A Darker Shade of Midnight Read Online Free PDF

sunglasses on again.
    “Yes, ma’am.” Deputy Broussard gave a sharp nod. “Good day, Mrs. Rousselle.”
    “Bye bye deputy. You come back anytime.” Monmon Odette beamed at him.
    She made her way back along the porch holding the wooden railing with one hand and her cane with the other. Moments later the cruiser disappeared around a curve in the driveway. Monmon Odette chuckled to herself as she gazed at LaShaun.
    “What?” LaShaun placed one hand on her hip.
    “That young man came way out here to bring you one little old bag. I feel safe knowing we got us such a considerate deputy. Yes indeed.” Monmon Odette continued chuckling as she went inside.
    “You’re so funny, Monmon,” LaShaun said. When the screen door banged shut, LaShaun turned to look toward the road. And smiled.  
     
    * * *
    LaShaun spent the next day settling in. True to her word, Rita moved back to her condo. She has arranged for a home health services for Monmon Odette. A nurse and nursing assistant would make regular visits. LaShaun became the contact person. Rita made the change with a matter-of-fact façade, but LaShaun detected the tension. In fact, all the smiling and cooperation as Rita handed over Monmon Odette’s day-to-day care wore on LaShaun’s nerves. Monmon Odette watched them both, saying nothing but knowing all. This family meeting with her lawyer was sure to be interesting.
    At eight forty-five Tuesday morning. a sleek silver BMW sedan rolled up the driveway. Seconds later a tall, fine black man got out. LaShaun sat on the porch with the local newspaper. She dropped it on the table next to her chair, no longer interested in the new discount store opening or local high school sports. She watched Devin J. Martin, size up the house and surrounding land. His expression was unreadable behind the expensive sunglasses. Moments later he smiled as if aware he was being observed. He walked to the front porch, and LaShaun stood to greet him. His smile widened in appreciation when he saw her.  
    “Good morning, Mr. Martin. I’m LaShaun Rousselle, one of Mrs. Rousselle’s granddaughters.” LaShaun shook his hand. His skin was smooth and warm. He held her hand for the just the right amount of time. Not too long to be suggestive, yet long enough to leave the door open. She recognized a fellow player.
    “Good morning.” His handsome face registered surprise for an instant.  
    “Come in. I’ll get you a cup of coffee. You’ve had a long drive from New Orleans.”
    “Thanks,” he said as he followed her into the living room. He set his briefcase on the floor. Then he took off his sunglasses and carefully placed them in an inside pocket of his suit jacket. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Rousselle.”  
    ”And you.” LaShaun turned to face him.
    “So the stories are true. You’re supernatural. You knew my name and that a cup of Louisiana dark roast would be appreciated.”
    She smiled at him. “Apparently not. I don’t know what you like in your coffee.”
    Martin let out a throaty baritone laugh. “Nothing. I like it hot and strong.”
    “Then you’re in luck. We can accommodate. Come on in.” LaShaun stood aside against the open screen door as he entered.  
    With a confident stride, he went to the living room. The scent of his expensive cologne lingered. LaShaun let the screen door shut and watched him closely. Martin scanned the antiques in the foyer, pausing for a few seconds at a row of wood sculptures. LaShaun could almost hear his mind working, estimating what it could be worth in dollars.  
    “I see the lawyer made it.” Rita stood on the porch wearing a slight smile. She opened the screen door and joined LaShaun in the hallway.
    “You’re both the first ones here,” LaShaun said, smiling back at her.
    “Are we?” Rita glanced at her smart phone. “Guess I’m just used to getting up early. Is Monmon Odette in the living room yet?”  
    LaShaun raised an eyebrow at her attitude. “I’ll get her. Go on in and