The driver, who looked like a cross between a string bean and a ferret, only with grease, said, “Got three more cars before you, baby. Might get to it tomorrow. Mebbe the day after that, though.” “Are there any hotels near here or are they all in Baton Rouge?” I hoped not. Baton Rouge was forty minutes back the way I came. With Dean and I arguing, he might not give me a ride. And how would I get back here to get my car? “You’re not staying at a hotel.” Julienne crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ll be insulted if you don’t stay in my home.” What could I say? No way I’d admit Dean and I were engaged in battle, not with smug-faced Lisette standing right there. Dean’s mother assigned Madeleine to settle me in as a guest. That’s how I found myself following the younger woman all over the huge house while she gathered towels from a well-stocked linen closet. She kept up a running chatter. “Mom said to put you in the children’s wing.” She spoke over her shoulder, smiling.
