A Darker Shade of Midnight Read Online Free PDF Page A

Angeles is nice, but dry. You gotta have a lot of money to get your lawn green like this. Humph, you gotta have money to have a lawn.” LaShaun walked to the edge of the porch and leaned on the railing.
    “This is where you belong.” Monmon Odette gazed off into the distance. Her voice held a strange quality, as though she spoke to someone else.
    “Some might argue with that,” LaShaun retorted with a smile. “I saw Savannah last night.”
    Monmon Odette waved a gnarled hand in dismissal. “Nonsense. This is your home.”
    “I caused a lot of trouble in my time. I had fun doing it sometimes.” LaShaun winked at her grandmother.
    “Girl, you still got the same spunk.” Monmon Odette chuckled softly. Then her gaze shifted to the blacktop road. She pointed to an approaching car. “Now what would they want?”
    The white Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s department cruiser with green and blue lettering pulled up into the driveway. Deputy Broussard sat inside for a few seconds before he cut the engine. When he got out LaShaun noticed the long, lean frame wrapped in the dark khaki uniform. His wore an unreadable expression behind the dark sunglasses. He studied his surroundings then strode toward them.
    “Morning ladies.” Deputy Broussard nodded to Monmon Odette. “I was out this way, and decided to return your property. He held out a white plastic bag.
    “Thanks.” LaShaun looked inside at the three bags of herbs in cloth sacks.   “I guess you found out I was telling the truth. Since you’re not explaining my rights or taking out the handcuffs I mean.” His crooked smile surprised and pleased LaShaun. Warmth from his curved lips seemed to snake out and curl around her body.
    “Nothing but herbs, like you said. Sorry for the inconvenience.” Deputy Broussard looked at Monmon Odette. “Hope you’re feeling better, Mrs. Rousselle.”
    “Indeed I am, young man. Having my granddaughter home is a comfort.” Monmon Odette smiled at him.
    “I’m sure it is, ma’am.” Deputy Broussard nodded respectfully.
    Monmon Odette braced herself and stood up. “Let me look at my roses. I sure hope that cold weather didn’t burn them.” She started walking away toward the far end of the long porch.
    “Monmon, what are you doing? Let me help you.” LaShaun took a few steps when her grandmother scowled at her.
    “I’m tired of everybody hovering over me like gnats. I can still enjoy a short stroll, and look at my own roses. Besides, don’t be rude. This young man came way out here to bring back your belongings.” Monmon Odette continued to walk as she spoke.  
      “She’s very strong-willed,” Deputy Broussard said.
    “You have no idea. I could have picked up my herbs. Or were you curious about the infamous Rousselle family?” LaShaun dropped the bag on the small table next to the cane chairs.
    His dark eyebrows went up over the sunglasses, and then he took them off. “Very curious to be honest, especially after the sheriff came to your defense.”
    “Oh really?” LaShaun leaned against a post and crossed her arms.  
    “According to him none of the evidence indicated you killed Claude Trosclair. He also said the talk of you being a voodoo queen was a load of superstitious swamp country crap. That’s a direct quote.”
    LaShaun laughed out loud. “Well, well. I never would have believed that Sheriff Triche would become my defender. Monmon, did you hear? The sheriff thinks the reports of my crimes and misdemeanors have been greatly exaggerated.”
    “Always said Roman Triche had sense,” Monmon Odette called back.
    “Anyway, I just wanted to say…” Deputy Broussard cleared his throat as LaShaun gazed at him. “Welcome back to Vermillion Parish.”
    “Thank you, Deputy Broussard. Maybe we’ll run into each other again, hopefully under friendly circumstances.” LaShaun’s gaze followed the strong line of his jaw up to his dark eyes. He looked at her for several minutes before putting his