The World Breaks Everyone by Laura McNeill

Author:Laura McNeill [McNeill, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laura McNeill

Chapter 26

Kate ~ Saturday

It had taken some work to find Meredyth Preaux. She didn’t have a profile on social media or LinkedIn, and her name didn’t appear on the society pages or the country club circuit. A call to Robin, though, who was New Orleans born and raised, confirmed that Meredyth’s parents knew Victoria and Lawrence. The husband, a retired physician, sat on the board of directors at Ochsner Medical Center, while his wife coordinated fundraising efforts for the city’s Contemporary Arts Center. Their photos littered the city’s society pages. Meredyth, however, lived a quieter life, preferring to run a small, eclectic Tarot card shop in the Quarter.

Kate closed her eyes and dialed the number Robin had located, hoping Simone’s friend didn’t hang up on her. Meredyth picked up on the third ring, her voice soft and lilting, distinctly Southern. “Nine of Cups. How may I help you?”

She hesitated, feeling like a stalker. “This is Kate Ellis. I’m sorry to bother you. I’m hoping you might be willing to talk to me about Theo and Olivia Jacobs.”

The phone connection went silent. When Meredyth spoke again, her voice was tremulous and thick with emotion. “I’ve seen the news. It’s awful.” she replied. “I’m not sure that I can help, but would be glad to meet you. When and where is best?”

Kate suggested Mojo coffee house on the corner of Magazine and Race Streets. The two- story building was tan stucco with pale trim, its corner door opening surrounded by long panes of glass. Inside, the walls were adorned with artisan tin tiles covered in scrollwork, painted the color of roasted acorn squash, with the equally ornate ceiling a shade of dark chocolate.

Already seated and waiting, Kate held a steaming mug between her fingers, letting the sweet smell of caramel and steamed milk lift through the air and tickle her nose. She’d covered the bruising on her cheek and hoped it wasn’t noticeable. She reached for a mirrored compact in her purse to check but recognized Meredyth walking in. She was a much younger version of her mother—the woman she’d seen in so many society pictures. Tiny and birdlike, she had dark, flowing hair and pale skin. Her bohemian skirt swept the floor as she walked.

Lifting a hand to wave hello, Kate gestured toward the counter, encouraging her to get a coffee or tea before she sat down.

She approached the table a few minutes later, carrying a mug, her lips curving into a small smile. “Kate?”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

Meredyth settled her bag at her feet and blew at the curls of steam cascading off the top of the liquid. “This is all so heartbreaking. I’m not sure what I can do, but I’ll certainly try.”

“I appreciate it so much,” Kate replied.

“So, you’re a friend of Simone’s?” Meredyth asked, her head tilting slightly to the right. “I don’t remember her mentioning you.”

“Well …” Kate hesitated, flushing. “Not exactly—”

Meredyth’s friendly expression stiffened.

Kate placed a hand on her beating chest. “I’m Theo’s girlfriend. We’ve been together over a year.

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