by Lily Wallis
© Lily Wallis – 2020
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.
Disclaimer
Some characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
This book contains situations that may not be suitable for all audiences.
Prequel
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Epilogue – Theroux
Prequel
The ring of the bell at the front door lets me know that she has arrived. Sitting back in my chair, I exhale deeply, and close my eyes. My dear sweet child, your fate was sealed as soon as you stepped foot into my parlor. The journey that lies ahead is one you would never imagine possible. Many believe that spirits do not exist, but I can assure you, they do.
Opening my eyes, I begin to prepare the table, lighting candles, and placing a deck of cards in front of me. Though I have never met this young woman, I know the path she will take, and where it leads. It is the same path so many others have followed, the missing ones. They come to New Orleans for a good time, to explore the history, even eager to summon spirits, not at all knowing how dangerous it can be. In the last five years there has been an influx of missing persons, all between the ages of eighteen to thirty. Though the majority have been women, some men have also disappeared, never to be found again. The police have no leads, and the missing are gone without a trace. I know where they are, and I know where they will remain. Even with my knowledge, I will never say a word, for no one actually believes a mambo.
The footsteps come closer, and my soul awakens.
“Come in my child,” I say, looking straight ahead. “Don’t be afraid.”
“Sorry. I’ve never done this,” she replies, looking uneasy.
“I know,” I reply. “Come my dear, have a seat.”
Still weary, she walks over to me and her hand touches the top of the chair. Looking into her eyes, I see an innocence, a purity that would love to be overtaken.
“Just relax. Take a deep breath.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” she says as she finally sits down.
“What is your name, my child?” I ask as if I don’t know.
“Violet.”
“Violet. Like the delicate flower. You are not from around here,” I begin.
“No, I’m just on vacation. I’m from Florida.”
“Ah, a beautiful place,” I comment, and she gives me a little smile.
“Not as beautiful as New Orleans,” she chuckles.
It doesn’t take long for her to find the comfort to share tiny aspects of her life that I already knew. There is a reason I choose to have her divulge instead of me surprising her with the details. It is the LOA’s command, and I dare not go against his will.
“What is it that brought you here, Violet?”
“Well,” she begins. “I know Voodoo is big here, so I guess curiosity. I want to experience everything I can while I’m here.”
“What do you know of Voodoo?”
“Not much,” she admits. “Sticking pins in dolls, that you pray to your own God, that’s about as far as my knowledge goes.”
“Well,” I chuckle. “We believe in a good God, also known as Bondye. He is the creator and highest principle in the universe. We also have LOA’s, sprits that act as intermediaries between our God and the human world.”
“Voodoo is a religion then?” Violet asks.
“It is. Though it is different from what you may be accustomed to. It is a religion connected to spirits, nature, and our ancestors. You are Christian?”
“I’m nothing really,” she admits. “I’ve never believed in God.”
“A lost soul,” I say. “Maybe you haven’t found what you are searching for.”
“I don’t know what I’m searching for.”
“That is why you are here,” I grin. “To hopefully find your way.”
“I don’t want to be disrespectful to your beliefs, but I always thought this kind of thing was some sort of a gimmick.”
“Yet you were shaking with fear when you entered this room.”
“Well,” she begins. “Umm…”
“Let me ask you, if you feel that this is just a gimmick, why would you pay $75 to come see me?”
“I don’t know,” she admits, getting more and more uneasy.
“What made you choose my place?”
“I was having dinner at a restaurant down the street last night, and I fell into conversation with a group of people that recommended you.”
“Because I am the queen of Voodoo, my child,” I grin. “After your conversation, you became curious, didn’t you?”
“I guess so,” she says. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”
As Violet shifts in her chair, I grab onto her wrist, startling her. I can see a bead of sweat run down the right side of her temple, along with the goosebumps covering that beautiful ivory skin. Her heartbeat acts as a drum in my head. This is not a gimmick to her at all.
“Please stay, we haven’t even started.”
“It’s ok. I think I changed my mind. I know there are no refunds, but it’s ok.”
“Let me tell you something, Violet. I will give you what you have paid for, and if you still have your doubts, I will refund you two thirds of what you have paid. You just have to be honest. What do you say?”
“I,” she begins, pausing to think for a moment.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, my dear. You’re already here, you may as well stay.”
“Ok,” she says, clearly shaking.
“Think about it, if you believe it to be just a gimmick, nothing will happen to you,” I say, and she starts to relax.
Releasing her wrist, she sits back in the chair as I pick up the deck of cards and begin to shuffle. Her eyes move from my hands to some of the objects sitting on the table. The skulls, the feathers, the beads, the candles…
“You visited a plantation yesterday,” I say, and her eyes widen. “You were amazed to see such a place, correct?”
“Yes,” she replies. “It was gorgeous.”
“It is just one of many. Not even one that is grand. In your future you will come upon one that will take your breath away.”
“I’m onl
y here for a few more days. I don’t think I can afford another tour.”
“It will be the tour of a lifetime,” I smile.
“In the next few days?”
“Perhaps.”
Spreading the cards face down in a line across the table, I straighten them out until I am satisfied. Without looking at Violet, I begin to speak.
“What question would you like to ask, my dear?”
“Umm,” Violet begins as she thinks. “God, I don’t know. I didn’t know I had to ask a question.”
“Is there anything you would like to know?”
“If I will ever find happiness, maybe?”
“Very good. Now, point to three cards.”
She hesitates and seems overwhelmed. I can see the war she is fighting in her mind, hoping to choose the right cards. Little does she know, this is not a test, and there are no right cards. Her fate is sealed. Finally, she makes her selection, and sits back, taking a deep breath.
“Very good. Let’s start with your past,” I say flipping the first card over. “Legba La Flambeau. Triumph after great struggle and the realization of hopes and desires.”
“That makes sense,” she says.
“You had a terrible childhood, fought your way through and became who you are today. It is a triumph, my child.”
“I’m not sure if I would call it a triumph. My entire life has been a struggle.”
“It is a triumph, Violet. Believe in yourself. Let’s take a look at your present.”
Flipping over the next card, she leans forward to study it.
“Gran Ibo. The perfect harmony of a union in romance, friendship, or business. It may indicate the meeting of a kindred soul, marriage, or partnership. Maybe all three.”
“That won’t happen,” she chuckles.
“Why do you say that?”
“I broke up with the last guy I was with five months ago, and there is no one else in sight. I guess I could make a new friend when I get home.”
“Positive energy, Violet. Release the negativity.”
“I’ll try.”
“Now, for your future,” I say, turning over the last card. “Les Morts or Death.”
“Oh my God,” she cries. “Am I going to die?”
“Calm yourself my child. It isn’t as it seems,” I say, looking into her eyes to calm her. “This card represents a major change or transformation, possibly unexpected. Freedom from the past, a new beginning for you.”
“A new beginning? I have no idea how many new beginnings I’ve already had.”
“And you are still here. Close your eyes,” I say, and she scrunches her forehead before doing as I ask. “Five years ago, think of where you were, how you felt, your fears, your desires. Can you remember?”
“Yes,” she says softly.
“You are a different woman today. You’ve come a long way, Violet. The answer to your question, yes, you will find happiness, and it will only require one new beginning.”
Violet stays silent, lost in thought. I give her this moment, a moment to reflect, a moment to understand, and a moment to open herself up to the future.
“I have goosebumps,” she finally says as she speaks. “Wow.”
“It is to be expected. A new experience, one you wrote off as a gimmick,” I say. “Though, you may still believe it to be a gimmick, and I will keep my word and refund you $50.”
“I don’t know what to believe anymore. This whole spirit thing is still very strange to me.”
Taking out a box from under the table, I set it on top, opening the lock. Removing $50, I hand it over, and her eyes widen.
“My word,” I say with a smile.
“I can’t take that. You did the reading,” she counters.
“Child, $50 isn’t going to make or break me. Please, take it. I always stand by my word.”
She is hesitant in taking the money because she is a good person. Most others would have taken it even if they believed in every word I said.
“Thank you,” she replies, folding the money in half.
“But of course.”
“How long have you lived in New Orleans?” she asks, surprising me.
“My entire life,” I respond.
“As you know I’m still here for a few days. What do you recommend I see while here?”
“I would recommend the Voodoo museum if you would like to broaden your knowledge, but I have a feeling that it is not an area of interest,” I say, and she looks down. “Café du Monde is a must. So is Jackson Square.”
“The square with the artists,” she replies.
“Yes, a perfect way to spend a day. Walking around the French Quarter, the museums. You can’t go wrong with anything.”
“Thank you,” she says, getting up from her chair. “I really appreciate your time.”
“Anytime, my child. Let me walk you out to the door.”
Using my hand, I move the heavy drapes to the side so Violet and I can step through. Walking down the hall she admires the art covering the walls, saying she didn’t notice it there before.
“Who are these people?” she asks, stopping at one of the portraits.
“These are the LOA’s, the way we see them.”
Coming to the front room, Veronique, my associate asks about Violet’s experience while my eyes move to the window. Suddenly, there is a loud celebratory scream that rings through the alley and Violet turns her head.
“Never a dull moment at the bar,” I chuckle. “It becomes very lively at night. Great music, and wonderful people. You should stop by for a visit.”
“I guess I could,” she says. “My hotel is just two blocks down.”
“New beginnings, Violet. Remember, new beginnings. Open yourself up to change.”
“Thank you,” she says. “Oh my God, I never even asked for your name.”
“My name is Marie.”
“Thank you, Marie,” she says, shaking my hand before walking out of the door.
I watch as she starts to walk away, but something makes her stop, turning my way once more.
“Will I see this plantation on this trip, or will I visit New Orleans again?”
“Tomorrow,” I say, and she gives me a little smile before thanking me.
I continue to stand in the doorway and watch the path she takes. Exhaling deeply, a chuckle escapes me.
“I take it she has gone to the bar?” Veronique asks.
“She has,” I reply. “I’ve prepared her, now it is up to the boy to close the deal.”
Let’s continue the story…
The Bayou. A place of magic. A place of wonder. Many come to visit, though some may never leave.
Chapter One
“Hey, is this seat taken?” a voice asks, making me turn my head.
“No,” I smile, adoring this handsome stranger with the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen.
“It is now,” he grins, sitting down beside me. “My name is Theroux, and you are?”
“I’m Violet. You have a very unique name,” I reply as he shoots a sexy smirk right at me.
“Tu es très belle, ma chérie.”
“Of course, you speak French,” I say, feeling myself blush.
“Oui,” he replies. “Do you?”
“Not one bit, but whatever you said sounded…wow, I can’t find the words.”
“I’ll stick to English then. Can I get you a drink?
“First, you have to tell me what you said,” I insist.
“What if I don’t?” he counters, his eyes fixated on mine.
“Then, no drink,” I say, my voice full of confidence.
“Then we’ll just talk,” he counters, taking me by surprise.
As the evening progresses, we get to know one another, share many laughs, and I find that we have quite a lot in common. He’s a loner, just like me, making his way through the world. I find it easy opening up to him, and he shows genuine interest in what I have to say. I learn that his parents died when he was a young child, and I can identi
fy with that. I have no idea if mine are still alive, or where they could be. Hours seem to fly by in an instant and never again did he offer to buy me a drink. Now I am really wondering what it was he said since obviously he didn’t want to share it.
“Well, I need to head home, but it was wonderful to meet you Violet,” Theroux smiles. “How long are you in town for?”
“Four more days,” I reply, as he gets up from the stool.
“Well, if you’re not busy, how about we do this again tomorrow night. I really enjoyed your company.”
“Yes,” I say a little too quickly. “I mean, sure, that sounds good. When and where?”
“Right here, and let’s say around 9 pm?”
“Perfect,” I grin, probably looking like an idiot. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
Before walking away, he grabs my hand and brings it to his lips, giving the top a soft kiss. I don’t even know what to say, no one has done that before. From the smirk on his lips, he knows that I’m affected by him, and if my heartbeat was audible, it could give the band’s drummer a run for his money.
“Until tomorrow,” he says before turning to walk away.
Letting out a deep sigh, I take a look at the empty glass in front of me before I hear his voice once more.
“You are very beautiful, my dear.”
“What?” I reply, wondering if I heard right.
“That’s what I said in French,” he smiles. “Tomorrow I will be buying drinks.”
Chapter Two
I got here early; way too early. At least I secured us seats at a high-top table tucked away in a corner. This way we won’t have people standing behind us the entire time, trying to get the bartender’s attention. God, why am I nervous? I must have changed my outfit at least four times today before settling on this blue summer dress. I keep playing with the adjustable straps, second guessing if I should be showing a little less cleavage, but not even five seconds later, he appears.
“Violet,” he smiles, placing his hands on my shoulders, kissing my cheek. “How was your day?”
“Quite eventful. I did a few tours around the city, took a lot of pictures, and ate at this amazing café.”
