Page 29 of The Killer Cupcake
JB gave Kathy a polite but measured nod. "Bien sûr, it is segregated, but certain established families have...arrangements. I could ensure she and I enjoy somebeignetsand café au lait without difficulty. Then perhaps a stroll throughCongo Square—even during the week, there is music and street entertainment."
"I told him you were her guardian and the decision was yours," Janey said smoothly.
"Please, Kathy! I really want to go," Willa pleaded, her eyes bright with excitement.
Kathy studied JB, who leveled his evergreen-colored eyes on her with unwavering confidence. Her mind flashed back to her attacker, to the promise Carmelo had made her swear—never let a man hurt her unpunished. Then she looked at sweet Willa, so naive and hungry for attention. There was something smugly entitled about the man before her, and she trusted her instincts completely.
"I'll speak to Carmelo. Willa will not go anywhere without both of us accompanying you to chaperone.”
"Kathy!" Willa protested indignantly.
"I'm sure he'll agree. Come back in two hours and we'll be ready for ouradventure," Kathy said firmly.
The confident smile on Jean-Baptiste's face dimmed noticeably. He gave Kathy a curt nod and sipped his freshly squeezed orange juice with deliberate calm. Kathy glanced up at Pinkie, who stood quietly in the corner—there was clear approval in the young woman's expression. No matter how much Willa pouted, she knew she'd made the right choice.
"Très bien, I shall return in a few hours," he said, pushing back his chair and glancing toward Janey. "MadameJaney,c'est toujours un plaisir."
"Nice to see you again, Jean-Baptiste," Janey replied warmly.
"Ma belleWilla, I cannot wait to show you the real Tremé," he said with renewed charm. Elmer appeared to escort him to the door while Pinkie began clearing his place setting.
"Kathy! Why? I don't need a chaperone!" Willa insisted, crossing her arms.
"You do! And I need an explanation, Auntie. Why let that man in here? Who is he really?" Kathy demanded.
Janey's smile turned calculating. "He's a Thibodaux,chère. His great-grandfather owned one of the largest sugar plantations before the Civil War. The family transitioned to sugar refining and distribution after reconstruction. They're among the ten wealthiest Black families in the world."
"Really? A plantation?" Willa frowned. "They owned slaves?"
Janey nodded slowly. "Louisiana is different,ma petite, and so are the Blacks and Creoles here. JB is one of the most sought-after young men in this city. And he has developed quite a taste for pretty girls like you."
Willa's smile brightened, but Kathy's expression darkened. "Well, he won't get a taste that’s for sure.”
Janey gave a light chuckle. "Il sait mieux—he knows better than to hurt my family."
"Did you tell him Willa was your family?" Kathy snapped, growing angrier by the minute.
"Mais non, she's a guest," Janey said dismissively. "You are my family."
"That's what I thought." Kathy turned her stern gaze to Willa. "You want to go?"
"Yes! Yes, I do! He's so handsome and charming. I like him," Willa said dreamily.
"Then here are the rules. We go with Carmelo, and you can let him hold your hand—but that is all. No kissing, no inappropriate touches. And you will not slip away with him no matter what sweet words he whispers. You stay with me at all times, Willa. If you don't, I'll have Carmelo do to him what he did to that man behind the speakeasy—the one I told you about last night."
Janey chuckled knowingly. "Carmine was quite upset about that incident."
"Do you hear me, Willa?"
"Yes, Kathy," Willa said softly, lowering her gaze in submission.
"Can I speak to you, Auntie? Alone!" Kathy pushed back from the table and marched out. Janey dabbed delicately at the corner of her mouth with her linen napkin and rose from her chair with deliberate grace to follow.
Kathy swept into the music room with its magnificent grand piano and began pacing. Janey entered and closed the French doors behind her with a soft click, sealing them in for privacy.
"Why did you let that man near her after what you witnessed last night? Why is everything a source of amusement to you? You act like we're here for your personal entertainment!" Kathy exploded.
Janey's pleasant smile evaporated. "Careful, niece."
