by Sutter, C M
Blood in the Bayou
by
C. M. Sutter
Copyright © 2021
All Rights Reserved
AUTHOR’S NOTE
This book is a work of fiction by C. M. Sutter. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used solely for entertainment. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
C. M. Sutter is a crime fiction writer who resides in Florida, although she is originally from California.
She is a member of over fifty writing groups and book clubs. In addition to writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, and you’ll often find her writing in airports and on planes as she flies from state to state on family visits.
She is an art enthusiast and loves to create gourd birdhouses, pebble art, and handmade soaps. Gardening, bicycling, fishing, and traveling are a few of her favorite pastimes.
C. M. Sutter
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Blood in the Bayou
FBI Agent Jade Monroe - Live or Die Series, Book 1
On her first assignment since her promotion to SSA status in the Serial Crimes Unit of the FBI, Jade Monroe and her new partner, Lorenzo DeLeon, are tasked to southern Louisiana, where disturbing discoveries have been made. Human bones have been found in numerous sites deep in bayou country, and the locals aren’t too excited about having outsiders poking around in their business.
When Jade has a chance meeting with a local hunter, she finds his assistance exactly what she needs to break through that unwelcoming barrier. She brings him on board as their go-between.
The hunter inserts himself into their investigation and gains Jade’s trust, but is he authentic, or does he have his own agenda?
A bone-chilling blindside and a dangerous chase through the Louisiana swamps is just the beginning, but the question remains—is Jade the hunter, or is she the one being hunted?
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 1
Our rented shuttle bus had just arrived at the Crystal Gardens on Navy Pier that Saturday afternoon. It was Jesse and Hanna’s big day, and I couldn’t have been more excited for them. Although Kate and Amber were better acquainted with Jesse, I’d still known him for more than three years, and I couldn’t believe how fast the time had gone.
Our group arriving from North Bend consisted of Kate, Amber, Jack, Billings, Clayton, and myself. At the satellite office in Glendale, we’d picked up Spelling and his wife, Amanda, and J.T.
I looked to the gorgeous summer sky as we parked on Navy Pier and exited the bus. The building’s glass atrium glistened in the sunlight.
We were early since Kate was Hanna’s maid of honor and rightfully so. She and Jesse had a connection that could never be broken. Kate had been instrumental in saving Jesse’s life three years back, and since she couldn’t be his best man—Frank had already claimed that position—it was only fitting that Hanna and Jesse asked her to be Hanna’s maid of honor. Kate happily accepted.
According to the invitation, everything would be held under one roof, from the exchange of vows and rings to the dinner reception and a night of dancing with a live band. Later, we would spend the night at the Blu Aqua Hotel, a short mile away from the venue. I was sure it would be a wedding to remember.
Kate excused herself to meet up with Hanna and her bridesmaids for pictures before the ceremony. The event was set to begin in an hour.
Our group mingled with other early arrivals, and some I recognized and some I didn’t. We joined Jesse’s friends at the bar for mimosas. Hugs and handshakes were shared freely between us and Jesse’s coworkers. I knew Lutz, Frank, Henry, and Shawn, and I assumed the others were detectives I’d never met. I reintroduced myself to Hanna’s mom, Lee, and Jesse’s neighbor, Dean, who was Lee’s cousin.
At a quarter till four, the announcement came for guests to take their seats. The wedding was set to begin at four o’clock sharp. Everyone was escorted to available seats on both sides of the aisle. There wasn’t a groom’s side or a bride’s side, and the chairs—except for the ones in the first row—were available for anyone to sit wherever they liked. It pulled at my heartstrings to think that Jesse and Hanna had only two family members in attendance—Lee and Dean. I glanced around as I took my seat in the front row with Amber, Jesse’s immediate coworkers, his college buddies, and several of Hanna’s closest friends from the animal hospital. I was sure that Jesse’s heart was full of love as well as sadness. Missing from the front row were his mom, dad, and sister, Jenna, who had been murdered by her own husband three years earlier.
Around us, seats filled quickly. That was how it was in our line of work—cops belonged to a family of brothers and sisters, and the bond of loyalty and support between us ran deep.
That loyalty took me back to our dad’s funeral nearly five years ago. The support Amber and I had received from our own community, from surrounding counties, and as far away as California and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, where my dad worked, was beyond belief. I was glad I had brought tissues along and knew I would need them.
Music played as the last guests took their seats. From a room off to the side of the platform appeared Jesse’s college buddy Joe, a crime fiction author, and Frank and Dean, and they stood next to the minister. Seconds later, Jesse, dressed elegantly in a black tux, walked up
the aisle with Bandit at his side. I dabbed my cheeks with a tissue and handed one to Amber. Jesse and Bandit took their places at the altar, and Jesse gave us a quick smile. Jesse, Frank, and all his buddies rivaled any hot-firefighters calendar lineup, and I considered Hanna a lucky woman.
We watched the end of the aisle and saw Coby enter next. Everyone laughed as he made his way to Bandit’s side and sat down obediently. Coby was followed by Kate, who looked radiant in an off-the-shoulder peach-colored mid-calf-length sheath. It beautifully accentuated her tall slender frame. She carried a bouquet of peach-colored tea roses, baby’s breath, and lacy ferns. I gave her my biggest grin, and Amber shot a thumbs-up her way as Kate passed. Two other bridesmaids in similar attire followed Kate. The “Wedding March” began, and everyone stood. Phone cameras were at the ready, and seconds later, Hanna walked down the aisle with her mom, Lee. In place of Hanna’s father, Lee had the role of giving her daughter away.
Hanna looked stunning. Her long blond hair draped over her shoulders in ringlets, and her headpiece was a tiara with a six-foot-long train that swept the floor. I nearly gasped at the sight of her dress. The sleeveless champagne-colored satin gown had extensive beadwork and the form-fitting style made her look like a goddess. As soon as she appeared from the back of the room, Jesse had tears of what looked like pure love and joy sliding down his cheeks. I could only wish to find love like that again someday. With a sigh, I continued snapping pictures.
After the beautiful ceremony, we gathered again in the bar area while the bride, groom, and wedding party posed for pictures. Amber, Jack, Clayton, Billings, J.T., Spelling, and Amanda took seats at a long banquet table and joined in on conversations with Lutz and Jesse’s work crew. We had a lot to catch up on since we hadn’t seen each other since football season last year. We exchanged stories for well over an hour. In our line of work, that was something we couldn’t help doing.
Lutz tipped his head my way. “Word is you’re starting a new job on Monday. Sounds like you got a nice promotion as a senior special agent.”
“I did, sir. I’m still in Serial Crimes, but the division I’ll be working in has a longer reach. They assist the Manassas, Virginia, unit when needed anywhere in the country, plus they help cover all regions and states east of the Mississippi.”
Spelling teased, “Yep, she’ll be too good for the likes of us now.”
I swatted the air. “Don’t even listen to him. The position was offered to J.T. first, but he turned it down.”
J.T. laughed. “I like sleeping in my own bed more than three nights a month. Nah, seriously, Jade deserves it.”
Lutz chuckled. “Seems like a long drive from North Bend to St. Francis every day.”
“It will be, but if I’m in other states and sleeping in hotels half the month, it really won’t matter.”
“Have you met your new team yet?”
“I did during my orientation, and they all seem great.” I jabbed the air. “Much nicer than these dopes.”
J.T. pretended to have hurt feelings, and Jack cut in. “You should be used to it, J.T. She dumped us too.”
I took my turn. “Well, I can’t say that I won’t miss all of you because I will.” I looked back at Lutz. “Luckily, everyone from my old crew at the sheriff’s office lives within ten minutes of me. We see each other a lot, and none of my former FBI buddies live more than forty minutes away. We’ll make it work.”
Platters of finger food sat at each table, and I munched as we talked. It had been more than eight hours since we’d eaten breakfast back in North Bend.
Amber leaned in at my side. “I just thought of something.”
“Yeah, what’s that?”
“Kate saved Jesse’s life, so they’re a lock forever.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And Frank saved Kate’s life. So how does that work?”
I raised my brows. “Well, that is true.”
“Hmm…”
“What does that mean?”
“You know what they say about weddings.”
I laughed. “Actually, I don’t.”
“Just watch as the night plays out. They are standing up together, so sooner or later, they’ll have to dance together too.”
I shook my head. Amber was always the one who played matchmaker. “How old are you now?”
“You know damn well how old I am.”
“That’s right, so maybe you ought to get out on the dance floor yourself. Who knows? Magic might happen for you too.”
She looked around at the crowd and grinned. “There is plenty of potential here.”
“True, but you live at least a hundred and thirty miles from any of those hunks.”
Jack gave me a wink and proceeded to rib Amber. “I’m a single guy and damn good-looking. So what are you saying? I’m nothing more than chopped liver?”
Amber pulled back and wrinkled her nose, then she raised her palms to Jack’s face. “Eww, you’re my boss and like the brother I never had.”
I grinned. “And maybe don’t want after all.” As we laughed, I pointed at the group heading our way. “Looks like the wedding party has decided to join us.”
Jack rubbed his hands together. “Good. Now maybe the caterers will start setting out the food. I for one am starving.”
J.T. nodded. “Make that two of us.”
That evening was like the fairy tale we all needed. Our daily lives consisted of seeing and dealing with death, horror, and sadness. Happiness, love, and laughter filled the night and warmed my soul.
After dinner, cake cutting, and the grand march, the band set up, and the music began. Drinks flowed, and people danced. My eyes went to Kate and Frank as they were introduced by the emcee and began a slow dance together. I grinned. Maybe Amber was onto something after all, since they did appear to be enjoying each other’s company—a lot.
It was two in the morning by the time the party wound down. The Crystal Gardens was closing up for the night, and most of the guests were either drunk or well on their way. Luckily, plenty of shuttles were waiting outside to take everyone to their hotels.
Jesse and Hanna stood outside the doors as the guests exited. Hugs, kisses, and well-wishes were passed along.
I whispered in Jesse’s ear before we boarded the bus. “You did good, dude, and nobody deserves it more than you. I hope you two have a wonderful honeymoon that will last the rest of your lives.”
His grin spread to his ears. “That’s the plan.” He squeezed my hand and hugged me, Amber, and finally, Kate. “I love you, Kate, and if Hanna and I are lucky enough to have kids someday, and one happens to be a girl, she’ll be named Kate, after you.”
A lump caught in my throat. I’d never heard such touching words before. Kate and Jesse hugged. She wiped her eyes and kissed his and Hanna’s cheeks, then we boarded the shuttle for our hotel. I had a tissue ready for her as we took our seats.
Chapter 2
He couldn’t quench his appetite for killing, whether the victim was human or animal. It felt as natural as breathing. Robert Lee Williams—or Robby, as he insisted that the two people he knew call him—had been killing for some time. He justified it as the need to survive—financially and physically. To his surprise, he’d never been caught. To his good fortune, his outdoor skills and his home’s location more than guaranteed he would never be discovered. Living deep within the Louisiana bayous, Robby was off the grid, and very few people knew where he lived or even that he existed.
A fall had severely injured his back, resulting in a yearlong forced hiatus and putting his hobby on hold. His food supply was nearly depleted, and his available cash had dwindled to under fifty dollars in the bank. Now that he was back to feeling as strong as he had before, Robby was up to the task, had already completed his fourth kill, and was raring to hit the road that night in search of his next victim.
As he sat on a stump, Robby poked the charred logs, leaned forward, and blew on them. He rubbed his stinging smoke-filled eyes as they began to water, but
the embers ignited, and the flames sprang to life. With the stick, he pushed what remained of a hitchhiker’s hand back into the flames. Satisfied that it would be nothing but bone fragments and ash soon enough, Robby returned to the stilt shack he shared with three feral cats and a hound dog. He’d had seven cats a year earlier, but he assumed that gators had devoured the others. Robby stirred the stew that had been simmering on the camp stove—he needed to eat something before heading out. Night would fall shortly. He would be on the prowl again, and chances were, he’d invite a new friend home for a late dinner. He also needed to dispose of several carcasses he’d been saving. They needed to be dumped a good distance from his home. It would be easy to toss the human waste into the murky brown water just beyond his door, but he didn’t want the gators to become accustomed to the taste of humans. He had no intention of being surprised by an unexpected reptile that could put a quick end to him or Pete, his dog.
He loaded the back of his truck with the carcasses and headed out. Robby anticipated the adrenaline rush that he would experience later that night. He liked to look into his victim’s eyes when they realized their fate. With a sniff of the thick Louisiana air, he would catch the scent of fear, and witnessing their last seconds of life exhilarated him. Having that kind of power over another human being gave him strength. He didn’t have a vendetta, and he didn’t kill for revenge. He killed purely for pleasure, to pocket a few bucks, and to fill his cooler.
Chapter 3
Monday morning had arrived, and my alarm sounded at six o’clock. I needed to be on time for the start of my new position within the FBI. I was excited for the added responsibility, sad to be leaving my old crew, and nervous since I would be the rookie in a group of agents whom I didn’t really know. I’d briefly met the person I’d be partnered with, a seasoned agent ten years my senior whose previous partner had taken early retirement and moved to St. Augustine to be closer to family. I couldn’t fault anyone who wanted to be near loved ones or to escape the brutal Wisconsin winters that seemed to last for seven months of the year.
