Free Bayou Betrayal by Robin Caroll Page A

she hadn’t considered what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Thankfully, Kent had had plenty of life insurance. He’d known he had a high-risk profession, and had wanted to be sure she’d be taken care of, no matter what.
    â€œYou’ll work it out.” Felicia smiled, and the day brightened even more. Then she frowned. “Now, tell me about this call.”
    Monique shrugged, hoping she came across as casual. “He told me to leave. That was it.”
    â€œI wonder who would do such a thing. Who knew your number?”
    â€œNo one. Well, nobody that I knew of. I’d only gotten the phone service turned on the day before.”
    â€œDid you request an unlisted number?”
    â€œI never thought it would be an issue.”
    Felicia nodded at her bandaged hands. “Do they hurt much?”
    â€œNot really. I think I can stop wrapping my hands in the next day or so.” She straightened her legs. “It’ll take a few more days for my feet, though.”
    Hattie cleared her throat and flicked her palms against her slacks. “You are staying, aren’t you?”
    â€œYes. I won’t let some freak scare me away.” She’d made up her mind—she’d be reactive no more, only proactive. No more being the victim. Now that she knew her family hadn’t been involved in the threats against her, that meant it had to be someone from her life before she came to Lagniappe. Running wouldn’t get rid of the culprit. It was time to face her fears head-on.
    â€œI’m glad to hear it, but still, it’s not safe for a single woman to have a listed number.” Felicia wore the most intense expression.
    Monique smiled. “I’ll get an unlisted number next time.” She smoothed the frayed edges of her bandages. “Wow, now I have to start house hunting all over again.”
    â€œAre you looking to buy?” Hattie straightened in the rocker.
    â€œYes. Of course, I’ll have to find a place to rent until I can get out and start looking at properties. I can’t stay in the motel much longer.” She shuddered. “It’s not exactly a Sheraton, you know.”
    Felicia giggled. “ Mais non, that it’s not.”
    â€œYou shouldn’t stay at that motel or in a rental at all,” Hattie interjected.
    â€œI have to, Mrs. Trahan. I can’t exactly jump into house hunting. I have to meet with my insurance agent about the fire, file claims, talk with the arson investigator and assist in their investigation as much as I can to find out who’s responsible, plus meet a Realtor I can work with.” The enormity of the tasks ahead nearly suffocated her, but she squared her shoulders and sighed. “All that takes time, and I’m not exactly in top condition to go checking out homes.”
    â€œOh, I understand all that, honey. And please, call me Hattie. I’m saying you should come stay with me until you find a place.”
    â€œI couldn’t do that.” But she was genuinely touched by the offer.
    â€œNonsense. Since Felicia got married and moved out, I’m all alone in that big rambling place. It’s lonely.” Hattie tossed her a sad look. “You’d be doing me the favor. I have no one to dote on.”
    Monique opened her mouth to protest again.
    â€œShe’s right. There’s plenty of room, and honestly, it’s part yours because the house was Grandfather’s and Uncle Justin’s.” Felicia nodded with a little too much emphasis.
    â€œI couldn’t. I don’t want to impose.”
    Hattie stood in a blur. “No imposition at all. It’s settled.” She opened the kitchen door. “Spencer, Gary, come on out here. We need your help.”
    Monique’s protests went ignored. What was she supposed to do? If she put her foot down and refused, she’d come across as rude and ungrateful. If she accepted, she’d feel like a