by Emery, Lynn
“I know we’re almost thirty minutes early, but Chase was able to break away from the station and…” LaShaun stopped when Marion shook her head.
“Don’t you worry about it. Come on in.” Marion moved aside and then closed the door once they stood in the foyer. “We finished serving supper over an hour ago. So we can go into the dining room. Now I was thinking we could set up the small parlor on the west side of the foyer. That way your guests won’t feel crowded in here.”
“We won’t have a huge crowd, so I think we’ll be fine,” LaShaun said as they followed her.
“Oh, no extra charge dear. Spreading out will make it more elegant.” Marion waved an arm out dramatically. “Deputy Broussard, what do you think?”
“Looks okay to me.”
“Yes, it’s beautiful.” LaShaun discreetly poked him in the side.
Chase cleared his throat. “Right. Mighty fine room.”
Marion Saunders laughed. “Most men don’t look at decor the same way women do, Deputy Broussard. If the room has chairs and tables you’re satisfied. Am I right?”
“Pretty much,” Chase admitted with a sheepish grin.
“I promise we’re going to charm your guests.”
Marion Saunders chattered on for a few more minutes. Her husband joined them. He stood silent, hands stuck in both pockets of his corduroy slacks. Harry Saunders seemed content to let his wife do the sales job.
“So why don’t you look around. We have lighting on the grounds. Go out to the two gazebos we have near the lake,” Marion said. “Harry installed a solar power fountain and colored lights in the center of it.”
“Yeah, you’ll have the run of the place. We got only two couples, and they don’t want to wander around here at night. In fact the Thompsons are leaving tonight they’re so eager to get out of here,” Harry said with a grim expression.
Marion shot him a look. “Now Harry, you know they have a family emergency back in Ohio.”
“Yeah, sure they do,” Harry mumbled.
“LaShaun told me y’all were booked solid,” Chase said and glanced at LaShaun.
“Things were fine until some idiot connected the place with that kid getting murdered,” Harry replied. “Damn fools.”
“What?” Chase frowned at him.
“Just a lot of wild talk that doesn’t mean a thing. The property those kids were found on used to be part of the original plantation, but that means nothing.” Marion twisted her hands together for a moment. Then she smiled and forced her hands to be still. “Nothing to it all. Go along and savor the atmosphere. Think about if you want a room or a cottage. We’ll charge you the same rate considering…”
“Yeah,” Harry broke in again. “You’ll probably have your pick of any room you want.”
“Inspect the kitchen, dear.” Marion struggled to keep her smile as she nudged him to leave. “Make sure Mrs. Dautrieve put everything away, and prepped for breakfast in the morning.”
“Ella always has that kitchen spotless,” Harry replied.
Marion glared at him. “Just go. I mean, it’s best to double check.”
“Fine, fine.” Harry left.
Marion faced LaShaun and Chase. “We can finalize the arrangements when you come back. I opened the patio doors for you.”
“We won’t be long.” LaShaun tugged Chase toward the parlor.
Chase gazed around the foyer as though seeing it for the first time. “Right.”
“So what do you think?” LaShaun said. “I agree with Marion. Guests can spread out here even with the band playing in this room.”
“Uh-huh. What’s this about the house?” Chase brought LaShaun up short as she attempted to continue on their tour.
LaShaun closed the double oak doors to the parlor. “James Schaffer…”
“That bonehead again,” Chase blurted out.
“His research learned the original plantation stretched for seventy acres or more. The woods where Greg and the others were found hanging used to be part of the Metier family land.” LaShaun studied his expression closely. She felt no tingle, and no sign that a vision might appear.
“Most of this parish was owned by some old family at one time or another. Hell, the Trosclair mob owned a big chunk,” Chase replied.
“Yeah, well there were two murders in this house over a hundred years ago. There are rumors that owners were into the occult.” LaShaun stared hard for any sign of a change.
“How many folks around here believe in spirits and bad mojos? Only every generation for over three hundred years. Longer if you count the Indians. All I see is a lot of fancy what-nots and a few too many lace doilies for my taste.” Chase faced LaShaun. “Wait a minute. It’s no coincidence you came here that first time with Katie and Adrianna. Am I right?”
LaShaun sighed. “Miss Rose showed me an old newspaper story about one of the murders. Katie suggested I consider Sweet Olive as a local honeymoon spot. When I found out this used to be the Metier Mansion, I took the opportunity to get a feel for the place.”
“So now you’ve been here twice. Are you saying there’s something to Schaffer’s story other than a grab for ratings? Chase stood with his long legs apart.
“Well I did see… well experienced is more accurate….” LaShaun was about to go on when a scream sliced through the calm night air. She strode to the garden doors and opened them.
Chase went around LaShaun to go outside. He walked down wide brick steps to the patio. “What the hell?”
LaShaun joined him in the cool night air to scan the landscaped grounds… “I don’t see anybody on the nearest gazebo.”
Harry rushed out to the patio. “Did you hear that?”
Marion pushed him aside. “There are a lot of wild animals out here. Nothing but a cat feeling romantic.”
“That didn’t sound like a cat to me,” Harry said. He started to say more but another scream cut him off, not as loud but unmistakable.
LaShaun pointed to the nearest cottage. Light could be seen beyond the curtains. “Coming from there.”
“The Watermans,” Harry said, his eyes wide.
“I’ll go take a look,” LaShaun said and took off.
“LaShaun,” Chase called out. When she didn’t stop he spun around. “You two stay here.”
“Okay, we…” Harry started.
When a third scream rang out Chase didn’t wait to hear the rest. His long legs pumped in an effort to catch up to LaShaun. She hurdled toward the cottage. The cute postcard exterior contrasted with the grunts and screams that came from within. LaShaun tried, but couldn’t see anything but shadows through the window curtains.
“Don’t. Stop!”
A woman’s shaky voice filtered through the walls. Seconds later LaShaun heard cautious footfalls on the grass behind her. LaShaun turned around to face Chase. He crouched low and pulled LaShaun down with him.
“What did I tell you about running into trouble,” Chase rasped. He heaved in a breath and let it out.
“There’s a woman inside. I think she’s in trouble. I think we should…”
In a flash he strode to the cottage porch, up the steps. Chase stood to the side of the door and shouted, “Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s department. Throw any weapons out the door.”
“I, uh, I mean I don’t…” A deep male voice stammered. “I’m not armed, not exactly.”
“Throw out the damn ‘not exactly’ weapon and get your ass out here,” Chase snarled.
Seconds later the door opened slowly. A couple of odd looking objects hit the door facing and landed close to Chase’s feet. He glanced down and then up again. “Now walk out backwards with your hands up. Ma’am, are you okay? Say something if you can.”
“I’m fine,” came a weak reply. “Please don’t hurt Teddy.”
Moments later a paunchy middle-aged man backed out onto the porch wearing only a black leather thong and a mask. LaShaun blinked hard at him. Chase cuffed him to the porch railing.
“That’s Ted Waterman. Oh m
y God, is he hurt?” Harry started across the lawn.
“Stop right there,” Chase ordered. He stepped inside the cottage still holding his gun.
“Please keep him safe,” LaShaun whispered as five tense minutes ticked by. She relaxed a little when she heard muffled voices.
“Uh, LaShaun come in here, please,” Chase yelled.
LaShaun sprang past the cuffed man to Chase’s aid. She froze at the sight before her. A tall thin redhead lay stretched on the bed, her hands tied to the bed posts. She wore a blood red bustier. She looked scared out of her mind, but not because of the man outside. The woman pressed her knees together as she stared at Chase. When she saw LaShaun the woman started to shake.
“Please, take our money. We have plenty. Don’t throw us in the swamp to be eaten by alligators.” The redhead started bawling.
“Ma’am, he’s a deputy sheriff. We’re not criminals,” LaShaun shot back. When the woman continued to cry, she felt bad. “It’s okay. You’re safe is what I meant. Calm down.”
Chase holstered his Glock. “You talk to her. I’ll deal with Teddy.”
LaShaun loosened the knots on what turned out to be red satin wrist straps that matched the woman’s bustier. “Let’s get you free from these. Are you here of your own free will?”
The redhead pulled her hands from the straps. She gasped a few times, blinking rapidly. Suddenly her expression turned into a frown of fury. “Teddy is my fiancé. Of course I’m here of my own free will. What the hell is wrong with you people in this backwoods place? Invading our privacy like a horde of terrorists or something.”
“Sorry, but we heard screaming and…”
“We’re in a honeymoon cottage for God’s sake. You’re surprised to hear moans and screams?” the woman shouted. “I’m going to sue everybody in this damn hicksville town.”
Chapter 17
Two hours later things had calmed down considerably at the Sweet Olive Bed and Breakfast. Inside the cottage, Chase wound up his interview with Mr. Ted Waterman. Then he took on the infuriated future Mrs. Waterman. Mrs. Saunders promised them the moon and stars to make up for the intrusion, including a free future stay with meals included. Gina, the redhead, huffed and puffed until she got two free stays. She seemed somewhat placated after that. Harry served generous helpings of fine brandy to the shaken groom-to-be.
“Ma’am, I need to get a statement. But let me say I do apologize,” Chase said to Gina. “We’re investigating several murders in the area, and I wanted to make sure you were safe.”
Gina glanced at LaShaun. “Is she a deputy, too?”
“No.” Chase stepped over to LaShaun and whispered, “I think I might have more cooperation on my own.”
“Yeah, I know,” LaShaun mumbled back. She could tell Gina’s taste for rough men hadn’t been satisfied yet. “Be careful you don’t end up tied to that big fancy bed.”
Chase blushed pink. “Cut it out.”
With a shrug, LaShaun walked out, but not before glancing back at Gina. The woman’s eyes glittered with excitement as Chase approached her again. LaShaun joined Marion and Ted on the porch. Dressed in a robe and slacks, Ted took another gulp from the brandy glass he held.
“Look, uh, I realize we’re in the Bible belt. So if we’ve broken any laws… I’m a prominent business man with a family. So I don’t want to make a fuss, never mind what Gina says.” Ted looked at Harry for understanding.
Marion raised an eyebrow. “You checked in as Mr. and Mrs.”
“Well, ah, my divorce isn’t final. I mean, it’s in the works.” Ted drained the glass and held it out to Harry, who filled it again.
“I can fix that door in a few minutes so you folks can get some rest,” Harry said quickly before his wife could probe more. “Come on and help me get some tools.” The two men left.
“Humph, you know what that that means. The current Mrs. Waterman doesn’t know about the divorce, and she probably thinks he’s on a business trip. Men.” Marion scowled at the retreating pair.
“I’m just happy Ted doesn’t want to raise a big stink. Busting in on S & M games between consenting adults isn’t exactly good campaign publicity,” LaShaun said.
Chase came out of the cottage just as Harry and Ted returned. Ted carried a basket of goodies from the kitchen that included a bottle of their best wine. The two men seemed to be in a good mood, both laughing. Harry gave Chase a wink and then went to work on the cottage door. LaShaun, Marion, and Chase went back to the main house.
“Why don’t you two relax here for a while? All of our nerves are shot. I’ve got some peach brandy to settle us down.” Marion left without waiting for an answer.
“This has been one hell of a night.” LaShaun yawned.
“That’s one way to describe it. At least I didn’t shoot those idiots,” Chase retorted. He sat down on the sofa next to her.
LaShaun laughed. “No wonder they wanted the cottage way out back.”
Marion returned with a tray of crystal snifters full of brandy the color of dark amber. “Here we go. I think we’ve all earned more than a few of these.”
“Thanks.” LaShaun took a sip. “Wow, that’s good stuff.”
“My secret recipe, but I’ll tell you the basic ingredient. The brandy is made from peaches grown right here in Louisiana.”
“I usually take beer, but I gotta admit it taste okay.” Chase finished off his glass.
“Whoa, Deputy Broussard,” LaShaun said. “You’re driving, remember?”
“This tastes more like punch than a real drink. Hit me again,” Chase winked at her.
LaShaun shook her head. “At this rate we’ll end up spending the night so you can sleep off that ‘punch’.”
“Excellent idea! You can have Suite 3A and sample a room in preparation for your honeymoon stay.” Marion jumped up as though the decision was made.
“All that runnin’ around has made me kind of tired,” Chase said. He drained his glass again and yawned.
“That alcohol your chugging is making you sleepy,” LaShaun said. She turned to Marion. “Obviously we haven’t had time to discuss the wedding or reception tonight, so…”
“Deputy Broussard will soon be elected sheriff. With all the crime I doubt he’ll be able to get away for an extended trip,” Marion replied. She continued down a hallway. “I’m going lay out fresh towels. I even have some wonderful bath salts you two can use to calm your nerves.”
“But wait…” LaShaun started.
“After all the ruckus of tonight, we can all use a peaceful rest. That’s for sure,” Marion went on. She disappeared muttering to herself about other details.
“Here, have some more. I think this stuff is a love potion or something. I want another glass myself with a slice of LaShaun to go with it.” Chase poured brandy into LaShaun’s snifter. He rubbed LaShaun’s thigh.
“Marion or Harry will walk in.”
“The sight of leather and all this talk of honeymooning has me sweating. I’m not talking about the temperature either.” Chase cupped one of LaShaun’s breasts. He brushed her lips with his and smiled.
“Chase, I…”LaShaun shivered as she gazed into his eyes. She wanted to know exactly who was talking to her. Before she could go on Harry entered the parlor.
“Damn fortunate I got those two settled down and in a good mood. The Watermans, well Ted and Gina, actually bought my story.” Harry heaved a sigh as he fell into an overstuffed chair.
“Exactly what did you tell them?” Chase still had a hand on LaShaun’s thigh.
“Well, er…” Harry turned bright pink. “I kinda implied that we set up that scene for a little bit of local color. You know, to enhance their, ahem, experience.”
“And they believed you?” LaShaun blurted out.
“Generous servings of champagne helped,” Harry said. He lowered his voice. “Don’t mention this to Marion. She’ll say this place will become a magnet for the bondage crowd.”
“I won’t talk.” Chase saluted Harry w
ith his snifter.
“Thank you, sir.” Harry popped out of his chair. He went to an antique bar in the corner of the parlor. “Believe I’ll join you two with a glass of fine red wine.”
Harry and Chase chattered about sports, cars, and more sports. LaShaun took Chase’s hand, but let the men have fun. She savored the familiar warmth of Chase’s voice, and the normalcy of his behavior. Maybe her fears had gotten the best of her. Certainly no trace of the awful events of this house seemed to stoke the power of Abiku.
Marion came down the staircase. “Well, I have the room ready for you. On the house of course.”
“You have the floor to yourselves,” Harry put in brightly.
“Yes, unfortunately,” Marion added with a brief frown, but then her expression brightened. “I’m hoping to change that with more publicity. Maybe we can attract a more adventurous clientele even.”
“Like the Watermans?” Harry murmured into his wine glass with a wink at Chase. The two men laughed.
“Check the doors and let’s get some rest, Harry,” Marion said sharply and squinted at him.
“Yes, dear,” Harry replied. He struggled to stop grinning, but didn’t quite succeed.
“I hope you have a good night.” Marion beamed at them before she headed to their downstairs quarters. They had a master suite on the first floor in an old wing that used to be part of an outdoor kitchen. Moments later they heard Harry talking to her as he followed.
“Goodnight,” LaShaun said and covered the wide yawn that followed with one hand. “What time is it anyway?”
“From the way you’re eyes are drooping I’d say it’s time for bed,” Chase teased. He glanced at his cell phone. “Almost eleven thirty. This turned out to be quite a tour. Now let’s take them up on that free deluxe suite.”
“Well, since we’re here,” LaShaun replied as she stroked his muscular bicep. Chase scooped her up into his arms. “Hmm, suddenly I’m not all that sleepy.”
“Even more reason to stay over. Hmm, did I hear her say we’ve got the third floor all to ourselves?” Chase traced a line of fire with his lips down LaShaun’s throat.
LaShaun snuggled closer. Detecting no alien presence in him, she sighed with relief. Maybe her prayers combined with prayers from Miss Rose and the twins were working. She d delivered a scorching kiss until both were breathless.
