by Lynn Emery
“At least we knocked Legion back on their heels. Rose checked in with the TEA. Chatter on the Dark Web has it that our little skirmish blew their minds. Giving Satan a migraine is so much fun.” Pauline smiled as if enjoying the image that conjured.
“Yeah, Frank told Chase the local Legion operation is in disarray. The municipal government came down on their clothing company. They’ve been hit with all kinds of inspections. Plus, Barbatos is gone.” LaShaun felt an involuntary shudder merely saying his name out loud. The memory of him beheading his own follower with his bare hands would haunt her for a long time.
“They tell me y’all prayed his repulsive butt right back to hell. High five, cher.” Justine shared a gentle palm slap with LaShaun.
Pauline didn’t share their enthusiasm. She continued to wear a sober expression. “He’ll be back, or maybe one even worse than him.”
After a few seconds of all three women engaging in grim introspection, Justine blew out a huff of air. She smiled at them. “Hell, let’s celebrate any damn way. Not today Satan.”
“Not today,” Pauline repeated, a small grin on her otherwise serious face.
“Not today,” LaShaun agreed.
Then every vestige of gloom vanished. Chase walked toward them holding Ellie’s hand. Ellie wore a purple top with flowers and a purple skort. Her matching sneakers had her favorite cartoon characters on them. She waved at LaShaun with her free hand as they got closer.
“Now that makes me miss my own kids.” Pauline beamed at them.
“Speaking of which, we need to get to the airport, sister.” Justine tapped the clock display on the screen of her smartphone.
The twins said their goodbyes to Chase and Ellie. They took turns showering Ellie with compliments about her outfit, her cute hairstyle, and her bravery. Observers would never guess the remarkable series of events their little group had gone through. They looked like a family sharing an ordinary reunion. Once the twins were gone, Chase and LaShaun decided to stay on the balcony for a while longer. Toys and child-sized furniture in a corner captured Ellie’s attention. She made friends with two other children, a boy and girl. The fact that they jabbered in different languages didn’t dampen their play one bit.
“She seems okay,” LaShaun said. “But…”
“The nightmares, I know. We’ll move her bed into our room for a while when we get home. We’ll make it, darlin’. We’ll make it,” Chase said quietly and put an arm around LaShaun.
LaShaun gripped his hand. “Did you find out about the other children?”
“Don’t worry. I talked to Cee-Cee and Abril. The younger kids will be in foster homes, all of them TEA members or supporters. How did they manage to pull that off?”
“They’ve got connections in several state child welfare agencies. I was shocked Jonah agreed to foster care.”
“He didn’t. Jonah took off without Marissa. But then she didn’t want to go. Seems she’s pissed off about him crushing on Cee-Cee.” Chase grinned. “Oh yeah, I noticed. Hard not to the way he follows her around. Though he tried to keep it low key. Marissa went home, says her parents aren’t that bad.”
“I’ll bet she’s got a new perspective after being shot at and chased by a ginormous demon,” LaShaun replied in a droll tone.
“Abril promised her TEA would offer her shelter if she needed it. Amazing how TEA has people strategically placed in so many locations.”
“Like state and local child welfare agencies. They started it some years back because gifted children were being abandoned or worse—abused. People fear what they don’t understand even if it’s their own flesh and blood,” LaShaun said.
Chase pulled LaShaun against his body, his gaze on a laughing Ellie a few feet away. “LaShaun, I worry about what the future holds for Ellie. But don’t ever doubt that I cherish her.”
“I know.” LaShaun studied his profile and then looked away.
“And you. I love my mother, but nothing she has said or can ever say will change what I feel for you. I may stumble ‘cause the magic stuff is tough to swallow sometimes.” Chase broke off.
“Yeah, for a boots-firmly-on-the-ground Cajun officer of the law.” LaShaun brushed her fingers through his dark hair with affection.
Chase looked at her. “I love you.”
“And I love you more,” LaShaun replied.
“Not possible.” Chase gave her a tender kiss then drew back. They both sighed, and he went on. “Hey, we got some lagniappe—drug arrests. So Dave and MJ are happy even though they complained about me being gone so long. The Policía here broke up a ring as well. So much for Legion’s alliance with local gangs. Several of the Bradford and Menard family members are in jail back in Louisiana.”
“So Legion has been hit hard from all directions. Good. Speaking of the Bradfords, what about Dina? Is she back with her mother?”
“She’s been removed by DCFS, but her mother and grandmother didn’t fight it this time. They’re scared of her. Sherry and Arliss claim she’s possessed or some nonsense.” Chase’s eyebrows pulled together and he gazed at LaShaun. “Or is it?”
LaShaun bit her lip as she considered the possibility. “No. Dina came under evil influence not of this world. I’m guessing TEA will step in.”
“Legion will re-group and come up with some other dirt to throw at the world. They’re like regular criminals and roaches. You can clear ‘em out for a while, but they always come back.”
“Only a thousand times more disgusting,” LaShaun added.
“What happened with Ellie at El Obispado.” Chase’s voice trailed off as if he couldn’t articulate what he’d observed. “The other children, including Jonah, looked at her as somehow more than… I mean, like she’s extra special. The TEA members did, too. What does it mean, honey?”
LaShaun followed his gaze to Ellie. She giggled with the other children while they took turns tossing a colorful ball between them. A fourth child joined them, and Ellie welcomed him like a long lost friend. Then Ellie turned to look at her parents. Her knowing smile made her look far wiser than a typical almost four-year old. LaShaun felt a warm reassuring flow of energy. The words, “Happy mama, safe mama” popped into her head. Then Ellie flapped a hand at her gaily before turning her attention back to the mini-ball game.
“We’ll keep her safe,” LaShaun murmured, a sense of wonder shaking her to the core.
Then she felt the tension leave Chase’s body. When she looked at him, a tranquil smile had spread across his face. Ellie wore an intent expression as she gazed at her father, then she went back to playing.
“Hey, what am I worried about? She’s got an amazing mother, and her daddy carries a gun. Ellie’s gonna be just fine. No, better. She’s going to be great.” Chase waved at Ellie.
“Of course,” LaShaun smiled back at him.
LaShaun thought back to Ellie’s hand on Jennifer’s forehead, immobilizing an adult psychic. Then her tiny voice pronouncing “Amen” with such conviction that it vanquished a powerful demon. Her daughter, her first born, would be in future battles. LaShaun tightened her hold on Chase as he enjoyed watching their child have fun. They would face the future together, and that enough gave her reason to feel hopeful. Whatever the future might bring.
Then LaShaun noticed something odd. All of the children deferred to Ellie, giving her the most interesting toys. Ellie touched each child playing with an item she wanted. After a brief refusal, each child relented seconds later and Ellie smiled with contentment.
We’re going to have a serious talk soon, young lady. LaShaun gave a mental push. The thought sailed out like a tiny boat sliding on the glassy surface of an invisible pond. Ellie looked up. She blinked at her mother with an innocent “Who me?” expression on her pert face. Yes, very soon. LaShaun heaved a sigh and rested her head on Chase’s shoulder.
From Lynn: “If you enjoyed Into The Mist, please leave a review online at Amazon or Goodreads. Thanks!”
Read more LaShaun Rousselle Mysteries
More Books by Lynn
Joliet Sisters Psychic Detectives Series
Smooth Operator
Hunting Spirits
Dead Wrong
Triple Trouble Mystery Series
Best Enemies
Devilish Details
Pretty Dangerous
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About the Author
Born in Louisiana, Lynn is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked in a secure psychiatric hospital, a juvenile correctional facility, as a child abuse investigator, been designated as an expert witness twice and had a host of other fascinating encounters during her career. “All of my experiences as a social worker continue to feed my fiction. Louisiana is the home of colorful characters and tall tales. My family provided plenty of both! I’m definitely a product of my environment. My first babysitter taught me about voodoo when I was a toddler. And then my childhood really got interesting!”
Find a complete list of the twenty-two novels that came out of these interesting early years at:
www.lynnemery.com
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Message from the Author
Lynn Emery Reading List
Author Newsletter
About the Author