Page 38 of Broken Bayou
“Dixon Thomas,” Ermine says. “Do not spread rumors in my establishment.”
“No, ma’am. This ain’t no rumor,” Dixon says. “He told me hisself.”
Ermine’s brows crinkle. “Well, that could be anything. And keep it down. I’m trying to catch up with an old friend here.”
Dixon nods and leans into his friends, animating his words but at a much lower decibel level.
Ermine looks at me. “Quite a time to be here. I’ve never seen anything like it. And I lived through Andrew and Katrina. We’ve got this missing schoolteacher, these barrels, a car coming out of the bayou. You ask me, this drought’s uncovering things that probably should have stayed buried.”
Amen, Ermine.
A throat clears behind me, and Ermine looks over my shoulder, makes a disgusted sound.
When I turn, Rita Meade smiles a blinding smile at me. Her thin hands rest on her even thinner hips. She’s dressed casually for Rita Meade, crisp blue jeans and a yellow sleeveless shirt with a giant bow at the neck. “Good morning.”
“No comment,” Ermine says.
Rita turns to me. “I came by to say hello to Dr. Watters.”
“Are you following me?” I ask.
She brings a manicured hand to her chest. “Of course not.”
She doesn’t even try to hide the lie in her tone. Ermine crosses her arms over her chest. Her feelings for Rita are quite clear.
Rita keeps her gaze on me. “I really would love to visit with you, Dr. Watters. In person or over the phone. I see an opportunity with you. And I never pass up an opportunity. You strike me as that type of woman as well. There’s really nothing to lose. You can sayoff the recordanytime.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say in the most professional voice I can muster.
Rita gazes down at me, her eyes bright and hyperfocused. “Please consider calling me. It won’t be a waste of your time.” She gives my shoulder a slight squeeze. “I promise.” She straightens, points to the television hanging behind the counter, and says in a loud voice so everyone can hear, “You may want to turn that up in a few minutes.” Then she clicks off on her stilettos.
Ermine stands, wipes her hands on her slacks. She starts to walk off, and I stop her.
“Ermine?”
“Yes?”
“Would you mind if I ask you some questions? I’m curious about a couple of things. Couple of people actually.”
Her thin brows raise. “Who might that be?”
I swallow. “Do you remember the name of a man my mother worked for that last summer we were here? Had some sort of business where that antique store is now. Could have been a shady guy.” I pause, then add, “Probablywas a shady guy. Maybe a bookie.”
Ermine looks to the ceiling for a few seconds in thought, then shrugs. “I can’t say I do. That was a long time ago, and my memory’s not what it used to be. Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay,” I say, working to keep the disappointment out of my voice.
“So who else are you curious about?” she asks with a slight smile.
“I had a peculiar visit from Doyle and Eddie Arceneaux yesterday. What can you tell me about Doyle?”
She scrunches her lips up like she’s tasted something sour. “Him I know. In and out of trouble his whole life. Petty larceny, disorderly conduct. Impersonating a police officer.” She raises her eyebrows. “And then Travis is the one who bailed him out.” She shrugs, but I get it. I know exactly what it’s like to bail out your family.
Ermine continues, “Doyle’s always been a little ... off. Which isn’t surprising given ...” Ermine looks around, scratches at her neck.
I lean toward her. “Given what?”
Ermine straightens. “Now, hon, I don’t wanna be the town gossip.”
