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legal. Right, Monmon?” Rita wore a satisfied expression as she faced her fuming relatives.
    “I’m sure you think so, except he’s not my lawyer.” Monmon Odette sipped from her cup.  
    Rita shook her head slowly, and wore a sad smile. “See, LaShaun. Monmon Odette gets confused sometimes. That’s all right, I’ll take care of everything.”
    “Excuse me.” Savannah Honoré stood in the door. Her appearance made more than a few jaws drop. She wore a slight frown. “Sorry to get here late, Mrs. Rousselle. You did say nine thirty, right?”
    “Good morning, child. You’re right on time.   Get up, Azalei, and let Savannah sit down.” Monmon Odette pushed Azalei from her seat and gestured to Savannah. “Come sit next to me. LaShaun will get you a cup of coffee.”
    LaShaun leaned down, and whispered. “What are you up to, and why is she here?”
    “Don’t be rude by whispering around others, LaShaun.” Monmon Odette sat straight. She smiled as Savannah sat down on the antique settee next to her chair. “LaShaun wants to know what’s going on, and why Savannah is here. I’m sure that’s a burning question the rest of you have as well, heh?”  
    “This is a family meeting. Outsiders shouldn’t be hearing our business, Monmon.” Rita gave the newcomer a stony look. “Now you see why I needed to take control. I knew Monmon was incompetent, but this is beyond crazy. A St. Julien of all people.”  
    “Someone should be in control, but don’t count on it being you for long,” Uncle Albert shot back.
    “Bring it on, Uncle Albert,” Rita said calmly. She turned to Savannah. “I’m my grandmother’s guardian. I don’t care why you’re here, but it’s time to leave.”
    “Rita, sit down and listen.” Monmon Odette’s sharp tone made the others snapped to attention.
    “You don’t seem to understand, grandmother. Our lawyer will explain it too you later. I’m in charge now.” Rita’s cold expression seemed triumphant.
    “No, you don’t understand. Mr. Martin is not my lawyer. Mrs. Honoré is my lawyer, and we’ve drafted a new trust and will.” Monmon Odette’s voice grew stronger as she spoke. “By the way, that power of attorney has been revoked. My lawyer will show you the order.”

 
    Chapter 4
     
    “Your lawyer?” LaShaun and Rita blurted out in unison.
    “That’s ridiculous,” Rita shouted.
    “Calm down,” Devin Martin said to Rita. He looked ruffled, but worked to keep his cool.  
    “Yeah, you tried to run a game, but Mama figure you out fast,” Uncle Albert said pointing a stubby forefinger at Rita.
    “Shut up,” Rita snapped back.
    “Don’t tell my daddy to shut up,” one Uncle Albert’s daughters shouted over his shoulder. “You lookin’ to get a good ass-whippin’.”
    “Stop hiding behind your daddy and step up then,” Azalei replied, standing next to Rita.
    “I think we can discuss these matters in a more civil way.” Martin blinked hard when a shoving match broke out to his left between arguing cousins.  
    Savannah stood behind Monmon Odette’s chair. She signaled to LaShaun. “Can’t you settle these folks down?”
    “Me? I’m still in shock over my grandmother hiring you as her attorney.” LaShaun stared at Savannah. “Our families have been feuding for longer than we’ve been alive.”
    “I was–” Savannah’s eye went wide as she looked past LaShaun.  
    LaShaun followed her gaze. One cousin had grabbed another one around the collar and was shaking him. “Damn. Help me get my grandmother out of here.”
    “I’m just fine. I don’t want to miss a minute of this. Most excitement I’ve had in a long time.” Monmon Odette waved away LaShaun’s attempt to help her out of the chair.
    “Monmon Odette, you started this mess. Now fix it.” LaShaun stared at her grandmother.
    “What we need is a SWAT team,” Savannah muttered. She took out her smart phone and dialed 911.
    Monmon Odette stood suddenly startling LaShaun and