Page 8 of Sweaty Nights & Gator Bites

“Exactly,” Phi growled. “It’s a classic case of silencing the opposition. Whoever is behind this wants to clear the way for unchecked commercial exploitation of the swamps.”

Dea pursed her lips and pointed to the table top as she added, “And the spirits of the swamp are in turmoil because of this. The desecration of their sacred sites is causing an imbalance, which might explain some of the supernatural disturbances we've been sensing.”

Dre, always the strategist, leaned back in her chair and tapped her chin thoughtfully. “We need to find out who stands to benefit the most from these developments. Follow the money, and we might uncover the mastermind behind these attacks.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of our mission. “Agreed. We need to dig deeper into the financial and political connections of these developers. But first, let’s make sure we understand the full extent of the victim's activism and who her main adversaries were.”

As we delved further into our research, the room grew silent, each of us absorbed in our respective tasks. The profiles, timelines, and maps started to form a coherent picture of the victim's life and her tireless efforts to save the swamps.

“Look at this,” Lia said, breaking the silence. “Melanie was about to present a comprehensive report on the environmental impact of the proposed developments. She had gathered substantial evidence that would have made it nearly impossible for the developers to proceed.”

Kota scanned another file and added, “And she was organizing a large protest that would have brought significant media attention to the cause. She was killed just days before the event.”

Phi shook her head and I noted her eyes were full of anger and sadness. “She was silenced just as she was about to make a real difference. This isn’t just about greed. It’s about ensuring that her voice was never heard.”

“We can't let her sacrifice be in vain,” I said in a firm voice. "We need to gather enough evidence to expose whoever is behind this and put a stop to their plans."

Dea placed a hand on my shoulder. Her usual joy was tempered by the situation. “And we need to do it soon. The spirits are growing more restless by the day. If we don’t act quickly, the imbalance could lead to even more chaos.”

Dre leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the files in front of her. “Look at this. The biggest company involved in these developments is Bayou Industries, and their CEO is Richard Bouvier. If anyone stands to gain the most from shutting down the environmental protests, it's him.”

Lia nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. If we can confront him directly, we might be able to get him to slip up and reveal something.”

“Let's start with Bouvier,” I suggested as Phi pulled up a note and made a list of key players on her tablet. “We’ll need to prepare for both a diplomatic approach and a more... forceful one, depending on how he responds,” she said, surprising me. She was usually careful with mundies. Although, once I had a second to consider it, her reaction made sense. She was a microbiologist and an advocate of saving the environment.

Kota grinned, her eyes lighting up with anticipation. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s get ready and head out. The sooner we confront him, the sooner we can put an end to this.”

Dea looked thoughtful for a moment. “If they're responsible for her death, what do we do? We're not the police. If this wasn't a case involving the supernatural, should we turn it over to the authorities?”

Dre shook her head. “We can't. Melanie was a selkie shifter. We can't let that come out. Not to mention we had her body moved by Noah and Lucas.”

Lia sighed. “You're right. This is on us. We have to see this through.”

With our decision made, we prepared to confront Richard Bouvier. We had to uncover the truth about Bayou Industries' involvement. The stakes were higher than we’d ever encountered merely because of the mundie business possibly involved.

The late afternoon sun cast long, slanted rays through the grand windows of the Bouvier’s lavish estate. We opted to pay him a visit at home rather than risk involving a high rise full of mundie employees. We might own a large plantation now, but this kind of wealth was beyond us. If it hadn’t been for Lucas and Noah doing the repairs to the main house at cost, we would barely be surviving at the moment.

My tennis shoes squeaked on the marble floors as we waited in the entry for Bouvier. Opulence oozed from everycorner of the mansion. Crystal chandeliers hung like glittering stalactites from the high ceilings and cast prisms of light across the room. Expensive art adorned the walls, and the air was filled with the faint scent of polished wood and fresh flowers. It was clear that Richard Bouvier spared no expense in showcasing his wealth and status.

Richard Bouvier came down the main staircase, exuding an air of smug confidence. His tailored suit fit him like a second skin, and his sharp eyes scanned our group with barely concealed disdain. It was clear he thought we were beneath him in every way.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” Bouvier greeted us with a thin smile, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed our group. “What can I do for you ladies today?”

Lia stepped forward and kept her tone polite but firm. “Thank you for seeing us, Mr. Bouvier. We have a few questions about your development projects in the swamplands and the recent incidents involving local activists.”

Bouvier’s smile widened, but there was a glint of irritation in his eyes. “I assure you that my developments are perfectly legal.” He lifted a finger in the air. “And beneficial for the community. I have all the necessary permits and approvals.” He continued to the office on the left side of the entryway.

I exchanged a glance with Dre, who gave me a subtle nod. We were on the same page. This man was slimy and one of those CEOs who wouldn’t think twice about ordering an innocent woman’s death.

“Of course, Mr. Bouvier,” I said, stepping forward and allowing a hint of magical persuasion to lace my words. “We believe you have all the necessary permits. There has been a death in the bayou not far from the lands you’ve been trying to add to your plans. We’d like to talk to you about that woman.”

Kota stopped in front of his massive desk and leaned one hand on it. “We’re particularly interested in any… unusual occurrences or resistance you might have encountered while scouting the area. Anything that could explain the recent tragedy.”

Bouvier’s expression flickered for a brief moment. It was almost imperceptible but enough for me to catch. “I don’t know what you mean,” he insisted. “I’ve heard of no death. As for my projects. They have faced the usual opposition from environmental groups, but nothing out of the ordinary.”

Kota tried to add a bit of levity as she spoke up with a grin. “You wouldn’t happen to have any gator shifters on your payroll, would you?” I gasped along with our other sisters. That was not part of the plan.

Bouvier’s eyes widened just a fraction before he quickly masked his reaction with a laugh. “Gator shifters? That’s a new one. No, I don’t employ mythical creatures. Just hardworking people trying to make a living.”

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