“You have a great deal of support at NOPD,” Richard said. “News is already spreading that Boudreau’s claims were false, and Mrs. Ramses is the true Boudreau heir.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
He took a step back. “You know, don’t you?”
“That my wife is a twin and her birth certificate was altered? Yes, Richard, that came to our attention.”
“There’s no reason for that information to be shared.”
Scoffing, I took a seat on one of the velvet loveseats, leaned back, and brought my ankle to my knee. “Yes, I can see how sharing that information would bring about questions. You see, I wondered how it all worked until Emma told me what Jezebel said.”
“Jezebel?”
I nodded.
“She’s alive?”
“Very much so.” I lowered my foot and leaned forward. “Here’s the thing, Richard, she’s done with people. So don’t ask anything more.”
“Is she still...?” He shook his head.
“The rumors are correct. My wife looks very much like her mother. So much so, they could be mistaken one for the other.”
“What I did,” he said, “it can’t come out.”
“What did you do?”
Michelson’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “The Underwood stuff will go away. I’ll make sure of it.”
I nodded. “William Ingalls left town. If you ever have the opportunity, I’m sure you can corroborate that.”
“Did he go far enough that he won’t be found?”
I looked at the watch on my wrist and grinned. “Have you ever figured out the digestive cycle of gators? I know they prefer to eat at night.” I shrugged. “Give us twenty-four hours.”
“Boudreau?” he asked.
“My wife will be down shortly.”
“Kyle O’Brien?”
“I heard he died in an automobile accident.”
“Everett, I don’t need surprises. I’m getting too fucking old for them.”
“I don’t know his future.” I stood. “It’s not in my hands.”
“Who would you let make that...? Your wife?”
I grinned. “No, my wife isn’t ready for life-or-death decisions. I entrusted him to someone more experienced.”
“Mr. Ramses,” Miss Guidry interrupted as she opened the doors. “They’re ready.”
“Mrs. Ramses?” I asked.
Miss Guidry nodded.
I turned to Richard. “I’d like to limit our visits in the future.”