by Kris Calvert
“Richard Peterson home.”
The words threw me and I looked at the display to make sure I’d called my own house.
“This is Samantha Peterson Callahan. I’m looking for my cousin Richard who is currently staying there in my home.”
“Yes, Mrs. Callahan,” said the pleasant voice on the other end. “Hold for Mr. Peterson.”
My first thought was who is this woman who’s answering phones in my house, and my second thought was that Richard had only been there three days and had apparently moved in for good.
“Samantha?” Richard breathed heavily as if he’d been far away from the phone.
“Richard, what’s going on?”
“Nothin’, darlin’. I can’t just up and leave Biloxi to watch over the house without bringing a couple of people into town to help me with my business.”
“What do you mean?” I asked. “There’re others staying in my house while you’re there?”
“Now Sam, don’t go gettin’ your panties all in a wad. You asked me to watch over Mimi’s house and that’s what I’m a doin’. I can’t help that the real estate market doesn’t take vacation. That means that your ole cousin Richard can’t either.”
He was making me angry every time he referred to my home as Mimi’s. Richard was well aware that Mimi had signed the deed over to me when she moved into Autumn Valley. That house was mine.
“I didn’t realize we’d inconvenienced you so. I’ll have Mac send a couple of agents to stay at the house instead.”
“No, darlin’,” he gruffed. “I think it’s best that family take care of family. Besides, there are plenty of agents combing the place. Surely we don’t need anymore black suits around here. It makes the whole place so depressing.”
I paced the floor, pulling and twisting the old phone cord in nervous strides. I didn’t want to be hateful, and I didn’t want to call Mac and complain that there were too many people in my house when I knew twice as many were at Lone Oak. Furthermore, we were staying in someone else’s home.
“I suppose,” I conceded. “Just don’t let anyone steal anything. Okay?”
Richard cackled in a smoker’s cough before trailing off. “Darlin’, I’m sure the ole girl Mimi has everything hidden around here. You probably don’t even know where half of her things are.”
“No,” I replied. “I know exactly where everything is in that house. So don’t make me come shake the pockets of your so-called help for the good silver when I return.”
There was a sudden silence that made me feel a tiny bit guilty that maybe I’d been too crass. But as soon as he opened his mouth again, it was gone.
“Speaking of returning home. Where the hell are you?”
“New Orleans.”
“What’s in New Orleans besides freaks and drunkards?”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve not been out of the house.”
“Well, it’s nice someone is extended their Southern hospitality to ya. Anyone I might know?”
“An agent friend of Mac’s. That’s all.”
“Must be pretty cramped, all y’all in one little house together.”
“It’s a huge estate in the Garden District, Richard. Don’t worry yourself over us,” I snapped, tiring of his questions.
“I’ve got some friends in the Garden District,” he continued. “That’s a pretty pricey area. Does the property have a name?”
“Jackson House,” I sighed. “Listen, Richard. While you’re working out of my house, it would be nice if you would check in on Mimi from time to time. She is ninety-nine, you know. She’s not going to be around much longer.”
“I’d be delighted to have a visit with Mimi, darlin’. But Mimi isn’t too delighted to see me when I call on her.”
I met his comment with silence. I knew he was right. I was Mimi’s favorite. Always had been. Always would be.
“Maybe you need to mend fences while you’re in town,” I suggested, knowing Mimi would probably throw something in his direction if she found out he’d brought friends with him to stay in the house.
“We’re not all as well liked as you are, Samantha,” he drawled. “Anyway, darlin’, just take care of yourself. What am I sayin’? I’m sure Mac is taking very good care of you.”
“Mac’s in D.C.” The words escaped my mouth before I had a chance to rethink them.
There was another uncomfortable lull in the conversation and I regretted even calling Richard.
“Mac’s not with you?”
“He’ll be back…tonight.” I lied.
“Hmmmm,” Richard groaned. “Well, just know that everything is just fine and dandy here in Shadeland. And don’t hesitate to call if you need anything else. Family first,” he sang.
I didn’t know how to respond so I said the only thing I could. “Thank you, Richard.”
“Bye now.”
“Goodbye.”
I hung up the phone and at once thought I should call Mac and tell him to have his agents watch my smarmy cousin, but I knew he had enough on his plate at the moment. Richard was a greedy beast, that was for sure. But I was pretty certain he was harmless.
Instead of calling Mac, I called the other rock in my life.
“Hello.”
Her voice cracked over the line and I swallowed hard, worried that the past few days had taken a toll on her.
“Mimi?”
“Sam, honey, how are you? Where are you?”
“I’m with an agent friend of Mac’s. His name is Leo. Leo Xanthis.”
“Are you okay, baby girl?” The concern in her voice was shining through her usual roll with the punches attitude.
I sighed. “I’m fine. How are you? Are there agents around you twenty-four-seven?”
“Well, they aren’t as handsome and sweet as your husband, but they’re at least dressed nicely and seem to have manners.”
“Well, that’s something,” I agreed. “As long as you’re safe, that’s all I really care about.”
“I’m finer than frog’s hair split four ways and sanded.”
“I’ll just assume that means you’re okay.”
“I’m probably better than I think I am. Speaking of…” Mimi hesitated. “I hate to trouble you, darlin’, when you’ve already got so much going on, but Pete Peterson came to see me yesterday.”
“I’m sorry, Mimi,” I laughed, amused at not only the name but also the way it rolled off her tongue. “Is this someone I should know?”
“Pete? He’s a distant cousin on your grandfather’s side. He’s the family attorney. You’ve met him, I’m sure.”
“I’m fairly sure if I ever met a relative of ours that had the same first name as our last I’d remember it.”
“Maybe you’ve only met his son, Petey.”
“Please tell me there aren’t two of them in the same family.”
“Of course. Pete Peterson and Petey Peterson…” she paused. “Jr.”
“So nice they named them twice,” I mumbled.
“What’s that, honey?
“Never mind. So what was it he wanted?”
“Richard’s been to the courthouse asking for a legal description of the house and land.”
“Whose house and land?”
“My house and land. Your house and land, darlin’. Do you know any reason the dick would be poking around?” She laughed a little at her own words. “No pun intended.”
I didn’t want to worry Mimi any more than she already was. “I have no idea, but I will ask him.”
“Ask whom? Petey or the Dick?”
“Richard.”
“I don’t trust him, Sam. I just don’t. He’ll steal anything that isn’t too hot or too heavy to carry.”
“Don’t get yourself all upset. Just be a good girl for the agents Mac’s assigned to watch you.”
“Good girl, huh?” she quipped. “I guess that means I should keep my hands to myself.”
“What?”
“Well, like I said, they’re not as handsome as Mac
, but I’ve never been one to look away from a man in a well-cut suit that’s carrying a nice piece.”
“Mimi!” I gasped.
“Well, they do have nice equipment. One even obliged me and pulled it out.”
“What are we talking about exactly?”
“His gun, Samantha. His gun,” she scolded. “Where is your mind, young lady?”
I searched for words and all I could come up with was “Sorry.”
“Kiss my great-grandbabies for me,” she replied, ignoring my apology.
“I will. You’re an ornery ninety-nine year old woman. Do you know that?”
“Hell yes, I know it. You don’t think God let me live this long to make everybody’s life easier, do you?”
“You make my life easier,” I replied. “I know that much.”
“I mean it, Sam. Keep an eye on Richard,” she cautioned. “You can’t trust a hungry dog to watch your dinner.”
“I understand.”
“Check in again soon, dear,” she requested as her voice trailed. “And Sam?”
“Yes?”
“Just remember what Liz always said.”
“What’s that?”
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together.”
I knew she was tired from the events of the past few days and I again felt guilty for putting her through so much. She was older and more fragile than she’d ever let on. As long as she could muster a smile and have some lipstick handy to brighten her face, she’d go on as if everything were just fine. Even if the world was falling down around her, Mimi displayed only grace and charm. She was the perfect combination of Scarlett O’Hara and Elizabeth Taylor and I hoped that someday, someone would think as fondly of me as I did of her.
“Yes, ma’am. Please take care of yourself and I love you.”
“I love you too, baby girl.”
20
POLLY
I breezed through the house looking for Leo. Sam was making me ask permission to leave the house. My first thought was to be angry for feeling like a child in a game of Mother May I, but that was quickly replaced with the idea of chatting Leo up.
He was dark and brooding with a hint of danger, but when he opened his mouth he was smooth as silk and I found myself hanging on his every word.
Leo made me feel soft and sweet, even though that wasn’t my nature and I’d become what I’d teased Samantha about for over a year now – a swoony girl.
I rounded the long and winding staircase that led from the second floor guest rooms to the main vestibule of the house. Downstairs the windows were open, and a cool breeze flowed through the delicate curtains that breathed in and out with the wind. The house smelled of sweet honeysuckle, no doubt from the beautiful garden outside. They didn’t call this part of New Orleans the Garden District for nothing.
I stopped for an instant and shut my eyes, allowing the warm smell to wash over as I breathed it in.
“I trust you’re enjoying your stay at Jackson House?”
I jumped, startled from the voice, but knew immediately Leo was standing behind me. “Yes,” I replied without turning to face him. “I can’t imagine being more comfortable anywhere else while we’re hiding from a psychopath.”
“Is that your official diagnosis?”
Leo walked around me, staying close without touching me. I could feel the heat from his body and I was immediately turned on.
“What?” I stuttered. “You mean my diagnosis of Hector?”
He stepped away from me, and his casual nature and adorable grin made me a little weak. For a moment I lost myself, but with one breath recovered and came back into reality.
“Why do you think Hector is a psychopath?” he asked as he motioned for me to join him in the parlor we’d shared drinks in the night before.
“He lacks a moral compass,” I began as I took a seat on the small sofa.
Leo shrugged his shoulders at me unconvinced. “Sociopaths lack that too.”
“Both sociopaths and psychopaths are incapable of sympathizing with the feelings of others.”
“True,” he replied. He drew a breath before continuing and I promptly cut him off.
“There’s no real diagnosis for Hector. But he is more of a psychopath than a sociopath.”
“Why?” Leo interrupted.
“He’s crossed the line of moral behavior. He’s tried unsuccessfully to kill Sam and Mac. He’s dangerous.”
“Are you aware of Hector’s past?” Leo asked as he walked to a table across the room and shuffled through papers.
“No.”
Leo selected a folder and presented it to me. I looked at the tab and saw the name Hector Quintes and gazed back to him. “Am I allowed to even look at this? I mean, this is official FBI, right?”
He shrugged his shoulders and turned around to take the seat across from me.
“Read it. Tell me what you see.”
“You mean right now?”
“Keep it for the day.”
I dropped the folder into my lap and sat back and into the comfort of the sofa. Another strong breeze swept the gossamer fabric of the curtains into the room.
Leo said nothing but never took his eyes from mine.
“I wanted to thank you again for my dress. I’m a hot mess most of the time, and I didn’t get to pack to go on the run after the wedding.”
“You’re welcome.”
He was deliberate in everything he did. The way he spoke, the way he moved, and the unnerving way he always continued to make eye contact.
“Actually,” I began, breaking his gaze to look at my feet in embarrassment. “Sam told me I had to ask permission to venture out into New Orleans today. I wanted to buy some more appropriate attire for…well, for as long as we might be here. I’m a little embarrassed by my old jeans and t-shirts.”
“Don’t be,” he smiled.
I waited for him to continue with another thought. I expected a follow up you look fine, and even wished for a you’re sexy in your soft jeans and oversized shirts, but it never happened. I watched in vain for the next words to cross his lips. Instead he held his unwavering gaze upon me.
“Still,” I uttered, breaking the silence. “I’d like to venture into the city to do some shopping and Samantha said I needed to ask you first.”
“I’d be happy to accompany you,” he smiled.
“I was planning on taking Samantha with me.”
He pursed his full Greek lips and shook his head no.
“So it’s you or nothing at all.” I stated flatly.
“It’s me or no shopping. Samantha needs to stay here. The house is being guarded from the outside. I’ll bring an agent in while we’re gone.”
It was my turn to be silent. I didn’t know how I felt about being watched while I tried on sundresses and sandals. I stood and began rocking on my heels. I felt like I was back in high school and the cutest boy in the class was asking me out. I shoved my hands into the back pockets of my jeans, bit my lip and shrugged my shoulders. “Okay.”
We drove through a historical area not far from Jackson House and I took in the eclectic shops that lined the street. The weather was beautiful and Leo let me choose the car we drove from a well-kept collection in a garage behind his home. I picked the red Mercedes 500 SL convertible. If I was going shopping with a hot man at my side while wearing grungy clothes, I was going in style.
“This is Magazine Street,” he explained as he adjusted the aviator sunglasses on his tanned face. “We can shop here and get something to eat.”
I watched him with intent and thought how he fit and then again didn’t fit the FBI M.O. He was tall, visibly muscular under his suit coat and expensive designer jeans and held that quiet mysterious calm and badass confidence one would expect from a federal agent. Yet he had a side that seemed dangerous, off the grid and unconventional. Maybe it was the hair. Yes, I told myself. It was the ponytail that was throwing me. I smiled, wondering what happened to Z when Leo let his h
air down.
We parked on the street and he jumped from the car to open my door. When he offered me his hand, I took it. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
“Leo, I feel bad,” I began as soon as my feet hit the pavement. “I could’ve done this on my own. I really just needed someone to point me in the right direction and give me a ride.” I giggled nervously and tried to ease the unspoken tension that hung heavily over our heads.
“It’s a beautiful day, Polly,” he replied, looking to the sky. “Who wouldn’t want to spend it outside and in the company of a beautiful lady?”
I felt the heat rise from my chest and into my face. He’d done what no man had ever done for me before. He’d caught me off guard and caused me to blush.
Not wanting to be seen, I fanned my face and gave him my best Southern belle drawl, “Why, Mr. Xanthis, you do go on.”
He smiled and under his breath gave me a low and guttural chuckle. Even his laugh was dark and sexy.
“So where are we going?” I asked, hoping to move on and away from my flushed cheeks.
“There are a couple of small boutiques I know the ladies like. We can start there.” He motioned with his arm to walk under a decorated awning and into a store.
The front door was open and I walked in as he waited for me.
“Good afternoon,” sang the salesgirl. Her hair was long, black and pulled into a sleek ponytail. She was beautiful. She was, for lack of a better term, immaculate. Her hair, lipstick, nails, shoes and body were all perfect. She almost looked airbrushed.
I watched as Leo nodded to her, acknowledging her greeting as he removed his sunglasses, revealing his beautiful dark brown eyes.
“Hello, Leo,” she oozed as she came closer and he smoothed back his hair. It was apparent they’d met before.
“How are you today?” he asked her as I stood beside him and nervously picked at my fingernails.
“Better now,” she replied with a wink.
He gave her no reaction, which made me happy. I would hate to think he was only cool with me.
“What can I help you with?” she asked, still not acknowledging my presence.
“My good friend Polly has been stranded here in the Crescent City without her luggage and we need to find her some appropriate items for the next few days.”
