Leonard was lonely. He didn’t have family around him. It wasn’t the mayor’s job to take care of him, but it was Sylvie’s. She was more than a mayor. She was human, and that meant taking care of someone in need.

That was one lesson she hadn’t learned from Tulane. Papillon had taught her that.

“I didn’t kill it.” Justin was frowning as though realizing the situation was more serious than he’d thought before. “I called animal services.”

Well, that told her one thing. “Zep Guidry wouldn’t put down an animal unless it was extremely sick or dangerous. We can call him and have a talk about how he’s going to deal with the . . . with your friend.”

If she’d done one right thing since taking this job, it was to put her best friend’s brother to work. A few months before, she’d taken the advice of Deputy Roxie King and allowed a new department to be formed with Zep at the head. It had cut down on the sheriff’s department having to deal with animal calls. Zep had proven to be an excellent public servant, and the folks around town trusted him.

Leonard’s eyes suddenly had some fire back in them. “Yeah, Zep’s always been a good fellow. He wouldn’t up and murder an innocent animal. Not like this guy.” He stood. “I’ll go down and talk to him about getting Brian somewhere safe.” He frowned Justin’s way. “Since his own home ain’t safe for him anymore.”

Leonard strode out of the room.

Justin turned to Sylvie, a look of complete shock on his face. “What was I supposed to do? I asked him to get rid of the raccoon five times. It’s not sanitary. And it’s nocturnal. The other neighbors were complaining about the noises it made at night. I didn’t rush in and pull it from his arms like I was taking someone’s baby.”

“His wife died before you took over the complex. He’s lonely and he’s stubborn. I’ll call down and let Zep know he’s got a visitor on the way,” Sylvie explained. “I might also encourage him to find a more suitable companion for Leonard. Is there anything in his rental agreement about not allowing pets?”

Justin sat back and sighed. “Dogs and cats are fine as long as the tenant can put down a pet deposit. I’m not running a charity. Those units are my source of income, and even then I have to send half of it to my ex. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset the guy, but he was pretty unreasonable.”