Bayou Betrayal by Robin Caroll

Monique’s head up with a snap. Sure enough, Deputy Gary Anderson stood in the aisle, grinning at Felicia as if she’d hung the moon. In a pair of jeans and a sweater, he looked much more masculine than in that silly deputy sheriff uniform. She stopped her thoughts right there. No, she couldn’t notice how the navy sweater set off his Caribbean-blue eyes.
    The warmth in those eyes was brighter than the overhead lights of the sanctuary. “Good morning, Felicia. How are you?”
    â€œFine. Where’s Ms. Della?”
    â€œShe’s attending services in Lagniappe today. You know how she likes to support both churches.”
    Felicia laughed. “That she does, and she does it so well. You be sure to tell her I said hello and expect to see her here next Sunday, yes?”
    â€œI’ll do that.” Gary’s hand found its way to Monique’s shoulder. “I see you’ve met Monique.”
    Dread of what he’d say next had Monique fighting the urge to throttle his outspoken self. The pain and gauze were the only things that stopped her. Was he here to protect her, or Felicia? Did he think she’d just openly accuse her cousin, right here in the middle of church? She shrugged off his touch.
    Felicia glanced from Monique to Gary. “You two know each other?”
    â€œYes. Monique’s house burned down Friday night.”
    â€œOh, I’m so sorry.” Felicia stared at Monique with nothing but compassion blinking in her eyes. “I didn’t know. I’d heard about the fire, of course, but had no idea anyone was living there. You bought the old Pittman place?”
    â€œSo I’ve been told.” Monique studied the other woman intently. No shocked expression. No changing the subject. Nothing to indicate any knowledge or involvement.
    â€œIs there anything I can do for you?”
    Confess to putting someone up to calling and threatening me? “No. No, thank you.” Somewhere in her heart, she already knew Felicia had nothing to do with that ominous call or the fire. The deputy had been right.
    And that irritated her all the more.
    â€œYou must come to my house after church, yes? Spence and I always have a small gathering for lunch. Today it’ll just be my mother since my brother and sister-in-law are out of town. Say you’ll come.” She touched Gary’s shoulder. “You, too, of course.”
    He laughed and rubbed his stomach. “I never turn down an opportunity to sample your cooking, Felicia.”
    She chuckled and shook her head before winking at Monique. “Men. All they think about is food, yes? So, please say you’ll come. I’d love to get to know you a little bit. Nothing overbearing. I promise.”
    How could Monique resist this gentle woman? “Uh, okay. If I can find your house. You’ll have to give me directions.”
    The preacher chose that moment to take to the podium. Felicia straightened.
    â€œDon’t worry about it. I’ll make sure she gets there.” Gary stepped across Monique to sit beside her.
    â€œGreat. See you both later.” Felicia turned and made her way to the front pew.
    Monique stiffened as the call to worship began. She stood when everyone else did.
    â€œYou’re welcome,” Gary whispered in her ear.
    Oh, she really did want to throttle him.
    Â 
    Monique sat right next to him, but it felt like she was a million miles away.
    Gary shifted on the pew again, awaiting Pastor Bertrand’s closing prayer. He cut his eyes to the woman beside him. Monique hadn’t so much as breathed in his direction since the service started. She’d inched away from him, practically hugging the edge of the pew, making sure her shoulder didn’t even graze his.
    He didn’t understand the animosity radiating from her. He hadn’t spilled the beans about who she was and why she’d come to Lagniappe. He’d been nice and cordial. What was her