Excerpt of Rue Toulouse by Debby Grahl

Hello, Princess.” Caterine stared in disbelief at the man leaning against the door frame. Her mouth suddenly gone dry, she whispered, “Remi?” “At your service.” She opened her mouth and closed it several times before she stammered, “Wha-what are you doing here?” “Your grandmother sent me.” “Why?” “Let me in, and I’ll tell you.” Without a word, she stepped back to let him pass. He quickly scanned the room. “Nice, isn’t it? I’ve never stayed here, but I’ve heard it’s a great hotel. It suits you. But would you care to tell me why you’re here and not on a plane out of New Orleans?” Caterine’s back stiffened. “I don’t see what concern that is of yours. I called Elaine and expected either Paul or her to come. So, again, what are you doing here instead of Paul?” “You’re in trouble and need help.” “But you don’t even know me.” Remi smiled. “We have met.” Caterine felt her face turning scarlet. He chuckled. “I take it you remember.” Remember? Oh, how she remembered. She’d relived those moments in his arms over and over again. And here he was standing in front of her wanting to help. It took everything she had not to throw herself at him. “I still don’t understand. How did you find out what happened?” “I was on my way home when I heard Ma Chérie’s alarm. I found your hair clip and the blood on the sidewalk. What did that guy do to you?” She shuddered and in a barely audible voice said, “He held a gun to my back and tried to force me into a van.” Remi’s jaw tightened. “That fils de putain left some blood. If we find him, we have a DNA sample.” He reached out and took her hand. “How did you get away from him?” “First I swung wildly and hit him in the nose with the alarm remote I had in my fist. Then I got him with my umbrella.” “Way to go, Princess.” She gave him a slight smile. “And I’m pretty sure the remote saved my life. I set the alarm off while he held the gun to my back.” “You must have been terrified. I promise we’ll get the bastard who did that to you.” She tried to blink back the tears that suddenly filled her eyes. “Don’t cry.” With the tip of his finger, he brushed away the tear that slid down her cheek. “You’re safe. I’m here.”