Midnight on the Mississippi by Mary Ellis

Author:Mary Ellis
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780736961707
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers, Inc.

Once her new tire was installed, Nicki left the repair shop with more time on her hands than she had anticipated. She contemplated another stroll through the French Quarter. A streetcar ride to the campuses of Tulane and Loyola? Maybe a group tour of the Garden District that included the famous Lafayette Cemetery? She had been so mad the night of Hunter’s party that she’d missed the area’s extraordinary architecture.

Unfortunately, Nicki was a creature of habit, or maybe a moth drawn helplessly to flame, but nothing could tamp down her frisson of anticipation as she headed to Hunter’s apartment. The man affected her in dangerous ways. Everything about him intrigued her. Their backgrounds and lifestyles couldn’t be more different. He drank Dom Perignon; she drank sweetened sun tea. He visited Paris for bachelor parties and skied in Zurich every winter. Her sole trip away from home was the Nascar races in Talladega with her Papaw. Was that it? She was curious about a life unlike hers? Too bad his fiancée out-matched her in every category.

Nicki squeezed her car next to his in the alley, tugged her hair loose from its ponytail, and rang the bell. She tried not to hold her breath.

Hunter opened the door in ripped jeans and a faded T-shirt. He gave her a thin smile. “Come in, Nicolette. I would appreciate some diversion.” Deep creases ringed his eyes, while his previously glowing tan had faded to a dull pallor.

“You look terrible, boss. What happened?” She didn’t add that even on bad days he still looked handsome. Nicki set her bag on the foyer table and pulled out her laptop.

“Didn’t sleep well last night. What have you found out?” He loomed over her shoulder while she searched for the correct program. Although similar to her roommate’s habit, Hunter’s aftershave smelled much better than Christine’s perfume.

“I’ve been checking Nowak’s background, trying to come at this from another angle.” Nicki moved into the living room but stopped short. Every piece of furniture had been pushed away from the walls, the rugs had been rolled up and stood on end, and a tiny, ebony-skinned woman was zealously dustmopping the floor. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company.”

The woman arched an eyebrow and switched off the sweeper. “Who are you?”

“Nicolette Price, ma’am. I’m Mr. Galen’s private investigator.” Smiling warmly, Nicki offered her hand.

“Nicki, this is Mrs. Peteriere,” said Hunter. “Our beloved Jeanette is Grandmère’s friend and former housekeeper.”

While shaking Nicki’s hand, the woman glared at Hunter. “Former? What do you mean by that, young man? I haven’t been fired.” Before Hunter could answer, she turned her attention back to Nicki. “Do you know Monsieur Nathan Price?”

“I do. He’s my cousin and mentor.”

Mrs. Peteriere shook her tiny head. “He’s a worthless bum and a bad influence on people’s behavior.”

“Yes, ma’am. I totally agree. He was a thorn in my foot while growing up.”

A smile spread across Jeanette’s deeply lined face. “You should pick a new mentor, O’lette.” Her grin widened, revealing one prominent gold tooth.

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