Bayou Justice (12 page)

Her grandmother shuffled down the hall, her steps weighted with age. CoCo closed her eyes and offered up yet another prayer for the woman she dearly loved. Why couldn't Grandmere understand salvation was hers for the asking? Stubbornness, that's what stopped her.

A knock rapped on the door, causing CoCo to spin around. Who'd come calling this time of the evening? She cracked the door, her heart tripping as she peered at Luc Trahan's large form on her porch.

“CoCo, I need to talk to you.” His voice still sent spirals of joy through her.

She toughened her tone. “I don't think that's such a good idea.”

His eyes, the ones that always spoke directly to her heart, blinked. “Please, just hear me out. There's new information.”

Curiosity always had been a weakness of hers. She pulled the door open. “Come on in, I guess.”

He hovered at the threshold, his broad shoulders nearly touching both sides of the doorjamb. “Actually, I'd rather talk to you alone. Can we sit on the porch?”

She glanced over her shoulder. No sign that the knock had disrupted her grandmother or sister. “I guess so.” CoCo flipped on the porch light before following him to the porch and taking a seat in one of the big rockers.

The rain had softened to a gentle mist, but had cooled the air. A breeze swept off the bayou, filling the wind with the smell of fresh soil. CoCo breathed in the scent, drawing strength from its familiarity.

Luc hunkered down in the rocker next to her. “I found a letter today. A letter to Beau.”

She cocked her head. “I'm listening.”

He paused, as if to garner fortitude. “From your lawyer.”

Now
that
could be interesting. “About the eviction?”

“No. It was a personal letter to Beau, not even on Williams's law firm letterhead.” He shifted in the rocker, the wood creaking under him. “It basically accused Beau of being involved with the death of his sister.”

She couldn't stop the gasp from escaping. “What?”

“I know. The letter also said Dwayne Williams would prove it.” He ran a hand over his dark hair.

“Oh, my.” Things seemed to fall into place. The quick initial appointment…Dwayne's fast acceptance of the case…his comment about already having an investigation going on Beau. CoCo's hands shook when she lifted them to cover her mouth. “This puts a new spin on things, doesn't it?”

His eyes were soft as he studied her. “I took the letter to the sheriff tonight. He's going to talk to Williams in the morning.”

Words failed her. The enormity of the situation hit her. “Could I have unwittingly been a party to Beau's murder?”

He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Of course not. No one is responsible for the actions of others.”

She grazed her teeth over her bottom lip and met his stare. Hadn't he blamed her for his father's death, making her feel responsible for the actions of an animal? She jerked her hand from his and shot to her feet. “I need to call Dwayne—find out what's going on.”

“No.” He stood and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You can't. You aren't supposed to know about the letter.”

“He's my lawyer. I deserve to know what ulterior motives he had for taking my case.” Another thought marched across her mind, filling her with trepidation. “Luc, he's my representation in the investigation of Beau's murder.”

Luc pulled her to him, drawing her into a hug. She laid her head against his chest. Just for a moment, she'd let his strength feed her. She needed the support right now. Her world had just tilted on its axis, and she couldn't think straight.

“Bubba will find out more tomorrow.” The words came not only from his mouth, but she could feel the rumble from his chest.

Along with the thudding of his heart. Hers matched his, beat for beat. What was she doing? This was Luc, the man who'd deserted her, blamed her for his father's death, walked away when she needed him most.

CoCo pushed herself free from his embrace and met his stare. His eyes held questions, but something else glimmered there. Something familiar…something recognizable…oh, she knew that look. Attraction. She swallowed and broke eye contact. One thing she didn't need was to get tangled up in an emotional tornado with Luc Trahan. Not again.

“Are you okay?” He moved toward her.

She backed up a step. “I'm just wondering what's going on.” She pressed her lips together.

“I meant what I said before. I don't believe you or your family had anything to do with Grandfather's death. And about the diner—I'm sorry. I was way out of line.” He let out a long sigh, as if it'd been pent-up too long. “I realize how innocent words and events can sometimes make you look guilty.”

Could that be the voice of experience talking? “What do you mean?”

He stared out into the darkness. “I need to be honest with you, CoCo. I'm a suspect in my grandfather's murder.”

S
urprise stole her voice.

Luc turned to meet her gaze. “It's true. Bubba's running tests on that gun you found because one of Beau's shotguns is missing from the house. If it comes back registered to Grandfather…” He held her look.

Who in their right mind would think Luc could have anything to do with the murder of his own grandfather?

“Just because a gun is missing, doesn't mean you killed your grandfather, Luc.”

“He and I argued the day he died. Seems that gives me motive.” His voice cracked and his eyes glistened.

Her heart ached. She'd seen that same expression when his father had died. Now he looked broken in spirit. CoCo moved to him, taking both his hands in hers. “No one would believe you had anything to do with his death.” She stared straight into the depths of his eyes. “No one.”

He smiled crookedly. “
Merci
for the vote of confidence.” He squeezed her hands. “See, we're both suspects because of appearances, not because of guilt.”

She let him go and crossed her arms over her chest. “So, what do we do now?”

It took every ounce of self-control not to pull CoCo back into his arms and hold her. Comfort for him, or her? He couldn't tell, didn't really want to analyze it right now. All he wanted was to feel the close connection with her again.

Lord, help me to open myself up to her.

“Luc?” Her tone matched the questioning look in her eyes.

Time to bite the bullet. “I really am sorry for stepping over the line in the diner.” He ran a hand over his wet hair. Why was it so hard to speak his heart? “I want to keep working together to find out who killed my grandfather.”

Her almond-shaped eyes widened. The green flecks practically blazed.

Better think fast.
Luc touched her hand but didn't hold it. “We're both suspects, but we're both innocent. You know how things can get twisted. I think we stand a better chance of clearing our names if we keep working together.”

He could almost see her mind whirring behind her eyes. A wide range of emotions stomped across her face—shock, disbelief and hesitation. He could understand each one of them. Two years ago, he'd caused all those feelings to surface in her. Remorse nearly strangled him.
Lord, forgive me for the pain I caused her. Forgive me for not staying to witness to her, to bring her into Your fold. Help me to do Your will this time.

“I don't know, Luc… I'm not sure this, uh, partnership is working.” Confusion clouded her words.

This time, he did take hold of her hand. “Just think about it. We know this area and the people here as well as Bubba. We've lived here all our lives.” He gripped her hand tighter, but she made no move to pull away. That was a good sign, right? “You know most people don't want to get involved in things, especially a murder. Between you and me, we have enough of a relationship with them to get them to open up.”

She didn't respond. At least not verbally. But her eyes danced. He might have a chance to apologize for the past and maybe get a chance at a future. His pulse did a little tap-dance. Until the main hurdle between them slammed against his heart—her not being a Christian. He hardened his dream. No, they could work together to prove their innocence, but that was the extent of what their relationship could be. Still, he did owe her an apology for his past behavior.

God, in Your time, show me the way to apologize. Lord, please strengthen my resolve. I've always loved her, but I can't let myself be unequally yoked. You can help me lead her to You this time. Please, Lord, I want her to belong to You, even if she never loves me again.

“I suppose we could keep working together, just until the killer is found.” Her voice lacked hope and enthusiasm. “That's it, Luc.”

He'd take what he could get. Small steps. “Great.” He released her hand. “Bubba said he'd let me know what Williams said, after he'd had a chance to speak with him tomorrow. I'll be sure and let you know.”

“I'm going to call Dwayne myself tomorrow. See if he tells me something different than what he tells the sheriff.”

“Good idea. We can compare notes.” And maybe find the truth.

“Should I call you after I talk to Dwayne?”

And miss seeing her, even if she was off-limits to him? Then again, maybe he could reach her this time. God was, after all, still on the throne. “How about we meet at my place? We can go over everything we both know and see what we can come up with, and Felicia would love to see you.”

“Okay.” Her voice held a lilt of uncertainty.

He smiled, then planted a quick kiss against the crown of her head. Too bad he remembered all the times he'd done the same thing and she'd snaked an arm around his waist. Luc pulled back and rushed to the stairs. “I'll see you at the house around noon, yes?”

She nodded.

His heart thudded as he headed home. He spared a glance in his rearview mirror—CoCo stood on the porch, her stare following the taillights. An empty feeling filled him.

CoCo blew her bangs off her forehead and hauled in a deep breath before she climbed out of the Jeep. The morning sun blistered above, turning the previous day's moisture to steam. Heat hung in the air as thick as the fog over the bayou. She quickened her steps toward Dwayne Williams's office.

The flash of cool air hit her as soon as she entered the plush office, and she breathed a thankful sigh. The receptionist glanced up, her plastic smile already in place. “Good morning, Ms. LeBlanc. Did you have an appointment with Mr. Williams?”

“No, I was hoping he could fit me in.”

“Have a seat, and I'll buzz him. He's already behind schedule this morning.” She motioned CoCo toward the leather settee with one hand and lifted the phone receiver with the other.

CoCo studied the two pieces of art hanging on the walls. One, a photograph of New Orleans at night. Her stomach knotted. New Orleans, the city of her birth, where she'd lived happily with her parents until they'd died in a car accident. CoCo blinked and swallowed back her grief.

“He'll be with you shortly, Ms. LeBlanc.”

CoCo nodded as she moved closer to the picture. She didn't miss the city as much as she missed her parents.

“CoCo, good morning.”

She turned and accepted Dwayne's handshake. “I was wondering if I could have a few minutes.”

“Certainly.” He waved toward the hall. His steps thudded behind her as she made her way to the conference room.

“Please, sit down.” He shut the door and half sat/half leaned against the table. “What can I do for you?”

She dropped into a chair and studied him. His tie sat neatly against his throat, his hair laid smooth against his head—no sign of distress. Maybe the sheriff hadn't spoken to him yet. This could be awkward. She cleared her throat. “I heard you had a personal vendetta against Beau Trahan.”

The smile slid from his face, and he lowered himself into the chair catty-corner to hers. “The sheriff sure is one busy man. So, he called you, did he?”

“No, I haven't talked to him, but that doesn't matter. I just need to know if I've made a mistake in hiring you.”

“Of course not!” Dwayne straightened his shoulders. “Let's just say I had some strong suspicions and wanted the truth.”

Me, too.
“The truth about what?”

He leaned back in the chair. “Remember I told you I came home for family issues?”

She nodded.

“My sister died of a drug overdose.”

Sympathy welled inside her. “I'm so sorry.” She laid a hand over his steepled ones. “What happened?”

He swallowed. “She quit her job at the casino, without a good reason. Went to work as a waitress at a local bar.” Humiliation cloaked his features. “She began using drugs.”

“I'm so sorry.”
Lord, I don't know what to say.

His gaze rested on her.

“Then…why would you think Beau was linked to her death? I mean, if she died of a drug overdose…”

“I have reason to believe Beau was the reason she quit.”

“Oh.” What could she say to that? Her heart raced. All sensible words escaped her. The tragedy of it all sat heavily in her chest. “Did you talk to Beau about your sister?”

He let out a snort. “I tried. Of course he denied the truth, but I knew better.” His eyes hardened. “I could see it.”

“You wrote him threatening letters?”

Shame popped into his eyes. “I'm not proud of my actions, but I was so upset, so outraged that he could get away with…well, I didn't use the best judgment.”

“Did he reply?”

“At first, he didn't bother. Then, as I kept calling and writing, he threatened to have me arrested.”

“For what?”

“Harassment. He said if I told anyone my theory, he'd sue me for slander, too.” Dwayne shook his head. “His tone said he feared the truth being exposed.”

CoCo considered his statement. From what she knew of Beau Trahan, how others saw him meant everything to him. Two of the reasons he'd been against her and Luc being together proved that. She, of course, was from the wrong side of the tracks, and her grandmother was the voodoo priestess of the parish.

“Dwayne, why would Beau get her to quit? That doesn't sound like him at all.”

He leaned forward, as if to share a secret. “You know, at first I couldn't understand it myself. After we managed to get her belongings, I found her diary.”

Now this was getting juicy.

“She wrote about being romantically involved with a man. She never wrote his name, always used a name in all caps like a code—SAM—but wrote his family would be mortified if they ever found out. That's why the relationship had to be kept secret. She met him through the casino.”

CoCo sat back. “Are you implying the man, this SAM was Beau Trahan?”

He shrugged. “I don't know, but it sure looks funny.”

Nothing made sense.

“She was only twenty-one years old. What if someone found out about them? He'd do anything to protect his
upstanding
name, right?”

He had a point. She mulled the scenario over. “So, he would encourage her to quit to protect his reputation?”

“Exactly.”

If Beau was involved with her, what did that mean? She didn't know Beau well enough to consider the possibilities, and she was past making assumptions. But Luc would have some ideas. CoCo glanced at her watch—she had less than ten minutes to meet Luc. She pushed to her feet. “I don't know what to say, other than I'm very sorry for your loss.”

“Do you still want me to represent you?” He stood.

“That depends. What did the sheriff say?”

“That he'd look into the situation.” His eyes blinked with honesty. “Now I'm a suspect in Beau's murder, so I understand if you don't want to keep me on.”

Chances were he was just as innocent as she and Luc. “No, I think I'll keep you.” She smiled. “I hope the sheriff finds the truth about what happened to your sister. I'll be praying for you.”

His smile reached his eyes. “
Merci.
I appreciate it.”

CoCo moved to the door.

“I received notice that Beau's will is being read after his funeral Saturday. Once we know who owns your property, we can contact their attorney.”

“Who” would probably be Luc. Since they'd called a truce, would he drop the eviction? What if Beau had left it to his brother? Justin would evict them just as Beau had intended. Unless…her grandmother did say he'd had a crush on her.

“I'll let you know as soon as the court notifies me.”

“
Merci.
Again, I'm sorry for your loss.” She slipped from the conference room, wiggled her fingers in a wave at the receptionist, then rushed to her Jeep.

She cranked the engine and flipped the air conditioner on high. How, exactly, was she going to tell Luc his grandfather may have been romantically involved with a woman so young, not to mention he might have had a hand in her death?

Dear God, what should I do? Luc's had so much pain inflicted on him and his family. He doesn't need more grief. Yet, I have to tell him the truth. We agreed to work together.
CoCo let out a heavy sigh.
Just show me what You want me to do, God. I'll follow Your lead.

Her cell phone chirped, startling her. CoCo dug in her purse until she found it. “Hello.”

“Where are you?”

CoCo's heart skittered at his voice, his tone…everything. She laughed. “I'm on my way now. Be there in less than fifteen minutes.”