Louisiana Spice

By KT Bishop

The search for love can be a difficult journey.

Louisiana Spice shares the intimate details of five women on a different path to love and happiness,

-A childhood friend seeks revenge on Jennifer Monet-Cotton for serving time in jail in Cotton Patch. Will she succeed?

- Gabrielle Cotton dreams of owning a National Hockey League Franchise in Cotton Patch, but she doesn't have enough money. She turns to an unlikely source for the cash. 

-Dana Rossi was hired to convince Teddy Anders to leave Cuba for the NBA, but finds herself falling in love with him in Jackpot of Hearts.

-In Game Changer, Heather Morgan loses her job and husband in the same week. Sparks fly when she meets Milwaukee Bucks owner Simon Brooks. Can she win his heart?

- Attorney Divina Wells has a difficult challenge trying to Gator Bonk off charges of cockfighting in Cajun Games. The more time Divina spends with Gator, she starts falling in love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: kt bishop
• Release date: Apr 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533755483

Book preview

Dedication

To Marilyn Huff, my cousin who opened the doors to my writing career at age three.

COTTON & SILK

CHAPTER ONE

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Hello Rosebud.

Jennifer Monet-Cotton nearly jumped out of her skin at the familiar voice on the sun-soaked, cool afternoon. She was watering her garden full of red roses until the surprise interruption in Birmingham, Alabama.

She twisted sideways on the porch and her eyes widened, shocked to see an old childhood friend. Becky Lynn Tice was the person behind the sultry voice to startle Jennifer. Her heart jumped into her chest.

Other than a few lines on her face, Becky Lynn looked the same. She had a petite frame to make her look tiny and fit perfectly in a pair of blue jeans. Her long silky dark hair brushed her shoulders.

I never expected to see you here, Jennifer said surprisingly.

With a faded black suitcase in her right hand, Becky Lynn walked into the yard and approached Jennifer. Aren't you glad to see me?

Jennifer stood motionless as her mind flashed back to nineteen eighty four, her junior year in high school at St. Paul Catholic School. She convinced Becky Lynn to take the Driver Education's car for a little spin. We can do this without anyone noticing it was gone.

Becky Lynn agreed. It's on. Jennifer snuck inside the instructor's office to grab the keys. The plan backfired from the start. After they climbed inside, an alarm sounded off.

The Principal thought highly of Jennifer and didn’t believe she’d pull off a stunt. The police gave her a warning. Her parents grounded her for two weeks.

Becky Lynn was expelled and transferred to an alternative school in Luling, La. I'll get you for this Jen, even if it's the last thing I do, Becky Lynn screamed. She was escorted off the campus in handcuffs.

I’m so sorry, Jennifer said under heavy tears.

Until today, Jennifer hadn’t seen Becky Lynn. Bad vibes echoed through her soul because she feared Becky Lynn came back for revenge. Oh shit, you've come here to kill me.

Can't a friend visit another? Becky Lynn said. She walked toward the porch and embraced her former classmate. It's great to see you.

Her body twitched, Jennifer reluctantly returned the hug. Where have you been, and how did you find me? Something wasn’t right.

Do you have half a day? Becky Lynn said.

Jennifer nodded slowly. I’ve got some free time.

It will take too long to explain. Becky Lynn placed the battered brown duffel bag over her shoulder and followed Jennifer inside.

*****

Becky Lynn delivered a dramatic sigh, followed by an eye roll as she received a tour of the Cotton home. A heavy dose of envy soared through her veins. You made it big.

Thick red carpet was on the floor throughout the house. The kitchen cabinets were made of maple oak. A large picture stood above the fireplace in the living room. Becky Lynn gazed at the photo. Wow, you’ve got a nice-looking family.

Thanks, we took the photo before our daughter graduated high school, Jennifer said nervously.

Becky Lynn choked back anger and spoke under clenched teeth. Very nice.

The further they reached inside the home, Becky Lynn's jealously intensified within after she saw the trophies and accomplishments of ML in college and pros. Should've been me, Becky Lynn muttered.

Becky Lyn replayed those painful years inside her bitter brain. She got pregnant after her junior year ended, and was forced to quit school. Her marriage was annulled because the groom's rich parents, the Breaux’s did not want their image in the Baton Rouge community sullied with a teenage marriage. She received a payment of $50,000 in exchange for letting J.T. Breaux raise his son. She hadn’t seen her daughter since she was a month old.

Her life in shambles, Becky Lynn blew the money on drugs and eventually turned to a life of crime. She became part of an International operation to smuggle stolen jewelry across the world to earn hefty paychecks until several arrests.

They stopped in the guest bedroom, where Becky Lynn dropped her bag. Jennifer sat on the bed and inquired about her life.

What have you been doing? Jennifer said.

Just traveling here and there, Becky Lynn said. She did not volunteer her criminal life. I work as a consultant.

Jennifer’s brain remained locked on why her former classmate suddenly popped up. How did you find me?

Saw an article of you on the internet, Becky Lynn said dryly.

Jennifer’s face curled into a half smile. I'm touched. How long are you here?

Can I stay here, just for a couple of days? Becky Lynn asked.

Stunned, Jennifer’s jaw dropped and stood motionless. Becky Lynn waved her right hand in front of Jennifer to break the trance.

Come on, I won't be a bother, Becky Lynn said. Just need a place to crash for a few days and I am out.

With Becky Lynn beside her, Jennifer called her husband, M.L. Cotton. He was in New York interviewing for an NFL job. Honey, I have an old classmate visiting and I want her to stay here.

Have I met her? M.L. said.

No, it’s Becky Lynn Tice, Jennifer said.

It’s cool, but I’ve never heard you talk about her, M.L. said.

She heard loud music in the background on his end and talked over the noise. I’ll explain when you come home.

Jennifer blew kisses into the phone. I love you.

Love you too, Jen, M.L said.

She hung up the phone. You can stay.

Too bad I won’t get a chance to meet him, Becky Lynn said.

You’d love him, he’s a great guy, Jennifer boasted.

Becky Lynn’s eyes blinked and she cleared a lump in her throat. I need to rest.

That’s fine, Jennifer said.

*****

Tears fell down Becky Lynn's reddened cheeks as she lay on the bed. Jealously slithered down her frame and her right hands punched the fluffy pillows. I should've had this fucking life. She doesn’t deserve this.

A small headache throbbed behind her eyes after she realized how she and Jennifer's lives were polar opposites. She chewed her bottom lip in disgust.

Becky Lynn removed her blue jeans and t-shirt. She was naked except a dark blue bra and matching thong. She plucked the black bag from her suitcase containing a two-pound diamond she stole in Las Vegas to take to France for five million. Her lips brushed the trinket. You're going to help me pay back Jennifer. She was one step closer to payback.

CHAPTER TWO

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Becky Lynn had a perfect plan to exact revenge. Come to Paris with me.

Shocked, Jennifer almost dropped her plate of ham, eggs, grits and hash browns. Are you serious?

I have some business over there and we can catch up, Becky Lynn said.

Call me crazy, it makes no sense, Jennifer admitted.

Twenty four hours ago, you hadn't seen me for decades. Now, here I am, inviting you on a trip across Europe, Becky Lynn said.

Becky Lynn challenged her. You're scared your husband won't let you go.

Jennifer grunted in anger. I’ve got as much money as my husband. I don't need his damn permission to do anything. Don't you ever forget it, Becky Lynn Tice?

The plan worked to perfection, Becky Lynn struck a nerve.

Does this mean you're coming with me?

When do we leave? Jennifer said.

I am leaving this afternoon, Becky Lynn said. She had just executed the first step in her plan to take down Jennifer, who immediately scheduled a flight for two.

*****

Jennifer tried to call M.L. She frowned when he did not pick up his phone. Damn it, where the hell are you?

From her bedroom, Jennifer bit her lip in worry and typed a long text to him. I may not be back when you return home. I am going to Paris with Becky Lynn Tice. Sorry, I know its last minute. I’ll call later. Love you. She pulled out a small black suitcase from the closet. Her hands trembled as she threw a dress, bras, panties, two pairs of pants and blouses into the luggage.

This doesn't feel right. Jennifer’s vibes hinted danger was nearby.

Jennifer reached the bathroom, undressed and climbed in the shower. As she stepped out of the tub, Jennifer dried herself off with a long white towel and slid into a blue jumpsuit. She wiped the steam from the mirror to decorate her face.

*****

From the living room, Becky Lynn met Jennifer in black jeans and matching shirt. Are you going to a funeral on the way to Paris?

No, but something bad will happen today. Becky Lynn said grimly.

"Whoa, you're scaring me, Jennifer said nervously.

You should see the look on your face, Becky joked. You thought I was nervous.

Jennifer jumped in alarm over Becky Lynn’s ill humor. It’s not funny. They walked outside and put their luggage in a Black Lexus.

Becky Lynn mumbled under her breath. I am glad to put the screws to her.

During the drive down Interstate Fifty-Nine, Jennifer apologized. Sorry about how I acted earlier.

We all mistakes, Becky Lynn said. Some mistakes come back to bite you in the ass. She continued to drop hints of payback, which Jennifer seemed oblivious to. Trouble beckoned.

*****

M.L. had an early afternoon dinner at the famed Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. The NFL interviewed the former quarterback for an executive position. He was promised a position once his fifteen year NFL career ended with the Birmingham Stallions.

We could have something fits both of us, NFL President Ray Bialas said.

M.L. devoured the twelve-ounce New York sirloin cooked to perfection. A guy could get used to the food up here, he said.

There’s something special about New York, Bialas said.

His legs weak and wobbly from the three dry martinis, M.L. staggered out of the restaurant. I had a few too many.

Just sleep it off, you'll be fine, Bialas said. M.L. opened the door and fell backward in the chair. He looked for his cell phone in his pocket. He saw his phone on the desk with a flashing red light. He chided himself. Damn it, I probably missed a call from Jen.

He picked up the phone and heard her message. She was headed to France with Becky Lynn.

Suspicion crept in M.L.'s brain because he had never met Becky Lynn. "Something's not right, she's setting Jen up. He pounded his fist into the dresser and blamed himself.

M.L. logged onto the hotel's computer and searched Becky Lynn's name on the internet. He found 10,000 results and reached the most recent update. A story in the Mexico City Journal reported Becky Lynn was involved in jewelry heists across the world, but never served time because of lack of evidence. Jen, you're in deep trouble.

He continued to search her name. I wonder why Jen never mentioned her before. Fear consumed him, as he suspected Becky Lynn involved Jennifer in one of her scams.

Jennifer picked up the phone after two rings. Honey, sorry I couldn't reach you earlier. Did you get my message?

Yes, don't go anywhere with Becky Lynn—she's a criminal, M.L said.

I can't hear you, Jennifer said. I'm on the plane and can't talk. I'll call you when we reach Paris.

M.L hurled the phone across the room and hit the wall. Something bad would soon happen to Jennifer and he couldn't do anything about it.

CHAPTER THREE

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Seconds after they arrived at the Paris International Airport, Becky Lynn separated herself from Jennifer. She bounced out of her seat and dashed through the airport.

Guess she couldn’t wait to reach the bathroom, Jennifer said.

Becky’s high heels clicked on the tile as she charged past a thick crowd in the busy airport. She hopped on the elevator and reached the Ground Transportation Level, and her spirits soared. I've got Jennifer right where I want her.

She found a French policeman, whose blue uniforms with officer bars reminded of her uncle's Army outfit. She tried to speak a little French. A Belle Femme savant has some hot jewels.

There's a beautiful woman here in airport with stolen jewels, the policeman translated in English.

Becky Lynn nodded. I think they are in her bag. She showed the officer a photo of Jennifer from her cell phone. Her name's Jennifer Monet Cotton.

We're so glad to have tourists like you, the officer said.

Just doing my part to make the world a better place, Becky Lynn said. She had a request for the officer. Let's keep this incident between me and you. Don't want folks to be thinking I'm a snitch.

Becky Lynn grabbed her suitcase, walked through the double doors with clenched fists and climbed into a cab. This has been a long time coming.

*****

On the escalator, Jennifer pulled the phone from her purse and called M.L. Honey, we just made it to France.

You're in big trouble, M.L. said Your pal's a jewel thief and might be involving you in some crime.

You're wrong, Jennifer said. She's no criminal. She's my friend.

I'm not, M.L. said. I searched her name on the internet and she's been linked to several heists.

Their phone conversation was cut off by a high sounding alarm echoed through the building, followed with a series of beeps.

I'll call you back, Jennifer said. I can't hear you.

A French policeman immediately recognized Jennifer from the photo and grabbed her arms just as she got off the escalator. Shortly after, her hands were clamped with handcuffs.

What the hell is going on here? she demanded.

The officer offered no comment, but grabbed Jennifer by the arm and escorted her to the elevator to reach the main level.

A sick feeling echoed through Jennifer's soul. What the hell is this? Her husband was right, she realized.

The officer took Jennifer into the Airport's Interrogation room, where she was greeted by three policemen and her suitcase. "Do you know why we retained you?

Under droopy eyes, she spoke sourly. I don't have a clue, enlighten me.

The officer opened her suitcase and found a black bag containing an enormous diamond, just as Becky Lynn had claimed was within. Miss Jennifer Lynn Cotton, you are under arrest for robbery, and smuggling.

Jennifer's heart stalled for a moment and maintained her innocence. I've never seen this diamond until right now. Becky Lynn Tice is the one you should be looking for, I’ve been set up.

The officer didn't believe her. You're the one with the diamond.

She held back a sigh of fear and stifled a hysterical laugh. I can't believe this.

Perspiration stung Jennifer's eyes, as the paparazzi at the airport snapped countless photos of her before they pushed her in a police car. It’s a nightmare.

*****

Worry and disappointment wove through Jennifer's stomach in knots. The officer drove her to the police station, took her photo, processed her fingerprints and exchanged her street clothes for a gray gown with the numbers two-three-five-one-four-six imprinted on the cheap fabric. She was now a criminal.

The officers grilled Jennifer again with hopes to find out who hired her in their interrogation room. Tell us who you're working for.

Jennifer's body twitched in the seat. Her head spun and maintained her innocence. I can't tell you because I have nothing to do with this."

Another officer chimed in. So you're working alone.

Her lips trembled. I don't need money. I have millions. My husband was a quarterback in the NFL. My daddy’s got fifty million.

We're not getting anywhere, the detective growled. The officers escorted Jennifer down