Bayou Judgment by Robin Caroll

feel guilty over this, Felicia.”
    She jerked away from his touch. “That woman has nothing to do with Jolie’s murder.”
    â€œNo, but it’s made me realize I need to tighten procedures around here.” His heart raced as she met his stare. “To protect y’all.”
    â€œBut word will get out on the street that we’re snitches, and nobody will call in. How can we help them then?”
    â€œWe have to trust that God will send the people here who need us. Who we can help.”
    He met her gaze.
    Big mistake.
    Longing for what could be shoved the air from his lungs.
    She nodded. “I know you’re right, but it’s discouraging. For the callers, I mean.”
    He could detect the disappointment hovering in her tone. Just about the center, or was there more?
    A sinking feeling sat in the pit of his gut. After Frank had been killed, she’d kept everyone at arm’s length, not willing to take the chance to be hurt again. He’d watched her rebuild her life on her own terms. Now she looked at him with something else. Something beyond the friendship they’d forged.
    He met her inquiring stare, the one that pinned him to the spot. Waiting for him to say something. “God will work through us, regardless of the guidelines we work within.”
    She let out a soft sigh. Obviously not the response she’d been looking for. “I—”
    Her phone rang. She gave him a half smile and lifted the receiver.
    He couldn’t resist squeezing her shoulder before trudging back to his office. The need to put his face to the floor pulled his steps faster. The time had come to do some real seeking from the Father.

TEN
    A smile tickled Felicia’s lips when she passed through the curtain of metallic gold and purple and entered the center. Signs decorated the door, announcing the upcoming Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. A Lagniappe tradition.
    She stowed her belongings and slid into her station. Tonight would be a good night. She’d help people, pray with and for them and her spirit would be one of tranquility.
    â€œYou look happy.”
    Felicia twisted to find Spence hovering behind her chair. Her heart did a funny flip, but she sternly ordered it to stay still. She would respect his wishes to just be friends. After all, wasn’t that better than nothing? Now that she had no more smoldering ties to the past, she’d allow herself to live fully again.
    Even if it wasn’t with the man who’d already slipped under her exterior.
    Regret pushed away, Felicia smiled. “I am.”
    He brushed at his jeans. “Uh, the city events planner came by today and posted the signs for the ball.”
    â€œI noticed. Looks like it’s going to be another fun time this year. Luc’s band will play.” And maybe Sadie would show up. Felicia could possibly strike up a conversation, see where it led. There had to be some reason Sadie had shown up at the apartment, and Felicia was determined to find out what that reason was. Sure, the sheriff said Sadie had an alibi, but the question still burning in Felicia’s mind was why Sadie had shown up, yelling, in the first place.
    â€œYeah, that’s what the planner said. She’s encouraging everybody to attend.”
    â€œYou’ve gone in years past. Aren’t you planning on going this year?” She certainly wouldn’t miss the ball. It was the event of the year in south Louisiana. Of course, Frank had been her escort last year. She suppressed the thought. No more sadness hiding in the dark recesses of her heart. God would grant her contentment if she focused on Him.
    â€œI’d like to.”
    She quirked a single brow. “But?”
    â€œI don’t want to go alone.”
    â€œDon’t be silly. There’ll be tons of people you know. I bet your entire congregation will attend.”
    â€œExactly.” His brow creased.
    What was going on with him? He acted odd,