Page 47 of Xavier

Lissette moved to stand beside her, slipping an arm around her waist to steady her as Mrs. Paget ran her hands over her arms and chest, as if verifying she was still all there.

“I’m okay,” she said. “I’m okay. I’ve walked this sidewalk for fifty years. I knew that crack was there and the cement was raised. I told Jimmy Sarli the tree he planted all those years ago would spread roots all the way out to the street and damage the sidewalk. I told him so.”

“Can you make it the rest of the way to the house?” Lissette asked.

“Of course, I can, mon cher.”

When Xavier handed her cane to her, she smacked it on the sidewalk. “I’m old, not an invalid.”

“Do you mind if I walk with you?” Lissette asked. “You know the sidewalk better than I do.”

“I do,” she said, her hand shaking on her cane. “Just not too close. What would the neighbors say if they saw me with a convicted felon?”

Lissette’s lips pressed together.

“Why are you here, anyway?” the older woman asked.

“Madame Gautier sent me. She sprained her ankle and can’t get around for a while. I’m making her house calls.”

“As you should,” the woman said. “Your grandmother took you in when your mother ran off.”

“Yes, she did,” Lissette said.

They arrived at the front door of Mrs. Paget’s cottage.

Xavier left them to return to the truck.

Mrs. Paget turned to face Lissette. She shook her head, a frown creasing her brow, her disappointment palpable. “Your grandmother is a dear friend of mine. She did a lot for you, and how did you repay her?”

“By being the worst possible human on the planet.” A single tear slipped from the corner of Lissette’s eye. “I know, and I’m sorry.”

The old woman’s frown softened. “Have you told her?”

Lissette nodded. “I have, but it’s not enough.”

The old woman took Lissette’s hands in hers. “Tell her again and keep telling her until she believes you.”

Xavier approached the two women, carrying the food Lissette’s grandmother had sent for her. He held back in silence.

“Mrs. Paget, Grand-mère sent you some of her famous crawfish étouffée.” Lissette took the container from Xavier. “Let me carry it inside for you.”

Her grandmother’s old friend smiled. “She knows how much I love her étouffée. You tell her thank you and give her a big hug from ol’ Eunice. I’d come see her, but I don’t have a boat.”

“You let me know when, and I’ll take you. She’d love a visit.” Lissette smiled at the woman.

Mrs. Paget opened her door and held it for Lissette to enter.

“Are you sure?” Lissette asked. “Someone might see me.”

“Let de tongues wag. You’re de granddaughter of my dear friend. You’re always welcome.”

Lissette carried the étouffée into the woman’s kitchen, put it in the refrigerator and told her about the thefts at the cemetery. “Now, you be extra careful until we find the reliquaries and get them back to where they belong. And keep up with the weather.”

“I will,” she said. “They say it’s headed this way and that it might be as bad as Katrina.”

“It might,” Lissette agreed. “We might have to evacuate. Be ready and let someone know if you need help.”

Mrs. Paget pressed a kiss to each of Lissette’s cheeks. “Thank you, mon cher.” Then she patted Xavier’s cheek. “Take care of my friend’s granddaughter.”