Bayou Betrayal Read Online Free PDF Page A

purse and paper bag tighter.
    â€œWhat kind of car does he drive, honey?” The nurse engaged the locking mechanism on the wheelchair.
    â€œUm…”
    She was saved from having to respond by an older-model Ford sedan pulling up to the curb. Deputy Anderson jumped from the front seat on the passenger’s side. “Sorry it took a minute. Mom had me clean out the backseat for you, so you could prop up your feet and all.”
    Monique smiled, grateful for the deputy and his mother.
    He helped the nurse transfer Monique from the wheelchair into the car with her feet propped up on the worn vinyl, then returned to the passenger’s seat. “Monique Harris, this is my mother, Della Anderson. Mom, this is Monique.”
    â€œThank you so much for the ride, Mrs. Anderson.”
    â€œOh, ma chére, it’s Della. We’re not too formal around here.” The woman with eyes as soft as her son’s slipped the car into gear and gunned the engine. “I’m just so sorry for what happened to you. I can’t imagine. Must’ve been horrifying.”
    Monique smiled despite her exhaustion. It’d been a long time since someone had fussed over her so.
    â€œAre those the only clothes you’ve got?” Della didn’t wait for a reply before popping the deputy softly on the arm. “You need to get the girl some clothes. She can’t run around in pajamas.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” But he winked at Monique when his mother turned her attention back to the road.
    â€œCrying shame, losing everything in a fire. I declare, it’s a downright tragedy.” Della glanced at Monique in her rearview mirror. “Don’t you fret none, sweetie. I’ll see that my boy gets you something to wear until you can go shopping.”
    They passed through downtown Lagniappe. Monique had been immediately attracted to its quaint charm. Didn’t seem so quaint now, what with someone trying to run her out of town.
    â€œAre you hungry? Would you like to get something to eat?”
    Monique smiled at the woman’s reflection. “No, ma’am. I’m just tired and want to get some sleep.”
    â€œBless your heart. I understand. You’ll be ready to eat in the morning.” Della tossed her son a knowing look.
    Grinning at their interplay, Monique leaned her head against the seat and closed her eyes. Fatigue overcame every muscle in her body.
    The car came to a stop.
    Monique opened her eyes and sat straight. They were parked outside the front office of the Lagniappe Motel. Deputy Anderson climbed out of the car. “I’ll be right back.”
    She shifted her purse and bag. Oh, no. She’d forgotten to give him money to pay for the room. Well, he was the town deputy, after all. He’d probably tell them she’d settle up in the morning. Monique hid a yawn behind her hand.
    He returned, brandishing a key. “Pull up there, Mom.” He nodded toward the room closest to the office. “I asked that you be given a room up front. Just in case you needed anything.”
    â€œThanks.” She hid another yawn.
    Quicker than she thought would be possible, he’d opened the motel room door for her, helped her inside and promised to come check on her in the morning and finish taking her statement. He took her cell number, gave her his, then he was gone.
    Alone in the motel room, Monique hobbled toward the bed. So, so tired. She set her purse on the nightstand, grabbed the bag and tottered to the bathroom. At the sink, she bent to rinse out her mouth. Her hair fanned her face, and the smell of smoke overtook her. She almost retched. No, she couldn’t go to sleep yet. She needed to bathe and wash her hair. But she’d make it quick.
    She opened the paper bag and withdrew the gloves and surgical booties, then caught her reflection. She looked awful. Like something the cat drug up. But her eyes were the worst. Oh, not from the smoke and