Night Magic

by Emery, Lynn

  “And she wonders why she has no man.” Charice gave a snort.

  “Stop being so catty. I think it’s sad that she has to put on such an act.” Savannah gave Charice a look of admonishment.

  “I suppose so. But she makes it hard to be sympathetic.”

  Savannah had to reluctantly agree as she watched Imelda behave condescendingly towards two old classmates who had never been a part of the accepted cliques in high school. Soon though her attention was drawn back to Paul. He seemed moody and preoccupied all evening. His conversation and laughter had a forced quality. More than once, she glanced at him and found a grave, thoughtful expression on his handsome features and a distant look in his eyes. Savannah, aware of how fast small town gossip could spread, was afraid to ask what was wrong. She felt guilty about having had dinner with Devin, yet angry with herself because she had done nothing to betray his trust. So why couldn’t she tell him?

  “Here you go, honey. Say Paul, y’all ready for the next few days of parades?” Rodney, Charice’s date, came back with a refill of punch for her.

  “Yeah, man. We’ll pick you up at about noon. We should get there in time for the first big parade in Metairie.“Paul continued to hold the same full glass of punch. A blast of music came from Imelda’s elaborate compact disc system. On hearing the words “When you go to New Orleans, you oughta go to the Mardi Gras”, one of the traditional Mardi Gras anthems, the whole room began to sing along and dance wildly. Savannah laughed at the antics of her friends. Paul smiled only briefly.

  “You are certainly quiet tonight,” Savannah ventured cautiously.

  “Not much company. Sorry.”

  “This is the time to put all your troubles aside. Come on, let’s dance.” Savannah took the glass from him.

  “Maybe later.”

  “Have we had an argument that I don’t know about?”

  “What? Oh, no. I ‘m really sorry for acting like a zombie tonight. It’s just that I’m not looking forward to testifying. I was hoping to get it over with before the holiday. Now I have more time to dread being put on the spot.” Paul picked up the glass taking a long sip of the powerful punch.

  “Oh, right. That’s the way trials go. Legal wrangling over rules of evidence, making motions about evidence being entered, can cause these kinds of delays.” Savannah was able to relax for the first time since their arrival.

  “God, I wish it was over.”

  “You’ll do fine. Just stick to your report. Don’t hesitate to refer to notes if you have to. They won’t expect you to have it memorized. And only answer the question you’ve been asked.”

  “I know. I’m not nervous about being on the stand. It’s how I feel about being on the opposite side of you and your dad in this thing.”

  “Paul, we understand. You’re an independent consultant hired to do a job. Why even most of the committee understands your position. It’s Trosclair and Singleton we don’t trust. They pulled some pretty dubious stunts in business over the years.”

  “You’re something else. Here I am standing around with a gloomy look, won’t dance, and keeping you from having a good time. I wouldn’t blame you if you had poured this punch over my head. Instead you coach me on how to testify against your side and try to make me feel better about doing it.” Paul drew her close to rub his cheek against hers.

  As the tempo of the music wound down, he led her to a small clearing. Wrapping her in his arms, they moved to the slow pulsating rhythm of a love song. For the next hour they danced together. Savannah wanted so much to tell Paul about Devin, but something held her back. For the first time in weeks they were totally at ease with other. The fabled enchantment of Mardi Gras seemed to have torn away all barriers between them. She did not want to lose this feeling, though it might only last for another three days.

  “Hey, it’s almost midnight.” Paul spoke into her ear so that she could hear him over the music and laughter.

  “Yeah. This party is winding down.” Savannah glanced around at the dwindling crowd. Across the room Charice waved goodbye then gave an exaggerated wink.

  “Maybe we should be heading home, too.” Paul followed her gaze in time to see Charice and Rodney, holding each other close, leave through the front door.

  “Maybe you’re right.”

  Back at Paul’s trailer, he wasted no time. With a wink, he turned on his compact disc player. “Let’s have a little mood music. I bought this one just for you.““Oh my, you know what that song does to me.” Savannah threw her head back allowing the clear, rich strains of Dorothy Moore singing “Misty Blue” to wash over her.

  “Yes indeed. Why do you think I put it on first?” Paul began to kiss her neck.

  Soon they were locked together in a tight embrace that hurt so good. The sweetness of his kiss sent a warm flush down her throat to her breasts then her pelvis. Feeling his hands push her hips against his, she moved with him in a soft rocking motion in time to music of their own making. Without breaking contact with their lips, they went down onto the large stuffed pillows on the floor. They took their time undressing each other, pausing to caress, nuzzle, and lovingly appreciate each stage. Paul moaned low as he covered her breasts with both hands.

  “So good.” He breathed huskily against her skin.

  Rising to meet him, her whole being quivered deliciously as he filled her. The next few moments were an eternity spent in a glorious rapture as they moved in harmony, responding to their desires. His whispered words of love guided her to touch him in ways and places she would not have thought she could.Later, at home she sank into her bed exhausted but wonderfully so. Savannah hugged her shoulders remembering the red hot touch that had left her weak only moments before. No, she would not allow Devin to spoil such a precious time. Without one thought for LaShaun or nightmares, she drifted off into a deep sleep.

  *****

  Music, laughter, garish colors come from all sides to delight the senses. People from around the country thronged the streets with drinks in hand. The calculated surrender to chaos liberating the most conservative visitors. As usual, Mardi Gras New Orleans strutted and swayed with the brazenness and exuberance of a lady of the evening. One who despite her age can still entice all those foolish, or lucky, enough to touch her. Astonished tourists gawked at the fantastic sights and sounds of revelers cavorting in a wild abandonment that would make Bacchus himself blush. Men dressed in scanty women’s lingerie, women not dressed at all, costumed characters from mythology, cartoons, become the norm, even mundane. Savannah and Paul stood on the balcony waving to the mass of humanity below.

  “My Lord, look at that!” Paul pointed to a line of naked people running joyously through the crowd oblivious to the cool windy weather.

  “That has got to be the least of the outrageous sights to see, Paul.” Savannah was having great time watching Paul watch the antics of the crowd.

  “Maybe, but that second lady works as the office manager for one of my biggest clients.”

  “You mean you were actually looking at faces?” Savannah howled with glee as she leaned over the railing to get a better look.

  “Man, this is the party to end all parties. An entire city has lost its mind.” Rodney came out with a tray of drinks.

  “Paul, this apartment is fabulous. Not only luxurious, but right on the parade route with a balcony.” Charice followed him with another tray of food.

  “Thanks. Brandon is a friend of Sam’s. He hates being in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, so for the past four years he’s let us use it. I’ve only been a couple of times. Sam comes almost every year.”

  “I heard my name.” Sam strolled in holding the hand of a statuesque woman with auburn hair that set off her golden brown skin perfectly.

  “Say, man.” Paul shook hands with his friend.

  “Everybody, this is my homey Sam.” Paul introduced everyone around.

  “Nice meeting you, especially you Savannah. You’re the gorgeous lady who has my man walking on clouds.” Sam kissed her ch
eek.

  “Thank you.” Savannah blushed.

  “This ebony princess is Danielle.” Sam beamed at his date.

  “Hello.” Danielle flashed a dazzling smile at the men and gave the women a cool appraising glance.

  “Put on some music guys, let’s party!” Charice raised her glass.

  For the next several hours they danced, sang, and caught trinkets thrown from the huge ornate floats gliding by. Lost in the giddy atmosphere, Savannah felt free for the first time in weeks. Filled with happiness, Savannah was thoroughly enjoying herself despite her misgivings about the crowd and danger of rowdy New Orleans that pulls out all the stops.

  “I have to say I’m surprised you got Miss `small town parades are good enough for me’ to come, Paul. Hey y’all, catch!” Charice yelled as she threw plastic bead necklaces provided by Sam to someone below.

  “And I can’t believe old workhorse Honorè showed this year. What could it be?” With a comical shrug, Sam looked at Charice. As if on cue, both pointed to their foreheads in mock contemplation.“Hum-mmm?” They said in unison.

  “Okay, Laurel and Hardy.” Paul grinned in spite of himself.

  “It’s true though. If last year anybody would have told me I’d be here, I would have said don’t count on it.” Speaking softly into his ear while the others were preoccupied watching a fanciful float with a huge mechanical belly dancer, Savannah leaned against Paul’s chest.

  “Guess it depends on who you share it with, huh?” Paul wrapped his arms around her.

  “Hey, come on it’s time to join the fun. We said we would go down to street level.”

  Rodney’s suggestion was greeted with enthusiastic yells from the others. Strapping on small packs with cash and other necessities, they descended through the locked lobby and merged with the crowd. They were immediately engulfed in a sea of humanity from all walks of life speaking in different languages and accents. Stopping in front of a bar, all three couples danced to the New Orleans ragtime blaring through its open doors. They found themselves surrounded by others. They were skipping and dancing with everyone around them. Savannah giggled uncontrollably when a large man dressed as a sumo wrestler started to do the twist in front of her. She began to laugh so hard not only couldn’t she dance, she could hardly catch her breath.

  “Some friends you are. Why didn’t you get me out of there?” Savannah fanned herself with a menu.

  “But you made such a lovely couple,” Charice quipped. She pranced around, gyrating in imitation of Savannah’s portly partner.

  It had taken them all quite some time to regain control after that sight. They stumbled, still laughing, into a tiny restaurant about four blocks away to grab lunch and wait for the next parade.

  Until dusk they alternated between frolicking with the mad masses and collapsing in the nearest bar or restaurant. Holding hands, Paul and Savannah were the picture of a happy couple. As darkness fell, the area began to glow with multicolored brilliance from the lights of huge floats that were part of the fabulous Rex parade. With the knowledge that it would all end in just four hours, the partying took on a kind of frenzied pace. Standing close to the curb Savannah shouted in triumph as she caught a long, gaudy purple and gold necklace with a large medallion attached. Turning to show the others, she found herself separated from them. She scanned the crowd but could not see them. Making a full circle, she stood on tiptoe for a better view. A smirking white mask, a large red-lipped smile painted on it with bright red spots on its cheeks, bobbed in the crowd. Savannah found something disturbingly familiar about it. The wearer waved at her jauntily before melting back into the crowd. For reasons she could not explain, an icy stab of fear crept up her spine. Now being separated from her friends in the crowd made her feel vulnerable. Pushing against the press of bodies, her search for them took on a frantic urgency. Suddenly something slammed her from behind shoving her into the path of the parade. The next few seconds were a flash of bright hues that blinded her temporarily. Screams pierced the air as several people close by saw the gigantic wheels of a float bearing down on her. Savannah opened her mouth wide in a desperate attempt to call out for help. Her vocal cords refused to work as the monstrous shape moved to crush her. The fabric of her blue jeans ripped as numerous hands reached out dragging her over the pavement and away from danger.

  “Damn, that lady almost bought it!” A male voice cried.

  Savannah wavered on knees of rubber clinging to strong arms. She fell forward and tears flowed as she recognized the strong, reassuring scent of Paul’s cologne.

  “You’re okay, baby. Shussh now— it’s all right.” Paul held her tightly to him crooning soothingly.

  “My God, is she hurt bad?” Charice appeared, a frightened frown twisting her features. She examined Savannah for injuries.

  “A few scrapes and scratches is all I think.” Sam said.

  “Ma’am, we better let the paramedics check you out to be sure.” A uniformed policeman took control, leading them to a first aid station. The female paramedic gave Savannah a pat on the arm after gazing at her pupils with a tiny flashlight.

  “She’s fine, but she’s pretty shook up. Y’all need to watch for signs of disorientation for the next four or five hours. If she does, she’ll need to see a doctor, okay?““Man, these people can be real animals when they’re trying to get those beads,” Rodney said.

  They were back at the apartment. Savannah was curled up on the love seat staring into space. Paul only took his eye from her for seconds at a time.

  “With that mob and all the pushing, accidents happen. You have to be extra careful. Sam, I’m ready to go.” Danielle, examining her lipstick for smudges in a compact, sat across from Sam with her long legs crossed. Closing it with a snap, she smiled at him alluringly.

  “That was no accident. Somebody pushed me deliberately,” Savannah spoke softly.

  “Trying to beat you to the beads, sure.” Danielle stared at her and shrugged.

  “No, she was trying to hurt me.” Savannah rubbed her forehead wearily.

  “She? She who?” Paul folded her into his arms.

  “LaShaun Rousselle.”

  “LaShaun!” Charice yelled staring wide eyed at Savannah.

  “Told you Marie Leveau was bad news, brother,” Sam in an undertone to Paul.

  “Savannah, that’s crazy. Maybe we better get you to an emergency room.” Paul took her face in both hands to study her closely.

  “There is nothing wrong with me. I tell you it was her. I saw her. She was dressed in red wearing a large masque. A harlequin I think, or was it a clown?” Savannah shook her head.

  “Come on, you’re scaring me. That medic said disorientation is a sign that you could have a serious concussion as a result of your head hitting the concrete.” Paul tried to get her to stand up.

  “No, damn it. I’m not going to any hospital. I tell you she was there!” Savanna jerked her arm back.

  “That other junk was bad enough, but the bitch has gone too far now.” Charice paced the room glaring.

  “Did you hit your head too? And what other junk are you talking about?” Sam said.

  “Charice, shut up. You’re right Paul, I guess I’m more rattled that I thought. Let’s go home. I’ll be okay after I get some rest.” Savannah tried to smile and failed.

  “I want to know what you and Charice are talking about, Savannah. Why do you think LaShaun tried to get you killed? Well?”

  “LaShaun believes in voodoo and she hates Savannah because her mama hated Savannah’s mama because—”

  “Say what? Voodoo? I’m out of here.” Danielle jumped to her feet. “Sam, take me home, now,” she said in a strained voice.

  “Wait a minute, I want to hear this.” Sam did not budge from his seat.

  “You either take me home now or don’t bother to call me again.”

  “I will in a few, chill.” Sam tried to appease her.

  “I’m leaving with or without you. If I leave without you, forget you ever knew
me.” Danielle stood by the door.“Okay, okay. I’ll take you home. Fill me in on everything when I get back,” Sam whispered to Charice as he passed her. “This ultimatum stuff is getting old, I hope you know that.” He grumbled as he opened the door.

  “I’m waiting.” Paul turned back to Savannah.

  “LaShaun hates me the way her mother hated my mother. Not because of anything I’ve done to her, but because that’s what her mother taught her.” Savannah spoke in a strangled voice as she sat twisting her hands.“I remember once when I was about seven years old, she and her mother were in the dime store shopping at the same time Tante Marie had taken me to get school supplies. LaShaun’s mama stared at us, and then whispered something to LaShaun. LaShaun shook her fist at me. Tante Marie pulled me away and wouldn’t answer when I tried to question her. It got worse after LaShaun’s mama died in that fire.” Savannah paused and breathed deeply. She looked at Paul with haunted eyes. “Monmon Odette has always blamed my father.”

  “But all that happened a long time ago. And even if she is the one who’s been leaving voodoo dolls to scare you, that’s a long way from attempted murder.” Paul shook his head.

  “She the hates me that much. You should see the look in her eyes when we meet.” Savannah bit her lip.

  “Listen, baby, you’ve been putting in long hours at the shop and the library. You’re stressed out, not to mention exhausted.” Putting a protective arm around her shoulders, Paul spoke in a soothing tone. “Combine that with these attempts to intimidate you, it’s natural that you would be jumpy and imagine all sorts of things.”

  “I’m not imagining things, Paul.” Savannah gripped his hand. Her eyes begged him to believe her.

  “If Savannah says she saw her, then it’s LaShaun. You don’t know her, Paul. She can be hell on wheels,” Charice said.

  “This is unbelievable. What are we talking about? It was an accident. It had to be.” Brows drawn down, Paul rubbed his chin.