Free Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark

of heat and humidity quite like this, at least not in my memory. The air was unbelievably oppressive. It didn’t help matters that my beige linen jacket and brown short-sleeved top formed layers that were no doubt holding in the heat, and the chic rope-and-ceramic-bead necklace I wore felt like a scratchy wool scarf.
    But, thankfully, we were climbing into the air-conditioned comfort of the long black limousine a few moments later. Captivated by the television, bar, built in cooler, and other bells and whistles of the fancy vehicle, Tess became frustrated with me for making her wear her seatbelt when what she really wanted to do was jump around and explore. I finally got her to settle down by buckling her directly across from the DVD player, next to the window and within reach of the little fridge. I sat beside her, in the center of the back, and Charles took his place facing backwards on the seat across from us. Needing for her to be quiet and settle in for the ride, I pulled one of her favorite DVDs from her bag and handed it to Charles, who put it into the player. As the driver started up the car and drove us out of the airport, Charles got the DVD started and then made a big deal of letting Tess hold the remote control and showing her how to use it. Soon she was deeply engrossed in a show and we were away from the airport and pulling onto an elevated highway, Charles and I making polite conversation as we went.
    The afternoon sun was strong, the blue sky dotted with white and gray fluffy clouds. To our right, a waterway suddenly opened up into a lake that stretched all the way to the horizon, its gentle waves sparkling in the sunlight. In the distant heavens, a bank of clouds slowly slid in front of the sun, dimming those sparkles, but then gradually the light refracted through the clouds into sunbeams, illuminating the entire lake with brilliant stripes of light. The sight was breathtaking, a moment in nature frozen for our pleasure.
    The rocking of the car caused Tess to fall asleep, her head growingheavy on my thigh. I pressed the mute button on the remote and turned my attention to the man across from me. He glanced at his watch and then settled back in his own seat, his expression solemn. With Tess conveniently asleep, Charles and I needed to talk about more serious concerns, that was for certain.
    “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that you got here in the nick of time,” he said, stroking his chin between two fingers. “Your grandparents’ old caretaker, Willy Pedreaux, is within days of his death.”
    “Is he in the hospital?”
    “No, he’s home with a private nurse. And his wife. The two of them are making him as comfortable as possible, considering. And they’ve had some help from a local hospice group. He should be able to remain there until the very end.”
    I shuddered, wishing the man hadn’t chosen to die at home, in the house that I owned.
    “So why does he need to see me?” I asked. “What is this all about?”
    Charles looked at me, surprise evident on his face.
    “Well, Miranda, I’m sure I don’t know. I was hoping you could tell me.”

SEVEN
    Beautiful is the land, with its prairies and forests of fruit-trees;
Under the feet a garden of flowers, and the bluest of heavens
Bending above, and resting its dome on the walls of the forest.
They who dwell there have named it the Eden of Louisiana.
     
     
     
     
    “I know far less than you do,” I said, trying not to sound irritated at the lawyer’s ignorance. “I only learned about the situation yesterday. My aunt showed me your letters and e-mails, and that’s it. We tried calling, but Mr. Pedreaux wouldn’t tell me anything on the phone. He insisted I come down, so here I am. End of story.”
    Charles pursed his lips and let out a low whistle.
    “Well, I tell you what, Willy wanted you here so bad he was willing to do almost anything to make it happen. I’ve never seen anyone so frantic. In the past few days, they’ve had