Page 29 of Xavier

“Yes, it is,” Xavier answered, wishing he hadn’t had to name her at this point. He needed the Brotherhood Protectors’ tech genius to delve into the identities of the men who’d attacked the ex-con without having any bias toward the woman.

“Shouldn’t you take this investigation through the local law enforcement?” Swede asked.

His lips twisted into a crooked smile.

“Oh yeah,” Swede chuckled. “The local law enforcement includes Deputy Sheriff Shelby Taylor Montagne. I see your dilemma.” The faint clicking of fingers on a keyboard suggested Swede was already investigating. “I’ll do some digging and report back.”

“I’d like to know why they’re targeting Ms. Gautier,” Xavier said. “Those two have to be working for someone.”

“Sounds like it. I’ll let you know,” Swede assured him. “In the meantime, I wouldn’t turn my back on the Gautier woman. She had ties with the New Orleans and Cajun Mafia. She might not be the most trustworthy.”

Xavier frowned. “She says she wants to make amends and show the town she’s changed.”

“Tigers can’t change their stripes,” Swede said.

Xavier’s jaw tightened. “It’s a good thing she’s not a tiger, then.”

“Look, I like giving most people a second chance to get it right. Just don’t be led down a garden path only to be caught in quicksand. Those mafia people play for keeps. Whether or not Lissette Gautier is still working with them, you could get caught in the crossfire. You’re one of us, and I’d hate to see you hurt.”

Xavier wasn’t sure why he was defending the woman with a man who would do anything for his team.

Swede was right.

Lissette had a past and a reputation that would be hard to shake. For all he knew, she could be lying to him, setting him up for a fall.

His gut told him she wasn’t as bad as his team claimed. Perhaps prison had taught her a lesson, and she really was reformed.

Then again, even Lissette had warned him against her, claiming she was trouble.

He had no doubt she was correct.

What kind of trouble, he wasn’t certain. Was it self-inflicted or guilt by prior association?

Whatever kind of trouble she was in, he couldn’t bail on her now. They’d made a deal.

“I’ll keep your warning in mind,” Xavier said. “Let me know what you find out.”

“In the meantime, what’s your plan?” Swede asked.

“I think I’ll pay a visit to the cemetery and see what all the looting is about and who was targeted.”

“Sounds good. Let me know what you learn.”

“Will do,” Xavier promised. “For now, out here.” He logged off the computer and poked his head into Remy’s office.

Remy sat at his desk, staring at a computer screen.

“Got a minute?” Xavier asked.

Remy glanced up. “Always.” He waved a hand toward a chair. “Have a seat.”

“No, thank you,” Xavier said. “I won’t be long.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I know you and Shelby don’t care for Lissette Gautier, and I don’t blame you. However, she is aware of a significant amount of theft and looting going on at the cemetery. If you have any pull at the sheriff’s department,” he said, knowing Remy had a lot of pull, being married to one of the sheriff’s deputies, “could you check on the status of any ongoing investigations dealing with the thefts at the local cemetery?”

Remy’s lips pressed into a tight line. “Did Lissette ask you to do this?”