The children’s annual slumber party was as famous as the annual Grand Isles Gala. The children looked forward to spending the night away from home and parents. And parents looked forward to the night of privacy the event afforded them.
Louis bent his head in close and kissed her again. His hand on her lower back pulled her closer. “I take my husband duties, pleasing my wife, seriously.”
Monty Wildfire watched the couple from a distance and tried to cool his anger. Life wasn’t fair. He wanted Pearl so bad he ached from the pain in his heart. How did men like Louis get women like Pearl?
Peeking from behind a thick heavy leafed fern, he clenched his jaw. He couldn’t help thinking how much better Pearl would have looked having his arms wrapped around her.
Monty’s eyes glazed over with an expressionless dream like stare. Pearl had no idea how attractive she was to him. Caught up in his thoughts, he licked his lips as he thought about what she would look like naked, draped across his bed. The corners of his lips curled up with his thoughts. His hands clenched into tight fists by his side. Someday I’ll possess Pearl, mind body and soul, he thought.
In a moment’s notice a voice sliced the air. “Louis and Pearl I believe you two have an admirer!” Detective Manny Rebrand greeted them as he pointed across where Monty stood.
“Oh don’t mind Monty. He thinks no one can see him hiding behind that fern,” Louis chuckled as he shook Manny’s hand. “Pearl and I had been wondering when one of San Jose’s finest would show up tonight. It’s good to see you again.”
“Yes it is good to see you Manny,” Pearl said as she warmly gave Detective Manny a hug.
“I’m always glad to attend the Grand Isle Ball and watch over things as your official detective,” Detective Manny said assuredly.
Monty rushed over. “Ahhhhhh MMM, Detective Manny” he said clearing his throat. “I was just enjoying how well Louis and Pearl danced together. You can tell they’ve had lessons.”
“Yeah I’m sure you were Monty,” Detective Manny said, “You know Monty there is a law against being a peeping tom.”
Pearl stifled a giggled.
Detective Manny gave Monty a hard stare and said. “Monty, I can’t watch you all night, so you just stay out of trouble, Okay?”
Monty slowly nodded agreement.
Detective Manny turned and caught Louis’ eye. He put his hand on his shoulder. “Louis, I’ll leave you now. I have to go and check out things and make my rounds. After that maybe I’ll get a couple of dances in before I leave. You haven’t seen Clare Palling have you?”
“Yes she’s in the office we set up behind the stage,” Louis said. “I guess you’re planning on asking her to dance?”
Detective Manny grinned wide. “Yep I sure will. Well I guess I’ll be going.”
Pearl and Louis turned and watched as Detective Manny walked away.
“He’s sweet on Clare isn’t he?” Pearl asked.
Louis nodded. “And I don’t think Ulysses will be happy about that.”
The couple stared at each other and laughed.
Monty sidled in closer with a smug expression. “How very lovely to catch husband and wife together. Louis, did Pearl tell you I wanted to set up a meeting with the two of you?” His eyes sought out Pearl’s and held them.
“No Monty,” Louis shrugged. His body language conveyed that he wasn’t interested in carrying on a conversation.
“Sorry, no I haven’t Monty,” Pearl glanced up apologetically. “I haven’t had a chance to tell him.”
Monty’s mouth thinned. “Well Pearl darling, I won’t hold that against you.”
In reality Pearl could do no wrong in Monty’s eyes. He masked his emotions as he watched the two of them. Pearl was the perfect woman. Soft-spoken, biddable and accommodating, just like now. Monty knew Pearl was only kissing Louis back out of duty. Pearl was everything Monty ever wanted in a woman. She’d make him the perfect wife. If she was his he would mold her into what was ultimately a prefect wife.
He cleared his throat. “You know Louis, the idea I have will make us both a lot of money. We should talk about it now.”
Louis was blunt. “No Monty not now. Can’t you see I’m a man who is spending time with his wife?”
Monty laughed softly as if to reassure himself. He realized Louis was ignoring him. He glanced at Pearl and quickly thought of something to engage her in the conversation.
He cleared his throat. “Pearl, I’m sure you can see the importance of our meeting right now, especially since the venture would involve using a charity close to your heart.”
Pearl turned and glanced at him. Her eyes gleamed. She blinked several times.
Monty knew he had her interest. “Yes, I can see Pearl at the helm of things running her charity and taking care of the needs in the community.”
“Monty!” Louis said brusquely. “Stop interfering in my wife’s concentration. Can’t you see she’s busy kissing me right now?” he asked but didn’t wait for a response. “Go away!” he commanded.
He realized his tone might have been harsh. He stopped kissing Pearl turned and leveled his gaze on Monty. He lowered his voice. “Monty tonight is the Grand Isles Christmas Gala, and I would like to have another dance with my beautiful wife.”
“Yes, your wife is beautiful,” Monty thought. He looked around making sure no one saw the way he looked at Pearl.
Monty cleared his throat loudly.
“Will you excuse us Monty?” Louis asked.
Not waiting for a response, as he grasped his wife in his arms and kissed her for Monty’s benefit. “You know Pearl, when I look at you I see my happiness.”
Pearl felt herself sway when Louis arms released her. “Louis….I,” she whispered, her lips dry, her mouth parched.
In a second Monty’s eyes flashed with a dark coldness. He breathed out defensively. “Oh by the way Louis, I was told to tell you to start the ceremony to select the queen now. You don’t have time to dance with Pearl. But don’t worry I’ll dance with your wife.”
Challenging Monty stood in front of Louis.
Louis laughed mockingly. “Oh really Monty?”
Just then Louis reached out and grabbed Pearl’s arm, pulling her close. He stared back at Monty, his voice challenging. “I’m off to dance with my wife. Unless of course, you are telling me not to Monty?”
Monty shrugged and quickly stepped aside.
“Bye Monty,” Pearl said brushing past him.
Monty watched Pearl eagerly pull Louis’ arm around her waist. His fist clenched tight. He lowered his hand behind his back so that no one would see, as he watched Louis walk away with Pearl.
Chapter 3
Old Friends the Mondragon Family & the Baptiste family
Two huge gold fleurs-de-lis hung on each of the fluted concrete columns that stood on either side of the massive double doors of the Grand ballroom.
Tonight the Grand ballroom will host the Annual Grand IslesChristmas Gala. The Junior Royal Court children’s pageant will be held first, this event will be followed by the Grand Finale’ of the festivities, The Royal Queen Pageant.
Across the massive foyer, around the curved formal grand staircase, hang a stunning massive rock crystal chandelier. It heralded a welcoming entry to the smaller twenty-five thousand square foot Regency ball room it held at the top.
The Regency Ballroom had been set up with a dance floor that opened into a magnificent enclosed outdoor garden. The outdoor garden was set-up for the adults only.
The massive foyer heading to the two main ballrooms held many seating areas. Crisp white table cloth lined tables set up in cabaret style with cozy high back leather chairs were as far as the eye could see. Opulent columns for privacy were arranged throughout the seating area.
At the bottom of the grand stairwell a man and woman chatted.
Milady Egan had been born beautiful. Her skin and hair were flawless. Her soft gray eyes smiled brightly at the man standing next to her. She affectionately
called him her sweetheart, because in her island home of Montserrat, once a proposed marriage union was recognized, the couple was referred to as being sweethearts. She smiled with her thoughts remembering when her grandmother Ada D’Abreu had told her that Thor Egan had asked to marry her.
Thor Egan had mesmerizing, deep green eyes. He stood over six feet three inches tall. His hand reached up and pushed back a stray strand of jet black wavy hair. He’d meant to have his hair cut before he attended the ball tonight, but he was busy working on a project and he’d forgotten. The barber he trusted had been over booked by too many clients. Most of who were in attendance that night.
He gazed disconcertingly back at his wife. “Kienan is too fascinated by all these military men in their formal uniforms for my liking. They could be filling his head with all kinds of military nonsense,” his voice betrayed his agitation. “The boy’s mind is young and impressionable. I don’t want them filling his head with military ideas. I feel I should go over and remind him his mother has her doctorate degree and his father has his master’s degree. We expect him to bring home the same or better, not join the military. Don’t we wife.”
Milady Egan’s steel gray eyes smiled gracefully back at her husband. She knew her husband was very protective of their only son and he took his parenting very seriously. The only other man she’d ever known Thor to consider as good enough to be their son’s mentor was Louis La Cour. “Thor, our son is just curious dear. Don’t worry. He’s a chip off of the old block. He knows he’s going to college,” Milady’s island accent sounded like musical notes carried on the wind.
Milady drew in a breath and waved her hand. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw two men entering. “Oh look sweetheart. David Creek and Ulysses Portillo have just arrived. You wanted to talk to them.”
Thor Egan looked in the direction of his wife’s gaze. He smiled brightly. He respected the opinions of the two men who had just arrived. He felt their minds were as sharp as his own and therefore were worthy of his engaging in conversations with.
The two men approached.
“Thor Egan, you are just the man I wanted to talk with,” Ulysses Portillo’s robust voice sliced the air.
“It’s good to see you Ulysses,” Thor greeted him.
Slowly David Creek strolled over. And immediately shook Thor’s hand. He smiled politely as he leaned over. His voice was laden with prickled anticipation. “Sorry Thor, I’ve just been asked to dance by a very beautiful lady,” he said with an excited thrill in his voice. “But don’t worry; I’ll catch up with the two of you shortly.”
Milady touched her husband’s arm and eyed him thoughtfully. She saw her chance to freshen up her lipstick. “Thor, I’ll let you speak to Ulysses in private. I have wanted to go to the ladies room anyway,” she said making her exit.
Milady marveled at the huge assembly of gathering guests. She nodded numerous greetings as she made her way across the vast foyer. Before she knew it, she was swallowed up in the gathering crowd.
The Grand Regency ballroom held a curtain wall separating the stage area where the main pageant event of the night would take place. Another part of the Regency Ballroom had been set aside for a dance floor and DJ area. It was abuzz with energy as the Annual Grand Isles Christmas Ball got under way. The DJ played Zydeco Boogaloo Zydeco and everyone in the place was dancing. Grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons all danced their best moves on the dance floor.
A half hour later the fast paced music came to an end.
Loud happy babble slowly faded into soft giggles and murmurs sounded out as the crowd slowly dispensed from the dance floor.
“Oh Lord, I’m glad that song ended. I almost killed myself dancing,” Grand mere Catherine said, making her way out of the ballroom. “Come along Lacey and Maëlle. Let’s go out into the foyer and find a seat.”
Lacey waived her hand. “Grand mere, can we sit over there by the grand stairwell?”
“Great idea Lacey,” Maëlle Mallard exclaimed. “We’ll be right under the chandelier. We’ll shine like star people.”
Grand mere Catherine smiled softly. She knew the chandelier’s brilliance wasn’t the only thing the two little girls were after. “Sure. I know you and Maëlle want to people watch.”
The two girls headed for their chairs and quickly sat down.
Instantly a commotion ensued at the doorway bottom of the stairwell.
“Grand mere look, Lacey pointed. “That girl looks like my Enchanted Evening Indri Creole Doll you gave me for my birthday.”
Grand mere Catherine’s eyes followed in the direction where her granddaughter pointed. She caught sight of the Baptiste Family making their grand entrance.
The Baptiste family’s only daughter Katrina Baptiste was the object of her granddaughter Lacey’s fascination.
Katrina had just turned eighteen on that December 1, 1987. Her entry into the Annual Grand Isles Christmas Queen Pageant was well talked about in the close-knit community. Growing up, Katrina had been a shy girl. That all changed two years ago when her mother Pauline Baptiste entered her into a professional modeling school. Overnight, Katrina blossomed and became an assertive attention seeking opportunist.
Grand mere Catherine watched as Katrina put on her best floor show. She slowly gave her best catwalk, attention getting strut, in her pink satin evening gown with a white faux fur bolero jacket. As she sparkled and lit up the room just like a Creole Barbie Doll should, she meandered between tables greeting friends. It was obvious Katrina knew she was the best dressed pageant contestant of the night.
The Baptiste family was known for their large real estate holdings. But the real family fortune had been made in banking and insurance. Jean Baptiste family could trace their roots back to the Spanish land grants of 1855.
Her mother, Pauline Baptiste, followed closely behind Katrina smiling widely. Her expertly dyed blond hair looked natural. It complemented her beautiful tan skin. She wore expensive jewelry and held her head high as she closely followed behind her daughter.
Katrina’s father Jean Baptiste brought up the rear end of their little family party. He sported a briskly trimmed mustache and deep wavy black hair parted on the side. His gray-green eyes sparkled. He was a tall man with a fluid grace that some men are just born with.
As if on cue he spotted Grand mere Catherine. His eyes were candid as he stared back at her. He lifted a brow as his eyes narrowed into slits holding her attention. Quickly he closed the distance between them.
“Good evening Grand mere Catherine. How are you? This seems to be an exceptional turnout,” Jean Baptiste said as his gray-green eyes regarded her appraisingly. “Exceptional, exceptional,” he repeated without waiting for her response.
“This is an exceptional turn-out this year Jean,” Catherine said looking around the room.
“To be perfectly honest Catherine I was admiring how well you look tonight,” he said with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
“Jean you are still the flirt,” she softly laughed.
Jean flushed. “But this is a success. Louis is using every ball room in the hotel. It looks like folks are crowded into both the main level and the upper levels. I’m sure I won’t be able to spot Louis in this crowd.”
“Yes, but don’t forget, there is the outdoor garden just off of the Regency Ballroom. It’s Louis’ favorite spot. It is set up in a grand opulence romantic theme just for those of us who are over the age of eighteen,” she laughed.
“I heard Pauline mention that room. Is it very elegant and romantic?”
Catherine giggled. “Yes, I’ve seen it. The room feels charming and romantically spelling binding with its soft outdoor lighting and elegant romantic music. It can make a married couple fall back in love again.”
He thought for a moment. “I’ve heard that too, from my wife Pauline. I guess I had better make sure I have a dance with her there,” he said, as he anxiously let his gaze look around.
Grand mere Catherine noted
the anxiousness in his voice. “Jean, if you’re looking for my son Louis, I believe you should find him there in the garden room.”
“Yes. Yes, thank you. But if he isn’t there?” he asked shifting uneasily.
She nodded. “If he isn’t there with Pearl then he’s gone back to the office he has behind the stage in the Grand Ballroom. He and Mrs. Palling, the accountant, have an office there.”
Relief showed on his face. His lips quivered into a smile. “Thanks Grand mere Catherine,” he paused. “Oh, by the way, I’ve always admired you Catherine. We’ve been friends for a long time. Haven’t we?”
She fought back a smile. She could read his thoughts as if they were her own. “I know when there is something troubling you Jean. What’s on your mind?”
“Remington Breaux. He’s back in town. I believe he will be coming here tonight,” he said shaking his head. “I thought you should know.”
Grand mere Catherine’s steel grey eyes stared back at him.
“Thanks Jean. I owe you one.”
“Don’t worry about it Catherine”. He smiled softly and started to turn away.
“Jean,” Catherine softly said. “I saw your baby sister Celica Baptiste earlier with that Monty Wildfire fellow.”
Jean’s lips tightened into a sneer. “That girl won’t listen. I’ve warned her time and time again about Monty Wildfire,” his eyes were angry. “He’s nothing but a hustler and a user.”
He felt her eyes on him. He looked up and his eyes softened. “But the man is a charmer, and until she realizes he’s using her, there is not much I can do. You know how it is with family Catherine.”
“Yes Jean, I know exactly what you’re saying,” she said nodding.
Jean hesitated as if to say more. He smiled softly and then turned and walked away.
Grand Hotel (A Geek An Angel) Page 2