Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
“And you be mindful that you are not coming to New Orleans.”
“I am. Besides, I cannot remain here with David, Blue, and Giorgio.”
I quirked my brows. “Why not?”
“David has a clear destiny—a beautiful one. It has already been difficult enough to not meddle. With my being gone he will get closer to his true destiny.”
“Will Blue come to her senses and—”
“You are to leave Blue alone, Kazimir.”
I grumbled.
Paolo and Harlem left the fountain and raced down the path toward where I had killed the gardener days ago. That should have made me uneasy, yet instead I beamed with pride, knowing that his murder was one way I had solidified the protection of my family.
No one will ever harm or crack the foundation that I have with my mouse and my sons.
As if hearing me, Baba shook her head. “As Emily embarks on her journey of healing, I would like you to also walk down that path.”
“And what do I need to heal?”
“A lot, Kazimir. You also have a darkness within you that must be brightened.”
I led us toward the section of the garden that was my favorite. “You think I became the leader of the Brotherhood due to singing about flowers and sitting around a campfire?”
“I imagine that was not your process.”
“I got the position through death and blood, Baba. Therefore, death and blood will be how I keep it.”
“Yet, it was not death and blood that strengthened the Brotherhood and you. It was your love for the Mouse.” Baba’s words hung in the air.
I wished I could punch them away.
We paused in front of a line of Siberian Irises. Majestic, their large and brilliant flowers seemed to command attention with their deep purple and blue shades that radiated against the foliage. The intricate petal patterns were breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by them.
Baba spoke, “Let us return to the conversation of New Orleans.”
“What about New Orleans?”
“I have been seeing visions of stringed colorful beads splattered with blood.”
I tensed. “What does that mean?”
“It means that the Lion may roar or Lunita may come out. Or both. Regardless, those visions speak of death and blood, chaos and violence.”
Pressure built in my chest.
“These things do not surprise me. Death and blood is your way, and death and blood is Lunita’s way too. Perhaps, that is why you understand her more than even the Mouse.”
“You think I understand Lunita?”
“Yes. A lot more than most. However, in New Orleans my babies will be with us. Paolo has seen enough violence—bombing and shooting. Also, now Emilio is here and must be sheltered from all of the madness. I am begging you to not roar while we are there.”
“And if someone comes for my mouse or kids? What am I to do? Purr?”
“While in New Orleans, I ask that you seek my counsel in all things. Do not act on anything, until we have talked.” Baba stared at the ground. “Also. . .new cards. . .”
“What?”
“New cards revealed themselves to me this morning. They sat on top of my desk.” Fear filled Baba’s eyes. “I asked David to show me the footage of my office. He got it and we watched the video together. I had to see who brought these cards to me.”
“Who brought them?”
Baba lifted up her view and targeted me with her gaze. “They simply just appeared.”
“What does that mean? Could it have been. . .Pavel?”
Baba shrugged. “Or Olga or your mother or any spirit. When people pass, some of their essence remains with us.”
“Why?”
“They are there to protect and assist. However, only God knows who it was that brought those cards.”
“What do they look like?”
“They are thick, wooden, and hand painted. I believe these cards should give me special guidance for New Orleans.”
A cold chill ran through me. I still had planned on keeping Baba in Moscow, but now. . .she had to come. Sighing, I turned back to the flowers. “When will you do my reading with the new cards?”
“I want to wait until we are in New Orleans.”
“Why?”
“The energy will be different there. It could help.”
I looked around and realized that I had lost sight of Paolo and Harlem. However, I caught giggling and barking among the flowers as they played in the garden. And then I spotted Paolo’s guards running around and playing with them.
Baba got in front of me. A worried expression covered her face. “Kazimir?”
“Yes.”
“You have showed your power as a lion for a long time, roaring in Russia, the States, France, and even Italy.” She gave me a sad smile. “In New Orleans, I would like you to change how you handle problems.”
I wanted to roll my eyes, but I gave Baba her proper respect. “What should you have me do when my family is threatened?”
“As I said before, seek my counsel before reacting.”