Polished Off (Charlotte LaRue Mystery Series, Book 3) Read online

  “Judith!” Daniel interrupted. “It’s okay,” he told her. “My firm will eat this idiot’s lunch before they’re done with him.”

  Will Richeaux spun around and glared at Daniel. “You!” he yelled, pointing his finger at Daniel. “Shut your mouth now!”

  But Daniel ignored him. “Hey, man, all this shouting and arguing is upsetting my son.”

  Will Richeaux took a step toward Daniel, and Charlotte cleared her throat loudly. “Ah—excuse me.”

  As if on cue, all four of the adults in the room turned their heads toward her.

  “You come for the kid?” Will Richeaux demanded.

  Charlotte nodded. “Yes—yes I did, and it looks like I’m none too soon.” She stepped farther into the room. “Shame on you.” She shook her finger at Will Richeaux. “Shame on all of you.” She glared at each of the others in turn. “Can’t you see that poor child is already frightened enough without all the screaming and shouting.”

  Not waiting for a response or for permission, she marched over to Daniel and lifted Davy into her arms. “Hey, Davy,” she cooed, adjusting him so that he was riding on her hip. “How about going home with Aunt Charley for a little while, huh?” For an answer, Davy wrapped his arms around her neck and tucked his head against her shoulder.

  “Daddy Danol come, too?” he pleaded.

  Charlotte kissed his cheek. “Not just right now, sweetheart, but he’ll come later.” Ignoring Will Richeaux’s glare, she turned to Daniel. “Are you okay, hon?”

  A defeated shrug was the only answer she got. “You hang in there, honey. Now—which room is Davy’s? I’ll need to get some of his things. And a key—I’ll need a key to the house.”

  Without waiting for Daniel’s reply, she turned and faced Will Richeaux. Though her insides were quivering with fear, her voice reflected her indignant fury. “You should be ashamed,” she scolded. “How would you like it if someone submitted your child to such a scene? This child does not need to be exposed to any more than he already has been, and you can darn well wait until I leave to finish your business here. Now”—she turned back to Daniel—“does Davy need a car seat?”

  “No, ma’am,” he answered. “He’s passed the forty-pound mark.”

  Charlotte nodded. She suspected as much from the weight of the little boy, but it was best to make sure. “And his room?”

  “First one on the left at the top of the stairs. And there’s a spare key hanging on a hook near the phone in the kitchen.”

  Again she nodded. “Okay, Davy,” she told the little boy as she slid him down to the floor and took him firmly by the hand. “Show Aunt Charley your room.”

  With Davy’s help, Charlotte found a small suitcase and was able to gather a few clothes, his toothbrush, and a few of his favorite toys.

  When she and Davy returned to the living room, Daniel and Judith were seated side by side on the sofa, and Will Richeaux was staring out the front window.

  Charlotte knelt down beside Davy. “Go give Daddy Daniel a big hug now.”

  “Me first,” Judith told the little boy and held out her arms. Once Davy had hugged her, she lifted him and sat him in Daniel’s lap, then stood and stepped over to Charlotte.

  “Why don’t you let me be the one to call Mom, Auntie? Once I explain the situation, then I’m sure she will help out with Davy.”

  Though Charlotte nodded, she had her doubts about getting any kind of help from her sister, and the look on Judith’s face mirrored her doubts.

  Davy sat as still as a frightened mouse and barely said a word all the way to Charlotte’s house. He’d been to her home on several occasions, and once she parked the van, she was vastly relieved when he went with her inside without protest.

  The moment they entered the living room, Sweety Boy began squawking and prancing back and forth on the perch in his cage.

  “You remember my little bird, don’t you, Davy?”

  The little boy nodded.

  “Do you remember his name?”

  Davy stared thoughtfully at the bird for several moments before replying. “Weety Boy. Name, Weety Boy.”

  Charlotte chuckled. “Well ... that’s almost right. Close enough. Tell you what. If you’re a really good boy, I just might let you pet him. Would you like that?”

  Even as Davy nodded that he would, tears filled his eyes and he looked up at Charlotte. “Where’s Mommy? I want Mommy.”

  Charlotte felt like crying herself. “Oh, honey, of course you do.” She knelt down beside the little boy and pulled him into her arms. “There, there, don’t cry now. I’m sure your mommy will be home soon.” But she wasn’t sure, not sure at all, and the lie left a bitter taste in her mouth.

  Chapter Nine

  At the sound of the phone, Charlotte jerked upright on the sofa. Afraid that the noise would awaken Davy and praying that the call was from Judith, she grabbed for the receiver and mumbled, “Hello.”

  “Aunt Charley?”

  “Yes, hon, I’m here.”

  “Were you asleep?”

  Charlotte yawned. “Hm, guess I was. Must have nodded off.” Squinting, she peered up at the cuckoo clock on the wall behind the sofa. Almost nine.

  As if Judith had read her mind, she said, “Sorry to take so long in getting back to you, Auntie, but I just got home.”

  “No, that’s okay. I figured you were busy.”

  “So how’s Davy doing?”

  “I guess he’s okay. After we got home, he watched some cartoons on TV; then I fed him and gave him a bath. He finally went to sleep a little after eight or so. Poor little guy.”

  “And how are you holding up?”

  “Well, to be honest, I’m exhausted. It’s been a long time since I took care of a three-year-old, and I’m not as young as I used to be. That’s for sure.”

  There was a slight pause, then Judith said, “You haven’t by chance heard anything out of Nadia yet, have you?”

  “No—no, I haven’t.”

  “That’s too bad. For her sake as well as Davy’s,” Judith added. “The longer she’s missing, the more guilty it makes her appear.” Judith hesitated. “Ah, Auntie, you will tell me if you do hear from her, won’t you?”

  “Judith Monroe!”

  “Now, now, don’t get all insulted. After all, you didn’t tell me when Jeanne Dubuisson called that time.”

  “That was different,” Charlotte retorted.

  “Not really that much different, but, then, we could argue the finer points all night. Anyway—about Davy. I talked to Mother about keeping him.”

  “And?”

  “Aunt Charley, I know this is an imposition on you, but it might be better all around if Davy could just stay at your house. Just until Daniel makes bail.”

  “I figured as much.”

  “I’m really sorry about this, and you know that I’d keep him in a heartbeat. But my schedule is so erratic, and what would I do with him if I got called out at midnight on a case our ...” Her voice trailed away.

  Even through the phone line, Charlotte heard the frustration in Judith’s tone. “It’s okay, Judith. I understand.”

  “If Mother wasn’t so unreasonable, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But she’s too busy blaming Nadia for Daniel being in jail, and I just don’t think her attitude would be good for Davy right now. I don’t mean she would mistreat him or anything, but—”

  “Judith, hon, it’s okay. Really it is. Believe me, I understand. All too well,” she added. “Davy and I will manage just fine. And hopefully Daniel will make bail.” Charlotte had more than a few qualms about how she and Davy would manage, but she figured she’d just have to take it one step at a time. After all, it wasn’t as if she hadn’t done it before.

  “There is another option, Auntie.”

  “If you’re going to suggest the child welfare agency, then just forget it. Davy is part of our family now, and we take care of our own.”

  “Well ... if you’re sure?”

  Charlotte wasn’t
really sure about anything at this point, but what choice was there? And what was the point in worrying Judith more than she already was or making her feel worse than she already felt? “I’m sure enough, hon. Besides, lately I’ve been thinking a lot about grandchildren. And this will give me a chance to see what it’s like, sorta kinda.”

  “Grandchildren? Oh, yeah, right, Auntie,” Judith said. “But there’s this teeny-tiny problem. First Hank needs to marry Carol, and, knowing my cousin, he’s not in any big hurry.”

  “Well, yes, marriage to Carol would help.”

  Judith laughed. “Now all we have to do is convince him. I don’t know Carol that well, but I do know she likes kids and she adores Hank. From what I’ve seen, he couldn’t do much better. But, then, almost anyone would be an improvement over Mindy. What a loser she turned out to be.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Charlotte avowed. Just the mention of her ex-daughter-in-law’s name churned up all kinds of mixed emotions within her, anger being the foremost. Mindy had never wanted children, and when she’d found out she was pregnant, she’d gotten an abortion without telling Hank. When he’d discovered what she’d done, he’d been devastated. And furious—so furious that he’d immediately filed for a divorce.

  “Auntie, on another subject, there’s something you need to be aware of,” Judith said, interrupting Charlotte’s thoughts. “I spoke to Daniel earlier, and he said that lately Davy has been having some disturbing dreams. They’ve tried to question him about the dreams, but all they can get out of him is that his daddy—meaning Ricco—comes to see him at night.”

  Chill bumps chased down Charlotte’s arms. “Now that just breaks my heart,” she murmured. After what Daniel had told her about Ricco’s abusiveness, it was no wonder the little fellow was having nightmares. “If Ricco Martinez wasn’t already dead, I’d be tempted to kill him myself.”

  “Whoa, Auntie! That’s pretty harsh, especially coming from you. But I have to admit I know exactly how you feel.”

  “Well, my daddy—your grandfather—always said, there’s a special place in hell for people who abuse little children.”

  For long moments, neither of them spoke, then: “My grandfather sounds like he was a really good man. I wish I could have known him.”

  “Me, too,” Charlotte murmured. “I wish all of you kids could have known him and your grandmother. They were both wonderful people who always put their family first.”

  “One last thing about Davy, Auntie, something that might help you out, just in case things don’t ... well, just in case. Davy does go to a day-care when Nadia works. It’s the Loving Care Day-Care Center, not far from where Nadia used to live.”

  A whisper of fear ran through Charlotte. “Are you saying that there’s a chance that Daniel might not make bail?”

  “No, no. Nothing like that. But with Nadia missing, even when he does make bail, he’s going to need some help.”

  Early Sunday morning, while Davy was still sleeping, Charlotte debated whether to call Madeline or simply wait her out. That she hadn’t already heard from her sister didn’t surprise her in the least. Madeline was upset, which was understandable, but Charlotte figured she was also pouting ... again. Even so, Charlotte knew that Madeline was worried about Daniel’s situation and probably in need of some sisterly support.

  Bracing herself, Charlotte tapped out Madeline’s home phone number. After the fourth ring, the answering machine picked up, and Charlotte grimaced. Madeline was screening her calls. When Madeline’s answering machine greeting ended and the beep sounded, Charlotte left her own message.

  “Maddie, I know you’re worried about Daniel right now. I am, too. But I just wanted you to know that I’m here if you need me. I love you.” Charlotte waited a moment, in hopes that Madeline would pick up. When she didn’t, Charlotte was left with no other choice than to hang up the receiver.

  The rest of Sunday passed in a blur for Charlotte. At church she and Davy sat with Hank and Carol. Before the services began, and ever aware that Davy was listening to every word she said, Charlotte quickly updated them as to what was going on as best she could. After church, Hank suggested they all go out to eat.

  Carol, sensing that Charlotte needed to talk to Hank, took Davy for a short walk before their meal was served. With Davy out of earshot, Charlotte had a chance to go into more detail with Hank about Daniel’s situation.

  After lunch Charlotte took Davy home. It always amazed Charlotte how adaptable kids could be. After just one night, Davy had made himself right at home. And he’d become quite the little chatterbox, talking about anything and everything and asking what seemed like dozens of questions.

  “Why does Weety have to stay in a cage? Why can’t he talk? Where’s Mommy? When’s Daddy Danol coming to get me? Why can’t I go home?”

  And then there was Charlotte’s favorite, the question he asked most “What’cha doing, Aunt Chardy?” No matter what she was doing and no matter how many times she explained what she was doing, he’d ask again and again.

  By Sunday night, Charlotte was more than ready for a bit of quiet, alone time when she tucked Davy into bed. Just as she’d settled on the sofa with the latest novel by an author named Charlaine Harris, a noise caught her attention. It was the kind of sound that was just enough out of place to put her on guard.

  Charlotte glanced up from the novel, tilted her head, and listened more intently. After a moment, she heard the noise again, the faintest of sounds coming from the bedroom where Davy was sleeping.

  As quietly as she could, she hurried to the bedroom. Even in the dim glow of the night-light, she could see that the little huddled form beneath the covers was shivering. She walked quietly over to the bed.

  Davy had pulled the covers completely over his head, and from beneath the bundle came gulping, sniffling sounds.

  “Davy,” she called out softly, leaning over the bed as she placed her hand on the bundle. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

  After several long moments, he finally answered, his voice muffled by the covers and pillow. “I-I scared. Want my mommy.”

  “Oh, honey.” Charlotte’s heart was breaking for the little boy. She sat down on the bed, reached out, and began rubbing his back. “There’s nothing to be scared about.” Then she remembered what Judith had told her about the little boy’s nightmares. “Did you have a bad dream?”

  “Don’t know,” he answered. “Want Mommy.”

  “I know you do, sweetheart,” she whispered. “But Davy, look at Aunt Charley.” She pulled the covers down and turned him over onto his back. Then, propping herself on her elbow, she leaned down close to his face. “Your mommy would want you to be a big boy right now.” She kissed his forehead. “And I’m sure she’ll be back just as soon as she can.” Davy snuggled closer to her. “Tell you what,” she continued. “Do you and Mommy say your prayers at night?”

  “I say prayers.”

  “Why don’t we say them then, and we’ll ask God to bring Mommy home again real soon.”

  On Monday morning Charlotte’s internal clock awakened her around six. The first thing she realized was that Davy was still snuggled close. The second thing that she realized, much to her irritation, was that she had fallen asleep still fully dressed, a sure sign of how tired she’d been, especially since she’d intended on staying with Davy only until he fell asleep again.

  Charlotte rarely slept in her clothes, and she never went to bed without washing the day’s makeup and grime off her face. Now all she could think about was a shower and clean clothes.

  Hoping Davy wouldn’t awaken quite yet, she eased out of the bed and placed her still warm pillow up against the little boy to give the illusion that a warm body was sleeping next to him; it was a trick she’d learned when Hank had been a little boy and had insisted on sleeping with her. Most of the time it had worked.

  At the dresser, as quietly as she could, she opened a drawer and took out clean underwear. As she opened the closet door, she silently thanked Louis
for having greased all the hinges. From the closet, she removed a fresh uniform. Clothes in hand, she tiptoed out of the bedroom and headed straight for the bathroom.

  Still hoping that Davy would stay asleep just a little longer, she hurried through her shower and dressed in the bathroom.

  In the kitchen, over her first cup of coffee, she debated whether to take Davy to his day-care so she could work, or whether to simply stay home with him. She could cancel working that day without much of a problem. Marian, her Monday client, would understand once she explained the situation. Or she could call Janet to work for her.

  Ultimately, she decided that once Davy awakened, just for today, she would let him make the decision. With the two most important people in his young life absent, she felt that his sense of security took precedence over everything else. If he seemed even the least bit hesitant or apprehensive about going to day-care, she’d stay home with him.

  When he did awaken a few minutes later, Charlotte broached the subject over their breakfast of oatmeal, toast, and juice.

  “Well, Davy, what are we going to do today? What do you think about going to your school, so you can play with the other little boys and girls?”

  Without hesitation, he nodded eagerly, and even with his grinning mouth half-full of oatmeal, she was able to understand him when he answered, “I go play with boys and girls”

  After Davy finished breakfast, Charlotte kept one eye on the clock as she dressed him. With her guidance and to his delight, she let the little boy help her fill Sweety Boy’s food and water container before they left.

  The short drive to Loving Care Day-Care Center only took about five minutes. Once there, she parked the van, then she escorted Davy inside. After signing him in, she spoke to the proprietor, Linda Smith, a plump middle-aged woman who had kind eyes and was the quintessence of a grandmother type.

  “I’m a bit worried about Davy today,” Charlotte told her, and since she’d already decided to keep her explanation as simple as possible, all she added was that Davy was staying with her for a few days while his parents were away. “I’m just worried because he’s never been away from his mother for this long a period,” she added.