“Nope.” She stepped back.
“Grace, you need the protection more than I.” He continued chasing the pearl chain across his chest.
“Not so. If anything, you are more at risk. If DeLille is plotting murder, I suspect he knows where to find the gris gris.”
“I doubt Eshu’s amulet will protect me from the strength of the gris gris’ black magic.”
“I guess we’ll find out.” She crossed her arms over her chest and shot him a smug look. She’d gotten away with her plan.
Luc sighed. “Fine. But there will be retribution for the damage to my pride.”
“Keeping you alive is more important than any pride.”
He nodded. “What next, lover mine?”
She looked at the desk clock. The ritual had taken nearly three hours. It had felt like minutes. “It’s nearly one o’clock. We must clean up and complete our preparations to leave.”
“One o’clock gives us a few hours. I’ll take the breakfast dishes and clean up in the kitchen.”
“A man who volunteers to do kitchen work. I’m a lucky woman.” She kissed him.
He kissed her back, a near desperate need flowing from him to her.
Eventually, she pushed away. “Go,” she waved toward the door. “I have a few things left to pack and will follow very soon.”
“See that you do. I don’t want to worry about you.” He gathered everything onto the tray and left.
Grace raced to fill the valise. The music box and the logbook were the last items loaded. She hurried downstairs. As she put the case on the kitchen table the phone rang.
She picked up. “Grace Thibodaux speaking.”
“Miz Thibodaux, It’s me, your land manager.”
She frowned. “You’re using the phone so you aren’t in the fields?”
“No ma’am. Most of my crew couldn’t make it in today because of all the rain. The bayous are rising. I waited as long as I could, hoping I could get a few men out toSweet Dreamsto work. But it just ain’t gonna happen. I need to get my family to safety. I’m so sorry.”
Grace’s heart sank. “I appreciate you informing me. I’m leaving soon myself. Could I ask you to try to stop by and pick up my horses? I can’t take them with me.”
“I’ll make sure someone gets out there for them, Miz Thibodaux.”
“Thank you. I’ll leave the money I owe you and your crew in a saddle bag near the pack horse’s stall.”
“You been real good to us, ma’am. Good luck getting out before the flood.”
“You as well.” She ended the call and turned to Luc.
He strode over and took her in his arms. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“The land manger and crew aren’t coming today.”
“DeLille can’t know that.” He stroked her hair.
Luc’s touch calmed her somewhat. “Yes he can.”
Luc stepped back. “How?”
“My phone is on what we call a party line. A number of other phones use the same line. Anyone who picks up their phone while I’m talking can hear what is said.”
