Big Easy (Cowboy Craze) Page 26

  Once he made it to the porch, Easy stomped his feet, dislodging as much of the day’s mud and dust from his boots as he could. For a moment, he let himself imagine someone was waiting for him inside. He’d open the door and be greeted by a soft kiss and a warm body to hold. Someone who would ask about his day, care if he was tired, be happy to settle into his arms and tell him all her hopes and dreams.

  Stepping inside, he was met with darkness and silence. “Honey, I’m home!” he announced to the empty house. After setting his Stetson on the entrance hall table, Easy took a moment to check the chess board. “At least I can count on you, Cotton. Unlike someone I could name – you don’t start a game with me and as soon as it starts to get exciting, decide you don’t want to play anymore.” Not that what he and Jewel shared was a game. If it was, he wouldn’t be so damn upset.

  Studying the board, he made his move. “There you go, big guy. Your turn.” Rising, he took the stairs two at a time, anxious to clean up and be on his way. After showering and changing clothes, Easy made a stop by the kitchen to fix a sandwich, then realized he’d left all of his cold cuts at Jewel’s.

  “Damn.” Well, he certainly wasn’t going after them. She’d probably already fed them to the alligator anyway. “I’ll pick up something on the way.” Grabbing his Stetson, he made for the door. “Hold down the fort, Cotton. And don’t wait up.”

  Whistling a tune, he attempted to make it to his truck without checking to see if Jewel was home. He almost made it too, resisting until his eyes were drawn to the rearview mirror. A frown immediately came to his face – she still wasn’t home. Could something be wrong? Taking his phone in hand, Easy almost called her. Almost.

  Instead, he shook his head and called Marion for her address. “Yea, I know where that is, cutie. I’m on my way.” After hanging up, he flipped on the radio, took a deep breath, and set his mind on enjoying the evening.

  …Over in Breaux Bridge, Jewel sat in the front of an airboat as it skimmed the surface of the Atchafalaya Basin. She knew Imogen had climbed into a small boat, a pirogue, that she found on the bank by the gas station, pushed herself into the water and was now adrift somewhere in this mass of hydrilla, murky water, and cypress knees.

  The men accompanying her in this boat and the one following all viewed her with varying degrees of suspicion and distrust. Notwithstanding Jewel’s confidence in her own abilities, she could understand their skepticism. She was asking them to believe this senile little old lady wearing a Denver Broncos T-shirt had hitchhiked to the banks of a massive swamp, then thought she could take a boat ride home. Even Ike felt unsure of what they were doing. Still, Jewel insisted – and since they’d come this far, his father convinced Truman to let them try.

  With the wind in her hair, Jewel sat on the edge of her seat. Her skin tingled with awareness, she could almost sense Imogen’s presence. While they searched slowly around small islands and stands of bald cypress, she sent a plea heavenward, praying they would find the woman – alive. Pressing her hands into fists so tightly her fingernails cut into the palms of her hands, Jewel kept watch as they moved through the river of trees. The farther they went, the greener the scenery grew. The deputy piloting the craft slowed as they entered a small gap between the flooded groves of cypress, tupelo, and willow that formed a narrow tunnel-like waterway.

  “How far are we going to go?” Truman yelled over his shoulder.

  Jewel started to say she didn’t know, until her eye fell on a bright orange color in the distance. She blinked and looked again, then cried out with relief as she saw Imogen standing up in the pirogue waving to them. “There she is! There she is!”

  While they moved closer, Ike almost turned over their boat trying to get near enough to hug Jewel. “Thank you. Thank you. I knew you could do it. I knew you could.” Even Truman gave her a nod of respect. In a few seconds, they were alongside the small wooden pirogue and Jewel smiled as Ike drew his sobbing, confused wife into his arms.

  …Back in Thibodaux, Easy strode up the stairs toward Marion’s second floor apartment. “Back in the saddle again,” he sang the old song softly as he pressed the doorbell.

  “Just a minute!”

  Staring at the door, he held his breath, fully expecting the familiar thrill to course through him. Meeting someone new, anticipating what might come – this was the feeling he’d always lived for. “Whoopi-ty-yi-yay, I’m back in…” He hummed a few more bars until the door opened and his date for the evening was standing there with a huge smile on her face.

  “Hey, Easy!” Marion greeted him, her eyes twinkling as she looked him up and down with appreciation. “Are you ready to party?”

  When she did a little shimmy, making her breasts jiggle, Easy whispered, “Oh, hell yeah.” Thrilled or not, he was more than ready to see where the evening led.

  …On the road home, Jewel sat in the front with Truman while Ike and Imogen sat in the back. For the last hour, she’d sat with hands folded in her lap, staring straight ahead, completely drained of energy.

  “Are you all right?” Truman asked.

  Jewel jerked a bit in her seat. “Oh, yes. Just tired. This kind of thing takes a lot out of me.”

  “I can imagine. Did I scare you?”

  Blushing a bit, she cut her eyes toward him. “I wasn’t expecting you to make conversation.”

  “You mean to tell me that you could see all those things about Mother, but you couldn’t see my question coming at you?”

  Jewel exhaled slowly. “No. It doesn’t work that way. I can’t live in a constant state of…seeking. I have to turn it off.”

  He refocused his attention on the road for a few moments, then cut his gaze toward her again. “Look. I guess I owe you an apology.” Truman laughed wryly. “I didn’t expect you to be able to do what you just did. That was fucking amazing, excuse my language.”

  “Really?” She looked at the deputy with seeking eyes.

  “Yea.” He laughed again. “Believe me. I’ve tried to figure out some way you could’ve faked this, but I can’t think of one. You found my mother, it’s as simple as that.”

  “I’m glad I did.” Jewel wasn’t surprised he would feel that way.

  “Anyway, I owe you my thanks and an apology. Plus, we want to pay you for your time.”

  Jewel shifted nervously in her seat. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking money for something like this.”

  “Really? I thought you made your living looking into your crystal ball or whatever.”

  She gave him a tolerant, exasperated look. “Mostly I sell essential oils and herbs for healing and aromatherapy. I do see clients who need guidance and I give it to them to the best of my ability.”

  “Well, I have to say – your ability is far greater than I’d ever imagined.” He checked on his parents in the rearview mirror. “Look, they’re both asleep.” His tone was indulgent.

  Jewel looked over her shoulder. “Oh, they are! How sweet. I’m glad I could help.”

  “Right.” Truman caught her gaze. “If you won’t take money from us…then, I owe you one. If you ever need a favor or help, I’ll be there to help you.”

  His offer amazed Jewel. “Well, thank you, Deputy Lawson.”

  Settling back into the seat, she looked out the window, smiling at the turn of events.

  A few miles later, they drove past the city limits sign. Soon, she’d be back in her car and on her way home. As they stopped at a red light, Jewel happened to glance over at a couple walking across the parking lot toward the Blue Goose Saloon. When she did, her heart almost stopped in her chest as she realized the man was Easy Blackhawk. He had his arm around a woman’s shoulders, and she had her hand resting on his ass.

  “Something wrong?” Truman asked.

  Jewel fought for composure. She hadn’t realized she’d reacted in an audible way. “Oh, nothing. I’m good.”

  Truman didn’t look like he believed her. Jewel didn’t blame him; she didn’t believe herself either.

 
* * *

  “For a big man, you sure can move,” Marion murmured as she gazed seductively into his eyes. “I bet you have other moves you can show me. Am I right?”

  Easy moved across the handkerchief size dance floor, doing his best to focus on his partner. After all, she was beautiful, sexy, and willing. “I guess you could say that.”

  “Maybe I’ll find out a little later?” Her eager fingers walked their way up his chest to tangle in his hair at the nape of his neck.

  “Maybe.” As the music ended, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Let’s go back to the table for a bit.”

  “Aww.” She pouted. “I like your friends, but I’d much rather be rubbing up against this incredible body of yours.”

  “Whew!” He laughed a bit nervously. “Wow. Thanks.” This woman knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it.

  In other words, perfect for him. His kind of woman.

  So…where was that thrill he was used to feeling?”

  “We’ll dance some more later. I just need to rest my feet. Long day on the job.” He led her back to the table where Philip and Jed waited.

  “You two take a load off.” Jed pulled out a chair for Marion. “I ordered you something different this round, Blackhawk.”

  “Like what?” He took a seat between his date and Philip.

  “A craft beer from Bayou Teche brewing.” He pointed at the mug full of amber liquid. “Especially blended to compliment Cajun and Creole cooking.”

  Philip pushed a basket of fried frog legs in front of Easy and Marion. “Try it with these, tastes pretty good to me.”

  “Will do.” Easy took what was offered, passing the basket on down to Marion. “Where’s your date, Jed?”

  “Oh, Kris is coming.” He glanced at his watch. “She got off work a little late.”

  “Kris…?” Marion leaned forward and winked at Jed. “Anyone I know?”

  Easy couldn’t help but notice his date’s flirtatious behavior toward his friend.

  “Kris Donnell. You probably don’t know her. She moved here from Lake Charles.” Jed rubbed the condensation from his mug. “She’s an old friend. My dad used to pastor a church in the parish where she lived. We met at a youth retreat.”

  “Oh…I know of her.” Marion smiled mysteriously. “Isn’t she the Kris who owns Southern Roots, that plant nursery just outside of town?”

  “Yea, that’s her.” Jed looked at Marion almost challengingly. “What of it?”

  “I just can’t believe you’re dating, that’s all. You just don’t…seem to be her type.”

  “Hey.” Easy touched Marion’s arm, silently asking her to stop what she was doing.

  Marion held up her hands defensively. “I’ve just heard things…that’s all.”

  “Heard things about what?” A pretty girl with auburn hair came bouncing up. “Hey, Jed.” She kissed him on his cheek. “Sorry, I’m late. I had to wait on a shipment of petunias.”

  “Petunias?” Marion sputtered a laugh. “That’s hilarious.”

  “Marion.” Easy’s voice held a bit more steel this time. “Hello, Kris.” He doffed his Stetson with an embarrassed smile. “I’m Easy. How are you?”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m good,” she answered with a serene smile, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrent at the table.

  “Yea, let me introduce everyone.” Jed stood up. “You’ve met Easy Blackhawk, but this is his date, Marion Cole. And this gentleman is my boss, Philip McCoy. Everyone, Kris Donnell.”

  “My pleasure.” Philip stood up to greet her, then Easy followed suit. “Can I get you a drink, Miss Donnell?”

  “I’ll have whatever Jed’s having,” Kris answered congenially.

  “I’d like a burger, if you’re going that way,” Marion chimed in. “And hurry, the band is coming back, and Chastity is about to take the stage.”

  Easy couldn’t help but notice Jed and Kris freeze at the name ‘Chastity’. Something was going on and he had no clue what it could be. Frankly, he needed a breath of air. “Philip, let me go. I need to visit the little boy’s room anyway.”

  “I don’t think a little boy’s room could handle you, Easy.”

  For a second or two, Easy just stood and stared down at Marion. What was he doing with this woman? Oh, yea – looking to get laid. “Excuse me,” he told them all, hoping his date would behave once he was gone.

  “I’ll come with you,” Philip announced as he fell into step behind Easy who was weaving his way through the crowded room toward the bar. When he was belly up to the counter, studying the menu, Philip nudged him. “I hate to say this, if you’re into her, but your date doesn’t have much of a filter, does she?”

  Easy had to chuckle. “I’d say that was an understatement.” He gave Philip a sidewise teasing glance. “But I have a date, at least. Tammy turned you down.”

  “She did, that she did,” Philip muttered with a slow exhale, nodding at Easy’s allusion to the character Wren reminded him of. “I can’t get a good read on her, Ease. She’s just so happy. Sweet.” He picked a peanut up out of a basket, shelled it, and ate it. “Did you know she doesn’t have electricity or running water?”

  “No, but I’m not surprised. How would she have any? The utilities never reestablished service after Katrina, not until you had those temporary lines run right before we started work.”

  “What’ll it be?”

  They stopped talking to place their order to a young waitress working behind the counter. Their conversation was further disrupted by the band striking a chord and the voice of an angel hitting a note so clear and beautiful that all noise in the club abruptly ceased.

  Easy and Philip turned to face the stage to see a gorgeous woman with golden blonde hair holding a microphone. She was dressed all in white, everything was covered, but nothing was hidden. As she sang, she moved sensuously, her hand beckoning, her eyes pleading. There wasn’t a man in the room who didn’t want to step forward and offer her anything her heart desired.

  And all that sexual energy was directed right at Jed Vincent.

  Chastity didn’t even try to convince anyone otherwise.

  “My God, are you seeing this?” Philip asked in an almost reverent tone.

  “I am, indeed.” Easy was as mesmerized as his boss. “And look at Jed. He’s holding on to Kris Donnell’s hand like a lifeline.”

  Philip chuckled. “Mystery solved. Now, we know why she’s here. His platonic friend.”

  “Yea, she’s providing a buffer for Jed. A shield.”

  “But…why?” Philip asked, confused.

  “I don’t know, but I’m betting there’s a story there,” Easy mused. “Look, stand here and wait on our order. I really do need to take a leak.”

  “Sure thing.” Philip nodded, never taking his eyes off the drama unfolding before him.

  Easy had enough drama of his own to worry about. While making his way to the back of the Blue Goose, he admitted to himself that his first order of business would be to disentangle himself from Marion Cole. The woman had made obvious presumptions about what would transpire after their date tonight, but he had news for her. Ezekiel Blackhawk had no intention of fulfilling those expectations. Despite Marion checking off every box in his normal dating requirements, Easy found his taste in women to be changing. Wonder why? The very question brought a smile to his face.

  “Hell, there’s a damn line.” He stared at the queue for the restroom. “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know,” the guy ahead of him in line answered. “Only women are supposed to line up to pee. A guy goes in, does his business and leaves.”

  They waited for a minute or two before someone came out and told them a maintenance guy was taking care of a problem.

  “Well, dammit, I can’t wait.” Easy elbowed his way past the string of waiting men and out the back door. Making for the shadows, he walked into the brush to get out of the circle of light provided by the security lamp. Finding a bush to stand behind, Easy unzipped his je
ans and took care of business.

  “I don’t know how she did it, but she did. Lawson’s mother was right where she said she would be.”

  “Hell, she had to have been in on it, Otis. What other explanation could there be?”

  Easy froze, listening.

  “I don’t know, Brother. Both she and her mother have always been spooky as fuck.”

  “She’s been feeding my wife some shit.”

  “Everett…”

  They moved away and Easy zipped up his pants. Were they talking about Jewel? With his head spinning, he waited a moment, then took off after them. One of the men’s voices sounded familiar.

  Once emerging into the light of the security lamp, he saw the two men just as they entered the club, the door closing behind them. Hurrying on, Easy trailed the pair, following them as they headed back to the bar. In the light of the crowded club, he could clearly see this was the guy he’d run into at Jewel’s, the one who came for the cell phone his wife left behind. The other man, to Easy’s shock, was Sheriff Hill. He could remember Jewel telling him this Everett guy was connected – she wasn’t kidding.

  Coming to the bar, he could see Philip had returned to their table. Easy wasn’t quite ready to do so. He wanted to hear what the two Hill brothers had to say. “Excuse me, excuse me,” he muttered until he could elbow his way into a spot next to them.

  “Give us both a shot of whiskey, little lady.” Everett slapped the counter in front of the young woman who’d taken Easy’s order initially.

  “So, you’ve been letting Willie go see that palm reader?” Sheriff Hill asked Everett.

  “Hell, I didn’t know. If I had any idea my wife was giving money to that lying slut, don’t you think I would’ve stopped her?”

  Hearing Jewel spoken about in such an ugly derogatory way sent Easy’s blood pressure through the roof. About the time he balled up his fist, the waitress placed the two drinks in front of the men. Everett picked his up, tasted it, then tossed the drink into the young woman’s face. “You watered it down! No one waters down my booze!” Reaching across the bar, he grabbed her by the hair of the head and pulled her down so roughly, her forehead cracked on the hard surface of the counter.