Page 14 of Abra's Acquisition
She smiles back. “I did. He used to come to the house to visit Mr. De Villiers. I didn’t like him, so I only spoke French in his presence. Mr. De Villiers never let on that I knew English. I don’t think he trusted Mr. Erickson, either. He had reasons for not trusting him.”
“Do you know why he visited your employer?” Cleo asks.
Brigette nods. “At first, he ingratiated himself by asking Mr. Charles to talk about his family and himself. Then his questions became pointed. Mr. Charles realized that Erickson was fishing for the location of the family treasure.”
Cicero sucks in a breath. “You know about the treasure?”
Brigette shrugs. “I know there is a treasure, but I don’t know where it is or what it is. I only know that that is part of the key. Where did you get it?” Brigette nods at the Harlequin figurine. “Mr. Ryan searched the house for it before Mr. Charles died, but he couldn’t find it.”
“Erickson had it,” I say. “I broke into his house a few nights ago and stole it from him.”
“Good,” Brigette says. “Poor Mr. Ryan was distraught. He had just reunited with his stepfather.”
“Wait, if this Ryan person was Charles’ stepson, why didn’t he inherit the house? Why did Charles not leave a will?”
“Oh no, he left a will. Everything was to go to Mr. Ryan.”
“So, where is the will?” Rey asks.
“I don’t know,” Brigette says.
We’re silent for several minutes as we all consider what we’ve learned.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to cause you problems, but what is going to happen to me?” Brigette asks. “Mr. Erickson said he would report me to ICE and have me sent to Ecuador. I don’t want to go to Ecuador.”
“Are you here on a Visa?” Hex asks.
“Yes. A work Visa. Now that I don’t have a job…”
“You’re a home care specialist, right?” Olivia asks. Brigette nods. “We know of someone who needs a home care specialist,” Olivia continues, looking at Lake.
Lake returns her questioning look with one of puzzlement until his face clears and he beams at her. “You’re right. I know just the patient who could use your help. How would you feel about nursing a crotchety old man who is also the Chief of his tribe?”
“Tribe?” Brigette asks.
“I’ll explain on the way,” Olivia assures her. “Don’t listen to Lake; Coyote is a wonderful man. Let’s grab your suitcase, and we can stop for more things on the way. You should tell your brother and let him know we’re coming.”
Lake takes out his phone and makes the call. After he explains the situation, he pauses before ending the call. “What does she look like? Does anyone know who she is?”
Hex and I watch Lake as he paces the floor, listening to his brother. After a few minutes, he hangs up. “Toff said there is a white woman who has been harassing several families. She claims to be the leader of the Brotherhood of the Third Reich.”
“Fuck, that’s probably Pamela Clark,” Hex says. “Puma called and told me she left Las Vegas. He didn’t know where she went. I guess we know now. Okay, Pirate, Spark was supposed to sendyou photos of her and the other members. Make sure we all get them. Is she still near the tribe?”
Lake shakes his head. “No. She took off when several members of the tribe threatened her.”
“We need to be on the lookout for her,” Hex orders.
“Who is she?” I ask.
“Puma said she’s married to the leader of the Brotherhood of the Third Reich. Turns out their leader is Rattler and Viper’s uncle. He and Pamela have a son who has been pretending to be Rattler. He and Pamela were working at the casino and stole a bunch of money. Puma wants her badly. The bastards are heavy into human trafficking. If any of the Brotherhood escaped arrest, we should grab them and question them.”
I nod as Brigette and Olivia come down the stairs.
“I’ve spoken to my brother, Toff,” Lake says to them. “The doctors aren’t ready to release Coyote yet, which isn’t a surprise. I’m sure he’s made his displeasure known. However, Toff said you can stay with him and Annette. Coyote’s house is still a crime scene, but he thinks they’ll release it tomorrow. He’s hoping you and Annette can get the place ready for Coyote. She’s studying to become a doctor, so she’ll help you get the equipment and supplies you’ll need. Annette is excited to have you.”
Brigette smiles at me and the others. “You’ve all been so kind. Thank you for rescuing me and giving me this opportunity.”
“We’re happy to help,” Hex assures her.
