We returned to the car, Jason carrying a grocery bag filled with potions Mama had bought from Senora. They were holding hands, jabbering like love-struck teenagers when she noticed my frown.
“What’s the problem? You look as if you’re on your way to the dentist.”
“Sorry. Madam Aja just kicked my last ounce of confidence right out from under me.”
“She told you how to solve your problem.”
“Maybe.”
“Don’t be that way. She’ll summon Baron Samedi tonight at the solstice ceremony. He’ll tell us where to find the portal.”
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Jason said, “What the hell is this solstice ceremony?”
“Madam Marie had a daughter, also named Marie Laveau. She continued her mother’s work long after the first Madam Marie had died. Each year, she’d carry out ritual ceremonies near St. John’s Bayou, on St. John’s Eve and the winter solstice. Thousands of followers would come.”
“There’s been no Winter Solstice ceremony in my lifetime,” I said. “We’ll be the only ones there.”
“Stop it! There will be believers, I promise you.”
“How can you be so sure?” I said.
“It doesn’t matter. Even if no one is there but us, Baron Samedi will give us the answers we need.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“We have to trust Madam Aja. I practice Vodoun, and it’s not the same as voodoo and hoodoo.”
“I don’t know about that,” Jason said, giving her hand an extra squeeze. “You’ve managed to hoodoo me.”
Mama pinched his cheek. “Yes, and I’m going to hoodoo you upside the head if you don’t stop playing around. Wyatt has the blues, and I’m trying to cheer him up.”
“Where is this winter solstice ceremony?” I asked.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Mama will get us there.”
Before reaching her car, I’d already decided to return to Bertram’s on foot. Mama’s nose was slightly out of shape that I had little faith in her driving prowess.
“It’s a beautiful day, and I need the exercise,” I said, hoping to appease her.
Mama frowned. “Whatever. We’ll be at your room around eleven.”
I watched them disappear in a screech of rubber before heading toward the French Quarter. With the Sugar Bowl approaching, Bertram’s was packed. I found Eddie sitting alone at the bar.
“I was wondering where you were,” he said. “I knocked on your door upstairs.”
“Side trip,” I said. “What’s up?”
“I called Adele, and she’s managed to calm Pancho. I thought you might want to come with me and have dinner there later on.”
“Can’t make it tonight. I’m going to a winter solstice voodoo ceremony.”
Eddie stared at me with his mouth open. “You’re a little late. The first day of winter was a week ago.”
“We’re starting a new tradition.”
“Okay, weirdo. Guess I’ll have to go by myself,” he said.
“What about Carla. You two already on the outs?”
“Still thick as thieves. She has a charity bazaar tonight.”
“And while she’s away, you’re going to try to fix yet another busted relationship.”
“Amusing, Cowboy. You should try standup. Adele has Pancho primed for my apology. I’m taking him a bottle of the best brandy the liquor store had. If I don’t go tonight, I’ll end up drinking it myself.”
“Then say hi to them for me. Since I’m probably going to be up the rest of the night, I’m going upstairs for a nap.”
###
Eddie watched as Wyatt disappeared through the crowd. He had a few hours to kill before leaving for Metairie, and during such times, Bertram usually kibitzed with him. Tonight, the Cajun bartender was busy with Lilly Bliss, who hadn’t returned to her hotel since visiting Charity Hospital. The way she and Bertram were mooning behind the bar, it was obvious she had no plans to go there anytime soon.
A drunk banged into Eddie’s stool on his way to the men’s room. He didn’t notice, and Eddie didn’t bother saying anything. He was about to motion Bertram to bring him another drink when Tony Nicosia walked through the front door.
“You still mad?” Tony asked as he sidled up to the bar.
“Hell, you’re the only person here that’ll even speak to me. Pull up a stool. I’ll buy you a drink.”
Tony hesitated. “Looks like someone’s sitting there.”
“When he comes out of the bathroom he won’t remember where he was. Grab his stool and slide his beer down the bar. I’ll scoot over a little.”
Eddie was correct. The man never returned to the bar, walking his tab. Bertram yelled at him, shaking his fist as he wobbled out the door.
“Damn drunks,” he said. “How you doing, Lieutenant?”
“Passable. You, Bertram?”
“Couldn’t be better,” he said with a mile-wide grin.
“Bertram has a new squeeze,” Eddie said.
Bertram nodded and tapped the counter. “And this one may be my last. I think I’m in love.”
Eddie shook his head. “I’ve heard it all before. Better bring the Lieutenant a drink and put it on my tab.”
“Comin’ right up,” Bertram said. “You?”
“Yeah, bring me another. What are you doing out alone on New Year’s Eve?” Eddie asked.
“Trying to tie up a few loose ends on my new case before I go to the house.”
“Then you better hurry before midnight and all hell descends on the French Quarter.”
“Tell me about it. Lil’s waiting with a chilled bottle of champagne. If I don’t get home soon, I’ll be in trouble.”
“Hell, Lieutenant, you stay in trouble. What’s the problem with your new case?”
“I’m having trouble getting traction.”
“If it were easy, everyone would do it,” Eddie said. “Besides, that’s why they pay you the big bucks.”
“Yeah, well this client may just take the big bucks back if I can’t get him some answers.”
“I’m having dinner tonight at Via Vittorio Veneto, the best little Italian restaurant in town. I can’t get anyone to go with me. Come with me and maybe I can help you with your case.”
Tony shook his head. “Dipping kind of deep in the barrel, huh?”
“Don’t get your panties in a wad,” Eddie said. “If I had known you were going to be here I would have asked you first.”
Tony didn’t believe him but decided to keep it to himself. “Lil wouldn’t like it.”
“She will if I can help you break through. You been to Via Vittorio Veneto?”
“Lots of times. Lil and I love the place. It’s even saved our marriage a time or two.”
“Then come with me. Afterwards, you’ll have a straight shot home.”
“You said last night you saw Paco Castalano. Tell me where and I’ll buy.”
“What’s the deal with Paco?”
“A client hired me to do a lost and found. Seems the only person who knows where I can find what I’m looking for is the old man. Problem is he sorta dropped out of sight. My client says he’s dead.”
“He’s as alive as you and me. I wasn’t lying when I told you I talked to him.”
“What business do you have with the old man?”
“My new girlfriend. A mob hanged her grandfather for a murder he didn’t commit. I’m trying to clear his name, and I think Paco Castalano may have the answers.”
“I don’t remember any hangings. Was it a while back?”
“Early forties. A mob broke him out of jail and strung him up. Over in Metairie.”
“Yeah, now I remember hearing about it,” Tony said. “You think Paco had something to do with the murder?”
“He was only a boy when it happened, but I’d almost lay money he knows the killer’s name.”
“Probably right about that,” Tony said.
Almost dark, the place was already starting to rock. When another drunk banged against them, Eddie didn’t bother turning around. Instead, he shook his head and downed his drink.
“After dinner, if you have time, we’ll check out the Havana Club. If we can get by the goons watching him, we can both talk to Paco.”
“Why don’t we just go there now?” Tony said.
“Because I’ve got business at Via Vittorio Veneto.”
“What kind of business?”
“Lieutenant, you’re still the nosiest cop in town.”
“The only way to get answers,” Tony said.
“That’s why I want you with me when I talk to Paco again.”
“Then don’t leave me in the dark. Tell me about it.”
“I’m friends with the family that owns the restaurant, and got crosswise with the old man last time I was there. His daughter has arranged for him to be away from the restaurant. When he shows up and sees me, I’m going to apologize and give him a bottle of expensive brandy. Come go with me. We can help each other on this one.”
Tony glanced at his watch. “Don’t know. Lil’s expecting me.”
“Tell her it’s business. Put me on the phone and I’ll vouch for you. I promise you’re not going to see Paco during the day.”
“I’ll have to get her to feed my dog,” Tony said.
“So?”
“She don’t like him.”
Eddie shook his head again, but this time he was smiling. “Lil wouldn’t let anything go hungry. You know that.”
“Probably not,” Tony said, punching in Lil’s number on his phone.
Eddie listened to the conversation. When Tony hung up, he dialed another number. Eddie couldn’t help but overhear.
“Problems?” he asked.
“Lil’s not happy, but she’ll feed the dog.”
“Good. Who else were you talking to?”
“My client. He wants a rundown on where I’m at in the investigation.”
“Who is this client?”
“Frankie Castalano.”
After motioning Bertram to bring them another drink, Eddie crossed his arms tightly against his chest. On the street outside the bar, Arkansas football fans were calling the hogs, the sound echoing against Bertram’s picture window.
“You kidding me, Lieutenant? You slipped over to the dark side?”
“This is legit. I told you, I’m only trying to find his lost horn. No funny business included.”
“It still looks bad confabbing with New Orleans’ most notorious mob boss,” Eddie said.
“You’re gonna find out,” Tony said, slugging his drink.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“He’s meeting us at Via Vittorio Veneto.”
###
The night had grown chilly, Tony and Eddie glad to be at a warm table inside the Italian restaurant. A flickering candle in the middle of the checkered tablecloth added to the warmth of the dimly lit room. When Adele went into the kitchen, Eddie started in on Tony.
“What kind of bone-headed idea were you thinking of, inviting Frankie Castalano to join us.”
“I’m working, remember? You knew that when you asked me to join you.”
“I just hope no one sees me. I could lose my job because of this.”
“Yeah, and Frankie could get whacked for colluding with the authorities.”
“No one’s colluding here,” Eddie said.
“Then just be cool and pretend you have no idea who he is. If he recognizes you, I’m sure he’ll do the same.”
“What if he’s wired?” Eddie asked.
Tony’s eyes rolled as he glanced at the ceiling. “Hell, dumbass, why would he be wearing a wire? He don’t even know you’re here. Probably wouldn’t care if he did.”
“I think I’m getting mad at you again, Lieutenant,” Eddie said, his arms and legs crossed tightly.
“Sorry, Eddie. I only meant it in the nicest way.”
Adele came out of the kitchen and joined them, ending their bickering for a moment. She gave them each a wine glass and began filling them.
“Eddie, you look angry. Did I do something wrong?”
“You could never do anything wrong to me,” he said. “I didn’t realize you knew Tony.”
Adele patted Tony’s shoulder. “We go way back. Lil and I shop together whenever we got the time. You not mad at Tony, are you?”
“I’ll get over it.”
“Good, cause it’s New Year’s Eve and everybody ought to be happy.”
“And Pancho?”
“Papa’s not back yet, but I have him primed for your apology.”
“And it’ll be a good one, even if I have to get down on my hands and knees.”
Adele kissed his forehead and hurried back into the kitchen. Toni was getting the coats for a departing couple, the restaurant's only other customers. When she opened the door for their exit, Frankie Castalano and a handsome young man entered. Toni seemed all taken with the young man that towered over Castalano. After checking their coats, Frankie glanced around the room, saw Tony, and waved.
“Pull up a chair,” Tony said. “Frankie, this is Eddie.”
If Frankie recognized Eddie, he didn’t admit it and left their introductions at first names only.
“This is my nephew Vincenso. Since I’m a little night blind, Vince drives me when I go out after dark.”
Vince had a full head of dark hair with eyes to match. He was probably mid-twenties and dressed like a GQ runway model. Toni had noticed his chiseled looks and couldn’t stop smiling in his direction. The attraction seemed mutual.
“Frankie, this is Adele. She and her dad Pancho own the restaurant. The lovely young woman at the front door is her daughter, Toni.”
“Family business,” Frankie said after standing and shaking her hand. “I love that. Vince is a senior at L.S.U. majoring in economics. He got my sister’s looks and not mine, thank God.”
“I think you’re very handsome, Frankie,” Adele said. “I hope you enjoy our hospitality tonight.”
“I already am, and from the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen, I’m sorry I didn’t plan to stay for dinner.”
“Maybe I can change your mind,” she said.
Adele flashed him another smile before returning to the kitchen. Vince didn’t notice his chair turned so he could see what Toni was doing.
“You’ve not eaten here?” Tony asked.
“Never had the pleasure,” Frankie said. “I didn’t know you were with somebody.”
“Don’t mind Eddie. He knows about the horn and doesn’t care if we discuss business,” Tony said.
“Good. You found it yet?”
“No, but I’m on it. I did find out your horn wasn’t owned by King Oliver.”
“Oh? How do you know that?”
“I ran into an expert at the Hogan Jazz Archive over at Tulane. He said the horn in your picture was a one-of-kind. He called it an artist’s horn.”
“Then what about the inscription?”
Eddie was listening to every word. “What inscription?” he asked.
“The bell was inscribed with the name King,” Tony said. “Frankie and I both thought the horn was previously owned by jazz legend Joe ‘King’ Oliver. Turns out, it’s a King Silver Tone, one of thousands that were made.”
“Who’s this expert you consulted with?” Frankie asked.
“Jason Fasempaur. Heard of him?”
“You kidding me? The real Jason Fasempaur? He knows more about jazz than anyone alive.”
“That’s a fact,” Tony said. “He’s putting out some traps for us. Meantime, the trail’s a little cold.”
“What next?”
“Your recital made the papers. I have an appointment to look at the Picayune’s files. See if they have any pictures, or names of those who attended. Maybe I’ll get lucky and find someone who remembers seeing the person that brought in the horn.”
“Good. Keep at it, Tony,” Frankie said, slapping his shoulder. “Me and Vince better get going.”
They were starting for the door when Adele appeared from the kitchen with a plate of appetizers.
“You’re not leaving, are you? I made bagna cauda along with fresh veggies and crusty bread to dip it in.”
“Oh my!” Frankie said. “I haven’t had bagna cauda since I was a kid.”
“Your wife doesn’t make it for you?” Adele asked.
“She passed several years ago, may her wonderful soul rest in peace.”
Adele hugged his arm. “I know how you feel. I lost my husband in a rig accident out in the Gulf.”
“How can a pretty lady like you not be married?”
“Guess nobody appreciates my cooking.”
Frankie closed his eyes after dipping a carrot into the bagna cauda and savoring it. “I can’t understand that. This is wonderful.”
“Please don’t go,” she said, squeezing his hand. “I promise this is just the beginning.”
Frankie glanced at his nephew. “Got a hot date you need to get to?”
“I’m here for you, Uncle Frank,” Vince said.
“Okay, then,” Frankie said, returning to his chair. “We’re in your hands, Miss Adele.”
Vince was quick to follow. “I kind of like this place.”
“That ain’t all he likes,” Frankie said, poking Tony. “Makes me wish I was young again.”
“Seems like you’re getting more than your share of attention,” Tony said, poking a piece of cauliflower into the hot bagna cauda.
Adele locked the front door and flipped on the closed sign. Eddie’s frown had finally disappeared as he probed the delicious dip with an asparagus spear. Jazz played in the background, Frankie tapping his fingers to the music.
“Too bad Sinatra never sang a song about New Orleans,” he said.
“Good thing,” Tony said. “We already got all the tourists we can handle. You get a load of the football crazies jamming the Quarter?”
“Same thing every year,” Frankie said. “Good for the economy.”
“Who you betting on to win?” Tony asked.
Eddie didn’t miss Frankie’s next statement, but tried not to be conspicuous.
“No business tonight,” Frankie said. “I’m enjoying myself way too much.”
Their attention quickly turned to the kitchen. Adele was bickering with Pancho as she pushed him through the door. His frown spoiled the lines of his usually smiling face, and he didn’t see anyone else at the table until he glanced up at Eddie. He gasped when he saw Frankie Castalano, his eyes rolling as he slumped to the floor in a heap.