CHAPTER 19

 LYDIA GLANCED NERVOUSLY at the man sitting in the darkened corner of the bar. Every night for the past three weeks, he arrived at the same time and occupied the same spot. At first, she paid him little attention, but soon found it eerie how the occupants of that particular table would always get up and move away when he approached them. Perhaps they felt the same unease she did whenever she waited on him. Even the customers sitting at nearby tables would glance in his direction nervously, only to find him stoically returning their gazes. Immediately, they turned away and whispered amongst themselves or moved to another part of the bar.

Turning to the bartender, she asked for the usual bottle of water and a glass of ice, knowing the stranger drank nothing else.

“This guy gives me the creeps,” Lydia said, putting everything on a tray. “He keeps watching me.”

“That’s because you’re easy to look at,” Germaine teased. “But I agree. He certainly isn’t good for business. He makes everyone around him uncomfortable.”

“Can’t you get the boss to ask him to leave? Something about him scares me.”

“Nope. I already asked. He said the guy’s not doing anything wrong. There’s no law against watching people, and since he pays for his water, the boss said we treat him like the rest. Besides, I think he’s harmless enough, probably just lonely. He never seems to stay long anyway.”

Lydia shook her head in disgust. “Maybe not, but I don’t like it. Have you noticed some of our regulars haven’t come back since he started coming in? Even Joey’s been gone for over a week and he hasn’t missed his Tuesday and Thursday nights here in over two years. Maybe the guy’s a serial killer or something.”

Germaine laughed. “Lydia, you have a great imagination. You ought to take up writing.”

“Laugh all you want,” she said, disgusted by the bartender’s lack of concern. She picked up the tray, walked over to the stranger and put the water and glass on the table. When he handed her a ten-dollar bill, she started to give him the change.

“Please keep it,” he said, his voice deep and formal.

Glancing at his face, she noticed the black eyes. The color of polished coal, there was no distinction between the pupils and the irises.

Sort of alien looking,she thought. Shivering slightly, she mumbled a quick thanks and hurried away.

“I tell you there’s something not right about him,” she muttered to no one in particular, glancing back in his direction nervously. The stranger smiled and nodded. Catching her breath, Lydia rubbed her arms, trying to erase the goose bumps that had suddenly appeared. She couldn’t shake the feeling he knew what she was thinking.

Deciding to take a break, she signaled to Germaine that she was going outside for a quick smoke. She hoped the cool air would steady her nerves. Leaning against the side of the building, she drew deeply on the cigarette and relaxed as the warm smoke filled her lungs, giving her a quick fix. Slowly exhaling, she glanced down the street, hoping her boyfriend would show up soon.

Two men stood several feet away. Apparently unaware of her presence or not caring, they argued loudly, their voices carrying clearly across the short distance.

“Listen, Aiden. I tell you, she’ll pay a hundred grand for him, no questions asked.”

“But we don’t know that’s him,” the other man replied, flicking his cigarette onto the street and crushing it with his foot.

“Mambo Lucretia said he was tall, thin, and had eyes the color of coal. Have you looked at this guy? He fits her description perfectly. It’s him. All we got to do is nab him when he comes out and call the old witch. It’s easy money.”

“Maybe. But if it was so easy, how come he’s still sitting in the bar and no one has caught him yet? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Shit, man. It’s not like the woman put an ad in the paper. The only reason I know about him is through my cousin Peety. He knows her bodyguard, a big bruiser named Boudreau, and the guy told Peety his boss was looking for this man.”

“Peety’s an idiot! He’s always coming up with some crazy bullshit stuff. I’ll think about it. The guy comes here every night, so I’m not going to decide anything until I sleep off the booze and check this out.”

“Damn it, he might be gone tomorrow!”

“Then he’s gone! The last time you talked me into one of your wildass schemes, it cost me big-time. I’m not going to jump just because your cousin tells you something that might not even be true.”

“But, Aid...”

“You heard me! I said tomorrow.”

Shaking his head, the other man walked away mumbling, his hands tucked in his pockets.

Throwing her cigarette on the sidewalk, Lydia stepped on it and turned to go back into the bar. Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind and spun around. Ready to strike her attacker with her fists, she was pulled unceremoniously against a solid chest, hugged, and kissed hard.

“Hey, baby.”

“Billy!” Lydia yelled, slapping his arm. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“Aw, come on. You know how I am,” he said with a boyish grin.

“Yeah, and you know how nervous I’ve been with this creep coming into the place.”

“He’s still here, I take it.”

“Yeah, the boss says since he’s not causing problems, we can’t kick him out. I think he’s interested in me. He watches me all the time. It’s like he knows what I’m thinking or something. He just sits there and smiles this scary little smile.”

“He just likes your looks, baby,” Billy said, taking her arm to guide her inside. “Can’t blame him for that.”

“Damn it, I wish you’d take me seriously.”

“I do. Honest. I just think you’re overreacting. Look, you buy me a beer and I’ll check the guy out. How’s that? Besides, I bet all your admirers are wondering where you are.”

Lydia quickly glanced toward the dark corner and noticed the seat was empty. Looking around, it was obvious he had left.

“Thought you said he was here.”

“He was. Just a few minutes ago, I gave him some water. Maybe he left through the back.”

“Looks like I can indulge in a few beers then.” Billy grinned.

“I’ll get you one.”

Pulling him by the arm to the bar, she grabbed a beer and motioned toward a table.

“Thanks, baby. I need this. So what time you getting off tonight? I may go shoot some pool with the guys from the dock.”

“Same time. It’s been pretty slow tonight... umm... I just heard two guys outside talking about this creep. At least it sounded like him. I think he may be wanted or something. One said there’s a reward out for him.”

“What kind of reward?” Billy asked, taking a swig of the beer.

“A hundred grand.”

“Jesus, Lydia!” Billy exclaimed, wiping beer from his chin. Looking around, he lowered his voice. “By who?”

“That old voodoo woman, Lucretia. One of them said she was offering a hundred grand for someone like him. They said he fits her description.”

“Wait here. I need to make a call.”

Handing her the bottle, he pulled out his cell phone from his shirt pocket and hurried out the door.

“Hey, Lydia, you gonna sit there all night or wait on the customers?” the bartender yelled.

“Oh, shut up, Germaine! You aren’t the boss!” she shouted back. Germaine smirked and went back to pouring drinks.

“Hey, baby!” Billy whispered, walking up behind her. “You heard right. Mambo Lucretia put the word out on a guy a few months ago, and apparently, she wants him bad. I’m surprised no one’s caught him by now.”

“I’m not. I think he’s dangerous. Everyone avoids him.”

“He doesn’t scare me. Tomorrow, you and I are going to nab him. I need to check out a few things. I’ll be back later to pick you up.”

Nodding, Lydia gave him a quick kiss and left to wait on her customers.

Billy returned shortly after closing time. Lydia finished clearing the tables and grabbed her sweater.

“Hey, Germaine, I’m out of here,” she yelled, then waved goodbye. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Later. Hey, Billy... you take good care of my girl now. She’s the best barmaid we’ve got,” Germaine yelled back.

“No problem!” He grabbed Lydia’s arm and pulled her toward the exit. “I think we can do this.” Billy said enthusiastically. “Tonight when you come in, if the guy’s here, tell the boss you’re not feeling well. Leave about forty-five minutes before closing and head toward the apartment, okay?”

“Where are you going to be?”

“I’ll be nearby. You just do what I say. If this works and he’s really interested in you, we’re gonna be rich and you can leave this dump.”

“Okay, but how is my leaving early going to help you get him?”

Billy looked at his shoes and scuffed one toe back and forth. “I know you’re not going to like this, but you have to trust me, baby.”

Lydia suspected what Billy was alluding to and immediately balked at the thought. “No,” she said, stepping away from him. “You can just forget everything you’re thinking about.”

“It’s not like I’m asking you to sleep with him. Hell, you probably won’t even have to flirt. The guy obviously has a thing for you already, and a little extra attention should do. You’re hot! You just be real nice, chat him up some, and pretend you feel sick. I bet he offers to walk you home.”

“No, I’m not encouraging him.”

“Aw, baby, I’ll be nearby. Don’t you trust me?”

“That’s not it and you know it. He’s too weird. What if something happens and you aren’t out there?”

“Okay, look. I’ll call you first. Then you’ll know I’m here. Nothing’s going to happen. Let him take you home, and I’ll do the rest.” Wrapping his arms around her, he leaned down and gave her a kiss. “Please, for me?” he begged. “It’s our ticket out of here. We’ll go to New York like you’ve always wanted. Hell, I bet we can even find a small bar somewhere. A hundred grand can be a pretty good down payment.”

“I’ll think about it,” she said reluctantly.

“That’s my girl.” Billy hugged her tightly. He knew when she said she’d think about, he had won.

 

*  *  *

That evening, Lydia made an effort to pay a little extra attention to the stranger. His failure to react, however, left her confused, feeling she may have been wrong. Perhaps he wasn’t attracted to her after all. The few times she tried to initiate conversations with him, he seemed distracted. His only response to her advances was a small smile but no reply.

Eventually, she gave up and left him alone. When Billy called, she told him what had happened.

“Don’t worry about it. He’s probably playing it cool. Just take him his last drink and do like I said. If he doesn’t offer to take you home, I’ll go to my backup plan.”

Hanging up, Lydia grabbed another bottle of water and carried it to the table.

“Last call, mister,” she said weakly. “Germaine will help you if you need anything else. I’m not feeling well, so I’m going home.”

Cool ebony eyes stared at her. She wasn’t sure if he was smiling or smirking, but his expression made her stomach jittery. Now she really did feel sick.

“I’m sorry to here that, Ms. Lydia,” he said quietly.

“Oh, I’m sure it’s just a stomach bug. I should be back tomorrow.”

“You’re probably right.”

When he didn’t say anything more, Lydia shrugged and left to tell Germaine she was leaving. Stepping into the cool night air, she looked around for signs of Billy. Not seeing him, she flipped her jacket collar up around her neck and headed home.

“You should not walk the streets at night by yourself.”

Startled, Lydia spun around. She could feel her heart pounding furiously. Behind her stood the man from the bar, his hat pulled low to shade his eyes.

“Oh. It’s okay. I go the same way all the time,” she said, her voice shaking.

“I see I’ve frightened you. Please forgive me.”

Lydia noticed he had an Old World formality, which gave him a certain charm. The faint accent and softly spoken words soothed her frayed nerves.

“That’s okay. Nights just spook me sometimes.”

“The nights are quite beautiful, especially here. They remind me of my homeland.”

Lydia noticed the sadness in his voice. “I guess I’m just jaded. I was raised here, so it’s all I know. When you’re brought up in New Orleans, all you hear about is spirits and voodoo and ghost stories. Not that I believe in any of that stuff, but I suppose we all have our weak moments. Anyway, I guess I should get moving.”

“May I walk you home, Ms. Lydia? I would feel better knowing you arrived safe.”

“Thanks. That’s sweet, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. Besides, I don’t even know you.”

“You’re right, of course,” he apologized. “It’s obvious I’ve forgotten my manners. My name is Ramus. Ramus Falthama. It would be my honor to walk you home, particularly as your young man isn’t here to accompany you.”

At the mention of Billy, Lydia again looked around. Not seeing him, she hesitated. Unfortunately, she couldn’t think of a reason to refuse. Besides, he genuinely seemed concerned about her welfare. Perhaps she was wrong about him, she thought.

“Well, if you’re sure it’s not a problem. You never know when a nut is out there lurking in the dark.”

“You’re very wise to be so careful. There are many undesirable things that travel the night.”

Holding out his arm, he offered it to her. Surprised at the courtly gesture, she hesitated, but then slipped her own arm through his. For several minutes, they walked in silence. Finally, she decided she should at least thank him for his kindness.

“I’ve never met a real gentleman before. I notice you have a slight accent. Sort of foreign.”

“Unfortunately, it’s something I’ve never been able to eliminate.”

“It’s nice. I like the way you talk,” Lydia said and realized it was true. “So you’re not American.”

“No. European actually, but I’m well traveled.”

“I envy you. One day, I’d like to travel. I feel like I’ve been trapped here all my life.”

“Perhaps one day you will. You’re still very young.”

“Yeah, I guess.” She sighed. “European, eh? Are you French?”

Ramus smiled. “No, but I speak the language.”

“That’s cool. I wish I did. You’d think living here, I’d at least know Creole, but my folks never let me associate with Cajuns. They said they were too crude and superstitious. How many languages do you know?”

“I’m not really sure after all these years. I would imagine at least two dozen fluently and a handful more conversationally.”

“Two dozen! I didn’t know there were that many on the planet.”

Ramus laughed, amused by her teasing. Lydia was pleased. She suspected he was not a man who laughed easily.

Mysterious black eyes shadowed by immeasurable pain and sadness moved restlessly, searching the darkness for possible threats. Pale skin was stretched tightly over high cheeks and the straight nose. His lips were thin, but when he smiled, he had perfect white teeth, although his canine teeth seemed unusually long. It was impossible for her to guess his age. She imagined he was probably in his seventies. Lydia realized that Ramus was quite handsome in spite of his strangeness.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“You may ask. I’m not sure I’ll answer it.”

“It’s not exactly a question, but you don’t look well. Are you sick?”

Ramus glanced down at her, one eyebrow arching. “You’re very forward.”

“Oh, I hope I didn’t offend you.”

“Not at all. I find it quite refreshing. To answer your question, though, I do have health issues. Nothing that you need fear.”

“Gosh, I wasn’t even thinking that. I was just concerned. You seem like a nice man.”

Bowing his head slightly, he accepted the compliment graciously.

“I believe you’re the first person who has ever said that about me or showed concern,” he said, smiling broadly.

Lydia was stunned at the transformation. Ramus Falthama was more than just handsome. He was actually quite beautiful. As a young man, she imagined he would have devastated the women with his looks and charm.

“Thank you,” Ramus said, grinning.

“For what?”

“For the compliment and for worrying.”

“Oh, no problem.”

For a few blocks, neither spoke. Lydia was hoping Billy had gotten sidetracked by something else. During her brief interaction with Ramus, she realized her fears had been unwarranted. He was just a lonely old man looking for company.

Aware of her thoughts, Ramus was amused. She had no clue as to his real age. The irony was that she was more right than she could ever imagine; not about his years, of course, but that he was old. So many centuries had come and gone, he had lost track of the number.

“I believe we are only a few blocks from your...”

Before either could react, an object whizzed by Lydia’s head, striking Ramus in the shoulder near his neck. Without thinking, he shoved her away in an attempt to protect her and turned to face the assailant. Unfortunately, his illness had slowed his reflexes and he couldn’t react fast enough to stop the bat from crashing down on his skull. The pain was excruciating but fleeting. Sinking to his knees, he felt the darkness rushing in and tumbled onto his side, unconscious.

Billy stepped from the shadows, looking as if he had just won the lottery. “Hey, baby, you did swell!” He glanced up and down the street to make sure no one had seen the attack. At the moment, the area was empty.

“Did you have to hit him so hard?” Lydia cried, leaning down to feel for a pulse. “I think you killed him,” she said, genuinely concerned for the man lying by her feet.

“Nah, he’s fine. I barely hit him. Now help me get him in the car before someone sees us.”

Dragging the limp body to the car, Billy and Lydia pushed it in the backseat and drove to a secluded warehouse near the waterfront. Inside, they lifted Ramus onto an old table and tied his hands and feet. Billy searched the stranger’s pockets, removing his wallet. Rifling through it, he pulled out several bills and some credit cards.

“Damn it, Billy! This isn’t right! He’s just a nice old man.”

“Make up your mind, baby. First you don’t like him, and now all of a sudden, he’s a nice guy. Besides, he won’t need the money or the cards, so stop worrying.”

Ramus slowly became aware of his surroundings and the pain in his head. Instinctively, he tried to massage the area that hurt but found his hands had been bound together and tied to the ropes around his ankles.

For the first time in his life, he knew how it felt to be helpless and he was afraid. He hated feeling vulnerable. With that came the realization that he was mortal after all. Sweat streamed down his cheeks and dripped onto the cream-colored silk shirt clinging damply to his emaciated chest.

Although blindfolded, he could sense two people standing several meters away. It was apparent they didn’t want him to hear what they were saying. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on whose point of view, he had excellent hearing.

“I tell you it isn’t right,” Lydia argued, sounding nervous.

“Get real! He’s worth a lot of money. The old woman said she’d pay us a hundred big ones for this guy,” the male replied in exasperation. “You want to throw away that much money because of scruples?”

“It’s got nothing to do with that and you know it. I just don’t think we should get involved with that old witch and her people. She’s creepy.”

Glancing nervously at their prisoner, Billy tried to appear confident. “She’s just an old woman. Mambo Lucretia makes her living terrorizing her followers and anyone else who believes that mumbo jumbo. You don’t really believe in this voodoo crap, do you?”

“That’s not the point. People are afraid of her. She can get any one of them to do anything she wants. I heard two tourists disappeared last year after refusing to pay her for a reading. Then they called her an old fraud and threatened to expose her as a scam artist. No one’s seen them since.”

“People disappear all the time in this town. All that hokus pokus is for the tourists. They love this voodoo shit. Besides, who’s to say they didn’t just go home?”

“And leave all their clothes and personal things behind like that? Give me a break. Let’s just let him go. He hasn’t seen your face. I’ll tell him it was a mistake. He’s a nice man. We can head up to New York for a while. Please,” she pleaded, clutching his arm tightly.

Looking down at her hand, Billy shook his head. “With what? We don’t have any money. Once the old witch has this guy, we’re home free. We grab our money and get out of town. Trust me, baby. I know what I’m doing.”

Sighing, Lydia looked doubtful. Nothing about this felt right.

“Okay. But I’m scared and I still say I don’t like it. You didn’t have to hit him so hard. I thought you killed him.”

“Nah, I went easy on him. He’s just sickly. Who knows, maybe we’re doing him a favor.”

Lydia ignored the comment. Sometimes, she thought Billy could be such an idiot.

“So what’s next?” she asked hesitantly.

“I make the call and tell her we have him,” he said, giving her a quick kiss. Picking up his cell, Billy dialed a number.

“Hello. Mambo Lucretia...? Yeah, I’ll wait... Mambo Lucretia...? It’s Billy. I have him... yeah, he’s alive, just like you wanted... well, I had to give him a good knock on the head, so I imagine he has a headache, but he’ll live... no, no one saw me...  okay... you have the money, right...? No, I’m not questioning your word... .I’m at the old warehouse near the Café du Monde... the one we talked about earlier... okay... thirty minutes.”

Snapping the phone shut, Billy gave Lydia the thumbs-up.

“Thirty minutes and we’re rich. Then we’re out of here.”

Lydia gave him a weak smile and walked over to where Ramus lay tied and blindfolded. She wanted to say something to him but couldn’t think of any words to excuse her role in the abduction. Placing her hand on his shoulder, she squeezed it gently.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her eyes watering from unshed tears.

Receiving no response, she turned and walked away. Leaning against the far wall, Lydia deliberately avoided looking at their captive.

“Women,” Billy muttered, shrugging. Walking over to the man, he nudged him on the shoulder and frowned.

“You sure don’t look important enough for a hundred grand. I wonder why the old witch wants you so badly.”

When the man didn’t answer, Billy thumped him with the back of his hand.

“Hey! Nothing to say? If I were you, I’d be worried. I hear this woman’s crazy and uses human sacrifices in her rituals. Oh, well, none of my business. As long as we get our money, we don’t give a damn why she wants you. Right, baby?” he asked, looking at Lydia. When she ignored him, he cursed under his breath and left the room.

 

*  *  *

Ramus lay still. He had felt a genuine attraction to Lydia. From the moment he noticed her in the bar, he was drawn to her but sensed her aversion to him. Still, every night, he felt compelled to go back hoping to see her again.

The few times they talked, he felt a strange peacefulness. Those were the nights he left the bar early and returned to his hotel room without satisfying his need for blood.

After several weeks, the weakness set in. He knew he needed to leave town. To stay in New Orleans would mean dying... or worse. If he stayed, he would eventually kill Lydia as he had done to all his lovers. It was his nature.

Knowing he would never see her again was physically painful. His chest had ached at the thought. That night, he had gone to the restaurant for one last look before moving on. The decision had cost him dearly.