Sweet Mystery

by Emery, Lynn

  “Spider Woman finally gone, thank goodness,” Nola quipped.

  “Yeah. Do you have Harold’s number handy?” Simon stared at the closed door through which Toya had gone.

  “The fire chief? Think so.” Nola began flipping through the cards. “But we scheduled for him to inspect the building on Joliette Road all ready. I’ll call him for you to double check.”

  “No, just give me the number.” Simon watched her write the phone number down on a slip of note paper. “I’ll make this call myself.”

  *

  Sheriff Thibodeaux was not a happy man. “Tell me this again, Bob.” He sat staring at his friend as though it was his fault.

  State trooper Bob Bonnecaze sat in his dark blue uniform, looking as though every hair was in place. “Look, John, you got the report. The bones are from a black male, between the age of eighteen and thirty-five, with a broken collarbone that healed well.”

  “And he’s been there fifty years. How did she know that?” Sheriff Thibodeaux referred to Sarah Manley, the forensic anthropologist used by the state police.

  “There was an old, rusted watch, some buttons and a belt buckle. Dr. Manley consulted with the Human Ecology Department at LSU in Baton Rouge. Some lady there is an expert in textiles, buttons and such. They got lots of books on clothes made since way back before the Civil War.”

  “So, from that stuff, she figures he was buried about fifty years back.” Sheriff Thibodeaux dragged his large hand over his face. “Lord, but if this ain’t a mess.”

  “Aw, come on, John. You haven’t had a murder around here in fifty years. That’s good news.” Trooper Bonnecaze grinned at the sour look his pal shot him.

  “I got a fire at the local dance hall that might be arson, but we can’t pin it down. There’s grumblin’ that we oughta arrest the owner, a woman, and now this.” The sheriff shook his head.

  “Who’s been missing for fifty years?”

  “How should I know? I wasn’t even born!” Sheriff Thibodeaux replied with a grunt of exasperation. “I’ll have to do some digging to find that out.”

  “Just ask some of the old folks around. They ought to know.” Trooper Bonnecaze stood up and dusted off his already spotless hat. “Let me know if I can help any. I was just passing through on my way to a meeting in Lafayette on crime scenes.”

  “Yeah, thanks. Sure hope we’re on the tail-end of this crime wave.” Sheriff Thibodeaux walked with him out to the lobby.

  “At least you get to test out those investigative techniques you learned up in Virginia at the FBI workshop. See ya.” Trooper Bonnecaze gave him a hearty clap on the shoulder.

  With a grim expression, the sheriff watched the dark blue sedan with the state police emblem drive off. “Yeah, right, I’m just tickled to death about it.” He winced at his unintended pun.

  *

  Rae strode into the elegant office suite of Jove Enterprises and stood in front of the receptionist. “I’m here to see Darcy Jove.”

  The young woman picked up the telephone receiver. “Your name?”

  “Rae Dalcour. And no, I don’t have an appointment.”

  The receptionist spoke low into the phone while Rae glanced around at the prints and plush furnishings. She was sure the murmured conversation included the best way to get rid of her. When the woman put down the phone, Rae turned back to her.

  “Mr. Jove’s secretary says if you’d just leave your name, she’ll let him know you came by.” The young woman smiled at her warmly. “I’ll be sure he gets the message.”

  “Lisa,” Rae said, reading the name plate on her desk. “Darcy and I go back a long way. Just point me to his office and I’ll wait. This way… right?” She headed toward a set of oak double doors at the end of a wide hall.

  “Well, he has a tight schedule and I… Wait, miss, you can’t go in there!” Lisa bounced up to follow Rae, and then ran back to call someone.

  Darcy’s secretary darted down a side hall to intercept her. “Miss Dalcour, Mr. Jove is not available.”

  “He’s here. I can smell him,” Rae said in a loud voice. “Come out here, Darcy!” she called.

  Marius came out of his office. “What the hell is going on?” His eyes widened with surprise when he saw Rae. But he soon recovered and plastered a smile over his face. “Well, fancy meeting you here.”

  “Marius, right?” Rae gave him a head-to-toe glance. “Yeah, I remember you. Out of prison so soon?”

  Marius lost the smug smile. “What the hell does that mean?” He shot a look around to see who was listening.

  “All those times Mr. Henry had to bail your backside out of trouble. Didn’t you have to do time over that deal in Morgan City a few years back?”

  “I’ve never seen the inside of a prison. Look, you seem to have made a wrong turn. This isn’t a barroom.”

  “No, it’s a snake pit. Now where’s the head snake? Darcy, come on out of hiding!”

  The doors to the conference room to her left opened and two men walked ahead of Darcy. “Pantheon should be pleased with the progress so far.” He paused when he saw Rae glaring at him.

  “No they won’t. Not when they find out what crooks you all are,” Rae said.

  “Should I call the police?” Darcy’s secretary asked Marius.

  “Good idea. Call them now,” Marius snarled.

  “Show these gentlemen out, please.” Darcy did not show any sign of being upset. He murmured a few words to the men, who were staring with frank interest at the scene. The secretary bustled back and forth, and made bright chatter, hoping to drown out any background noise from Rae.

  Darcy straightened his tie and walked toward Rae, wearing a charming smile. “Should I be glad you came to visit me?”

  “Which one of you did it?” Rae snapped.

  “Come into my office.” Darcy opened the double doors and motioned her in. “Now let’s talk in a reasonable manner.”

  “Sure, I can be reasonable. You tell Harold Frey and Sheriff Thibodeaux how you torched my business. I’ll ask them to go easy on you during the sentencing phase of your trial. How’s that?” Rae glanced from Darcy to Marius.

  “Get real. Let’s throw her ass out on the sidewalk.” Marius stood with his arms down, both hands balled into fists.

  “You want me out of town, but first you want me to sell my land. When sending Simon to romance me didn’t work, you switched to the back-up plan. I know you too well, Darcy. Or was it Toya’s brilliant idea? Yeah, she had a hand in it.” Rae did not appear the least bit fearful.

  “Not only will we have you thrown in jail for disturbing the peace, but we’ll sue you for slander,” Marius shouted.

  “Judging from your reaction, I’d say you made all the arrangements. Sure, you’re the one with criminal experience.” Rae let out a short laugh when Marius flinched at her words.

  “You b–”

  “Get out,” Darcy said, moving between Rae and Marius.

  “You heard him,” Marius spat.

  Darcy looked at him. “I meant you! Go on. I’ll handle this.”

  “Are you going to let her accuse us of arson? Grandfather would have her arrested on the spot.” Marius was puffed up with fury.

  “Grandfather isn’t here, is he? Now leave.”

  “Oh no, I want you both to hear this. I’m not through with either of you. They can’t prove who started the fire. I just talked to Harold. So I’m going to burn you the way you tried to burn me.” Rae stood feet apart, hands on her hips.

  “The investigation isn’t over.” Marius blinked when Darcy shot him a furious look. “That’s what I hear.”

  Rae looked at Marius. “Don’t be so sure. Things aren’t going quite the way you wanted. You botched the job. I’m going to be back in business soon. Count on it.”

  “Big talk is fine, but with no insurance…” Marius wore a mean smile as he shrugged.

  “Marius, I said get out,” Darcy barked. He yanked open the door and shoved the man.

  “You’re al
l talk, babe. All talk,” Marius said before the door closed on him.

  Rae turned her ire on Darcy. “You’ve really sunk low. But I’m not going down, got it?”

  “Rae, this is crazy. We had nothing to do with the fire.” Darcy did not flinch or give one sign of guilt.

  “You always were good at not showing your hand.” Rae walked around the office. “Done well for yourself, too, and made Jove Enterprises even more profitable. All without getting indicted once.”

  Darcy shook his head. “I know we have a bad history, but resorting to crime isn’t my way. Jove Enterprises has grown through hard work and honest dealings.”

  “Tell me another story, daddy,” Rae said in a mock ‘little girl’ voice. “Look, you and that slimy cousin of yours are on official notice. I’m going to get to the bottom of this, and when I do, watch out.”

  “If it was arson, I hope the authorities find the culprits. But it wasn’t me.” Darcy took a step toward her with his hands out. “I’ve done a lot of things in my life, but trying to destroy you is something I’d never do.”

  “Save it, Darcy. You’ll need all your finesse when this gets traced back to your doorstep.” Rae pulled the door open to find Marius still standing outside. “You both remember that!” She pointed to each of them before stalking off.

  Once outside, her irrational look of rage was replaced by one of calm calculation. Rae got in her car and drove away. Minutes later she used her hands-free device to make a call on her cell phone.

  “Hi, I just stirred the pot. You can expect it to boil over real soon,” she said to LaMar.

  *

  Darcy sat across from his grandfather. “Things are going very well. The road is being built, just as we planned.”

  Despite his ill health, Henry Jove had proved tougher than even his family expected. Though still unable to drive, he had Marius take him to Darcy’s office at least once a week. Physical therapy and medication helped him regain strength.

  Henry glowered at him. “Don’t think I’m going to congratulate you. I didn’t want that land spoiled. Deal or no deal.”

  “Fine, but you have to admit that we’re going to make money hand over fist because of it. Pantheon is tickled pink, Grandfather.” Darcy nodded at him.

  Henry’s frown softened at the mention of money. “Humph, if you say so.”

  “We could do even better with the Dalcour land,” Marius put in. “We may get it soon. That fire at the dance hall was right on time.”

  “Forget it. Rae won’t sell. So don’t have any more thoughts of doing something foolish.” Darcy sneered at his cousin.

  “I’m not going to back down and let this opportunity slip away. Rae Dalcour is no sentimental favorite of mine,” Marius snapped back at him.

  The two men regarded each other with hostility.

  Henry scrutinized both his grandsons for several moments. “I’m sure Marius recognizes he’s done enough for now.”

  “But we’re close to having it all. With the Dalcour property, we can attract more industrial development.” Marius had the gleam of avarice in his eyes.

  “I’ve always told you boys one thing – know when enough is enough. You make a bold decision and escape unscathed. I can admire that. But Darcy is right.”

  “Why can’t you back me just once?” Marius complained. “Those guys can–”

  Henry held up a hand. “No details, please. I said to leave it be.” He looked at Marius sharply. “I won’t argue the point.”

  Marius closed his mouth on another protested. His jaw muscles were tight. “Fine,” was his clipped reply. He sat down hard and stared out the window.

  Henry turned to Darcy. “The sheriff hasn’t caused anymore delays about the bodies found?” He sat very straight as the seconds ticked by.

  Darcy lifted a shoulder. “No. Once they determined that was no more evidence to find, we were able to proceed. Of course, we’re two weeks behind schedule, but that’s no big deal. Trucks going to the plant can still take the old LaBauve Road.”

  “And he hasn’t questioned you?” Henry fingers tightened around the curved handle of his walking cane.

  “Sure. Just routine stuff about missing employees, or any reports of suspicious activity on our land. He thinks it might have been some drug dealer killed and dumped out here.”

  “Nothing else?”

  Darcy exchanged a glance with Marius. “No. You have any ideas?”

  “Of course not.” Henry sat back against the chair and smiled. “Now tell me all about the millions we’ll make.”

  For twenty minutes Henry interrupted Darcy with sharp questions about the details of the Pantheon plant. It was clear to the two young men that the stroke had not dimmed their grandfather’s mind. He issued instructions on how Darcy should proceed to protect Jove Enterprises even more.

  “Now I’m going visit my old friend, Ivory Newman. He’s semi-retired now. We’re going to the Black Chamber of Commerce meeting over in Lafayette.” Henry rose with only a little difficulty.

  Marius held onto his elbow. “You want me to drive you?”

  “Ivory is going to drive. And take your hands off me. I can walk three blocks down to Ivory’s shop!” Henry moved with a stiff grace as he left.

  Marius rubbed his chin as he stared at the closed door through which the older man had just gone. “Well, Grandfather has his own secrets.”

  Darcy moved some papers around on his desk. “What are you babbling about now?”

  “You know damn well he was trying to find out about the sheriff’s investigation. He knows something about that skeleton. Maybe even knows who it is,” Marius said in a low voice.

  “You’ve been watching too many old movies, son.” Darcy did not look at him, but put derision in his voice. “Now I have phone calls to return.”

  “Then why did he say bodies?”

  Darcy paused in the act of picking up the telephone receiver. “What?”

  “They found a skeleton. One set of bones. Why did he think there was more than one?” Marius raised one dark eyebrow.

  “He, uh, heard talk around town. That doesn’t mean anything.” Darcy pulled his hand away from the phone.

  “Maybe, maybe not… But I think we need to stick together as a family.” Marius brushed his slacks.

  Darcy’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Meaning?”

  “Meaning I should get some support for my own projects,” Marius shot back. “I’m tired of being treated like a flunky”

  Darcy jumped up from his chair. “You petty, criminal slime ball. How dare you try to blackmail your own family! You don’t know a damn thing!” he shouted.

  “Best keep your voice down, cousin.” Marius shook a finger at him. “We don’t want folks to come running and ask questions.”

  “I’ll see you in hell before one bit of Jove Enterprises is in your control!” Darcy lowered his voice only a few decibels.

  “Despite what you think, I’m not dumb. I’ve all ready been thinking about who them dry bones could belong to,” Marius said. “And don’t make any bets that the sheriff wouldn’t be willing to listen either.”

  Darcy gazed at him for several moments. “What do you want?”

  *

  LaMar sat down on a bar stool in the seedy juke joint and ordered a bottle of malt liquor. All around him, young black men wearing gold bounced to the beat of a loud song blaring from the stereo speakers. LaMar was dressed in the same style as the other bar patrons: baggy Chicago Bulls T-shirt and red, baggy sweat pants. Though their behavior did not change, he knew he was being watched.

  “Say man, whatcha want wid Pookie?” asked a tall man, no older than seventeen, standing off from LaMar.

  “What you care? I ain’t asked you nothin’ ‘bout it.” LaMar took another pull from his bottle of malt liquor.

  “You in my world, punk. You been askin’ ‘round my hood. Say man, who you? The FBI or somethin’?” The young man did an exaggerated up-and-down look at LaMar. All conversation around them
ceased.

  LaMar pulled out a revolver. “Nah, I’m the one that’s gonna whup ass if anybody in here touch me.”

  “Listen up!” A huge man, who looked to be at least thirty, with arms like barrels, pulled a long shotgun from nowhere. “I don’t allow none of that in here. See that sign?” He pointed to a bright yellow neon that declared ‘No Guns. Yeah, you!’

  Another teenager joined the tall one, who still glared at LaMar. “Hey, Teedie, you right. Man, we need to escort this punk on up outta here.”

  “Give me the piece, man.” Teedie held out a huge palm while balancing the shotgun in his other arm.

  LaMar glanced around in a split second, checking on the positions of the other men in the bar and his exit options. “Sure. I didn’t see the sign when I come in.” He handed over the revolver without missing a beat.

  Teedie remained behind the bar. “Andre and Sharif, out. You both been lookin’ for trouble since you come in.” He waved the shotgun at the two young men, who were clearly eager to be given the task of dealing with LaMar.

  “Teedie, man, dis ain’t right. He–”

  “You know I don’t b’lieve in arguin’.” Teedie’s expression deepened into a fearful scowl. He watched the two sullen teens walk out with the rolling gait, designed to show the world they were gangsters, worthy of respect. “Come with me,” he added to LaMar.

  LaMar held up both hands. “Listen, I don’t want no trouble.”

  Teedie jerked his large head once and said nothing. LaMar kept checking his back as he walked ahead of Teedie through the bar, a doorway and down a dark hall. At the end of it was a door. There was a click and it swung open.

  A room, almost as large as the bar up front, was filled with people. There were women of all shapes, colors and sizes jiggling and giggling, while the men gambled and smoked. A white woman with blonde hair passed LaMar, brushing up against him.

  “I’m Heather. I’ll be out here, waitin’ for you.” She ran her tongue over her bright red lips.

  “Cut that out,” Teedie rumbled at her.

  “I’m not gonna be here long enough,” LaMar said with a grin. He shook his head as she strolled away, putting every ounce of sway that she could into her hips.