Page 63 of Witness Security Breach

“I assure you the last thing we want is trouble.” Aiden removed his sunglasses so the cabbie could see his eyes and hopefully his sincerity. “Just privacy and a little peace and quiet for a couple of nights.”

The man considered it, and by the time Charlie hopped in, he nodded.

It didn’t take long before the cabbie stopped in the driveway of a modest house that was outside the French Quarter but within reasonable walking distance.

An older lady with a poof of short white curls who resembled the driver was waiting for them. She wore pearls, a pencil skirt and a kind smile.

Aiden paid the remaining taxi fare and for waiting while they shopped, and they all climbed out.

“This here is my aunt Henriette Bordelon,” the driver said. “Everyone calls her Henri.”

Aiden shook her extended hand. “I’m Rudy and this is Priscilla,” he said as Charlie shook her hand, as well. “It’s kind of you to let us stay here, ma’am.”

“My pleasure.” She smiled, but glanced down at their hands, noticing they didn’t have any luggage, only shopping bags and the backpack. “I hope it’s okay if I collect payment in advance.”

“No problem.” Aiden gave her two hundred dollars.

“This is too much.” She tried to hand back several bills.

“Please, keep it,” Aiden said. “We heard you’re an incredible cook. Consider it a tip in advance.”

“Very generous of you.” She beamed. “Dinner will be ready by six, but I can keep it warm for you as late as eleven. That’s when my last show goes off and I turn in. Breakfast can be served anytime, except tomorrow. I go to church on Sundays. So it’ll have to be before eight. If you have any allergies just let me know.”

“Wonderful,” Charlie said, “and no allergies for either of us. We’ll eat anything.”

The cabbie took the key from his aunt. “I’ll walk them up and show them the place. Save you the trip.”

Aiden and Charlie followed him up the steep exterior staircase. The structure was a good ten yards behind the main house, which had blooming flowers in all the beds and a well-maintained lawn. The garage apartment was far enough back to give them ample privacy.

The driver unlocked the door and handed Aiden the key.

A decent-sized studio, the place was as advertised. Simple. Clean. A rudimentary kitchen outfitted with the basics, including a coffee maker and take-out menus from places that delivered. Towels in the bathroom along with bodywash and shampoo.

It was more than they could’ve asked for.

But there was only one queen-size bed.

“Henri’s number and the password for the Wi-Fi are next to the phone. I’m Junior, by the way. If you need a ride anywhere, day or night, give me a holler. Here’s my card.” Smiling, he offered one that Charlie took. “I’ll get out of your hair now.”

Nodding his thanks, Aiden set the shopping bags down on the counter.

Junior hurried out the door like he was trying hard not to take up too much time or be too friendly.

Aiden appreciated it.

Once Junior had cleared the stairs and the car door slammed closed, Charlie said, “We never got the envelope to Walsh and I don’t think it’s a good idea to go back to the restaurant.”

She emptied the backpack on the counter, setting out a Smith and Wesson M&P 9 mm, shoulder holsters, tactical knives, zip ties, extra clips, and ammo for the guns, which they had three of, including the ones they took from Devlin and his buddy.

In Louisiana, no state permit, driver’s license, firearm registration or background check was required, and by the looks of the supplies, no magazine capacity restriction, either. He wasn’t complaining. This was the perfect state if you were a gun enthusiast or an outlaw.

An expandable baton made of strong, durable seamless alloy steel rolled along the counter as she pulled out a few more items that looked more suited for camping than their needs.

Taking off the sunglasses and wig, Aiden sat on the bed and scratched his head. “If it wasn’t Walsh who texted the hit men in San Diego, then it was one of his guys. Either way, he’d get a message if we sent one.”

“Then let’s do it.”

Aiden tore open the sealed envelope and laid the documents on the bed. He snapped a picture of each and sent them to the New Orleans number in the phone along with a text.