Page 32 of Xavier

A customer called for Mimi.

She gave Xavier a weak smile. “I’m sure I’m worrying for nothing. The fire was just a coincidence, and storms happen all the time. We’ll be fine. I’d better get back to work.” Her creased brow belied her words as she hurried off to help another customer.

Xavier took the bag of burgers, drove a few buildings down from the diner and parked in front of Remedies and Roux.

He carried the bag into the shop, searching, squinting as he allowed his eyes to adjust from the bright sunshine outside to the softly lit interior of the shop. Scents of Cajun spice filled the air, making his stomach rumble.

“I’ll be right with you,” Lissette’s voice called out from a room near the back of the shop. She appeared in a doorway, carrying a tablet and a pen. When she spotted him, her eyes flared. “Oh, it’s you. I didn’t expect you until four o’clock.”

“I got done with my business early and remembered I hadn’t had lunch.” He held up the bag. “I figured you might not have had lunch as well. I hope you like hamburgers.”

Her eyes narrowed. “From Mimi’s diner?”

“Yes.”

“They’re the best in my book. Crawdad Hole comes in a close second.” She pressed a hand to her flat stomach. “I was busy doing inventory in the back and lost track of time.” She met him at the counter, reached behind it and pulled out a roll of paper towels. “Wow, they smell good. I’m starving.”

He handed her a wrapped burger. “I wasn’t sure what you’d want on it, so it has the works.”

“Perfect. Thank you,” she said, unwrapped her sandwich and sank her teeth into the warm, thick bun. Mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise oozed out the sides. “Mmm. I think I’ve gained fifteen pounds since I’ve been out. I could eat one of these seven days a week.”

Xavier chuckled. “If you’ve gained fifteen pounds, you probably needed it.” He nodded toward the back of the shop. “Did you finish your inventory?”

“I did,” she said around the bite of burger in her mouth. After she swallowed, she looked across at him. “I was about to close the shop and head for the cemetery to make a list of all the tombs that were robbed.”

“You weren’t going to wait for me?” he asked and took another bite of his burger.

Her cheeks reddened. “Only if you got here early—which you did. I need to know which families are affected by the thefts. If they haven’t already been hit by any bad juju, they need to be warned.”

“Given the fact you’re not entirely appreciated by most around here, is that a good idea?”

“Not everyone knows my grandmother sprained her ankle. They will expect her to make the rounds to those who can’t get out.”

“She makes house calls?” Xavier took the last bite of his burger.

“She helps those who are homebound, visiting them several times a week to give them something to ease their pain or suffering, sometimes just to spend an hour or two so they’re not all alone.”

“Does she know who all had reliquaries and what was in them?”

Lissette gave him a twisted smile. “She’s been around a while. If she didn’t create the reliquaries, most likely she’s added to them over the years. The woman has a mind like a steel trap. She remembers everything.” She popped the last bite of her burger into her mouth. While she chewed, she wadded the bag and tossed it in a trash receptacle. Then she disappeared into the back room and came back out carrying two bottles of water. She handed one to him. “Are you coming with me?”

“I am.” He uncapped the bottle, took a long swallow and capped it. “Ready when you are.”

“We should have enough time to make the list and, if we hurry, we can visit a few of the families before dark.” Lissette slipped the pad and pen into a roomy purse and slung the long strap over her head, settling it across her body. “I’ll want to stop by my grandmother’s place before I make those visits. She’ll want me to make her deliveries.”

“Then we’d better get going.” He opened the door and held it.

She walked through and waited for him to exit behind her. Then she turned and locked the shop.

He held the passenger door to his truck open for her and helped her up into the seat.

When she fumbled for the seatbelt, he stepped up on the running board, stretched the belt across her lap and slid it into the buckle. He was so close to her, he could smell the fragrant, floral scent of her hair.

His groin tightened as he slowly leaned back out of the cab, his hand brushing across her thigh.

Her eyes widened, and she drew in a sharp breath.

“Too tight?” he asked and started to lean across her again.