Tonton (A Hunter Kincaid Novel)

John ran one hand through his hair, “Okay.”

Young said, “I knew you would. You are a good man, John Quick. I am outside your front door in my van.”

“Give me a minute.” John went in the bedroom, changed to jeans and a pullover Izod, and then put his pistol and badge on his belt. The last thing was the windbreaker to conceal the pistol and badge. He texted Hunter and Randall that Ariel was missing, then went out the door and hopped in the van’s passenger seat. “Let’s go.”

Young pulled away from the curb and said, “This house is owned by one I believe to be Tonton Macoute. There are rumors he has another home where he holds dark rituals, including sacrifices.”

“But not this one?”

“I do not believe so.”

“How did you come on this information?”

“A friend.”

“Do you have a name?”

“It is not important.”

“If there’s a kidnapping victim in there, it will be.”

“Perhaps later.”

John rode in silence for a few minutes, then asked, “How many are in the house?”

“I do not know.”

“Do you know any of the names of those involved?”

“No. I was told they are all bad people.”

“I don’t have a warrant to search the house, Young.”

“I know. Do what you can. Ariel is in danger. I believe this.”

They drove through the various Pembroke Pines neighborhoods, and with each one they didn’t enter, John grew increasingly uneasy. When Young eventually turned into one, John knew where they were going.

Young stopped in front of Jean Claude Villard’s house and said, “This one.” He opened the driver’s door and stepped to the front walk. “Let’s talk to them, see what they say.”

John reached for his phone as he said, “I’m calling for backup.”

“No, John.” Young said. When John turned his head, he saw the pistol.

John said, “You have about a second to put that away before I make you eat it.” John’s door suddenly opened from the outside and two men stood there, both holding pistols. John said to Young, “You’re with them.”

“Yes, since we were children in Haiti. Now, exit out your door or we will shoot you.”

John stepped out of the passenger’s side and Young moved behind him as the others took John’s weapon and phone, then flanked him as they walked to the front door. Jean Claude opened it. He grinned, “Welcome, Detective. Please, come in.”

Young nudged him through the door, and John yielded to the push. He entered the foyer and continued into the living room, looking for any opportunity to escape. When he saw Ariel sitting in a chair in front of the television, he knew they were in deep. “Are you all right?” He asked. When she looked at him, John saw she was terrified.

Young backed up several steps and leaned his back against the wall, still holding his revolver on John. “You and your friends have interfered too often. We can’t have that.”

Marc Dessaline and Ringo Bazin entered the living room, and Marc said, “Behave yourself Detective Quick, or you will regret your actions.”

Ringo pointed at an oak chair that had been placed by Ariel, “Sit.”

John didn’t move. Ringo circled wide around John and stopped behind Ariel. He pulled out a pocketknife and hit a button. The thin blade opened with a snap, and he put the blade to her face, tapping the needle-sharp point on the skin at the corner of her eye. With every tap, Ariel’s eye twitched. Ringo pointed again at the oak chair.