Blood, Heart and Bone

Chapter 1

Nighttime in 1902, Bayou St. John Neighborhood, New Orleans, LA.

Bayou waters shimmered under the moonlight. The music of the insects perfectly complemented this magical scene. Mostly dark and silent, the nearby homes had open windows that invited the breeze. The oppressive heat of the day lingered for hours after the sun went down. Yet, a figure, unheeding of the heat and sights, stalked through the darkness. Though cloaked and hooded, movement reveals a dark blue dress underneath.

A frog’s sudden croak made the figure jump. This spurred the already trembling figure to move more quickly. Shortly, the figure reached a Creole cottage. The cottage had four openings, each fitted with French doors and shutters. The house appeared ordinary, yet many plants adorned its exterior. Black cohosh, hyssop, angelica, lavender, wormwood, mugwort, and other herbs were present.

Reassured by the plants, the figure proceeded to the door. The door, however, opened silently before they could knock. It was dark inside the room. Window coverings blocked all moonlight. They paused for a moment, then resolutely walked inside. The door closed in silence. With a swift movement, the figure faced the closed door. A single strand of blonde hair fell from the hood. With a trembling hand, the figure reached for the doorknob.

A light shone behind her. As the figure turned away from the door, a lit candle on a small table came into view. In a rocking chair next to the table sat a brown-skinned woman. She wore a flowing blue dress, beads around her neck, and her hair in a headscarf. Something unearthly shone in the woman’s brown almond eyes. It was as if they could perceive the figure’s very existence and what lay beyond it. This was Sable, who is a powerful hoodoo priestess.

Sable smiled slyly at her.

“What can I do for you, child?” the priestess questioned.

The address took the figure aback. At most, Sable seemed to be in her late twenties. The figure, however, brushed it aside and got down to the reason for her visit.

The figure spoke. Her whisper was barely audible, yet distinctly feminine.

“A dark creature killed my cousin. I need your help. Anyone who could do anything…they don’t believe me”, explained the figure.

Sable simply nodded, betraying no disbelief or surprise. This almost shocked the figure, considering the previous reactions she had gotten. However, she continued to explain.

“My cousin went to a party several days ago. According to a few friends, she met a handsome gentleman. However, one friend felt that something was wrong with the man, but my cousin assured her that everything was fine. They went off on the walk, but she never returned to the party. A few days later, they found her with two marks on her neck and completely drained of blood.”

Tears fell from under the hood of the cloak onto the floor. Sable sighed and leaned forward.

“So, what would you like me to do and what are you willing to offer me?” asked the priestess.

The figure reached into the inner pocket of the cloak and pulled out a pouch.

“You must find and eliminate the creature. Someone informed that you can provide protection and banish evil creatures. I don’t care how you do it. I was told this would work as payment.”

The figure handed the pouch over to Sable. The priestess opened the pouch, and it held gems like amethyst, garnet, lapis lazuli, smoky quartz, jade, tourmaline, and even cash. Closing the pouch, Sable placed it on the table beside her before turning back to the figure.

“This payment is acceptable. I will take on the job. You will get notice when it’s complete,” said the priestess.

Bowing, the figure walked to the door. The door opens by itself before she can touch it.

“Be safe on your journey home, Mrs. LaBlanc,” said the priestess.

Pausing briefly, the figure darted into the night. The door shut after her. A silhouette near the door escaped the notice of the newly revealed Mrs. LaBlanc, but not the priestess. It turned out to be a Nalusa Falaya; a shadow being. The being known as Fala, worked for Sable.

“I need you to gather the others. Once again, the bloodsuckers are moving,” Sable declared.

With a bow, Fala melted into the shadows.

Sable got up from the rocking chair, seizing the pouch.

“It’s time to get started.”

Extinguishing the candle, she heads to the back of the cottage.

Present day, daytime, Treme Neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana.

A jazz funeral paraded down the street. Nearby, mourners wave decorative umbrellas to the mournful music of the brass band. Horses pulled the casket toward St. Louis Cemetery #1. Jazz funerals are a tradition in the city, often drawing a large crowd.

Tourists and locals alike watched the procession from the sidewalk. One onlooker was a medium-height, brown-skinned 16-year-old girl with long, thin locs. She was wearing an anime graphic T-shirt with ripped jeans. She hid her brown eyes behind her favorite pair of shades. This was Simone Baptiste.

Simone observed the parade with a blank stare. Her gaze remained fixed on the parade until it disappeared. She walked away with a sigh. Simone’s pocket vibrated as she walked away. Simone took her cell phone and saw a new text. “I made it to Dizzy’s. Where are you?”

Simone huffed and responded to the message. “On the way.”

Simone jogged to reach her destination more quickly. She tried her best not to think about the casket that made its way to St. Louis #1. She soon stood in front of a restaurant with the word ‘Dizzy’s’ at the top of the building. Simone made her way inside and found a familiar face. A tall, 23-year-old, brown skin woman with long braids sat at a table near the door. She was wearing a black dress with sunglasses. This was Simone’s older sister, Roxanne, also known as Roxy. Simone made her way over and took a seat.

Roxy stared at Simone for several moments before taking off her sunglasses.

“I didn’t see you at the funeral. Where were you?” asked Roxy.

Simone sighed and turned to look out the window.

“I went on a walk”, answered Simone.

Roxy was silent for a moment and then spoke in a lower tone.

“Did you like the song choice for the parade?” asked Roxy.

Simone turned back to her while folding her arms.

“I still believe Grandma would have liked ’Flee as a Bird’ to be played on the way to the cemetery,” Simone responded, her tone defensive.

Roxy backed up with her hands in the air.

“Don’t come at me. It was Mom who wanted ’Just a Closer Walk with Thee’. “

Before Simone could reply, a server placed two bowls of gumbo, cups of sweet tea, and utensils in front of them.

“Thank you”, said Roxy to the server.

“Enjoy your meals”, replied the server with a nod.

The server walked away as Roxy picked up a spoon. Roxy looked at Simone with an apologetic look.

“I am sorry, but I ordered for you. I know you like their gumbo”, said Roxy.

Simone picked up the spoon and waved away Roxy’s words.

“No worries. I know you did not do this out of a sick need for control like our mother,” remarked Simone.

Roxy shook her head in exasperation, her eyes going towards the ceiling as if looking for strength from a higher power. Simone rolled her eyes at her actions. Roxy noticed and gave her a small pout.

Roxy said, “Simone, I know you and Mom disagree sometimes, but she’s not so bad.”

Simone ignored the statement and focused on her gumbo. She filled her mouth with food so she wouldn’t have to respond. Roxy sighed again and ate her gumbo. The sisters remained silent until they had finished their meal.

Roxy took her last sip of sweet tea and glanced over to see Simone staring into her now-empty bowl.

“Come on. I will take you home.”, said Roxy.

Simone shook her head.

“No, I am good. I can walk.”

Roxy stood up and stepped away from the table.

“Girl, come on. We are going to the same place. What sense does it make for you to walk?” asked Roxy.

“Okay, fine. Let’s go,” huffs Simone.

Roxy placed some money on the table as a tip and made her way towards the door. Simone followed behind, less than enthusiastic. Once outside, a shiny new red Toyota Camry came into view. Simone perked up.

“Is this yours?” asked Simone.

Roxy pressed the unlock button on her car key fob, causing the light on the Toyota to flash.

“Yep, just got it a few days ago,” Roxy answered with a smile.

Roxy and Simone entered the car. Once inside, Simone examined all the features. Roxy smiled at her actions.

Roxy faced Simone, who had an innocent look.

“So, what made you get this brand?” asked Simone.

Roxy’s grin grew.

“I would love to tell you all about it later, after we talk about you and Mom’s situation. I am surprised, though, that you want to discuss my car, since you responded to Cousin Jay’s new Ford purchase with, “And? Who cares?” But, I will be happy to tell you all about it later,” replied Roxy.

Simone’s innocent look vanished, substituted by a scowl. Roxy giggled and turned on the engine. They left the restaurant and drove away.

“Do we have to keep talking about this?” asked Simone.

Roxy’s face showed an irritated yet sad expression as she focused on the road, and Simone could see it. This made Simone feel some guilt, which also caused her more irritation. She loved her older sister and hated to do anything to make her feel bad. Simone rubbed her eyes and sighed.

“I am sorry. I don’t mean to be difficult. Sometimes, Mom really irritates me. She is way too controlling. I am just over it now,” said Simone.

Roxy said nothing for several moments as she waited at a red light. She took a deep breath.

“I am assuming this is about Grandma,” replied Roxy.

Simone gazed out the window, unsure of what to say.

Roxy removed her hand from the wheel for a moment to give her a soft pat on her head. Simone outwardly pouted but had a warm feeling deep inside. Roxy placed her hand back on the wheel and let out a breath.

“I know you were close to Grandma when you were younger. However, you don’t know everything that happened between Mom and Grandma. There may be a reason they drifted apart. I know it affected your time and relationship with Grandma, but maybe you should try talking to Mom,” said Roxy.

Simone sucked her teeth but nodded in agreement. They continued in silence for the rest of the ride. They soon made it to Simone’s home. A blue Honda parked in front of the house showed their mom had returned home. However, an older model sedan was parked behind it. Simone had never seen it before.

“Whose car is that?” asked Simone

Roxy shook her head negatively.

“I don’t know. Let’s see what’s happening,” answered Roxy.

They exited Roxy’s car and made their way up the stairs to the front door. Simone goes into her pocket to grab her keys when she and Roxy hear loud voices. This caused both to pause and look at each other. They became still and listened. An unknown voice rang out from inside the home. It sounded like it came from a much older woman.

“Estelle! You must do this!” exclaimed the voice.

Roxy and Simone looked at each other in question. Estelle was their mom, and they were wondering who had the nerve to raise their voice at her. They felt their mom was a woman who feared almost no one. She always stood up for herself, no matter whom she was speaking to.

“I don’t have to do anything! I don’t even know why y’all are here!” Estelle exclaimed.

Roxy’s and Simone’s eyes widen in unison. They had never heard their mother sound like this.

“You know exactly why we are here. Bernadette is gone now. You are to take over her task!” responded the unknown voice.

Bernadette was their grandmother and Estelle’s mother. This only piqued their curiosity even more.

“I don’t have to do anything! I walked away from that nonsense over 25 years ago, no matter how many times my mom tried to change my mind,” replied Estelle.

A second raspy voice speaks up.

“You are deluding yourself if you think you can simply walk away. This behavior may cause you to lose the very things you hope to protect.”

This statement caused Simone and Roxy to feel concerned and confused. However, this only angered their mother.

“Are you threatening me? My family has sacrificed enough! Get out! Don’t come back!” yelled Estelle.

The first voice spoke up.

“We are not threatening you. Bernadette is no longer around to maintain and guard the seal. If the seal fails, it won’t just be your family or even New Orleans that will be in danger”, the voice replied.

The raspy voice sighed.

“Let’s go. Just think about what we said, Estelle.”

Roxy and Simone hear footsteps coming towards the door. They quickly back up from the door and move down to the sidewalk. Soon after, the door opens to reveal two older black women, wearing flowing black and white dresses and tignons (head wrap). One woman was very tall, with an old scar on the side of her face. It didn’t seem to faze the woman. The woman who followed was much shorter and walked with a cane. When Simone and Roxy came into view, they paused at the top of the stairs.

The taller woman offered a small grin.

“So, you’re Roxanne and Simone, right? Bernadette told us a lot about you.”, said the taller woman.

However, a 45-year-old woman with brown skin arrived at the door before they could answer. She wore a black dress, with a French twist in her hair, and no shoes. It was Estelle.

“I thought y’all were leaving,” said Estelle.

The women glanced at Estelle with disappointment, then descended the stairs and walked to their car. As they drove away in the car, Estelle said nothing.

Roxanne quickly faced Estelle.

“Mom, what is going on?” Roxanna asked.

Estelle exhaled.

“Come in. We can talk inside.” Estelle replied.

Estelle spun and went back into the house.

Roxy and Simone exchanged glances, then followed her in.