Saria laughed, dispelling some of the tension. “I’m definitely that wild girl runnin’ the swamps. I love it here. I don’ need a lot of money to be happy here, Bijou.”

Bijou’s smile was faint. “I bought my little club with the hopes that I can draw a crowd. I’m renovatin’ the little apartment above it.”

“You’re planning on livin’ above the club?” Remy nearly came out of his chair, but managed to force himself to stay outwardly calm. Was she insane? Bijou had more money than most in the world, in her own right she was huge in the entertainment business, she’d admitted to death threats and she was going to reside with no security right above the club where she sang.

“I thought it was a good idea,” Saria said, a little frown forming. She knew her brother’s tone. His voice went low and soft and drawled more than ever. “What’s wrong?” She looked from Bijou to Remy for an explanation.

“It’s nothin’, Remy,” Bijou said. “I told you.”

“Just a little matter of death threats,” Remy explained to Saria. “You know, nothin’ serious at all.”

“I don’ appreciate the sarcasm,” Bijou said, her eyes widening. “I don’ recall you bein’ so sarcastic.”

“That’s because you hero-worshipped him when he didn’ deserve it,” Saria pointed out, laughing all over again. “He has a bossy attitude and never lets you forget he’s the one runnin’ the show.”

Color crept up Bijou’s neck into her face. “I did not hero-worship him,” she denied. “He was bossy back then too.”

“There’s a difference between bein’ bossy, which I wasn’t, and bein’ the boss, which I am,” Remy said, in his mild voice. “In any case, worshippin’ me is a good idea. I’m all for it.”

Saria rolled her eyes and laughed, the sound joyful. Remy hadn’t seen Saria for a couple of weeks and he forgot how he felt in her company. She seemed relaxed and happy, her home always open and her smile ready. When had his sister become so different than the wild child he remembered? Sure, she still went her own way, but she was confident, not defiant. He liked being in her company. Her happiness radiated from her, surrounding everyone close to her. Her joy lifted those around her. She was definitely a woman, all grown up, married to a man closer to his age than hers. And she was happy.

“You know you’ll have to stay with me.” Saria turned to Bijou, all serious, her mercurial nature showing. “At least until Remy checks everythin’ out and we know you’re safe. It will be fun,” she added. “I’ve missed you.”

“That’s a good idea,” Remy said. “Make certain I get all of the threats, Blue, anything you have, paper, recordin’s—all of it.”