Hallow Be the Haunt (Krewe of Hunters #22.5)(14)

“That’s great. Absolutely great. Congratulations.”

The woman offered her hand. “Gerry. Or Geraldine. Sands. Gerry Sands. My signature on my paintings is hard to read. I can draw and paint, but go figure—my cursive is terrible. If you’d like that painting, I believe it will cost a great deal more once I’m moved over into the shop.” She laughed.

“I do love the painting and I want to buy it. I don’t have a car at the moment, though.”

“I’ll hold it for you. At the price on it now.”

“Done deal.” Ashley wrote out a check, deciding not to explain why it listed a Virginia address when she’d just said she was from the area. Thankfully, Gerry didn’t seem to notice.

Leaving the artist—and her newly purchased painting—Ashley continued her journey around the square. She realized now that many of the paintings being displayed were in honor of Halloween. Some were truly creepy.

Many were of witches.

When she left Jackson Square and crossed Chartres on her way up to Royal, she passed a number of places where Halloween was—just like at Donegal Plantation—out in full scale.

Ghosts.

Goblins.

Creatures.

Witches.

Here, there, and everywhere.

Watch out for witches.

Yep. Great advice. At Halloween.

She gave herself a mental shake at the sarcasm and hurried on to one of her favorite shops—Fifi Mahony’s—where she loved to browse the fantastic wigs created there and sometimes have her hair done in the salon.

She was due to meet Jake in an hour.

Witches.

She passed more and more of them. They were pictured in decals, in hanging decorations, and by mannequins in the front of shops.

Witches. Yes, here, there, and everywhere.

But, at least, no trio of witches.

She hurried up the steps and into Fifi Mahony’s.





Chapter 4



Jake walked down Magazine Street and watched the blur of activities. Halloween was still six days away and it was a Wednesday night, but the city was in full party mode. Some just walked the streets—locals who were weary of Halloween starting early, visitors totally into the mood, and those who were local and just loved Halloween.

People did love Halloween. It was early and he already saw couples with children dressed as ninjas, Star Wars characters, and more.

There were a few mummies and ghouls and the like walking the streets—one in particular delighted a number of children, stopping to make a howling noise, and then pretending to cry when they jumped back. People laughed. It was all in good fun.

He was surprised when the ghoul walked up to him. “Jake? Jake Mallory?”

Jake stared at the creature.

“Football, man. It’s Sammy Riley. We played together in high school—I was one of your linebackers.”

“Hey. How are you, Sammy?”

“Good. Having a little fun with the kids. I’m doing a party tonight—Swamp Creatures. What are you doing here? Someone told me that you’re a Fed now.”

“I am, and you?”

“I’m a contractor—and a scare actor at Halloween. Love it—I have so much fun.”

“I saw that. Great.”

“You should come to the party.”

“Don’t have an invite or a ticket.”

“You don’t need one. It’s put on by a group of artists and musicians and even writers in the city. A really cool rich dude who got a bunch of movies made from his stuff—on the science fiction channels—pays the groundwork and the venue. No open bar, but you should come. It’s in a warehouse between the CBD and the Irish Channel.”

“Sounds good, but I’m meeting up with my fiancée, Ashley.”

“Bring her. Oh, my God, of course, Ashley. Ashley Donegal.”

“Yes, that’s her. We were really just going to have dinner.”

“I guess Donegal Plantation is crazy enough. Still, man… We’re having all kinds of cool stuff. And these people really get into it. Vampires, werewolves, aliens, witches, you name it.” He broke off, his eyes going wide. “Have you seen the news? Maybe there won’t be any witches. I mean, people won’t want a witch association right now, huh? Oh, hey, man, are you here because of the news?”

“I know about it,” Jake said. “And, naturally, it’s a crime, and I am a Fed…”

“Maybe you should come. What if there are witches there?” Sammy asked. He looked different with white makeup enhanced by shades of red and black covering his face and bandages wrapped around his body.

“No costumes, I’m afraid,” Jake said.

“There’s a place just down the block that rents them,” Sammy told him.

“Well, maybe later. We’re going to have dinner at Antoine’s. Then, we’ll see. We just show up?”

“Get to the door and use my name. They’ll bring you right in. Do come. It’s great to see you. It’s been too long.”

“Great to see you, too.”

Sammy started to walk on, but then he hesitated. “How long you been here? I mean, did you know about the witches? Do the Feds come in when it has to do with kidnapping, state lines, and witches?”