Page 3 of Rajun Cajuns 8

Selene leaned in close to Mickey and quietly asked, “What was in the bag?”

Mickey smiled. “Maudie always keeps some emergency food available. You know just in case someone is going to miss a meal. I imagine there’s some homemade chips. A pear, grapes and a decked-out sandwich. And a large home-baked cookie. Chocolate chip or peanut butter. Then Maudie’s sweet tea in a cold thermos that is pure liquid gold. It almost makes a person wanna go on a hunt just to get one of her packs.” He smirked. “She doesn’t like any one of us to go hungry.” He snorted. “She treats us Hogans like she would her own children. We kinda love that and we’re very lucky she’s got our backs.”

Selene looked down and whispered, “My grandma made some of that too. It’s a Southern thing I guess? I only had Sharon and then Jed at times. I can’t imagine such a large family at all.”

The whole table went silent at her words.

Maudie paused and turned around to point her spatula at Selene and growled, “You ain’t gonna be out there alone anymore chile. We found you and we’re gonna bring you into the fold now. You belong to us and when this is all over, you won’t be a ghost anymore, you’ll be part of our family.” Maudie turned back to the stove.

No one said a word but they all beamed at Selene, backing Maudie’s words up.

Selene glanced at Mickey.

He gave her a silent nod.

Chapter Three

After breakfast, they heard a car engine outside.

Harry looked up from his laptop screen and announced, “An SUV is coming up the drive.”

King got up and walked to the door. He stepped onto the verandah and crossed his arms over his wide chest as the vehicle stopped in the driveway.

Everyone followed him and spread out on the large verandah.

Shay stepped out of the SUV as did Bane Jessin. His brothers, Cane and Orrin also exited from the rear doors.

“What the devil are you all doing here?” King asked as he looked at Shay. “You, I expected but not this early, and not with this other crew.”

Bane stepped closer and explained it, “We were with Shay working on another case when you phoned him. When I heard about Jude and Jasmine Matteo, I came along to help capture them. I’ve been watching Jasmine for a bit now and I happen to know who she plans to sell those bombs to. He’s the main one I want to stop.”

“Why?” King asked.

“Because the buyer is extremely dangerous to the public for one.”

Maudie stepped through the door and spoke, “It is good to see you, Mr. Angel Man.”

Bane raised his head to look at her and a warm smile appeared on his lips as he walked up the steps to stop in front of her. “I am also glad to lay eyes on you, Queen Maudie.” He gently took her hand in his. “It is always a pleasure.”

Silence enveloped the yard. Bane treating someone...anyone so kindly and warmly? Everyone there simply stared in disbelief. The Cajuns, Shay, Boomer and the Jessin brothers.

Bane dropped her hand and stepped back. He gave King a respectful nod. “Pardon that. But you have a special woman. I learned recently that her influence on my life gave me even more defenses against evil.”

King raised a brow at him. “I agree. I’ve known she was special since we were teens.” He took Maudie’s hand in his now as they stood side by side. “Most of us here wouldn’t be alive if not for her.”

Maudie shook her head. “I am just a swamp girl. Y’all stop acting like I’m...” Her voice faded away.

“All of it is gospel,” Shay spoke up.

“Yes siree, it is,” Boomer added his two cents.

“Let’s take this tribute party inside,” Maudie said as she scoffed. Then she paused when she caught sight of Bane’s twin. “Oh, my...”

Cane chuckled. “Yes, I get that reaction all the time.”

Maudie’s eyes narrowed at him. “We’s got to have a talk before you leave.”

He stared at her then gave her a nod.