Chapter Three

Rett

As Emma and I reached the door to her suite, the one connected to mine, there were messages multiplying upon my phone. I’d felt the vibrations throughout our dinner. There may even be missed phone calls. Henri had made a terrible mistake allowing Isaiah Boudreau II and William Ingalls into my house. He would be dealt with in time. Most recently, I’d sent the message to my men currently transporting our unexpected visitors. Their lives would be spared, but not without a ride they wouldn’t soon forget.

I gave no explanation for my change in orders. That wasn’t necessary. My word was law. Nevertheless, sparing their lives didn’t mean the night would be without terror.

My men were taking Boudreau and Ingalls on a tour of the Louisiana bayou. Maurepas Swamp wasn’t far. The marshland took up nearly one hundred square miles, encircling three sides of Lake Maurepas and was located about twenty-five miles west of New Orleans.