There’s a connection between Tommy’s murder and the kidnappings, but not what we thought at first. The Bradford and Menard families have been working together in the drug trade.” Chase rubbed his eyes hard.
“Justine is right. You look like you’re about to pass out any minute. Sit down.” LaShaun pointed to a chair.
“Just for a second.” Chase sank down onto a leather recliner, but sat on the edge.
“Y’all already knew both families did some minor drug dealing, if destroying lives can be minor,” LaShaun said, remembering the earlier conversation about Legion.
“No, this is more organized. Sherry’s daddy, Tommy and Dylan might be slick in their own way, but they’re not king pin material. About eight months ago, they started a more sophisticated distribution scheme. They’ve got customers in Baton Rouge, Alexandria, New Orleans.” Chase sighed. “Taking their lowlife business to the next level.”
“Which was about the same time Tommy hooked up with Kris Evans.” LaShaun sat down on the large matching leather sofa.
“Yeah, but she was charged with petty drug possession and theft based on her record. I don’t see her suddenly getting into the big leagues.” Chase tried to suppress a yawn and failed. The smell of food floated in and he seemed to relax.
“She might if she’s part of a bigger organization now. The TEA traced her activity. We’re pretty sure she became a Juridicus member, and they’re just a small cog in a bigger outfit called Legion.”
“A cult again. Damn.” Chase slapped a closed fist against the leather arm of the chair.
“Remember, Kris Evans has a history of getting involved in those kinds of groups. Turns out Dina has psychic ability, too. And TEA has identified seven other children that have gone missing, all with paranormal gifts.” LaShaun leaned forward as she spoke.
“So Ellie was targeted because of you,” Chase said softly, “and the Rousselle family legacy.”
“Chase, I…” LaShaun swallowed hard.
“I knew who you were, all about your family history. But this.” Chase fell back into the chair. The soft cushion seemed to exhale as he did so. He closed his eyes.
“We can talk about how we can move forward later, only after we get Ellie back safe,” LaShaun said.
His eyes flew open. “I’ll find Ellie. Nobody is going to stop me.”
“We’ll find her working together,” LaShaun shot back, her voice hard as granite.
“Yeah.” Chase gave a curt nod.
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell M.J., Dave or Anderson about the TEA or the supernatural angle. We’ll just waste time debating whether it’s real or not.” LaShaun waved a hand.
“We sure as hell agree on that,” Chase replied wearily.
“Here you go, Chief Detective Broussard.” Miss Rose pushed a rolling cart loaded with food into the den.
For the next twenty minutes the three older women coaxed, scolded, and bargained with Chase until he finished half of a hot smoked turkey po-boy seasoned with rich gravy. He ended up wolfing down a plate of dinner fries once he got started because the food was that good. Then he downed a glass of sweet tea and stood, still wiping his mouth with a napkin.
“Thanks for the quick meal, but I gotta go. I do feel better, have to admit.” He broke off when his work cell phone in a case clipped to his belt buzzed an alert. He read the text on the screen. “Like I said, the Menard and Bradford families have been importing drugs. They’ve got a connection in Brownsville, Texas.”
“Did you say Brownsville?” Miss Rose glanced at Justine and Pauline.
“That’s right across the border from Matamoros where Legion has its compound,” LaShaun said as she stood as well.
“The TEA identified what we think is a base of operations in Mexico. We have an aerial photo,” Miss Rose added.
“Humph, no coincidence. We’ve got too many threads leading back to Legion.” Justine glanced at her twin, and Pauline nodded solemn agreement.
“Wait a damn minute.” Chase spun to face LaShaun. “You might know where Ellie is and you weren’t going to tell me?”
Miss Rose shot to her feet and got between them. “We only found out yesterday right before Ellie disappeared. Listen, this is no time to fight each other. Calm—”
“She didn’t disappear as you call it. She was taken by force because of some cult ass crazy shit you and your friends stirred up.” Chase spat the words at LaShaun without looking at the other women.
Justine rose and planted fists on both hips. “Now you just hold up, sport.”
“I was attacked, had to answer questions so your deputies and detectives could gather evidence. We’re doing everything we can to put together facts.” LaShaun felt shaken in the face of his rage as she spoke.
“Facts? More like smoke, mirrors, and magic tricks. We need solid leads. Not mumbo jumbo. I’m not going to waste valuable time listening to wacko conspiracy theories. We’re talking about drugs and human trafficking.” Chase snatched his jacket draped across the sofa. “I’m sticking to the real world to get my daughter.”
LaShaun grabbed his arm, digging her fingernails through the fabric of his cotton shirt. “Don’t you dare suggest I haven’t done anything to find our child. I carried her in my body, held her close, loved her more than my own life.”
“Then do a better job of protecting her from all this supernatural bullshit.” Chase peeled her fingers free of his arm.
“Stop fighting each other,” Miss Rose shouted. “This isn’t the time to tear apart, but to draw closer.”
Chase glared at her, and then glanced around at all of the women. “I’ll tear up, burn down, explode whatever is necessary to save Ellie.”
“At the expense of your love for LaShaun? You’ll destroy the life you’ve built together?” Miss Rose said, her voice lower.
“I can’t deal with… I’m going. Now.” Chase went around LaShaun as he strode out.
“Son,” Miss Rose started after him.
Pauline stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Let him go, Rose. He’s in too much pain to hear you. Taking action is the best remedy for him.”
“She’s right. I don’t want to see any more of my husband for a while,” LaShaun blurted out. Then she started to cry despite not wanting to more than anything. She worked to pull herself together. “I agree with Chase on one thing. Standing around here is worse than useless. Every minute I’m not tracking down these bastards puts Ellie and the other children in danger.”
“Legion needs them too much to harm them. They’re being well taken care of, LaShaun,” Pauline sa
id, eyes closed. “That’s as much as I can see for now.”
“Are you kidding me? They’ve ripped kids away from everyone they know. Those kids are probably traumatized. We don’t know what kind of grisly rituals they’ve got planned.” LaShaun gathered up her things as she spoke.
“True, but they’re also doing everything possible to make them feel comfortable. But what I know is too damn limited.” Pauline struck a thigh with one hand.
Justine moved to her side quickly and placed an arm around her shoulders. “Calm yourself, sister.” Then she turned to Miss Rose. “We need Daniel and any other remote viewers close by.”
“On it,” Miss Rose replied. She stepped to her laptop. Moments later, she’d sent an email.
LaShaun looked at her phone and saw a message from the veterinary hospital. “Beau is out of surgery. He’s bad, but there’s a fifty-fifty chance he’ll make it through the night. They took out two bullets.”
“Mèsi Bondje,” Miss Rose said, thanking God in old Creole French.
“Mathieu is there,” Justine said quietly, referring to the breeder who had raised Beau until LaShaun got him. “More than medical skill saved that wonderfully brave creature.”
Pauline looked at LaShaun “Cher, listen to me…”
“I’m going to Matamoros. Help or get out of my way.” LaShaun pulled out her .380, loaded it and then put it back into her cross-body bag. She checked the antique silver knife that had served her well. Tucked neatly into a leather sheath, she’d clip it to her waistband later.
Pauline held up her tablet computer. Five serious faces gazed back at them all from the open video conference app. “Meet members of the TEA ready to be your team when you get to Brownsville.”
Chapter 12
Two hours later MJ stood with LaShaun in the checkin line at the Lafayette Regional Airport, both wearing sunglasses. The flight to Brownsville would take just under three hours. The line moved efficiently, but still LaShaun could not shut out the loud tick-tock in her head. Every second that went by felt like forever. The longer she was separated from Ellie, the more the ache in her belly grew. Nausea had become her constant companion. Smiles and laughter from families boarding for happy trips only made the ache more intense.