French Quarter Fatale by Joanna Wayne

Author:Joanna Wayne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-11-23T23:19:15+00:00

* * *

JOSETTE CALLED HER DAD. She needed to ask him some questions, not the least of which was why he had packed luggage. Where was he planning to go? No answer. She decided a quick walk in the brisk Sunday morning air might help clear her mind.

The carnival spirit was buzzing everywhere. Musicians, mimes, balloon artists entertained the tourists.

A stream of people were leaving the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral and hitting the streets along Jackson Square. Dozens of coffee seekers had already formed lines to get into the patio seating at Café du Monde.

An elderly man stopped and slipped a colorful string of beads around her neck and wished her happy Mardi Gras. A woman hummed as she set up her easel, readying her prime spot for gaining the attention of new portrait subjects.

A crowd gathered, their feet tapping to the beat as a talented young man played, “When the Saints Go Marching In” on his trumpet. Josette listened for a few minutes and then dropped a tip into the hat that was lying upside down in front of him.

It was a great morning to be on the streets of the Vieux Carré. Not a frown in sight, except for her own.

She picked up her pace and returned to her room just in time to shower and dress for the Landrys’ brunch. Her phone rang as she added a final sweep of blush along her cheeks. It was Addison.

“Josette. Where are you, girl?”

“I went for a walk to work up an appetite, but I’m dressed and ready to go. Where are you?”

“In the lobby with Sara, Beth and some of my cousins. Our limo is supposed to be here any minute now.”

“I’ll be right down.”

“Great. Can you bring the sequined clutch I left on the table in the sitting area? It’s small, just big enough to hold a mirror and lipstick.”

She stepped into the room. “I see it. Meet you in the lobby in two.”

Josette squeezed into a crowded elevator, then stole a few seconds to see if the envelope from Celeste Rubenstein had arrived. The clerk assured her it hadn’t.

By the time Josette located Addison and the others, the limo was waiting. It was at least a half hour later before they reached the Landrys’ St. Charles Avenue mansion. The live oak tree–lined streets were full of paradegoers staking out their spots on the parade route. The limo driver had to let them out on a side street a short walk away.

The ornate double doors to the beautiful home were open, yet clusters of guests were enjoying the beautiful weather with cocktails in hand on the wide, covered veranda.

Addison stopped to visit with several of the guests, introducing Josette, Sara and Beth to a new round of friends and family. A young man with a tray of drinks approached Josette and the others as they stepped inside the beautiful marble foyer.

Josette, Sara and Addison chose flutes of cranberry mimosas. Beth opted to wait for water which the young man went immediately to the bar to get for her.

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