Free Sweet Mystery by Lynn Emery

page. “I must say, he’s done quite a lot in a
short period.”
    “He’s come through for me before.”
    Henry flipped through the pages. “So he has.
Careful we don’t get too cute for our own good, Marius.”
    Marius Jove wore a confident half-smile. “I’m
more than careful.”
    “See that you are, young man.” Henry eyed him
for a few moments and then went back to reading the file.
    Marius, at thirty-four, was two years older
than Darcy, and he was determined to have things his way. Henry was
well aware that the cousins were fiercely competitive. He approved
up to a point, since he believed competition between himself and
his brothers had made them tough. Henry’s father had encouraged it,
and now so did Henry.
    “Not much here, except she’s something of a
free spirit. Of course, we could use our connections to make things
happen for her band.” Marius sat down, across from his uncle. “You
know; an offer she can’t refuse.”
    “Hmm.” Henry kept reading.
    “Maybe offer her the chance to be an opening
act with a big artist or a lucrative recording contract.” Marius
rubbed his chin in reflection. “Yes, that would be hard for her to
let go, based on her file. She’s really into the music thing.”
    “That, along with selling the property, just
might do it.” Henry tapped a finger on the desk.
    Marius looked at his grandfather. “Of course,
if she sells, you’ll have most of what you want.” He paused to see
Henry’s reaction before going on. “Shouldn’t matter if she stays in
Belle Rose.”
    Henry returned his gaze with a look of
intensity. “Yes, it does. I don’t want any of them taking what’s
mine. Lucien was pushing to have Bayou Latte dredged. I won’t have
it!”
    “I know. It will affect the water level on
your property further downstream. You’ve told me that.” Marius
shifted in his chair. “Of course, you could take measures–”
    “Listen, son, don’t tell me how to handle my
business. This family has made a tidy sum from fishing. Dredging
will affect the water quality.”
    “But the environmental studies say it
probably won’t if handled correctly.” Marius drew back, even though
he was sitting a few feet from Henry. The older man glared at
him.
    “No Dalcour is going to get in my way ever
again. See to it that she gets out of town.” Henry closed the file.
“I don’t care how.”
    “What about her brothers?”
    Henry waved a hand. “Andrew is harmless. All
he cares about is fishing and drinking. The older boy would just as
soon never come back here again.” His eyes narrowed. “But Raenette
is different. I want her gone.”
    “Darcy might not like that.” Marius raised an
eyebrow at him. “They were close at one time. Maybe he’d like to
renew his acquaintance.”
    “What do you mean?” Henry said.
    “Yes, Marius. Why don’t you explain.”
    Darcy was standing in the door with one hand
in his pants pocket. The expensive suit had a casual style to it;
his shirt open at the collar. Though his posture indicated a
relaxed attitude, there was a glitter of animosity in his light
brown eyes.
    Marius did not seem in the least intimidated
by his formidable cousin. “You two had a bad case of love. And
she’s still quite attractive.”
    Darcy did not move. “So?”
    “So, maybe you figure to catch more flies
with honey, as the old saying goes.” Marius examined his maroon
Edmonds shoes. “And you do have a way of using your charm to
entice.” He put the emphasis on his last words, making them sound
decadent.
    Fury flashed across Darcy’s face for an
instant before he recovered. He replaced it with indifference. “At
least you understand the value of charm, though you’ve never quite
been able to use it. Of course, there is value in being behind the
scenes. Someone has to arrange for coffee and donuts.”
    “I helped engineer higher profits. Charm and
coasting on the accomplishments of others are your best skills,”
Marius said with a