Bayou Corruption
Page 20
“Which is what our mother discovered.” Alyssa stared across the room at CoCo and Tara.
“Yeah. Gocheaux piped in that he and Burl had killed your parents and made it look like an accident. Thibodeaux killed Kevin Arnold. All on Mouton’s orders.”
“Why would he admit doing such a thing?” Alyssa asked.
Lockwood smiled, but the expression looked forced. “Because he’s trying to make himself a sweeter deal. Turning evidence. Burl says he was coerced into cooperating. Threats against his wife.”
Jackson snaked his arm around Alyssa’s waist. They sat together on the sofa, both perching on the edge of the seat. She snuggled closer.
Standing, Luc extended his hand to the FBI agent. “Guess that wraps it all up.”
“We’ll need each of you to come by and sign your statements.” He nodded to Jackson. “ATF’s Internal Affairs will be contacting you for a statement, too.”
“For what?” Alyssa asked.
“Because Mouton got Agent Olson’s firearm away from him. The senator shot Jackson with a government-registered gun. The agency isn’t too keen on situations like that.” Agent Lockwood gave a final nod before leaving.
“I’m going to check on Fels.” CoCo drew to her feet.
Luc automatically took her arm and moved with her.
Jackson wanted to be alone with Alyssa, to talk about where they went from here, and stood. He held out his hand to her. “Care to walk with me, chère?”
She glanced at Tara, who smiled. “I’m gonna start helping the staff pick up. I might want to take some food home. No sense letting good grub go to waste.”
Outside, the sun had set. Only the final streaks of purple stood out against the darkening sky. Jackson took Alyssa into his arms and kissed her, pouring every bit of his heart into the embrace.
He stepped back, cupped her face in his hands and ran his thumb over her scar. “Now, about what you said to me…”
“What?” A smile lifted the corners of her mouth.
“You told me that you loved me.”
She arched a single eyebrow. “I did? Are you sure?”
A life with her would be many things, but never boring. Not for one minute. “I’m positive I heard you say that.” He tilted his head to the side and tapped his chin with his finger. “Yeah, I’m certain.”
“Well, if you’re sure, then.”
“But it wouldn’t hurt anything to hear you say it again. Just so I don’t forget.”
“I love you, Jackson Devereaux.” She smiled softly, those eyes of hers dancing.
He pulled her closer and rested his forehead against hers. “And I love you, chère.”
ISBN: 978-1-4268-1303-0
BAYOU CORRUPTION
Copyright © 2008 by Robin Miller
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