Read Online Say You Love Me by Rita Herron - Free Book Online Page B

for.”
    Jean-Paul frowned at his sister as he finished his last bite of gumbo. He didn’t want Stephanie anywhere near Justice, but if he told her so, she’d probably make it a point to see the man.
    â€œThe magazine, that’s one reason we stopped by,” Jean-Paul said. “We had a murder-rape case today, and the killer sent Britta a photograph of the crime.”
    â€œOh my gosh, that’s horrible,” Catherine whispered.
    â€œWhy did he send it to you?” Stephanie asked.
    â€œI think he wanted me to print it.”
    â€œBut we’re not playing his game,” Jean-Paul declared.
    His maman looked appalled. “Who did this awful thing?”
    â€œWe have no idea who the killer is yet. That means you all have to be careful.” Jean-Paul fixed his sisters with a look that had intimidated cut-throat killers but didn’t faze them. “Absolutely no going out alone at night. Hell, not even during the day.”
    â€œHave you talked to your brothers?” his mother asked.
    â€œNot yet, but I will.”
    Catherine tapped her nails on her chin. “We can take care of ourselves, Jean-Paul.”
    Stephanie slicked her long dark hair behind one ear and angled her head toward Britta in a conspiratorial tone. “Honestly, our brothers can be so protective it’s nauseating.”
    His maman waved a napkin, swatting at her daughters. “You girls listen to Jean-Paul. He knows the streets and works hard to keep us safe.” She turned to Britta. “Your family would say the same thing to you, wouldn’t they?”
    Britta nearly choked on her coffee.
    His mother patted her on the back. “Are you okay?”
    â€œYes. Fine, thank you.” Her eyes caught Jean-Paul’s for a moment, and he detected a wariness that made him more curious about her past and what she wasn’t saying.
    He lowered his voice, aware of the restaurant patrons. “Don’t take this lightly, ladies. Trust me, this guy is one sicko. You don’t want to wind up like the young woman we found.” A shudder nearly tore through him at the very thought.
    Catherine and Stephanie exchanged a silent sisterly look as if they were preparing to gang up on him. He didn’t give a damn. Better they be mad at him and alive than the contrary. Tonight, he’d call Catherine’s husband, explain the situation. Not that he’d have to force the man to protect her. In spite of Cat’s protests, Shawn guarded her and their daughter like a watchdog. And he’d sic his other brothers on Miss Independent Stephanie. At least Steph carried a gun.
    â€œTell us more,” Stephanie said over the rattle of silverware and dishes at the neighboring table. “The only thing the news reported was that a woman had been killed in the bayou.”
    â€œWe haven’t identified her yet or released any information, so I can’t talk about it.” Jean-Paul threw some money on the table, then did the usual dance with his mother about not paying.
    â€œMaman, we’ve been over this before. I won’t eat here free.”
    She huffed but kissed her pinched fingers, then placed her fingers on his cheek. “We will go to church Sunday and pray for the girl and her family, oui? ”
    â€œI’ll try to make it, Maman.”
    â€œBring Britta, too.” She slanted Britta a sideways wink. “We always have room for one more at our table.”
    Britta shook her head. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Dubois, but I couldn’t impose.”
    â€œImpose?” His maman waved the napkin again, this time at Jean-Paul. “You tell her she could never impose. We love company. Now, you bring her, Jean-Paul.”
    â€œWe’ll see,” he said softly. He lay his hand over his maman’s for a moment and squeezed, his gaze catching the odd look on Britta’s face. Did she think it was strange that he and his family showed their affection in