“You have someone installing cameras for me today?” she asked.
He nodded. “They’ll cover the entire outside of the house, Katie. And they’ll go directly to a guard station at the local office. This guy knows old houses and how to remove panels or find basement windows. We’ll have it all covered.”
She nodded. “I guess it’s good to know you.”
“I wish. Special Agent Axel Tiger and Assistant Director Adam Harrison are the ones with the power. Well, Ryder, too, but the FBI was made lead on this, so... Anyway, you’re the connection they have. They need to look after you.”
She cast a dry smile and an inquiring look in his direction, and he was struck by something about her. She was very attractive, but it was more than that. There was something about the energy and life within, maybe even something that spoke about the passion and care in her personality. He wasn’t sure.
And now...
Now she meant so much. They were almost friends.
Well, at least she didn’t seem to hate, loathe and despise him anymore.
“Do you really think we can do anything by driving the carriage around?” she asked him.
He smiled. “You never know.”
They headed over to Monty’s. The boys were out, greeting them eagerly with swishing tails and happy barks.
Monty and Lorna had rigged the carriages.
“Hey, wow, thanks. You all didn’t have to do that,” Katie told them. “But thank you.”
“Hey, get out there and bring home the mule and dog food,” Monty said.
“Will do,” Katie promised.
“Monty,” Lorna called, climbing into her rig, “I’m not going off the beaten track for anyone today or until the monster is caught. My people get French Quarter tours today, and that’s it. I’m not even going to take them by St. Louis No. 1 or 2 or 3, for that matter. Canal to Esplanade and the river to Rampart Street. That is it.”
“I think that’s where you go most of the time,” Monty said.
Lorna made a face at him. “We usually strive to please,” she said. “Anyway...today I will strive to please—in the French Quarter.”
She waved and headed out. Monty watched as Katie climbed into her own rig and Dan followed.
“You’re going with her?” Monty asked.
“She had a traumatic morning,” Dan said cheerfully. “Company is a good thing. And I kind-of-almost grew up here. I’ve got some stories in me, too.”
“But that’s not why you’re going with her,” Monty said. “I saw you on the news. You’re with the cops.”
“Officially, a consultant to the FBI. And I’m working for Katie.”
“For Katie?”
“Of course. She wants this solved.”
“Right. Naturally,” Monty said, and he gave them a solemn wave. “I’ll make sure the boys stay out at night from here on out.”
“Thanks, Monty,” Katie said.
Monty shook his head. “Katie...that axe. He was close. So close. But the dogs would die for you. I wasn’t thinking, I...”
“Monty, it’s okay. And I adore the dogs and don’t want them dying for me. We’re going to make it all safe. And get the guy,” Katie said.
Dan nudged Katie so they’d get going. She waved to Monty, released the brake and made a clicking sound for Sarah.
When they were headed out of Treme and toward Rampart, Katie turned to him. “So do I really head down in front of Jackson Square and find some tourists?” she asked.
He nodded. “Let’s see what we get through your usual haunts. The practical things are being done. Forensic tests will be completed, and every cop in the city will know that we’re looking for another victim via our new Axeman. Jennie was running through the French Quarter last night. She might be there again, just in a different guise. But I think we’ll know her when we see her now.”
But they saw nothing passing through the French Quarter down to Decatur Street and Katie’s position in front of Jackson Square.
Lorna had evidently arrived just before them. She was standing on the sidewalk with Benny, now in silver, clean-shaven and evidently doing a personification of Andrew Jackson that day. Beneath his silver coloring, his attire was the same as that worn by Jackson as he sat on his steed in the famous statue in the square.
“Beignets!” Benny said, greeting them both. “I saw all the commotion at Katie’s place and all the police and forensic vehicles that pulled up in front of Monty’s. I figured something had happened and that...” He paused and shrugged. “That you might need beignets. And café au lait.” He frowned. “I got plenty of beignets. I, uh, didn’t know you’d be here, too, Mr. Oliver, so I’m short a café au lait. I can run back over—”
“Benny, we can share, thank you,” Katie told him. “That was so sweet of you.”
Benny grinned. “Beignets, yeah, they’re sweet.”
“Nice, kind, thoughtful,” Katie said.
“Dan can have my café au lait—” Lorna began.
“Katie and I can share just fine,” Dan assured her, agreeing with Katie. Did she really want to share with him? Swap DNA through a paper cup?
He kind of liked the idea.
“Please!” Benny said, passing the box of the powdery doughnutlike creations that were the specialty of Café du Monde.
Dan accepted the box just as Lorna enthusiastically grabbed a pastry, throwing a dusting of powdered sugar over the four of them.
“Oh, Lord! I’m so sorry!” Lorna said, appearing horrified.
“It’s powdered sugar.” Dan assured her. “It will all blow off soon enough.”
Katie was looking at him. She reached out and touched his face, wiping away at the substance that must have gotten all over his nose and cheeks.
He liked her touch. The way her eyes touched his, even the amusement she was allowing herself to feel.
“Well,” Benny said, “I, um, well... I mean, wow. At least...at least people aren’t leaving the city in droves. I mean, I’m making out okay, moneywise. And it seems you guys are still doing okay on the carriage tours.”
“So far,” Lorna said. “But...well, I at least am leaving it to Matt to do the night shift. Hey, speaking of which, Benny, do you want
