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)
David frowned. “That would be wise.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Yes. Tell us about the king of a whole big muddy bayou. Oh my. My cock is hardening at the very thought.”
“The Alligator Don is cunning. Over the years, he has established himself as a feared and respected figure in the New Orleans underworld.”
“And why should I care?”
“Because no more than a day from your arriving in New Orleans, you are expected to pay him respect—”
“Excuse me?” I laughed so loud the noise rose in the car.
Meanwhile, David did not join me. “How must Kazimir pay respect to this don?”
“I am not doing it.” I laughed some more.
Jean-Pierre cleared his throat. “Kazimir should bring him two gifts that represent Russia. I suggest a good bottle of vodka and maybe some chocolate—covered prunes. Anything that is special to Russia that the don cannot get in Louisiana.”
David nodded. “And if Kazimir does not?”
I stopped laughing and realized that David or Emily would end up convincing me to do it.
Will they not let me have any fun in New Orleans?
Jean-Pierre continued, “The don has two twins that remain with him. Two witches—Genevieve and Evangeline. When the don perceives that he has enemies, he uses them to curse and bother—”
“Get off my phone, Butcher.” I waved him away. “I have my own witch.”
“Kazimir, I am warning you—”
“And I have heard, if this king wants vodka and Russian sweets, then fine. I will have my sister take it over.”
“You must do it.”
“We shall see.” I began to get bored. “Are we done?”
“There is the Quarter Master.”
I groaned in annoyance.
“His name is Remy Broussard. He grew up in the bustling heart of the French Quarter. He dominates the black market in all of America’s South. New Orleans is his headquarters.”
Smirking, I leaned my head to the side. “And does he require vodka and sweets too?”
“No. Giving him gifts would be disrespectful. It would be as if you are saying that he is in need of charity.”
I looked at David. “I do not care about this. Hang up on him.”
David stared at the phone. “What does the Quarter Master need?”
“Remy will know that the Lion is powerful.”
“I am glad someone there will know it.” I frowned.
“Remy will hold a big event for Kazimir and Emily as if you all are his best friends. It will be all for show. I am guessing he will host you a huge masquerade ball with you two as the honorary guests. There will be a second line parade to celebrate—”
“He is going to throw us a party?” I raised my eyebrows. “We are there for Emily to be healed. There may not be many moments of free time with my mouse. When I get to have time alone with her, I will not share it.”
“It is a party, Kazimir. Go.”
“And if I do not?”
“Remy would consider it a slight, be embarrassed, and seek revenge.”
David blinked. “What could he do to Kazimir?”
“Remy has extensive connections and resources that could sabotage the Mouse’s plans of healing.”
I tensed.
“Delphine uses Remy to get items that would be illegal or impossible to find with anyone else.”
I let out a long breath. “Alright. I must personally give one idiot gifts. And then Emily and I must go to a party for another idiot.”
“And also consider not calling them idiots.” Jean-Pierre sighed. “Then, we have your final and most dangerous threat.”
I leaned forward. “Who is that?”
“Delphine.”
A cold shiver ran through me.
I swallowed down my fear. “Tell me about her.”
“They call her the Bayou Banshee. But no one would ever say that to her face.”
I widened my eyes. “How did she get that nickname?”
“People claimed that she has extraordinary power, and one of those things is to create haunting, otherworldly sounds that can disorient and strike fear into the hearts of her enemies.”
David and I exchanged glances.
Jean-Pierre continued, “She was born into a long line of voodoo practitioners. For some reason, she was taken from her mother and raised by her grandmother. It had to do with a kid dying in her class.”
“Okay.”
“After her grandmother’s passing, she inherited her grandmother’s house and began providing services to many. Over time, Delphine’s reputation grew, and she is now the most sought—after figure in the New Orleans criminal underworld.”
“Do you think she can heal Emily?”
“If anyone can do it, then Delphine can.”
David spoke, “And does Delphine require any tribute, gifts, or parties?”
“Delphine requires a great amount of respect—the sort that I am not sure Kazimir can provide.” Jean-Pierre sighed. “Therefore, I advise Kazimir to stay away from her as much as possible. She will not care that you are the Lion. If you step out of line, she will harm you.”
“Avoid her? If she is to be around my mouse—”
“Trust me, Kazimir. While I do not care if Delphine has you returning to Moscow with your insides on the outside. . .”