by Emery, Lynn
The sunny room faded as though a dark storm cloud had descended. Gas lamps on the fireplace mantel and tables lit the room. Instead of the modern setting, LaShaun watched as the room traveled back in time. A man sat slumped at a massive dark oak desk. A still smoking cigar rested in a massive bronze ash tray at his elbow. A dark figure wearing a wide brim hat and long black coat stood over the man. LaShaun couldn’t see the person’s face. The figure regarded the motionless man calmly, puffing on a long cigar. Blood pooled on the desk blotter. Spots had splattered heavy light brown draperies covering a window behind the desk. After a while, the figure lifted the man’s head. One of the victim’s eye sockets leaked gore. LaShaun felt a wave of nausea that made her gasp. She clapped a hand over her mouth. The figured laughed softly as he examined his handiwork. A yawning slash across the victim’s throat caused his head to flop to one side. More blood flowed and the man made a gurgling sound.
“My God, he’s not dead,” LaShaun moaned.
She grabbed for the phone in her cross body bag. Silk fabric rustled under her fingers. Looking down, LaShaun found she wore a deep green taffeta floor length dress. When she touched her hair, it was pulled back into a prim bun.
“Don’t worry, my sweet. He will be dead soon enough. Consider yourself free,” the dark figure said.
He turned to face LaShaun. Only bright red eyes glowed against a coal black face. Not skin, and no facial features; only a blank void. Suddenly, an opening appeared in the shape of a grotesquely grinning mouth full of razor sharp teeth. Dizzy from the sensation of the room spinning, LaShaun grabbed for a chair nearby. She whimpered as a wave of that horrified remorse washed over her. When a hand touched her shoulder, LaShaun pushed away. She stumbled forward looking for a way to escape the horrendous scene.
“We better call 911. She’s about to pass out,” a female voice said. “Honey, sit down. Can you walk?”
“I’ve got her,” Harry Saunders replied as he circled an arm around LaShaun’s waist.
“What?” LaShaun sucked in air and let it out in an effort to recover. With a jolt she bounced out of her trance into the present again.
“Don’t worry, we’re calling an ambulance to get you to the hospital,” Katie said in her in take charge tone.
“I’m okay. Just let me have some cold water and sit down for a while,” LaShaun blurted out forcefully. “No hospital.”
“You look positively green,” Adrianna said with a worried frown.
“I haven’t eaten since last night. That’s all it is.” LaShaun allowed Harry Saunders to support her across the room. He eased her into a cushiony chair.
Marion handed LaShaun a glass. “Here you go. I put a little peppermint in the water. It settles the stomach. Now sip slowly.”
“Thank you.” LaShaun forced a smile she hoped would reassure them all. Worried and skeptical gazes told her they weren’t convinced.
“I still say you should get checked out,” Katie insisted. She blinked at LaShaun rapidly.
“I’m a retired nurse. Give me your hand, dear,” Marion said. She placed two fingers on LaShaun’s wrist, and then looked into her eyes. “Her pulse is normal. Pupils not dilated.”
“I’m really feeling much better. I just got a little woozy, no big deal,” LaShaun said. “Let’s see the upstairs rooms and cottages.”
Adrianna spoke up before anyone else. “Not a great idea, LaShaun. We can always come back.”
LaShaun shook her head hard but she stopped, afraid the faint sensation would return. She needed to find out more, see more about the dark figure and the woman in the taffeta. Just as she was about to argue why she should stay, her cell phone rang. She pulled it out. Chase’s picture and cell number was displayed.
“It’s Chase,” LaShaun said.
“Her fiancé,” Katie informed Marion and Harry.
“Hi honey,” LaShaun answered the call in a cheerful tone.
Adrianna murmured to the others and they moved away to a discreet distance to give LaShaun privacy. Katie seemed the most reluctant to leave, but Adrianna cupped Katie’s left elbow and forced her to move.
“You okay? You sound funny,” Chase said through the phone.
“I’m fine, baby,” LaShaun assured him. Once again she wondered if Chase had some psychic ability. Or maybe, as Monmon Odette had told her once, those who truly love connect soul to soul. She hoped it was the latter. If he was open to the spirits… She shook off that thought and said, “What’s up?”
“I need to come get you. I know it’s crazy, but I’m in court in Abbeville and the DA wants you here just in case. We’ve recessed for lunch. I’ll explain when I get to the house.” Chase spoke in a rapid pressured voice.
“I’m a short ride outside Abbeville,” LaShaun replied.
“I thought you were with Katie and Adrianna at my place to go over…”
“We changed plans. I’ll explain once you get here. What does a court hearing have to do with me?” LaShaun asked, lowering her voice.
“Manny Young hired an attorney. He’s filed to have his conviction for murder overturned,” Chase replied. “He’s got a unique defense. We’ll talk in a few.”
“Okay.” LaShaun gave him directions and hung up.
Manny Young, the serial killer known as The Blood River Ripper, could be released? Evidence against him had been strong. His DNA had been on at least two of the dead women found near Blood River. He was linked to ten other deaths, bloody corpses found in three Louisiana Parishes and one east Texas County. LaShaun wondered what kind of madness had been set loose that had convinced anyone Manny Young should be on the streets again. Apparently, she would find out soon. The image of the dark figure with fiery red eyes and saw-like teeth from the Metier library flashed into her mind.
Chapter 4
LaShaun had explained three times that Chase was on his way to pick her up. Katie huffed about the strange turn her day of planning had taken. Chatterbox Adrianna became quiet. LaShaun could tell she was afraid that more spooky events were happening. Chase pulled up in his Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s department cruiser and her future sisters-in law weren’t the only folks staring. Marion and Henry wore expressions that held equal parts anxiety and curiosity. Marion spoke up first before Chase even got out.
“Um, I hope there isn’t a problem,” the innkeeper said. She looked at all three of her visitors with curiosity.
“No, ma’am, nothing for you to worry about,” LaShaun said in her best cheerful tone. Not unless you call possibly having a serial killer for a neighbor a problem, she thought grimly. But she kept her smile as Chase exited from the driver’s side.
Katie turned to the woman. “You know how it is. He probably got lonesome for his one true love, and since he was close by…” She winked at the older couple.
“Hey, everybody. This place is pretty nice,” Chase said with a grin and planted a kiss on LaShaun’s mouth. “I hope y’all don’t mind me runnin’ off with my lady for a bit. She said y’all were about to wrap it up anyway.”
Adrianna wore a slight frown of skepticism. She shot a glance at LaShaun with an eyebrow raised. “We haven’t seen the rooms or the cabins for your honeymoon. I’d say that’s pretty important.”
“I was going to suggest that Chase come back with me for that part of the tour anyway,” LaShaun put in before Chase could speak again.
“Yeah, that sounds like a plan. So, let’s go baby. Nice to meet y’all,” Chase said and nodded graciously to Henry and Marion.
Henry strode forward with a hand out. “Nice to meet you, Deputy Broussard. You’re a real hero around here.”
“Thank you, sir. Just doing my job,” Chase said and shook hands with him.
“You’ve done more than just an ordinary day’s work on those cases, Deputy. Honey, he’s running for sheriff, and he’s got my vote. I know a lot of people who feel the same.” Henry grinned at him and motioned to his wife. “These folks are famous for catching a load of killers around here. Wow, this is fabulous
.”
“Oh my,” Marion blurted out. “You’re LaShaun Rousselle. I watch Ghost Team USA all the time and James Shaffer says you’re a psychic. Is it true those murders were linked to the supernatural?”
LaShaun cleared her throat loudly to cover the loud groan from Chase. “No, ma’am. There’s very little reality in that reality show.”
I’ve really enjoyed meeting you folks, but we have to leave,” Chase said and grabbed LaShaun’s hand. “We’ll see you later, Katie and Adrianna.”
“Come on, Marion. We’ve got dinner to plan and rooms to clean while the guests are out sightseeing. Great meeting you folks,” Henry said.
Marion kept talking as her husband nudged her back to the B&B. “You know, I think we can finish renovating that cabin near the pond by the time of your wedding. That’s it. You be sure and call me back.”
“Thanks. We’ll be in touch,” LaShaun replied with a wave.
Katie stepped forward with Adrianna beside her. “Why did you really drive miles over here?”
“Yeah, what’s up?” Adrianna added. Her Latina accent grew deeper. “I know you didn’t just happen to drop by this way. Don’t even try it.”
Chase waved a forefinger at his sister and sister-in-law. “Official business I can’t discuss. Thanks for understanding.” He tugged LaShaun’s hands until she trailed behind him.
“Sorry, girls. I promise we’ll get right back on the wedding details. Call you.” LaShaun blew a kiss at them.
“Yeah, we want to know more than wedding details,” Katie shouted.
LaShaun got into the passenger side of the cruiser. The imitation leather interior was such a deep brown it looked black. The tough vinyl could stand up to heavy use, but the seats were comfortable. She sat in the bucket seat. A console between the passenger and driver held a compact laptop computer, a wide band radio, and other tools of the cop trade. Chase slid smoothly into the driver’s seat behind the wheel.
“We still got forty minutes left of the recess the judge granted the DA. Good thing we’re so close to the courthouse.” Chase checked for traffic and pulled onto the road. He soon had the cruiser going up to a speed of fifty miles per hour.
LaShaun waved a hand in front of her nose. “What is that trace of stink?”
“Sorry, I don’t even notice it now. Had a real smelly robbery suspect in here about three days ago. Guess I better get one of those little scented trees to hang from the rearview mirror, huh?” Chase grinned.
“What did he steal, road kill? Phew!” LaShaun hit the button and the car window rolled down.
“Hey, this is way better than it was. I had it scrubbed out,” Chase chuckled at LaShaun’s pained expression. “I can see you wouldn’t like police work. We deal with a lot worse smells, believe me.”
“Speaking of dealing with the dirty side of crime,” LaShaun said and lost the playful expression. “Manny Young is trying to get a new trial?”
Chase frowned. “Yeah, and trust me, there is no clean side of crime. Not in my experience. Killers like Manny Young and his grandfather make funky smelling petty crooks something to look forward to.”
“He was convicted of a bloody killing, and there’s solid evidence linking him to at least eleven other murders. What lawyer in his right mind would take his case and work on an appeal for the Blood River Ripper?” LaShaun stared at Chase. “It’s unbelievable.”
“That’s where you come in seems like,” Chase replied with a tense set to his handsome jaw. “One of the hot shot professors from Tulane Law School and his top students. They take on cases with ‘unique circumstances’ is how they put it. I read up on them.”
“What?” LaShaun glared at him and slapped his arm. “How long have you known Manny was trying to get a new trial?”
Chase heaved a sigh. “Only about two weeks. We’ve both been happy for the last few months, even with the political crap that goes with the election. I didn’t want to spoil it, especially for you. You’ve been so relaxed, like… I don’t know, like just a normal nervous bride.”
“Yeah, about as normal as you can get with the notorious LaShaun Rousselle, right?” LaShaun said and smiled at him. “I wish I could give you even more normal, honey.”
“Hey, I got what I want. Darlin’, if I wanted normal, I could have gotten a job in a local plant and married some girl next door. Instead, I chose to join the sheriff’s department and fell in love with a beautiful woman who had me with her first ‘Hello’.” Chase took one hand off the steering wheel and rubbed LaShaun’s thigh for a few seconds before letting go again.
LaShaun laughed as she slid as close as the divided seats would allow. “I’d like to see the day Chase Broussard let any woman rule him.”
“Trust me, baby. You got me body and soul,” Chase said quietly as he pulled up to a four-way stop intersection. When the car stopped moving, he took the chance to kiss LaShaun.
When their lips parted, LaShaun brushed her fingers through his hair. “Me, too, Deputy Broussard.”
Chase put both hands back on the wheel and took a turn for the final two miles to the courthouse. “I don’t want anybody messin’ with you, and that sure as hell includes Manny Young.”
The warmth from their kiss faded as LaShaun remembered the serial killer. “What’s the lawyer’s theory, and how does it involve me?”
“He says because Manny had an abusive childhood, his grandfather had control of his mind. At first the DA thought he was going for an added twist on the insanity defense. But I don’t think so.” Chase pulled up to a stop light on a few blocks from the picturesque downtown of Abbeville. “I think the lawyer is going to say Manny didn’t kill anybody, that he may have been present but…”
“His granddaddy actually did the killing,” LaShaun finished for him. An intense prickle like electricity coursed down her arms. Orin Young had been a kind of human evil that could make even an atheist believe in Satan. “Orin Young did destroy his oldest son and turned Manny into a monster,” LaShaun replied.
“Humph, that’s exactly what his legal team wants to convince the judge. There’s the DA. He’s not looking too happy,” Chase said and nodded toward the lovely old courthouse.
As they got out of the cruiser Scott Hazelton strode toward them. He seemed on edge, unable to wait until they crossed the pavement to reach him. At six feet four inches tall, the DA made a big impression during trials and before media cameras. His thick dark hair, slightly gray at the temples, helped as well. LaShaun could sense that he had a mixture of annoyance and relief to see her. After all, he’d come close to trying her for murder less than a year ago.
“Ms. Rousselle; thanks for coming on such short notice,” Hazelton intoned and stuck out his hand.
LaShaun took it briefly and let go. “I’m very surprised to be here, to say the least.”
“I can well imagine. I…” Hazelton’s voice faded away as he glanced past them. “We’ve got company, this way.”
Chase followed his gaze. “Damn it. How did Schaffer get wind of this?”
“Tell me you’re kidding,” LaShaun muttered.
Hazelton jerked a thumb for them to follow to a side door a few feet away. “At least he won’t be able to follow us.”
The DA’s long legged-stride made LaShaun almost jog beside him to keep up as Chase brought up the rear. Schaffer called out to them as he hustled from almost a block away to get closer. His videographer stood still shooting footage for a few seconds longer, no doubt using a zoom lens. Then he moved when Schaffer yelled for him to follow. Both were too late. Hazelton got them through the door and inside long before Schaffer could catch up. The entrance wasn’t for the public, only for official use. A chunky male Abbeville police officer checked LaShaun’s small cross-body bag and waved them on. Then the solemn middle-aged cop scowled at Schaffer, who stood outside tapping on the glass with the words “Employees Only” clearly painted on it. The officer opened the door.
“This isn’t a public entrance sir. If you have court busi
ness, please go to the new building across the parking lot.”
“I only want to speak to the DA and Ms. Rousselle. I’m with the Fox Network and—”
“Sir, you can’t come in,” the officer repeated in a monotone that implied he was used to repeating those words.
LaShaun looked back only briefly as Hazelton led them deeper into the historic old building. Schaffer’s attempts at impressing the officer fell on deaf ears. LaShaun smiled as Schaffer’s voice rose in frustration.
“You can bet he’ll be waiting for us,” Chase said with a grimace.
“Who is that clown anyway?” Hazelton said. He waved them into a small conference room. A younger man dressed in a dark gray suit entered and shut the door.
“The lead investigator of spooky happenings on a show called Ghost Team USA,” LaShaun started.
“My wife loves that show,” the younger man said. He shrugged when Hazelton sighed. “Sorry, but it’s kind of popular. I’m Josh Labadie by the way, assistant DA.”
He grinned at them and nodded. His honey blonde all-American-boy-next door good looks contrasted with Hazelton’s dark, somber facade.
“Nice to meet you,” LaShaun said. He seemed less keyed up, and more accessible than his boss. Yet she also sensed he used his charm as a weapon to disarm. “So why am I here gentlemen?”
