Bayou Venom by J. J. Cagney

Author:J. J. Cagney [Cagney, J.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Wednesday, 9:10 p.m

As they left Mr. Thibodeaux’s home, Ash looked over at her mother’s tiny house next door, part of her longing to see her but another part wanting to run away and never return. Her mother had made her choices…and nearly sunk Ash’s life and future in the process.

“Who lives there?” Erin asked.

Ash licked her lips. “My mother.”

“You want to say hello?”

Erin’s voice was kindly, and that sent the emotions swirling through her. Ash blinked back the burn in her nasal cavity, refusing to let tears fall. She didn’t cry for her mother—she was a lost cause. Swallowing hard, she looked away and shook her head. “No. More than likely she has company.”

Erin paused on the curb. She pulled out her keys and fiddled with them. “You know something? I respect you. A lot.” She said the last bit with wide eyes—as if it was a shock.

And it was. Ash hadn’t expected Erin to be…nice. She didn’t want her to be. Adversarial was better, kept the lines clear.

Erin’s gaze swept the area, lingering on the tiny homes, the weeds popping up through porches and ancient, crumbled sidewalks, the old vehicles in short driveways. “I had opportunities you never did.”

Ash snorted. So did most people.

“But I didn’t take advantage of them,” Erin continued. “I just…didn’t realize how lucky I was. You must have had to work so hard to get to college, let alone complete a degree. All I’m saying is, I don’t think you threw that away to murder your would-be boss.”

Erin jangled her keys. She suddenly seemed stiffer, more professional—as if she’d slipped back into cop mode. “As a member of law enforcement, it’s my responsibility to protect citizens from harmful activities.” The keys jangled again, and Erin seemed agitated, upset. She glanced over at the car. “You could ask for a restraining order against John.”

Ash considered that. “Could I, though? Wouldn’t he just say he was investigating a case?”

Erin chewed her lip. “Not if I backed you up.” She shifted. “Well, you’re right, but my statement would get him a flag in his personnel file.”

A tiny seed of warmth winnowed into Ash’s belly. She could feel John’s gaze on her; it was heavy but also resigned. “Do you think your brother would plant evidence to make me appear guilty?” she asked. “Or hurt me?”

“No,” Erin said firmly. “Never. That’s why I don’t understand his behavior. He’s always wanted to help people—to do the right thing, even when it was hard.” She swallowed, her throat working. “I looked up to him, worshipped him. That’s why I went into law enforcement, so he’d be proud of me.”

Ash nodded, and Erin sighed. They climbed into the car, weighed down with their thoughts. John said nothing, but after she’d clicked her seatbelt, Ash turned to face him.

“Would you plant evidence against me?”

A muscle in his cheek jumped. “No.”

“And did you break into my apartment?”

“No.”

“Can you prove that?”

The muscle flexed again. “I’m not sure, but I can state unequivocally that the person who did break in threw a pen with the Swamp Life Society logo into your bedroom as he fled.

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