Young returned to the table and answered Hunter’s earlier question, “I think so, yes. Gaboons are from Africa, as is Vodou. It would be a link to the original religion.” He rubbed his chin, “The old ways, where the worship and practice of dark magic and spells originated and were strong. Reports of some incidents that occurred there are almost beyond belief. There are different versions of vodou: African, Haitian, and New Orleans, and each is different in some ways from the others. But having said that, all vodou originated in Africa.”
Andre said, “Vodou is also for good, too.”
“It most often is. The Haitian people practice it that way as their religion. The loa are spirits and can be good or bad. If worshiped as rala, the peaceful way for life’s happiness, the loa are white magic, for good.” He pointed at the image, “This, though, this is from angry loa, evil loa, called petro. And the ones represented here are black magic.”
“And yet still not illegal,” John said again.
“Correct.”
“Unless we find that this ties into the Haitian ship that he captained.” Hunter said.
Andre said, “If he’s the captain. We haven’t proven that, yet.”
Hunter nodded, “Yeah.” They sat there in silence, each with their own thoughts.
Young said, “I have to return to work. If I can be of help, all you have to do is call.” He stood; as did the others and they all shook hands.
After Young left, John said, “Keep digging, that’s about all you can do.” He tapped Hunter’s forearm with his index finger, “And you, don’t trespass again. You’re going to get your butt into a crack.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll be good.”
Andre snorted, “Sure you will.”
All three chuckled. John checked the clock on his phone and said, “Gotta go, the office is calling.” He looked at Hunter, “You coming over later?”
“Sure. Should I bring anything?”
“Nah, I’ve got it all ready. Andre, you want to come? I’ve got seafood gumbo going in the crockpot.”
“Thanks, but it’s date night for me and the wife. We’ve already locked in the babysitter.”
Hunter said “Good for you.”
Andre said, “Thanks.”
John said, “See you later.”
He waited until reaching his car before reading the earlier text from Randall, still in New Mexico.
It read: call me when u can.
John started the car and turned the AC on high, then called Randall.
“Do I have any mangoes left?”
“Green ones only. It’s all Hunter’s fault.”
“I bet. How are things going?”
“We just met with a man named Young Anson, to meet with Hunter and Andre, her partner, to go over things.”
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you.”
“About Hunter’s case?”
“Sort of.”
John turned an air vent toward his face, eased back in the seat and said, “Why don’t you start from the beginning?”