Byron and Mike sat behind the dumpster next to the convenience store close to their parents’ house and looked around the corner. The sun was coming up, and they’d missed the chance to sneak inside in case anyone came looking for them. After driving down all the side streets, they’d ditched the car and found four police units parked in front of the house.
“Look,” Mike said, pointing but staying out of sight.
The front door opened, and they saw their father in his T-shirt and work pants standing on the porch. “Maybe they’re getting ready to leave. All we need to do is say we were at your place watching a movie, and we fell asleep.”
Mike glared at him like he was totally insane. “I’m sure they’ve been by my place already. How did they find us so soon? How’d they ID us?”
“This can’t have anything to do with what happened. Those people didn’t know us.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re fucked in the head. Who else are they here for? No cop sits on a house unless they’re looking for two dumb bastards who tried to kidnap some woman and beat up some old man.” Mike punched his legs as if he was in pain.
“We’re not going to find out what it’s about by sitting out here. If we go over the fence in the back, we’ll be home free.” He stretched out his legs to get the circulation going again and almost cried at the sensation of ants and pins.
“We are so fucked. This was a stupid idea from the beginning.” It was the fifth time Mike had said that. “The only difference now is I’m going down with you.”
“You keep forgetting that you’re the asshole who fucked up the address. Shut it, or I’ll do it for you.”
“Aren’t you forgetting something, brother? I’m not Desi. Try it, and I’m going to beat your ass to death.” Mike shoved him hard enough to slam him into the wall. “The only thing we can do now is get out of here and wait these assholes out.”
“What are you talking about?” He rubbed his shoulder from the shove and calmed down. There was no way he could do this without Mike.
“We need to leave town, but we need money.” Mike stood but stayed bent at the waist.
“Let’s go get the car, and we’ll call Daddy. He can meet us somewhere and tell us whatever this shit is about.”
They jumped a few fences to stay behind the houses where they’d parked the car. Byron was about to walk out when Mike pulled him under some bushes. There were a few plainclothes cops surrounding the vehicle they’d used. “Fucking great, there goes our ride,” Mike said as a cat came near them, meowing.
They were under a clump of bushes on the side of an abandoned home. That gave Byron an idea. Once the cops took the car, they could break in and hide out. “Don’t panic. We’re too smart to get caught. We practice the same story and come back in about a week or two. They can’t prove we weren’t out with friends.”
“These guys found the car, and they’re at Daddy’s. The only way they’re going to stop looking for us is if we disappear forever.” Mike pointed to the tow truck. It was a competitor’s, and it was probably there for the car. “We could give up and tell them we lost our minds.”
“I have to be in court in a month. If we don’t find Desi, then that bitch from the DA’s office is going to hang an attempted murder charge around my neck like a weight and drown me. I take that back. It’s two attempted murder charges.” He grabbed his crotch but kept his voice down. “If you think I’m going to put my dick on the block and let that slut cut it off, you’re the one who’s fucked in the head.”
Mike closed his eyes and sighed like he’d given up. “My problem is you haven’t been right yet.”
“We got the wrong house. The people who saw us don’t know us from Joe Blow. But yeah, she saw my face, so you’re right.” He put his hand on Mike’s arm and shook him a little. “There’s nothing wrong with a vacation, and when we come back, we look for Desi.”
The cops towed the car and cleared out. A tall woman with white hair and a badge on her belt stared into the yard, and he held his breath. It was like she was looking right at him, but she made a circle motion with her finger and they all took off.
Byron hit speed-dial on his phone. “Daddy,” Byron said, not moving from the bushes. “We need some help.”
“You two are bigger fuckups than I thought.” Big Byron sounded like he was just getting started.
“We got the wrong house.” He explained what happened. “You need to get us some money and a way out of town. We’ll come back when things blow over.”
“You sound like some gangster movie, but the cops have a hard-on for you. Turn off your phone, and go to your grandmother’s old place. I’ll send one of the guys from the neighborhood to get you what you need.”
“Come on,” he told Mike, crawling to the backyard. Their grandmother used to live a few blocks away, and Big Byron loved talking about that old house.
It took a few hours, but a kid showed up with a nondescript sedan and two thousand dollars. Their father had included an address in Pensacola. That way he could call them on the landline.
He let Mike drive and they didn’t talk much as they hit the interstate. Their father had told the cops they’d been gone for two days, which would hopefully throw them off the scent.
“Did you say something?” Mike asked.
“A little fun in the sun, and then I’m coming back for her.” He laid his head on the door and let the wind blow his hair back. “She can’t hide forever,” he whispered as the wind whipped along his face.
* * *
“How did I not know Judge Jude Rose considers you his niece?” Serena asked as Mona put a plate of pancakes in front of her. “His clerk called and said we had to be in court at one concerning the Simoneaux case, but he didn’t say why.”
Harry had just explained her relationship with Jude. “He and my parents are old friends. I’ve never been in trouble with the law, so I’m sure it’s not widely known that we’re close. Why? Is that going to be a problem?” Harry had just gotten off the phone after moving patients around to clear up her morning. There was no way she was letting Desi meet with Serena alone after what had happened last night. “He’s not presiding over Desi’s trial, so I don’t see any issues that’ll set us back.”
“No, it’s not an issue for the actual trial. If Blum got wind of your relationships—with Desi, as well as with Judge Rose—that might be a problem. It could be a basis for asking for a reduction in bail, if he can prove prejudice.”
“We’re in trouble? After what Byron and Mike Simoneaux did last night, I’d think Uncle Jude would be interested in other things,” she said as Desi took her hand, instantly calming her down.
“What are you talking about?” Serena said with her mouth full.
“You must be so charming on dates with manners like that.” She tilted her glass at her. “Byron and his brilliant brother broke into Uncle Jude’s last night. He beat the hell out of him and tried to kidnap Monica. As of this morning, the police haven’t found them.”
The pancakes appeared ready to fall out of Serena’s mouth when she opened it in shock. She swallowed hard. “Are you being serious right now? And how do you know they haven’t been found?”
“Serious as a heart attack. I know because Sept Savoie called me and gave me an update.”
“If Rose can ID the brothers, the shit-ton of bricks about to fall on the Simoneaux family is going to crush the life out of them,” Serena said with a wide smile.
“You mean he can still do something to Byron?” Desi asked, nodding to Mona when she served her breakfast.
“Jude Rose has a tough reputation on the bench, but now that he’s personally involved in this case, he’ll have to recuse himself. The bricks I’m talking about come in the form of Monica Rose. She’s a partner in one of the most successful civil litigation firms in the city. If there’s a way to strip Byron’s family of all their worldly possessions, Monica will find it and gleefully execute her plan.”
“I doubt she’ll get much. Byron doesn’t own anything, including his truck. It’s all in Big Byron’s name,” Desi said, tapping her finger on the handle of the mug.
“Trust me, she has a talent for finding the deep pocket and picking it clean.” Serena took another bite of pancakes and appeared ecstatic.
“What’s the next step?” Harry asked, pushing Desi’s plate closer and pointing at it. “You need to eat, even if it’s just a little.”
“That depends on the mood Judge Rose is in,” Serena said thoughtfully.
Harry could guess what both he and Monica looked like this morning, and it would not make for a good mood. “If there’s one person in this world Uncle Jude loves, it’s Monica. She had a bruise in the shape of a hand across her face when I left last night, so I wouldn’t count on a sunny disposition.”
Desi lowered her head when she said that, and she stopped to kiss her.
“It’s my fault,” Desi said, tears in her eyes.
“Did you sneak out last night and attack the Roses?” Harry asked.
“No, but Byron and Mike were there because of me.”
“They were there because they’re both as smart as slugs,” Serena said. “When people do stupid shit, it’s on them. Period.”
“What happens today?” Desi asked.
“Let me consult my crystal ball,” Serena said, waving her hands like she had one in front of her. “Bradley will be sweating by the time Rose shoots down every one of his motions, and then he’ll recuse himself from the case because of last night. Bradley will be thrilled for about a second before wishing for the devil he knew.”
“In English please,” Harry said as Desi pressed against her.
“I’ll bet my pathetic salary that your darling Uncle Jude will have something to do with whoever takes over. If I’m right, the new judge will fast-track your trial, Desi. That means your case will come up before the month that was scheduled. If Byron doesn’t appear, he’ll have officially jumped bail.”
“Which helps us how?” she asked.
“His father put up everything he owns, including his bank account, to get him out. Once the new judge labels him a fugitive, old man Simoneaux will be the big loser,” Serena said as if that would explain everything.
“I still don’t understand how that hurts Byron,” Desi said.
“To be a successful fugitive takes money. Once the bail bondsman freezes Big Byron’s assets, that’s going to be a problem. He either gives up his sons or his business. Those are his only choices.”
“Karma, it’s truly a bitch,” Harry said, and Desi smiled. “It took forever, but it’s nice to see life giving them shit instead of the other way around.”
“Karma in this instance will teach a valuable lesson,” Serena said.
“What’s that?” Desi asked.
“You should never piss off one of the most powerful people in a judge’s robe. The city might be famous for its voodoo priests, but Jude Rose can fuck you up with a nod of his head and a slam of his gavel.” Serena winked.
“I hope you see why I was worried about Harry and Rachel. These people are dangerous and even more so when cornered.”
Serena reached for Desi’s hand and held it tightly. “This isn’t all about you anymore, sweetheart. What he did last night landed him in a world of hurt that’ll be hard to come back from. Touching Monica Rose in any way just blew up any chance he had at a short prison sentence.”
“I’m so sorry that happened to her,” Desi said.
“We’ve been invited to dinner. That means she’s not holding a grudge,” Harry said, kissing Desi’s temple.
“Go ahead and eat, Desi. Everything is going to be okay. I’ll call you as soon as I’m out of court, and I’ll give you an update.” Serena kissed them both and followed Mona to the door.
“Sounds like Santa came early this year,” Harry said when they were alone. “This will ensure they’re out of your life for good.” She tapped her fork against Desi’s plate and started eating herself. “Eat up, so we can enjoy the day.”
“I know you said not to apologize—”
“That’s still true.”
“But I’m sorry for all this. Everyone in your life shouldn’t have to suffer because of me.” Desi pressed her hand to Harry’s cheek. “You know what, though?”
“What?”
“I’d do it all again without hesitation if I found you waiting for me at the end of that road. I love you.” Desi leaned in to her and kissed her.
“That hard road is permanently closed, my love. Now finish those, so we can take a walk. You’ve been here for almost three months and haven’t seen the yard. If you hate it, we’ll get another house so Mona can stop complaining about the size.” They laughed and finished, telling Mona where they were going.
“Don’t step beyond that yard, Harry. With all these crazy people running ’round, I don’t want Desi hurt,” Mona said.
“See, she likes you more already. I promise we’ll stay put.”
“We’re not really selling the house, are we?” Desi asked as she followed her outside.
“I want us both to be happy, so I’m serious about that. There’s also something I want to show you that’s not visible from the veranda.”
She was happy to play tour guide as they walked to the back gate. The yard was huge for a house within the city limits, and there was a place she seldom went. The reminder inside was too much to take. The Realtor had shown it to her when she was thinking of buying, and that was the last time she’d seen it.
“You can start using the pool to strengthen your legs once it gets warmer, and we can use the outdoor kitchen. On nights with no moon, I’ll be happy to sit in the hot tub naked with you.”
Desi laughed. “It’s beautiful back here.”
“It’s also private. The tall brick wall must’ve cost a fortune to put in, but it makes it perfectly private. We only have one set of neighbors, but I think they travel extensively for work.” She led Desi down a brick path to a small building at the back of the property.
“Is that a garden shed?” Desi rested her foot when they stopped to look at it.
“No, this place was built by the previous owners. They raised their family here and retired to Florida when they were done. Sound familiar?” Harry asked, putting her arm around Desi.
“Is it a guesthouse?” Desi made a face as she asked. “If someone like your parents come to visit, honey, we can’t stick them way out here.”
“It’s an artist’s studio, which the woman who lived here received as an anniversary present from her husband. He joked it got him their dining room back. From what Tony tells me, she had a successful career as an artist.”
“Does Tony use it?” Desi stared at the structure with its cute front porch and flower bed.
She laid her hand on the small of Desi’s back. “No, I don’t think it’s been open since I signed the mortgage papers.” There must have been something in her voice that made Desi turn and put her arms around her.
“Are you okay?”
“She was working on a large canvas when I came in here and I admired it. At the signing she told me she’d finished it and left it as a housewarming gift. I appreciated her gift, but I hung it out here and haven’t looked at it again.”
“Why?”
“After Tony had it framed, I couldn’t look at it.” She tilted her head in the direction of the door and they went inside.
“Oh my God,” Desi said, leaning heavily on her crutches.
The old cypress frame set off the work beautifully, and it still touched something deep in her soul when she looked at it. The house the woman had used in the painting could’ve been any shotgun house in the city. The color and yard, though, bore an uncanny resemblance to the place Desi grew up, down to the swing at the corner of the porch.
“Mrs. Emerson told me she spent hours out here creating the pictures in her head, and this one she started when they placed the house on the market. She told me her garden outside was home to strong creative spirits that were wonderful muses.”
“It looks so much like…” Desi said as she moved closer to it.
“Her hope was that I would share this place with a creative soul who’d keep the spirits happy. This was one of the last she did.”
“But why? She’s so talented.”
“The arthritis in her hands makes it painful to hold a brush, so she decided to give pottery a try. This place has been waiting for you, and I think Mrs. Emerson’s creative spirits are thrilled.”
“You’re like a dream,” Desi said, dragging her eyes away from the painting to Harry’s gaze.
“My hope is to be your reality. Whenever you’re ready, you can work out here and create whatever you like. It’s a little dusty, and it needs some updating, but we both know a good decorator.” She put her arms up when Desi dropped her crutches and fell into them. “My dream is that you’re as happy here as Mrs. Emerson, and for as many years.”
They both cried after the gentle kiss, but for once, the tears stemmed from joy and not pain. Happiness was the greatest healer.