by Emery, Lynn
Carl stared at him. “We have no contract with Jove Enterprises.”
Darcy leaned forward in his chair. “Ellis, I’ll give you complications you never dreamed possible if you make even one tiny move to cut me out of this.”
“With the extensive Trosclair property, we could go ahead with the plant, regardless of any other… developments.” Carl nodded at Ellis. “It’s certainly a viable solution.”
“I’d be careful bragging on your plans, Carl.” Darcy threw him a disdainful glance. “The dust hasn’t settled on that disaster you orchestrated with Delta Corporation.”
“That wasn’t my fault. Everyone knows the environmentalist had no solid evidence that our process was harmful to the wetlands,” Carl burst out. His face turned red with ire.
“Really? Of course, the fact that the company had scores of clean-water violations with heavy fines in another parish didn’t help. Too bad you didn’t have a contingency plan for that,” Darcy retorted.
Carl looked ready to explode. “Now you wait just a minute. Who do you think you are? I–”
“Carl, calm down.” Ellis spoke in a mild tone.
“But, Mr. Mouton, he’s questioning my competence,” Carl protested. He drew himself up straight. “My family has been in business in this parish for seventy years.”
“Skill in making the big deals must have skipped a generation,” Darcy said with sarcasm.
“One company doesn’t make you a corporate giant!” Carl shot back.
Ellis stood up and stepped around his desk. “Carl, let me talk to Mr. Jove alone.” He ushered the outraged man out the door. “I know, I know.”
The two men spoke in muted voices in the outer office for several moments, before Ellis returned.
Darcy sat once again in a relaxed pose. “Soothed his wounded pride?”
Ellis sat down next to him. “You really shouldn’t provoke him.”
“Carl made it plain what he thinks of me. Now he knows what I think of him. The man is a snob and a bigot.”
“He’s a product of his upbringing. You could say he can’t help what he is, Darcy.” Ellis leaned toward him in a confidential manner.
“Bull.” Darcy gave a grunt. “Forget him anyway.” He waved a hand to dismiss the subject.
“You’re right. The important thing is how does Pantheon really feel? First Raenette Dalcour wouldn’t sell her land and now a body is found in the path of their new road.” Ellis stared at him hard. “Tell me the truth.”
Darcy returned his gaze without a hint that he was tense. “Naturally, smooth sailing would have been preferable. But they’ve spent a lot of money making this site work. Going to another location would be even more problematic.”
“I see.” Ellis did not sound totally convinced.
“Ellis, that flap Carl caused with Delta was only one in a series. A reporter in Baton Rouge has written a scorching set of articles about companies that skirt the environmental rules and spoil Louisiana’s precious landscape,” Darcy said.
Ellis pursed his lips. “Yes, I know. Carl should have done a better job in researching Delta.”
“That’s an understatement,” Darcy quipped.
“But I’m not sure it means anything to us.”
“Locating near a town that welcomes them, and where we’ve done comprehensive environmental studies, is ideal for Pantheon.” Darcy straightened his silk tie. “They’re committed to making it work.”
“You’re dancing on a tightrope, Darcy. One strong wind and you could fall.”
“This plant is a go. Don’t you worry.” Darcy looked certain of his words.
“But I do.” Ellis spoke in a soft voice. “I need assurances that there will be no more ugly surprises.”
“There won’t be.” He started to rise, but Ellis put a restraining hand on his arm.
“You seem very sure of yourself. I hope you’re right.”
Darcy stood up and brushed the sleeves of his jacket. “I am. Just make sure your second banana stays out of my way. You know I deliver.”
“Yes and our association will continue as long as you do.” Ellis was all elegance and grace as he walked back around his large desk. “Keep that in mind.” The implied threat was clear.
“Oh, I know exactly who I’m dealing with on all sides, Ellis. That’s how I’ve been so successful at what I do.” Darcy flashed a handsome grin before sauntering out.
*
“Monmon Cecile, Grandfather prefers more sugar in his tea,” Toya said. She smiled at Henry, who nodded.
“The doctor says he should restrict certain foods. I know what he needs.” She stepped in front of Toya, blocking her view of Henry. “Here now, take this.”
“Cecile, I’m s-sick, not d-dead.” Henry’s voice slurred, yet he clearly communicated his annoyance.
“Grandfather should be up and around in no time. He’s bounced back better than expected.” Toya scowled at her step-grandmother’s back.
“T-thank you, cherie,” Henry said, with a wink at his granddaughter. It took great concentration for him to raise the cup to his lips. He looked tired from the effort.
“Well, for now he’s not on his feet. You’re still paralyzed on the left side; you need speech and physical therapy. And I’ve got to do almost everything for you.” Cecile sat with her hands folded in her lap. She looked pleased at his state. “At your age, you’re not going to do much bouncing. I’ll see to it that things are taken care of.”
Toya sniffed. “I’ll be checking on you every day. I’m so glad you’re finally home. Almost a month in the hospital must have been terrible for you.”
“It’s what he needed. They kept him in the rehab unit, so he could get intensive therapy. The doctors knew right,” Cecile answered, before Henry could stammer out a response.
“Grandfather,” Toya said in a tight voice, “would you like me to take you riding later? I know how you hate being cooped up in the house.”
“I don’t know about tha–”
“Ce-Cecile!” Henry snapped. “I ca-an speak for my-se-self!” He stared at Cecile until she clamped her mouth shut. “I’d love to, darl-lin.”
Once Toya had gone, Cecile turned to Henry. “Make no mistake, you need me, Henry. I’ve done much for you all these years. Suffered for you, too.”
“I kno-ow that, Cecile.” Henry looked straight ahead. “I-I know.”
“I’ve been loving you since I was ten years old, long before you set eyes on her. Wasn’t I good to you?”
“Ye-es.” Henry closed his eyes. “I’m so ti-red, Cecile. Sa fini pas (it never ends).”
Henry looked like a shadow of the proud man in charge that he’d been a few short weeks ago. Now, for the first time in his life, he looked old. He rested his head against the large pillow placed behind him.
Cecile put a hand over his gnarled knuckles. “Non, c’est fini. As I’ve done before, I will take care of you.”
Henry rubbed his eyes. “Maybe it’s for the best.”
“Darcy has gone too far. Marius should take over.” Cecile glanced out of the corner of her eye.
“I need to rest now.” Henry seemed not to have heard her.
“I know you do, dear. But Marius must in control soon, before Darcy does more damage. Look what has happened in the last month.” Cecile spoke in a soft, but insistent voice.
“I’ll think about it later. Help me to my room.” Henry gripped a heavy, wooden walking cane with a carved handle, and struggled to stand.
Cecile did not move to help him. “Henry, sit down.” Her voice was firm.
He looked at her sharply. “Yes, what is it?”
“No matter how you feel about him, Marius must be in charge. This cannot wait. You’ll feel more at ease once it is taken care of, cher.” Cecile succeeded in hiding the calculating purpose behind her smile.
Henry sat very still. “Is that a fact?”
“Yes, as always, we will be the ones you can count on.” Cecile lifted her chin. “He is the best of
what comes from the union of the Jove and Thierry families.”
“So, I should listen only to you and Marius now?” Henry stared at her. There was a gradual hardening of his expression that Cecile, intent on gaining ground at last, failed to notice.
She nodded. “Marius has done much for you, with little thanks, as have I. It’s time we got more consideration.” She softened her tone. “You are generous with our children to an extent.”
“I see.”
“But Darcy has to be put in his place.”
“And yo-u will tell me wha-at that place is, I suppose?” Henry’s eyes were slits.
“He can still be active in the business in some capacity.” Cecile nodded to herself, as though deciding the matter.
“How kind of you and Marius to let him continue in the company at all.” Henry wore a fierce smile.
“He has some skills, I think,” Cecile said.
“What if I don’t aa-gree?” Henry kept his tone mild.
Cecile gazed at him intently. “He chose the spot for the road without consulting you. It’s going through the old Auguste’s field; the one your grandfather planted years ago. Remember it was a favorite meeting place for young lovers, back–”
“I know my own property. I-I won’t discuss it.”
“Marius should be made the boss.” Cecile spoke in a low voice.
“You think I am now so feeble that you ca-an hold some power over m-ee?” Henry glowered at her with all the old power. “Think again, woman.”
“This is the least you can do for me, Henry. I’ve sacrificed for you as no other woman would have.”
“For your own selfish ends,” Henry shot back.
“Selfish? If it’s selfish to love with all my heart, to want to be with you, then I am selfish.” Cecile grabbed his left wrist.
“Al-w-ways some payment is due for your d-devotion.” Henry plucked her fingers from his skin, as though repelled by her touch.
“Don’t say it like that,” Cecile whined. “I only want you to care for me the way…” She took a deep breath.
“You are still jus-st as foolish,” Henry said. He studied her for several minutes. “Well, I’d planned to speak to-o Darcy about his actions. We’ll see wha-at he ha-as to say for himself.”
“And Marius?” Cecile’s eyes gleamed.
“I haven’t decided.” Henry tried to flex his left hand. “Both of the-m are probably making pla-ns to take my place. Bu-t I’m not go-ne yet.”
Cecile watched him. “What of the… delay on the road?”
Henry sagged again; the strength seemed to seep from him bit by bit. “So many years have passed.”
Cecile looked grim. “Nothing will happen. Don’t worry.” She stared out the window, as though she could see across the miles to the field. “J’ai pas apris grand chose (I did all I could do).”
Henry let out a long breath. “Merci beaucoup, Cecile. You never wavered when I needed you most. When Estelle…” He grimaced, still feeling the pain of the woman’s betrayal.
“My love for you made everything simple. I wanted you more than anything in the world.” Cecile spoke with a dark fervor. “Anything…”
“I’ll go si-t on the porch for whi-ile.” Henry moved away from her. “Alone,” he added when she started to follow him. “I can ma-make it o-on my own.” He seemed eager to leave her.
“That’s good. The therapist said you should try to do more.” Cecile watched his shuffling progress. “But go slowly. I’ll check on you in a minute.”
“No-o need.” Henry kept going, without looking back.
“Oh yes, I’ll be right here, cher,” Cecile called after him. “I’ll be here until the end,” she murmured.
Chapter 14
“You’re pretty good at keeping the books,” Rae said.
Marcelle flipped through the stack of spreadsheets that Rae kept, so they could do the accounts at the end of each week and month. They were in Rae’s office at Rockin’ Good Times.
“That small business accounting course at the university sure helped,” Rae said.
“Yeah, I wish Mr. Bertrand had learned as well as you. Bless his heart, he can sure fix air-conditioners, but when it comes to his books, poo-ya!”
Rae tucked a stray tendril of hair back inside the cloth band that tied her thick locks. “Now if I can just get a new computer. I saw an ad for accounting software designed for restaurants and lounges. That would make both our jobs easier.”
“Doin’ the books, takin’ classes, bookin’ entertainment and even playin’ every once in a while… You tryin’ to set some kinda record?” Marcelle shook her head.
“I’m just doing what needs doing, Marcelle. I’m a businesswoman now.”
“Rae, you’re runnin’ yourself ragged. Let Andrew take over some.” Marcelle glanced at her. “Or are you tryin’ to keep busy for a reason?”
“You bet I’m keeping busy for a reason, I’ve got a dance hall to operate,” Rae shot back.
Marcelle raised a dark eyebrow and watched her for several seconds. “Simon been real occupied lately, I hear.”
“Simon is a caring, responsive man.” Rae tugged at her hair.
“True.”
“Of course he’s going to try and help the family all he can. Henry Jove helped him start his business.” Rae slapped the stapler down hard on a stack of forms.
“Yeah, put up money not long before him and Toya got engaged, they say.” Marcelle pretended to study the spreadsheet in front of her. “Toya got the old man to get up offa more money than he’d planned. Her and Simon were quite a pair.”
“Oh, they were?” A loud smack punctuated her words as Rae hit the stapler again on several papers.
“Yeah. Honeymoon in Jamaica, vacations every year to some great place. Something else, I tell you.”
Rae attacked several more sheets with the stapler. “Dammit! This cheap thing!” She cursed at the twisted staples she had to pry from the mangled corner of an invoice.
“If you stop beatin’ up on it you might do better,” Marcelle replied mildly.
“Nice try, Marcelle.” Rae pointed a finger of accusation at her. “But I’m not going to let you play me.”
“What? What did I do but mention–” Marcelle wore a wide-eyed, innocent look.
“Don’t give me that ‘who me?’ act. You’re trying to get me going by mentioning how Simon is spending a lot of time with the Joves. Which means Toya probably has her pointy talons digging into his flesh at every opportunity,” Rae said through clenched teeth.
“She’s a mess now,” Marcelle agreed.
“But I’m not worried. If he wanted that well-groomed alley cat in his life, he could have had her any time.” Rae squared her shoulders and tried to sound more secure than she felt.
Marcelle abandoned any pretext of interest in the figures before her. “Don’t sit stewin’. Call the man. Have him come to your house every day.”
“I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Rae protested with heat. “I can live without a man, thank you very much.”
“Yeah, but who in the world wants to?” Marcelle retorted. “Don’t talk stupid.”
“Simon knows where I am. I’m not going to chase him down. We see each other regularly.”
“But Toya is seein’ him, too. Why can’t Darcy or his children help is what I wanna know.” Marcelle folded her arms.
“Darcy devote more than token attention to anyone but himself? Don’t make me laugh. And Henry’s other children live out of state.” Rae tapped the stapler with a forefinger. “Simon and Henry got along good. I just never knew how good until now.”
“Which means Toya is going to ooze back in if she can.” Marcelle leaned across the table adjacent to Rae’s desk. “I’m tellin’ you, cut her off at the pass.”
“Will you stop?” Rae waved a hand at her.
What she did not tell Marcelle was that she’d been thinking some of the very same things over the past few weeks. Yet Rae did not have any intention of turnin
g into one of those clinging lovers who hurl jealous accusations. She had left more than one man who tried to smother her; she was not about to imitate them. Though she had to admit that now she understood how they felt.
Rae had never felt this kind of love before. When she was apart from Simon, wanting to be with him was like a gnawing hunger that only he could satisfy. No wonder numerous blues love ballads described it as a sickness. Sure, Rae wanted to shout that Toya was a witch who used people, but she clamped a lid on the impulse that surged each time he said her name. Simon would think she was an immature harridan, no better than the woman she assailed, and he’d be right.
“Just sayin’ you oughta take out some love insurance.” Marcelle went back to her work.
“Marcelle I…”
A knock at the door cut off Rae’s response.
“Come in.”
Simon entered the building. “Hey, hardworking people, sure I’m not interrupting?”
Rae sprang from her chair and wrapped herself around him. “Definitely not.”
Simon fitted his body to hers in welcome. “Hi, baby.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and then stared into her eyes. “Been missing you bad,” he whispered.
“Me too.” Rae closed her eyes.
She felt shaky with relief at seeing him just at the moment when she felt most uncertain. His arms around her were an effective defense against all doubts. Rae purred at the sensation of his hard body.
“Ahem, I’m kinda young to be witnessin’ this hot stuff,” Marcelle quipped. “Maybe I better leave.”
Rae blushed when she realized how close she’d come to embarrassing herself in front of her friend. She stepped back before her hands moved on their own to some delicate place on his fine body.
“Stay right there.” Simon grinned at her. He turned back to Rae. “We’ll have plenty of time later. Tonight, pick you up at six,” he murmured close to Rae’s ear, before kissing her cheek.
Rae felt the heat flare again in her chest. “I’ll be ready.”