Page 6 of Rett

“What’s wrong?” asked Luc.

“That’s my apartment steps, but I don’t know those men.”

“Stay behind us,” said Luc. The three men formed a wall in front of her, walking slowly toward the apartment. As they approached, the men on the steps stood. “Can I help you?”

“You live here?” asked one of the men.

“That’s right. What’s it to you?”

“Just lookin’ for a friend. He might be hurt. Tall, black hair, nice build. Someone thought they saw him here.”

“Sorry, man. No one here except me and my daughter,” said Luc. “I’d appreciate it if you’d get off my steps.”

“Jefe, you should watch your tongue,” said another man. Luc smiled, pulling his weapon as Otto and Gabe did the same.

“I don’t have to. Jefe. This is my home, my city. You might do well to understand that this is south Louisiana. Almost every man and woman own a gun and knife and knows how to use them. Now get off my property.”

“No problem. We’re going. If you see our friend, let us know. We’re staying at the Delacroix.” Casey just nodded, looking at Luc. They watched as the three men walked away, then followed Casey to her door.

“You don’t have to come in,” she said. “I have several locks on my door.”

“Humor us,” said Otto. He watched as Casey unlocked the three locks, opening the door to a clean but small apartment.

“See, no one,” she smiled. Otto nodded his head, smiling back at her.

“Let us know if you have any trouble, okay?” She nodded, kissing their cheeks as they left. Seeing the sheets folded on her sofa, she thought maybe her guest was gone. Instead, he walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Oh!” she squealed, turning her back to him. Everything inside of her wanted to turn and look again. What she’d seen was terribly impressive.

“Sorry,” he said. “I just needed to shower off the rest of this blood. Are you okay?”

“Yes. There were three men on my stoop looking for you, I think.” The man frowned, walking toward the closed blinds and peeking out. He didn’t see anyone on the stoop, but that didn’t mean they weren’t still near.

“I need to leave,” he said.

“It could be dangerous for you,” she said, chastising herself. “Why don’t you wait until tomorrow, and I’ll drive you out to your home.”

“No. I need to leave now,” he said, going back into the bathroom and putting on his dirty clothes.

“How will you get there?”

“I’ll find a way,” he smiled. “Thank you, beautiful Casey. I won’t forget this.”

“Wait! I didn’t get your name.”

He disappeared into her backyard, jumping over the fence to the yard behind her. He turned, smiling at her, and said something, but she couldn’t hear him.

“Of course. My knight in shining armor comes covered in blood, sought by gangsters, and disappears without a name. Your luck really sucks, Casey Islip.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Rett didn’t want to endanger anyone, so he refused to call for a taxi or car. Someone might be setting him up. He also didn’t want to endanger the beautiful Casey. His phone was dead, and although he had comms equipment from VG, all of the gear was in his pack in Casey’s home.

It took him several hours to get from New Orleans out to Belle Fleur, staying on the side roads, ditches, and often walking through the swamps. Once again, he was bloodied, exhausted, and running every scenario through his mind.

Did he really kill the woman? Did he do something in the throngs of passion? Or was he remembering it correctly that he’d been drugged? Finally, seeing the lights of Belle Fleur up ahead, he placed his hand against the alarm pad and started to jog up the road. In the distance, he could see the massive tent.

That meant only one thing. A wedding was taking place. He just didn’t know who it was.

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