Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 86510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“Could I have a moment with Bea, please?”
“Sure.” He removes his arm and walks among the tombstones.
“Yes, love?” Bea says to me when Ronan is out of earshot.
“Could you take me back to Marie Laveau’s tomb?”
“Of course. Do you wish to make an offering?”
“I do.”
As we walk, I look again at all the gravesites, think about the people buried here on this hallowed ground. When we reach the tomb, I turn to Bea.
“I don’t have anything biodegradable to leave.”
“A coin or two is fine,” she says. “Or simply your good thoughts or a prayer. She will hear you.”
I walk toward the tomb, reach into my purse, my fingers grazing the silk bag, and pull out my wallet. “How many should I leave?”
“It’s not the gift that matters,” Bea says. “It’s what the gift represents. What is in your heart.”
I nod and grab two quarters from the zippered compartment of my wallet. I set the coins among the wealth of other gifts.
And I make my wish.
When we return to Ronan, leave the cemetery, and bid goodbye to Bea, I grab his hand.
“What did you think?” he asks.
“I think…I’d like to learn more about Voodoo.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Ronan
“Voodoo?” I ask.
“Yeah. I mean, it means something to your grandmother. It’s a huge part of the city’s culture. Of its history.”
This woman never ceases to surprise me. I know exactly where to take her—the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Mémé took me there often when I was a kid, and it’s located in the heart of the French Quarter, offering a fascinating look at the history and traditions of Voodoo in New Orleans.
A half hour later, we’re entering the museum, complete with dim lighting and an eerie atmosphere. Mary’s eyes widen as she gazes at the walls adorned with various artifacts and artwork related to Voodoo, including dolls, masks, and ritual objects.
“You want to watch the short film about Voodoo in New Orleans?” I ask.
“Yeah, if you don’t mind.”
She watches with rapt attention, taking in the information I’ve known my whole life. Voodoo is interesting and intriguing for sure, but I don’t put any stock in it or any other religion.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of Voodoo artifacts, including traditional Voodoo dolls, gris-gris bags—small fabric pouches that contain talismans—and other ritual objects. I’ve seen all this before, but Mary seems completely mesmerized.
Another section of the museum focuses on the role of Voodoo in New Orleans’ music and cultural traditions.
And of course, there’s a whole section on Marie Laveau herself.
After an hour, my stomach is growling. The beignets didn’t last long, and it’s past lunchtime.
When I open my mouth to suggest something to eat, Mary says, “I’d like to shop. Maybe get a souvenir.”
“Look around you. There are souvenir shops everywhere.”
“No. I mean a Voodoo shop.”
I try not to drop my jaw. “All right. I’ll call Mémé and ask her to recommend the best place.”
She grabs my arm. “Perfect, and then I want to see more of the city. Show me everything. I’ll even try that Pimm cup you were talking about.”
“You mean Pimm’s cup.”
“Right. Yes.”
I text Mémé quickly, and she gives me an address to a shop not too far from where we are.
As we walk into Odette’s Botanica, I inhale the smoky aroma of incense. The smell is familiar. Mémé burns it all the time. The walls of the small shop are lined with shelves filled with candles, herbs, oils, and crystals.
Mary walks in with her eyes wide.
“Good afternoon,” a young woman with blue hair says. “Welcome. Can I help you find anything?”
I nod to Mary.
“I’m really just looking,” Mary says. “I was just at the Voodoo museum. It’s all so interesting.”
The woman smiles and walks out from behind the register. “I’m Veronica.”
“Mary.” She shakes Veronica’s hand.
“We have a large selection of Voodoo and spiritual supplies,” Veronica says, “including candles for different intentions and purposes, such as love, prosperity, and protection. You can also find herbs and oils that are commonly used in Voodoo and other spiritual practices, as well as crystals and other items believed to have spiritual and healing properties.”
“Wonderful,” Mary says. “Is it okay to just look around?”
“Of course. And if you’re interested in learning more about Voodoo and spiritual practices, you can sign up for one of our workshops or classes. These classes cover a range of topics, including Voodoo history and traditions, herbalism, and candle magic.”
“Amazing,” Mary breathes. “I’m from New York. This is all new to me.”
“How long will you be here?” Veronica asks.
Mary sighs. “I leave tomorrow, so I’m going to cram everything I can in today.”
I open my mouth to mention that she doesn’t have to leave tomorrow, but then I think better of it.
I can’t push Mary into doing anything she doesn’t want to do.
She gazes over the shelves, picks up a crystal wand, and strokes it with her fingers.