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HE BREATHED IN THE night air. It was springtime and the river carried with it the smell of replenished life. Already, the trees were showing signs of life once again. The pear and redbud trees were in full bloom; their heady fragrance filled the night air. In the distance, he heard an alligator as it made a splash into the water. It was more than likely looking for something to eat or possibly building itself a new nest out of the sticks, sand and river mud that lined the area.
Fog rolled in off of the Mississippi River, somehow obscuring the full moon completely. All that remained was the midnight glow of moisture that permeated the clouds and now flowed effortlessly across the ground. From where he stood, it looked as if skeletal fingers were reaching out to him. He involuntarily stepped back. Without warning, the air temperature dropped and the night life became silent.
The Mafia Prince looked around to make sure no one was lurking about. The wind whipped through the trees, and the branches blew restlessly in the breeze. Even the night seemed to be preparing itself. The moon peeked through the fog and stared down on the plantation as if it was curious.
It was the perfect place to allow Bianca to perform her outside rituals. No one would come near here. This land had belonged to his family for centuries. Once, slaves toiled this land to grow cotton or whatever other crops his family decided to grow. The produce was loaded onto barges that sailed up and down the river and brought right into the port of New Orleans to be sold.
The plantation house was inspired by Greek architecture, with towering columns and more rooms than would ever be used. The house boasted plenty of ornate furniture bought by family members over the years as well as delicate china, crystal chandeliers, antiques and gilt edged wainscoting. An antique dealer would have an orgasm as soon as they entered the home.
As the family’s wealth increased, so did the items in the house. His mom spent money as fast as his dad made it. His dad had a knack for investing money and over the years he’d bought stock in several profitable companies.
His Family ruled this parish with an iron fist over the last century, not only in politics but in employment and sheer brutality. His Family had not always been a wealthy, influential Family, but strove to become one the strongest criminal Families here.
His ancestors were not known to be kind and were feared by many. He planned to change the way things were run. He wanted his enemies to never know he was coming, to hide his crimes from the authorities.
The sound of the drums accompanied by the horns suddenly filled the night air. The eerie sound even had his men on edge.
He watched in awe as Bianca moved up to the shrine. No matter how many times she performed this ritual, her movements kept him mesmerized. Soon, she would make those who crossed him pay. She took each of the tiny dolls in her hands and began her curse.