by Emery, Lynn
“Grandfather thinks I’m an empty headed moron with nothing on my mind but liquor and women. This is one time his low opinion of me will work to my advantage.” Quentin gave a short, bitter laugh.
“The smartest thing is not to take anything for granted.” LaShaun tapped a long fingernail against the side of the coffee mug.
“Angel, relax. The old man doesn’t know anything about us. Didn’t I fix so that your grandmother’s land was paid for at top dollar? I’m going to take care of you. Those stocks you bought have tripled in value like I said they would. Batton Chemical may be buying another company soon. Come back over here. Come on.” Quentin patted the sofa cushion next to him.
“Yes, lover. You’ve certainly come through for me. Just keep your eye on Claude. He’s not stupid.” She sank down next to him leaning with her back against his chest.
“He may not be, but he can’t be everywhere at once. This opposition to the plant has been keeping him distracted, lucky for us.”
“That’s another thing. Savannah and her father are really making a lot of noise.” LaShaun spoke in a low growl, like an angry alley cat.
“Yes, they’re a nuisance with their self-righteous speeches.” Quentin said with a voice dripping with disdain. He began to languidly stroke the curve of her jaw line. “But from your reaction at the mere mention of Savannah, your dislike must go deeper than just their environmental activism.” Quentin nuzzled her ear lobe.
“Savannah and her father think they’re better than me. Since we were kids she’s pranced around like she thinks she’s Miss It,” LaShaun hissed.
“Well, they can make all the noise they want. That plant is not going to be shut down. Not with the connections we have.” Quentin’s fingers moved across the fabric covering one of her breast.
“I’m going to show her. When I’m through she’s going to leave town so fast, she’ll be moving at the speed of light.” LaShaun spoke with relish, her eyes gleaming at the thought of vengeance.
“My, my, she has really gotten to you. What is the feud between the Rousselle and St. Julien clans?” His hand became still as he paused to study her.
“Never mind about that, you concentrate on making sure Claude doesn’t think too hard about how you spend your days at the office. Like I said, he’s no fool,” She warned.
“He can be gotten around. That bastard Honorè sure has the wool pulled over his eyes. Grandfather is eating out of his hand for some damn reason.” A slight frown creased his forehead. He shifted his attention back to her and resumed caressing the soft mound of flesh. “But they’ll both be in for a big surprise.”
“Paul is no fool either. He doesn’t miss much,” LaShaun said. She darted a sly side glance at him.
“Paul, eh? How do you know him?” Quentin gripped her arm.
“I met him when he first came to town. He stopped at the museum. Quite charming, very handsome.” LaShaun smiled as she felt his hand close even tighter.
“Is that all? Tell me.” Quentin breathed heavily, speaking low with his lips at her ear.
“What do you want to know, lover? Should I describe it in detail? Is that would you want?” She wriggled closer allowing his hands to go farther under the hem of the robe.
“He’s one of the others, isn’t he? The ones you won’t tell me about.”
“Of course, one of the dozens under my spell.” She threw back her head laughing.
“You know, if I thought for one minute that were true I’d break your lovely brown neck. Now say it.” His voice was hoarse with lust as he urged her to once again play the game.
“I have another lover…” LaShaun slipped the robe from her shoulders. Bending her face low, she kneaded the flesh on his thighs. As her hands moved in circles higher, she whispered a description of what she and her other lover did in bed. “Is that what you want me to do?” Her tongue left a wet trail on his skin.
“Oh, yes.” With a groan Quentin lay back on the cushion. With his eyes is eyes closed, he gave himself up to her.
*****
In the weeks leading up to the trial, wherever Savannah happened to be LaShaun frequently appeared, though always at a distance. At the local grocery store, suddenly LaShaun would be at the end of the aisle smiling at her. Stopping at the dry cleaners, Savannah would look up to find LaShaun standing at the end of the block waving as though they were best chums. Leaving the law library at the university in Baton Rouge late one night, Savannah had the uneasy feeling that she was being watched. Seeing no one she chided herself for being paranoid. As she was backing out of her parking space, a shadowy figure appeared in her rear view mirror. She slammed on her brakes and jumped out of the car only to find that she was alone on the parking lot. Low but distinctive mocking laughter faded as if carried away by the wind.
After two weeks of this, Savannah began to dread having to step outside. Her sleep was troubled nightly by strange dreams, vivid and menacing. She jumped at any sudden sound. Though she tried to blame it on working long hours, Tante Marie still wasn’t convinced.
“Cher, you got a look that’s more than tired. Somethin’ else wrong with you.”
“Honest, Tante Marie. I’m just bushed from putting in too many hours at the library after being at the shop all day. But I’m about finished with my research, then I’ll be okay.”
“Uh-huh.” Tante Marie obviously wasn’t convinced, but said nothing more.
The winter days were short so that by five o’clock it was completely dark. This only fueled Savannah’s growing uneasiness about running errands after leaving the shop. Between keeping up with her father’s business and working on learning everything she could about state environmental regulations, she rarely got home before seven o’clock. One evening she was locking up the shop when she saw a familiar figure standing two stores away. Anger overcame fear. Savannah headed straight for her, the sound of her steps an angry staccato on the pavement.
“What’s the deal, LaShaun? What is this appearing, then disappearing act?” Savannah stood within three feet of her.
“Why I don’t know what you’re talking about.” LaShaun’s expression was impassive.
“You seem to have a problem with me or something.”
“You have the problem, not me. I’m just out running errands and minding my own business.” LaShaun turned back to the trendy clothes artfully displayed in the women’s boutique.
“There is something, some bad feeling that has been between us since we were kids. I’ve never understood why. What have I ever done to you?” Savannah took a step closer. “Tell me.”
LaShaun’s body still faced the shop window, only her head turned slowly in Savannah’s direction. In the light from the window, Savannah could see her lips part slightly, a soft hissing came from them. All other sound seemed to become muted. Eyes glittering with hatred, LaShaun smiled as she spoke.
“Sins of the father. My mother died before her time because promises your papa made weren’t kept. He used her then tossed her away like she was yesterdays’ garbage. You will not take from me.”
Savannah backed away slowly, her breath coming in short gasps, her chest tight. The hissing increased, swelling around her. She turned quickly to find herself in front of the flower shop two blocks in the opposite direction of her car. Grateful for the bright cheerful lights that winked from the festive display for Valentine’s Day, she leaned against the front door and fought to slow her breathing. After a time, she looked back down the street. LaShaun was gone.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” A man and little boy had cautiously pulled opened the door to come outside. “You alright?” They both peered at her with concern.
“Yeah, I’m okay. Just running around trying to get too much done at once, I guess.” Savannah smiled weakly.
“You want us walk you to your car? Tony, pick up the lady’s bag she dropped.”
“Thank you, no.” Savannah began to feel better under their kindly attentions. Tony’s plump brown face turned up to her tugged at her
heart. “I’m fine now, really. Thank you, Tony.” She tucked the small bags into a larger one.
After Savannah once again reassured them her car was close by, they left. Eager to leave, she threw the packages onto the back seat and got in behind the wheel. As she reached to adjust the rear view mirror, she screamed. A tiny doll swung slowly from a string inches from her face. Arms tied behind its back, a black veil covered the head.
Chapter 8
Her eyes felt as if fine grains of sand had been rubbed across them. Savannah blinked into the mirror of the ladies room for the third time. Taking a deep breath, she straightened the crisp white blouse she wore beneath the charcoal gray jacket of her suit.
“I told you, you look great. Why do you keep staring at your eyes like that?” Charice pulled her away from the mirror.
“Just checking to make sure my eyes aren’t bloodshot. How you look in court is as important as how you perform, believe me.” Savannah tried to turn back to see her reflection again.
“Listen to me, you look okay—”
“Okay? A minute ago you said great. Be honest with me.”
“Savannah, you are tripping. Steady yourself, girlfriend.”
“I’m all right, just jumpy because it’s been a while since I was in a court. Most of my corporate work involved contracts, not trials.”
“Now you be honest. I’ve seen you face down alligators without breaking a sweat. What’s up with you?” Charice stood between her and the door, a sign that they were not leaving until she had an answer that sounded like the truth.
“Nightmares. I have been having them for two weeks. Some nights I dream I’m out deep in the bayou fishing with Poppy. Suddenly he turns into a large black snake with a mouth the size of a football field closing in on me. In another one I’m in a huge old house and all of a sudden hear footsteps. I know some horrible creature is coming after me, but I can’t find a door.” Savannah jerked a paper towel from the dispenser on the wall. Wetting it in the sink, she dabbed her face with it.
“Damn!”
“I haven’t been getting much sleep lately. Some nights I’m actually afraid to close my eyes. There’s this one dream where I look down and blood is all over me—” Savannah took a shuddering breath.
“Listen to me, this is not real. Just tell yourself LaShaun and Monmon Odette have no power. It’s all smoke and mirrors.”
“I know that in the light of day. But at night in my dreams it’s a different story.” Savannah smiled weakly at her friend.
“Is there anything I can do?” Charice put her arm around Savannah’s shoulder.
“Yeah, get me a garlic necklace. That should ward off any evil.” Savanna gave a short forced laugh.
“And anybody else. Seriously, girl, what can I do?”
“Charice, this is a bogey man from childhood that I have to face alone.”
“No you don’t.” Charice stared off as if seeing something written on the dingy green wall.
“Yes I do. I have to come to terms with this somehow, but you stay out of it. Especially stay away from LaShaun. One of us with getting hexed is enough.” Savannah didn’t like that look in her eye and nudged Charice in the ribs in an effort to joke.
“Hmm, oh sure. Now, how are you feeling?”
“Better. No, it’s true. This is the first time I’ve talked about the dreams to anyone. I’m feeling steady now.”
“Well, you do look less jittery. Come on, you know you’ve done your homework. Go, girl.”
“That’s true. One thing about not being able to sleep, I got plenty of work done putting together information for Simmons.”
For the past few weeks, Savannah and a local attorney had teamed up to build the government’s case. Savannah and Gralin Mencer did extensive research to show how Batton Chemical had violated clean water and air statutes. Savannah picked up her leather portfolio and took one last look at herself in the mirror.
“I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but you know you can call me to talk anytime.” Charice stared at Savannah’s reflection.
“Sure thing, Pork Chop.”
“Shh, don’t call me that. Somebody might hear you.” Charice glared at her.
“I think it’s cute, Pork Ch—”
“Yeah, almost as cute as Miss Burpee.” Charice smirked.
“Hey, that’s low.”
“Uh-huh, big line in the third grade annual school play and you let loose. I told you not to drink that carbonated cold drink before the curtain went up. `Today we pay tribute to our founding fathers—URPP!’” Charice laughed as Savannah pushed her out the door into the hallway.
“One youthful mistake and they never let you forget.”
“You started it.”
They teased each other about embarrassing moments from childhood until the demons of the night were completely dispelled. Entering the crowded court room, both women instantly became serious. Seeing her father wave to her, Savannah lead the way to the seats he had saved for them. Savannah and Charice sat on two rows from the front. The hard wood benches were behind a low wooden gate that separated the attorneys from the audience. Savannah was encouraged to see Gralin Mencer, a local attorney who had been active with the citizen’s group, already sitting at the one of the long tables on the other side of the gate. With his head bent towards Jason Simmons, the attorney from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection, he wore an intense expression as he spoke.
“Where is the opposing lawyer I wonder?” Antoine nodded towards the second empty table to their left.
“I figure they will make an impressive entrance soon. I expect some heavy hitting hired gun to show. Batton Chemical has too much on the line,” Savannah said.
“Yeah, but we got the feds on our team.” Charice winked at her.
“The feds have been beaten in court many times, so don’t think the verdict in our favor is in the bag.”
“Still I feel between them and us, we have got a good shot.”
“I hope you right, cher.” Antoine patted Charice on the back of her hand.
“Man, I’m glad I took off to be here at least on the first day. Maybe I’ll bring the class here as a field trip. Look at everybody that showed up.” Charice waved at several acquaintances as she turned around to scan the crowd.
“Will you sit still, you just saw all those people at Sack Daddy’s the other night. Quit squirming.” Savannah poked her in the side.
“Look, there’s Rodney. Hey, Rodney.” Charice half rose from her seat.
“I bet your students behave better than you when they come. Good gracious.” Savannah shook her head.
“Hello! Look at this fabulous ebony prince that just walked in. Girl, look. Oo-wee.” Charice whispered loudly.
“Quit pulling on me. What is it—” Savannah’s eyes went wide with shock.
“He’s looking over here. Thank you Lord, he’s coming this way. Quick, is my hair all right?” Charice could barely contain her excitement.
“Savannah, fancy meeting you here.” Devin, as impeccable as ever in a tailored navy suit with red paisley tie, gave her a dazzling smile as he extended his hand. His other hand held a fine leather briefcase.
“Hello.” Savannah stared at his hand for several seconds before taking it.
“Friends of yours?” Devin stood obviously waiting for an introduction.
“This is my father, Antoine St. Julien, and friend, Charice Collins. Poppy, Charice, this is Devin Martin.” Savannah spoke shortly.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. St. Julien. Savannah spoke of you often. And it’s very nice to meet you Ms. Collins.”
“Yeah.” Antoine gave him a long look up and down.
“What are you doing here?” Savannah already had a good idea. She had only just finished saying Batton Chemical would bring in big guns. And in Louisiana, they did not come any bigger than Clayton, Briggs, and Schuster.
“Batton Chemical’s been a client of the firm for over twelve years. Mr. Clayton has handled much of th
eir work personally, but in this instance he felt I could be more effective. Truth is he hasn’t been in a court room for some time.” Devin lowered his voice for the last sentence and leaned down close to Savannah’s ear.
“I see.“As contemptible as it might be, Savannah had to appreciate the tactic. Not only was Devin a skilled litigator, but he was African-American. His presence would do much to diffuse the charge of environmental racism.
“And you? Of course, you’re a member of the Citizens for a Clean Environment. Well, seems it’s about to start. I hope we get a chance to have lunch while I’m in town, Savannah. Ms. Collins, Mr. St. Julien.”
Seeing Judge Duplessis enter, Devin went to the counsel table opposite the government attorney. One of the young law clerks trailed behind him carrying several large brown envelopes. Placing his briefcase on the table, Devin opened it and began organizing papers in preparation.
“That’s Devin? Low down, no good Devin? Man, of all the rotten luck. Why do all the worse ones have to be so fine?” Charice puffed in dismay.
“Believe me, you don’t want to pay the price of having that weasel crawl into your life.” Savannah folded her arms and sat back.
“Is he good?” Charice gave Devin an appraising look.
“One of the best young legal sharks in the country.” Savannah tried to keep the growing sense of doubt about their chances from showing.
“No, I meant is he good. You know.” Charice nudged her and winked.
“Girl, please! Is that all you can think about? The man is scum, toxic radioactive scum.” Savannah closed her eyes in exasperation.
“I agree, I agree. I hope he gets his for the way he body slammed you when you weren’t looking. But I’m just wondering, you know. Come on, you can tell me.” Charice grinned impishly.
“I am not having this conversation with you, Charice. I am not.“The bailiff ordered all to stand as the judge took the bench.
Watching Devin go through his opening statement, Savannah was almost hypnotized by his smooth delivery. Every motion, every facial expression seemed to say that Batton Chemical was being wrongly accused.