“What did the spirits tell you?”
A smile came to Edmée’s lips. “They didn’t. The spirits don’t need to explain themselves, and listening to them doesn’t eliminate other deities. Spirits don’t replace a supreme being; they often work in unison, much like the saints who some people worship. The spirits are often souls who either can’t or won’t cross over.”
“Why wouldn’t they?”
“Their work isn’t complete.”
“Miss Guidry speaks of Miss Marilyn all the time as if she’s with her. She never mentions Rett’s father.”
“It sounds like Mr. Abraham didn’t stay. He crossed over. His work was done.”
My head tilted to the side. “People in New Orleans were really saying prayers for my safety?”
Edmée nodded.
“Why do they care?”
“Because you are the prophecy.” She grinned. “But I’m not telling you anything you don’t know.”
Setting my coffee mug on the table, I looked down at the caramel-colored liquid. “They told me, I think.” When I looked up, Edmée’s smile had grown as a mixture of love and pride radiated from her dark eyes. “The spirits, I mean.”
“Keep listening, child.”
“Rett told me too.”
She took a deep breath. “Over seven years ago, your mother took an opportunity to help the spirits.” Her smile disappeared. “Afterward, she knew she’d overstepped. She’d fast forwarded the spirits’ schedule because she wanted you and Kyle in her life. It was the mistake she mentioned. Today, she’s doing what she can to right that wrong.”
“What did she do?”
“Miss Jezebel can be very convincing.”
It was the first time I’d heard Edmée call her by that name.
She continued, “Your mother had many friends and a thriving business.”
I nodded. “I heard about that.”
“I’m sure you have. The thing is that while her business sold sex, they collected more than money. They collected secrets. You can’t blame her bitterness regarding Mr. Boudreau.”
I shook my head.
“When she realized the precariousness of the state of affairs in New Orleans, she set up what she thought would be his downfall. It was meant to ruin him.”
I thought for a moment. “Seven years ago? That’s when Rett took over New Orleans.”
“Yes, child. The city was supposed to all go to his father.” She shrugged. “Maybe Abraham’s work was done and he was ready for his son to reign. No matter, your husband’s triumph was a surprise to many of us. Today, your momma is doing what she can do to give the control back to the spirits, allow them to choose.”
“Choose what?”
“New Orleans’s leader.”
“I don’t understand. You said I’m the fulfillment of the prophecy. I should rule with Rett.”
Edmée took a deep breath. “I pray that we’re right with the spirits. We’ll know soon. I feel it.”
As she spoke, the back door to the shop opened.
Emma