Shadows (Bayou Magic 1)

I nod, and once I’m in the car and headed back toward the city, Brielle turns to me.

“What did you say to him once we were out of earshot?”

I take her hand and kiss her knuckles. “That, darlin’, is none of your business.”

“Well, he told you,” Millie says and laughs. “I can’t believe I can laugh after what we just saw. He had shrines. With photos and everything.”

“Where did he get the snapshots?” Daphne wonders. “They’re pictures even Mama wouldn’t have because they were clearly taken after we left.”

“Unfortunately,” Brielle says with a sigh, “I think we’re going to have to go to Mama’s at some point and ask some questions.”

“Why?” Millie asks.

“Because she’s his neighbor and has known him for as long as I can remember. She’ll know something more than we do.”

“She doesn’t know who we are these days,” Daphne says. “How do you expect her to know anything about Horace killing innocent women?”

“It’s worth a try,” Brielle insists. “But not today. We’ve all been through enough. I’m just relieved that it’s over. He can’t hurt anyone else.”

“Is he still following you?” Millie asks.

“No, and the murdered girls are gone, too. They were gone as soon as we stepped out of my apartment after my dream. I’m telling you, it’s over. We can all go back to living our lives.”

“Well, thank the goddess for miracles,” Millie says. “Now, let’s go take care of those girls.”Chapter TwentyBrielleNo one follows me around for the first time in weeks, and I’m ridiculously happy about it.

No creepy dead girls.

No Horace.

Just the usual shadows of New Orleans here and there. Surprisingly, they don’t scare me like they used to. There are more shadows in the hospital, which is to be expected.

I’m easily able to ignore them.

“I hope they let us in soon,” Millie says, holding a tray of hot chocolates, each containing a spell of protection and healing. “I don’t want these to get cold.”

“You can come back,” a nurse says from the doorway leading to the ER rooms. “All of the ladies are awake and would like to say hello.”

“Are you sure?” Daphne asks. “They’ve been through something pretty horrible.”

“They have family with them and will be here for a couple of days. But, yes, they agreed to see you.”

We stop at each room, offering a cup of hot chocolate and lots of hugs.

“I look like you,” the one named Megan says softly. “You’re so lucky he didn’t take you.”

“I know I am.” I nod and push away the sudden guilt that pierces my heart. It’s not my fault, and I know that, but I can’t help but feel responsible for the suffering that these girls endured.

I can’t imagine the fear, the horror.

I purposefully save my visit with Sarah for last. My sisters don’t join me when I walk into the room. Sarah’s face lights up when she sees me. “Hey!”

“Hey, yourself.” I sit on the bed near her hip. “How do you feel?”

“A little better now that they’re pumping some fluids into me,” she says, pointing to her IV. “I’m happy to have all of my brothers here. I might not let them out of my sight again.”

“The feeling’s mutual, squirt.”

I turn to look at Sarah’s brothers and feel my eyes widen. They’re all big men, well over six feet, with broad shoulders and meaty hands.

I wouldn’t want to piss any of them off.

“It’s nice to meet you all.”

“Sarah says you came to her sometimes and talked to her,” one of the brothers says with a frown. “How is that even possible?”

“I don’t know for sure.” I shrug and shake my head. “I was dream-walking. And if I told you everything, you’d think I’m crazy.”

“No, I think the dick that did this is crazy,” he replies. “I’m grateful to you for helping Sarah escape.”

“Sarah did that because she’s a badass. She has older brothers who taught her how to take care of herself. I was just there at the right moment when a knife had been left on the floor and pointed it out.”

“Either way, we’re grateful,” another brother says. “We’re going to go get something from the cafeteria while you two talk.”

“Thanks.”

Sarah sighs. “It feels like a nightmare. I mean, I know I’m starving and dirty and my muscles hurt from sitting on that fucking bed, but part of me feels like it was all a long, drawn-out night terror.”

“Worst nightmare ever,” I reply softly. “So, you remember seeing me?”

“You were standing in that room as clearly as you’re here right now,” she says. “It confused the hell out of me. I thought I was imagining things at first, but then you talked to me. I figured, even if I was going crazy, having someone to talk to was kind of nice.”

“Have you ever considered yourself sensitive to paranormal things?” I ask, watching her carefully.