Lay it on the Line : Prodigal book one

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter 22

The large house looked like an oasis out in the desert as it's light pierced through the darkness. The cold night air along with the unknown certainty of this place sent a shiver up the spine of the Cajun. His boots scuffed against the cracked dried earth kicking up a little dust as he made his way towards the front door. Of course, the two men at the main entrance had to pat him down.They removed his handgun and pocket knife before motioning him in to follow Kevin. "Just try and let me do most of the talking." Kevin spoke so only him, and JJ could hear as he escorted him through the grand entrance way and towards what looked like a den area. JJ never been in such a huge house, except for the shadows on the teche, which was an old plantation home JJ went on a school field trip to tour. This house made the Teche look like an outhouse. It was massive, He could hear his mother complaining now how she would never be able to clean this whole house. He looked behind him and noticed his boots tracking in mud but didn't care. If these people could afford this big house, then they could afford to clean the mess.

"Kevin, Glad to see you back so soon." Marina spoke in English, but with a slight hint of a Mexican accent. She rose from her chair and walked over towards the two males. Marina adjusted her dark suit jacket as her heels clicked. She stood about five feet nine inches in heels and her long caramel hair almost matched her skin tone. She wore very light makeup and simple jewelry. A very modest well-presented business woman. JJ could tell by the way she held herself, her stance and even walk demanded respect. Her heels clicked on as they were the only thing that could be heard as it echoed off the marble. The white floor was so clean and shiny it almost reflected like a mirror, well it was until the Cajun tracked in his mess.

JJ could see two guards were posted at every door. He knew these people didn't mess around and he should be on his best behavior. His stomach twisted in knots from anticipation. JJ wasn't even sure these people would welcome him in being an ex-law officer. He had put his very life in the hands of this Kevin whom he just recently met, but it was the only way he could get close to the people responsible for Sean's death.There was no turning back now. "Who is your friend?" Marina tilted her head and looked over at JJ. JJ removed his hat like a gentleman and tried to fix his mess of a hair.

"Johnny Simoneaux ma'am" He held out his hand.

Marina walked from in front of Kevin toward JJ who was not far behind. The corner of her lips curved upwards in a smirk as she reached out and took his hand.

"Nice to know you found someone with manners, Marina Alvarez." Her well-manicured hand shook his firmly and let it go. Kevin kept a warm smile on his face as he watched the two interact.

"Jonathan here will fit very nicely in the organization you are putting together." Marina turned her head a little to glance at Kevin and then back at JJ. It was as if her Hazel eyes seem to peer into his soul.

"He has been an informant for me in the local police department and recently proved to me that he could get the job done by taking care of our congressman problem." Marina listened to Kevin all the while looking JJ. JJ noticed how easy Kevin lied to Marina, and how believable he was. Marina was quite attractive, but her deadly stare made JJ a bit uncomfortable. He could not make out what she might do and wondered what the hell she was thinking. Her glare eased up and a smile replaced it.

"come, sit and make yourself at home. I would like to hear more about you." Marina turned and walked back to the small section of white leather furniture.

Kevin used a slight nod to motion JJ to follow her. JJ fiddled with his camo hat a bit and took a long deep breath. He followed the woman down into the den area and took a seat in front of her. He sank a bit in the soft leather and placed his hands and hat in his lap. Kevin sat in the small recliner on the right of JJ and Marina was situated across from JJ in the love seat. JJ looked down at the glass coffee table a bit. Lit candles surrounded a bowl full of decorations and they were accompanied by a small tablet and pen.