“DeLille agreed and told Guidry the land manager would accept better paying work that would leave you alone atSweet Dreams.”
“Paying more would be excessive. I could do it, though I’d rather not.”
“DeLille would probably find some other inducement. He’s determined to isolate you,” Luc said.
“Then what do you think we should do?” She let his hand go and sat up to look at him.
His arms felt empty.
“We wouldn’t need to take any action, if you would leave now.”.
“I’m not running away. Not again. I let fear and worry chase me out of Boston. I’ve made my home here, and here I shall stay.”
He studied her. Her mouth firm, shoulders square, those luscious breasts heaving slightly as she spoke. The woman was determined. Nothing he could say would convince her to leave.
“Very well.” That Grace would not be moved was no surprise. “How do you plan to defend yourself from DeLille and Guidry?” Afraid that his feelings for her might undermine his efforts, Luc prayed protecting her would be possible.
“That’s difficult to determine, since we don’t know his exact plans,” She remarked. “However, you are right we should make a plan. What assets do I have that would help?”
“The dogs.”
“Yes, and the amulet,” she reminded. “I’ve let that alone because of the mambo’s warning not to overuse it.”
“We have my spectral abilities.”
“Even though you suspect they might be changing?” she asked.
“Since I can’t know that for certain, I have to act as if they remain the same.”
“Since the full moon is at least two weeks away, you’ll be ephemeral, so neither DeLille nor Guidry would see you coming. If you bide your time, we’ll have the advantage of surprise.”
“Always a good idea, as is biding our time. We wait until the manager tells you he and the crew are leaving. DeLille won’t act before then, so we have that much time to plan for any attack.”
“My work crew’s departure will be our signal. You’ll lay in wait. I’ll control the dogs.”
“Promise you’ll use the amulet,” Luc urged pulling her in for a kiss.
Before he could give in to lust, she pushed away.
“I promise the amulet will be used. Do you honestly believe DeLille will condone violence?” Grace frowned.
“I am certain of it.” His voice hardened. He’d give his life to protect this woman.
“Why so sure?”
“He no longer plans to frame Guidry for simple theft and trespassing. DeLille plans to frame someone for murder.”
Her eyes went wide, and her hands knotted together. “DeLille has always been very kind to me, are you certain he wants Guidry to murder me?”
“He might attempt to make you look guilty of Guidry’s murder.”
Her delicate throat shifted as she swallowed against her emotions. “Given my past history, and the fact that my dislike for Guidry is well known, I would be an excellent suspect. If DeLille plots Guidry’s death, surely he did not tell the man.”
Luc wished she’d return to sit beside him even though not doing so was wiser.
“Correct. I followed DeLille home after he and Guidry parted ways. I heard the grocer discuss the murder with his wife.”
“Mrs. DeLille? That nice little old lady who runs the post office? You’re kidding.” Again, Grace twisted her hands together.
