Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
“Mysh, did you know that over five million people practice voodoo in Haiti?”
Tension gathered in my shoulders. “I didn’t.”
“That fun fact came from David’s report, explaining why Delphine life’s work has extended far beyond New Orleans and over into Haiti.” Kaz lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss against each of Emilio’s chubby cheeks, eliciting gurgles from our son.
“Do we know what she would do when she went to Haiti?”
“While many reported to David that Delphine would bring tons of boxes over, she also spent her time buying artifacts and ingredients essential for her rituals. She even participated in many ceremonies, suggesting that she has a lot of friends there.” Kaz looked at me. “David saw them as her missions of compassion aimed at supporting the people of Haiti.”
I thought about the recent events this year for that country. “It’s been a lot of political unrest, economic struggles, and natural disasters.”
“Which all halted her trips this year.” Kaz grinned at Emilio. “Misha looked into her finances. Almost fifty percent of her income goes to providing aid, comfort, and spiritual support to the Haitians.”
“Why didn’t you tell me all of this?”
“I did not see how it would relate to her ability to heal you.”
Emilio balled his fist and began sucking on it.
I considered this new angle.
The political instability, characterized by violent protests and government upheaval, had plunged Haiti into a state of uncertainty. Due to that, gang violence had surged, further complicating safe travel and the distribution of aid.
Then, natural disasters—from earthquakes to powerful hurricanes—came along, leaving deep scars on the landscape and its people.
These conflicts would not only have hindered Delphine’s ability to visit Haiti but may have also impacted her practice in New Orleans.
But more so, I bet Delphine’s heart ached for the people of Haiti.
Kaz spoke, “David made note that at times, Delphine had served as a sort of hub for Haitian migrants coming to the US, helping them get not just food and lodging, but jobs and fake visas.”
“Then, she would have heard from the migrants about missing people and probably knows about the whole organ harvesting situation.”
Kaz widened his grin.
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“Delphine’s story of wanting to heal you was missing something. Curse on her family? If that was true, why not go to New York years ago and heal you?”
“Good point.”
“Now, perhaps she has Baba’s talent and can see visions of the future. Maybe, she understands that healing you is a huge card that she would not want to play until it would be truly impactful.”
I pursed my lips.
“Regardless, mysh, magic cannot battle two cartels and a billionaire who will kill as many Haitians as he wants for a good heart.”
I sighed. “But the Lion could battle them.”
“Not just the Lion, mysh. The Mouse most definitely would battle.” Kaz placed a thick finger in front of Emilio and our son snapped his view to it and grabbed the digit fast. Soon those tiny fingers were squeezing Kaz’s fingers.
The Lion chuckled. “My cub will run our empire on a throne of skulls, blood, and violence.”
I rolled my eyes. “Emilio is going to be a playwright or author. Award-wining and celebrated by the world.”
Kaz frowned at me.
I winked at him. “All of the violence and death ends with us, baby. We will not pass it on to our kids.”
“Nonsense.” He waved me away and returned to playing with Emilio.
I let out a long breath. “Kaz?”
“Yes, mysh?”
“What are we going to do?”
Kaz put his attention back on me. His expression shifted to neutral.
I raised my eyebrows. “Are we going to let J.P. broker the deal? It keeps everything calm. A new heart will put it all back in motion. The Colombians, Mexicans, and bankster get what they want.”
Kaz remained silent and watched me some more.
I shrugged. “Say something.”
“You are my moral compass, mysh.”
“So?”
“You are also going to be my wife very soon.”
“O-kay.”
“What does that mean, Emily?”
“We will love each other forever.”
“And you will rule by my side forever too.”
I tensed.
“You are no longer pregnant, so what are we going to do?”
“That’s not a fucking answer, Kaz. I want you to clearly say what we should do.”
He smirked. “Stop cursing.”
I rolled my eyes. “What do you think we should do?”
“It is your call, unless you think that you are not capable of making the calls on this situation.”
I frowned.
“You are healing—”
“I can make the calls, but I’m still riding on training wheels when it comes to global conflicts.”
“You think so. I disagree.” Kaz returned to Emilio and gently poked his cheeks. “What do you think, little cub? How did mommy handle herself in Italy? You were also there.”
“I didn’t truly handle Italy.”
“I am comfortable with saying that in comparison to my maneuvers in Italy and yours, you gained us more power and territory, and I earned us more enemies and news reports of bombings.” He looked back at me. “So in this situation, what would the Mouse do?”