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Max waited in the makeshift morgue of the clinic, watching as Riley spoke to the Serio family. They were distraught, and rightfully so. She was so good at this, giving them such horrific news it hurt his heart that she had to deliver this kind of unimaginable pain.
Nine and Gaspar had decided to stay to ensure the Serios that they would find who did this to their son. When Riley was done, they spoke to them briefly, knowing that they would probably remember little of what was said.
The couple left, clinging to one another as the funeral home arrived to take young Nick’s body away. When they were gone, Riley walked out into the seating area into the arms of her husband, sobbing uncontrollably. It wasn’t the first time she’d done this, and unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last. But it never got any better.
“I know, baby. I know. We’re going to find them,” said Max.
“They force those kids to reveal what they’re afraid of, Max. They’re literally setting them up to be terrified of their worst nightmare. There is no doubt in mind that someone is playing mind games with these kids. They’re studying reactions to fear, and worse, implanting that fear where there was none to begin with.”
“How were the Serios?” asked Nine.
“Distraught. I can’t imagine. He was planning to start art school in the fall. Apparently, he was a gifted sculptor. They took that from this boy, Nine. They took his future,” she sniffed.
“We know, honey,” said Gaspar. “Go home, Riley. We’re going to take care of this. I can assure you.”
“Did the ghosts help at all?” asked Max.
“Some. They connected us to the boy, and somehow, Nathan was able to calm him enough that he stopped screaming from the nightmares. Once he was calm, I suppose in his ghost-like state, he was able to speak and not feel the fear any longer. But there was nothing that he could remember about who held him captive or where.”
“I fucking hate everything about this,” growled Max. “Someone must know something. I think we need to find the tattoo artist that Callan knows. He might be the key to all of this.”
“I think we all need a break from this tonight,” said Nine. “It’s weighing heavily on us. Maybe if we just relax and enjoy the evening, we can think more clearly and come up with something that might work.”
“I agree,” said Riley, nodding.
They left the clinic through the back door and then through the gates of Belle Fleur. With the rains gone, they decided to walk, taking their time and just enjoying the evening. The ghosts followed them, all looking as lost as they felt. Riley stopped and turned to them, staring at each one.
“Do you feel sadness?” she asked.
“Immeasurable sadness,” said Marcel. “I cannot tell you why, but I believe that boy was held somewhere that I am familiar.”
“Like near our property?” asked Gaspar.
“No. It’s not our property,” said Marcel, shaking his head. “It’s somewhere else. I couldn’t see it clearly in his mind, but I could feel it. I’m sorry. That’s the only way I know how to explain it.”
“I felt it as well,” said Nathan.
“You? But you’re not from here,” said Nine. “How could you feel it was familiar when you weren’t raised here?”
“Like Marcel, I cannot explain it,” said Nathan. “I just know that where he was felt familiar to me, yet not.”
“That’s not very helpful,” smirked Gaspar.
“Neither is taking on the burdens of the world,” said Nathan, staring at the younger man. “You all are reverting back to what your wives feared. Keepers of peace and harmony. Fighters of justice and right. Saving the weak. You cannot hold that burden alone. It will send you all to early graves.”
“Amen, Nathan,” said Riley, nodding her head. She saw Doc and Bree talking up ahead and excused herself, speeding up to walk with them. Concerned for Doc after finding the boy in the ditch, she wanted to be sure that he was okay.
“We’re not taking on the world, Nathan,” said Nine. “I appreciate your concern, but I promise that we’re not taking on the world. We are, however, going to take this one on and find the man who murdered that boy. Intentionally or not, he is responsible for his death.”
“I agree, but remember that you are not alone. You have many men who can assist and help. We will be happy to help as well,” said Nathan.
“I would love to assist, mon frères,” smiled Marcel. “I should like some excitement in this new world that I have become a part of. You live exciting lives. All of you would have made great pirates.”
“Pirates?” frowned Gaspar, narrowing his gaze at his ancestor. “I thought you transported legal goods.”
“Well,” grinned Marcel, “a man must make a living beyond the small payments given to him by his employer.”
“Marcel! You cannot shame the Robicheaux name,” said Martha.
