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)
“No.”
“But, you know what’s going to happen?”
“I have theories.”
“Will Kaz, Max, and my boys be safe?”
“Always.”
“Alright then. Tell me about the boys. How are they doing?”
I could almost hear the smile in Baba’s voice as she replied, “Ah, Emily. Little Emilio and Paolo are having quite the adventure in New Orleans.”
I smirked. “When you kidnapped my babies, where did you take them?”
She chuckled. “I cannot kidnap children that are mine.”
I deepened my smirk.
“We spent the day in the French Quarter. Especially Jackson Square. Paolo was entirely enamored with the musicians playing jazz on the corner. He had so much fun, running up to them with dollars and putting the money in their hats. We also ate several sugary beignets that I am sure were very healthy for him.”
I laughed softly. “I’m sure they were so healthy.”
“We returned, and I gave them a bath. Now they are both asleep in the same room while Harlem stands guard in the doorway.”
A pang of longing surged through me. “Sounds like they’re enjoying the city.”
“They are.”
“Do not worry about them while you heal. This is why I came. Baba is here for the babies.”
I placed my view back on Max.
The glow of his blunt brightened. Then, he took one final, long drag before stubbing it out against the tree and heading my way.
Baba spoke, “And never forget that Paolo and Emilio are strong, just like their mother. They will be okay.”
A knot tightened in my chest. “And. . .you don’t have any doubt that I will truly heal here?”
“You are a warrior, a mother, a lover, a fierce friend, and most important. . .you are the Mouse.”
Tension gathered in my shoulders.
“You never lose, Emily. Why would you lose this time?” Her words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket.
I swallowed. “Thank you, Baba.”
“You are welcome.” Her voice shifted to tense. “And. . .tell Max not to eat the gumbo tonight. No matter how good it smells.”
“Why not?”
“Just tell him.”
“What about me?”
“You should drink whatever Delphine gives you, but do not eat anything.”
I blinked. “O-kay.”
My heart hammered in my chest.
“Have an. . .interesting evening, Emily.”
For some reason, that made me shiver. “Goodnight, Baba.”
Max climbed onto the porch and eyed me as I put my phone up. “Who was that, Em?”
“Baba.” I lowered my voice. “She told me to tell you not to eat the gumbo tonight.”
He stared back at me like I was crazy. “Man, I’m not eating or drinking anything here. I’ll motherfucking die of starvation first.”
“Well, Baba said I could drink whatever Delphine gave me.”
“For real?”
“Yeah.”
Sighing, Max shook his head. “This is going to be a shit show tonight.”
“Don’t say that.” I pointed at his pocket. “Anyway. . .I saw your phone kept ringing while you were by the tree smoking.”
He leaned against the railing. “Oh yeah?”
“Yes. Who was that?”
“Wrong number.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why are you bad at lying?”
“I’m not bad at lying, Em. It just isn’t any of your business, so I don’t take the time to come up with an excellent lie.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “It is my business.”
“It isn’t.”
I bit my lip, studying Max’s face. He looked tense and guarded, telling me that he was definitely hiding something from me.
“Max, please.” I moved closer to him. “Talk to me. I want to help you, but I can’t do that if you won’t let me in.”
“Your help would be dripping in blood.”
I frowned.
The screen door creaked open, causing Max and I to turn our heads.
Delphine stood in the doorframe, a shadow against the warm glow of the kitchen light. Her gaze pierced through me. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
Max and I exchanged glances.
Surely, the earlier message from Baba played fresh in our minds. Despite the enticing aroma of herbs and spices wafting from the house, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.
Max had a similar apprehension lining his face.
“We appreciate it, Delphine.” I did my best to keep my voice steady. “But we’re not hungry.”
She merely tilted her head. An amused smile played on her lips. “Suit yourselves, but come in all the same. There’s more than just food in the kitchen.”
Like what?
“Come on.” She disappeared back into the house.
There was a silence, filled only by the distant song of the crickets and the faint sound of the wind rustling through the trees.
I exchanged another glance with Max. “Everything will be fine.”
His brown eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion. “I got your back, Em.”
“And I have yours.” I pointed at him. “That’s why you can tell me what’s going on.”
“One problem at a time, Em.” With a sigh, he pushed himself off the railing and walked towards the house.
Frowning, I followed suit.
Yet, unease settled deeper into my bones.
What did Delphine have in store?
But more importantly, what was going on with Max? That worried expression, the unanswered calls.
It was a puzzle, one that I knew I had to solve before it was too late.