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sat on a dressing table alongside it. She reached for it and took a
closer look.
It contained a magnificent diamond and ruby necklace.
Graduated, pear-shaped, alternating stones made up the antique
jewelry. There were earrings to match. Raven hesitantly touched the
box.
The word mother came to her then cancer. A glimmer of
understanding penetrated Raven s psyche. Laroque s mother must
have had the disease. Perhaps this was Laroque s reason for wanting
to work on a cure for cancer.
You need to dress in that outfit after you re done eating.
Mick pointed to a doorway at the other end of the room. You can
shower in there. I left you soap and shampoo. There are plenty of
towels.
What s going on, Mick?
As he turned to leave, he looked into her blue-green eyes.
We re going to the ritual soon. It s almost dark.
I m running out of time, she said.
Mick just looked at her with a sad smile and left.
Raven swallowed the last bite of her sandwich then took a hot
shower.
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The dress fit perfectly, and for a moment, Raven was lost in her
reflection in the mirror. The gown hugged her curves of as if
someone had painted it onto her. The back was seductively
plunging, reaching all the way down to her waistline.
Laroque entered the room with a cup of tea.
She removed the necklace nestled in the jewelry box and put it
on.
Here, it s cold out. Have some peppermint tea.
Oh, shit, she mumbled. I didn t hear you come in.
Philippe Laroque stood before her in a black designer suit
Versace, Raven guessed. He looked her over and signaled with his
hand for her to turn. Reluctantly, she spun around.
He handed her the teacup. Drink it.
She put it down.
Really, Raven, he said in an exasperated tone. He lifted the
cup and took a sip. Now drink some.
She took the tea and drank a bit. It tasted delicious.
There are shoes in that box by the bed. Put them on, Laroque
ordered.
Raven sat and took out the velvet pumps, which were the same
shade of green as her gown. Suddenly, she felt woozy and held onto
the edge of the bed.
You look beautiful, he said.
Raven remained silent. She finished her tea.
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Blood Pool
What are you going to do to me? Hang me by my neck or
burn me at the stake?
Don t be ridiculous. That kind of treatment is inhumane.
She stood to look at her reflection in the mirror. Her head felt
as if it were spinning, and she was dizzy again.
On wobbly legs, she staggered to the window that overlooked
the ocean. Night fell quickly, revealing a smattering of stars and the
luminescent full moon just rising in the east. Raven felt as if she d
had too much wine at a dinner party, only there was no wine and
definitely no party.
His good nature evaporated with the light of dusk. He held out
his hand to her. Let s go.
She moved to him, still feeling groggy, her legs felt like they
had lead weights attached. Did you put anything in my tea? she
asked.
Just a little something I prepared to calm you. An old recipe,
tried and true.
They made their way down the stairs. She held on to his arm.
Terrific and how thoughtful, she retorted.
Thank you. I agree, he said, guiding her through the patio
doors and outside to the driveway. Mick followed, ready to get into
the driver s seat of the Mercedes.
Henri is driving tonight. You stay here, Laroque
commanded.
Raven caught a glimpse of the expression on Mick s face, but
the sedative made her too sleepy to fully appreciate the terror that
flashed there for a moment.
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B. Ella Donna
He obviously knew enough not to argue with Laroque. He
simply nodded and stood simmering in silence until the three drove
off to Town Hall for the opening ritual.
Once they were out of sight, Mick shimmered into the ethers.
She s traveling, getting closer, Jade said from a corner booth
at The Bed and Brew. The restaurant filled quickly with people
ready to party until the light of dawn.
That night would be the opening ritual at Town Hall, followed
by a procession to the cemetery on the west end of the island.
Townspeople would leave behind food and wine for their loved
ones who had shed their physical bodies. There would also be
another small ritual at the graveyard in honor of the dead.
Jade, Bo and Tobias were about to get up and head to Town
Hall when a roadblock appeared in the shape of Mick Harris. Jade
ran into his arms.
I missed you! they professed simultaneously. Tenderly, they
kissed.
Tobias and Bo walked around them, trying to get to the front
door.
Mick pulled away from Jade. Wait! he called to them, trying
to get their attention. Something s going on, and I m sorry to say
Laroque has cut me out of the loop. I think he sensed I ve come to
like and respect Raven, and he doesn t trust me anymore.
Bo stood and turned, his face as hard as stone as he looked at
the Lamai eye-to-eye. Why should I believe you? You could have
come and helped us anytime, but you didn t.
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Blood Pool
Mick straightened his shoulders. You re right. But I ve found
my love and I didn t want to jeopardize what I have with her. He
gazed lovingly at Jade. Besides, once we left the Keys I wasn t
informed as to his plans. Believe me or don t. It s your choice.
Bo spoke between clenched teeth. Go on.
He s with his longtime friend Henri Rioux, and they took
Raven a few moments ago I m guessing to the opening
ceremonies.
Tobias stepped forward. Why can t we locate him? What type
of magick is he using?
He hasn t confided in me since we were in the Keys. He was
getting sick and persuaded Raven to help create a vaccine. It seems
Frank infected him. I think she only helped him because of you. He
motioned to Jade. He ll be after the mayor next.
That won t be necessary, Jade said.
Bo was anxious. I m heading to the hall, he announced, and
quickly left the three behind at the restaurant.
How is Raven? Tobias asked, his face flushed with anguish.
Pretty good. She s a strong woman. I got her something to eat
today, but when I went to join Laroque and Raven to drive them, as
I normally do, Laroque told me to stay behind at the house. He s
obviously planning something and is keeping it to himself. As far as
his magick goes, I m sorry I can t be of more help. He performs his
rituals alone. Jade, would you happen to know what he s been
practicing lately? Mick asked.
He s always adding and changing his style, making it unique.
I know he s studied ceremonial, and lately he s talked about his
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B. Ella Donna
version of chaos magick. Jade paused. How will we know where
he s going to bring her?
Mick put his arm around her. I have an idea&
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Chapter Twenty-six
Dusk had descended on Mirabelle in violent colors of ochre,
red and bright oranges. The parade began on time. Solaris stoically
performed the opening ritual. Looking radiant, she wore her
traditional white sari with woolen leggings and satin gloves for
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