Episode 11

“What do you want, LaShaun? I’ll call the police if I have to,” Rita said through the front door to her apartment.

“I’m sorry about the other day. We both went too far.” LaShaun tried to force some semblance of contrition into her tone.

“We nothin’,” Rita shot back, bold as long as the door was between them. “You went psycho on me.”

LaShaun really needed to find out more about what the family was up to. Rita was the weakest link. LaShaun needed to convince her cousin that she was more hurt than angry, and that she could be fooled again. LaShaun channeled her old acting skills. She’d always had an uncanny ability to persuade, a talent that had not been a blessing, but one she needed now. Better than any wannabe starlets in Los Angeles, LaShaun could be whoever and whatever she needed to be. She took steady breaths in and out to sweep away the anger inside. In its place she needed calm focus on her goal- to get information.

“Look, I’m sorry,” LaShaun managed to push out finally. "You were always there for me. Even when Momon was trippin’ I could count on you. Can we a least talk about this?”

Seconds passed as Rita considered her words from the other side of the wood panels between them. With her senses on alert LaShaun heard Rita whispering. Either someone was with her or she was on the phone. LaShaun guessed Rita was getting advice from Azalei.

“Okay, but you start anything and it’s gonna be on. I’m ready for you this time, girl. So you best be cool up in my house,” Rita said in a sharp “I mean business” tone.

“I’m not here for any trouble or conflict. We’re family after all.” LaShaun thought that last part might be a bit much given their family history of backstabbing. Still she wanted Rita to believe that she believed it, at least about the two of them. Seconds later the snap and click of locks being opened signaled Rita was convinced. LaShaun affected a mixture of expression, sadness, hope and anxiety.

Rita eyed her with suspicion after she opened the door. “Come in.”

LaShaun walked past her into the combination living room and small dining area. Burnt orange carpet stretched down one side with pale green tile on the side with the dining table.

“I appreciate you letting me in after the way I acted. I couldn’t believe you turned on me like that, and on our grandmother.” LaShaun let the hurt seep into her tone. The hurt came from a real place inside.


“I’m not turning on you or Momon Odette. I didn’t tell you before because I knew you'd see it that way. I have to agree with Aunt Leah and them to some extent. Momon is being so doggone stubborn and she’s losing it for real. She won’t listen to reason.”

“Being stubborn and disagreeing with her kids isn’t a proof she’s senile, Rita.” LaShaun shook her head slowly. “I mean, sure she’s forgetful at times, but she’s old and sickly.

”LaShaun, I know you want Momon to be the same as she always was, but she’s not. We’ve been around her a lot more than you this last year. She gets confused, loses time and sometimes she can’t remember our names.”

“But she’s been fine since I got here.” LaShaun sighed and rubbed her eyes. “This is so much to take in. Can I sit down a minute?”

Rita’s expression softened. “Sure. You want something to drink? I got some Abita Beer.”

“Yeah, that would be perfect.” LaShaun rested her head on the cushioned sofa back. When Rita returned with the bottle she accepted it. “Thanks.”
Rita watched her drink. “About that stuff I said back at Momon’s the other day.”


“You were right. I shouldn’t have made that crack about Uncle Leo. And maybe Momon has played favorites. She also likes pitting us against each other. Competition brings out the best in people is her theory.” LaShaun shook her head.

“We need to stop letting her play us like that,” Rita said.

“Is that why you and Azalei are trying to get her declared incompetent? To show her who’s boss now?” LaShaun drank more of the cold beer to keep her temper from running hot again.

“No. That’s just lagniappe,” Rita said with a grin. She grew serious once more. “But the bottom line is we need to take control. It’s way past time. Momon really is forgetful and behind the times. She wants to hold onto the land without maximizing income.”

LaShaun guessed the truth. The family wanted to get their hands on Momon Odette’s wealth and broker business deals she would never agree to or approve. Instead LaShaun affected a wide-eyed kind of expression as she looked at her cousin.

“Wow, Ree. Sounds like you have given this some careful thought. I wasn’t even thinking ahead like you.”

Rita’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, but she shrugged off the compliment outwardly. “I was just doing what you would have done. Nobody understands better than me why you needed to get out of Beau Chene.”

LaShaun nodded at her with a smile. Inside she was relieved she hadn’t confided everything to Rita. She hadn’t told her about the strong force that held her or the source of that force. LaShaun had held back to protect her cousin. Good thing.

“So y’all want to get control of everything, because Momon can’t manage her assets now.” LaShaun kept her tone neutral, as though she was at least considering their point of view. Still she put on a slight frown. She didn’t want to seem open too soon.

“They would have gone on without me. I cooperated with them to protect Momon.” Rita leaned forward.

“Humph,” LaShaun replied. She couldn’t trust herself to say more. Instead she pretended to sip more beer.

“For real. Look, I’m no fool. Azalei is pushy like her mama. And I know our uncles are looking out for themselves. But at least with me in the mix we can have some control over the situation.”

“I’m still co-manager according to the trust documents. Won’t they try to cut me out?” LaShaun affected an anxious frown.

“Once I’m named Momon’s guardian I won’t change the trust arrangements. After the court appoints me they won’t be able to do a thing.” Rita sat back. Her smile indicated she was pleased at her own cleverness. “Just leave it to me.”

“Girl, you’re deep. Got it all figured out, huh?” LaShaun gazed at her cousin as though seeing her for the first time. “I never would have thought you had this much player in you.”

“It’s in the blood. I learned my best moves from Momon and you,” Rita replied with a smile.

Her cold-hearted cunning had been well concealed. LaShaun felt a chill just thinking about how long Rita had watched and waited for her chance. And sadness. LaShaun once again had lost something precious.

“I’m sorry you felt like you were treated as second best, Ree,” LaShaun said quietly, the sentiment sincere.

Rita lost the wily expression for a moment as she gazed back at her. “Yeah, well. Whatever. It’s a new day now. Right?”

“Yeah, right.” LaShaun listened as Rita went on to outline how they could outwit Azalei and the rest of the family. As Rita talked LaShaun nodded in all the right places, even managed put in random comments. Yet her mind clicked, moving pieces of the puzzle like video game. One hour later she left Rita’s apartment. LaShaun took a good look around. Set in an upscale neighborhood on the outskirts of Beau Chene, she imagined the devious ways Rita used to afford such a deluxe address. LaShaun parked her SUV around a corner and waited. Thirty minutes later she got what she expected. Azalei arrived dressed to kill and riding in a candy apple red Corvette. When Quentin Trosclair emerged from the driver’s side LaShaun’s mouth dropped open. Azalei’s light brown hair with gold tones caught the sunlight. She combed her fingers through it and smiled at Quentin. As they walked to courtyard that led to Rita’s apartment, Quentin’s left hand slid down the small of Azalei’s back to rest on her curve of her rear end.

“And the hits just keep on comin’” LaShaun murmured.

“You got a good reason for bein’ here, ma’am?”

LaShaun jumped at the deep voice outside her car window. Deputy Broussard took off his sunglasses and lifted an eyebrow at her. He tapped on the window. LaShaun hit the button to let it slide down.

“Visiting a relative,” LaShaun replied with a smile. “And you?”

“Got a call about a possible disturbance,” he replied.

“Really? Can’t be, not in this ritzy part of the parish.” LaShaun waved a hand at the landscaped lawns.

“Well, the lady did call back and cancel, but I decided better safe than sorry. Wouldn’t want to anyone to get hurt. Family disputes can get down right dangerous.” Deputy Boudreaux’s gaze swept through the interior of LaShaun’s SUV.

“That’s what I hear.” LaShaun tapped a finger on her steering wheel.

“You be careful. Like I said, we wouldn’t want anybody to get hurt.” Deputy Broussard nodded in the direction of Rita’s place. “I see an old friend of yours just showed up. You goin’ in to visit with your people?”

LaShaun stared straight ahead. “No, I’m done here.”

“Life has all kinds of strange twists, doesn’t it? One minute you’re breezin’ along feelin’ just fine. Next minute you get the rug yanked right out from under your feet. You drive careful around here. Best you keep an eye for hazards. You know how these rough country roads can be.”

“Yes, I’m learning more about them every day, Deputy. Thanks for your concern.” LaShaun started the SUV and drove off. The urge to discuss all this with grandmother pushed as she pressed the accelerator. She didn’t care if Broussard chased her down to write a ticket. She glanced in rear view mirror expecting to see his flashing blue lights. But he was gone.