Sweet Mystery

by Emery, Lynn

  “They couldn’t stop us,” Marius replied.

  “A plant would have to get all kinds of permits and licenses, you idiot.” Darcy paced in front of them.

  Marius shrugged. “And we’d get them. Grandfather has contacts–”

  “Grandfather, in case you haven’t noticed, shows little interest in business since the stroke, or anything else for that matter. He’s left everything to me. Got that? Me!” Darcy slapped his chest.

  “Don’t think you’re going to steal the family company from me, cousin.” Marius walked up to him. “I’ve put a lot on the line for years.”

  “You mean you’ve been working at the company since you barely squeaked out of college.” Darcy brushed past him, bumping him aside. “Face reality. I’m in charge of Jove Enterprises and that’s not going to change.”

  Marius grabbed his arm. “Grandfather has the final say. He’s not exactly thrilled with the way you’ve handled things so far. Digging up that property got him so steamed, he stroked out.”

  “That’s bull!” Darius shouted.

  Marius glared at him. “Don’t get your hopes up, cuz. He’s still alert enough to bust your plans. The old man isn’t dead yet!”

  “You asshole!” Darcy shoved Marius so hard that he almost went over a loveseat.

  Marius caught hold of the furniture before hitting the floor. “I’m going to finally kick your…”

  “Stop it! You’re making a spectacle!” Toya stepped between them. She walked to the glass door quickly and stuck her head out at the staring guests. “Nothing serious, folks. Just a little family squabble. No need to worry.”

  Darcy backed away from Marius and straightened his shirt. He went to a small refrigerator behind the wet bar and got a can of soda. “So it was you.”

  Marius brushed dust from his shorts. “I was nowhere near the place on the night of the fire. But Grandfather will be pleased when he finds out how I made getting the Dalcour property possible.”

  Darcy gave him a contemptuous look. “She has insurance, Einstein.”

  “That won’t pay in case of arson.” Marius wore a vicious smile.

  “You moron. That won’t work.” Darcy stared at him.

  “What’s the matter? Your little girlfriend stirred old feelings?” Toya put down her drink. “Well, tough!”

  Darcy rubbed his jaw. “You went along with him on this?”

  “I was dining with friends that night,” Toya said with a smirk. “Isn’t it a shame the fire started?”

  “Then you’re as stupid as he is, Toya. Simon was through with you long before Rae came back home,” Darcy said in a merciless tone.

  Toya’s eyes blazed. “That’s not true! She has him fooled. He’s too trusting to see what kind of a woman she really is.”

  “Oh, he knows exactly what kind of woman she is. If I know Rae, she’s got him begging for it,” Darcy said.

  “Shut up,” Toya spat, turning her back to him.

  “As for the property, I’ve all ready spoken to Grandfather. He doesn’t care about the road being built now. In fact he told me the deal with Pantheon will finally give the family the financial security he wants us to have.” Darcy crossed his arms.

  “That’s not what he told me.” Marius blinked at him with a slight grimace.

  “You just got yourself involved in a felony for nothing, Marius.” Darcy raised an eyebrow at him. “I hope your hired hands can keep their mouths shut.”

  Marius tried to strike a casual pose. “Like I said, I didn’t have anything to do with it.” The anxiety across his sharp features was evident.

  “Hmm, you better work on that act a bit more. Your voice cracked just a little towards the end.” Darcy smoothed his dark, glossy hair with one hand. “Have a nice party.” He sauntered out.

  Marius stood in frustrated fury. “One of these days I’ll make him sorry.”

  “Oh, grow up,” Toya snapped. “Are you sure those two knew what they were doing? I don’t want anything traced back to me.” She chewed on her bottom lip.

  “Don’t listen to Darcy.” Marius twisted his hands together. “We’re covered.”

  “I hope so.” Toya dabbed at perspiration on her forehead. “I certainly hope so.”

  *

  I’ve always hated Monday mornings. Now I know why.

  Rae watched the insurance agent squirm in his imitation leather chair. She stared at him for several seconds before speaking.

  “What do you mean there’s a small problem?” Rae said. “Last week you told me the papers would be processed fast, so I could get the dance hall back in shape.”

  Tony Baranco shuffled papers on his desk. “Ahem, well, I talked to Chief Frey and he says his arson people got some questions about how the fire started.”

  “It was the wiring, wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah, but looks like somebody might have tampered with it and put some accelerant around the wall.” Tony offered a sickly smile. “But, that’s not for sure. The fire burned pretty hot and it’s hard to say for certain when the evidence goes up in smoke.”

  “Well, there was that incident about a month ago where somebody was creeping around the place late one night.” Rae went rigid with anger. “Are you implying I set fire to my own business?”

  “Now, take it easy.” Tony sought to diffuse a rapidly deteriorating situation. “The company has the prerogative of delaying payment until our investigator can–”

  “Why, in the world, would I set a match to a business that’s raking in cash like crazy? What’s my motive?” Rae demanded. She stood up and placed a fist on one hip.

  “C-calm down,” Tony stammered out. “We need to find out the truth. We’re not accusing you of anything.”

  “Not yet, but I’m sure it’s coming.” Rae wanted to sweep everything from the top of his desk onto the floor and scream. So that’s why folks were looking at me funny for the past day or so, whispering when I walked past.

  “Now that’s not true.” Tony blinked at her rapidly. “We’re working to find out as much as we can; something I’m sure you want.”

  “Okay, investigate. But when the truth comes out, I want my money fast. You got that?” She stabbed a finger at him, as though aiming for the tip of his nose.

  “Sure, Rae, listen, you know how people talk in this town. They take one little thing and by the time it makes the rounds–”

  “Bye, Tony. I expect to hear from you real soon.” She swept out of the room.

  Rae put on her sunglasses once she was outside on the parking lot. Her next order of business was to find Harold Frey. She rubbed her bare arms, feeling a chill that did not come from the air-conditioning in her car or the chief’s office window unit.

  *

  Harold ambled into the office. “Hi Rae, how’s it going?”

  “What is this about arson? Why didn’t you see fit to tell me before spreading it all over town? Tony doesn’t want to pay off on my policy,” Rae blurted out in a rush.

  She stood with her feet planted apart, both hands on her hips. The tank shirt and denim skirt she wore felt stuck to her skin from a cold sweat of outrage.

  “Whew, one at a time!” Harold held up one meaty palm. “First, Tim said it could be the wires weren’t done properly or it could be arson. There is a residue that he thinks could be some type of chemical used commonly as an accelerant.”

  “Accelerant?”

  “A substance used to make a fire spread fast. Anyway, it could just as easily be faulty wiring. You did get that place up kinda fast and some of that wiring is pretty old.” Harold spoke in a calm, measured tone.

  “So, I’m either an arsonist, or I put my staff and customers at risk because of greed. Real nice.” Rae shook her head. “I should have known better than to try and help this rotten town.”

  “Hold on now. Nobody said this is your doing. It’s under investigation.” Harold sat on the edge of his desk.

  “People in this town have all the information they need. I’m guilty either w
ay.” Rae raked her fingers through her tangled dark hair. “How long before you know for sure?”

  “We’re waiting on the test results from the state police crime lab. Should be another week or so.”

  “Great. Another few days of going broke.” Rae’s head began to pound.

  All sorts of thoughts crowded in at once. At least she’d paid back Neville a small part of his loan before this disaster. What would she tell her employees? Garrett quit a great job in Lafayette, so he could work closer to home. Now what would he and the others do?

  Harold took a deep breath. “I’m hurrying as fast as I can, Rae. It’s not all in my control. The tests take time. Tim has to carefully examine evidence.”

  Rae pressed her fingertips to her temples. “Right.”

  “I promise you, if there is anything more that can be done to move this along, I’ll do it. We’re not out to get you, no matter what some wagging tongues may be saying.”

  “But why didn’t you call me?”

  “I just tried. You weren’t at home. And Tony was out at the dance hall with the insurance adjuster late yesterday. He probably talked to my guys. That’s routine.”

  “Well, the word is out that I’m a crook.” Rae frowned. This was familiar territory for the Dalcour family.

  “You know how hard it is to keep news from spreading in Belle Rose.”

  “I’ve been the lead story for local gossips most of my life. You bet I know,” Rae said with a grunt of distaste.

  “Look, I don’t want this town to lose the money that Rockin’ Good Times was bringing in from sales taxes.” Harold put his head to one side. “Hell, we could use some new equipment.” He wore a half grin.

  “At least you don’t think I’m poison. That makes three of us, counting Andrew.”

  “Garrett, Jackson and Sarah are on your side, too. And from what I hear, nobody even hints at nasty stuff about you without those four jumping down their throats,” Harold said.

  “They’re good people.” Rae’s eyes stung at the thought of them defending her.

  Harold’s bushy black brows went up. “Don’t forget Simon.”

  “No, I can’t forget him,” Rae said in a soft voice.

  Simon had been a constant source of encouragement and support for the last five days. It seemed he had a sixth sense, calling at some of her darkest moments. He even offered to help with the rebuilding of Rockin’ Good Times. With his crew and an architect friend helping, at least the lounge and dance hall section would open. The restaurant could be completed within three weeks of settling the insurance claim. That is, if the claim was settled.

  “I’ll call you the minute I know anything definite. And I’ll try to keep my staff from talking to anyone but those in authority.” Harold stood and folded his arms.

  “In authority?”

  “Well, if it’s arson, the sheriff and DA get involved.” Harold waved a hand in an effort to allay the concern etched on her face. “But we have no firm evidence of that yet. Don’t worry.”

  “Sure, don’t worry,” Rae mumbled as he ushered her out the door. “I could go broke and to jail – ‘do not pass go.’ This isn’t a Monopoly game you know.”

  “You’re overreacting. This is all a part of every fire we look into. Routine stuff, okay?” Harold walked her to her car.

  Rae did not feel better at all, despite his cheery wave goodbye as she drove away. Being the subject of gossip she was used to, but a crime suspect? Routine did not describe this situation at all from where she stood.

  *

  “Harold’s a fair man, Rae. He wouldn’t lie to you. If he says not to worry, then don’t. At least not about being locked up for arson,” Marcelle said in a light voice, as though she wasn’t talking about jail time for her best friend.

  “I guess,” Rae said. She sat with her eyes closed, enjoying a rare moment of peace.

  It was nice to be away from the nerve-jangling task of cleaning up the dance hall, securing the inventory, paying her employees, and all the other painful details of a businesswoman in crisis. Even more, Rae was relieved that she could push away the image of her charred dream for at least a few blessed hours. It did her well to remember that people were more important than wood and plaster.

  Marcelle had baby Felicia nestled in one arm, happily sucking a bottle of formula. They sat on her front porch in the late afternoon shade. A slight breeze from the ceiling fans above helped to cool them, along with being in the shelter of oak and white ash trees. The faint voices of Marcelle’s three boys, yelping with exuberance as they played with friends, was oddly comforting to Rae. Sweet, joyous innocence.

  “Sure, Harold can be trusted. Not like some of these two-faced folks.”

  “If you say so.” Rae tried not to think about the Dalcour name once again being bandied about.

  Marcelle cooed at the baby as she flipped her up onto her shoulder. A tiny burp sounded. “You bet I say so. Besides, most folks can’t wait for Rockin’ Good Times to reopen.”

  “Harold said as much, too.” Rae breathed in the smell of cut grass and honeysuckle.

  “That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout. Now let’s round up the wild bunch and go see how Mr. Calvin is doing.”

  Rae’s coaxing and their mother’s threats finally succeeded in bringing the boys back to the house. Then they all piled into Marcelle’s car. They left the children with Marcelle’s mother-in-law. The ride to Grande River hospital was silent and glum. Mrs. Johnson was standing just inside the entrance, chatting with a nurse. Her expression hardened at the sight of Rae approaching.

  “Hey, Miss Elda, how’s Mr. Calvin? Mama’s comin’ by later.” Marcelle gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  “Thank you, baby. He’s doin’ a little better than he was. But he’s got a long way to go.” Miss Elda did not look at Rae.

  “Don’t you worry, Miss Elda. I’m going to make sure y’all have what you need.” Rae placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “That’s the least you can do. You put him here in the first place,” Miss Elda said through clenched teeth.

  Rae froze. “What?”

  Marcelle stared at her in astonishment. “Now, Miss Elda, that’s not so.”

  “Calvin told me how you was looking for cheap wiring and stuff. Poor man was braggin’ on how smart you was. But you was cutting corners.” Miss Elda’s voice went up, causing a small, curious crowd to gather.

  “Everything we did passed inspection.” Rae felt numb.

  “So? I’ve heard the talk. Tony Baranco don’t wanna pay off that policy.” Miss Elda pointed a finger at Rae. “That building was meant to burn because you built it cheap or you got somebody to burn it. Either way, you the reason my husband almost died. He might never work again.” Her bottom lip trembled.

  “Come on, Miss Elda. You can’t go see Mr. Calvin all upset.” A nurse’s aide in a bright blue uniform put an arm around her. “It isn’t worth all this.” The short brown woman looked at Rae with dislike in her eyes and tried to lead Miss Elda away.

  “You goin’ to pay for this, Rae Dalcour. Trouble! That what you been since you could walk and talk. Trouble,” Miss Elda said. Tears streamed down her face.

  The aide finally got her to leave the lobby. With her head down, Miss Elda sobbed and leaned against the woman as they walked down the hall.

  Rae was rooted to the spot. A group of six or seven people lingered, exchanging whispered comments on the scene they’d witnessed. More than a few of the glances at her were hostile.

  “She’s under a lot of strain. She didn’t mean it, Rae,” Marcelle said in a weak voice. Her distress grew when she looked beyond her friend. “Oh, no…”

  “Now maybe folks will listen when I tell them you’re a walking voodoo curse.” Toya wore a triumphant, unpleasant smile. Her eyes glittered with ire. “You see what I’ve been saying, Simon?”

  Rae spun around, sickened that Simon had heard the horrible accusations. Of course, she knew she was not responsible; that the things Miss Elda said w
ere not true. But she felt the old, familiar feeling of being an outcast, treated with scorn unjustly.

  Simon stood close to Toya, their arms touching. What was that look in his eyes? Pity? Rae did not need his pity. Fury began to build. She turned to face Toya.

  Marcelle glanced at Rae with concern. “Don’t go there, girl,” she muttered.

  “Lies being told about me is nothing new. Someone has been feeding Miss Elda dirty gossip that’s got nothing to do with the truth.” Rae’s voice shook.

  “Toya, Mr. Henry’s doctor needs those hospital files. Why don’t you go get–” Simon gave his ex-wife a gentle push in the direction of the administration wing.

  Toya did not move. “Miss Elda is finding out what I knew all along. What the rest of this town is going to know – that you’re no good.”

  Rae stared at her. “I’ve got as much right to live here as you do. You’ve got some nerve judging me. Backstabbing and lying are your good points.”

  “Sure, go ahead, but your smart mouth won’t get you out of this so easily,” Toya shot back.

  “Let’s at least take this outside. We’ve got a growing audience here,” Simon mumbled. He glanced at Marcelle with a look that cried ‘help’!

  She gripped Rae’s arms and marched her out of the automatic doors into the glare of sunshine. “Let’s get out of here.”

  Toya followed them out to the hospital parking lot. She broke away from Simon to face Rae. “Can’t you take a hint? Get out of town!”

  “Like hell. I decide where and when I go,” Rae said in a low, dangerous voice. “Now get out of my face.”

  “Nobody really wants you here, not even Simon. He’s just fooled by your flashy act.” Toya gave her a glance from head to toe. “You’re something different for him to sample.”

  “He’s been taking more than samples, honey,” Rae tossed back.

  “Rae, don’t provoke Toya like this. With everything going on you don’t need this drama in public,” Simon spoke up quickly.

  “Take Toya inside, Simon. Rae, let’s go.” Marcelle tried to head off an explosion with little success.

  Rae shook loose from Marcelle’s hold. “What’s really bothering you, huh? That I busted up your pitiful plans to get Simon back? News flash, sugar, he ain’t comin’ back. Not now.”