Abram yelled back, “I was just thinkin’ be safer not to be here at all!”
Spicey looked at Agent Weaver, “I think Jeremiah told me the rats live in little colonies. We must just looked like a little second line parade comin’ down the street. Reminded ‘em they be hungry.”
Agent Troy rolled his eyes and put a new clip in his gun. He looked down at his suit pants and realized no dry cleaner on earth could ever save them. Dakin and Sasha were sitting, huddled in the center of the boat.
Dakin looked up at Troy, “You’re so brave.”
Sasha rolled her eyes.
The man on the top deck yelled down to the other guys, “Check on the broads! This isn’t a vacation!”
Uh oh. I looked at Teresa. “You have a plan I hope?”
The men were both walking toward us. Teresa smiled, “Remember when you turned into a monkey?”
“You want me to turn into a monkey and do what?”
Suddenly Teresa was a huge tiger. She sat at the top of the stairs and roared at the men.
Einstein took out his gun and shot her! Teresa started slowly walking toward him. He shot until his gun was empty and kept backing up. He and Arnold were screaming and pressed against the deck rail. Teresa lay down and started licking her paws.
The man on the upper deck started shooting her. Arnold and Einstein screamed for him to stop. It wasn’t working anyway and they were worried he would shoot them. All in all, it was brilliant. The men stayed plastered against the rail and the other man stayed on the top deck. Teresa took a nap. Linda and Mary kept singing show tunes. I played a game of solitare.
Ellen sent a message to Linda’s watch that the FBI had located the boat and the Coast Guard, with FBI, was on its way. Cool.
Dooley walked in to the Dirty Secret and saw Dillard Boggs sitting at his favorite booth. Dooley order a drink from a passing waitress and sat down. Dooley watched the stripper on stage until Boggs spoke.
Boggs’ eyes darted about the room, “Were you followed?”
“What? Who would follow me?” Dooley had forgotten how crazy Boggs could get.
Boggs sat his drink down and leaned his body as far forward as his bulk would allow. “What did you find out? Why are they lookin’ to pin this Jarvis thing on me? Hey, I know you’re connected, give it to me straight.” Boggs looked very nervous and in a very bad mood. He slammed back his drink and whistled loudly for another.
Dooley had his own problems to worry about but he didn’t need to get on the bad side of Boggs. “I don’t know why Cat is snoopin’ in the Jarvis case. I do know he wouldn’t be wastin’ his time for no reason.”
“Thanks. That helps a lot. I’ll be sure to think kindly of your help when I’m rottin’ in prison.” Boggs’ beady eyes glared at Dooley.
“What makes you think you’ll go to prison?” Boggs was a known coke head and paranoid as hell.
“That Catahoula dude wants my alibi for that night. Eight friggin’ years ago! Can you believe it? Who the hell knows what they were doin’ eight years ago?”
Dooley got an idea. “I’ve got a problem myself right now. I need an airtight alibi for tonight from about 7 to 9 p.m.….. Any thoughts?”
Boggs displayed a big toothy grin, “Yeah, I got one.”
Cat, Otis and Ed took seats at a big round table in the back room of the grocery store. Otis offered soft drinks and handed out yellow legal pads and pens. He sat in his seat and waited for Cat to begin.
Cat leaned forward and asked Otis, “Have you heard any more about Izzy?”
Ed answered, “She’s at my house.” Ed explained how he found her sleeping in the dog house of neighbors and invited her to his house. “She spooks real easy. She is scared to death of becoming a ward of the state. I don’t know what to do. I can see her taking off. She’s a smart kid, thinks she can raise herself.”
Cat offered, “I have a friend at the FBI that said if I could get him information on her, he would look for family members.”
Both Ed and Otis scoffed. Otis said, “Her momma died in childbirth. Nobody knows anything about her daddy. Her Gram raised her from a baby on nothin’. I heard from Ms. Nelson that after rent, those two only had two hundred dollars a month for utilities and food.”
Cat’s heart was breaking. He asked, “Do you think if you introduced me as your friend, she would talk to me?”
“I don’t know. She’s waitin’ on me now to bring home some dinner. She cleaned my house, did laundry and is reading Huckleberry Finn right now.” Ed paused, “I have to leave for work in a couple of hours. I’m working at the docks for cash.”
Cat looked at Ed. “What is your financial situation?”
Otis chuckled, “He has more money than God. Bought this store from me and let me keep it. Paid me four times what it was worth.”
Ed smiled, “I’ve always earned well and saved. Otis saved my life having that video. Working at the docks has allowed me to stay invisible.”
Cat focused on Ed, “One thing about you bothers me, Ed. Why did you wait eight years to come forward?” Cat’s penetrating gaze unnerved Ed. He felt a chill go down his spine.
Ed shrugged, “You may not believe this, but up until recently it hasn’t been that bad. I guess I worried if I came forward and you couldn’t help me, I’d go to jail for murder. It felt safer to stay invisible.”
“What changed? You’re no safer now than you were eight years ago.”
Ed smiled, “I guess I got lonely. I want to be with people again. I guess I’m willing to risk it now.”
Cat asked, “Risk what?”
“Risk you would be willing to help me.”
Cat responded, “You could have asked me eight years ago. Four years ago. Otis had the tape.”
Ed shook his head, “Man, you’re definitely a prosecutor. Maybe I don’t have a good reason for ‘why now’. I just got lonely.”
Cat leaned forward, “Most people afraid of being arrested, declared dead, would assume a new identity and make new friends. Plus, you also still had Reuben and Otis. That didn’t take care of lonely?”
Ed was becoming flustered, “Maybe it’s my ego, my career. I don’t want to just survive as someone; I want my own life back.”
Cat nodded, Ed’s last response seemed closer to the truth. It still didn’t answer the eight year wait. “The FBI is officially reopening the Jarvis case. I will be dropping all charges against you. You can have your life back. When I figure this out, you can have your good name back.”
Ed started to tear up. He couldn’t help it. It had been such a long time in hiding.
Otis grabbed a box of tissues from a shelf and shoved it towards Ed. “Don’t start blubbering, damn it!”
Cat leaned back in his chair, “I’m asking both of you to keep private what we say here tonight. I want to prove who did kill Molly Jarvis. There is a theory that her husband William was the real target and his death was not a suicide. The FBI is also exhuming his body.”
Ed nodded his head. “Never could figure out why anyone wanted Molly dead. You always think of the husband, but he’s dead, too. What motive theory are you working with for killing William?”
Cat answered, “He made some noise he was going to run for Governor.”
Ed slapped the table. “That’s the missing piece. Of course!” Ed started laughing. “William Jarvis as Governor would have been disastrous!”
Cat was offended. “William Jarvis was a very brilliant, principled man.”
Ed stood and began pacing.
Otis rolled his eyes, “There he goes.”
Ed pointed at Cat, “Exactly. That is precisely why he had to be stopped. The machine liked the incumbent.” Ed kept pacing, “Brilliant, principled men are not welcome in politics. REAL money will use unlimited resources to ensure weak, greedy, power crazed morons are elected.” Ed looked at Cat, “You may be on to something!”
Cat exhaled. He didn’t want to listen to Ed rant politics.
Ed sat down, “Why haven’t you
run for some office?”
Cat had never even considered it. “I find politics distasteful.”
Ed nodded his head, “Look at your credentials. You are known nationally. You also have eight years with the Attorney General’s office. I will guarantee that you have never been asked. Never.”
Cat hadn’t thought about it. “No. I’ve never been asked.”
Ed asked, “Why do you think that is? On the surface, you are perfect. A shoe in with the public. Especially the women! Look at you. I can see the posters now.”
Otis actually laughed.
Ed had Cat thinking. “So, you think William was killed so he would never run. Your theory doesn’t explain why William would want to run.”
Ed pushed his notebook around and said, “Oh, a few strays actually gain office against the odds. These few strays, I believe, are actually men of principle that feel an obligation to serve the greater good.” Ed leaned his chair back, “You have to feel sorry for them, though. The machine has unlimited resources. Honest men face dirty tricks around every corner. The machine is relentless. Eventually they are all brought down. Look at the shit that’s been thrown at Senator Dalton lately. He’s one of the last good guys out there.”
Cat was shocked that Ed mentioned Senator Dalton. Wait until he hears Dalton’s been murdered. Cat asked, “This ‘machine’ you talk about looks for people they can manipulate?”
Ed threw his hands in the air, “More than manipulate. If you’re going to take their money for any position of power, you just sold your soul to the devil and proved you were worthy. They’re going to own you.”
Cat frowned, “Now you lost me.”
“Lessons we learned from the Watergate tapes. Everyone knew Nixon was dirty, that wasn’t the news. The real story was the workings of the machine. We got to hear how they think, how far they’re willing to go. That was really what had the Senate in a panic. Until the Watergate tapes, they only suspected the machine would get that dirty. Now they had proof and voices. That was over four decades ago! The machine learned a lot from Watergate, too. They learned they had better own some people at Justice and in the Senate. Now, it’s like the mob making you prove your bones. You pay up front with leverage they can use against you, to keep you in line. Then they buy you an office.”
Cat observed, “That’s a pretty dismal view of our political system.”
Ed shrugged, “How else could the real decision makers operate unobstructed and invisible?”
Cat said, “Let’s pick this up from here tomorrow. Get food for you and Izzy and I’ll give you a lift home. You may want to rethink going to work tonight. Your days of hiding are almost over.”
Cat dropped Ed off at his modest bungalow. Through the curtain he could see a little girl curled in a chair, reading. Cat was so relieved that Izzy was not on the street that he almost didn’t hear his cell ring. It was Roger.
“Where are you? Reuben Florey’s girlfriend has just been found dead. 74 Marmot Street. This one belongs to Dooley.”
“I’ll be right there.” Cat turned his car around and sped to the scene. Cat’s mind raced. Reuben’s girlfriend had a bloody shirt she stole from Dooley’s car, hours ago, and now she’s dead. Who’s blood was on that shirt? Cat didn’t know why, but he thought of Steven Marks.
Agents Weaver and Troy waited with Jackson and Abram in the boats while Dakin, Spicey and Sasha went into Mambo’s hut. Jackson watched the shoreline for rats and snakes. Abram watched the water for gators.
Jackson finally asked, “What’s the FBI want with Spicey?”
Agent Weaver answered, “We’ve been assigned to protect her.”
Abram rubbed his chin and looked at Jackson, “I bet it’s those two chicken bubbas.”
Jackson nodded and looked at Agent Weaver. “Case you ain’t been told they drive a ratty old truck painted every color you can think of. Some huge picture of a lady’s head on the tailgate says ‘Betty Sue’. Oh yeah, she’s flippin’ the bird.”
Agent Troy just started laughing. “You talk like that is an everyday sight here.”
Abram pushed out his lower lip, “Ain’t that unusual.”
The gals ran back to the boats all excited about their visit with Mambo. Spicey was smiling from ear to ear. “We did it. We got Mambo to put a curse on them bubbas.”
Jackson asked, “What kind of curse?”
Sasha laughed, “Mambo wouldn’t tell us! Guess we just wait an’ see.”
Dakin slapped her knees. “Mambo gave me an amulet. I met Mambo! I can’t believe this.”
Jackson and Abram guided the boats back toward the Swamp Boat Rental docks. Abram kept pointing to different landmarks in the swamp and saying, “Last time I’m ever seein’ you. Creepy damn place.”
Spicey started singing Cajun folk songs and everyone joined in. Once Weaver and Troy learned the words, they added harmony.
Abram looked up at the moon when they hit open water. “Look at that moon! All full and yellow. Sounds of joy on the swamp tonight.”
Dakin raised her hands to the moon and began chanting. In the distance a series of long, unnatural, haunting howls pierced the air and echoed through the swamp. Dakin stopped.
Spicey looked at Agent Weaver. “There be the sounds your Rugaru makes.”
Suddenly loud crunching and mashing sounds emerged from the marsh bank about fifty yards away. It sounded like something huge stomping on the undergrowth. Everyone in the boats got silent and Agents Weaver and Troy pulled out their guns. Then there was a huge splash.
Spicey pulled a gun from her purse and started waving it around, “You best not be a Rugaru or I’ll shoot your ass!”
Agent Weaver hissed, “Put that gun away! What’s wrong with you?” He continued to stare at the area just to the left of them under a clump of cypress trees.
Agent Troy whispered, “I think I see something just off that point of that peninsula.”
Out of the swamp water a hairy figure rose and slowly dredged toward the shore. It was dragging something behind it. The hairy figure made it onto the shore and turned to face Jackson’s boat.
Abram shouted, “Sweet Jesus, what that be?”
Sasha fainted. Agent Weaver stepped over her as he moved to get closer. He shot a warning shot in the air and the huge animal dropped to the ground. They heard rustling like it was crawling away.
Weaver said, “I couldn’t have shot it. I shot straight up.”
The swamp air exploded with the sound of a shotgun blast from the shore.
Jackson’s paddle had been hit. He looked at the hole, dropped the paddle and flattened himself on the deck of the boat. “Shit, shit, shit.”
Agent Weaver yelled, “FBI. Stop shooting! Identify yourself.”
A moment of silence was broken by a human, male voice on the shore, “Abram? That be your boat?”
Abram peeked over the edge of the boat and yelled, “Who I talkin’ to?”
“Daryl. What you be doing out here? Almost got yourself shot!”
Agent Weaver holstered his gun and told Jackson to get their boat closer to the shore. They got up close enough that Agent Weaver could see a very large, hairy man that had an alligator lying next to him.
Weaver asked, “What are you doing out here?”
Daryl pointed at Abram, “I’m catchin’ gators with their chickens! What you doin’ out here?”
Wednesday 10:00 pm
Steven Marks was still unconscious. His doctor has said that his brain waves looked good. It was the nature of his injury to need extra time.
Zack was slowly waking up in the recovery room. His eyes opened tiny slits. He saw Roger and Core sitting in chairs across the room. Zack raised his hand and they both walked over.
“Jeanne?”
Roger assured Zack that Jeanne was fine, Acer was dead and Steven Marks was safe.
Zack smiled and shook his head slightly. He motioned for his water and Core passed him the glass with the straw and held it for him.
Zack point
ed at Roger and smiled. “Every time you come to town something happens to me.”
Roger answered, “As if I don’t feel bad enough.”
Zack looked at the clock across the room. “Go home. I need sleep.” Zack closed his eyes.
Roger and Core left the room feeling relieved. Mass sent an agent to guard Zack’s room also.
In the hall, Core exhaled, “That was too close.”
Roger said, “Look. You need your rest. The FBI is opening the Molly Jarvis case tomorrow and exhuming William Jarvis’s body. We are running a shadow case for Catahoula. Steven Marks is just the beginning of the fallout we can expect.”
Core looked at his watch. “I remember the Jarvis murder. That was a big case. Call when you need me.”
Roger nodded. “Our friend, Ward Bromley, is up to his neck in this. Bromley will find out tomorrow morning that the Jarvis case is being re-opened and that William Jarvis’s body has been exhumed. Hopefully that will spur cell calls we can monitor and find out who else is in this. Breaking this case is going to happen through communications. We need to get them talking and identifying themselves.”
Izzy and Ed were both reading in the living room. Ed had made cheeseburgers and Izzy had cleaned up. Izzy looked at Ed. “I thought you had to go to work.”
Ed was prepared for the question. “I quit my job. In a few days, I won’t have to be invisible anymore. I can get a better job.”
Izzy’s face fell. “Do I have to stop being invisible, too?”
Ed laid his book down. “The secret to stop being invisible is to do it the smart way. I’m thinking that I can help you do that. I am working on a plan for you.”
Izzy raised her voice, “I don’t want to be a ward of the state!”
“I know that. I have a lot of friends that are very smart. We can figure something out. I will promise you that if you don’t like the plan we come up with, we’ll keep making plans ‘til you do. Deal?”
Izzy nodded her head. “I’m on page two hundred and four. What page are you on?”
Catahoula: Shallow End Gals (A Shallow End Gals Book 4) Page 20
