Chapter 61
“Let’s finish this conversation in my office.”
After being showered with thunderous applause, Johnnie was hooked. She dreamed of this moment all of her short life, but this was so unexpected. Now, it was happening. As she returned to her seat, Johnnie wondered what her chances were of winning the competition.
Lucas hugged her and held on tight. He kissed her and said, “You were the best, baby. I think you’re going to win.”
“Lucas, my man, aren’t you going to introduce me to your girl?” Napoleon interrupted.
Both Lucas and Johnnie turned toward Napoleon. His handsome face, his physique and his manner of dress immediately impressed Johnnie. Napoleon could tell that she found him attractive and started formulating his strategy for the future conquest.
“I’m sorry, Napoleon,” Lucas said. “I got so excited when she arrived, I forgot all about introducing you.”
“I can see how any man would forget such a miniscule task when dating a beautiful creature like you,” Napoleon said, kissing Johnnie’s hand while looking into her eyes for any sign of prurience.
“Thank you,” Johnnie said politely, showing no desire for him.
“It’s going to take some time to figure out who won, but I think I can safely say you will be tonight’s winner, and the patrons of Napoleon’s Bayou are the richer for it. Thanks for coming tonight.”
“You’re welcome,” Johnnie said. “And thanks for letting me sing. Maybe I can sing again sometime.”
“Anytime.” Napoleon smiled.
“Oh yeah, Johnnie,” Lucas began. “Napoleon told me he can help us find out who killed your mother. Didn’t you, Napoleon?”
“Yes, I did,” Napoleon said, realizing that would be the best way to seduce her. “Shall we sit down and discuss it?”
“Yes,” Johnnie said, suddenly serious. “I already know who did it.”
“You do?” Lucas asked, surprised she hadn’t told him sooner.
“I sure do.”
“Who?” Napoleon asked.
“It was Richard Goode.”
“The Klan leader?” Napoleon frowned.
“That’s right, and Sheriff Tate knows all about it,” Johnnie said. “He told us that no jury in the parish would convict him. He’s so weak! I guess I can’t blame him, though. Even if Sheriff Tate arrested him, they would let him get away with it.”
As he listened, Napoleon didn’t realize it, but he looked like the cat who swallowed the canary. She likes strong men, huh? Well, baby, they don’t come any stronger than me. It wouldn’t be anything for me to kill a racist dog like him.
“Sheriff Tate told you he knew Goode did it?” Napoleon asked.
“Not in so many words, but he knows they were seeing each other.”
“Hold it,” Napoleon said. “Let’s finish this conversation in my office.” He raised his hand for Bubbles to come over to the table.
Bubbles approached with a menacing stare in his eyes. He was angry because Napoleon had completely disregarded his advice. Now he was calling him over for an elaborate display of power that was specifically designed to win favor with Johnnie.
“Yeah, boss,” Bubbles grumbled.
“Have Sheriff Tate meet me in my office in half an hour.”