Page 32 of The Unseen

B Y THE END OF THAT DAY, JUST BEFORE THE PREDICTED A PRIL storm arrived, Nicole finished painting the dilapidated cabin. As the first few drops of rain began to fall, Lucas helped her carry her canvas and paints back to the house.

He set up the easel in the living room and stood in front of it, arms crossed over his powerful chest.

“You’ve added a degree of depth to the scene,” he said.

“The dark tones and the fading light seem to compel more emotion. But the woman’s still there, hovering above the shack.

” He tilted his head to look at the painting from a different angle and his gaze sharpened.

“There’s a subtle change in her face … in her eyes.

They seem to reflect a look of anticipation. ”

“ Anticipation —yes, that’s it. But I feel as if there’s something more.”

Lucas shifted, studied the painting again. “Yes. It’s there in the way you’ve drawn her eyebrows, the faint downward tilt of her lips. As if she’s doing something she shouldn’t be, something she knows is wrong.”

“That’s exactly how I felt when I painted it.”

“Perhaps at one time, it was a place she visited.”

“A secret place.” Nicole suddenly had the thought—though she had no idea why. “A place she didn’t want anyone to know about.”

“We need to show this to Rachel.”

Nicole sighed. “I know. I called her while you were setting up the easel. I told her a little about the painting and asked her to come over and take a look. She should be here any minute.”

“There’s a chance the woman looking down at the shack is the entity who came into her bedroom. You think Rachel will be able to handle it?”

Nicole thought it over, then nodded. “My aunt’s being visited by spirits—not all of them friendly. I imagine she wants to know as much about what’s happening as we do.”

A light knock sounded, then the knob turned, and the door swung open. “May I come in?”

Nicole smiled. “Of course.”

Dressed in loose-fitting jeans and a printed pink blouse, Rachel closed her umbrella and stepped into the entry.

“How are you feeling?” Nicole asked as Rachel approached.

“All right, I guess. I’m still a little shaky after my latest episode, but there’s not much I can do about it.”

“I think you should see Dr. Marlowe. You haven’t had a checkup in a while.”

“I have an appointment with him the end of the month.”

Nicole felt a glimmer of relief. “That’s good news.”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

The end of the month was still weeks away, but it was better than if Rachel refused to go at all.

“Well, let’s see what you’ve got.” Her aunt walked into the living room. She spotted Lucas next to the easel and gave him a hug. “Thanks for being so patient with all of this.”

“Not a problem.” Lucas led her over to the sofa. “You ready to take a look?”

“I’m definitely curious.” Rachel sat down on the sofa in front of the canvas. She flicked a glance at Nicole. “One of your dark paintings, I see.”

“I’m afraid so.”

“I wouldn’t have expected anything else.” Rachel studied the canvas, her sleek black brows pulling into a frown. “I recognize the old cabin.” She reached toward the painting, her slender fingers hovering just over the image of the face. “You painted the woman.”

“The woman who came to your bedroom?” Nicole asked. “You think that’s who she is?”

“It must be.” Rachel studied the painting and her eyes misted with tears. “She’s beautiful.”

Lucas seemed to understand. “So are you, Rachel.”

“But she’s so young.”

Lucas’s gaze sharpened on Rachel’s face. “After death, her age, your age, what we look like—it’s all unimportant. It’s the soul that matters.”

Nicole sat down next to Rachel on the sofa, reached over, and took her hand. “We think the woman’s name might be Simone St. Denis. Her family owned the estate adjoining Belle Reve. It looks as if Francois was supposed to marry her, but something changed and the engagement never happened.”

Rachel looked back at the painting. “He must have loved her very much.”

“Maybe,” Nicole said. “Maybe not. For whatever reason, the engagement never took place. Instead, Francois disappeared.”

“Francois was murdered,” Rachel said darkly.

Nicole looked at the painting. “Here’s the interesting part. According to the Villard family history, a year after Francois’s disappearance, Simone married Jules.”

The frown returned to Rachel’s face. “If she was married to Jules, what would she be doing here at Belle Reve?”

Nicole’s gaze returned to the painting. “The entity said Francois belonged to her. Maybe Simone still loved him after he disappeared.”

Rachel’s eyes glistened.

“Even if she did,” Lucas added, “you told Nicole that Francois didn’t seem to like her.”

Rachel’s tight features softened. “That’s true.”

“At least now, we have more information,” Lucas said. “I’m hoping my grandmother can provide something else when she comes to the house at the end of the week.”

“She’s agreed to come?” Rachel’s expression seemed both hopeful and wary.

“Her name is Gabrielle Lafon, and yes, she’s agreed to come. She’s out of town at the moment, but she’s planning to be here Saturday night.”

“What will I have to do?”

“There are no set rules. Grandmere reaches out and we see what happens. If Francois is receptive, she may be able to help him move forward. Or you may.”

Rachel said nothing.

Nicole looked at her aunt and some of her worry eased. At least her aunt hadn’t freaked out over the latest speculation.

The conversation ended when Lucas’s phone rang. He headed into the kitchen to answer the call. Lucas recognized Remy’s number and pressed the phone against his ear.

“I’ve got news,” Remy said.

“Tell me.”

“I’d rather talk in person. When can we meet?”

“How about tonight?”

“You and Nicole?” Remy asked.

“This involves her brother. She needs to understand what’s happening.”

“Tonight, then,” Remy said. “Joker’s Wild. Supper is on me. I will join you after.”

“I’ll call Josh, make sure he’s available to watch the house tonight. I’ll text to confirm.”

The line went dead. Remy was a busy man.

By the time Lucas returned to the living room, Rachel had gone back home. Nicole sat on the sofa, studying the painting. The patter of rain on the roof of the carriage house penetrated the quiet inside.

“That was Remy,” Lucas said. “He has information. He wants us to meet him tonight at the club.”

“You think that’s good or bad?”

“I guess we’ll find out tonight.” Lucas phoned Josh, who agreed to come out to the house, then texted Remy to confirm the meeting. He shoved the phone back into his pocket and turned to Nicole. “At least we won’t have to cook supper.”

She gave him a faint smile. “There is that.”

The hours slipped past. Josh arrived, and Lucas and Nicole climbed into the Jeep and headed for Baton Rouge.

Driving south on US 61, the windshield wipers battling the rain, he took Exit 3A, made a couple of turns toward the Mississippi River, and the brilliant, colored lights of the Four Queens appeared ahead.

A valet parked the car, and Lucas guided Nicole inside the casino.

Surrounded by the clatter and clang of slot machines and the excitement of the gaming tables, they made their way to the rear of the club where the gold and purple neon sign read Joker’s Wild.

In minutes, they were seated in Remy’s favorite booth at the rear of the club, looking over menus the server handed them.

They both ordered small portions and stuck with water, more interested in what Remy had to tell them than in indulging in a gourmet meal.

Elegant in all black—suit, shirt, and tie—Remy arrived just as their empty dinner plates were being cleared.

“I’m sorry I could not join you sooner.” He reached for Nicole’s hand and brought it to his lips. Lucas felt a twinge, even though Remy was his best friend, a man he would trust with his life.

“ Cherie, it is good to see you. I hope my friend has been treating you well.”

“Very well,” Nicole said, smiling.

Lucas could have sworn faint color rose in her cheeks. Perhaps she was remembering last night’s passionate lovemaking. His groin tightened. He planned to treat her even better when they got home tonight.

“So, what news?” Lucas asked.

A waiter arrived with a glass of red wine for Remy. “Join me?”

“Not tonight,” Lucas said, anxious to get on with it.

Remy sipped his wine. “The man you are interested in … Bruno Takov is his name.”

“Russian?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, he is not the man at the top of the organization, though he has plenty of influence. Enough to cause Nicole and Sean a great deal of trouble.”

Lucas glanced at Nicole and read the worry in her face. “What do we do about it?”

“You’re not going to like what I am going to say.”

Lucas waited.

“I believe Sean has no choice but to steal the cars.”

“What?” Lucas shook his head. “No. The boy will end up in the system, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to prevent.”

“Please hear me out.”

Lucas waited.

“First you need to understand that the men Sean is involved with are ruthless in the extreme. If the boy does not do as he is told, they will come after him—and Nicole. There is no limit to what they might do.”

Lucas bit back a swear word he hadn’t even thought in years.

Remy’s long fingers toyed with the stem of his wineglass. “What I am about to tell you can go no further than here.”

Lucas flicked a glance at Nicole.

“Of course not,” she said.

“I have a friend, a detective in the police department. He has been working undercover. He and several other officers have been trying to bring these criminals to justice for over a year. If Sean will work with this man, and the police are able to make an arrest, this can all go away.”

Nicole started shaking her head. “It’s too dangerous. I can’t risk my brother’s life.”

“His life and yours are already at risk, cherie. ”

Nicole looked up at Remy. Lucas could read the worry in her face. “Are you sure there is no other way?”

“I am sorry,” Remy said to her.

Nicole’s hand shook as she took a drink of water and set the glass back down. “How would it work?”

“Sooner or later, Sean will get a phone call giving him the information—which cars to steal, where to find them, where to deliver them. The police are certain it will happen during the auction at Casino Rouge Chateau. Sean will give you the information, Lucas, and you will relay it to the undercover officer.”

When Lucas said nothing, Remy continued.

“Sean will pick up the first car and drive it to the delivery site, where the police will be waiting. He will be arrested, along with the others, and taken into custody. It will look as if the plan went awry, and Sean had nothing to do with it.”

“Will he have to testify?” Lucas asked.

“The boy will be able to give a written statement meant to stand up in court. The detective will be the primary witness. He has been involved since the beginning.”

Lucas didn’t like it. Not one bit. But he had known men like these, knew how ruthless they could be. Once they made a threat, it was a matter of honor to see it through. They would go after Sean and Nicole. There would be no place safe for them, no place to hide.

“Anything more?” he asked.

“It is likely the boy will not be able to escape the consequences entirely. His story would not look credible if he did. My friend believes Sean will be able to get off with only an extension of the sentence he is now serving.”

Nicole’s eyes filled.

“Do you understand this?” Remy asked her.

Lucas reached over and took her hand.

Nicole wiped away a tear with the tip of her finger. “Yes, I understand. The men at the top of the theft ring have to believe Sean wasn’t involved.”

“Exactly.”

“Anything else?” Lucas asked.

“If there is, I will call.”

Lucas slid out of the booth, and Nicole slid out beside him. He settled a hand at her waist. “We’ll talk it over and get back to you.”

“Remember what is at stake, my friend. You do not have much time.”

Lucas made no reply, just urged Nicole toward the door of the restaurant and out into the casino. Remy understood, just as Lucas did. There was no other way.

The rain continued to fall as they drove back to Belle Reve. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I’m frightened, Lucas.”

“You have every right to be.”

“Sean could get killed.”

“If he doesn’t do it, he could also get hurt. In that event, both of you could get injured. As far as receiving an extended sentence, he’s doing very well at the center. A few more months shouldn’t be too difficult for him.”

Lucas pulled down the lane toward Belle Reve and drove up in front of the carriage house.

“You think he should do it,” Nicole said as he turned off the engine. It wasn’t a question, and it was the truth.

“I think we need to talk to Sean about it. I’ll see him tomorrow at school. As Remy said, we don’t have much time.”

Josh appeared out of the shadows beneath the eaves as they climbed out of the car. He was dressed in black, head to foot, and wearing a black rain slicker. Lucas waved, Josh waved back, and headed for his SUV.

Lucas and Nicole hurried into the house and Lucas closed the front door. Wordlessly, Nicole walked straight down the hall to her bedroom. As much as he wanted her, he understood. He knew how worried she was about her brother, understood she needed something different tonight.

She stopped at the bedroom door and turned back to him.

“I’ll sleep in Sean’s room,” he said as he approached. “You get some rest.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

He reached out and cradled her cheek. “It’s up to you, love.”

“I’d rather have you next to me.”

Something warm filtered through him. He pulled her into his arms. “Then that’s where I’ll be.”

It was dark in the room and quiet as they lay, side by side, in bed. The rain had paused, the wind gone still. He intended to let Nicole sleep, but then she reached for him.

“I need you,” she said.

Lucas felt a tug in his heart. He knew how hard it was for Nicole to say those words. She didn’t want to need anyone. She didn’t want to trust anyone to be there if she did.

“I’m right here, honey.”

“Lucas …”

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. They made slow, easy love, then slept in each other’s arms.

Thoughts of the dark days ahead kept him awake well into the night, but Lucas didn’t mind. It made it easier for him to watch over her.