Bayou Paradox by Robin Caroll Page A

kitchen with light as Tara rubbed the edge of the business card. She couldn’t stop wondering if Suzie was connected to this whole thing. She wanted to call and ask her, but what would she say? Maybe it was a crazy idea born of no sleep because of the events of the night before. And why on earth had she winked at Bubba, actually winked at him?
    Back to Suzie and the business card. Alyssa and Jackson were at the airport picking up CoCo and Luc, so they weren’t around to ask any questions. But how could she broach the subject with Suzie?
    She could just call this number for Godly Women and thank them for the meals, yes? Ask to speak to Suzie, since she gave Tara the card? She’d just be extending good southern manners.
    Tara headed upstairs to her bedroom, still gripping the card. She picked up the phone and pressed the numbers.
    One ring.
    Even her sisters couldn’t fault her for this fishing expedition. Just being polite.
    Two rings.
    Okay, so she still had no clue what she’d say if Suzie actually answered. “Hey, did you ever try to get Tanty Shaw to handle a private female problem for you and then poison her and my grandmother?” just wouldn’t be polite.
    Three rings.
    What was she doing calling? She had no business contacting Suzie. It probably wasn’t even the same woman from Tanty’s client list.
    â€œHello.” The female voice came out breathy. “Godly Women.”
    Tara’s hand clutched the receiver.
    â€œHello?” the voice said again.
    â€œUh. Suzie?”
    â€œYes, this is Suzie. Who’s this?”
    Her greatest hope and biggest nightmare, all rolled into one. “This is Tara LeBlanc.”
    Silence.
    â€œMarie LeBlanc’s granddaughter.”
    â€œOh, yes. We heard the news about Marie. It’s a miracle from God.”
    Yeah. Sure. Right. “It’s great news.”
    â€œIs there something specific we can pray for you, Tara?”
    Please, no. “Actually, I wanted to thank you for the casserole y’all sent over. It was delicious.” How lame could she sound?
    â€œYou’re most welcome. We’ll be bringing more over this evening, as well. I understand your sisters and brothers-in-law are now staying with you?”
    News traveled fast in such a small community. “Yes, they’ll all be here tonight.”
    â€œWe’ll make sure to bring two casseroles. I know how men eat.” Suzie’s laugh rang false in Tara’s ear.
    This could be perfect. “Will you be delivering them?” Tara held her breath.
    â€œI don’t think so. I believe Evelyn is assigned supper tonight.”
    So much for wishful thinking. “Oh. I’d really like to talk to you a bit, if I may.”
    All traces of laughter fell from Suzie’s voice. “About what?”
    Think fast, Tara. “Um, the church. Grandmere.”
    A pregnant pause hung over the line.
    Finally Suzie sighed. “I suppose I could visit you at the hospital this afternoon. I’m scheduled to be in the prayer session there from one until three.”
    â€œPerfect. I’ll find you. Y’all will be in the waiting room, yes?”
    â€œUh, I believe so.”
    â€œI look forward to seeing you then.” Tara replaced the receiver before Suzie could change her mind. And it sure sounded like she wanted to.
    But why? It’d been Tara’s experience that if the door to a religious conversation opened, most Christians leaped over the threshold. Sure enough worked that way with CoCo, Alyssa and Grandmere. Yet Suzie certainly didn’t sound excited about sharing the Jesus message with her. Odd.
    Tara raced down the stairs and out the door. The workhouse still stood in total disarray. She’d have to clean it up later this afternoon. But not now. She needed to get the healing potion. Today she’d get some of the potion into Tanty. Her heart raced. Today could be the day that Tanty came out of a coma.
    She