murder in the bayou chapter 1 the call to New Orleans detective miles Harrington leaned back in his chair staring at the half-finished case report on his desk the monotony of paperwork was interrupted by the shrill ring of his office phone he answered with his usual professionalism only to hear the voice of Captain Dana Morrison from the New Orleans Police Department on the other end detective Harrington we need your expertise a high-profile murder here and it's got the buzzing intrigued miles listened as Morrison explained the situation antoan King dequa a beloved jazz musician and local Legend
had been found dead in an alley behind a club in the French Quarter the initial Assumption of a mugging gone wrong didn't sit well with the investigating officers there was something off about the scene particularly the discovery of a vial containing traces of a rare poison miles packed his bag and boarded a late flight to New Orleans his mind already racing with questions why poison a man who was celebrated as a hero of the city's music scene What secrets had deloar kept hidden the next morning miles arrived at the scene of the crime the alley
was dimly lit even in the daylight with the scent of damp brick and stale beer lingering in the air crime scene tape flapped in the light Breeze officer Morrison was waiting for him her expression Grim we've cleared most of the scene but there's something you need to see she said leading him toward the chalk outline marking delacro's final position nearby a small vial had been bagged and tagged this Morrison said holding up the evidence is why we called you the poison inside was identified as aconite a deadly plant extract it's rare and not easy to
come by Miles inspected the area carefully noting scuff marks on the cobblestones and traces of a torn scarf nearby dear's wallet had been taken lending some Credence to the mugging Theory but the Precision of the poison hinted at a premeditated act as he stood there miles heard faint music drifting from a nearby club the mournful tune of a saxophone carried through the air A fitting backdrop to the tragedy that's Charles Johnson Morrison explained dea's old bandmate they had a falling out years ago some say it turned into Bad Blood miles raised an eyebrow a motive
perhaps but he knew better than to jump to conclusions his first stop was the coroner's office where the medical examiner confirmed the presence of aconite in dequa system there were no signs of physical struggle suggesting the poison had been administered discreetly back at his temporary lodging miles spread out the evidence he had so far a murdered Legend a rival with a motive and a poison steeped in mystery he jotted down a list of names people close to dequa individuals with potential motives the Jazz filled Knights of New Orleans promised no shortage of Secrets and Miles
Harrington was determined to unearth them all end of chapter 1 chapter 2 the Rivalry Revisited detective miles Harrington stepped into the Velvet note one of New Orleans oldest jazz clubs the club hummed with history faded posters of jazz Legends adorned the walls and the air was Heavy with the Smoky scent of bourbon and old wood on stage Charles smooth Johnson played a haunting Melody on his saxophone his eyes closed as if lost in the music miles waited for the set to end before approaching Johnson who had just stepped down from the stage and was greeted
by a few patrons with words of admiration when miles introduced himself Johnson gave him a wary look detective Harrington miles began I'd like to ask you some questions about Anan dequa Johnson's expression darkened and he gestured to a small table in the corner sit he said gruffly let's talk one seated Johnson leaned back in his chair his saxophone resting against the table I figured someone would come sniffing around can't say I'm surprised why is that Miles asked his pen poised over a small notepad Johnson chuckled bitterly because people love a story about a rivalry me
and anine we were like brothers once started out playing on street corners for tips dreaming of making it big then he made it big and I got left behind miles studied Johnson's face searching for any cracks in his demeanor I understand you and delaqua had a falling out care to elaborate Johnson's jaw tightened falling out doesn't cover it anine cheated me out of royalties from our first big album smooth and King they called us but after that he decided he didn't need a partner anymore took the rights to our music and left me scraping by
did you ever try to settle things legally miles pressed tried Johnson admitted went to court years ago lost anine had better lawyers and more money that's the thing about this city powerful people always win mil scribbled notes aware of the bitterness in Johnson's voice where were you the night of his death Johnson sighed rubbing a hand over his face right here every Tuesday night I play at the Velvet note ask anyone witnesses can confirm that plenty you can talk to the staff the audience even the owner I didn't lay a finger on antoan Miles regarded
him carefully you're aware he was poisoned right aconite not exactly a common murder weapon Johnson's brow furrowed in genuine confusion poisoned hell I didn't know that who'd go through the trouble sounds like someone with a real Grudge miles noted the sincerity in Johnson's reaction but he wasn't ready to clear him just yet do you know anyone who might have had access to aconite not a clue Johnson replied his voice steady but Antoine had plenty of enemies don't let the Beloved musician image fool you he crossed more people than just me as Johnson stood to leave
he hesitated look detective I won't pretend I didn't hate the man for what he did to me but I didn't kill him that's not how I'd settle a score miles nodded watching as Johnson picked up his saxophone and disappeared into the crowd something about Johnson's demeanor felt genuine but miles had learned to never take anything at face value outside the neon glow of the French Quarter illuminated the cobblestone streets miles pulled out his phone and dialed officer Morrison Johnson has an alibi but I want it confirmed Miles said he claims to have been at the
Velvet note all night I'll check it out Morrison replied any other leads possibly mil said glancing at his notes Johnson mentioned dequa had other enemies I need to dig into dear's personal life relationships finances anything that might hint at a motive understood I'll pull what I can from our records Morrison said miles ended the call and wandered the streets absorbing the energy of the city the vi vibrant music and Lively crowds contrasted sharply with the darkness of the case he was unraveling delaqua murder felt deeply personal poison wasn't the tool of an impulsive killer it
was deliberate calculated back at his hotel miles began combing through what little information he had on dea's recent activities bank statements showed a series of unusual withdrawals in the months leading up to his death a name kept appearing Emily gosier a woman half dequire age her profile on social media painted a picture of Glamour and sophistication she was tagged in several photos with delaqua often at high-end restaurants or exclusive events Emily's involvement raised questions was she a devoted lover or did she have ulterior motives miles jotted her name onto his list of potential suspects the
pieces were beginning to fall into place but the puzzle was far from complete the city held its Secret tightly but miles was determined to pry them loose as he turned off the desk lamp a faint Melody drifted through his open window a haunting saxophone tune echoing through the streets whether it was Johnson or another musician playing miles couldn't tell but it reminded him that in New Orleans music was as much a part of life as the air itself and sometimes it carried Whispers of the truth end of chapter 2 chapter 3 secrets of the French
Quarter detective miles Harrington arrived at Cafe beer early the next morning its iron laced balconies overlooking the bustling French Quarter the scent of powdered sugar and fresh coffee filled the air blending with the chatter of tourists and locals across from him Sat Emily gothier her Elegance striking even in the Casual setting she sipped her Cafe Olay with a calm demeanor that didn't quite match the gravity of the situation I appreciate you meeting with me Miss gothier miles began flipping open his notebook I'm investigating Antoine dequa death you were close to him correct Emily set her
cup down her Polished Nails tapping lightly against the porcelain yes detective antoan and I were close she smiled faintly though her eyes betrayed a hint of unease he was a mentor a friend and well more than that Miles nodded studying her carefully her words were measured but her body language suggested she was holding back how did the two of you meet we met at a Galla 3 years ago Emily replied I was organizing the event and antoan was the guest of honor we connected over our shared love of jazz he introduced me to a world
I never thought I'd be a part of Miles leaned forward and what kind of world was that Emily hesitated her fingers fidgeting with the edge of a napkin a world of Glamour yes but also complexity antoan was complicated he had enemies debts and she stopped herself shaking her head I don't want to speak ill of him you're not here to defend his legacy Miss gothier Miles said gently you're here to help me uncover the truth anything you know no matter how small could be crucial she sighed her polished exterior cracking just a bit Antoine had
been under a lot of pressure lately lawsuits disagreements with the band and threats he didn't like to talk about them but I could see it was eating away at him threats miles pressed what kind of threats Emily looked around nervously as if someone might be listening Anonymous letters phone calls he never told me who was behind them but they scared him he even mentioned hiring private security at one point miles jotted this down his mind racing did he ever mention someone by name anyone he was particularly concerned about Emily shook her head no he was
careful he said it was better if I didn't know there was a pause before miles asked were you with him the night he died Emily's face fell and she shook her head again no we had dinner two nights before but that was the last time I saw him he seemed distracted like his mind was somewhere else miles regarded her carefully searching for signs of Deceit but she seemed genuinely distraught still her omission of certain details didn't go unnoticed do you know anyone who might have wanted to hurt him her lips parted but she hesitated there
was his nephew Julian she said finally Antoine cut him out of the will years ago they hadn't spoken in ages why would he cut Julian out miles asked Emily's expression turned bitter Julian only cared about Antoine's money he wanted nothing to do with Antoine's music or his legacy Antoine once told me he regretted ever trying to help him mil scribbled down Julian's name the picture of delaqua Tangled life growing clearer one last question Miss gothier are you familiar with aconite her eyes widened slightly the poison no why miles watched her closely it was found in
Antoine's system do you know anyone who might have had access to it Emily shook her head vehemently absolutely not that's horrible who would use something like that that's what I'm here to find out mil said closing his notebook he handed her his card if you think of anything else no matter how small give me a call leaving the cafe miles walked along the quarter his thoughts swirling Emily had given him valuable leads but there was something about her polished demeanor that left him unsettled she seemed too composed for was someone grieving a lover and her
evasiveness hinted at secrets she wasn't ready to share back at the precinct officer Morrison had news waiting for him we confirmed Charles Johnson's Alibi he was at the Velvet note all night like he said no way he could have done it miles nodded good that clears him for now but Emily gothier mentioned dequa nephew Julian what do we know about him Morrison handed him a thin file Julian dequa aged 28 lives in Baton Rouge multiple charges of petty theft and fraud though nothing ever stuck he hasn't been in contact with Antoine in years but there's
definitely Bad Blood looks like I need to take a trip to Baton Rouge mil said flipping through the file anything on the poison nothing yet we're tracing possible sources but aconite isn't exactly sold at the corner store as miles prepared for the drive to Baton Rouge he couldn't shake the feeling that the pieces of the puzzle were beginning to take shape dea's life was a web of strained relationships buried grudges and dangerous secrets and someone in that tangled web had decided it was time for the king to fall end of chapter 3 don't forget to
like And subscribe for free Audi books chapter 4 a masked witness the drive to Baton Rouge took miles Harrington through a stretch of Louisiana's scenic highways where Spanish moss draped from ancient Oaks and bayus shimmered in the morning sun though the landscape was tranquil his mind churned with questions about Julian deacro as he approached the city the polished Skyline gave way to a modest residential neighborhood where Julian lived in a rundown duplex Julian opened the door cautiously his lean figure slouched eyes bloodshot he wore a threadbear hoodie and looked like he hadn't slept in days
Julian delaqua Miles asked holding up his badge I'm detective miles Harrington with the NYPD working with New Orleans PD I have some questions about your uncle Julian's expression soured instantly I already know why you're here Antoine's dead and I didn't have anything to do with it mind if I come in Miles asked ignoring the defensive tone Julian Shrugged and stepped aside letting miles enter a cramped living room cluttered with takeout boxes and empty beer cans a faint odor of milw hung in the air Charming Place Miles remarked taking a seat on the one relatively clear
chair you don't seem too broken up about your uncle's death Julian scoffed why would I be the man cut me out of his life years ago said I was a disgrace to the family name why would he say that because he was a pompous jerk who thought his music made him better than everyone else Julian spat his voice Rising he tried to save me with lectures about responsibility ility and family Legacy when I didn't bow to his demands he cut me off that was the end of it miles studied him carefully so you had no
contact with him at all in recent years Julian hesitated his eyes flickering to the window before returning to miles I might have called him a couple of times to ask for help financial help but he wasn't interested said I needed to fix myself before he'd even consider it do you know why he removed you from his Will Miles pressed because I didn't kiss his ring Julian replied bitterly Antoine always thought he was better than everyone else but he had skeletons in his closet too you know just because he played nice on stage didn't mean he
was a saint miles leaned forward care to elaborate Julian smirked NOP you figure it out deciding to shift gears miles asked have you ever heard of aconite Julian blinked aconite what's that a poison Miles said watching Julian's reaction closely it's what killed your uncle Julian's brow furrowed poison why would someone go through the trouble Antoine wasn't exactly worth much anymore not to me anyway miles stood his instincts telling him Julian wasn't the killer but was holding something back thanks for your time he said handing Julian his card if you remember anything useful give me a
call that evening back in New Orleans miles met officer Morrison at a small bar near the precinct the soft glow of string lights and the murmur of conversation created a quiet reprieve from the intensity of the case Julian's a dead end Miles said after recounting the interview he's angry but I don't think he's capable of murder at least not with poison Morrison nodded what your next move Emily mentioned Anonymous threats Miles said I want to look into those maybe they're connected to the poison Morrison pulled out her phone that reminds me we got a tip
about a possible witness who was in the area the night of dequa murder claims they saw someone leaving the alley wearing a mask miles perked up a mask what kind she didn't say but get this it was during a Marty gr themed event at a nearby club masks wouldn't have seemed out of place did this witness get a good look at the person not much but she's willing to talk to you her name's Claudine Moro she works at a bakery on Royal Street the next morning miles found Claudine at the bakery kneading dough behind the
counter she was a petite woman in her 60s with sharp eyes that hinted at a lifetime of observation the you're the detective yes she asked as she motioned him toward a small table I saw something strange that night but I didn't think it was important until I heard about the murder tell me everything you remember Miles said his pen at the ready Claudine wiped her hands on her apron I was leaving work late and I walked past the alley where it happened I saw someone coming out tall wearing a black coat and a mask it
was one of those fancy ones like people wear during mardig did you see their face or anything distinctive about them miles asked Claudine shook her head no The Mask covered most of it but they were moving quickly like they didn't want to be seen did you see which direction they went toward Bourbon Street Claudine said that's all I know miles thanked her and left the bakery piecing together this new information a masked figure leaving the scene of the crime was no coincidence whoever they were they likely played a role in dear's Murder the streets of
New Orleans hummed with life as miles made his way back to the precinct the city's vibrant energy masking its darker undercurrents a masked figure a poison and a web of strained relationships the case was becoming more complex by the hour but one thing was certain miles was getting closer to the truth end of chapter 4 chapter 5 family betrayals detective miles Harrington sat in his office at the precinct the soft hum of a jazz tune playing faintly from a nearby Radio the leads were stacking up Julian's bitterness Emily's Evas iess the masked figure but none
had fully unraveled the mystery of antoan dequa death it was time to dig deeper into the family history miles leaned over the file officer Morrison had compiled on antoan dear's personal affairs among the financial records legal documents and Scattered correspondence one name stood out Claudine dequa Antoine's sister and Julian's mother she lived in a secluded part of the city far from the Lively chaos of the French Quarter if anyone could shed light on Antoine's relationship with his nephew and the family Dynamics it was her claudine's home was a modest weathered house on the edge of
Lake ponchar train Spanish moss hung low over the gravel driveway and the salty air carried a hint of Decay miles knocked on the door his eyes scanning the yard for any signs of recent visitors the door creaked open to reveal Claudine a stern-looking woman in her late 60s with piercing blue eyes that seemed to appraise miles instantly you're here about Antoine aren't you she said her voice sharp but steady yes ma'am miles replied showing his badge detective miles Harrington may I come in Claudine stepped aside leading him into a cluttered sitting room where family photographs
lined the walls Antoine's face appeared in several of them smiling and vibrant in his younger years I suppose you've spoken to my son Claudine said settling into a worn armchair I have miles replied he seems to have a complicated relationship with your brother Claudine let out a humorous laugh complicated doesn't begin to cover it Julian was anan's godson you know Antoine practically raised him after my husband passed but Julian he wasn't easy to handle Antoine cutting Julian out of the will must have caused a lot of tension mil said testing her reac action Claudine sigh
her gaze distant Antoine had his reasons he believed Julian was squandering every opportunity he'd ever given him money connections even a place in the family business none of it mattered to Julian he wanted the easy way out did Julian resent him for it of course he did Claudine said but antoan didn't trust him he told me once that leaving Julian anything would have been a curse not a blessing miles noted her choice of words carefully did Julian know he'd been cut out of the will Claudine nodded yes Antoine made it clear years ago he thought
it might scare Julian straight but all it did was drive a wedge between them and you Mrs dequa how did you feel about anan's decision claudine's face hardened antoan was my brother and I loved him but he was prideful stubborn he believed in tough love but I think he went too far with Julian miles leaned forward do you think Julian could have killed him claudine's eyes narrowed her voice lowering no Julian's no saint but he doesn't have the stomach for something like that did Antoine ever mention receiving threats Anonymous letters strange phone calls Claudine hesitated
her lips tightening yes a few months ago he mentioned someone was trying to dig up dirt on him said they were threatening to expose secrets from his past if he didn't pay up did he say who it was no just said it was someone who knew him too well she glanced at the photographs on the wall her gaze lingering on one of antoan holding a young Julian he told me he'd handle it but I don't think he ever did leaving claudine's house mil stopped at the shore of Lake ponar train letting the salty Breeze clear
his head the threads were beginning to converge Julian's estrangement Anne's secrets and the masked figure seen at the crime scene as he drove back to the precinct miles reviewed the timeline in his mind if antoan had been receiving threats then the murder might have been part of a larger scheme and if Claudine was right about the blackmail it meant someone knew anan's past better than he'd let on when miles arrived at the precinct Morrison met him with an update we've been digging into the poison Source there's a local herbalist who specializes in rare extracts including
aconite names margar budro runs a shop near the Bywater miles's interest peaked do we have a connection to the case not yet but she's worth talking to she's known for keeping detailed records of her sales the Bywater was a vibrant neighborhood of colorful houses and eclectic shops margarit store Nature's remedies was tucked between a cafe and an art gallery inside the scent of dried herbs and essential oils filled the air shelves lined with jars of powders leaves and tinctures gave the space an almost Apothecary like feel Margaret Bud was a striking woman in her 40s
her long dark hair stre with silver she greeted miles with a curious smile detective Harington how can I help you I'm investigating a murder Miles said pulling out a photo of Antoine the victim was poisoned with aconite I was told you might sell it here Margaret's expression dark darkened as she glanced at the photo aconite is extremely dangerous I only sell it under strict conditions usually to practitioners of herbal medicine or botanists do you keep records of your sales of course she said pulling out a leatherbound ledger flipping through the pages she stopped at an
entry I sold aconite a month ago to someone named Emily gotier miles's pulse quickened Emily gothier yes margarite confirmed she said she needed it for an herbal remedy she seemed knowledgeable so I didn't question her miles thanked margarite and stepped outside the weight of this Revelation sinking in Emily's name on The Ledger wasn't a coincidence whether she was the killer or just another porn she was more involved in antoan dea's death than she'd let on as the sun dipped below the Horizon casting the city in shades of gold and Crimson miles felt the the case
take a darker turn the secrets of Antoine's past were surfacing and the people closest to him seemed determined to keep them buried end of chapter 5 chapter 6 poison and Migra detective miles Harrington paced his hotel room the new lead about Emily gothier echoing in his mind the purchase of aconite connected her directly to the murder weapon making her a key suspect yet her demeanor during their interview suggested she wasn't a cold-blooded killer what had driven her to buy such a dangerous substance miles decided it was time to confront Emily again but this time he
needed to be more strategic first he needed to understand why she had purchased the poison the next morning miles visited officer Morrison at the precinct to review the surveillance footage from the night of delaqua murder here it is Morrison said playing a grainy video from a nearby security camera the footage captured a figure wearing a black coat and a m grass style mask leaving the alley where dequa was found the figure moved quickly disappearing into the bustling streets within seconds miles paused the video his eyes narrowing enhance the frame where the figure turns he said
Morrison adjusted the controls zooming in on the moment the figure glanced back briefly though the mask obscured most of their face the outline of their jaw and the way they moved seemed familiar could be anyone Morrison said Crossing her arms maybe miles replied but it gives us something to compare let's keep digging by afternoon miles was standing at the RW Iron Gate of Emily Go's upscale home the meticulously landscaped Garden hinted at wealth and order but the tension in the air suggested a woman harboring Secrets Emily opened the door her expression shifting from Surprise to
guardedness detective Harrington I wasn't expecting you I imagine not Miles said stepping into the foyer we need to talk again Emily led him to the sitting room her heels clicking against the polished wood floors as she poured coffee miles pulled out the Ledger from margarite's shop and placed it on the table do you recognize this he asked Emily froze the coffee pot trembling slightly in her hand what is that it's a record of sales from a local herbalist miles explained you bought aconite from her about a month ago ago her face paled she set the
coffee pot down and sank into the nearest chair I can explain she said her voice barely above a whisper I'm listening Miles said leaning forward Emily clasped her hands together her composure unraveling antoan asked me to buy it he didn't want to go himself because he was afraid it would raise questions he said it was for a ceremonial purpose he ceremonial purpose miles repeated skeptically Emily nodded Antoine had a fascination with the old mardig gr Traditions he believed in honoring the spirits of the past he was planning a private ceremony something tied to his music
and his roots he told me it was harmless did you question him about it I did Emily said tears Welling in her eyes but antoan could be persuasive he had this way of making you believe anything he said miles considered her words if Antoine had indeed intended to use the poison for a ceremonial purpose it raised more questions than answers why didn't you mentioned this before miles asked I was scared Emily admitted when I heard he'd been poisoned I panicked I thought it would look like I was involved miles scrutinized her searching for any sign
of deception Emily's distress seemed genuine but her Omission had cost precious time in the investigation do you know of anyone who might have known about the aconite miles pressed Emily hesitated her gaze shifting to the floor Antoine was always so secretive but there was someone a man named Remy Duval he was one of Antoine's oldest friends but they had a falling out years ago he hated that antoan turned his back on the old traditions where can I find this Remy Duval he runs a small bar in the Marin District Emily said it's called the Gilded
mask the gilded mask was tucked away on a quiet street in the Marin District its peeling paint and Faded sign hinted at better days but inside the bar was alive with the hum of conversation and the faint strains of a jazz record spinning on an old turntable Remy Duval was easy to spot he sat at the bar his white hair slicked back and his sharp features softened only slightly by age his piercing eyes met miles's as he approached you must be detective Harrington Remy said his voice grally but steady I figured someone would come sniffing
around I need to ask you about antoan dequa Miles said taking a seat beside him Remy nodded slowly taking a sip of his drink antoan was a complicated man loved the spotlight but carried a lot of Darkness inside him Emily gothier mentioned that you and Antoine had a falling out Miles said care to explain Remy chuckled Darkly Antoine and I had different visions of what it meant to honor our culture he wanted Fame and Fortune I wanted authenticity he accused me of being stuck in the past and I accused him of selling out we didn't
speak for years did you know he was planning a ceremony involving aconite Remy's expression darkened aconite that's dangerous stuff if Antoine was messing with it he was playing with fire do you think he would have used it for anything other than ceremonial purposes Remy Shrugged maybe but if you're asking if I had anything to do with his death the answer is no as miles left the Gilded mask the puzzle pieces of Antoine's life continued to shift Emily's purchase of the poison Antoine's strange ceremony and the masked figure at the crime scene all pointed to a
complex web of motives the king of jazz had fallen but the game was far from over end of chapter 6 chapter 7 a swamp confrontation detective miles Harrington leaned against his car gazing out at the expanse of Louisiana's swamplands the early morning air was thick with humidity the Eerie Stillness punctuated by the occasional chirp of a bird or the distant rustle of leaves he was waiting for officer Morrison who had called with urgent news a lead connecting Remy Duval to Antoine's death when Morrison arrived her face was set with determination we've got something she said
handing miles a folder a fisherman found this washed up near the edge of the biu yesterday inside the folder was a photograph of a MIG gr mask half submerged in mud the ornate black and gold design matched the description of the one worn by the figure seen leaving the crime scene next to it was a knife its handle carved with intricate symbols where was this exactly miles asked so about 3 miles into the swamp Morrison replied the mask is a custom piece we traced it to a Craftsman in the quarter he confirmed it was made
for Remy Duval miles's eyes narrowed so Remy wasn't as uninvolved as he claimed Morrison nodded there's more the knife matches one Remy kept behind the bar at the Gilded mask I had a team check his place this morning it's missing the evidence painted a damning picture but miles wasn't ready to convict just yet letun go find him he said Remy Duval wasn't at the Gilded mask the bartender on duty claimed he'd left town the previous evening muttering something about needing to clear his head but a local guide provided a crucial tip Remy had a cabin
deep in the bayou accessible only by boat miles and Morrison rented a small motorboat and set out into the swamp the narrow waterways Twisted through towering cypress trees their roots gnarled and reaching like skeletal fingers the air grew cooler as they ventured further the sunlight fading beneath the dense canopy why run if you're innocent Morrison muttered gripping the boat's Edge maybe heun not running miles replied scanning the trees for any sign of the cabin maybe he's hiding after an hour of navigating the labyrinthine waterways they spotted the cabin a dilapidated structure perched on stilts above
the water smoke curled lazily from the chimney and a small boat was tied to the dock miles killed the engine letting the boat Glide silently toward the shore he signaled for Morrison to stay back as he approached the cabin his gun drawn the wooden steps creaked under his weight as he climbed to the porch hery Duval he called his voice cutting through the Stillness this is detective Harrington we need to talk for a moment there was no response then the door creaked open and Remy appeared his hands raised his expression was a mix of resignation
and Defiance I figured you'd come Remy said his voice low but I didn't kill antoan then why run miles asked keeping his weapon steady because I knew how it would look Remy replied the mask the knife it's all a setup miles motioned for Remy to step outside signaling Morrison to secure him once Remy was handcuffed and seated on the porch miles began questioning him you need to start talking Miles said how did your mask and knife end up at the scene of the crime Remy shook his head the mask went missing weeks ago I thought
one of my customers stole it as for the knife it was at my bar until two nights ago someone must have taken it who would want to frame you plenty of people Remy said bitterly Antoine wasn't the only one with enemies but listen you've got the wrong guy I might have had my issues with antoan but I'd never kill him especially not with poison mil studied Remy's face searching for signs of Deceit his words rang with desperation but there was something genuine in his tone do you know anything about the aconite miles asked Remy hesitated
then nodded antoan mentioned it to me once said he was planning some kind of ceremony to cleanse his legacy he didn't give me details but he seemed paranoid paranoid about what someone was blackma mailing him Remy said he wouldn't tell me who but he said they knew things about his past he didn't want coming out miles's mind raced the blackmail the aconite the ceremony it all pointed to someone exploiting Antoine's vulnerabilities who do you think was behind the blackmail miles asked Remy sighed there was a guy antoan used to trust a promoter named vinon Lal
they had a falling out years ago but Vincent always seemed to have dirt on everyone if anyone was pulling strings it was him back at the precinct miles and Morrison ran Vincent lel's name through the system his criminal record was extensive fraud extortion and embezzlement but he'd never been convicted looks like we've got our blackmailer Morrison said maybe miles replied but blackmail doesn't equal murder we need to prove he had access to the aconite and a motive for framing Remy the case was nearing its boiling point as miles pieced together the final threads he knew
the truth was just Within Reach but with so many players and so many Secrets he'd need to tread carefully to bring the killer to Justice end of chapter 7 chapter 8 the final clue the evidence against Vincent Lal began to solidify as detective miles Harrington and officer Morrison pieced together his history with antoan dequa Vincent was a smooth talking promoter who had managed some of New Orleans biggest Jazz stars in the 1990s including Antoine himself but their partnership had ended in disaster after antoan accused vinant of skimming profits and sabotaging his career lal's name kept
surfacing in connection to the blackmail notes found in Antoine's correspondence he had the motive revenge for their Fallout and the means thanks to his Connections in the city's darker circles we need to bring Lal in for questioning Miles said pacing the precinct but we need something to tie him to the aconite and the murder scene miles and Morrison divised a plan to draw Lal out using Antoine's social media account which the police had access to they scheduled a post announcing the discovery of the blackmail letters the post alluded to evidence that could identify the sender
and promised to reveal the truth at a press conference if Lal is behind this he'll react Miles said he won't let that evidence see the light of day the Trap was set that evening miles and Morrison staked out lal's home a lavish townhouse on Esplanade Avenue from their surveillance van parked down the street they watched as the lights in the house flickered on and off hours passed with no movement but as midnight approached Lal emerged looking visibly agitated he's taking the bait Morrison said as Lal climbed into a sleek black car and sped off into
the night let see where he goes miles replied starting the engine of their unmarked car lal's car wound through the narrow streets of the French Quarter heading toward anan's Old rehearsal Studio the dilapidated building had been boarded up for years but it was rumored to house some of Antoine's personal belongings miles parked at a safe distance watching as LEL broke into the building he's looking for something miles muttered letun move drawing their weapons miles and Morrison entered the studio quietly the air was thick with the smell of mildew and their footsteps echoed on the wooden
floor they found Lal rifling through a pile of boxes his face lit only by the beam of a flashlight Lal miles called his voice cutting through the silence startled Lal spun around his flashlight dropping to the floor what the hell is this he stammered this is the end of the line Miles said stepping Clos closer we know about the blackmail and we know about the aconite start talking lal's eyes darted between miles and Morrison his mind Racing for an escape you've got it all wrong he said raising his hands I didn't kill antoan I just
wanted him to pay for what he did to me pay how miles pressed the blackmail Lal admitted I needed the money Antoine owed me after he ruined my career and the aconite let Al hesitated his face contorted in fear I don't know anything about poison I just wanted to scare him not kill him M stepped closer his voice firm then who killed him before Lal could answer the sound of creaking floorboards echoed through the studio miles turned his instincts on high alert a shadow moved in the corner of the room and before anyone could react
a figure lunged forward with a knife Morrison fired a warning shot the crack of the gun freezing the figure in their tracks the masked attacker dropped the knife and raised their hands take off the mask miles ordered the figure hesitated then slowly pulled off the mask to reveal a familiar face Julian dequa Julian Miles said stunned you were behind this all along Julian's face Twisted with anger it wasn't supposed to go this far he said his voice trembling I just wanted Antoine to suffer for what he did to me but when heed started talking about
a ceremony I knew he'd figured out it was me sending the letters I couldn't let him expose me mil stepped forward his eyes locked on Julian so you poisoned him Julian nodded his shoulders slumping I didn't mean for it to kill him right away I thought I could control it but when I saw him collapse in the alley I panicked and The Mask the knife miles pressed I took the mask from Remy's bar to throw you off Julian admitted and the knife was just for insurance in case the poison didn't work with Julian in custody
miles and Morrison wrapped up the case lal's role in the blackmail was confirmed but his lack of involvement in the murder spared him from the more serious charges Julian however faced the full weight of the law as miles watched Julian being led away in handcuffs he couldn't help but reflect on the tangled web of motives and secrets that had led to Antoine's death in the end it wasn't fame or fortune that had claimed the king of jazzit was the festering wounds of a family broken by betrayal the streets of New Orleans carried on the music
and laughter masking the Shadows beneath for Miles Harrington it was just another reminder that even the brightest lights can cast the darkest Shadows end of chapter 8 chapter 9 Justice in New Orleans the days following Julian delaqua confession were a whirlwind of paperwork court filings and interviews detective miles Harrington felt the weight of the case settling over him like a thick fog although the killer had been caught the intricate Web of Lies betrayal and regret surrounding antoan dear's murder left an indelible Mark miles sat in the precinct's conference room reviewing the final reports officer Morrison
entered carrying two steaming cups of coffee thought you could use this she said placing one in front of him thanks miles replied taking a sip how's Julian still in holding Morrison said he hasn't said much since his confession his lawyer's already working on a plea deal but with what we've got on him he's looking at life without parole miles nodded what about LEL charged with extortion and blackmail Morrison said he won't see the inside of a cell for long but his reputation is ruined he'll be lucky if if anyone in New Orleans trusts him again
fitting Miles said leaning back in his chair it's ironic everyone in Antoine's life wanted something from him money Fame Revenge but in the end all they did was destroy the man and themselves Morrison crossed her arms her expression thoughtful you ever wonder if cases like this change anything Antoine's gone Julian's behind bars but the city moves on like nothing happen happened miles gave her a small tired smile Justice isn't about fixing the world Morrison it's about holding people accountable that's enough for me later that day miles received a call from Emily gothier she wanted to
meet claiming she had something to share they agreed on a quiet Cafe near the French Quarter away from the prying eyes of reporters Emily arrived wearing a simple black dress her usual Elegance muted by grief she sat across from her hands trembling as she clutched her coffee cup I heard about Julian she said softly I can't believe it was him he confessed miles replied he blamed Antoine for cutting him out of the will for not supporting him but it wasn't just about the money it was about resentment years of it Emily nodded her eyes glassy
Antoine was a complicated man he could be so kind and generous but he could also be so cold he pushed people away even those who loved him why did you call me miles asked steering the conversation Emily hesitated then reached into her bag and pulled out a small leatherbound Journal I found this in anan's things after he died it's his personal Journal I think I think you should have it miles took the journal flipping through its Pages the entries were filled with anan's Reflections on his life his music and his regrets one entry ated two
weeks before his death caught his eye I've made mistakes more than I can count I've Hur people I cared about chased Fame at the expense of my family and ignored the things that truly mattered if anyone ever reads this I hope they understand I was just a man trying to find his way to Julian if you're reading this I'm sorry I wish I could have been the uncle you needed miles closed the journal his throat tightening why give this to me because I think antoan wanted someone to understand him Emily said and because you seem
like the kind of man who will do something good with it miles nodded slipping the journal into his coat pocket thank you Emily this might not fix everything but it's a piece of the story that deserves to be told the day of antoan dequa funeral arrived with somber clouds hanging over the city despite the Scandal surrounding his death hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respect musicians played A Soulful Jazz procession as the funeral cor made its way through the French Quarter mil stood among the crowd watching as the people of New Orleans honored the
man who had once been the heart of their music scene even in death anan's Legacy was larger than life a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the city he had called home Emily approached miles after the procession her eyes red from crying do you think he's at peace now she asked miles looked at the ornate casket draped in flowers I think he'd want to be remembered for his music not his mistakes and I think in the end that's what people will remember that evening miles returned to the alley Where Anan had been found the
crime scene tape was gone and the cobblestones were clean but the weight of the moment lingered as he stood there the distant sound of a saxophone echoed through the streets a haunting beautiful Melody that seemed to carry Antoine's Spirit pulling out the journal miles read a final passage under the flickering glow of a Street Lamp music isn't just sound it's life love pain and joy all wrapped into one if my music touched even one person then maybe I did something right miles closed the journal slipping it back into his coat antoan dequa life had been
a tapestry of triumphs and tragedies but in the end it was his music that lived on as miles walked away the Jazz filled air of New Orleans surrounded him reminding him why he did what he did Justice had been served but the story would never truly end it would live on in The Melodies of a city that never stopped singing end of chapter 9 chapter 10 reflection in the bayou the morning after Anan delaqua funeral detective miles Harrington prepared to leave New Orleans his suitcase stood ready by the door of his hotel room but something
pulled at him a feeling that the case though solved wasn't entirely closed before heading to the airport miles decided to take one last trip to the Bayou the swamp had become a symbolic heart of the case its murky Waters and hidden dangers mirroring the Tangled motives and secrets that led to Antoine's death miles parked his car near a trail head leading to a quiet spot overlooking the water the air was Heavy with with humidity the cries of unseen Birds echoing in the distance he carried Antoine's Journal feeling a strange connection to the man whose life
he'd unraveled piece by piece finding a bench beneath a sprawling oak tree mil sat and opened the journal one last time he flipped to the back where a folded letter fell out unfolding it he discovered a handwritten note addressed to Julian Julian I've made mistakes and I know I failed you in many ways cutting you out of my will wasn't meant to punish you it was meant to push you to become the man I know you can be I wanted to leave you with something greater than money a chance to find your own path if
you're reading this I hope you can forgive me I hope you can remember the good times we had before everything fell apart and I hope you'll carry on the delaqua name with pride not for my sake but for yours with love Antoine miles exhaled slowly the weight of the letter settling over him Antoine had been a man of contradictions a musician who brought joy to thousands but couldn't heal his own family his final words to Julian were an attempt at Redemption though they came far too late determined to deliver the letter miles made a detour
to the holding facility where Julian was awaiting trial the younger deloire looked gaunt his Swagger replaced with a subdued demeanor what do you want Julian asked as miles entered the visitation room miles placed the letter on the table this is from your uncle I found it in his journal Julian eyed the letter suspiciously before picking it up as he read his expression softened the anger in his eyes giving way to something closer to sorrow he never said any of this to me Julian said his voice barely audible he should have miles replied but people don't
always say what they should while they have the chance Julian f folded the letter carefully his hands trembling do you think he meant it miles met his gaze I do and I think it's up to you what you do with it now returning to the precinct miles met with officer Morrison to wrap up the final details of the investigation they reviewed the evidence One Last Time ensuring the case against Julian was airtight it feels strange Morrison admitted Antoine's gone Julian's life is over and Emily she's just trying to pick up the pieces all that drama
and for what foreclosure Miles said even if it's messy even if it doesn't feel like a clean ending Justice brings closure Morrison nodded though her expression remained thoughtful you heading back to New York after this miles smiled faintly yeah something tells me the Big Apple has its own Mysteries waiting for me mil spent his final evening walking through the French Quarter soaking in the vibrant energy of the city the music the laughter the clinking of glasses it all felt like a celebration of life even in the face of tragedy stopping by a street performer playing
A Soulful Jazz Melody miles dropped a few bills into the open saxophone case and listened the tune reminded him of Antoine's music roar beautiful and haunting as the plane ascended over New Orleans the next morning miles looked out the window at the sprawling swamp lands below the city had left its mark on him just as it had on antoan and the countless others who had walked its streets antoan dequa story was over but his music his legacy and the lessons of his life would live on Miles felt a sense of closure knowing he had done
everything he could to bring Justice to the man and his family the Bayou faded into the distance its secret sinking back into the shadows for detective miles Harrington it was time to move on to the next case the next city and the next story waiting to be uncovered end of chapter 10 and end of story thank you for listening like And subscribe for free audio books
