Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye by Imari Jade Page A

them.
    “No, I don’t,” he finally said. “I don’t need to bug the casino. Most of the workers have perfect hearing and are very loyal.”
    Isabella frowned knowing he spoke the truth…or at least his version of it.
    “Why would you think Vinnie knows anything about those murders?”
    “Because he usually knows everything,” Isabella admitted.
    Lucius smiled, showing near perfect teeth which made her stomach do this funny tightening thing. “I often wonder how Vinnie does it. He’s always here gambling when he’s not working for Carlo Gino and he stays pretty much to himself while he’s here.”
    “What about you, Lucius? Have you heard anything?” She knew he wouldn’t tell her anything even if he did know but she couldn’t resist watching the fine black man squirm.
    “No,” he answered. “The only thing I know is what I’ve heard on the television or read in the newspaper.”
    Figures. “What do you know about a rogue vampire named Daton?”
    Lucius looked surprised. “Why?”
    “He’s looking for Alesandro,” Isabella replied, noting fear registering on Lucius’ handsome face.
    “Is he here in New Orleans?”
    Isabella nodded. “Right nasty bastard.”
    Lucius gasped. “You’ve met him?”
    “Yes, he’s one mean son of a bitch and he’s very stuck on himself. He kept insisting I tell him how to find Alesandro.”
    Lucius shifted his weight again. “Did you tell him?”
    “Hell no,” Isabella answered quickly.
    He looked at her like he didn’t believe her. “Are you sure?”
    “Bella didn’t tell him,” Ernie answered, defending his partner. “She took a pretty bad whipping to keep Alesandro’s secret.”
    Lucius ran his eyes over her again.
    “I heal fast,” Isabella told him.
    “Good,” Lucius said with relief.
    Was that concern for her in his eyes? “Are you going to tell us anything about him?”
    “To stay the hell away from him,” Lucius replied.
    Isabella signaled Ernie with her head. “We have to go. Tell Alesandro hello.”
    Lucius moved aside and allowed them access to the escalator. “I will give him your message.”

Chapter Eight
    The cemetery didn’t seem so opposing in the daylight. Isabella witnessed two funerals since their arrival and she had Ernie there. She didn’t know who the deceased were but felt sorry for their families. Even though she didn’t actually believe Vinnie, she looked around for signs of Baron Samedi and his assistant, Kubol who usually hung out in cemeteries, taking souls on to their final destination. So far, nothing…not even a sign of cult activity.
    Isabella trembled as she felt a mystic presence spread around them.
    “There are still souls here,” Ernie said to her. “Some of them have not yet crossed over.”
    Isabella nodded in agreement. “Welcome to my world.”
    They stopped in front of a crypt and Isabella ran her hand across the cool marble while reading the inscription. Time and erosion had erased away most of it.
    “Do you think she’s in there?” Ernie asked.
    “Who?”
    “Marie?” he answered.
    “That’s her name written on the marble, isn’t it?”
    Ernie nodded. “Some people think this is her daughter’s grave, since her daughter was also named Marie Laveau.”
    Isabella touched the crypt again and a warm feeling ran through her. “No it is the original. Her remains are in there.” She ran her finger across the X’s that someone had marked on the crypt. “Her followers know it’s her.” She pointed to the fresh X marks. “They still pay her homage.” Isabella walked away and Ernie followed.
    “There is so much I don’t know about your religion,” Ernie said to her.
    Isabella shrugged. “It’s not that complicated. It’s sort of like the Catholic religion.” Her gut instincts told her to eliminate the cult theory. Things didn’t add up.
    Ernie chuckled. “I’ve never seen animals sacrificed at my church.” They walked toward the exit.
    “I mean we use altars and candles like