Dangerous Mercy: A Novel by Kathy Herman Read Free Book Online Page A

clean.
    Zoe returned her daughter’s smile and realized everyone else seemed somber. “Is … something wrong?”
    “The FedEx driver just left,” Savannah said. “He said there’s been a second murder—Peter Gautier.”
    “The bigwig at the sugar plant?”
    Savannah nodded. “Drowned in the bathtub, just the like the first. The killer spray painted the number two at the scene. So who’s number three?”
    Zoe locked gazes with Hebert as she processed the terrifying implications. “For heaven’s sake, the killer had a grievance with the CEOs of the bank and sugar refinery. He must be someone who worked at the sugar plant, lost his job, and then his house. How hard can it be for the authorities to narrow it down?”
    “Dey may not have enough time,” Hebert said. “Dis guy’s killed two people in two days.”
    Zoe’s skin turned to gooseflesh. “Well, they’d better! I shudder to think he’s already marked his third victim.”

     
    Sheriff Jude Prejean stood in the master bathroom at the Gautiers’ lake house and watched as his deputies zipped the body bag that held Peter’s waterlogged body.
    “I’m going to head back to the office,” Jude said to Gil Marcel. “As soon as we have the list of layoffs and foreclosures, we can start comparing names.”
    “I’ve got Castille and Doucet working on it right now,” Gil said. “Somebody wanted these guys to pay—and wanted them aware of what was happening to them. It was cold and calculating of the killer to drug them and render them helpless. He probably hasn’t been subtle about his feelings for them either. Once we start questioning family and friends, someone should stand out.”
    “I hope you’re right.” Jude stared at the body bag. “But we both know the bitterness that’s prevalent in this community. I’m not sure that attitude alone will be a red flag.”
    “Maybe not. But the vocal ones can be a starting point.”
    Jude was aware of voices in the hallway, then Aimee Rivette came into the room with a thirtysomething Ivy-League-looking man who bore a strong resemblance to the victim.
    “He’s over here,” Aimee said. “Your brother has already identified him. You don’t have to do this.”
    “Yes, I do.”
    Aimee walked over to the body bag, bent down, and unzipped it enough that Peter Gautier’s face could be seen.
    The young man looked down at his father, then swallowed hard and remained silent for a few moments. “What are you doing to find his killer?”
    “Let me answer that.” Jude walked over and extended his hand. “I’m Sheriff Prejean. I’m so very sorry for your loss.”
    “Kevin Gautier.” He shook Jude’s hand, his palms sweaty, his handshake solid.
    “We’re in the process of getting the names of everyone who has been laid off from the sugar plant in the past five years,” Jude said, “and comparing it to the names of foreclosures at Roux River Bank.”
    “There’re plenty of people who have a bone to pick with my father,” Kevin said. “He’s had to lay off hundreds of people. Everyone blames him. But it was just business. That’s what happens when the economy gets dicey.”
    “There’s no justification for murder.” Jude held Kevin’s gaze. “We’re going to get whoever did this to your father.”
    “I hope you mean that, Sheriff. I doubt you’re going to get much public support.”
    “Public sentiment is what it is. It doesn’t affect my judgment or my oath to uphold the law. I want justice as much as you do.”
    “Some might argue that this is justice.” Kevin’s eyes brimmed with tears.
    “Well, son, I’m not one of them.” Jude put his hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Are you all right?”
    “What do you think?” Kevin’s taut face flushed, and then his expression softened. “So what happens next?”
    “The coroner is about to take your father’s body to the lab. We have to perform an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. According to the coroner’s preliminary