Southern Beauty

chapter 16

don’t know why you gave her that cigar box back anyway,” said Jacob. “We never really figured that out, except that Preston likes them.”

“She made a deal with me,” said David. “I think if you give me more time I can find out all we want to know.”

“Why do you think this?” asked Jacob.

“I think I am softening her up,” said David.

“I think Miss Lee is more cunning than we have given her credit for,” said Jacob.

“Yes, that is true,” David agreed.

“I don’t know. How do we know she will tell us? She is a stubborn one,” said Jacob.

David smiled at Jacob’s observation. “Let’s keep an eye on her,” said David. “We just might get everything we have been hoping for.”

The woman showed up again. Her dark features enhanced her beauty, which made her appear a lot younger then her age. She had a kind but determined look on her face. When she spoke her Creole accent appeared.

"You have many allies, Johanna Lee. Where does your loyalty lie?" she asked.

"Who are you?" Johanna asked intrigued.

"I am just another spider in your web of deceit," explained the woman cryptically.

Johanna was shocked at the woman’s accusation, "I am not deceiving anyone."

"Only yourself," she said.

Johanna felt as if she was speaking in riddles. "Can I help you?"

The woman laughed. "No Miss Johanna, I think it is I who can help you."

"I recognize you. You were the one who delivered me into the hands of the pirate,” Johanna realized the woman seemed a lot younger at the hotel. “At least it looked like you."

She laughed again. "You have something in your possession that many would kill for."

"What you are talking about, I don't have with me any longer. I should not be in danger now," Johanna lied.

"I am not talking about any map,” said the woman.

"You are being very mysterious. What are you speaking of then?" asked Johanna.

"Your heart," she said.

"I don't know what kind of voodoo you’re into, but it's not for sale," Johanna began to walk away.

The woman laughed again. "In my age I know that everything has a price. And your heart will cost you and others plenty."

Johanna frightened now of her words turned back to the woman. "I am sorry, I don't believe in fortune telling.”

The woman smiled. "You are taking a very dangerous journey. It can lead to great sadness," she handed Johanna three stones.

Johanna bit her lip. She did not want to encourage the strange woman but she felt she needed to hear her words for some reason.

"One smooth, one rough, and one treasure to behold," the woman said cryptically. "Only your heart will tell you the difference," the woman handed her three rocks. Johanna surprised by the gifts placed them in her handbag.

"Thank you. I will consider your message but I must leave now," Johanna desperately trying to get away.

"Shall I call Rene to come for you?" asked the woman.

"You know Rene? I should have guessed. No thanks. I must be meeting someone at the dock. You can relay a message to him. Tell him I said ‘nice try’." Johanna began to walk away. "Oh, I didn't get your name?"

"I don't think you are going anywhere my dear. How's that fever of yours doing?" asked the woman.

Just then Johanna felt a cold breeze pass right through her and with it came an eerie wave of nausea. Before Johanna slipped out of consciousnesses she heard the woman say, "My name is Marie, Marie Laveau.”

Johanna awoke to the handsome face of Rene once more. Before he could speak she bolted upright and yelled, "The Voodoo Queen, Rene? You stopped me from leaving with help from New Orleans infamous Voodoo Queen?"

"Oh Johanna. Don't be so dramatic,” Rene grinned. “She is just a friend. The locals call her that. I just call her Marie. She used to be my Mother's hairdresser.” Rene smiled at Johanna's anger. "You don't seem to be running a fever now," He gently caressed her cheek, "I was worried about you."

Johanna brushed him off. "Rene what about the pirate at the St. Charles Hotel, was that you too?"

"Absolutely not, I saved you remember?" he looked longingly toward her. Johanna couldn't help looking into his handsome face and feeling that he was telling the truth. He softly caressed her hand. She wanted to be angry with him but she just couldn't. She suddenly had this strange feeling of wanting to kiss him, so she quickly diverted her eyes from him before he noticed.

"I only remember the woman in the cloak who looked like your voodoo queen, only younger," said Johanna.

"It was her daughter, also named Marie. I had nothing to do with it. I think it was all a set up by," he trailed off, "someone from the union."

Johanna thought of David again but quickly pushed it aside before it became too vivid.

"Here is some tea. Please drink it, it will make you feel better," he handed her the warm cup. "My sister has left. Please consider staying awhile longer."

"Are you holding me prisoner, Mr. Beauregard?" asked Johanna with a half smile.

"If it will keep you here with me, then yes," and he leaned in and kissed her square on the mouth. He left the room before she could protest or throw the teacup at him whichever was coming first.

Instead Johanna sat in shocked silence. Surprised at what an amazing kiss it really was. She smiled to herself with almost a laugh. She realized how much practice he must have had to perfect his kisses. She put her hand up to her lips feeling the heat from Rene’s kiss. It affected her more than she wanted to admit.

"No. No. No." she tried to convince herself shaking her head. Things didn't seem to be getting an easier for her.