AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You the sheriff’s detective from New Iberia?” he asked.
“That’s right. I’m Dave Robicheaux.”
His eyes shifted to Batist, then back to me.
“I just heard about this burned man with a gun,” he said. “What’s going on?”
“His name is Vic Benson. He’s deranged, and I think he plans to harm Bobby Earl’s brother-in-law.”
“He’s got a gun?”
“A chrome-plated revolver, caliber unknown.”
&
nbsp; “Hell of a fucking place to have a crazy man running loose with a gun. Every time I have to work one of these things, I have dreams the night before about earthquakes and tornados. My wife says I eat too much before I go to bed. Who’s this man?”
“He’s a friend.”
“All right, I’m going to get some more uniforms into the crowd. In the meantime, you find Earl’s brother-in-law, you get him out of here. A bunch like this can take to religion or flattening your town, either one, in about five minutes.”
“Thanks for your help, sergeant.”
“Don’t thank me, podna. I worked a riot once at the stadium. The next time I get caught in one, I’m going home, open a beer, and sit in the backyard. Maybe listen to it on the radio.” He smiled.
The crowd began to thin at the edges, and finally Batist and I stepped out into an area of pine trees, barbecue pits, overflowing trash barrels, and a small sandy stretch of playground with seesaws and swing sets.
There, sitting in a child’s swing, sipping beer out of a deep paper cup, was Weldon Sonnier.
“I think you aged me about ten years tonight,” I said.
He looked up at me.
“Hey, Dave. Hey, Batist. What’s up?”
“Your father is around here somewhere with a pistol. Guess who he’s looking for?”
“What?”
“After you left, he beat up the black maid and stole her car. It’s parked about a block from here. He’s got a revolver.”
He made a clucking sound. “The old man’s always up to new tricks, huh?” he said.
“The Baton Rouge cops want you out of the area. I do, too.”
He sipped his beer and gazed lackadaisically at some kids shagging flies on the softball diamond.
“Where’s Bama?” I asked.
“She went to give Bobby his present. You got to get a number and wait. You’d think he was the pope.”
“It’s time for you to go back to Lyle’s. I’ll find Bama and bring her along.”
“What the hell are you talking about, Dave?”
“You’re leaving.”
“Are you serious?”
