Bayou Sunset (Agents of HIS #4)

Chapter Thirteen

ROMEO PEERED OVER his steaming cup of coffee at his mother. “Are ya sure it be okay if I don't go to da hospital ’til later?” Guilt plagued him for leaving his maman for Daisy Mae. He had to remember it was at his papa’s request.

Barbara shook her head. “Go, Steve. I know ya papa be worried ’bout Daisy Mae, et now dat someone shot at her, we both expect ya be dere protecting her. Mais , dey might release him today.”

With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, Steve nodded and forced a smile, desperately wishing that things would turn out in their favor. He cherished and longed for his parents, just as he yearned for the home where he spent his formative years until he left for college. After taking another sip of the hot brew, he stood up. It was time to go.

Today, Romeo was visibly armed. He grabbed his backpack and kissed his mother on the cheek. “Lock up after I leave,” he instructed.

She stood and followed him to the door.

“Keep me updated on Papa, if you please.”

Tears shimmered in his mother’s eyes as she spoke, “You no worry ’bout us. Take care of dat petite fille .”

Romeo nodded, unsure how his maman considered Daisy Mae a “little girl,” but he guessed that was her Southern coming out in her.

At the wheel of his dad’s sturdy truck, Romeo made his way to the quiet docks and skillfully maneuvered into a parking spot. As the first light of dawn broke over the water, the red glints of alligator eyes became visible in his headlights, casting an eerie glow over the landscape. It was just another typical day in Louisiana.

Romeo looked around the parking lot and spotted Daisy Mae’s truck. He wondered how she would respond to his presence that day, thinking back to her fearless demeanor the previous night. A smile spread across his face. Indeed, Romeo had selected a remarkable partner for life.

Contemplating a lifetime together, he nodded to himself. He realized that he would need to find a way to persuade her to spend the rest of her life with him. Whether they relocated to Baltimore or stayed in Bayou Junction, he didn’t care as long as she was his.

Checking the status of his weapon and ensuring it was ready for any potential trouble, Romeo holstered it at his side. After grabbing his backpack, he exited the truck, locked it, and pocketed the key fob.

As he strolled down the brief dock, he couldn’t help but notice the hustle and bustle of people on their boats, some embarking on charters while others enjoyed the privacy of their vessels. Stopping at Seas the Day , he worried when he didn't spy Daisy Mae on deck.

When Romeo heard loud cursing rising from below, he smiled. “Permission to board,” he yelled. Romeo vowed never to attempt sneaking up on Daisy Mae again. He had learned the hard way that she didn’t appreciate his particular talent.

The sun had risen above the horizon, and Romeo knew it would be another sweltering day. When Daisy Mae emerged from below, the light caught her face, revealing adorable but grease-stained features.

With a dirty rag in her hand, she waved him aboard. “ Bonjour! Do ya know anything ’bout bateau engines?”

Romeo didn't have a clue about the boat engine, but he would still attempt to help Daisy Mae. As he stepped onto the boat, the weight of his backpack hit the bench with a thud. He made his way across the deck toward her.

Daisy Mae narrowed her eyes at his waist, then looked up at him. “Dat be necessary?”

Romeo nodded in acknowledgment, the weight of her words sinking in as he realized she was referring to his firearm. “ Mais oui .”

Daisy Mae rolled her eyes. “ Mon Dieu! We no going anywhere if I can’t turn dis engine over.”

“I know my way around a truck engine. They can't be much different.” Romeo was aware of their differences, yet he endeavored to bring a smile to Daisy Mae’s face with a lighthearted comment.

It worked perfectly.

Her smile brightened her entire face. Daisy Mae handed him the wrench in her dirty hand and said, “Go ’head, couyon .”

Romeo graciously accepted the wrench, and with a sense of anticipation, he drew closer to Daisy Mae. Gently, he brushed his lips against hers, reveling in the tenderness of her lips. Reluctantly, he eventually brought the kiss to a close with a lingering, affectionate peck. “Good morning, Rocket.”

“Why do ya call—”

“ Bonjour ,” a voice called from the dock.

Romeo could have sworn that he heard Daisy Mae growl with an unmistakable air of disapproval as they turned around.

“What ya want, Mario?” Daisy Mae asked, not too kindly.

“What be going on?” Mario asked.

“What does it look like is going on, you couyon ?” Daisy Mae asked.

“Careful, the mosquitoes be big.” And the man walked away.

The mosquitoes be big. What did that mean? “Who dat be?”

Daisy Mae grunted. “Mario Xenos. Me rival.”

The man’s demeanor and words immediately caught Romeo’s attention, almost as if he had set off an alarm on Romeo’s radar. It became evident that it would be highly advantageous to Mario if Daisy Mae sold out her operation. Romeo needed to learn more about the man, such as Mario’s whereabouts yesterday when he and Daisy Mae were under fire on the boat. It wasn’t just treasure hunters that would benefit from her absence on the water.

“Come on,”—Daisy Mae waved—”let's get dis engine going. I have a charter in une heure .”

Romeo didn’t know how to help, but he would use all his knowledge of engines to assist Daisy Mae.

Ultimately, Daisy Mae found it necessary to cancel the charter. She cursed a storm when she realized someone had tampered with her boat. Sabotage after a shooting, didn't sit well with Romeo. Something was rotten in Bayou Junction, and it centered around his Daisy Mae.

He realized he needed a capable investigator on the ground so that he could provide round-the-clock protection for Daisy Mae. He was confident he knew the right men to call for the job.

Before doing anything else, he needed to ensure everything was in place for date night while ensuring Daisy Mae remained within his view. Romeo knew she wouldn’t react well to his protectiveness, but she would have to deal with it. It was in her best interest and his sanity.

“How ’bout we visit my papa in the hospital since ya have to wait for da part to repair da bateau ? Mamau would love ta see ya.” It'd also keep her by his side.

Daisy Mae closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He was keenly aware that her reaction wasn’t prompted by his request but rather by the weight of everything that had transpired in her life. Canceling the charter today cost her money. Mario was free when the four men were looking to go fishing. Romeo could feel Daisy Mae’s heartbreak when she approached Mario and asked if he could accommodate her passengers. However, putting her clients first, she persevered and made the necessary arrangements.

He was proud of her but suspicious that Mario was conveniently free when her engine was sabotaged. Only he couldn't ponder that at the moment.

Keep her by his side, call the guys, take her on a memorable date, and get to at least second base tonight. Those were his priorities, in order of necessity, not desirability.