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

analysis, your father was drugged before he was drowned.”
    Kevin stared at the zipped body bag. “Like Mr. Darveau?”
    “We’ll know for sure after the autopsy.”
    “I sure hope you find him.”
    “Are you afraid we won’t?”
    “No, sir. I’m afraid if you don’t, I’ll track him down and kill him myself.”
    Jude studied the young Gautier. Was it grief that had made him so angry? Or was there more to it?

     

CHAPTER 6
     
    Murray pushed open the door at Zoe B’s, the tinkling of the bell causing a dozen pairs of eyes to look his way. He spotted Zoe moving in his direction. Her gait and her bobbed chestnut hair and blue-gray eyes bore a striking resemblance to his late mother. An unexpected pang of grief tightened his throat.
    “Well, hi there,” she said. “Are you here for lunch?”
    “Actually I was on my way back to Haven House. I thought I’d check in here first to see how your computer’s working.”
    “Perfectly.” Zoe smiled. There was his mother again. Why hadn’t he noticed it the day before? “I was able to get online using the laptop. Lightning fast, too.”
    “You’re not having any problems?”
    “None whatsoever. I don’t know why we didn’t go wireless sooner. Adele Woodmore said you’re going to get her set up.”
    “I offered to. She’s such a nice lady.”
    “One of my favorite people.”
    Murray nodded. “Mine, too.”
    “She doesn’t need all the bells and whistles on a laptop. I doubt she would use it for anything other than email and browsing.”
    “I won’t let the floor person sell her more than she needs.”
    “You seem to know a lot about computers. Do you have a degree in computer science?”
    Murray smiled. “I’m mostly self-taught, like someone who instinctively knows how to play the piano.”
    “I know what you mean. My husband is that way with cooking.”
    Murray nodded and glanced at his watch. “If there’s nothing you need me to do, I’m going to head out. Lunch at Haven House is come-and-go from eleven thirty to one. I’m starved. I’ve had a busy morning.”
    “Father Vince said you stay busy all the time.”
    “This morning I installed a new toilet and fixed an automatic garage door that was stuck.” He winked. “This afternoon I’m fixing a sprinkler system. I don’t think I’m going to run out of things to fix or install.”
    A man walked up to her, dressed in a chef’s hat and apron—and a stony expression.
    “Zoe, I need your opinion in the kitchen for a minute,” he said.
    “This is Murray Hamelin,” she said. “Murray, this is my husband, Pierce—”
    “I thought you were finished with the computer.” Pierce’s face was taut, his lips pressed together. His de Gaulle-like nose seemed out of joint.
    “I came by to make sure everything was working properly,” Murray said.
    “And is it?”
    “According to your wife, everything’s great.” Murray glanced over at Zoe and then held Pierce’s intimidating gaze. “That’s what I like to hear. Call if you have any problems.”
    “We’ll do that.” Pierce took a step forward but didn’t offer his hand. “You don’t need to stop by unless you hear from us. I’m sure you have plenty of other jobs that require your attention.”
    “This was just a courtesy call.” Murray tipped the bill of his New Orleans Saints cap. “You folks have a nice day.”
    He pushed open the door and stepped outside and into the tide of tourists moving under the galleries that overhung the sidewalk. He moved past the coffee shop, the aroma of fresh-ground coffee beans replacing the foul vibes he got off Pierce Broussard. Talk about a control freak. What was his problem?

     
    Zoe walked across the dining room at the eatery, Pierce behind her. She pushed open the door to the kitchen and went inside, then stopped and turned around, her hands on her hips.
    “Pierce, what is wrong with you?”
    “I needed you to taste the gumbo. My allergies are bothering me, and my taster is