The Mardi Gras Murders: A Briana Song Crime Thriller by Jemma Stark

Author:Jemma Stark [Stark, Jemma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

Buck and I stopped at a small café near Jackson Square for lunch after visiting multiple hospitals and clinics. The humid air of New Orleans sits heavy on my shoulders.

We slid into worn wooden chairs at an iron table in the courtyard. The space was shaded and quiet, providing a refuge from the busy street outside. A waitress brought us each a cup of steaming chicory coffee. I added a splash of cream as Buck dug into a plate of beignets, coating his fingers in powdered sugar.

The familiar sights and sounds of the French Quarter drifted past - street musicians playing jazz, tourists hunting for souvenirs, the occasional clip-clop of horse drawn carriages. A gentle breeze carried the aromas of salty air, spices, and fried dough.

I ordered shrimp and tasso étouffée over rice with grilled andouille sausage. The earthy aroma of the sauce mingled with the smoky spices of the sausage as it was placed before me. The rich brown étouffée was bursting with plump shrimp and chunks of tasso ham in a gravy thickened with pieces of crusty bread.

As I took my first bite of the flavorful, quintessentially Louisiana dish, the spices and heat danced on my tongue. I savored each spoonful, letting the flavors transport me and renew my energy for the work still ahead. The coffee, now sweetened with chicory and cream, washed it all down in one perfect Crescent City moment. It was the first real meal I’ve had in days.

The warmth of the sunlight on my face, the chimes of the café door, and the laughter of strangers all filling this perfect moment - it reminded me why we do what we do.

Just as I was getting lost in the moment, my phone rang, flashing ‘SIS MARGO’. My heart sped up as I answered, hoping for good news.

"Bri, thank goodness you picked up!" Margo's voice said urgently.

"Margo? What's wrong?" I asked.

"Pollux cracked the code. It’s not what he thought. It’s…" Static crackled and her voice cut in and out. "… following me. I think he knows I…"

More static blocked her words.

"Margo, I didn't get that. Who's following you?" I said, panic rising in my voice.

But the line had gone dead. I stared at my phone in disbelief. Pollux had uncovered vital information about the case and Margo was now in danger. I informed Buck and we raced to his car, leaving enough cash for the food, tip, and then some.

Dialing the FBI field office as I went, The FBI tech on call answered on the first ring. I quickly explained the urgent situation and that I needed him to ping Margo's phone and car GPS. He got to work immediately, promising to text me her latest location as soon as he had it.

Every red light seemed to last an eternity as I waited impatiently for my phone to buzz with Margo's location. My mind raced with worst case scenarios. I tried calling Margo's cell phone over and over, but it just rang and rang.

Finally, my phone lit up with a text giving an address just outside of town.

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