Chapter 9

“We can walk to the cemetery from here,” Kendra said parking her red Mustang in the shade by the Basin Street Station.

Deanne glanced up at the four-story former railroad building. “They did a great job restoring it, didn’t they?”

Loren nodded. “It makes a wonderful welcome center for the tourists.”

“Speaking of tourists, how are we going to talk to Marie with all the cemetery tours passing through?” Kendra asked.

“I thought of that.” Loren said. “Perhaps we can persuade Marie to leave her tomb for a while and go to a more secluded part of the cemetery.”

Deanne snorted. “Good luck. I keep telling her she has to stop pulling women’s hair and making things fly around, but she says people come to see the voodoo queen, and she’s going to give them a show.”

“We’re just going to have to do our best,” Kendra said. “Come on, let’s go before it gets much later.”

Bordered by Basin, St. Louis, Conti, and Treme Streets, just north of the French Quarter, St. Louis Number One was opened in 1789. Over two centuries of New Orleans legend are buried there.

The girls followed the brick wall to the cemetery gate. Once inside, Loren rubbed the chill from her arms. “I don’t care if it’s day or night, this place gives me the willies.”

Kendra nodded. “I agree. Even though I see ghosts all the time, there’s something about this cemetery that creeps me out.”

They made their way along the uneven pavement, down rows of crumbling tombs and well-kept mausoleums. A man in a Victorian frock coat and striped trousers tipped his top hat to them as they passed. The Creole gentleman, Bernard de Marigny, shot craps with a few of the other residents, while Paul Morphy sat at his chess board waiting for a game.

“No wonder they call this the City of the Dead,” Deanne said. “There’s as much going on in here as there is on Bourbon.”

“There’s Marie’s tomb,” Loren said. “And that tour group is leaving.”

The tomb was covered with scrawled brick-red ‘X’s and the rotting remains of a couple of chickens, left as sacrifices by believers. “What you three doing here?” Marie asked as the girls approached.

“Kendra needs your help,” Deanne said.

Marie Laveau, as beautiful in death as she’d been in life, stood proudly, her yellow seven-pointed tignon covering her head. An embroidered shawl was draped across her shoulders and trailed down her long black dress.

When Marie turned toward her, Kendra felt shaken by a powerful force. Suddenly she was afraid. Marie’s presence had never affected her this way before. “Marie, what is it? What do you see?”

“I see nothing that concerns you. You girls go home and leave it be.”

Kendra bit her lower lip. “It’s Jared, isn’t it? Has Philippe put him in danger?”

Marie’s mouth formed a thin line. “The boy can take care of himself. Now, you leave him alone, and let him do what he need to do.”

Kendra took a step forward. “Please, I need to know he’s all right.”

Marie’s features hardened. “He has a job to do and he’s doing it. He does not need you getting’ in the way. That’s all I’ll say.” She narrowed her eyes. “You do what I tell you and stay out of it.”

“But, Marie, can’t you tell us anything?” Deanne asked.

“For the last time, I said all I have to say. You three get. If I think there is something you should know, I will send for you.”

As they turned to go, Kendra hesitated. “Marie, do you know a female ghost who speaks with an island accent, and wears shell earrings and a flowered dress?

Marie nodded.

“If you see her, will you tell her I’d like to speak with her?”

Again, she nodded.

The girls thanked Marie and left. When they were out of sight, a filmy figure appeared next to Marie. She wore a snowy white tignon and a long, flowered dress.

“You t’ink we’re going to have trouble with those t’ree?” Taneen asked.

“Kendra needs to get her mind on something besides the boy. I’m afraid she will interfere and distract him.”

“Dere bad trouble ahead. He don’ need her pesterin’ him.”

“What do you say we calm her down and get her mind on something else.”

“I don’t tink it will last, but we can try.” Taneen smiled and the two women grasped hands.

A short while later, Kendra, Loren, and Deanne stood on St. Phillip Street studying the narrow front of the building that would become their new business. A large picture window sat to the right of the recessed entrance with an adjacent door leading to the apartment above. A wrought iron balcony stretched across in front of French doors set in the pale brick walls.

“I love it already,” Kendra said. “I can’t wait to start fixing it up.”

Deanne gave her a quizzical look before saying, “I agree. It’s great. But would you like to tell me how you’ve gone from frantic worry over Jared to Miss Mary Sunshine?”

Kendra frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Girl, when we stopped for coffee after leaving the cemetery you were so upset you were practically in tears. Now you’re all smiles.”

Kendra opened her mouth and closed it. Deanne was right. She no longer felt it was critical for her to find Jared. Was it her intuition kicking in telling her he was safe? In the past, it had never let her down. She had to believe it was right again. “I don’t know. Suddenly I’m no longer afraid for Jared.”

Loren gave her a quick hug. “See, I told you everything would be fine.” She placed the key in the lock and flung open the door. “Ta-da,” she sang as she twirled across the empty room, her gauzy skirt skimming across the cream and dark green tile floor.

Kendra smiled while Deanne rolled her eyes.

“Isn’t it perfect?” Loren beamed. “We can put shelving for the soaps, lotions, shampoos, and candles along the back wall.” Her silver bracelets sparkled as she pointed. “Bins for the crystals and herbs over there and a display case here in the middle for the blown-glass figurines and jewelry. Tiered stands for the pottery. And shelving next to the cash register for tarot cards, wands, cauldrons, chalices, and things like that.”

“Girl, take a breath,” Deanne said with a laugh. “You’re making my head spin.”

Loren’s cheeks turned pink. “Sorry. As you can tell, I’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

Kendra, who’d been circling the perimeter, stopped next to Loren. “I like it. What about you, Deanne?”

“The space is great, and I like Loren’s layout, but I’m picturing a few additions.”

“That’s fine. I was just throwing out some ideas,” Loren said.

“What about a mural on the ceiling depicting some Gods or Goddesses,” Deanne suggested.

“Yes,” Kendra agreed. “And how about separating the displays along the walls with murals of Wiccan holidays?” She turned to Loren. “You’re our artist. Can it be done?”

Loren bit her lower lip in thought. “I think so. I’ll do some sketches, and we’ll see how they look.”

“Can we go upstairs as well?” Kendra asked.

“Sure. The entrance is outside next to the store.” They climbed a slightly narrow, encased stairway and stopped at a thick wood door at the top.

When she stepped into the apartment, Kendra instantly fell in love. From the stair landing, hardwood floors led across the narrow living area to double French doors leading onto the balcony. To the right, a small snack bar with two tall stools divided the kitchen from the living room. To her left were a bedroom and adjoining bath.

She pictured the warm tones she’d paint the walls. The scenes of New Orleans she’d hang and the furniture she’d purchase. In a month the lease on her apartment was up, and she was planning on moving into Jared’s rooms at the hotel. This idea hadn’t thrilled her, but she thought she’d try it until they could come up with the money for a down payment on a place of their own. Now here was a place for just the two of them, a place to begin their lives.

“Like I said, we could get furniture, dishes, bedding and essentials from our folks or thrift shops.” Loren’s voice interrupted Kendra’s mental decorating. “But I think we could make it really cute.”

Kendra glanced toward Deanne trying to gauge her feelings about the apartment. Unable to wait, she asked, “Well, Deanne what do you think?”

“It’s nice, but to tell you the truth, since I mostly work late at my parents’ bar, it’s convenient to just walk down the street to the house. This would be quite a distance from Treme. Your mother’s ghost tours are here. It would make more sense for you to take the apartment.”

Kendra cocked her head. “You’ve been talking about moving out of your parents’ house and getting your own place.”

Deanne nodded. “For now, living at home helps me save money. Besides, we all know you weren’t excited about moving into the hotel. And if the blue-eyed devil shows back up, this would be perfect for you two.”

Kendra couldn’t hold back the sob that suddenly filled her throat. What if she was wrong, and he wasn’t on his way back? What if there never was a marriage?

“Honestly, Deanne, look what you’ve done.” Loren hurried to put her arm around Kendra.

“Damn, I’m sorry. It just slipped out. I didn’t mean to mention the jerk.”

Kendra sniffed. “It’s okay, Loren. Deanne’s right, he is a jerk.”

Deanne threw up her hands. “Finally, she sees the light.”

“Yes, well, don’t get too excited,” Kendra said, as she wiped her eyes. “He might be a jerk, but he’s my jerk, and I still love him. And I still believe he’s coming back.”

“If that’s what you believe, we believe it, too. Don’t we, Deanne?”

“Sure, okay, whatever. Now, I think we should go somewhere for a drink to celebrate our new business. In case we celebrate too much, Loren can be our DD for the night.”

Loren frowned. “Why am I always the designated driver?”

“Because you’re responsible, level-headed, and practical.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, you make me sound like I’m a boring lump.”

Deanne grinned. “You’re not boring. You just know how to keep Kendra and me out of trouble.”

“I take it this means you’re coming back to the cottage with us?”

Deanne nodded. “I don’t have to be back to work until Tuesday, so I figured I’d hang with you two again tonight.”

“Great,” Loren said. “The Lafitte bar is just down the street. Let’s go there.” She turned to where Kendra was busily inspecting the kitchen cabinets. “Is that okay with you?”

“Sure, that’s fine. You know, there’s more space in these cabinets than I thought. And the stove and refrigerator are in good shape.”

Deanne grinned. “She’s already playing house. Come on, Suzy Homemaker, let’s go. I’m thirsty.”

As Kendra grabbed her purse, her cell phone rang. “Oh, my God, I’ll bet it’s Jared.” She scrambled around in her large bag. “Shit. Where is the damn thing?” She tossed items onto the counter. “Here it is. Hello?”

Her expression switched from excitement to disappointment as soon as she heard her mother’s voice. To Deanne and Loren she mouthed, not him. “Oh, hi, Mom. Yes, I’m all right. Yes, I’m with Loren and Deanne.” She swallowed hard. “No, I haven’t heard from Jared since yesterday. Mom, all I know is he went after Philippe. I’m sure he’ll tell me everything when he gets back. No, I don’t know when that will be, but I have a feeling it will be soon. She wrapped her fingers around her gold unicorn for reassurance. “Yes, of course the wedding is still on. Why wouldn’t it be? No, I don’t know when. Mom, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with the women of the coven calling.” Kendra gritted her teeth. She understood her mother was upset, but emotionally she couldn’t handle her questions right now. “Mom, I have to go. I’ve decided to stay with Loren for a few days. I’ll call you as soon as I hear from him. I love you.”

She disconnected the call. “Jared had better be on his way home, or my mom is going to make me crazy,” Kendra said with agitation. “She says the phone is constantly ringing from people wanting to know what’s happening.”

Deanne snorted. “I’ll bet he hasn’t even considered how much turmoil his running off has caused.”

Kendra strode back and forth across the small kitchen. Her earlier assurance Jared was all right and heading home was beginning to fade, replaced by fear and anxiety. “Damn it, why hasn’t he called or texted me back?” She rummaged around in her bag until she found a small crystal ball and set it on the counter. “You know, we could always try again and see if we can find where he is.”

“I still can’t believe you carry that damn ball around in that bottomless bag of yours,” Deanne said. “But as long as you have it, let’s use it.”

“He’s probably increased his privacy charm to the point it’s impossible to break,” Kendra said.

“The three of us broke through before. We can do it again,” Loren said.

Kendra held her unicorn tighter as they placed three fingers of their right hand on the ball and together said,

“Pierce the barrier, and let us see

the place in which Jared might be.

If he’s far, or if he’s near,

Show us his face strong and clear.

As we will, so mote it be.”

The mist in the ball parted, closed, parted, then swirled faster and faster.

“Did you see something?” Loren asked.

“I’m not sure,” Deanne replied.

“I thought I saw a boat,” Kendra said. “Did you see it?”

The mist swirled, parted, and swirled some more.

“I definitely saw water,” Loren added.

“What’s that?” Deanne pointed.

They watched as once again the mist parted.

Kendra’s pulse quickened and she concentrated harder. “It could be some kind of pier or dock.”

“Who’s that?” Loren asked.

For a second, the image cleared to reveal a pretty, dark-haired woman smiling as she took Jared’s hand, then nothing but the mist.

Except for the clip-clop of a horse-drawn carriage passing on the street below, the room was silent. Loren stepped toward Kendra. “I think you should sit down.”

Kendra could feel each beat of her racing heart. Her breath came in shallow gasps as her entire body shook. Scarlet spikes of energy shot all around her. “The no-good, lying, cheating, witch bastard,” she managed to say between gritted teeth as she snatched up the crystal ball.

“Loren, duck,” Deanne yelled as Kendra reared back and hurled the ball over their heads. Before it could hit the wall, Deanne waved her hand and it slowly dropped to the floor. “Nice throw,” Deanne said. “Too bad it wasn’t the prick’s head.”

Kendra, trembling from head to toe, barely registered what she’d done, her brain and body numb with the pain of Jared’s betrayal.

Loren placed a shield around herself to protect her from the spikes of energy as she gave Kendra a slight shake. “Kendra, do you hear me? Stop it. Look at me.” Loren shook her harder.

“She’s either going to hyperventilate or blow a fuse from an excessive energy charge if we don’t bring her around,” Deanne said. “You’re the healer. Do something.”

Loren flicked her wrist and a small vial appeared. She held Kendra’s chin and placed the vial under her nose.

As the pungent smell filled her nostrils, Kendra instinctively pulled her head back. Coughing and taking deep breaths, she gazed at her two friends through watery eyes. “What the hell was that?”

“Ammonia,” Loren replied. “I’m sorry. Not very magical, but it’s all I could think of.”

Kendra wiped her face with the back of her hand, took deep breaths, and focused on controlling her power. Slowly the spikes of energy decreased then faded. “Thanks, I think.”

“You scared the crap out of us, Brunhilda,” Deanne said. “We’ve never seen you like that. You looked like a fourth of July sparkler.”

“Sorry. I’ve never felt such anger or hurt. All I wanted to do was scream and hit something.”

“Well, you’ve got a good arm on you,” Deanne stated. “I’ll bet the Braves would hire you as their star pitcher.”

Kendra turned to where the crystal ball lay on the floor. “Did I damage anything?”

“No, Deanne stopped it before it hit the wall,” Loren said.

“Thanks.” Kendra pulled out one of the bar stools and sat with her head in her hands. She tried desperately to hold back tears. “This can’t be happening. How could he do this to me? I thought he loved me as much as I loved him. Was our entire time together a lie? If he didn’t want to marry me, why not just tell me? Why make up the story about Philippe?”

Loren picked up the crystal ball and set it back on the counter. “You know we might be jumping to conclusions. And before you say anything, Deanne, hear me out.”

Deanne nodded.

“Okay, let’s think about what we saw. Jared, a boat, water, and some woman. There could be a logical explanation for all of it. This seems to me a perfect scenario for a misunderstanding. This is why people shouldn’t poke around in other people’s business without knowing the facts.”

“I hate to agree with you and give Jared any leeway, but you’re right,” Deanne said. “There was nothing but a jumble of images. The water could have been anywhere and the woman some innocent stranger.”

Kendra sat up straight and brushed the tears from her cheeks. “I see what you both are saying, and I agree. Until Jared tells me to my face he doesn’t love me anymore, I’m not going to believe he’s left me. So, let’s go get us that drink. I definitely could use one.”