All That Glitters (Landry 3)

newspaper reporters. None would reveal his or her

sources, but it seemed obvious to both Beau and me

that Gladys Tate's thirst for vengeance was insatiable

and she had deliberately had the story leaked to the

press. It made headlines.

TWIN CLAIMS SISTER BURIED IN HER

GRAVE! CUSTODY BATTLE LOOMS.

Aubrey was given instructions to say we were

unavailable to anyone who called. We would see no

visitors, answer no questions. Until the court hearing,

I was a virtual prisoner in my own home.

On that day, my legs trembling, I clung to

Beau's arm as we descended the stairway to get into

our car and drive to the Terrebone Parish courthouse.

It was one of those mostly cloudy days when the sun

plays peekaboo, teasing us with a few bright rays and

then sliding behind a wall of clouds to leave the world

dark and dreary. It reflected my mood swings, which went from hopeful and optimistic to depressed and

pessimistic.

Monsieur Polk was already at the courthouse,

waiting, when we arrived. The story had stirred the

curious in the bayou as well as in New Orleans. I

gazed quickly at the crowd of observers and saw some

of Grandmere Catherine's friends. I smiled at them,

but they were confused and unsure and afraid to smile

back. I felt like a stranger. How would I ever explain

to them why I had switched identities with Gisselle?

How would they ever understand?

We took our seats first, and then, with obvious

fanfare, milking the situation as much as she could,