Mississippi DEAD by Shawn Weaver Read Free Book Online Page B

fine lady as you.”
    “The best you say?” Samantha replied. She wondered if the hotel employed this boy, or if he survived on tips from passengers. He seemed pleasant enough, and anxious to win her favor.
    Cap nodded with vigor, hoping his ploy continued to work. He needed to get this woman to the Hotel Rue Antoine as Becca had instructed. Offering his services as baggage handler and driver seemed the easiest way to accomplish his goal. He meant to please the young vampire who had captured his heart and he could not bear to disappoint her.
    His drive to please Becca was only half of Cap’s motivation to succeed. The beautiful black woman named Lilly Boudreaux provided the rest of his incentive. Lilly and her uncanny abilities terrified him—like describing the fine lady that stood before him to perfection—without ever having seen her. She had painted a picture of the woman in Cap’s mind, down to the detail of the tiny pillbox hat she wore over her blonde hair. But even more terrifying was when Lilly became the woman who could talk to the dead. Her eyes would roll back, her voice would change, and then she would answer to the name of Marie Laveau, former Vodou Queen of New Orleans. Cap shuddered at the thought of facing Marie should he fail.
    Samantha snapped her fingers in front of Cap’s face, bringing him out of his thoughts.
    “Sorry, Ma’am,” Cap said. He looked into the pretty woman’s eyes. “So, you’ll be going to the Hotel Rue Antoine?” he stammered.
    “Yes, and without further delay,” Samantha replied, waving a hand toward her bags.
    If the Rue Antoine was the finest hotel in town, Samantha figured there was a good chance Jack Morrow would be staying there. If not, the hotel would be as good a place as any to start searching for the elusive man.
    Cap almost jumped for joy at his slight victory. Instead, he slapped his beret back on his head as he rushed to take Samantha’s luggage.
    “Follow me. My wagon is just outside the station,” Cap said. He picked up her bags then led Samantha away from the train.
     
    * * *
     
    Mindlessly tapping the cold crust of his toast against the side of his cup, Jack looked out the window of the restaurant connected to the Rue Antoine. He had scored a major victory over his foes on the previous night, but instead of celebrating, Jack felt as empty as ever.
    He had come to New Orleans in pursuit of a powerful vampire named William Carpenter. With the help of his friend, Helena, he had accomplished his goal. After destroying Carpenter, the victory fell short of expectations. Jack felt no elation or sense of accomplishment.
    Helena sat beside Jack in the restaurant, looking at her friend as he stared out the window. She pitied him for what he had endured over the past months, but admired his strength and determination. Helena was a white witch, gifted with amazing psychic abilities. Even though she could have easily used her powers to read Jack’s mind, there was no need. She knew his feelings without the use of her powers. She decided to let Jack be with his thoughts for a few moments.
    Helena sipped tea from a small cream-colored china cup as she conversed with the man who sat on her other side, the legendary Doctor John Watson. Known for his famed adventures alongside the great Sherlock Holmes, the man held true to his word to help Jack rid the world of the monster who had caused the death of Jack’s one true love.
    Watson had not been a willing participant in the hunt for William Carpenter, but had become involved along the way. Upon their first meeting on the ship from London to New York, Helena and Watson had taken a liking for one another. John was a charming man, witty and knowledgeable on a great many subjects. He had soon swept Helena off her feet. He enjoyed her company, and wanted to stay near her, fearing for her safety. They had grown close, and Watson hoped to nurture their relationship.
    Jack’s thoughts drifted between Sarah, his beloved