Voodoo Queens of New Orleans - Vol. I | ✓

Chapter 12: Scenarios In My Head

Hezekiah stepped around slowly, examining my room with steps that were mute against the old flooring. His eyes narrowed and studied my books, the closet, the TV and everything else. The judgmental state of his gaze made me self-conscious.

"You're inside," I tell him. "Now, what is it that you want?"

Hezekiah reaches deep into his pocket and pulls out my pendant—the deep blue gris-gris Mama gifted me the day I arrived, blessed by Legba's veve stamped on the front. Against my better judgment, I smiled.

"My pendant," I sighed out in relief. "You kept it?"

"Actually, I lost it at first. When the Coterie came to the Jubilee, the Elders were the first ones out. Not only did I get separated from you, but I got separated from your little necklace, too. I managed to come back inside and find it wedged in a booth downstairs before the flames got too bad."

My gris-gris dangled between Hezekiah and me. He waited for me to grab it; I was a little scared to, but built up the courage to take it from his icy hold.

"Did anyone else make it out?" I asked him, slipping my gris-gris back on with the intention of showing him that the Loa were looking out for me once again.

"The Elders," he answered, "some Leeches and a few other clans. Boone, too. That's about it."

I guess I could have ruled out Rashida being a Skinwalker.

Hezekiah didn't look sad at the news. Actually, he didn't care much. I, for one, felt guilty that Mama burned down the Jubilee for me.

"It wasn't my fault, you know." I looked away from him. "I didn't ask Mama to do that."

"Oh, I know it wasn't you. You ain't capable of something like that."

I didn't know whether to feel offended or flattered.

"What of Abraham?" I asked. "What has he said?"

He leaned his back against the dresser drawer. I knew he loved the way I couldn't help but stare at his body teasing me through his open shirt. At least he had the decency to keep his shirt somewhat tucked in.

"I wouldn't know. I haven't talked to him since the night we took you."

"Why?"

Hezekiah shook his head. "Too many questions. Now, I believe you got something of mine?"

His eyebrows raised expectantly. I almost forgot about the locket of his that I had. I walked over to the desk and pulled out the desk drawer, taking his locket and holding it by the clasp. I pivoted towards him and stood deathly still when I saw the way his eyes drank me in. He was staring at my naked legs with no restraint, his eyes dancing over the curves of my thighs; undoubtedly staring at my ass when I was faced the other way moments before.

"Here," I muttered. Hezekiah grabbed the locket from me and put it in his pocket. I wanted to ask him who the woman in the locket was, but it was clear that he hated when I asked too many questions.

Instead of leaving, Hezekiah continued to stroll around my room at a nail-biting slow pace. I swallowed hard as I followed him; my worst fear was that he would either go downstairs and terrorize the Coterie and all the House members, or Mama would undo the lock on my door somehow and find Hezekiah Mercier with me.

Either option would end in bloodshed.

"You been holed up here long?" he asked me.

"No." I didn't want to give too much away. "I won't be here long."