Darkwater Secrets

by Robin Caroll

  She stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his cheek. “You, Beauregard Savoie, are a true gentleman.”

  He could barely keep time with the music as she beamed up at him.

  “Excuse me.” Dimitri appeared at their side. “May I cut in?”

  Adelaide

  “That was a little rude, yes?”

  Beau had been gracious in allowing Dimitri to cut in, but Adelaide had seen the confliction in his eyes before he released her.

  “All’s fair in love and war, right?” When Dimitri smiled, it was hard to stay upset with him.

  “I don’t think we’re discussing love or war, are we?”

  “Touché.” He dipped his head.

  She’d made her point, time to move on. Tonight was for fun. “Is Lissette enjoying her first ball?”

  Dimitri glided her across the floor, all grace and fluidity. “She is. I do believe Malcolm Dessommes has taken a liking to her. I’ll have to keep an eye on that.”

  Adelaide chuckled. “How does it feel to suddenly be a big brother?”

  “Odd, but”—Dimitri twirled her—“also very good. I always wanted a sibling.”

  “Me too.” She’d often wondered what her life would have been like with a brother or sister, but then she realized she had a sibling in Tracey. A sister she chose for herself, which was the best kind.

  “Isn’t Detective Savoie like your brother?” Dimitri’s eyes twinkled.

  “No. He’s important to me, and we share a past, but he’s not like a brother.”

  The twinkle in his eyes dimmed. “Oh.”

  The song ended and everyone clapped. The band started the song for the second line dance, and everyone fell into step.

  Tracey came and swept Adelaide along. “Come on, we’re going to dance out into the streets.”

  Together, she and Tracey danced along with the crowd. Adelaide glanced around and one time saw Dimitri with the young Elise close behind him. Another spin and she spied Beau talking with the governor.

  They spilled out into the courtyard, then the streets, the band leading them all like modern-­day Pied Pipers. Adelaide didn’t care. She’d never felt freer or more alive. Everything seemed brighter, bigger, better.

  Or maybe Adelaide’s perspective had changed. Either way, she didn’t care. She was going to enjoy the ride.

  Tracey pulled her out of the line, breathless. “I need to catch my breath. You good?”

  “Better than ever.”

  “I saw you dancing with Beau and Dimitri.”

  “Yep.”

  Tracey waited, then shoved Adelaide’s shoulder. “Come on, Ads, spill. What’s going on? What are you thinking? Feeling?”

  “I’m feeling alive, for the first time in a really long time. I decided I’m not going to date either, or anyone else, for now. I want to take some time to get to know myself, really know myself. I want to figure out what I want out of a relationship. I don’t want to play games, I’m too old for that, but I’m so young in relationship matters. I want to be fair but not waste time or energy. I’ve already done enough of that.”

  “Well, look at you, Ads. You go, girl. I’m proud of you.”

  “Me, too. I’m proud of me.” Adelaide grinned because she was proud of where she was in her heart, in her mind, and in life at the moment. It’d been a long time coming, but she was plain happy, and that was a good place to be.

  Epilogue

  Adelaide

  “All rise. Court’s in session, the Honorable Judge Robinson presiding.”

  “Be seated.” The judge in his black robe took his seat behind his massive desk up on the pedestal of the courtroom, peering down at everyone below him.

  Adelaide sat on the front row behind Geoff, flanked on one side by Dimitri and Lissette and Tracey on the other side.

  “I understand the parties have reached an agreement?” the judge asked.

  “We have, Your Honor.” The assistant district attorney on the case, Pam Lion, stood. “We have agreed to a guilty plea to manslaughter with a recommended sentence of two and a half years.”

  The judge tossed his glasses onto his desk and stared down at her. “A murder, reduced to manslaughter with a recommended sentence of two and a half years?”

  The ADA looked flustered as she flipped through papers. Her second chair handed her a specific one. “Yes. Oh. Your Honor, there are mitigating circumstances in this case to which the state feels this is a just and adequate charge and sentencing recommendation.”

  “I see.” The judge himself flipped pages, making little noises every so often.

  “Is he not going to accept it?” Tracey whispered.

  Adelaide shrugged. Mr. Kidel had told them that the state made the deal and that with a two and a half year sentence, Geoff would likely be out in two years. He hadn’t mentioned anything about the judge questioning the charge or the sentence.

  Geoff seemed to be wondering the same as he and Mr. Kidel huddled together whispering.

  “I’ve finished reading the case notes, counselors.” The judge’s voice boomed. “How do you plead to the charge of manslaughter, Mr. Aubois?”

  Mr. Kidel held Geoff’s elbow as they both stood.

  “Guilty.” Geoff’s voice seemed to bounce off the walls of the courtroom.

  “You understand by accepting this plea agreement, you are waiving your right to a trial, yes?” the judge asked.

  “Yes, Your Honor.”

  “And your attorney has discussed this agreement with you in detail?”

  “Yes, Your Honor.”

  “Then I accept this plea agreement, and in accordance with the recommendation of the state, as well as documents provided, I hereby sentence you, Geoff Aubois, to twenty-­six months at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana.” The judge hit his gavel. “Court is adjourned.”

  “All rise.” The bailiff stood.

  Those in the courtroom stood as the judge left the bench.

  Mr. Kidel turned to Geoff. “He even lowered the sentence.”

  “Thank you.” Geoff shook the lawyer’s hand.

  “Elayn Hunt Correctional Center? I thought he’d be sent to the state prison,” Dimitri said as he reached across the space and shook Mr. Kidel’s hand.

  “I’d requested the correctional center since Geoff had been security. It’s a lower security, so he’ll have more freedoms.”

  The uniformed officer came to Geoff. “It’s time.”

  Geoff turned quickly and gave Adelaide a big smile. “Thank you, for everything.”

  She leaned over the rail and gave him a hug. “I’ll come visit you.”

  He shook his head. “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I want to, so you’d better put me on your visiting list.”

  “I will.” Geoff shook Dimitri’s hand. “Thank you too, for everything. I can never repay you.”

  “Oh, but you will when you get out. You’ll be back to work at the Darkwater Inn.”

  The smile slid off Geoff’s face. “I won’t be able to have a firearm, Mr. Pampalon. I won’t be much use to the Darkwater.”

  But Dimitri shook his head. “You don’t need a weapon to oversee the digital surveillance and monitoring system.” He held up a finger. “No argument. Your job will be waiting on you as soon as you get out.”

  Geoff’s upper lip trembled. “Thank you, sir. Both of you.” He looked and included Mr. Kidel in his gaze. “All of you.”

  “Time to go.” The officer put handcuffs on Geoff’s wrists and led him out the door.

  Adelaide blinked back tears. Tracey grabbed her hand and tugged her from the courtroom while Dimitri and Lissette were still talking with Mr. Kidel.

  “What’s the rush?” Adelaide asked as Tracey nearly jerked her arm out of its socket.

  “Come on, I want to show you something.” Tracey led her to the elevators.

  “What?”

  “Just wait and see because you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She punched the down
button.

  Adelaide shook her head, but grinned at her best friend’s antics. No telling what Tracey had up her sleeve. Her unpredictability was one of her most endearing traits.

  As soon as they stepped out of the courthouse, Adelaide understood. She looked to her best friend, grinning. “Snow? It’s snowing?”

  “I know, that’s why I knew you wouldn’t believe me unless you saw for yourself. It’s really snowing.”

  Adelaide walked along the square, her face toward the sky. Snowflakes lit on her face, planting little icy kisses.

  She spun slowly in circles, watching the flakes come down. There was already a good dusting of snow over the surfaces outside . . . sidewalks, streets, benches. The stark white seemed to wash the city in newness, like a fresh start full of hope and promise.

  Just like Adelaide was starting her life afresh. Anew.

  Full of hope and promise.

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to one of my most favorite cities of all time—New Orleans. The city itself seems to hum with vibrancy of life and expectation. I love my time spent in the Crescent City and hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to taste a little of the flavor of Cajun country. Creating the Darkwater Inn was so much fun, and even though the hotel itself isn’t real, I pulled in many aspects from some of the beautiful and charming hotels of the area.

  I’m always amazed as my characters take on their own personalities, and with these three main characters, that was certainly true. Adelaide, Beau, and Dimitri are so different, but they have some similar traits. Their strong hearts and passion for those closest to them pushed me as a writer. It is my hope that I’ve done them justice as I tell Adelaide’s story, which involves both Beau and Dimitri, not just for this book, but for the books to follow.

  As a Christian, I often struggle with forgiveness—of others and of myself—and these characters certainly had to deal with this, each in their own way. Some of their faith journey is also my own, and it’s an honor to be able to share this with you.

  I hope you’ll enjoy reading the Darkwater Inn series, and I would love to hear from you. Please visit me on social media and on my website: www.robincaroll.com. I love talking books with readers.

  Blessings,

  Acknowledgments

  With every book I turn in, I’m simply amazed at the many hardworking folks behind the scenes who work their magic to make the final product a story that awes me. I can’t thank the team at Gilead Publishing enough for their attention to detail while allowing me to tell Adelaide’s story. Special thanks to my editor, Becky Philpott, for her input and direction. Thanks to copyeditor, Jamie Chavez for her many catches. Thanks to Dan and Jordan and Katelyn and so many others who made this book possible. My most humble gratitude.

  I can’t express enough how in awe I am of the AMAZING cover Kirk DouPonce (DogEared Design) created for Darkwater Secrets. Thank you, Kirk, for your vision and talent that always brings the perfect design.

  I’m so grateful for my agent, Steve Laube, and his willingness to share his wisdom and experience with me. It is a privilege, sir, and one I appreciate.

  This book was brainstormed with some pretty amazing writers at a private retreat. My thanks for their input and excitement: Colleen Coble, Carrie Stuart Parks, Ronie Kendig, Lynette Eason, and Michelle Lim. I had a great time hanging out with y’all and always look forward to being able to brainstorm with you.

  Every writer needs a circle of prayer partners, beta readers, and those people who will push and stretch you. I’m eternally grateful for mine: Pam Hillman, Heather Tipton, Tracey Justice, Cynthia Ruchti, and Cara Putman. You ladies don’t let me get away with anything or take any shortcuts, and I appreciate each of you for that!

  I’m beyond blessed to have my family who is always willing to brainstorm, come up with plot twists, and walk me through some scenes. I love y’all and wouldn’t be able to do any of this without you, Casey, Remy, and Bella.

  Lots of love for my extended family’s encouragement. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your continuous support: Mom, my grandsons—Benton and Zayden, Bubba and Lisa, Brandon and Katie, Rachel and Thomas, Justin & Baby G, Robyn—Rebecca—and Rion, and Wade (because you are more family than not).

  I realize every day how fortunate I am for the man who blesses me every single day. Casey, it is an honor to be your wife, and I’ll never be able to tell you how much it means to me for you to walk beside me in chasing this dream. It’s because of you that I’m not afraid to try to fly. I love you.

  Finally, all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

  About the Author

  “I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.

  Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.

  Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, Robin Caroll writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.

  When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.

  Connect with Robin!

  Website: www.robincaroll.com

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