Krewe of Hunters 1 Phantom Evil by Heather Graham Page B

Angela Hawkins found it. And how do you know about that already?” Jackson asked.
    â€œI don’t believe you’ve turned on a television or read the local paper today,” Jake said.
    Jackson frowned. “Reporters got in on it?”
    â€œDon’t kid yourself. This is the Deep South, and it’s Louisiana. Though we have a history of corrupt politicians, sweet tea and a slow, steady lifestyle, our reporters are sharks—just like everywhere else in the country. You had police and forensics experts in here last night. That kind of thing doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when it’s the second time it’s happened.Detective Devereaux had the police spokesperson give an official statement. But…well, the speculation on what happened is far more intriguing.”
    â€œI’m going to need a newspaper.”
    â€œDon’t worry…there’s one in my bag,” Jake said. “I’ll call and get a paper delivered here every morning. That way, you’ll know what we’re up against as far as gossip goes.”
    â€œWhat’s been written about us being in the house?” Jackson asked.
    â€œOh, just that the senator has brought in a team of investigators. People believe that he’s so heartbroken, he had to do something to try to prove that his wife didn’t commit suicide.”
    â€œDid you know her?” Jackson asked.
    â€œNo. But, I’ve seen her. She was really loved here—just like the senator. Hey, he’s like a breath of fresh air. Especially in Louisiana.” Jake’s wry grin deepened. “The people loved Huey Long because he shook things up and worked for every one despite his carousing. Senator Holloway, he’s loved the same way. He wants big money to take care of big-money problems, and he wants to create work for everyone. And he was an honest-to-God family man.”
    There was a sharp intelligence beneath the laid-back exterior of the man, Jackson thought. He might prove to be a far greater asset than Jackson had imagined at first sight.
    â€œPoliticians, in one way, seem perfectly understandable, but then it’s always hard to tell what is lurking in their minds, they’re so accustomed to wearing masks,” Jackson said.
    â€œTrue, but I do know New Orleans, and a lot of the players here,” Jake offered.
    Conversation paused. Jackson had the curious feeling that they were being watched, and he turned to see why.
    Angela Hawkins looked down at them from the second-floor landing. It struck him again that she was an exceptionally beautiful woman, far too angelic looking, really, to have been a cop. Despite last night, she retained a reserve that was no less daunting than a suit of armor. Though beneath it all, he sensed her capable of a smile that would light the world. Studying her personality was an intriguing and appealing concept.
    â€œHi, there!” Jake called to her.
    â€œAngela, Jake, Jake, Angela.”
    â€œSo, how did you sleep? Any ghosts prowling the halls?” Jake asked. He might have been asking her if a shopping mall had been busy.
    â€œI was out like a light last night,” she told him. “Welcome to the crew!”
    Jake smiled at her. And Angela returned it. They seemed to have an instant, easy rapport. He was surprised to find himself envious.
    â€œThanks. It’s good to be here.”
    â€œI can get Jake up to speed on what I know about the house,” Angela offered.
    â€œSure.” Hmm. He heard the tension in his voice. What he was feeling was ridiculous; they were peers. He knew better than to feel a macho, ego-driven need to be the divine leader, most respected and most admired—and liked. He found himself thinking about his last team; they had worked so well together for so long. Each member with his or her own specialty and all of them learning to work like a well-oiled machine. But, he had to remember, they’d been together five