Page 16 of Landry

“There were two,” Rafael said. “A big guy I didn’t recognize, and Ben, that guy who works at the auto shop on 2nd Street. Camille didn’t stay much longer after she danced with Ben.”

Landry’s brow furrowed. “Did either of the men leave after Camille?”

“I don’t know,” Rafael said. “I took Gisele to the dance floor and didn’t notice when they left.”

“Don’t mind Rafael,” Remy said. “He’s on a perpetual honeymoon. I’m surprised he even noticed that Camille was there.”

“Hey,” Rafael shot a narrow-eyed glance at Remy, “I remember Camille leaving.” He grinned. “I finally had Gisele to myself.”

“Damn newlyweds,” Remy muttered.

“Since I’m not due at Ms. Catoire’s place until near sunset, I’ll stop by the auto shop and ask Ben a few questions. Then I’ll swing by the Crawdad Hole and ask if anyone got the name of the big guy, or if they have credit card receipts from him.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Hank said. “Let us know of any changes in the situation.”

“Roger,” Landry said.

“Out here,” Hank said.

“Out here,” Remy responded.

The giant monitor blinked off.

“Ms. Catoire and her daughter walk home after she closes the shop around five,” Remy said.

“I’ll be there to make sure they get home safely,” Landry promised. In the meantime, he had places to go and people to see. He pushed to his feet and turned to leave.

Remy rose as well and laid a hand on Landry’s arm. “Shelby’s group of girlfriends is close. They look out for each other. They’re particularly sensitive about Camille since she’s been through so much and worked hard to rise above while shielding her daughter from some of the uglier truths about her father.”

Landry’s eyes narrowed. “And you’re telling me this because?”

“As strong and determined as she is to take care of herself and Ava, she’s also vulnerable and hesitant to accept help, especially from men.” Remy shook his head. “The man who’d promised to love, honor and protect her did none of that. She doesn’t trust men easily.”

Landry nodded. “Don’t worry. I won’t make any promises I can’t keep.”

“Good. Because if anyone I send to help her ends up hurting her, I won’t hear the end of it.” He snorted. “Shelby would filet me.”

“I doubt that seriously,” Landry said. “You two are the perfect couple with the perfect family.”

“We are, aren’t we?” Remy said with a stiff smile. “I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Message received,” Landry said. “I’ll do my best to protect Ms. Catoire and her daughter.”

“And not hurt her,” Remy added. “That’s just as important.”

Landry wasn’t exactly sure what Remy was getting at. “As a member of the Brotherhood Protectors, I’m here to help, not hurt.”

“As long as you recognize the difference.”

Jean-Luc pulled himself up in his playpen and tried to climb over the side.

Remy hurried over to grab him before he tumbled out. “Look at you, little man, you’re getting more mobile by the minute.” He swung his son up into his arms and turned back toward Landry.

“I’ll ask Shelby if she knows of anyone who might have a grudge against Camille,” he said. “Although I can’t imagine anyone disliking her. She’s one of the nicest members of our community. But you never know who might see her as a threat or be jealous of her success.”

“Maybe a wife who thinks her husband hangs out at Sweet Temptations too often?” Landry suggested. “When I stop by to escort her home, I’ll ask Ms. Catoire if she has any customers who loiter unnecessarily long.”

Remy sniffed the air and then frowned at his son. “Dude, you need a diaper change.”

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