A Darker Shade of Midnight Read Online Free PDF Page B

have a seat. I’m fixing coffee now.”
    “Let me know if you need help,” Rita said over her shoulder. Her offer seemed half-hearted because moments later she disappeared.  
    LaShaun went to the kitchen. She had a rolling wooden serving cart prepared with a carafe of hot coffee, cups, and beignets. Two elaborate ceramic bowls held sugar and real cream. Monmon Odette would not allow substitutes in her kitchen. As LaShaun came back down the hallway, she met Monmon Odette walking with care along the hardwood floor. The soft moccasins made her footsteps silent.
    Monmon winked at LaShaun, put a finger to her lips, and whispered. “Listen, Cher , listen to them making plans. Shh.” Indeed, they could hear the murmur of voices.
    “What are you up to, Monmon?” LaShaun gazed at her through narrowed eyes. “You set up some mess inviting them here.”  
    “Now why would I want to provoke my sweet relatives? Especially when they’ve been so good to me.” Monmon Odette dark eyes sparkled with mirth. She gave a soft laugh then turned to leave.  
    Before LaShaun could say more Martin came through the archway. With a smooth, solicitous expression, he took Monmon Odette’s arm and escorted her to the living room.  
    “Good morning, Mrs. Rousselle. How are you feeling?”
    “Hello, Mr. Martin. It was so good of you to come on short notice.” Monmon Odette matched his smoothness with her own charm. “Such an important lawyer like you must be busy with more important matters in the big city.”
    “I was in the area on other business, so it was no trouble. Besides, your granddaughter has been very helpful.” Martin helped Monmon Odette get settled in one of the high back upholstered chairs.  
    “LaShaun has spoken to you. How wonderful,” Monmon Odette replied.
    “No, I mean Ms. Rita here.” Martin looked at Rita then back at Monmon Odette.
    “I see. Tell me how she’s been helpful.” Monmon fixed a steady gaze on Rita.  
    “Ahem, I meant to say…” Martin looked at Rita again as if asking for help.  
      “Knock, knock. We’re comin’ in so don’t shoot,” a strong male voice boomed.  
    Moments later Theo Rousselle entered the room his head barely clearing the top of the doorframe. Albert, the quieter, more morose brother, followed behind, as usual. Monmon Odette’s two surviving sons looked alike except for the difference in height.  
    “Hello, mama. LaShaun, look at you. I swear our niece gets prettier every year, don’t she Albert?” Uncle Theo kissed LaShaun on the forehead like she was still the six year old he used to tickle.
    “Welcome home.” Uncle Albert blinked then gave her a brief hug.  
    “Thank you,” LaShaun said. “My uncles are still as handsome as ever.”
    At six feet four, Uncle Theo still looked powerful even at sixty-one years old. Still his shoulders were more stooped than when she’d last seen him. With salt and pepper bushy hair cut short, he wore checked short-sleeved sport shirt and navy blue Dockers. He beamed at them all and at no one in particular. A shorter but just as formidable looking Albert was six years younger. He frowned around as though checking the room for threats as they entered the parlor.
    “Mornin’,” Uncle Albert grumbled. “How you feelin’ this mornin’, Mama?” Always dutiful, to a point, he kissed Monmon Odette on the check then stood back.  
    “Hey, good-lookin’,” Uncle Theo said in his amiable manner. He kissed Monmon Odette on the cheek. “Somebody has been spreadin’ lies, cause you lookin’ way to young and spry to be sick.”  
    “Hello, boys. Sit down. LaShaun gonna fix you some coffee.” Monmon Odette waved her hand at LaShaun to reinforce her instructions.
    As LaShaun passed around china cups of strong Louisiana dark roast coffee, more family arrived. Several cousins nodded to LaShaun, then crossed to Rita. They stood near a window talking low. After a few minutes Rita went back to sit on the sofa no far from