Rue Toulouse (33 page)

Remi laughed. “That’s the plan. While you’ve got Vince on the phone, give him the information we have on Charlotte’s candyman.”

While Paul made his call, Remi placed his own to his cousin and had just ended his conversation when Caterine walked back into the office.

“Who was that?” Caterine asked as she dropped down into a chair and sighed. “What a day.”

“That was my cousin, Antoine. He’s got your car, and I told him I’d be right over.”

Caterine frowned.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’d forgotten about the car. I was hoping we could pick up something to eat and go home. I’m afraid between Ray’s revelations and the unexpected arrival of Grandmère, I’m feeling mentally exhausted.”

“You don’t have to go with me. We can get something to eat and I’ll drop you off at home.”

“That’s okay, I’ll go. Someone is going to have to drive my car back to your place.”

Remi shook his head. “Your car is too easily recognized. It’s one thing if your family knows you’re back. I don’t want them knowing where you're living. I’m sure Antoine won’t mind if we leave your car parked there for the time being.”

Caterine yawned. “All right, let’s eat. Then you can drop me off. I need to see what clothing I have to wear to work tomorrow.” She smiled. “Grandmère wouldn’t appreciate me arriving in one of my ‘Caterine-in-disguise’ outfits.”

Remi grinned. “I like you in T-shirts and jeans, Princess.”

Caterine knitted her brows. “That reminds me, Remi, what should I wear to your family party on Saturday?”

“Trust me, this is not a fancy affair. You look fine the way you are right now.”

Caterine shook her head. “I can’t meet your family dressed this way.” She paused. “I could get Elaine to bring me some things.”

Remi shrugged. “Whatever, Princess.” He turned his attention to Paul, who had just hung up the phone.

“Vince says he and Andre could help us out Mardi Gras night. And he’ll see who else he can get. I told him you’d be stopping by to pick up the things you’ll need to fingerprint Caterine’s car. I also filled him in on what we learned from Ray.”

“What’s his opinion of using Caterine to try and draw them out?”

Paul shrugged. “About the same as yours and mine. It’s chancy, but it might work.”

“Chancy is right. Crazy is what it is. All right, Caterine and I are going to take off. I’ll call you if I get anything from the car. What time do you want to meet tomorrow?”

“I have a security installation job scheduled in the morning. I’ll go over there long enough to make sure my guys know what I want done, then I’ll be back. Let’s meet around ten o’clock.”

Remi nodded. “I’ll be here.”

“Where’re your wig and glasses, Caterine?” Remi asked as they got into his car.

“In my bag. I thought since Caterine Doucette is going to resurface tomorrow, I wouldn’t need them anymore.”

“I suppose.” Remi pulled away from the curb. “Where do you want to eat?”

“Let’s go to the Chartres House. It’s close to the apartment, it’s casual, and the food is good.”

“Sounds perfect. I could really use a beer.”

“Tell me about it. I know my family has always been about as wacky as you can get, but this latest stuff from Charlotte and Randal is too much. I suppose Randal isn’t totally to blame for the mess he’s in, but Charlotte getting hooked on cocaine?” She shook her head. “I mean, she can have pretty much anything she wants, so why mess around with drugs?”

“Boredom, I suppose. Has she ever had a job?”

“Charlotte work? You’ve got to be kidding.” A bakery sign caught her eye as they drove past. “Remi, you haven’t said what we’re supposed to take to the party on Saturday.”

“What?”

“Your family’s party, what should we bring? I’ve never been to that type of gathering, but I would assume everyone is expected to take some type of dish to contribute. Or am I wrong?”

Remi shrugged. “I’ve never paid any attention.” He smiled. “The food appears and I eat it.”

“Well, it doesn’t appear out of nowhere. People must help out. I can’t imagine your mother cooks it all herself.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t expect you to bring anything.”

“Does she know I’m coming with you?”

“I haven’t mentioned it.”

“You can’t just take me without informing your mother.”

“Why not? It will be fine. Don’t worry about it. I told you this is an informal party. People come and go all day long.”

“That may be, but I’m not going unless you tell her I’m coming and we bring something.”

“Oh, for Christ’s sake.” They’d stopped to let a tour group cross the street, and Remi reached for his cell phone. “Hello, Maman.
Comment ça va?
” He paused. “Yeah, I’m coming on Saturday, and I’m bringing someone with me.” He paused again. “A girl.” Another pause. “Her name is Caterine.” A longer pause followed. “I’ve got to go, Maman. I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“What did she say?” Caterine asked.

“She said she was looking forward to meeting you.”

“She said more than that.”

Remi gritted his teeth. “Caterine, you’re making me crazy. I’m telling you that’s all she said. And if it will make you feel better, bake a cake or something.”

“Fine, I’ll bake a cake.” Digging around in her bag, she came up with her cell phone.

Remi watched as she scrolled down her phone list until she came to the number she wanted. She waited as the phone on the other end rang.

“Who are you calling?” Remi asked.

“Gambino’s Bakery.” Then she spoke into the phone. “Hello, Anice. This is Caterine. How are you? I’m fine, thanks. I was wondering if I can get a large chocolate and lemon Doberge cake by this Saturday morning?” She turned to Remi. “What time are we leaving on Saturday?”

They were parked in front of the restaurant, and Remi couldn’t keep the irritation from his voice. “Around nine or so, I guess.”

“Thanks a lot, Anice. I’ll be there at nine thirty. Also, if you need to get in touch with me, please call my cell number.” Caterine ended the call and dropped the phone back into her bag. She turned to Remi and frowned at the angry look he gave her. “What’s wrong?”

“Who were you talking to?”

“The bakery my family uses for parties. Why?”

“Do they exclusively bake for your family?”

“Of course not.”

“It’s Mardi Gras, Caterine. Did you ever consider they might be busy with other orders?”

Speechless, she stared. “What is this all about?”

“It’s about Caterine Doucette deciding she wants a cake, so Caterine Doucette makes a call and gets her cake. No matter if it’s going to inconvenience the person who has to bake the damn cake. You want it, and your family are good customers, so some poor bastard will work his ass off to get you what you want.”

When her face filled with hurt and confusion, Remi sighed in exasperation. “Oh, for Christ’s sake, forget it.” He opened the car door. “Come on, let’s go in. I’m thirsty and hungry.”

Caterine sat, her eyes filling with tears and her hands balled into fists.

“Are you coming?” He got out and slammed the car door. He watched through the window as she pulled her phone from her bag. Remi flung open the door. “What are you doing?”

“I’m canceling the cake order.”

“Give me that.” He reached inside the car and grabbed the phone out of her hands. “Caterine, just leave it alone. If you want to order a cake, then order a cake. It’s not a big deal.”

“Evidently it
is
a big deal to set you off like that and for you to tell me what an inconsiderate, unfeeling, spoiled brat I am.”

He let out a long breath. “Caterine, I’m sorry. I’m just cranked over everything that’s happened today, and I’m not used to being able to ask for anything I want and have it magically appear. That’s all.”

“Then I’ll call Anice back and ask her if my order will cause her to become backed up on other orders, and if she says yes, I’ll cancel the order and make the cake myself.”

He smiled. “Have you ever baked a cake, Princess?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Go to hell.”

His smile widened. “That’s the second time today you’ve told me to go to hell.”

“Then why are you still here?”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll get there soon enough,
cher
. No reason to rush it. Now let’s go eat. I smell crawfish étouffée.”

Caterine got out of the car. “Remi, give me my phone back.”

He ignored her and put the phone in his pocket. “Not until after you’ve simmered down. I don’t trust you not to go into the bathroom and cancel the order.”

She stood on the sidewalk, hands on her hips. “You know what? I don’t know how you have the gall to stand there and criticize me for asking for what I want when you have to be the most demanding person I’ve ever met. If you don’t get exactly what you want, you either hound a person until they give in or you pout like a little boy until you get your way.”

Remi scowled. “I don’t pout, Caterine. And I’m not going to stand out here on the street arguing with you. I’m going into the restaurant. If you’re coming with me, then let this go and come on. Otherwise, wait in the damn car.” He hadn’t taken two steps when he heard a male voice behind him.

“Why, hello, Caterine. It’s great to see you, but I almost didn’t recognize you in that outfit. N-not that there’s anything wrong with y-your outfit,” the voice stammered. “You always look great in whatever you wear.”

Remi turned to see a tall blond man around his own age standing close to Caterine, grinning at her.

“Hello, Travis. It’s nice to see you as well. How have you been?”

“Fine, Caterine. I’m staying busy. And you?”

“I’ve been pretty busy as well. Travis, let me introduce you to my friend, Remi Michaud. Remi, this is Travis Jenkins.”

As Remi shook hands, he studied the man’s face. The blush that spread across his cheeks told Remi the man’s only threat was having the hots for Caterine. “How ya doin’?” Remi asked.

“Fine, it’s nice to meet you,” Travis replied.

“Travis, I’ve noticed a number of the blue tarps are beginning to disappear from the roofs. Are you still with your father’s construction company?” Caterine asked.

“Ah, yes. I’m still working with my dad and, ah, some others. The reconstruction work is moving right along.”

“That’s great to hear. I was beginning to wonder if anyone cared whether New Orleans ever got rebuilt. I know Doucette Shipping was bringing in large quantities of building supplies. Perhaps they’re also doing business with your father’s firm?”

“Um, well, I’m not sure about that. I’d have to ask my dad.”

She scares the poor guy shitless,
Remi thought, watching Travis look everywhere but at Caterine.

“Well, Travis, it was nice seeing you again. Remi’s hungry, so we’d better go in.”

“Oh, yes, sure thing, sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you. Take care of yourself, Caterine.”

“Travis, before you go, I heard something that I’m curious about.”

“Oh, really, what is that?”

“I heard you were with Paulette at the Hallowell party. Is that true?”

Travis’ demeanor went from flustered to thunderous in a matter of seconds.

“Where did you hear that?”

Caterine hesitated. “I’m not sure. Travis, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

He took a deep breath. “No, Caterine, it’s me who should apologize. I did run into Paulette at the party, but by no means was I
with
her. Take care of yourself. It was good seeing you.”

Caterine stood open-mouthed watching as, without a backward glance, Travis strode away.

“What on earth?” Caterine turned to Remi. “I knew there was some kind of problem between him and Paulette, but did you see his face? If I didn’t know him better, I’d say he looked downright murderous.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

“I still can’t get over the change in Travis when I mentioned Paulette,” Caterine said as her fried shrimp was placed in front of her. “I’d love to know what happened between those two.”