by CC Dragon
Mary Lou shrugged. “That’s a big job.”
“They’re not kids. They need someone to guide them, not babysit them. Whether it’s apply to school, get some work clothes, or look for an apartment. Bank accounts. Adulting stuff. You can do it, I’ll help.” I smiled.
“When are they arriving?” Mary Lou washed her hands, her excitement growing.
“Tonight. Gunnar is taking over some toiletries to the house. The TV and internet are still hooked up and the furniture is there. I know it might be bad memories but it’s for a good cause.”
“Okay. I better go pack a bag. I set the timer. I’ll check on dinner in a bit.” She ran to the stairs.
“Thanks!” I called after her.
Just after dinner, the doorbell rang. Mary Lou was across the street with Matt and the young women. I opened the door to find Lester standing there.
I was hoping for Paul.
“What do you want?” I asked.
Lester sighed. “Lucifer will be in prison for some time. Even turning himself in and pleading guilty, they won’t go easy on him.”
“I know. Why are you here?” I stepped out on the porch with him.
“You can’t buy that club. It’s on a vortex or opening. A supernatural access point to Hell,” Lester said.
“All the more reason why it needs something else on top of it,” I replied.
He shook his head. “You can’t handle it.”
I glared at him. “You don’t know what I can handle. You hide in your little shop and chirp like an annoying cricket. You curse people and sell bad spells. I wish I could just suck whatever evil power you have out of you and make up harmless.”
My angel appeared. “Do it,” she whispered.
I looked at Amy. “I don’t know how. I don’t have that in me.”
“We work through you,” she said.
Paul drove up and parked in the driveway. When he got out of his car, he called to me, “De, everything okay?”
“Yeah. Give me a minute.” I trusted the angels and grabbed Lester by the throat. I didn’t choke him, but I absorbed whatever was in him supernaturally. I pulled his powers and his visions.
I didn’t hear his screams. I didn’t feel him fight. I closed my eyes and let the angels gauge when I was supposed to let go.
Lester collapsed to the ground when my fingers loosened.
“What did you do to me?” he demanded hoarsely, clutching his throat.
“Stay away from magic and spells. Your powers are stripped. If you go to a demon for more, I’ll strip them again. I’ll be watching you. I will put you in jail if I have to,” I warned.
He staggered down the steps and nearly bumped into Paul. “She’s crazy.”
“You heard her. She’s not playing your game. She makes the rules.” Paul grinned.
“Not me really, but I can’t find a way to jail him yet and I can’t kill him.” I shrugged.
Paul kissed me. “Make it look like an accident?”
“I wouldn’t, but I don’t know what else to do with people like that. People who use their powers for evil. Or who make deals with demon to get powers like that. Guess I have the answer now that all his experiences are zipping around my brain. Makes me dizzy.” I turned my head from side to side trying to crack my neck.
“Come on inside, I’ll give you a massage.” Paul teased.
“Hang on.” I paused. I’d never replied to his big confession in the ER. I needed to be clearheaded and sure he didn’t take it back. “I love you. Sorry I didn’t say it sooner but all the adrenaline and stuff going on had me distracted. Rushing into gunfights and demon bars is one thing but love is really scary.”
“You’re worth it.” He kissed me as we headed in for that massage.
Chapter Eighteen
Mary Lou and I toured the redecorated club. Ivy and Brody had jumped at the chance to redo Dungeon’s ugly dark interior. The theme was clear. Angel art and statues were placed everywhere in subtle ways.
“It’s like being inside of a cloud with sparkles,” Mary Lou said.
“That’s the idea.” It was bright and clean, done in silver and white. There was still a bar and tables. It was a club, after all.
“Will people come to a bar with an angel theme?” Greg asked.
“We’ll see,” I said.
“The churchiest crowd won’t approve of alcohol,” Ivy pointed out.
“It’s not for them. It’s a gateway bar and restaurant. The kitchen is done but I don’t have a chef or wait staff yet. There will be a bar area and dining area. But it’s a nice place to go out that isn’t trying to scare or corrupt everyone. Nothing illegal allowed. No drugs, no hookers, and strict carding on alcohol.” I shrugged.
“In New Orleans,” Greg reminded me.
“Where’s your faith, Padre?” I teased. “I thought about it just being a club and the angel trend would fade fast. But a bar and elegant restaurant can last.”
“You’ve still got the name covered.” Mary Lou pointed out as we strolled outside to look over the outer facade.
“That’s the only thing I’m worried about. People might not get it. Gunnar, unveil the sign please,” I called.
Gunnar, who’d been up a ladder fiddling with something, tossed off the cover.
“Seraphim.” Greg nodded.
“Sounds dirty,” Mary Lou giggled.
“It’s a choir of angels. Seraphim, Cherubim,” I explained.
“Cherub might be better,” Mary Lou suggested.
I shook my head. “I’ll take the more mysterious route. It’ll work.”
“Who’s going to manage it?” Greg asked.
“That’s the problem. I need a good chef and a manager who can keep this place clean. Demonically and for the health code. I need someone sensitive enough to let us know when we need to reseal or rebless this place. Not that we won’t be here a lot but I want someone who gets it,” I said.
“I can get you a good chef,” Mary Lou offered.
Greg sighed. “I might have some people who want the management job. But this place is messed up. It’s ground that will be fought over.”
“That’s why I have to own it. I just want the manager to know the risks and if weird stuff happens, don’t ignore it or write it off. Call us. Get help. Don’t let it get out of control,” I said.
Ivy smiled. “Seraphim sounds very intriguing.”
Mary Lou’s phone beeped. She read the text. “I have to go. Sorry. Love the design!”
“What happened?” I asked.
“Matt has more girls to settle in. I’m glad I filled out the paperwork to operate as a nonprofit charity. I just need to convince Matt to sell me the mansion at a discount.” She headed toward the door.
“You’ve got the money to buy that mansion,” I called after her.
“Are you going to move in with them?” Ivy asked Greg.
“Not until they’re married,” I said.
“Prude,” Ivy said.
“No, it’s a transitional group home, remember? Appearances. Having a single man in a house full of young women who have been through a variety of things, possibly abuse or neglect will complicate matters or make it weird. Mary Lou still needs approvals and is subject to inspections by the state. There are rules. Not that I’m pushing marriage or moving out or anything, but Mary Lou has a project she loves and does well. Don’t screw it up playing house,” I reminded them.
“I screwed things up when she was married. I’m not sure I should complicate her life more,” Greg said darkly.
“You forgive everyone else much easier than yourself,” I teased. “No rush, but if this is self-punishment, it’s silly.”
Ivy nodded.
Epilogue
A month later, Seraphim was open and packed. Paul and I sat at a small table in the corner where I could observe. People weren’t here to see me anyway.
“Did Brody moving in with Ivy work out?” Paul asked.
“So far, so good. Are you fishing?” I te
ased.
Paul scrunched his nose. “I have a nice place. I’d have to sell that first. I couldn’t fit you and your crazy entourage into that house.”
“And do you want to live in a mansion with ghosts and haunted things, plus Ivy, Brody, Gunnar, and Matt? Then there’s Greg. Angels. Demon attacks. If my brother’s job doesn’t work out, he might bounce back. He’s a bit of a flake at times,” I warned.
He grabbed my hand under the table. “I’d say I could stay over here and there and test it out but you’re more of an all or nothing type. I think I’ll have to dive in when you’re ready.”
“When you’re ready. Plenty of room,” I said.
Ivy and Brody were at the drag club. It was still my favorite escape. Casual and fun. This was a place that needed to be maintained and controlled.
“Everything good?” Candace asked.
She looked angelic in her waitress uniform.
“Wonderful. I do have one nagging question. Were they really using those drugs on you girls?” I asked.
Candace moved in closer. “Yes. If a girl was discovered to be planning an escape or sneaking out to see a boy, her parents might give her a sleeping aid every night so she didn’t leave while they were asleep. A lot of times girls were given stuff before they met with potential husbands or on their wedding nights.”
“That’s terrible. We do have a rehab,” I offered.
“It’s not quite open yet,” Paul added.
Candace nodded. “What happened to that underage girl and man from Mississippi?”
“Her parents came to get her. He’s in jail. I was really worried your church circle was a much bigger sex trafficking network,” I admitted.
“I’m not saying that wasn’t potentially the plan. I have no idea but they always tried to grow the flock and even bring young unmarried women into the church. Creepy,” she said.
“Well Matt got a good number of them. He won’t give up tracking them own,” Paul said.
“But we need to keep an eye out,” I added.
“I gave them any info I have. I’m happy to positively identify any suspects when they grab them,” Candace offered.
“You’re amazingly strong. You know you don’t have to work here. It’s great to learn the ropes but you have bigger dreams, I’m sure,” I said.
She smiled. “Mary Lou was right. Good job, flexible hours, and I can take a few college classes and pick a major. Someone granted the Weathers House money for college tuition for the residents.”
“That’s great. When did that happen?” I asked.
“Came through this week. You don’t know anything about it?” she asked.
“No, it wasn’t me. I wish I could take credit but I’ve had my hands full. The rehab opened and the usual stuff. I’m glad things are looking up. Mentoring the newer women, I hope?” I suggested.
“Yep, Mary Lou’s pageant training has us all trying to be our best and set good examples. How is she not a mother?” Candace teased.
“She is in a way now. Get back to work,” I said with a smile.
She nodded. “It is busy. People love the counterculture of it. Everything here in New Orleans is dark and haunted. Such tragic or horrific backstories and here it’s all light and ethereal.”
“Glad it worked.” I sighed.
“Your ideas always work,” Paul said.
“Don’t jinx me. The newness will fade but hopefully it gets enough regulars here.” I glanced around, pleased.
He leaned in. “I do have one concern.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Your mansion is paid for, I’m assuming. You don’t live extravagantly. But between the drag club and this one plus upkeep, food, utilities, taxes, and insurance—and the rehab. Are you overextending yourself? I know you got a donation from Mrs. Weathers but the rehab won’t likely turn a profit for a year. I don’t want you to put yourself in a bad position helping others.” Paul took my hand.
I smiled. “The Long and Big Easy was a steal after Katrina. It turns a profit every month. Gran left me a big chunk of money and it’s managed. I keep an eye on it but I try not to spend it. I use the interest on some of the fixed income pieces to pay for taxes and upkeep. I have a liquid account that is managed, so I have plenty.”
“There wasn’t enough to just buy this place?” Paul asked.
“No, I moved some stuff around for this and the rehab. The rehab is charity. It’s to help others. It’s not supposed to make me money. We’ve got good donations to help keep it going. This club will turn a profit, I believe.” I shrugged.
“Blind faith in the angels?” he asked.
“Their boss. Yes. I shouldn’t be alive. I’ve worked some wild cases. I was bitten by a venomous snake. I was attacked and almost shot right outside of this club. I’m still here.” I kissed his cheek. “The battles won’t get easier. Life with me will be a major pain. Be sure before you move in.”
“I’m sure. But I think I need a bit more exposure to the house to be sure I’m strong enough,” he said.
“Faith.” I teased. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. My brother invited me and my friends to a weekend at the casino where he works. Some charity ball, gambling tournament, and a show. Silent auctions and so on. Comped hotel rooms and ticket. If you can make time.”
“Of course, I’ll make the time. I’d love to meet your brother,” Paul said. “Who is everyone?”
“Ivy, Brody, Greg, Mary Lou, Gunnar, Matt, and us. I can’t leave anyone out. That’d be rude. Although Matt and Gunnar were planning a vacation so it might conflict. I won’t blame them for wanting some alone time. My brother was going to stay with me and you’d have gotten to know him but he got a job super-fast. Which is great but I never see him and I thought the point of moving here was to spend time with me.” I shrugged.
Paul smiled.
“What?” I asked.
“Maybe he wanted a break from your parents. Ivy mentioned they’re a bit much.”
“No, they just don’t understand me. My gift makes no sense. It’s not like they don’t believe me but some people can only see things their way. I’m lucky I found friends who are more open-minded. And a boyfriend who doesn’t think I’m crazy.” I kissed him gently.
“I’m looking forward to time with you that doesn’t involve a haunting, a demon, or work.” Paul nodded.
“Me too, but I can’t make any promises. I hope the casino trip will be calm and supernatural free. Hauntings and demons can happen anywhere.” I knew better to expect nothing.
A Personal Note from Ivy...
Dear Beloved Reader,
Angels or demons? I’m so over vampires...whether they suck energy or blood.
Poor Mary Lou...but maybe now she’ll get her crap together.
Don’t get me started on that club. That area is dangerous. Only De would buy land like that.
But who doesn’t love angels? Cute little cherubs or striking white and silver warriors. It definitely makes the place feel safer.
Don’t worry, my man hasn’t been scared off yet. He moved in! Let’s just hope De’s stressful life or mysterious brother don’t scare off Paul—he’s a keeper.
Hugs for reading and get ready for the next book! Casino time...
Kisses from Pearl!
Ivy Delacroix
PS: If you missed books the titles are listed below!
Book 1: A Mansion, A Drag Queen, And A New Job
Book 2: A Club, An Imposter, And A Competition
Book 3: A Bar, A Brother, And A Ghost Hunt
Book 4: A Voodoo Shop, A Zombie, And A Party
Book 5: A Cemetery, A Cannibal, and the Day of the Dead
About the Author
A LOYAL CHICAGO GIRL who loves deep dish pizza, the Cubs, and The Lake, CC Dragon is fascinated by the metaphysical and paranormal. She loves creating characters, especially amateur sleuths who solve mysteries. A coffee and chocolate addict who loves fast cars, she’s still looking for a hero who likes to cook and clean...s
o she can write more!
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