“It’s a double cheeseburger. You have to eat, and I don’t blame you for not wanting anything prepared in this house,” Mick said.
“My last meal-from the king of burgers,” she said with a smirk.
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say that.” He lowered his voice. “Laroque is keeping everything very hush-hush. I haven’t seen him since he returned with Henri. He’s up to something. I just don’t know what.”
“You can’t read him?” she asked, taking the bag.
“I’m sure by now you’ve figured out he’s a powerful
Raven took the sandwich and nibbled at it. Her gaze lingered in the corner, staring at a coat rack. On it was a velvet gown in a forest green color. It was cut low both in the front and back. A jewelry box sat on a dressing table alongside it. She reached for it and took a closer look.
It contained a magnificent diamond and ruby necklace.
Graduated, pear-shaped, alternating stones made up the antique jewelry. There were earrings to match. Raven hesitantly touched the box.
The word
“You need to dress in that outfit after you’re done eating.” Mick pointed to a doorway at the other end of the room. “You can shower in there. I left you soap and shampoo. There are plenty of towels.”
“What’s going on, Mick?”
As he turned to leave, he looked into her blue-green eyes. “We’re going to the ritual soon. It’s almost dark.”
“I’m running out of time,” she said.
Mick just looked at her with a sad smile and left.
Raven swallowed the last bite of her sandwich then took a hot shower.
The dress fit perfectly, and for a moment, Raven was lost in her reflection in the mirror. The gown hugged her curves of as if someone had painted it onto her. The back was seductively plunging, reaching all the way down to her waistline.
Laroque entered the room with a cup of tea.
She removed the necklace nestled in the jewelry box and put it on.
“Here, it’s cold out. Have some peppermint tea.”
“Oh, shit,” she mumbled. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
Philippe Laroque stood before her in a black designer suit-Versace, Raven guessed. He looked her over and signaled with his hand for her to turn. Reluctantly, she spun around.
He handed her the teacup. “Drink it.”
She put it down.
“Really, Raven,” he said in an exasperated tone. He lifted the cup and took a sip. “Now drink some.”
She took the tea and drank a bit. It tasted delicious.
“There are shoes in that box by the bed. Put them on,” Laroque ordered.
Raven sat and took out the velvet pumps, which were the same shade of green as her gown. Suddenly, she felt woozy and held onto the edge of the bed.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
Raven remained silent. She finished her tea.
“What are you going to do to me? Hang me by my neck or burn me at the stake?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. That kind of treatment is inhumane.”
She stood to look at her reflection in the mirror. Her head felt as if it were spinning, and she was dizzy again.
On wobbly legs, she staggered to the window that overlooked the ocean. Night fell quickly, revealing a smattering of stars and the luminescent full moon just rising in the east. Raven felt as if she’d had too much wine at a dinner party, only there was no wine-and definitely no party.
His good nature evaporated with the light of dusk. He held out his hand to her. “Let’s go.”
She moved to him, still feeling groggy, her legs felt like they had lead weights attached. “Did you put anything in my tea?” she asked.
“Just a little something I prepared to calm you. An old recipe, tried and true.”
They made their way down the stairs. She held on to his arm. “Terrific and how thoughtful,” she retorted.
“Thank you. I agree,” he said, guiding her through the patio doors and outside to the driveway. Mick followed, ready to get into the driver’s seat of the Mercedes.
“Henri is driving tonight. You stay here,” Laroque commanded.
Raven caught a glimpse of the expression on Mick’s face, but the sedative made her too sleepy to fully appreciate the terror that flashed there for a moment.
He obviously knew enough not to argue with Laroque. He simply nodded and stood simmering in silence until the three drove off to Town Hall for the opening ritual.
Once they were out of sight, Mick shimmered into the ethers.
“She’s traveling, getting closer,” Jade said from a corner booth at The Bed and Brew. The restaurant filled quickly with people ready to party until the light of dawn.
That night would be the opening ritual at Town Hall, followed by a procession to the cemetery on the west end of the island. Townspeople would leave behind food and wine for their loved ones who had shed their physical bodies. There would also be another small ritual at the graveyard in honor of the dead.
Jade, Bo and Tobias were about to get up and head to Town Hall when a roadblock appeared in the shape of Mick Harris. Jade ran into his arms.
“I missed you!” they professed simultaneously. Tenderly, they kissed.
Tobias and Bo walked around them, trying to get to the front door.
Mick pulled away from Jade. “Wait!” he called to them, trying to get their attention. “Something’s going on, and I’m sorry to say Laroque has cut me out of the loop. I think he sensed I’ve come to like and respect Raven, and he doesn’t trust me anymore.”
Bo stood and turned, his face as hard as stone as he looked at the Lamai eye-to-eye. “Why should I believe you? You could have come and helped us anytime, but you didn’t.”
Mick straightened his shoulders. “You’re right. But I’ve found my love and I didn’t want to jeopardize what I have with her.” He gazed lovingly at Jade. “Besides, once we left the Keys I wasn’t informed as to his plans. Believe me or don’t. It’s your choice.”
Bo spoke between clenched teeth. “Go on.”
“He’s with his longtime friend Henri Rioux, and they took Raven a few moments ago-I’m guessing to the opening ceremonies.”
Tobias stepped forward. “Why can’t we locate him? What type of magick is he using?”
“He hasn’t confided in me since we were in the Keys. He was getting sick and persuaded Raven to help create a vaccine. It seems Frank infected him. I think she only helped him because of you.” He motioned to Jade. “He’ll be after the mayor next.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Jade said.
Bo was anxious. “I’m heading to the hall,” he announced, and quickly left the three behind at the restaurant.
“How is Raven?” Tobias asked, his face flushed with anguish.
“Pretty good. She’s a strong woman. I got her something to eat today, but when I went to join Laroque and Raven to drive them, as I normally do, Laroque told me to stay behind at the house. He’s obviously planning something and is keeping it to himself. As far as his magick goes, I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. He performs his rituals alone. Jade, would you happen to know what he’s been practicing lately?” Mick asked.
“He’s always adding and changing his style, making it unique. I know he’s studied ceremonial, and lately he’s talked about his version of chaos magick.” Jade paused. “How will we know where he’s going to bring her?”
Mick put his arm around her. “I have an idea…”
Chapter Twenty-six
Dusk had descended on Mirabelle in violent colors of ochre, red and bright oranges. The parade began on time. Solaris stoically performed the opening ritual. Looking radiant, she wore her traditional white sari with woolen leggings and satin gloves for warmth. Once the ceremony was over, she placed her woolen cloak over her head. She kept searching for a trace of her friend-a sight or sound, a feeling. She felt familiar eyes settle upon her, but who they belonged to she wasn’t certain. She only knew the energy was male.
Tobias waited at Nigella’s farm, Bo was at Town Hall, and Jade hid in the cemetery with Mick. Jade had a peculiar feeling that her father would choose to perform whatever deed he had in mind at her mother’s grave.
Jade wore all black, from suede boots to leather jacket. As she waited in the shadows, the ghosts that inhabited the land whispered to her. Thanks to her father’s instructions, she hadn’t lost the ability to speak with the spirits.
But, ironically, the one voice she needed to hear was the one that kept silent. Her mother. She probed with her mind to try to coax Nicolette to talk to her.
All she heard were echoes of other people’s pasts.
Even in the dark and from a distance, she could see the lanterns as the procession headed closer. From the southern entrance of the cemetery, Mick noticed headlights approaching.
