Gator dragged his bag through the door first, the others weren’t far behind. They were all about ready to collapse. It was already a long hike from the road, but lugging the added weight only added to the hellish journey.
Erzuli stood, gripping the altar.
She was all but breathing fire. “You are late!”
“I’m sorry. We were waiting for Piggee, but he never showed,” Gator explained.
“I need that fourth child.” She stomped her foot for emphasis. “The moon is at its fullest tonight. I must have that power to complete the cycle.”
“Can’t we just start now? I’m sure Piggee will be here before we’re done.” Gator knew that was a lie. Piggee couldn’t think his way out of a paper bag without someone there to guide him.
She leered at Gator and in that moment, he could have sworn he saw actual flames in her eyes. For the first time, he was deathly afraid of her. Sure, he’d seen her do some scary shit, but it was never aimed at him. He thought he was impervious.
“Your friend will not be joining us.”
The ominous statement sent shock waves through Gator’s body.
“It is up to you to collect the last child.” She handed him a slip of paper. “Go now. Dawn is fast approaching.”
Gator’s hands shook so bad he could barely read the note. The house was not far, only the next town over. He imagined the long trek out of the swamp and back. He truly wanted to protest, but didn’t dare.
“Come on, guys.” Gator headed for the door.
*
The four of them loaded into Dubois’s Crown Vic. Luc sat shotgun so he could direct the detective. After explaining they would be exiting on Devils Swamp Road in Terrebonne Parish, Dubois burned rubber out of the parking lot, sirens blazing, lights flashing. Luc couldn’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline.
The drive from the city was normally an hour and a half, but with the highway all but vacant and the detective hauling ass, they made the trip in under an hour. They drove along Devils Swamp Road until they came to the curve that Luc remembered, the dead tree followed.
“Slow down. Their SUV should be just ahead,” Luc cautioned.
They coasted along until they had the vehicle in sight, then backed up and parked in the dirt behind some foliage. The detective got on the radio and called for backup. When they got out of the car, Dubois went to his trunk and called them over.
“I want you all to put one of these on.” He handed out bulletproof vests and helped Celestine with hers.
Then Dubois took out two flashlights, handing one to Luc.
“You take this.”
He faced Jake. “You follow with this one.”
Then to Celestine. “Sorry, but that’s all I have.”
They made their way to the SUV where Dubois put his hand on the hood. “It’s warm. That’s a good sign, they can’t be far ahead.”
Dubois addressed the group. “Okay, Luc, you lead the way and I’ll back you up. Jake, you’re behind me and the little lady brings up the rear. Everyone stay close and watch your footing. We go in quiet.”
Luc started down the path, paying close attention to his previous markings. The fatigue he’d felt on the drive there disappeared the moment he left the car. It was as if all his senses were on hyper alert. The night sounds of the swamp appeared amplified. The full moon was like a beacon guiding him.
They’d been hiking for some time before Luc heard voices up ahead. He stopped and faced Dubois, who held his hand up to halt the others. He put his finger to his lips in a shushing motion, then made a cutting motion across his neck and pointed to the flashlights. The rest of the journey would be dark.
Dubois pulled out his gun and took the lead. He made sure they always stayed back just enough to keep from being noticed. Luc didn’t think it was necessary, as the men appeared to be lost in their own world. One man took the lead, that would be Gator, while the other two followed carrying a large bag.
The fourth child.
Luc could hear Gator ordering the others to hurry. Just the sound of his voice struck Luc with an anxiety of such proportion it was years in the making. Suddenly he was that frightened boy once again constantly looking over his shoulder.
Dubois came to an abrupt stop. They took cover as they spied the men traipsing across the wooden planks toward the tin shack on the water. One by one, they disappeared through the door.
“I’m going to check out the scene. Y’all stay here and for God’s sake, keep yourselves hidden,” Dubois whispered before he took off.
Dubois silently made his way to the bridge. He hunched down as he crept along the rickety wooden planks. One false move and he’d end up gator bait. Once he’d stepped onto the porch surrounding the building, Luc sighed in relief. With his back to the wall, Dubois inched his way toward the window, then ducked down before he peered in.
Celestine’s murmuring broke Luc’s concentration. He turned and found her hands out, palms up and her eyes closed. She must have been doing a protection spell. He knew better than to interrupt.
He returned his focus to Dubois, who was making his way back to them where they waited behind a cluster of palmettos.
“Backup shouldn’t be far off, but I can’t wait. Three of the children are already lying on tables. The fourth child is being prepared as we speak. I noticed a giant machete lying on an altar filled with candles and statues that I’ve never seen before.”
“What can we do to help?” Luc asked.
Dubois took a deep breath. “Jake, you run back and show the men the way. Luc, you come with me, but stay outside unless I call for you. Celestine, you do whatever it is you do.”
“I need to go with you,” Celestine said. “I need to have her in view to do any good.”
Dubois appeared to be considering her statement. “Okay. Luc, you protect her.” He reached down under his pant leg and produced a gun. “Do you know how to use this?”
Luc turned the revolver over in his hands. “Aim and shoot?”
“Uh, yeah. That’s about it.” Dubois pointed. “Here’s the safety. Keep it on until you need it.” He made sure he had Luc’s full attention before he continued. “Got that?”
Luc nodded.
“Okay, here we go.” Dubois raced to the bridge. Luc kept close while Celestine brought up the rear. He was so keyed up he thought he might jump out of his own skin. When they got to the door, the detective motioned for them to hang back as he quietly twisted the knob before he kicked the door open.
“NOPD, hands up. You’re all under arrest for kidnapping,” Dubois shouted as he entered the room leading with his gun.
Luc and Celestine watched through the cloudy window. At first no one moved, just stared at the detective with their mouths agape. Slowly their hands raised in the air.
“Lock your hands behind your heads.”
The guys assumed the position.
The woman scowling at Dubois did not resemble the creature they’d encountered in the woods. She was young and beautiful. Dubois too appeared confused as he aimed his 9mm Glock at her head.
“You too. Raise your hands and lock them behind your head.”
She didn’t move.
“Now!” Dubois shouted.
She appeared unfazed by the detective’s determination.
Right before their eyes, her face turned back into the ugly mask. Her eyes glowed red and her hair turned into snakes coiled and ready to strike. Her right hand raised and Dubois flew backward into the wall where he slid to the floor, his gun clattering across the room.
Gator snatched the gun and pointed it at Dubois. “Let’s see how you like it, tough guy.”
“Kill him,” the she-devil hissed.
Gator’s brows knit. “You want me to kill a cop?” He turned toward her and his eyes almost popped out of his head. “What the fuck. Who are you?” He shook his head as if trying to clear it.
She cackled. “You don’t find me so attractive now, do you?”
“I…I…how?” Gator stuttered as he
backed up. The others stumbled toward the door, which promptly slammed shut. They twisted around, keeping their backs to the wall, their mouths hung wide open.
“Does she know we’re here?” Luc whispered.
“No. I have us cloaked with a protective shield,” Celestine whispered back.
“What do we do now?” Luc asked.
“You are the only one who can kill her,” she answered.
Luc searched her face, but she appeared serious. “Why?”
“Because she has marked you.” She placed her hand gently on his arm. “You are a part of her now.”
He winced. “What does that mean?”
“Don’t worry. Once she’s dead, the connection will be broken.”
“You promise?”
“No. But that’s what’s supposed to happen,” Celestine said.
“Thanks a lot.”
Celestine turned him around until he faced her.
She placed a hand on his cheek. “I’m not going to lie to you. The demon could enter you once the host body breathes its last breath, but you’re wearing a powerful gris gris bag and I’ve surrounded you with a mirrored white light so that anything she throws your way will bounce back and hit her instead. Between the two you should be protected.”
Luc stepped back. “Should be? I think I would have preferred it if you lied.”
“I’m sorry, but I think it’s best you know what you’re up against. It’s not like you have much of a choice if you want to save those children.” Celestine remained outwardly calm.
“I know, dammit!” He took a deep breath before he continued. He wasn’t angry with her, but having the weight of the world heaped upon his shoulders was more responsibility than he could handle.
“So what happens if the demon enters me?” Luc asked, afraid of the answer.
Her grim expression said it all.
“You’d have to kill me.”
He didn’t think she’d answer.
“Let’s not worry about that now. There’s no time to waste, you need to get in there.”
Luc closed his eyes and summoned the strength and courage he’d need to confront the evil force in that room. When he opened them again, he was ready to do battle. He opened the door.
A black cloud hovered near the ceiling. Everything floated in mid-air; the lit candles, bones, feathers, a bottle of dark liquid, a silver chalice, the unconscious children.
Inhuman yellow eyes glowed at him from across the room. The she-devil turned her back, then climbed the wall on her hands and knees. Her head twisted backward on her body, he could hear the bones crunching in her neck.
Those wicked eyes zeroed in on him and remained as she crawled along the ceiling with small, jerky moves. A grotesque toothless grin spread across her face.
Luc’s heart drummed in his chest.
He was staring at pure evil.
He thought he’d die of fright right then and there.
When she got to the middle of the room, she abruptly stopped and stared a hole right through him. His body became uncomfortably hot as if his blood were boiling. The snakes attached to her head were coiling, then stretching to their full length and snapping at the air.
Luc gasped.
“Cloak your fear. It only makes her stronger,” Celestine whispered.
“I don’t think that’s possible. Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” He cocked his head toward the room.
“I’m fully aware of all that’s going on. Imagine a brick wall around your mind, nothing goes in or out.”
Luc grudgingly squeezed his eyes shut, picturing a giant brick wall around his head. When he’d finished, he opened his eyes.
“Okay, you’re ready. Now flip the safety off the gun and aim. Shoot her in the head and the heart.”
“Are you out of your ever-lovin’ mind? I’ve never fired a pistol in my life and you expect me to be able to shoot with accuracy? For God’s sake, there’s only six bullets in the damn thing.” He offered her the gun, butt first. “You do it.”
“I can’t.” Her words were tinged with anger. “It has to be you and you need to do it now!”
“Dammit all to hell.” Luc took a few deep breaths and harnessed his courage. He flicked off the safety before he anchored the gun with both hands. Gator, Spike and the new guy were plastered against the walls, out of reach of the striking snakes.
The demon focused solely on Luc. Her maniacal laugh sent chills deep into his bones. She remained poised like a spider ready to jump. He entered the room getting as close as he dared while avoiding the snakes. He aimed at her back where her heart should be and squeezed the trigger. The beast quickly sidestepped and the bullet lodged into the ceiling.
Luc pointed at her head only to have the same failed result. So he directed the gun to her right, then swiftly moved it left before he squeezed the trigger. She danced right into the bullet. The sound she omitted almost broke his eardrums. It hit her square in the middle of the back, but he couldn’t guarantee it hit her heart.
He waved the gun around and watched as she danced all over the ceiling. After a few minutes, he thought he might have her moves down. He shot three times in quick succession and she dropped to the ground at his feet. Her head faced forward, dead eyes stared at him. Everything previously suspended crashed to the floor. The black cloud dissipated.
Luc watched in awe as deep grooves set into her skin. In a matter of seconds, her face looked like a shriveled up prune, her lips sunk in around her gums. Her body withered. Her entire dermis wrinkled and hung loose as purple veins popped up along the surface. She’d aged a hundred years in minutes.
Luc was certain the show was over until cracks quickly raced along her entire body. Then she exploded. Black ashes rained down upon them and covered the ground.
That was it.
She was gone.
Celestine rushed in with her arms raised, shouting in Creole. The ground rumbled and the ashes rose. The cloud of ash moved right, then left as if looking for a means of escape, but Celestine was persistent. The ashes began swirling around swiftly until they became one, taking the form of the she-devil. Then all at once, they broke apart and disintegrated.
A bright light filled the room then vanished.
It was finally over.
Instantly a horrific pain shot through Luc and he clutched his stomach, his hands filled with blood. He’d reopened his wound. In an effort to keep Celestine from freaking out, he tried to make a stealthy exit. On his way to the door, he locked eyes with Dubois, who dipped his head in acknowledgment.
“I’ll take that,” Dubois said. Luc didn’t need to turn around to know he was talking to Gator, who still had his gun. “Now all of you face down on the ground.”
Luc concentrated on getting outside. He could hear the night sounds and smell the bayou. Water lapped against the pilings. His feet felt like lead as he stumbled toward safety.
“Luc?”
Celestine’s voice floated through the air. Knowing he couldn’t waste energy on conversation, he pushed on.
“You’re bleeding!”
Gotta get outside, the air’s too thick in here to breathe.
Her soft body snuggled up beside him while she wrapped her arm around his waist. “Let me help you.”
To his surprise, she wasn’t yelling at him. With her assistance, he made it out to the fresh air. He took a deep breath and collapsed, bringing her down with him. “Luc!”
“Sorry.” The word barely escaped Luc’s lips before the world disappeared.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Seven Days Later
Luc found himself back in Devils Swamp with Charlotte by his side. The abandoned camp lay just ahead. It was night.
“What are we doing here, ma petite?”
“You still need to save the children,” Charlotte said.
“Oh for Christ’s sake, I did! The kids are alive, the bad lady is dead.”
“Not those children.” She pointed out into the water.
“Them.�
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Luc followed her finger to see the spirits of eight children holding hands and floating above the water. It was a sorrowful sight for sure.
“But they’re already dead, there’s nothing I can do for them now.”
She shook her head and her blonde curls danced about her in the process. “Their souls have been cursed to wander the earth for all of eternity. You must set them free so they can go to heaven.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
When no answer came, Luc searched the area and found himself alone. “Great, that’s just great.”
Luc jerked awake. He was back in his bed at the Thibodeux House. He turned toward the window and noticed the sun peeking around the plantation shutters. A new day had begun. He swiveled his legs over the side of the bed and sat up slowly. He was still very weak.
After that night in the bayou, he’d returned to the hospital, where they closed him back up and replaced the blood he’d lost. Frank arrived from Europe while Luc slept. Clara had called him the moment Luc went in for surgery.
He’d taken the first possible flight, but it still took him a couple of days to get back to New Orleans. He’d apologized profusely for not being around when Luc needed him. Luc did everything he could to put his mind at ease by telling Frank there was nothing he could have done. The truth was that Luc had to rescue those kids and there was no doubt in his mind that Frank would have gotten in the way.
Luc felt pretty good about saving the lives of those kids until now.
“Dammit, Charlotte.”
Why was everything up to him? There was a knock at the door and it opened.
“You okay, son?” Frank’s worried face greeted him.
“Yeah, just need to use the can.”
Frank entered the room. “Let me help you.”
Luc allowed Frank to lift him under the arms and act as a crutch as they walked down the hall to the bathroom. After he’d entered the room, he turned to close the door. “Thanks.”
“Are you sure you don’t need any more help?” Frank asked.
“No, I’ve got it from here.”
After Luc relieved himself, he washed his hands and face. That was about all he could do before he felt as if he’d collapse. He wondered about the strength he’d had that night in the swamp. There he was, right out of surgery and ready to take on the world.
Spirits of the Bayou Page 18