A Darker Shade of Midnight

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Book: Read A Darker Shade of Midnight for Free Online
Authors: Lynn Emery
Savannah.   “Don’t y’all want to know the terms of my new will?”  
    Her voice cracked through the clamor. Everyone looked at Monmon Odette. She sat down again with a grunt. “I thought so. Savannah, give them the particulars.”
    Savannah leaned down to her. “I’m not sure this is the best time.”
    “Yes it is. Go on.” Monmon Odette nodded.
    “Ahem, well, uh.” Savannah looked at LaShaun who shrugged, so she took out her tablet device. “Basically the will specifies that LaShaun receive the house, its contents and the land surrounding it.”
    “Oh hell no,” Azalei broke in before Savannah could go on. “This is the thanks we get after all we’ve done for you?”
    “Keep talking, Savannah, and don’t pay any mind to that irritating interruption.” Monmon Odette glared at Azalei.
    “LaShaun is also the trustee of the revocable living trust which includes a list of the following assets.” Savannah stopped when Monmon Odette lifted a hand.
    “That’s all they need to know. I’m sure my children and grandchildren know everything I own down the last blade of grass, and every penny.” Monmon Odette turned to her relatives. “You’ll have to find out how much is left when I’m dead, and not before. The most important thing to know is that LaShaun will make sure my wishes are carried out.”
    Rita pushed past Uncle Theo to stand in front of Monmon Odette. “I’m not surprised. You always put her ahead of everyone else, and especially me. Now let’s see if this stands up in court. Everyone knows you’re mind is going, not to mention being in poor health and on strong medications.”
    “Savannah?” Monmon Odette gazed back at Rita.
    “I can successfully argue that you took advantage of Mrs. Rousselle while she was in a weakened state. The legal phrase is exerting undue influence. Once Mrs. Rousselle recovered mentally and physically after treatment…”
    “Everybody knows that my doctors worked a miracle bringing me back to life,” Monmon Odette added, and made the sign of the cross. “With power from the good Lord, of course.”
    “Once she recovered,” Savannah continued, “Mrs. Rousselle realized she needed to make some changes.”
    “Well that don’t sound much better than when Rita took over,” Uncle Albert huffed for a few seconds. “Leah, you didn’t know all this was goin’ on under our noses? I thought you was supposed to be on top of things.”
    “Of course I didn’t. Now shut up,” Aunt Leah cut him off.
    “But Azalei just said she wanted the best for Monmon. I’d think you all would be thrilled that she’s doing so well that she could consult her own attorney and make all these plans. Sounds to me like she’s doing just fine.” LaShaun said, and smothered a laugh before it escaped.
    Azalei walk over to face her. She jabbed a finger in LaShaun’s chest. “You’re not going to waltz back into town and take everything from us. We’re the ones who have taken care of her, and she’s not even grateful.”
    Rage crackled beneath LaShaun’s skin like an itch. She could feel heat rising from the point of contact on her chest “You need to back away from me”
    “What are you gonna do?” Azalei whispered. “I’m not a kid anymore scared to face up to you.”
    “You should be.”  
    LaShaun grabbed the finger and bent it back until Azalei squeaked in agony. When Rita tried to intervene, LaShaun slapped her hard across the face. Rita spat a curse word, but before she could act, LaShaun wrapped her fingers around Rita’s throat and squeezed. The rage drove LaShaun when she saw the animosity in her cousin’s eyes. Devin managed to get between the two women and pry LaShaun’s hand free. Rita stumbled back gasping for air. Aunt Leah pushed forward yelling at LaShaun. Another cousin grabbed her scarf and pulled her back.
    “Y’all don’t think we know you and Azalei are in on this deal with Rita?” The cousin screamed. “Go on, LaShaun, whip her ass. We got

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