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“Auntie Nola,” Monique said, using the childhood name she’d always called her mother’s friend. “I always thought you weren’t afraid of anything,” she teased.

“Honey, there’s plenty of things that scare me, including that big man who lives deep in the swamp. He wears such a scowl on his face all the time. Now, tell me how you’re doing? I’m surprised to see you here at work. I heard you took quite a beating.”

“I did,” Monique confessed. “I’ve got a couple of fractured ribs and a body full of bruises.”

Nola frowned. “I’m so sorry, honey. And you have no idea who did this to you?”

“I don’t have a clue.”

“If you find out, then let me know.” Nola raised her fists in a fighting position and punched out with her right hand. “I’ll take care of the person for you.”

Monique laughed. “I don’t think that will be necessary. Right now, I’ve got the scowling man from deep in the swamp watching over me.”

“Tell me, what on earth is going on in your life that you’re getting beat up and you need somebody to watch over you?” Nola gazed at her curiously.

For just a brief moment, Monique really wanted to tell Nola the truth about what she and Jacque had been up to, but in the end, she decided to keep it a secret even from the woman who had been like a mother to her.

“I haven’t figured that out yet. Somehow, someway, I’ve made somebody very angry with me, but darned if I know who or why,” Monique replied.

“Is Daniel looking into it?” Nola asked.

“Yes, he is. But there isn’t much to look into. I couldn’t give him a description of the attacker, and there was no evidence to be found around my front porch, where I was attacked.” She didn’t mention the box or note that was left on her porch.

Nola frowned. “I know your sister loves that man to distraction, but until he solves your mother’s murder and now this mystery you’re in, he is definitely on my bad side.”

“Don’t be too hard on him, Nola. We know he’s working as hard as possible to get Mother’s murderer in jail,” Monique replied.

“I can’t believe it’s taken this long for him and his men to figure out who killed Mystique,” Nola replied. “I’m worried now that it will never get solved.”

“That makes two of us,” Monique replied fervently.

“So, is Jacque treating you right?”

Monique smiled. “He’s been very kind and considerate to me. He’s really a very nice man.”

“I’d believe you if he didn’t look so fierce all the time,” Nola replied.

At that moment, two teenage girls came into the shop.

“I think that’s my cue to get on with my errands. Stay safe, Monique, and you know you can call or come talk to me anytime.” She blew Monique a kiss and then turned and headed out the store door.

The teenagers were in the store for about half an hour, trying on different blouses and checking out the costume jewelry. One of them wound up buying a set of pink and gold bangle bracelets while the other one got a pretty bright yellow blouse.

It was just before lunch when her two sisters came through the door.

“I couldn’t believe it when Nola came into my store a little while ago and told me you were at work today,” Angelique said, worry evident on her features.

“And I couldn’t believe it when Angelique called and told me,” Dominique added, also looking deeply concerned.

“Shouldn’t you be at Jacque’s and resting more?” Angelique asked.

“I needed to get back to work,” Monique replied. “Besides, it’s not like this is tough physical labor.”

“Are you in a lot of pain?” Dominique asked with sympathy.

“Yes, I am. But it’s getting better with every day that passes,” Monique replied.

“Still, you shouldn’t be pushing yourself too hard,” Angelique chided her.