False Pretenses - Kathy Herman [36]
“What’d she say?”
“She cried. She was so fond of Remy. They go way back. But more than anything, she seemed concerned about Emile.”
“I know some workers at the sugar refinery who say there’s going to be retaliation. It only takes a few angry loudmouths to stir things up.”
“I hope not,” Pierce said. “This seems to be an isolated incident. We haven’t had racial problems in a long time. And leaders in the black community have condemned it.”
“That won’t bring Remy back.”
“No, but it says something about the mind-set of African-Americans here. I don’t think anyone believes this was justified. Striking back blindly in a fit of outrage is the wrong response. And that won’t bring Remy back either.”
“Agreed.” Dempsey folded his arms across his chest, his freckled face solemn. “But whoever picked Remy as the victim knew it would shake this community to the core.”
Zoe opened her eyes and saw faces peering down at her. Adele. Julien. Edward. What happened? She remembered talking with Adele and feeling sick and dizzy.
“Shelby, you passed out, hon,” Adele said. “I need to go call Doctor Willis.”
Zoe reached out and took Adele by the wrist. “No. Please. I’m fine. I just skipped breakfast and shouldn’t have. I’m a little shaky. My blood sugar is probably low.”
“You gave us quite a scare,” Julien said.
“I’m fine. Really. I just need to eat something high protein.”
“Goodness, now I’m feeling a little puny.” Adele fanned herself with her hand. “Why don’t I have Laura Beth bring you a smoked turkey and cheese sandwich and a glass of milk? How’s that sound?”
“Perfect. I’m really sorry to be so much trouble.” Could she keep anything down? She had to force herself to eat so she would feel well enough to finish what she had come to do.
“For a moment, hon, I thought I was going to have to contact your husband to authorize medical treatment. I looked through your purse … and got your home phone number off your checks.”
The intensity of Adele’s questioning gaze caused Zoe to look away, feeling at the same time terrified, embarrassed, and strangely relieved. It was too late to turn back. Adele knew she was not going by the name Shelby Sieger.
“Julien. Edward. You can leave us now,” Adele said.
Both men gave a slight bow and quietly left the sunroom, their footsteps echoing in the long hallway. What now? Was Adele going to interrogate her?
Adele pushed the intercom. “Laura Beth, I’m going to have lunch in the sunroom with my guest. Would you please make us turkey and cheese sandwiches on that delicious sourdough? I’d like a bowl of fresh fruit with that. And milk … Yes, that’s all for now.”
Adele took the lid off a copper box on one of the end tables and reached inside. She took out a couple packages of something wrapped in cellophane and handed them to Zoe. “You probably should eat these cheese crackers right away, hon. You’ll feel better.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Woodmore. I’m sorry to be so much trouble.” You don’t know the half of it.
Adele resumed her place on the floral love seat, her thin white eyebrows furrowed, her hands folded in her lap. “After you’re feeling better, I expect you to tell me why you’re really here, Shelby—or whatever your name is now. I’m a straightforward person. I know a lot more than you give me credit for.”
CHAPTER 11
Zoe looked into Adele’s questioning eyes and took in a slow, deep breath and let it out. And then did it again. She just wanted to come clean without being questioned by the police—and without causing the woman any more pain than was necessary. The turkey sandwich had made her feel much better. Why couldn’t she find her voice?
“Take your time, hon. If there’s something else I can have Laura Beth bring you, just ask. But we’re going to sit right here until we clear this up.”
Zoe’s pulse raced. She could do this. She had to do this. “I-I want to clear this up, Mrs. Woodmore. The name you saw on my checks is my married name, Zoe Broussard. I changed my name to Zoe Benoit right