by Robin Caroll
“I don’t know that he intended to kill them, but he admitted to slipping them both the paraldehyde. Which, incidentally, was the medication under testing that the lab technician mentioned to me. The FDA pulled the testing and is investigating the whole testing process.” The sheriff shook his head. “From what I’ve learned since arresting him, the man was determined to make his mark in the pharmaceutical-research industry.”
“Whatever the cost to innocent people?” Tara’s heart contracted with the enormity. Had he harmed others in his quest for success?
“Apparently. Winn Pharmaceuticals is now looking into every drug testing Vincent had ever been in charge of.”
“What is that drug, the one he gave Grandmere and Tanty, used for? When it’s used properly, I mean,” CoCo asked.
Bubba glanced at his notes. “Initial research gave the pharmaceutical company hope that it could be altered from its original state to be a short-term anesthesia for simple procedures. It seemed to promise fewer side effects than what’s currently on the market.”
Tara’s head ached as she tried to clarify the jumble of information. “So here are two proven instances when he’d put others at risk. For what?”
“Fame and fortune, of course.” Alyssa shifted on Jackson’s lap in the corner chair. “Can you imagine being the person responsible for finding the cure for cancer? The glory and recognition?”
The sheriff stared at Tara. “Is there anything in the bayou that could do that? Cure cancer, I mean.”
“I don’t think so.” She let out a soft sigh.
Her grandmother patted her hand. “There’s nothing in that bayou that hasn’t been tested a million times over during the last couple of decades. If there were such a plant with those properties, research teams would’ve found it a long time ago.”
“That’s what I thought.” Bubba scribbled something on his papers.
Tara still couldn’t understand the logic. It just didn’t make sense. “What about Hannah? What was she doing?”
“She claims to be in love with Vincent, and believed in his abilities as a research chemist.” Bubba set down his clipboard. “She posed as a nurse and injected Mrs. LeBlanc and my aunt with a medication that would cause severe cramping, knowing that the policy in the ICU, if a patient is in that much pain and on the critical list, is to medicate the patient so much she’s barely coherent. Hannah couldn’t risk either of them stating Vincent had tried to buy the potion. She used a drug that is almost undetectable in bloodwork, and that’s why the hospital couldn’t find any reason for Mrs. LeBlanc here to be in such pain.” He shook his head. “The sad part is, she’d planned to obtain more of the paraldehyde to inject in them.”
“So she put two women in danger and says her reason for doing so is being in love with someone and wanting to help him?” CoCo shook her head and smoothed Grandmere’s hair. “That’s insane.”
“Partially, but she probably would’ve gotten some credit if they’d discovered a cure for cancer.” The sheriff sighed. “They are both of the philosophy that the ends justify the means.”
“Sad.” Luc laid a hand on his wife’s waist.
“Yeah.” Bubba stood. “And that about wraps it all up.”
“Merci for letting us know, Sheriff,” Grandmere said.
He nodded, but didn’t leave. Tara’s back burned. She looked at him. Her heartbeat skipped.
“May I see you for a moment, Tara?”
She kissed Grandmere’s forehead and then followed him from the room. In the hall they stood on opposite sides, silent and staring.
He moved first, holding out his hand. “Walk me out?”
Her heart accelerated as she tucked her hand into his. Warmth spread up her arm and into her chest. She had so much she wanted to tell him, needed to tell him, but the words wouldn’t work loose from her knotted emotions.
Once outside the hospital, under the canopy, he motioned toward the stone bench. “Sit with me?”
Not an order or even a suggestion, just a question.
As if she could say no.
She took a seat next to him. The rain drilled against the canopy, steady and rhythmic. The air smelled cleaner, lighter. As if Lagniappe had also been redeemed. Tara smiled to herself.
“Tara, about Suzie Richard…”
She pressed a finger against his lips. “Shh. Forget it. None of my business. Just like it wasn’t my business about the mayor.” She dropped her hand into her lap. This doing the right thing was going to take some getting used to. “I just stormed my way through suspects, and I had no right. I’m sorry the mayor chewed you out because of me.”
“And Suzie came crying to me in my office.”
She felt a sinking sensation. “I’m so sorry.”
Would she be apologizing until the cows came home? Surely not. CoCo had promised to give her some information about Christianity when they got home, and Tara vowed to scour the information. Now that she’d accepted Jesus, she wanted to live her life the right way. No more side trips. No more voodoo. And no more spirits—except what she could learn about the Holy Spirit.
“Tara, there’s something else we need to talk about.”
Here it came, the dissecting of the hug and everything. She wasn’t ready to put all her cards on the table about what she’d grown to feel for him, only for him to apologize for embracing her after she’d told him not to touch her. She couldn’t take that kind of rejection. Not right now. Her emotions were too raw.
He took her hand and caressed her knuckles with his thumb as he spoke. Little tingles shot all the way to her toes. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to say this, how to even explain it, and I can’t make the pretty words.” His eyes clouded with emotion.
Her stomach let the butterflies loose again. Dared she hope?
“What I’m trying to say, rather badly, I might add, is that I have feelings for you. Real feelings. Romantic feelings.”
Oh, she was going to cry. Just when she thought her day couldn’t get any better, he spoke directly to her heart.
“I know we make each other crazy, but no other woman has ever made me feel the way you do. I can’t get you out of my head. Or my heart. And believe me, I’ve tried.”
Tears burned her eyes. Yep, she was gonna turn into a pool of mush, and she didn’t even care.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” He wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb, his hands cupping her face.
She smiled and sniffed. He was such a cooyon! “Oh, you didn’t upset me. Can’t you tell that I have the same feelings for you? That I was so scared you were about to tell me these feelings—our connection—was a mistake.”
He smiled and leaned forward. His lips touched hers softly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and poured every inch of her feelings for him into the kiss.
All too soon, he ended the kiss, but kept cupping her face. “You weren’t very good as a voodoo queen if you thought that.”
She inhaled sharply. Were people always going to remind her of her past? Then she recognized the teasing in his eyes and laughed. “Kiss me again, or I’ll turn you into a toad.”
Instead, he swatted her playfully on the arm, stood in one fluid motion and took off running toward his truck. She hesitated a moment and then took off behind him, her feet making splashes on the wet pavement. The rain continued to pour, but it felt good. Cool and refreshing.
Tara caught up to him just as he reached his truck. She wrapped her arms around his waist and drew him to her. He encircled her with his arms and smiled down at her. The rain matted her hair against her face. His gentle fingers pushed the locks away. Standing on tiptoe, she pressed her lips to his.
When he pulled back, he wore a mock frown. “You’re going to be a handful, aren’t you?”
She smiled. “And you’re going to be a by-the-book type all the time, aren’t you?”
He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “You’re too head-strong for your own good.”
> “And you’re too legalistic for your own good.”
He chuckled, his chest rumbling, and she could feel his arms vibrating around her. “Tara LeBlanc, I love you.”
Shock held her tongue hostage. She never dreamed she’d be in the arms of the man she now knew she loved, hearing him profess his love for her. New tears spilled from her eyes, mixing with the rain.
“Now, I don’t expect you to tell me you love me just because I told you. Just whenever you know it’s the truth. I’m a patient man. I’ll wait.”
No, she didn’t want to wait. Not for one more minute…not for one more second. Life was too precious to waste. Love was too powerful an emotion to be denied. She should know—she’d been fighting it.
“Je t’aime, René Theriot. I love you.” She kissed him soundly on the mouth. When she drew away, his expression was one of such shock, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Laying a hand on his cheek, she grinned. “Is that evidence concrete enough for you, Sheriff?”
EPILOGUE
What a day to celebrate life and love!
Tara stood at the window, staring down at the side yard next to the bayou. She and Grandmere had ordered the work shed taken down. The grass had already begun to grow where the shed had once stood. White chairs lined the area around the veranda. Soon, she’d head out there and start a new life with the love of her life.
The long blazing-hot summer had finally given way to fall. Over the past several months, the love she shared with Bubba had burst into full bloom. And now, she would be joined with him. Forever.
“You ready?” CoCo asked as she and Alyssa swept into her bedroom.
Tara couldn’t help but smile at her sisters. Especially Alyssa, who looked downright precious in her black maternity dress. Of course, she probably wouldn’t appreciate the compliment. Tara refrained from giving it.
“I’m so glad you decided to have an autumn wedding. I would’ve died in the humidity.” Alyssa sank onto the bed and let out a big sigh. “I feel like a beached whale. Look like one, too.”
“You look beautiful,” CoCo said. She winked at Tara. “And you…you’re positively stunning. Bubba is one lucky man.”
Heat fanned Tara’s cheeks. She turned to the mirror and checked her appearance once more. The dress their mother had worn on her wedding day had been worn by CoCo, and now by her. Her gaze met CoCo’s in the mirror. “I wish they were here.”
“I know, Boo. They are. In our hearts.”
Tara smiled. “How’s Grandmere?”
Alyssa laughed and pointed out the window to where their grandmother sat beside Tanty on the first row. “Being the belle of the ball, of course. Now all three of her granddaughters are about to be married to—” she wrinkled her pert nose “—handsome, strong men, just like my Marcel.”
The sisters chuckled at Alyssa’s perfect imitation of their grandmother.
“Spence and Felicia are here.” CoCo lifted the veil she herself had worn not even a year ago. “Are you ready?”
Tara nodded. CoCo arranged the veil on the crown of Tara’s head, securing it with pins. She stepped back and Tara turned.
Alyssa dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. “It’s the hormones, I tell ya. I never get all worked up at weddings.” She gripped the chair in front of her and struggled to stand, her tummy throwing her off balance. “But, Tara, you are a vision. Absolutely gorgeous. CoCo’s right—the sheriff’s one lucky man.”
Tara smiled. “You know, eyebrows are gonna be raised when you two walk me down the aisle.”
Alyssa shrugged. “When have we ever cared what anybody thought?”
CoCo and Tara burst into laughter. Alyssa turned red. “Well, okay, so I did. But hey, I got over it.”
“It’s about what you want,” CoCo whispered as she hugged Tara.
“Besides, we’re more than ready to give you away,” Alyssa teased.
Again, the three sisters laughed together. Tara’s heart filled to the brim with happiness. She glanced out the window and saw Pastor Spencer Bertrand standing in the gazebo. Jackson and Luc stood to the right side, looking downright dashing in their black tuxedos with tails. But it was the man standing beside them, in all white, who took her breath away.
The man who would soon promise to love her forever, share his dreams with her and comfort her in their old age.
Tears welled in her eyes.
“Oh, you’re gonna mess up your makeup. Stop that.” CoCo handed her a tissue and patted her back.
“We’d better get a move on. I think I hear your musical cue.” Alyssa cracked open the door.
The opening bars of “I’ve Been Redeemed” rang out. CoCo turned to Tara and laughed aloud again. “You’re kidding me.”
“Nope. I think it’s fitting, don’t you?” Tara smiled. The song was fitting. She had been redeemed through Christ, but also in the love of the man of her dreams. “Better than ‘I Shot the Sheriff.’”
Alyssa snorted. “It’s perfect.” She swung the door open all the way. “Now, let’s go give you away.”
Tara linked arms with her sisters, CoCo on her right and Alyssa on her left. Peace filled her as they made their way to the kitchen door, where she’d begin her walk to become Mrs. René Theriot.
Mrs. René Theriot. It had such a nice ring to it. And they’d be husband and wife.
As concrete as it could get.
Tara smiled. Their marriage might be concrete, but she still planned a few surprises to keep the sheriff on his toes.
Oh, my, yes—she’d find lots of ways to keep him off balance so he’d have to cling to her. And together, they’d cling to God’s promises.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for journeying with me through the Louisiana bayou again. South Louisiana is deep within my heart, and I hope, through this series, it’s snaked its way into yours, as well.
The characters in this series have become like family to me. It’s been fun watching them work through their inner struggles and overcome.
Tara’s personality is much like that of my eldest daughter’s. Some of the life lessons Tara deals with in this book belong to my Emily. I thank her for giving me permission to share some of her outlooks and insights into this crazy thing called life. She’s a wonderful inspiration to me daily, and I hope Tara’s story gives you a sense of hope. And love.
I love hearing from readers. Please visit me at: www.robincaroll.com and drop me a line, or write to me at PO Box 242091, Little Rock, AR, 72223. Join my newsletter group…sign my guestbook. I look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings,
Robin Carroll
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Tara felt like she’d been abandoned by her grandmother. Have you ever felt like someone you loved and respected abandoned you? If so, how did you come to terms with the emotions?
Sheriff Bubba Theriot was conflicted between his feelings and his professional responsibilities. Have you ever felt conflicted in such a way? What did/didn’t you do?
Tara’s salvation happened quietly, in a hospital chapel. What is your salvation story?
Bubba’s personality sometimes clashed with Tara’s. Have you ever loved someone, yet had a personality clash? How did you handle those instances?
We all want to believe in hope. Vincent believed there was a plant in the bayou that could help cure cancer. He chased this hope in a way that hurt others. Have your hopes ever caused you to harm others?
Tara’s sister, CoCo, witnessed to her in a nonoffensive way. How do you see your testimony?
Bubba found himself the focus of the mayor’s anger and frustration a couple of times, yet he kept his cool. Have you ever been in a situation where someone took their emotions out on you? How did you react?
Pharmaceutical companies work to bring new medications to the sick. Do you believe there should be limitations on their research, based on Scripture? Why/why not?
Bubba felt like he’d failed in witnessing to his aunt. Although the outcome isn’t writ
ten in this book, what do you believe happened later between him and his aunt on the salvation topic?
Bubba and Tara had to learn to trust one another in order to find love. How important is trust to you in your personal relationships?
Tara finally realized that voodoo was wrong. Have you ever learned that something you were doing was very wrong? How did you handle the issue?
Tara was disappointed not to be named godmother by Alyssa. Have you ever suffered from a disappointment? How did you manage?
Jayden had a crush on Tara, which she didn’t return. Have you ever faced a similar situation? How did you handle it?
Suzie Richard almost allowed a misunderstanding to irrevocably damage her family. Have you ever let a misunderstanding overtake your good judgment? How did you get resolution?
Tara’s family loved her and prayed for her salvation. How might you help someone you know is unsaved?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-1855-4
BAYOU PARADOX
Copyright © 2008 by Robin Miller
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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