eyes and cheeks. I straightened my work shirt and gulped a deep breath, then another, certain I looked deranged. I didn’t care. I had to run with this epiphany.
Louisiana was my Paris. That was why I moved here. Why should I blow my chance at a new life because I had a lapse in sanity and let this monster into my life, allow him to steal every ounce of my courage and dignity? If I was strong enough to walk away from the last abuser, uproot myself and move across the country, then I was strong enough to quit this sick addiction called Andrew.
A wind gust blew around me, and I looked up to see storm clouds. A crack of thunder made me reel as the back door swung open, slamming against the concrete wall. Carol stuck her head out, looked me up and down. “What on earth do you think you’re doing? You can’t just walk out here on the clock and leave the store like that! I’m sorry, but these fifteen-minute smoke breaks of yours can’t be tolerated--”
She stopped her rant when I turned to look at her. She must have seen my mess of a face. Embarrassment washed her expression and her eyes moved to her feet.
“I wasn’t smoking, Carol. If you can believe it.”
“Listen Camille,” she hesitated. “It’s that boy, isn’t it? I know it’s not my business, but I saw you with him just now. And,” she nervously ran her fingers through her big red Texas hair, “it didn’t settle right with me. Not at all. He gave me the creeps. I mean, the way he looked at you, and your body language, well ...”
She caught my scrutiny, pressed her lips together, then said, “I think he’s no good. And to see you distraught like this ...”
Distraught. Clever Carol. Her meddlesome inferences actually hit the nail right on the head.
“Well ... thanks, Carol. I appreciate your concern, but it’s okay. We’re just breaking up and I’m having a hard time with it.” That half-truth was the best I could manage.
“I understand. That’s the last you’ll hear from me about it. Just let me know if you need my help with anything.... If something goes wrong.”
“I’ll let you know. Really.”
She nodded briskly, turned for the door. “I better get back in there. Take a minute to get yourself together and come on back in. We have a lot to get done this morning.”
I watched her shut the door and exhaled, looked once more up at the sky. While I worked at compartmentalizing my troubles, my mind registered that Carol was much more perceptive than I ever gave her credit for. I would have to be more careful now. I shook that from my mind and instead thought about the decision I’d made, to finally get rid of Andrew and reclaim the new life that sat patiently in the womb, waiting to be born.
The sky was dark now, and the thunder grew more prominent. Hard, cold raindrops hit my skin and I shuddered. Water soaked my hair and my face, washing away the last of my tears and smeared mascara. As the rain cleansed my forehead, I could feel the malicious predators that had come to defeat me scamper off, leave in defeat. An irrational perseverance rose within me, produced a hopeful smile on my face. I reached for the door, held on tight to my second wind and hurried back inside.
CHAPTER 3
The Truth Shall Set You Free
How I’d managed to sleep that night was beyond me, but I awoke rejuvenated. Perhaps that was because I’d see Audrey this morning. This was her first visit since I moved from Seattle. She had no classes this summer, and was able to get off work for a while to come see me. And I was having “Audrey withdrawals.”
On the way to the airport I visited the conjure shop, eager to try the new protection spells. The earthy building with haint blue windows and doors sat tucked away behind an old pizzeria, right around the corner from the bookstore. I spotted the familiar rootworker behind the counter, some tired old tune playing on the ancient record player behind her.
“I need your help again, Vivienne. I want to try these out.” I handed her the list of supplies I needed.
She looked at me cautiously, slowly shook her head in disapproval. “Listen, child, I don’t know how to tell you this, but ... this just ain’t how it works, nah, child.”
I lowered