Mississippi Blues

by D'Ann Lindun

  A bottle blonde came out of one of the shacks when Carlene called for Candy. “She ain’t here. She went to town.”

  “When?” Carlene stared at the other woman until she fidgeted.

  “’Bout an hour or so ago.”

  “What for?”

  The blonde shrugged. “Beats me. I ain’t her keeper. Seems to me that’s your job.”

  Carlene glared at her. “Watch your mouth, Drea.”

  Drea dropped her head and slipped back inside her cabin. Carlene glanced at them. “You heard her. I don’t know where that kid of mine goes or what she does. I try to get her to do right, go to school, but she has a mind of her own. The way she’s headed, she’s going to end up right here like the rest of us.”

  “If you hear from her, could you have her come see me? Please?” Trey reached out and touched her arm. “It’s important.”

  “Yeah, okay.” Carlene nodded. “I’ll try.” She hesitated. “Go see Jimmy Ray Hunt.”

  “Thanks.” Trey took Summer’s hand and led her away.

  Chapter Eight

  Summer wanted nothing more than to go home and forget the whole dismal afternoon. She was sorry she had asked Trey to tell her the Chief’s plans, she was sorry she had seen Shantytown with her own eyes and she was sorry Carlene had come along when she did and stopped Trey from kissing her. Summer had known he was going to try and she longed for him to try. In spite of everything, she wished he would kiss her until she couldn’t think straight. Nobody affected her like Trey Bouché with his husky voice and handsome face and easy words.

  No one ever had.

  No one ever would.

  “I need to get back to my car, please.” She averted her face so he couldn’t see the regret there. “This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come with you.”

  “Why did you?”

  “I wanted to tell find out what your father has planned.” She kept her gaze firmly out the side window.

  “Keep telling yourself that, Summer, and maybe you’ll believe it. I don’t. I think you wanted a reason to talk to me. You found one.” His smug tone grated on her nerves.

  “What?” She turned and glared at him. “I don’t give a fiddler’s damn what you believe. In spite of everything, I don’t want anything bad to happen to Lindy. But that doesn’t mean I want anything more.”

  “I do.” He met her eyes and she saw only honesty there.

  “What?” Her jaw dropped. She snapped it shut.

  “You heard me.” The intensity of his emotion nearly seared her. “I’ve always wanted more. One short night five years ago wasn’t enough. I’ve never stopped thinking about it.”

  “What’s to say? I had too much to drink and we had … sex. End of story.” She didn’t want to do this. There wasn’t any point in this conversation. Even if she did have feelings about him, there was no future for them now.

  “There was more to it than that and you know it. Quit denying it. Stop hiding behind stuff that has nothing to do with you and me.” His entire body tensed as if preparing for a body blow. She feared they might wreck.

  She couldn’t believe her ears. ‘Stuff that had nothing to do with you and me?’ Was he kidding? Mama had been hurt the night of his graduation party and everything fell apart between them. Between all of the Hills and Bouchés. After the trial, Trey left Juliet. Summer hadn’t heard a word from him until now. What if she had borne his child? A shiver slipped through her. Would he have come back if he knew? She glared at him. “Hiding? I’m not the one who was kept under wraps then hustled out of town like a thief.”

  He didn’t answer her at first. When he did, his voice went rough. “I did try to see you, but I couldn’t get to you. I called and called, but you wouldn’t return the favor. I did what the Chief told me to do. He and my mother thought it was best if I went to into the military and left the trial behind.”

  The sound that came out of her throat might’ve been called a laugh if it hadn’t been so raw. He hadn’t called once. She would’ve known. Even if he had, she couldn’t have dealt with him. During the trial, and after, all she had been able to focus on was her mother. “Oh, I should’ve known. The mighty chief speaks and all the little Indians jump.”

  “He’s my father.”

  “Yes. He was right. Sneaking you out of town was for the best. That way there was no chance of a repeat mistake between us. You were my brother’s best friend. Too young for me. I was drunk.” She crossed her arms over her chest and pressed her lips together.

  “You didn’t think I was too young that night,” Trey said tightly. “And don’t pretend you didn’t participate. You wanted me. I wanted you. Alcohol had nothing to do with it.”

  She couldn’t deny it. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

  He didn’t answer. He had wanted nothing more than to be with her. He had never gotten over her. If her mother hadn’t been raped, and they hadn’t been forced apart by that circumstance, he wouldn’t have given up on Summer until she was his. That they had made love had only increased his desire for her. No other girl had ever filled the void she left in his life when she closed the door on him. Not even Katia. He hated that Summer blamed him for what had happened to Jace. But even though Trey felt he had done the right thing, his actions would stand between them forever.

  He slammed on the brakes and skidded to the side of the road. “Making love wasn’t a mistake,” he declared. “I’m not going to let you ruin a great memory.”

  Jerking his seatbelt free, he leaned across the seat and without asking, covered her mouth with his. For a moment, she resisted, but he pried at the corner of her lips until she opened them.

  He assaulted her tongue with his own. With his mouth, he tried to erase the pain. Desire flooded him, hardening him, as his fingers tangled in her hair. The silky strands rushed over and under his fingers like waves. He held her still, even though he didn’t need to. She was responding, kissing him as fiercely as he kissed her. His spirit soared as he realized her hunger matched his.

  Freeing one hand from her hair, he found her seatbelt button and pressed it. With the confining belt out of the way, he slid his hand under the hem of her tee, thrilling when a shudder ripped through her as his fingertips brushed over her ribs. Careful not to spook her, he cupped her breast under a lacy bra. Her hands fluttered in her lap. She wasn’t immune to him; her nipple peaked against his palm. He flicked his thumb across it and she moaned into his mouth.

  Her hands touched his abdomen, testing. His erection strained against his jeans. He wanted her fingers lower, wrapped around him. Now. But he could wait. For a minute.

  His lips left hers to sample her neck. She tasted sweet like ice cream with caramel spilled over it. Maybe it was her vanilla scented hair. Whatever it was he liked the effect.

  Working his hand under the slip of fabric covering her breast, he filled his palm with her. Letting go of her hair he used his free hand to lift the edge of her tee, wanting it off.

  With a half sob she begged, “Stop. Please.”

  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he removed his hands from her body and sat up straight. He ran his palm over the back of his neck. “Just don’t say you’re sorry.”

  “I’m … not.” She sounded breathless.

  Frustration gripped him. He had wanted to make her remember, knowing full well that even if she did, he wasn’t free to pursue a future. Not that she’d want him. When Jace was caught he would get more time tacked on his sentence at the least. And that was if he didn’t get shot in the process.

  She wouldn’t ever forgive him. Stealing a glance at her, Trey was tempted to try and gain her permission. Pale blonde hair hung in disarray around her flushed face, pink lips were puffy and her short skirt exposed year-long legs. Without even knowing it, she screamed to be his. A far cry from her usual cool demeanor. His
cock throbbed and he tore his gaze away. At this rate, he wouldn’t be able to walk for a week.

  She looked at him from the corner of her eye. “What?”

  “You need to comb your hair.” It was all he could manage.

  “Oh, God,” she moaned. Finding a brush in her bag, she dragged it through her hair. Then she pulled it into a severe ponytail. “If Mama even suspects we … I … well … I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  If MiLann had any imagination at all, Trey figured she would take one look at Summer and instantly assume she’d been in his bed all day. He lied. “She won’t.”

  Summer sniffed as she applied a sheer coat of lip-gloss that smelled like berries. “Ha. You don’t know. Mama’s got this sixth sense like radar.”

  His lips lifted a little at her tone. “Yeah. I kinda got that.”

  Her troubled gaze met his. “Trey, listen. I don’t feel like what happened between us was a mistake. But we were lucky no one found out. You know how this town is. I don’t want to be gossiped about … like Mama.”

  “I know … ”

  “Juliet hasn’t changed. If people see us together all the ugly past will bubble up. I don’t want to live through that again. You got to leave. I didn’t.” Her voice cracked a little and she raised her chin. So proud.

  “You won’t.” A surge of protectiveness boiled through him. He would pound anyone who hurt her. He reached for her hand and she evaded him.

  “I know you won’t talk. You proved that once. It’s the rest of the town that worries me.”

  He flinched. He wouldn’t beg. “I get your message loud and clear. This won’t happen again. I’ll drop you off at your car.”

  She didn’t answer.

  “I need to check in and see if Lindy’s come home.” He took his cell phone from the cup holder and dialed. For a few seconds he spoke to the housekeeper then hung up.

  “No word?” Summer’s soft voice almost undid him.

  “Nothing.” He no longer doubted there was a problem with Lindy. She had to be found right now.

  “I wonder where she could be? I won’t believe she’s with Jace.” Steel laced Summer’s voice.

  “I’m going to find out.” He sounded as determined as she did.

  “What are you going to do?” Her eyes were troubled as she looked at him.

  “Find Jimmy Ray and beat him until he tells me if something happened between him and my sister last night.” Fury filled him when he thought of that slug doing anything to his little sister. If Jimmy Ray didn’t come clean, Trey would welcome the chance to make him talk. He smiled thinking about it.

  “Kind of like Jace did to Deke Soloman when he found out what he did to Mama?” Summer arched her brows at him and tipped her head a little. Clearly, she wanted him to recognize the parallel.

  Trey started. He never doubted Soloman got what he had coming. If only he hadn’t been the one to find Jace over the body, everything would be different. “I guess you could say that.”

  “I just hope I don’t have to testify against you.” She stared out the window.

  “Me either,” Trey said, heartfelt. No one should have to go through the agony of testifying against their best friend or loved one. The result left one hollow and empty. He wished he could tell her how much it hurt. “I’ll take you back to your car. Then I’m going to go see the Chief and find out if there’s anything new.”

  At the mention of his father, she frowned.

  “As far as I know, Jace is safe,” Trey told her.

  “Until the Chief finds him and they tangle. Jace’ll end up dead this time.” She sounded as though the event had already happened. Grief stricken.

  “No one’s going to tangle.” He prayed he was right. “All Jace has to do is turn himself in and nothing will happen to him.”

  “He won’t trust your father.” She didn’t pull any punches. “He has no reason to.”

  “For his sake I hope you’re wrong.” Trey knew the tempers involved and if either one lost it … he wasn’t going to go there. Jace would be fine.

  “Jace was dead wrong the last time his life depended on the Chief,” she shot back. Her accusation hung between them like a thick fog.

  She meant him, too. Would she ever forgive him for what he had done?

  “The Chief followed the law.” Trey knew reasoning with her wasn’t going to help. In the Hill family’s mind, what they had done was a betrayal running so deep it would never heal. He changed the subject. “I pray my sister isn’t lying dead in the woods somewhere.”

  “Me, too,” she said. “We can agree on that. I need to get home to Mama.”

  Trey turned into the parking lot and watched Summer step into her car, but he was distracted. He hated to admit it, but his fear was growing. If this ended up being one of Lindy’s stunts, he would wring her neck himself. But this felt different. Lindy was in danger.

  • • •

  Summer, Glory, and Lilah sat on the porch chatting while Summer’s mama prepared supper. She refused all offers of help. Both women had been at their house on occasion and MiLann trusted them.

  Glory held up a paper bag and grinned. “I brought stuff to make drinks. Everybody want one of my specialties, a Morning Glory margarita? It’s right here.”

  “Oh, I don’t think I need a drink,” Summer protested, although it did sound good. “Cola or iced tea would be better.”

  “Live a little,” Glory insisted. “You need to relax.”

  Lilah nodded solemnly. “Yes, you do.”

  “What the hell? One drink isn’t going to kill me.” Summer gave a little wave. “Bring it on. Why do you call it a Morning Glory margarita?”

  “Well, the glory part ought to be obvious.” She smirked. “I added the morning part because after two or three of my special mix, it sometimes takes ’til the next morning to remember everything.”

  “Go easy on me,” Summer pleaded.

  When she tasted the perfect blend of peaches, strawberries, and tequila a few minutes later; she almost moaned out loud. This was good, really good. She could get used to Morning Glory margaritas. Never much of a drinker she hadn’t had any drink since … she racked her brain. Nothing came to mind at first. Then the realization came to her. The boys’ graduation party was the last time she’d had anything alcoholic. She’d sworn off after that night. Thinking about that event, she took a deep swallow. And choked.

  Glory pounded her on the back. “You okay?”

  Somehow Summer managed to breathe and nod at the same time. “Yeah.”

  Lilah lifted her half-empty glass and grinned. “Good, huh?”

  “Yeah. Tasty.” And extremely dangerous.

  “So, friend,” Glory leaned back and crossed her short legs, “Let’s have us some girl talk.”

  “What about?” Summer was afraid she knew the answer.

  Glory watched her over the rim of her glass. “Oh, Trey Bouché, for starters.”

  “Didn’t we already cover this? There’s nothing more to say.” Summer glanced at the kitchen. “Don’t let Mama hear you talking about him.”

  “Uh-huh.” Lilah nodded wisely. “That’s a can of worms that you oughta keep closed. No sense dragging up old news. Move on, I always say.”

  “Move on from what?” Glory pressed, although a little quieter. “I never did hear the whole story.”

  “Nothing to tell.” Summer took a manageable sip this time. She took her time gathering her thoughts. “We were friends that’s all. We’re not now. End of story.”

  “I don’t think so.” Glory shook her head and her dark red hair shimmered in the evening light. “What exactly did Trey do to you again? I forget.”

  A long-buried pain near Summer’s heart began to surface. She spoke harsher than she intended. “He betrayed my brother
.”

  “Oh, lordy, you did it now.” Lilah looked around. “Where is that pitcher? I have a powerful thirst for a refill. Glory? You need another? Summer, you?”

  Glory leaned forward and studied her like a science experiment. “How did Trey sell out your brother, exactly?”

  Lilah’s eyes grew bigger. “I’m thirsty. You girls thirsty?”

  Glory seemed intent on pressing the issue. “Maybe his treachery came from caring about you? Or did it go deeper? Something really heinous?”

  Summer leveled her gaze on Glory. “Yes, it’s awful. I can never forgive him. Trey doesn’t care about me. If he did, he wouldn’t have sat on that stand and said what he did. You’re supposed to be my friend. Why are you sticking up for him?”

  “I am your friend. You know that. But I guess I’m missing something. What did Trey do that was so wrong in your eyes? Didn’t he find your brother standing over the beaten body with blood all over his hands?” Glory looked at her own hands and shuddered.

  “Yes, that’s true. But the final nail in Jace’s coffin was that Trey testified Jace planned the murder.” There. That’s what had destroyed her trust in Trey. He shouldn’t have shared that Jace swore to him he’d see the man who beat and raped Mama dead. Jace had trusted his best friend. Of course he’d say something crazy in front of him. Why hadn’t Trey realized Jace was just blowing steam? She knew Jace hadn’t killed Deke Soloman. Why didn’t Trey trust him, too?

  “He should’ve lied by omission?” Glory raised her over plucked eyebrows.

  “Yes.” Summer met her friend’s eyes with a steady look. “I guess he should’ve, because it would’ve preserved Jace’s freedom.”

  • • •

  Trey sat with his mother on the wraparound porch of the big three-story mansion she’d inherited, LeFleur. They overlooked a rose garden, the sweet scent of the flowers rising to them. The sun hung onto the sky, refusing to fall. Etta had gone to see her new grandbaby and the Chief was hunting Jace. Trey took advantage of the chance to spend some time with his mother.