Page 12 of Louisiana Protector

She’d believed her anger would be an ironclad defense against him. But the moment he touched her, she’d wanted to melt into his arms. It had shocked her and made her even more angry at him…and at herself. She just wanted him to go away and stay away. She didn’t need to know why he’d left her the way he had. She didn’t need him to be a father to Danny. She didn’t need him at all for anything. She had stopped needing Johnny the day he left her.

A knock on the door announced River’s arrival. Mimi walked over to Danny and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You be a good boy for Gramps while I’m gone,” she said. “And make sure you go to bed when Gramps tells you it’s time.”

“I will,” Danny replied.

“We’ll be just fine,” Gramps assured her. “Go on, get out of here and bring me back all the latest news from Chief Breaux.”

Minutes later she was in River’s car headed into town. “You look really pretty tonight, Mimi,” he said.

“Thanks, River,” she replied. “You look really nice, too.”

“Thanks. Though I think this meeting is probably going to be grim,” he said.

He looked quite handsome in a pair of jeans and a blue short-sleeved, button-down dress shirt. He was a nice, attractive man, but she had never had any romantic feelings for him or any of the men she called friends.

“Maybe Beau called the meeting to let the people know the guilty party has been identified and is now in jail,” she replied optimistically.

“That would be nice,” he agreed. “These murders have definitely scared everyone both in town and in the swamp. The killer has got to be some kind of a freak the way he leaves the bodies.”

“Please, don’t remind me,” she replied and then sighed. “I miss carefree walks in the swamp with Danny, but I’m too frightened to do that right now.”

River flashed her a quick glance. “I worry about you walking home alone from work.”

“I always have my knife in my hand, and I wouldn’t be afraid to use it to defend myself,” she said. “It’s sharp enough to gut a man.”

“That’s good to know,” River replied. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

“You know, he’s killed two men, too. I hope you all are being very careful when you head to or from your fishing holes or my place,” she said.

“We all usually carry knives, and we’re big, strong men,” River replied.

“I’m glad to know you all carry something for self-defense,” she said with a warm gaze at him. “I would miss one of my good friends if they weren’t around anymore.”

“I definitely don’t plan to be a victim,” he replied.

“I don’t, either. I have to stick around to raise Danny and take care of Gramps when he gets older,” she said.

By that time, they had reached City Hall where the meeting was taking place in a large auditorium. They had to park a block away and walk in as the closer parking spaces were already taken.

It was another hot, sultry night, and she was grateful she’d worn the lightweight sundress and her hair was up in a high ponytail off the back of her neck. Hopefully somebody had the air conditioner running full blast in the auditorium.

As they drew closer to the building, she began to greet people she knew, both from town and from the swamp. They’d all come to hear what Chief of Police Beau Breaux had to share with them about the murders. Mimi really hoped he had some good news for them all concerning the heinous homicides.

They reached the building entrance, and that was when she saw him. Johnny stood right inside the doorway as if he was just waiting for her to arrive.

“Evening, Mimi,” he said in his whiskey-smooth voice. His gaze did a slow sweep of her from head to toes, making her feel like she was naked beneath his perusal. “You look absolutely lovely tonight.” He turned his attention to River. “I don’t believe we’ve met before.” He held out his hand, and the two men shook. “Johnny Night, and you are?”

“River Dubois,” River replied. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to find some seats.”

“Of course.” Johnny stepped aside and allowed them to pass into the auditorium.

The crowd inside made her think nearly everyone in Black Bog was here. There was a buzz of conversation and occasional laughter. People would use this opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbors. At the front of the room was a stage with a podium. Several rows of folding chairs faced it.

She and River found chairs about halfway from the stage to the back of the room. Much to her chagrin, Johnny slid into the chair next to her on the other side. His familiar scent instantly enveloped her. What was he doing? Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? It was as if he was tormenting her on purpose.

She turned her body away from him. “How was your day?” she asked River.

“It was great,” he replied. “I got some early morning fishing done and then ran some errands. This afternoon I took a nap.”