Page 69 of Midnight Auto Parts

“Both times I was in Dis Pater’s home, I made it out okay.”

“We don’t know how or why you materialize where you do,” he argued. “You won’t be following me this time. How will you know where to go or how to get there?”

“I have to talk to Vi.” I bit my bottom lip. “She can walk me through it.”

“She hasn’t contacted you since…” He left the rest unsaid. “Do you have a way to reach her?”

Calling was out, I knew that. He did too. But, in extreme emergencies, I did have a second option.

“I have a workaround, but I hate using it.” Surveying the undulating ward, I accepted I had no choice. “I’ll owe someone a big favor after this.” I stalked after Carter. “We need to leave. Will you be okay here?”

“Backup is three minutes out.” She eyed me with caution. “Where are you going?”

“Home.” I dusted off my pants. “I need to consult with a friend who might have some insight.”

“Good.” She aimed a sharp glance at Kierce. “Protect her.”

“With my life,” he vowed, his eyes sparking silver, his glamour slipping a bit more.

We made quick work of reaching the wagon and strapping in for the ride.

“Brace yourself.” I set my phone in its holder and dialed on speaker. “This could get ugly.”

“The fuck?” a gritty male voice answered with disbelief. “I thought you done lost my number.”

“Hey, Jean-Claude.” I aimed the wagon toward the shop. “Can you do me a tiny favor?”

“Ha.”He groaned low in his throat. “There ain’t no such thing as tiny favors with you.”

“I need to speak to Vi.” I flexed my hands on the wheel. “It’s an emergency.”

“That twat Rollo still playing gatekeeper?”

“Yep.”

“Fine, fine.” He exhaled, and I swear I could smell his clove cigarettes. “What you want?”

“Smuggle Vi your phone.” I held my breath. “Rollo doesn’t police your access like he does mine.”

“That’s ’cause I helped bring his dumb ass kicking and screaming into this world, and I can take it kicking and screaming right back out again.”

A laugh tickled the back of my throat, but I held it in. “What will I owe you for this?”

“A month with Momma Jean and a case of Josie-bee’s peach chow chow.”

“Done.” Relief left me giddy. “When should I be ready?”

“Gimme an hour.”

“You’re the best.”

“Tell me what I don’t know.”

The call ended with Kierce studying me with interest, so I set about explaining myself.

“Jean-Claude is Vi’s family doctor. He lives next door to her in the Quarter. Momma Jean, his namesake, is his grandmother. Her favorite thing in the world was the peach chow chow Josie cans when she gets her hands on Chilton County peaches from Alabama. So, I’ll get my chat with Vi, but it’ll cost me an out-of-state loaner for a month and a few jars of Josie’s finest.”

“Would you like me to go with you to New Orleans when the time comes?”

---