Demons of Bourbon Street (18 page)

The weight of the book settled in my hands, heavier than I’d remembered. I got to my feet and moved toward the front door.

“
Where are you going?” Kane asked in a low voice. Tension strummed off him, brushing against my skin.

I longed to reconnect with him, send him some calming strength. Instead I opened the door. There was only one thing to do. “I need to find Philip.”

Before I could talk myself out of it, I ran outside. I didn’t look back, but I sensed Kane following me. His frustration reached me as I ran down Bea’s driveway toward the wrought iron gate.

I had to put distance between us. The stronger Meri got, the more pain he’d endure and the more danger Dan would be in. I couldn’t risk it.

I rounded the corner and spotted the streetcar. No way was I going to catch it while wearing my platforms. I kicked them off, scooped them up with my free hand, and sprinted, jumping on at the last second before it rolled down Saint Charles.

Glancing back, my eyes locked with Kane’s. His frustrated expression turned to one of sad understanding as the car rumbled down the avenue. All too quickly, he disappeared from my view.

I shuffled to a seat in the very back, stuffed the book in my purse, and then closed my eyes.

Kane. I was poison to him.

I shook my head, banishing the thought. Phone. I needed my phone. With shaking fingers, I scrolled through my contacts and landed on Lailah’s number.

“
Where are you?” she asked after only the first ring.

“
Kane already called you?”

“
Kat did. They’re worried.”

They should be. I was. “I’m headed to your house. Philip’s there, right?”

“
No, but I know where he is.”

“
I thought he was bound to you? What about that charmed silver?”

She let out a long breath. “He’s here to watch over you. I did that because I was mad he didn’t tell me he was in town. I took it off him last night.”

Her halting tone told me there was something more personal going on, but I let it go. “Oh. All right. Where can I find him?”

“
Meet me on the riverfront in twenty minutes, in front of Jackson Square.”

“
He’s at the rally?” Son of a… The last thing I needed right now was a giant crowd. My emotions were running rampant. I’d never be able to function properly with a riled-up mob of people.

“
Yes. He’s doing damage control. But after that, I have no idea where he’ll be, so if you want to catch him, this is your best shot.”

I groaned. “Fine. See you soon.”

She hung up without saying goodbye. I sent Kane a text, letting him know I was okay and that I’d call him later. Talking to him right now would be too hard.

***

Once again strapped in my platforms, I hopped off the streetcar on Canal Street and walked the four blocks to the waterfront. A horn blared, indicating the ferry’s departure on its return trip to Algiers Point. I longed to be lounging against the rail, headed for the quiet neighborhood across the river. Instead, I climbed the steps to the riverwalk and moved toward Jackson Square.

Only a few tourists strolled along the famed Mississippi. I sighed in relief and quickened my steps. But as I neared the rally, a swell of hate pricked my skin. I dug my nails into my arms, struggling not to scrape them over my irritated flesh.

Damn evangelist. I forced myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other and didn’t stop until I reached the wrought iron railing directly in front of Jackson Square and the Saint Louis cathedral. Sickening rage and judgment filled the air.

In the center of it all, Jonathon—an angel—stood watching.

And he thought
I
was evil?

I let the poison batter against me. Took my time experiencing their inner turmoil. Darkness filled me. My heart ached, and I had trouble breathing. Gasping for air, I pushed the toxic emotions from me. My glass silo snapped in place and my mind went numb.

“
That was dumb,” Lailah said from behind me.

I didn’t bother to turn around. “It helps to understand who you’re fighting.”

She joined me at the rail and waved a hand at the mass of people below. “You’re planning to spend energy on this?”

I turned to meet her bright blue eyes. “Goodwin needs to be stopped. How can you, of all people, tolerate this?”

She frowned. “It’s not my place.”

For once, I couldn’t hear her thoughts in my head. I didn’t know if it was because I had my barriers up or if she was blocking them from me. I was both relieved and annoyed. The one time I actually wanted to know what was going on in that head of hers, and I was blocked. “He’s spreading hate.”

Her face hardened and her eyes narrowed. “Look, Jade, just drop it, okay? We don’t have time for this. You, Dan, and Kane are in serious trouble.” She stared past me and jerked her head toward something behind me. “There’s Philip.”

I spun. My soul guardian was striding away down the stairs in the direction of the French Quarter. I grabbed Lailah’s hand. “Let’s go.”

My glass silo disappeared and all the righteous excitement crawled over my skin. But that wasn’t what stopped me in my tracks.

Lailah tugged on my hand. “Come on. What are you waiting for?”

I tightened my grip, holding on as her fear flooded my awareness. “What is it? What are you so afraid of?”

“
Not now!” she cried and tore away from my grasp. “I’m going after Philip. You can do whatever you want.” She ran, weaving in and out of the swelling crowd.

“
Shit,” I mumbled and followed. Why in the world hadn’t I worn more sensible shoes? The uneven bricked sidewalk threatened to turn my ankles with each step.

Don’t think about it.
Eyes trained on Lailah, I kept her blond head in my sights and tried my best to not barrel anyone down. I followed her across Decatur, and I’d just passed into the gates of Jackson Square Park when someone grabbed my shoulder.

“
Where’s the fire?” the man slurred.

His stale beer breath made my stomach turn. I stepped back. “Excuse me. I need to catch up with my friend.”

“
I’m sure she’ll wait. Reverend Goodwin is just getting started.” He casually draped an arm around me as he tried to guide me toward the corner of the park. “Come have a drink with me and my buddies.”

Buried anger boiled in my chest as I twisted away. “I said no.”

“
I don’t remember asking.” He laughed. “Why else does a pretty girl like you come to New Orleans? We’ll show you a good time, sugar.”

Another man, tall and thin with a low ponytail and yellow teeth, flanked my other side. “Don’t worry, one shot of Uncle D’s moonshine and you won’t even remember me putting my tongue down your throat.”

Gag.

I stepped back, but the pair had me surrounded. I glanced over my shoulder, not finding Lailah or Philip anywhere. Son of a… There was only one thing I could think to do. My fingers started to tingle, and I reached out, zapping their wrists. Magic burst from my fingers in an electric jolt. Beer Breath cried out as he tumbled backwards, while Yellow Teeth grunted.

“
What the fuck?” Yellow Teeth snarled, and then his eyes widened. “You’re a damn witch.”

“
What?” Beer Breath exclaimed from his spot on the grass.

I took off as the pair stumbled after me, yelling at the top of their lungs. “Witch! Get her!”

The crowd parted for me as I ran. They stared with confused eyes, either not hearing or not comprehending my attackers’ accusations.

“
Stop her,” Beer Breath managed to gasp out.

No one did. Thank the Goddess.

Then somehow, someone on stage got wind of our pursuit, and over the loud speaker, Goodwin’s voice boomed. “Good people of New Orleans, it appears one of the offenders is here in the park. Please join me in a prayer.”

I ducked behind a bush as a chorus of boos rose, drowning him out. A few shouted obscenities, but when a small group started chanting, “Burn the witch,” my hands started to shake.

I had power, but if the crowd turned into an angry mob, I couldn’t take them all.

“
Quiet now. Shh,” Goodwin continued. “Violence isn’t the answer. Always remember, hate the sin, not the sinner,” he added with no small amount of charm.

That smooth voice and all the righteous bullshit he spewed made me want to throw a magic ball right at his perfect face. Who was he to judge?

Damn angel.

“
But forgiveness does not equal a free pass. We must help this poor soul.”

Cheers rose, and Goodwin’s smile brightened.

“
I have a mission for you, my loyal followers. A contest, if you will. All you need to do is find the witch and bring her to me unharmed, and you’ll be rewarded on my next program as an honored guest.”

The supporters collectively lost their minds. Fist pumps and cheers rippled through the park. I rose from my crouch, deciding hiding would only make me look guilty.

Goodwin’s eyes met mine.

We held each other’s gazes just long enough for him to wink. Then he turned to someone on the stage and acted as if he’d never seen me. The bastard had used me as a pawn to rile his troops.

With Lailah and Philip long gone, I turned my back and headed toward a different exit. I didn’t get ten yards when a large, squat woman stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

“
I know who you are,” she said.

Magic coiled in my chest. I couldn’t take everyone, but I’d go down trying. “I’m sorry. I’m in a hurry, would you excuse me?”

“
People are waiting for you that way. Your best bet is to leave from behind the stage.” She pointed a stubby finger. “Go. I’ll hold them off as long as possible.”

I peeked behind her. Sure enough, Beer Breath and Yellow Teeth were scanning the crowd. When had they gotten past me? Probably while I’d been distracted by Goodwin’s speech. With no other options, I gave the lady a grateful smile and thanked her, then took off for the stage.

Great. It was the last place I should be. My butt started vibrating, making me jump. The phone. I didn’t take time to answer it, just kept moving.

The people in front were even more rabid than the ones milling around in the back. That was good though; they all kept their gazes fixed on Goodwin, nodding and shouting out
amen
every other second. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to vomit or bash some skulls.