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A mansion should never feel crowded. As far as rooms, my nice Garden District mansion wasn’t packed by any means. But it wasn’t about space.
Having seven adults, more or less, living under one roof—no matter how big that roof was—caused tension. Toss in a few angels who only I could see and my world was a more chaotic than normal.
The itch of change was all around. I still felt like the clueless Chicago girl who came to New Orleans and inherited this mansion and my grandmother’s legacy. In the battle of good and evil I’d lost some innocents, including my brother. Only recently had I accumulated some enemies who weren’t in jail or dead.
That was what I thought about when I got annoyed with all of my roomies. They were on my side, if nothing else.
Matt Weathers, a police detective who’d lost his mother, stood in my kitchen cooking breakfast with his boyfriend, Gunnar. My muscled assistant who used to be a stripper and before that a cop, Gunnar was younger and cute. It still surprised me that he and Matt were an item, largely because I’d known Matt for years and he’d kept his secrets well until his mother died.
Mary Lou Weathers came downstairs, my newest roomie and friend from across the street, in a fancy suit and heels. She was a former beauty queen and Matt’s sister-in-law who was divorcing her cruel hubby, Lance. I felt like a frump next to her. I was a jeans and T-shirts girl. My thick black hair was pulled into a ponytail. I had earrings in, makeup on, and for some reason had chosen my old alligator boots today.
“Morning,” Mary Lou said.
“Hi,” I replied.
“Deanna, you really need to upgrade your wardrobe,” Mary Lou said.
I smiled. “I’m good.”
She was just looking for a project where she felt in control.
Greg came down next. My old pal in the fight, Greg was an ex-priest who chose to fight evil more directly than the Catholic church permitted. Everyone puttered around with coffee and breakfast food. The kitchen was the only room that had been remodeled into the current century. It had modern appliances and a butcherblock island along with a matching table that could seat six.
“No Ivy and Brody yet?” Greg asked.
I shook my head. Ivy was a drag queen who dressed with more style than most women, but then she also ran a drag club, so why not? Her boyfriend, Brody, was more gender fluid because he worked a job where so many sequins might not be appropriate.
“We still on for dinner?” Mary Lou asked.
“Yep, unless Paul has an emergency,” I replied.
Mary Lou had been trying to do couple things. She and Greg—well, that was a long story—but they were more or less dating again as she went through her divorce. I was still dating Paul, though business and pleasure weren’t supposed to mix.
“Ivy and Brody coming?” Greg asked.
“I think it’s their six-month anniversary. They’re going out alone,” I replied.
“We can double date with them another time,” Mary Lou said with a big smile.
Greg shot me a look of doubt. Double date. I had to agree, we were all over thirty—some more than others, Gunnar being the only exception still in his twenties. Double dating seemed like something younger people did, but whatever.
“How about you and Gunnar?” Mary Lou asked Matt.
Matt turned three shades of red. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. So public and couple-y.”
“It’s New Orleans.” I rolled my eyes.
“I’m covering for Ivy at the club because of the anniversary thing.” Gunnar solved the anxious moment with his usual calm and diplomatic ease.
Mary Lou bit into a piece of toast. “I won’t give up.”
Greg shook his head at her. “Give it time.”
I was all for Matt being out and proud but had to agree with Greg. Mary Lou could be pushy. She was eager to put her bad marriage behind her yet she glommed onto Greg like she didn’t want to be alone. I had the opposite problem. I was so used to being alone that having Paul around so much—well, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Can I talk to you in the other room about that case?” Greg said.
“Why can’t we hear?” Mary Lou stomped her expensive heel on my ceramic tile floor. I really did need to redo the floors in the house. At least have the tile pulled up and matching hardwood laid down.
“The more people who know details about demons, the more they’ll mess with you to get to us,” I added.
We walked through the living room to the sunroom in the back. There was a door we could slide closed.
“What case?” I asked.
Greg sighed. “I have a new one. A little church being run out of someone’s home. People are saying it’s not a cult, exactly, but they are marrying off girls young. They get parental signatures but there are issues with them casting out what they call demons using torture techniques.”
“Matt knows about this?” I asked.
“I told him but no one will press charges. They say it’s religious rites. A family left the church and a friend of theirs brought it to my attention. The family is safe but fear demonic curses or other attacks if they report them. They were in the church willingly and no on stopped them when they wanted to leave. But I need to check it out,” he said.
I nodded. “Are they in a safe church now?”
“Our mutual friend runs a Catholic church that is a bit unique. The bishop isn’t a huge fan but the people like it. No collections. No pressure. Volunteering is encouraged. You don’t have to be a member to have a funeral or wedding. I wish I’d had the courage to rebel like this guy did,” Greg said.
“Going back to the priesthood? You don’t have to date Mary Lou,” I stated the obvious.
Greg folded his arms and shrugged. “I care about her but she’s not letting herself get out of the marriage. I know it was over a while ago but she has to deal with the fallout. I don’t think I could go back to the priesthood. I’m glad there is a church working this way now, though.”
“If you need to step away from Mary Lou, move out. Put the distance there. You can blame the case,” I said.
“Let me do the recon on this weird little church first. You have a reputation around this city and someone might recognize you.”
“Sure. I need to keep an eye on that vampire bar anyway. I had the worst feeling there.” I shuddered.
“I drove by yesterday and it was closed. Maybe that’s taken care of.” Greg smiled.
“Good. Take Gunnar with you to the weird little church. Someone needs to watch your back just in case.” I pointed a finger at him.
“I can take Matt instead.”
I frowned. “I don’t think he’s in a place to help you handle Mary Lou. He lost his mom and now he’s in the middle of his brother and Mary Lou’s divorce. Don’t make it worse for him.”
“Just looking for a little advice,” Greg replied.
I noticed a draft coming from the old sliding door. This old mansion was well made but I needed to think about some repairs. The old Spanish tiles were in good shape except for a few cracks here and there.
“Are you listening to me?” Greg asked.
Tapping my heel on the tile, I tested it. “Not really. You’ve known Mary Lou longer than you’ve known me. Nothing Matt says will change how you feel or how she feels. Maybe you need time. Maybe you two won’t work out. I don’t know. But this isn’t something you can decide by majority vote.”
Greg sighed. “I see. You don’t care what we think of Paul?”
I patted his arm. “I care that he’s nice to you guys. That you or Ivy or anyone don’t see big red flags that I’m missing. But we’re relatively new.”
“You don’t think he’s interested in you because of your gifts?” Greg asked.
I shook my head. “He’s already seen firsthand how much trouble they can be. More of a responsibility than some fictional superhero’s powers. Now if you see him kissing another woman, taking candy from a baby or kicking a puppy—I want to know ASAP.”
“What about if he’s kissing a guy?” Greg teased.
“Definitely, I want to watch and then dump him. I can’t share.” I winked and chuckled at the idea.
“I doubt that’ll be a problem. He’s crazy about you.”
“That’ll probably wear off. It usually does.” I wasn’t much of a dater. My life got messy and crazy fast and that turned a lot of guys off. Some men couldn’t handle that they weren’t number one. Only time would show if Paul could handle it and wanted to stick around.
“Don’t assume it’ll go badly. You might be surprised.” Greg looked out at the garden.
“Life is full of surprises. I’m going to check with Lester and see what he knows about the vampire bar closing and I’ll take Matt. You take Gunnar to that church.” I checked on the garden as well. It was less colorful in winter but still pretty. “I miss snow.”
Greg smirked. “You can always hope. It’s rare but it happens.”
“Not like home,” I said.
“Is Chicago home or here?” Greg asked.
I’d been struggling with that since my brother got sick and I moved back north for a while. I found I’d missed New Orleans.
“It’s the holiday hangover. At the holidays home is always where you grew up and waited for Santa. Here is home now. I’m wearing alligator boots, think that proves it.” I didn’t have normal people problems. I had life and death problems involving demons and angels.
Greg nodded. “Good to know. I’ll grab Gunnar and start the recon. Don’t spend too much time with Lester. He’s creepy.”
“Creepy. He thinks he’s my nemesis or something. He’s tapped into the evil side of this city. Not a bad resource. Better to keep tabs on him than ignore him.” I opened the back door.
Greg stepped away. “Need a coat.”
“It’s like fifty degrees outside. Wimp,” I stepped out on the back porch and let the cool fresh air wake me up a little.
“See you at dinner,” he called.
“Unless you cancel,” I replied.
He mumbled something in reply. I didn’t mind double dating. I loved Greg and Mary Lou, but she was so chirpy and eager lately, it was like she was hiding something. Ignoring her fears or whatever. She was a lot to take. In time, she’d calm down. She had to.
Matt drove to Lester’s place and I tried hard not to bug him with questions.
“You’re quiet. Everything okay?” he asked.
I smiled. “Yeah. I was going to ask you that.”
He chuckled. “I want to figure stuff out with Gunnar before I go public much. You know, the age difference and everything.”
“As long as you two are happy.” I shrugged. “I’m more worried about your family drama. Lance is really upset and Mary Lou is trying to move on super-fast. It feels surreal. And that’s your family.”
Matt stared at the road and cleared his throat. “I’m trying to stay out of it.”
“Harder when you live in the same house as Mary Lou. If you need more space, I’d understand. I like having everyone around but healing takes time. Too many people around might derail it,” I said.
“My mom passed. She lived a good long life. That grief will take its time. Mary Lou and Lance are here and alive. I know their marriage is a mess and I hope they can detangle their lives and both be happy.” Matt sighed.
“Sounds good. Still hurts. Maybe you and Gunnar should take a little trip. Florida or something. Get away,” I suggested.
“Trying to get rid of us?” Matta asked.
“Not at all. I just can’t imagine being in the middle like you are. Lance’s always been kind of a jerk to me. Doesn’t mean I think Mary Lou is perfect or totally right. Their marriage was always odd to me.” I shuddered as Matt parked the car outside of Lester’s occult store. “You never take a vacation and if you’re worried about being too public with Gunnar, well, you two could hit South Beach or somewhere else where no one will blink if you’re making out. Not that anyone would care here but you’re a middle-aged detective and coming out might get you more attention than you want—good or bad.”
“I’ll think about it. Why isn’t Gunnar here with you?” Matt asked.
We stepped out of the SUV and I revved up whatever supernatural strength I had. “Lester knows Gunnar. He’s not as familiar with you. You have a badge and a gun. Never hurts to rattle some cages. Greg is checking out a new case. A cop poking around might freak them out. Too much too soon. Problem?” I teased.
Matt shook his head. “No problem. Just let me know if you want me to scare the crap out of this guy. Good cop or bad cop?”
“Good, for now. But flash the badge and keep him off balance.” I led the way.
It was oddly comforting to know Amy was tagging along. My guardian angel was extremely quiet, but she never left my side. Luckily, I could block her out if I felt like I was being stalked.
I opened the door and felt the evil take three steps back. Lester had powers but they didn’t come from the same place mine did. Demons were sneaky and creepy but nothing Lester had was able to overpower me. Lester stood behind the counter without a reaction. His angled features and calm demeanor were familiar.
“Dr. Oscar. So nice to see you. And you brought a police friend. Have I broken some law?” Lester asked.
“I’ll hear any confessions.” Matt hitched up his belt.
“I’ll save that for the priest friend of hers.” Lester sipped from a travel mug. “What brings you by?”
“I heard that vampire bar is closed. Any news?” I asked.
Lester shrugged. “Changed hands. It’ll reopen. It always does. Something happens, it closes and someone else buys it. New name and it starts over again.”
“Something happens like a death?” Matt strolled up and leaned on the counter.
Lester smugly scrunched his nose like he was thinking. “No, not often. More like a trend shifts. Vampires are good. Eternal, no pun intended. But it gets old. The kids and young adults want a new game to play. They find somewhere else to go. The club attendance drops and the place closes until they come up with another name and theme. Or it changes hands. Nothing sinister.”
“You’re sure?” I asked.
“I can’t speak to the intentions of the new owner. It’s not me, I didn’t buy it. I’m sure you’ll be at the opening to check it out. I do hope there is much less obvious vampire behavior. I don’t like open wounds and blood.”
“A lot of infection and disease transfer opportunities,” I agreed.
“And wasted power. Blood magic is powerful but they’re just sucking it down like a kinky beverage.” Lester frowned.
“Gross.” Matt looked around at the offerings in the shop far off any beaten path.
“Evil.” I shot Lester a look.
“I’m not selling spells or conjuring. Nothing. Every spell or potion is DIY from now on. I swear.” Lester held up his hands.
“The people and powers you serve lie so I’ll just have to keep checking on you.” I let myself soak in the truth of Lester’s actions and the happenings of the shop. He wasn’t lying this time.
Lester was playing nice and keeping a low profile for now.
“You work here alone?” Matt asked.
“No, I have some part-time help now and then. I don’t cater to tourists. My stuff is all real and not for amusement or souvenirs. You must seek me out for this stuff. Plenty do. Business is good.” Lester smiled.
“I never see anyone here,” I replied.
“You come only when the sun is high. The darkness reveals more than the light when it comes to what I peddle.” Lester looked me in the eye.
The man was shameless.
“If that’s an invitation, I can come back around midnight. Might hurt your business, though,” I teased.
“You’d triple my business and up the word of mouth a million times. If people think you think I’m a threat, I’ll be a rich man,” Lester said.
Matt snickered. “So we won’t be back.”
“No. Not unless Lester gets out of line and we have to recheck our balanced truce, right?” I nodded to Lester.
“Of course. I’m happy with the way things are. I’ll see you at the opening of that club, I’m sure.”
The phone rang and Lester turned to answer it.
“Sure, bye,” I said.
Lester waved as Matt and I exited the small building.
“That is one creepy guy,” Matt said.
We took a brief walk around the building then got back into the SUV.
“I know. I just like to keep tabs on him,” I said.
“He’s mid-level. Mojo but not big time. The real dark players won’t hang out a shingle,” Matt said.
“True, but I’m not sure I’m strong enough to bring down the big players of evil yet. Not alone. Not now. He’s a link to them. I’m not even sure my fight is to take them down. Like the club, they’ll just resurface with another name or face. My job always has been to keep humans safe. Stop the evil hurting them. We all have a role to play.” I looked out the window and spotted Amy flying alongside the car. She didn’t want to ride inside with us?
“You do what you need to do. But I have faith in you. You could take on the armies of evil around here,” Matt said.
“I’d need an army of angels but if that fight comes, I’m sure the angels will, too. I wish it were that easy. One big fight. Life isn’t that simple,” I said.
“Nope. Hell is on Earth.” Matt flipped the radio station to something about sports.
“Sorry to ruin the dream but Hell is not here. It is much worse than anything you’ve ever dreamed of.” I’d only sensed Hell from Heaven’s waiting area but the vibrations alone made me want to flee.
“Oh well. I wonder what Charlie Manson’s hell is like,” Matt pondered.
“A void. No mirrors. No reporters. No attention of any kind. Just a black void away from people and away from God.” I shook off the chill. “Just guessing. I’ll ask Gran next time I visit.”
“What just happened there?” Matt asked.
“No clue but I’m not dwelling on it right now.” I had a lot of powers. Some were always advancing, even in little ways. Had I just channeled the view of someone in Hell? I didn’t like that.
“Well, let’s get you home. Big double date tonight,” Matt teased.
“I wish you’d join us. Poor Paul.” I pulled out my phone and texted him to ground myself and get my head out of the spooky eerie places.
“Sorry, but I do like your idea about a vacation,” Matt said as he listened to the Saints game on the radio. I could tell him how the game would end but why ruin his good time?