Sweet Mystery

by Emery, Lynn

  “Sit down. Let me get you something. Jackson! Bring us three crème sodas,” Rae yelled over her shoulder while leading Simon to a chair. “What happened? No wonder Tony called this morning saying the claim would not be a problem after all.”

  “Really, Rae, I wasn’t hurt that bad.” Simon clearly enjoyed the fuss she was making, despite his protest.

  “Yeah, these two knot-heads were hired by Marius Jove to torch the place and frame you for it.” LaMar took the tray from Jackson. “Thanks, my man.” He passed the frosty mugs around. “Simon here followed Marius to their stank hangout.”

  “Simon, you could have been killed! What were you thinking?” Rae felt a shiver of fear at the thought of him lying dead in the street. “Should you be up and around anyway? Maybe I should take you home now. You look so tired. Oh, Simon.” She touched his face.

  LaMar grinned at the wink Andrew gave him. “Ahem, anyway, Tyrone started talking and then shut up fast. My guess is either old man Jove has made him an offer or Sly-Man has threatened him. Either way, Marius is sweating heavy these days.”

  “He wanted to put you out of business, so you’d be desperate for money and sell your land.” Simon frowned. “The sleaze bag better hope they send him to jail.”

  “If I know Henry Jove, he’ll have a smooth-talking lawyer all ready working to make sure he doesn’t,” Rae said. She felt anger flash up like a lit match; not for herself but for Simon. She’d like to get her hands on Marius right now.

  LaMar chuckled. “Jail or not, he’s scared spitless from what I hear. Don’t know if granddaddy can save his rump. Under the law, he’s as responsible as the guys who set the fire.”

  “And Mr. Calvin got hurt,” Simon added.

  “Right. All in all, the Joves have a lot more on their mind now than snatching your property.” LaMar looked at Simon. “Uh, you want to tell her?”

  Simon nodded at him. “You found out, so I think you should.”

  Rae sat still. “Tell me what?”

  “If you think so,” LaMar said. He did not say anything more.

  Simon shrugged. “Go on. I don’t think–”

  “Somebody better start talking.” Rae glanced at Simon, then LaMar, and waited.

  “Looks like the skeleton they found on Jove land is the remains of your grandfather.” LaMar squinted. “It was buried at least fifty years ago, and he didn’t die of natural causes.”

  “Rae, I’m so sorry.” Simon spoke in a soothing tone. “I know what a shock this must be.”

  The two men watched her: LaMar with interest; Simon with concern. Rae rocked back and forth in the chair a few times, staring out over the bayou.

  “I’m not real surprised,” she said after a while.

  “What?” Simon’s mouth hung open.

  “Uh-huh.” LaMar nodded slowly.

  “He vanished without a trace. It was like they jumped on the mother ship and flew off to another planet. Nobody disappears so completely unless…” Rae lifted both hands. “And then there’s Monmon Marie’s diaries.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that myself.” LaMar gazed at her with an odd look on his face.

  “Have you? My mama brought this up to me a few days ago, but I didn’t want to believe it. But the truth is, I started to suspect Monmon Marie knew more than she ever told.” Rae shook her head.

  Simon shook his head in amazement. “You think Miss Marie killed them? That little old lady?”

  “She wasn’t always old and she had a temper,” Rae replied. “LaMar, did they determine the cause of death?”

  “Repeated blows to the head. The skull was cracked in two places at least, from what I gather.” LaMar took a sip from his mug. “Somebody hit him hard more than once.”

  Rae gripped the arms of her chair. “Someone in a rage, like a betrayed wife.”

  “This just keeps getting worse for you.” Simon put a hand on Rae’s arm and squeezed it gently.

  “I’ll be okay, Simon. At least we can give him a decent burial,” she said softly, “right beside Daddy.”

  “But it’s not definite that the bones are your grandfather’s remains. Maybe it isn’t him.” Simon tried to put a hopeful note in his voice. “He could still be on some tropical island, surrounded by a dozen grandchildren.”

  “It’s Pawpaw Vincent. I can feel it.” Rae smiled at him. “But thanks for trying.” The compassionate light in his handsome face touched her heart.

  “Well I gotta go.” LaMar stood up and bounced from the porch down to the ground in one smooth movement.

  Rae forced her gaze away from Simon with some effort. “Don’t rush off. It’s almost lunchtime. Jackson’s got a fresh shrimp po-boy with your name on it.”

  “Yeah, and you haven’t told me all the details on how you got onto Marius,” Simon added. His hand was still on Rae’s arm.

  “Hey, I’m still on the case. I’ve got four days left to find out all the facts on Vincent and Estelle.” LaMar put on his Perry Ellis designer sunglasses. He grinned at the baffled looks his words caused.

  “But they’ve found Pawpaw,” Rae blurted.

  “I hate to say it, but Estelle was probably buried in those same woods somewhere,” Simon said.

  “Or dumped in the bayou, more likely, which is why they won’t find her body.” Rae shook her head. “Of course, we will never know for sure if Monmon Marie killed them both.”

  “Exactly. We still have unanswered questions.” LaMar took a deep breath. “I hate unanswered questions.”

  Simon shrugged. “Everybody who could tell us the whole story is dead. You’re not going to get all the answers on this one.”

  “You don’t mind if I keep looking?” asked LaMar. “We might find out a few more details.”

  Rae struggled with a vague stirring at his comments – there was something, but what? “Sure,” she murmured with her brows together. “Keep looking.”

  “Great. Now you two proceed with the kiss-and-make-up process,” LaMar said.

  “I, uh…” Rae felt the heat from Simon’s touch heighten at his words.

  “You’ll see he gets a ride home, right? Sure you will…” LaMar winked at them and strode off, whistling.

  Rae and Simon exchanged embarrassed looks at his words. The engine of LaMar’s Grand Jeep Cherokee roared to life as he drove away. Simon took his hand away and Rae felt a return of that hollow feeling.

  “I just came by to make sure you would be okay once you found out about your grandfather.” He did not look at her.

  “That was nice of you. But you didn’t have to come way over here.” Rae pressed her lips together.

  All the words Rae wanted to say so crowded her mind and heart that she was speechless. She thought she had no right to expect more than kindness from this man. He was decent and caring, yet she had taken it for granted. Her bad temper and need for petty revenge had damaged their love before it had a chance to bloom; to become deep-rooted and enduring.

  “I wanted to,” Simon said, “for my sake as much as yours. I’m selfish that way.” He wore a shy smile.

  “No, you’re not the selfish one,” Rae blurted out. I don’t blame you for being disgusted with me.”

  “Rae, I’m not disgusted–”

  “I am. You were right. I flaunted our relationship to make Toya miserable. I wanted her to suffer the way I’d suffered.”

  “Well, that’s kind of natural. I mean we’re all human and have–”

  “And then when the dance hall was successful, I was able to show up everybody who had ever trashed the Dalcours.” Rae looked out over the grassy fields to the woods. “Guess you should have listened to what folks said. But I never pretended to care about you.”

  “Will you shut up for one minute?” Simon stood up and raised Rae from her chair. He wrapped his right arm around her. “I love you, Rae. I shouldn’t have gone off on you that way. I should never have doubted you.” He punctuated this last sentence with a lingering kiss. When they finally stopped, she pressed
her cheek to his chest.

  “The feeling for you was so strong, I panicked. Deep down, I decided to leave you and keep some dignity, rather than see you walk away.” Rae held onto him with a fervent wish to never let go. “Even though we grew up within forty miles of each other, we’re from different worlds.”

  “No we’re not. Your father wanted you to have a good life. Maybe he didn’t go about it the best way all the time, but he did try.” Simon stroked her back.

  “You really want to get hooked up with wild Rae Dalcour? The one all those folks have told you about?” Rae gazed up into his face, her eyes bright with tears. She needed so much to hear a truthful answer to her question. The whole world seemed to stand still for a split second.

  “Baby, I was hooked that first day I set eyes on you. Standing outside with the sun on your pretty face, your hair soft and shiny like black cotton.” As he spoke, Simon ran his fingers through her hair. “I don’t need anybody to tell me who you are, Rae. I love everything about you.”

  “I love you too, honey. I love you so much.” Rae kissed him with such passion, pressing her body against his, that they were soon breathless and dazed.

  “My, oh my, I wish I could get rid of all these bandages. Of course, there are ways.” Simon brushed his lips against her neck.

  “No way! I’m sure the doctor told you no strenuous activity.” Rae stepped back. Concern for his health overrode her rising desire.

  “He was talking about work,” Simon protested.

  “I’ve been missing you something awful these last few weeks, Simon St. Cyr. Trust me, you’ll need all your strength.” Rae gave him a naughty smile.

  “Have mercy! My doctor is going to have to come up with some space age, light-speed healing techniques,” Simon said in a raspy voice. “Or I’m just going to have to be in pain.” He reached for her, but Rae slipped away.

  “Oh, no, you’ve had a serious shock to your body, so stay here. The more you rest, the faster you’ll heal.” Rae made him sit again. “I’m going to bring you lunch and we’re going to have a calm, sedate afternoon together.”

  Simon let out a dramatic sigh of resignation. “Yes, nurse.”

  Rae served them both some roast beef sandwiches and salad. She enjoyed making a fuss over Simon. His rich, deep laughter was the most beautiful sound she’d ever heard. Nature seemed to join in their celebration as birdsong trilled from all directions. Now and then the couple waved happily to several friends passing in boats on the bayou.

  “Do you want anything else?” Rae poured him another glass of crème soda.

  Simon chuckled. “Yes, but you all ready ruled that out.”

  “Glad to see you both smiling,” Marcelle called out and her husband Freddie waved. Baby Felicia was perched against her shoulder, happily sucking on a tiny fist.

  “Hi.” Rae got up to meet her, and gathered up Felicia in her arms. “How’s my sweet bébé, huh?”

  “I plan to make sure this lady smiles a lot for years to come.” Simon gazed at Rae with deep affection.

  “Now that’s what I like to hear!” Marcelle beamed at them. “But be careful, that’s how I got this little one and four other rug rats.” She let out a robust laugh.

  “Sounds good to me,” Simon said. He gazed at Rae holding Felicia. “More love to share,” he murmured.

  Rae blushed with pleasure. She cuddled the baby close, enjoying the feel of her tight, curly hair brushing her chin. “You better concentrate on getting well.”

  “Yeah, I heard about that.” Marcelle’s eyes grew round. She grew serious. “You okay, cher?”

  “Couldn’t be better.” Simon looked at Rae when he spoke.

  “The whole town is buzzin’ like a beehive. They say Miz Cecile had to stop Mr. Henry from beatin’ Marius with his cane when he found out. Course he’s defendin’ him out in the public eye, so to speak. But the housekeeper is my friend Suzette’s second cousin’s sister-in-law. Child, she saw it all.” Marcelle rattled off the gossip without taking a breath.

  Rae settled between Simon and Marcelle in a rocker still holding Felicia. “Have you heard the latest about the bones they found? It’s my grandfather.”

  “I heard whispers. Girl, this is too much. You think maybe Mr. Henry did ‘em in?” Marcelle took a sip of Rae’s soft drink.

  “Rae thinks Monmon Marie murdered them,” Simon said.

  Marcelle choked on the soft drink and coughed loudly. “Mon Dieu! You gotta be jokin’!” she spluttered.

  “I’m telling you, Marcelle, it makes sense. In the diary, she talks of vengeance for the way Pawpaw treated her. She even wrote about that night like she saw him for one last time.” Rae pursed her lips.

  “But why haven’t they found Estelle?” Marcelle asked.

  “Around these woods and bayous? Poo-ya, a body could be buried and never be found.” Freddie swept a hand around at the dense vegetation to make a point.

  “That’s the truth. Maybe they weren’t killed together. Who knows? After all these years, we’ll probably never know.” Simon made cooing noises at Felicia, which made the baby’s big, dark eyes light up with a smile.

  “Monmon wrote about Estelle with bitterness; said she was used to having everything come to her.” Rae frowned in deep concentration. A picture formed in her mind.

  “Uh-uh, somethin’ missin’. His body is buried right there, after fifty years. Seems like–” Marcelle paused to munch a potato chip from Rae’s plate.

  Rae stopped rocking and sat up straight. The baby blinked at her. “Shoot! I can’t believe it!”

  “What’s wrong? Did Felicia’s diaper spring a leak? Come here, Mama’s little sweet potato.” Marcelle took the baby from Rae.

  “No… It’s crazy.” Rae paced in front of them as Marcelle and Simon exchanged puzzled glances.

  He stood up. “What’s this about?”

  “She’s up to something. I know that look. Best stand back.” Marcelle’s eyes shone with excitement.

  “Thank you, thank you.” Rae hugged Simon hard and planted a big kiss on Marcelle’s forehead. “I’ve got to get hold of LaMar. His cell-phone number is in my office. He’s going back take me with him this time.”

  “Where? Take you where?” Simon stared at her in astonishment. He turned to Marcelle when Rae did not answer.

  “I want to be right there; yes, indeed. Andrew can take care of things while I’m gone,” she yelled, racing inside.

  Marcelle shrugged. “I should I know? I’ll say one thing for sure, nothing is gonna surprise me after all this.”

  Simon rubbed his jaw. “Don’t count on that, Marcelle. I’ve got a feeling there is a lot more to come.”

  *

  Rae stood in Sheriff Thibodeaux’s office, waiting. The female deputy seemed to be gone an hour, though it had only been five or ten minutes. Rae tried to concentrate on what she would say; how she would act. What was going through the minds of the others?

  “This way, ma’am.”

  The deputy, a blonde with a slight Cajun accent, led Rae down the hall and into a large conference room, which doubled as a classroom.

  Henry Jove scowled at Rae when she came in. “What the hell is going on? I don’t know why you’ve got this dramatic scene set up, sheriff. But you’d better have a damn good reason.”

  “Yes, sir. Like I said, we got some new information on the skeleton found and we–”

  “Which should have nothing to do with the Jove family,” Darcy shot back.

  “My husband has been very sick. If he becomes ill here with all this nonsense, I’ll hold you responsible.” Cecile held her head high, like a queen ready to pass sentence. Her silver-gray hair was fluffed out in short soft curls, making her look ten years younger than her seventy-six years.

  “Legally responsible. Our lawyers will sue.” Toya seemed to relish the prospect. “And what does our family have to do with that one?” She jabbed a forefinger at Rae.

  Rae bit back a tart reply. “Sheriff Thibodeaux suggested I be
here. This does concern my family, too.”

  Simon entered the room. “I got here as soon as I could.” He stood close to Rae and held her hand in a firm grip, fingers laced together. “Morning everybody.”

  Toya’s face went pasty. “Simon, what does this mean?” It was clear that she was not referring to the meeting. She stared down at his hand holding onto Rae’s so tightly.

  “I think that’s obvious, Toya,” Darcy said in a dry voice. He glanced at Rae and then turned to the sheriff. “Ten more minutes and I’m leaving. So is my grandfather.” He glanced at his watch.

  Sheriff Thibodeaux did not appear the least bit disturbed by his attitude. “Mr. Henry, the skeleton we found on your property–”

  “This is harassment,” Toya burst out. “Grandfather, we should call our lawyer right now.”

  “I won’t stand for this any longer.” Cecile stood up. “Come on, Henry. We’re leaving.”

  The female deputy was standing at the door blocking the exit when Toya jerked it open.

  “How dare you keep us here like common criminals!” Toya threw a look of pure venom at Rae. “This is all your doing. All your life you’ve been nothing but trouble. You no good–” She started toward Rae.

  Simon pulled Rae behind him in a protective move. “Back up, Toya.”

  Henry pointed a forefinger at the sheriff. “You’d better have a damn good reason for this or I’ll see you in court,” he thundered.

  “Thibodeaux, you’ve stepped way over the line,” Darcy said in a low, threatening voice. “I don’t think you realize who you’re dealing with here.”

  “Simon, how could you?” Toya wailed. “She’s nothin – a nobody living in a swamp shack.”

  “Everybody settle down,” Sheriff Thibodeaux called out loudly, over the commotion. He no longer wore an expression of appeasement. “Close the door, Deputy Zeringue.”

  “Yes, sir,” replied the deputy. The door shut with a solid thud.

  “One thing you folks better understand, this is a murder investigation.” Sheriff Thibodeaux looked around the room at everyone solemnly. “Fifty years ago don’t matter; ain’t no statute of limitation on murder. Now it’s almost sure that skeleton is Vincent Dalcour. There’s a healed break in the left leg that matches. Plus old Doc Pinson’s son still got his dad’s dental records. It all matches up.”