Page 7 of Carnival Queen

“I don’t know. Ask the other girls who all met the criteria,” said Deanna, staring at the girl. “The criteria goes on to explain a number of things, not the least is that the queen should be kind, considerate, compassionate, and show humility. Which you have shown none.”

“What is your problem, lady? Are you just mad because you’re not up there?”

“Your parents have really failed you, Lottie. You will not survive a moment in a sorority with that attitude. I should know. I was president of my sorority. In fact, I’m still part of the alumni board. This might shock you but it’s the very sorority that you plan to rush in the fall.”

That got her attention. She sat up straighter, staring at the woman on the other side of the table. Damn. She didn’t know that. Deanna could prevent her from rushing her sorority in the fall.

“That’s right,” smiled Deanna. “I’m not sure what you believe being in a sorority is like, but we spend a lot of time volunteering. We help to build houses, we donate our time to hospitals, orphanages, daycare centers, nursing homes, and so many more places. The young women selected for entrance to the sorority must be good students but have a record of volunteer work and be kind and considerate.”

“They have to be pretty, too,” said Lottie.

“Lottie, there is no requirement for looks, weight, height, fashion, none of it. The way that you have presented yourself to us would immediately close the door for you. You are selfish, self-centered, self-serving, all the selfs,” frowned Deanna.

“I make good grades, and I’m captain of the pep squad!”

“And you’re rude. You do not volunteer for anything or anyone, and your attitude, quite frankly, stinks. The way you treated others during the interview day, including the judges, was appalling. Had I, and many of the judges, had our way, you would not have made the float at all.”

“I deserve to be on that float!” she said, standing over the table.

“You’ll have to prove that to us, but you will not be queen, Lottie. Not by a longshot.”

“The rules say if the queen gets sick, the second steps up,” she smirked.

“You are not second.” Lottie’s mouth opened and closed. “There is a queen, and this year, eight members of court. We expanded because of the great quality of candidates. Of the eight, you are number eight, Lottie. You will not be queen.”

“You’ll regret this! All of you!”

CHAPTER SIX

“Morning, everyone,” said Ian. There were groans and moans as everyone settled in for their morning meeting. “Try to be a little more excited.”

“We’re working on it,” smirked Miller.

“Well, be nice today. Our client today is someone that many of us know. She went to school with some of our grandkids,” said Gaspar. He opened the door, and Deanna walked in, smiling at everyone with a little wave.

“Hi, everyone,” she smiled.

“Well, if it isn’t little Deanna Trehorn,” smiled Baptiste. He remembered her as being around the same age as CJ, Maverick, and a few other kids.

“Hi, Mr. Baptiste,” she waved.

“Ouch! Mister?” he said, holding his hand over his heart.

“Shut up, asshole. You’re old enough to be her grandfather,” said Gaspar. “Ignore him, Deanna.”

“No, it’s fine,” she laughed. “Believe me, none of you look old enough to be my grandfather. Every man here is exceptionally handsome and charming. Woe is me that you’re all married.” She lay the back of her hand on her forehead in a very Southern gesture.

“Okay, okay,” laughed Nine. “What can we do for you, honey? Does this have something to do with your folks?”

“I wish,” she said with a pained expression. “No. I’ve been told the police and sheriff are handling that, and I should let the professionals get the job done. Although I have my doubts. Anyway, no. I’m chairman of the Mardi Gras committee, overseeing all the floats, the pageant, the court, everything.”

“Brave girl,” said Alec, raising his brow.

“I know, right?” she laughed. “Anyway, I came in this morning to check on the progress of the floats at the warehouse and the floats have been vandalized. We’ve got the teams in there now trying to salvage what they can, but it’s a mess.”

“We can send some folks to help with the floats and add some security,” said Ghost.

“That would be wonderful, but I think I know who did it.”

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