Cold Spite (Cold Justice: Most Wanted #5)

Chapter 32

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

J oseph watched the sickle moon reflect off the bayou. He’d missed this in prison. Missed the scents and flavor of Cajun country, the uniqueness of the French triangle of Louisiana—the swamp, the food, the women, the music, the language. He intended to enjoy all of it in its entirety just as soon as he finished what he needed to do. He didn’t plan on going back inside. He’d spent a lot of time figuring out exactly how to do what he needed without getting caught. Sure, they might suspect him, but proving it was another thing entirely.

He’d never confess.

Confessing was for couyons .

He was tired. He was pissed that the bomb hadn’t killed or even maimed Casta Demarco.

Today had been a bust. A lot of effort for nothing. Still, it had been fun to make that motherfucker fly through the air.

He smirked.

Perhaps it wasn’t a waste. Demarco wouldn’t know who was to blame, and even if he did suspect, he couldn’t prove nothing.

“Call Nicole.” Virgil’s gruff words nudged him into action.

Now wasn’t the time to veer from the plan. Cas Demarco’s survival was a minor detail. Temporary. No point rushing things. He knew where Demarco worked. He relished a challenge. And he wasn’t the only one who wanted a piece of that bastard. He and his associate had a deal. Something that would get them both what they wanted without either of them going to prison—assuming they didn’t screw up.

He wasn’t sure he trusted his associate not to give him up should they get caught so he made sure his alibi was watertight.

He pulled his cell out of the glovebox where it had spent the day. Dialed Nicole’s number.

“Joseph?” Her voice was wary.

“Apologies for calling this late.” He happened to know that Preston attended a Rotary meeting on Wednesday nights. “I was wondering if I’d be able to see Melody again soon?”

“Oh. Yes.” She laughed. “Yes. She had a good time. I’m glad you two got along. When were you thinking?”

“I was wondering if I could take her overnight this time—if it’s okay with you.” You fat cunt . “I could fly up Friday night. Take her to the movies, then the zoo or something on Saturday. Bring her back Saturday evening.”

“We have dinner plans on Saturday night…”

“Even better. I’ll bring her back before church on Sunday morning, and you can save money on a sitter.”

“Oh.” She cleared her throat. “I suppose that would be okay. I need to ask Preston first.”

“ I’m Melody’s father, not Preston.” The words were sharper than he’d intended, and Virgil shot him a warning look.

“I know.” God, she was such a weak fool. “I just want to make sure that fits with our plans. I doubt he’ll object.”

Preston could shove his objections up his skinny ass.

“You do that, cher , but soon, huh?” The endearment tasted sour on his tongue. “Good chance I may get a job on the rigs. If so, it’ll be a couple of weeks before I’ll be able to come up to Seattle again. But if Melody wants, maybe she could come down here sometime. Meet her grandpa. See where her ancestors come from.”

His family had a big old house in LaCroix that had come down from his mother’s side of the family. His father owned and ran the only decent mechanic’s shop in town. They also had a camp out on Lake Fortuna where they spent as much time as possible hunting and fishing.

He’d missed the camp when he’d left to join the Navy.

He’d always been good at hunting—not that he was allowed access to weapons nowadays. He rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of that rule.

“I guess she should know more about the other side of her family.” Nicole had always liked the grand old house. The occupants, less so. “Will Virgil be there?”

“Virg’s got himself a girl who he’s more or less living with.” That was a lie, but she’d never know. “But I’d like Melody to meet him. He is my brother.”

Virgil pulled a simpering face.

Nicole hesitated for all of two seconds. “As long as you’re there to watch her.” Another long, considering pause. “You know, she actually has Winter Break all next week.”

Really? What a surprise? He could hear her mentally planning an impromptu vacation with her slimeball husband.

That’s right, you selfish bitch .

“Maybe you could start your new job later? I’ll talk to Preston about you taking her for the whole week. Would be good for the two of you to spend some quality time together.”

“ C’est vrais . It would.”

Virgil grinned beside him and raised his hand to high-five him. Joseph gave him a quiet slap.

“You check with that new husband of yours, cher , and get back to me ASAP. Then I’ll know what tickets to book and whether or not to take that job on the rigs. You’ll have to give me written permission to fly commercial with her. Or put her on a flight direct to New Orleans and I’ll meet her at the other end.”

“Oh. Of course. I’ll text you back at this number tonight or tomorrow morning when I’ve spoken to Preston. ”

“ ?a c’est bon, cher .” Joseph hung up and dropped the smile that had strained his mouth.

Virgil shot him a glance. “That bitch is gonna get what’s coming to her.”

“Amen, brother.” Joseph stared at the dark water lazily lapping the edge of the bayou. “Amen.”