Page 30 of Xavier

Xavier shook his head. “No. She didn’t want to ask, knowing how you and Shelby feel about her attempt to hurt Shelby. Any information you might have could help.”

“Help with what?” Remy asked.

“Help keep her from performing her own investigation and help find and return the items. Some people think the things taken protect them from bad luck. Whether I believe in bad luck or not, some people would feel better if the items taken were returned to the cemetery.”

Remy met and held Xavier’s gaze. “Some people being Lissette?”

“She’s worried that the reliquaries that have been taken were protecting the families of Bayou Mambaloa.”

“And she’s convinced we’re experiencing a string of bad luck because the protections are not in place,” Remy concluded. “Shelby had a call from Mrs. Fran Arnaud about her porch. You remember...the lady with the metal flamingo in her yard?”

Xavier nodded. “We were talking about her this morning.”

“She called the sheriff’s department. Shelby just happened to field the call and stopped by.” Remy sighed. “Mrs. Renaud claims the tree fell on her porch because someone had stolen her husband’s reliquary from the cemetery.”

Xavier sent a silent prayer of thanks to the superstitious old woman. “Again, whether you believe in protection reliquaries, magic or bad luck, there are people who swear by it all.”

“You can tell Lissette that the sheriff’s department is looking into the matter.” His brow furrowed. “They might not be happy if she’s doing her own investigation.”

With a snort, Xavier’s lips curled slightly. “Like that will slow her down. Not that it’ll do much good, but I’ll let her know. Meanwhile, I tapped into our tech team...aka Swede. He’s looking up the guys who set up and attacked Lissette recently.”

Remy’s eyes widened. “She was attacked? When?”

Xavier nodded. “Last night. Two men jumped her near her shop. I happened to be passing when it happened.” He told Remy everything, including Lissette’s desire to keep it from the sheriff’s department, afraid it would impact her parole.

“They should know,” Remy said.

“I promised I wouldn’t say anything.”

Remy’s lips pressed into a tight line and he frowned. “Do you think she’ll be attacked again?”

“I think so,” Xavier said with a grim nod. “They set her up by luring her with her family’s reliquary. They wanted her.”

“Does she have any idea why?”

“Maybe they want her to work with them again. Though that would be ridiculous since she has an ankle bracelet set to keep her in the vicinity of Bayou Mambaloa.”

“What did you give Swede to go on?”

“Nub LeJeune, the guy who acquired the reliquary for her. He delivered it to lure her out where the other men could attack her. She also recognized Ron Cormier, one of the attackers. Apparently, he’s connected to the New Orleans and Cajun Mafias.”

“Muscle for hire?” Remy asked.

“Looks like it,” Xavier said.

“Lissette’s not supposed to be in contact with the mafia or anyone connected to them.”

“She knows. That’s why I put Swede on it—and why I wanted to let you in on what’s going on.”

“Thanks,” Remy said. “I’ll try to get information from Shelby about the cemetery shenanigans.”

“Thank you,” Xavier said. “I know I’m only here for less than a week now; you could assign me to another project if you need to.”

“But I won’t,” Remy said. “You’re better where you are for now. Someone needs to keep an eye on Lissette. Trouble follows her, much of which she has brought on herself. I might never forgive her for trying to kill Shelby.”

“I don’t expect you to,” Xavier said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to get back to her and continue to keep her out of trouble, if I can.”

Remy rose from his chair, rounded the desk and held out his hand to Xavier. “Good luck. If you need backup—which I suspect you will—don’t hesitate to call or text. You may be in well over your head.”