The Soucouyant’s Kiss

When Joseph Elijah Taylor’s stepfather put him out that rainy Monday night in April he knew that he was in trouble. He was 19, was not in college, had no job, no money (either that was saved or left over from his occasional slangin’), and perhaps most important of all, (at least to Joe’s perception of his life at the moment) he had no one who loved him enough to help him. Such was life for boiz soon to be men like him. For whom could he turn too?

Certainly not his mother, who always had stood by her men, all the uncles who had paraded in and out of their lives like so many traveling circuses. Coming to his mother to bedazzle and to berate him and the leave them both, he grasping for some home that he could finally be the man in Mama’s life, while she was alone again waiting for that Ebony prince on his white stallion to ride in and save her from the suffocation that was ghetto life. She had been true to form this time hadn’t she? After all had she not told him? What’s worse had he not already had known her answer?

“ I aint givin’ up what da fuck I don’ got with Benjamin fo’ no goddamned faggot! He told you to get on and you lookin’ to me fo’ what? Get da hell out JOE! GET DA HELL OUT!! HAVE ONE OF YO’ FAGGOTS TAKE CARE OF YOU!” she had screamed at him even as her tears flowed. Even as her sepia’s eyes were rimmed in red, and her full lips trembled not out of their own accord but of the greatest heartbreak, she would not give an inch. She stood by her man. Joe was hurt but not so surprised. She hadn’t bestirred herself when “Uncle Jim” had half beaten him to a pulp when he was 12. Why would she now when her ‘husband” was doing in spirit damn near the same thing?

As for his step dad… Joe would’ve laughed if he was not so damn desperate. He had caught him. Had caught him and Quis in the garage, Quis on his knees in front of Joe about to take him to heaven after a blunt shared, about to make the high so much sweeter. He had caught them and had flipped…. Joe’s hand involuntarily touched his eye and he winced without meaning too. It hurt less than his mother’s latest betrayal but hurt still the same.

So now as he stood shivering in his baggy jeans, timbs, hat cocked to the side and his thin ass t shirt holding a hastily packed bag thrown over his shoulders and in possession of a wallet with only 40 bucks inside of it he knew that he was in trouble. He started walking, still maintaining the dignity of his thug swagger but lacking visibly the bluster of a young Black man that usually seemed so sure of himself, his head bowed almost so low that those who knew the devil may care brotha would’ve never guessed it was he. He took out his cell cursing the weather and the White People who dragged his ancestors to this side of the world centuries past and dialed the one person who he knew would help him. Or at least that he thought he knew would help him.

____________________________________________________

“So what are you saying Karfa?” Larry asked now his voicing rising just a hint, his eyes darkening and his face holding a look of growing thunder that Karfa knew if unleashed would sweep everything away in a tide of anger. Larry stood now, bare-chested, slim almost aquiline nose flaring, dark chocolate skin slowly reddening in hue, and his brown eyes which could at times be kind, exotic, cruel, and sexy all at once were definitely showing nothing but malice. Karfa’s head began to ache and he averted his eyes from his lover’s face so as not to make the situation more volatile. For when Larry was angry he became true to his sign a pure and total dread God of War.

“I’m only saying that perhaps you could relax sometimes about certain things.” Karfa said smoothly, taking care his voice was soothing and soft, without challenge. He did not want to stoke the fires of a fight.

“Relax about what?!” Larry snarled. Karfa sighed. He rose smoothly from the bed and wrapped his arms round Larry’s neck, once again moving slowly, softly, submissively towards his lover. Larry who was usually so cool and so in control had his moments and Karfa knew well how to quell them. Most of the time. He almost smiled but he didn’t dare to do so because he knew Larry would loose it.

“Relax your mind luv.” Karfa whispered now kissing Larry. Larry returned the kiss out of obligation not passion and Karfa noted that. He filed that away knowing that sometimes that was just how Larry was. A Black Vulcan on the edge of logic but with a tide of emotions churning beneath a cool and polished surface. It was what made him fall in love with him, and what sometimes repelled him from Larry as well.

“You think I am wrong?” Larry asked now his voice receding towards calm. Karfa gave him a smile of gold and shook his head.

“I think I am the emotional one most of the time and you are the level headed on except when it comes to your flare ups of jealousy. You know that boy was just trying to run some game and you know that I would’ve never fallen for it. You didn’t have to humiliate him so. Poor baby. You were cruel Larry.” Karfa sighed. Larry gave a smile, one of the times when Larry was total brotha in his look and attitude.

“Maybe.”

“You were.”

“Young’uns should respect their elders.” Larry quoted with a smile. Karfa released Larry shaking his head walking away. “But I guess…” Larry began now in a small voice. “That I need not be so jealous at times and that I should trust you more.” Karfa sank back to the bed and looked up at his lover with eyes that Larry had always thought reflected everything in this world and at times the next and then beyond.

“You barely ever are unless they hit on me in front of you. Then you slowly boil and I know what will come.” Karfa reminded him.

“I do not brawl in the streets.’ Larry reminded Karfa.

“That’s because you will kill them if you do.” Larry moved in close to Karfa slowly pushing the tall but shorter brotha onto his back his eyes beginning to smolder.

“Do you have complaints..?” Larry sighed softly. Karfa kissed him now and Larry kissed back. Karfa smiled.

“Baby come on work with me on this.”

“It is not like I’m some savage ghetto beat ‘em down shoot ‘em type of guy.” Larry reasoned.

“No but your own brand of rage is more than sufficient. Now promise.”

“I will.”

“Kool.” Karfa managed knowing that little would be said now for Larry was feeling it; Karfa could feel it and Larry rarely talked when they did the thing, even though Larry would smile at times. (Which Karfa always found to be such a turn on.) Larry was roving his hands over Karfa’s back and Karfa was getting breathless and hot and then the phone rang.

‘I should get that.” Karfa said. Larry’s fingers were moving to a very sensitive spot and his lips were beginning to explore. Karfa moaned.

“They’ll call back.”

“This could be important.” Karfa managed as the phone rang insistently again. Squirming and twisting somehow Karfa extricated himself from Larry’s grip and grabbed the phone giggling as Larry began to tickle him.

“Allo?” he asked.

“Yo K sup?” came a deep voice booming with authority and oozing confidence. Karfa gave high pitched yell and finally pulled himself out of Larry’s grasp. “Aey u aiight?” the voice asked now at that last yelp. Karfa allowed himself a giggle.

“Yeah Joey I’m okay just have an overactive friend.” Karfa managed. Larry’s long black arm shot out at Karfa and he screamed in excitement.

“Damn Nigga my ears shit! K u all screamin’ like a bitch in my ears n shit!” Joe snapped.

“Sorry Joey sweet heart,” Karfa apologized while giving Larry a STOP IT signal with his eyes. Larry sighed and turned on the tv. “Sorry, sorry boo, so wassup wit you Nigga?”

“Well uh see K I need a favor.”

“What kinda favor Joey?” Karfa asked now his mind starting to race just a little. One never knew with Joey what the deal was. Karfa had met Joey before Larry, some months before. Joey was then newly 19, young dumb and full of cum, and sexy as hell. He had the whole thug vibe going on and then sum and he had set his eyes on Karfa that summer and well… Karfa had tried to resist. None of it had helped, Joey (for that was Karfa’s name for him) would not see reason or couldn’t see past his lust, and Karfa was always a sucker for men who were confident. So it happened as it does at times with such things that the 19 yr old had the 29 yr olds body and the 29 yr old had ended up having the 19 yr olds heart. That had been a crazy summer full of joy, lovemaking, dancing and kicking it till dawn, hung over days, and finally Karfa bidding adieu to Joseph.

“But I thought…” Joe had attempted, his eyes watering and his voice trembling. Karfa had not expected that. Infact it was the only time he had seen Joe cry. “You said that we… You tole me….I-I…”

“Joey…”Karfa began and felt like at that moment nothing more than evil incarnate. “Joey you are wonderful and I do care for you…And in my way I love you but I can’t commit to you like that. We’re on 2 different pages.” Karfa intoned. He felt had intoned this because once somewhere he was in a situation like this but in Joey’s place and he suddenly understood in this instant what the other man had meant. It did not make Karfa hate the exemplar of such a thing any less nor did it make him hate himself less. So there were tears Joe shedding them after stomping off in a rage of hurt and Karfa who privately wept in Larry arm’s mumbling over and over ,”that he wasn’t nan but a piece of shit..”…Then after time passed for young and old hearts are both healed by the same salve a friendship began anew, though laced still with sexual undertones which Karfa successfully fought off. Now Karfa gave Joe advice, and Joe spoke to Karfa of more of his dreams and hopes, and sometimes Karfa bought Joe drinks or a hit him off with a couple dollars, or let him crash when his moms was on a tear and it seemed to be working. Still Joey was a young man with young young man drama which sometimes for Karfa made him glad he was in his late 20’s and which sometimes for Karfa made him just a tad bit impatient with Joe, (though he hid this impatience and tempered the feeling with remembrances from his own past), for Joe like many young men needed much and gave back little but wasn’t that how it was supposed to be? Karfa still loved Joe and in his heart he never minded or begrudged Joe for being anything but what he was. A young Black Gay Man in the city.

“K?” Joe asked now bringing Karfa from his reverie.

“Yeah Joey. I’m here. What kinda favor do you need?” Karfa repeated keeping the anxiousness he felt from his voice.

“Well that Nigga caught me and Quis… you know…” Joe stammered. “Some shit went down, I popped him I got popped, and well you know da rest.” Karfa frowned and waived Larry away who was making himself a bit of a hovering nuisance mouthing who is it?

“Are you alright Joey?”

“Yeah kinda. I mean I’m kooh.” Joe said keeping up that hot boi bravado. Karfa knew that meant no, Joey stubborn as hell would still never admit to needing any help. It always took Karfa and many others to drag it out of him.

“You can stay here. With us for a couple nights and we’ll figure out what your next move will be. Okay.” Karfa offered.

“No!” Larry hissed. Karfa a look of horror on his face covered the receiver with his hand and mouthed,

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Oh Larry please stop it.” Karfa admonished. “It takes a village.” He reminded him.

“He aint no kid.”

“Yes he is.’

“Just one you used to mess with.”

“Larry.” Karfa said giving him a look that said this would brook no more discussion. Then to Joe. “Yes sweets just catch the bus and get over here. Do you need me to come get you? Aiight I’m on my way. Okay. Okay. No problem ti papan. I’ll be there. Okay see ya in a few.”

Karfa hopped up and hurriedly dressed under the not so warm gaze of Larry’s eyes.

“Larry come on love he needs help.” Karfa excused. Larry gave him the Vulcan Face. Impassive, logical, ice cold and try as he might displeased as hell.

“You always save him.” Larry pointed out.

“Who else does he have if not us? He is us. We both were 19 once, and how easy was it for us? Larry his step dad put him out for a reason that we both know well. I can’t in good conscience not help him. Why should he be homeless if he aint gotta be?” Karfa asked.

“Fine. Watch yourself though. That boy still wants in your pants.” Larry gritted.

“Then we’ll have a 3some.” Karfa suggested exuberantly. Larry’s brow darkened. “A joke.”

“You are not making me feel better about this.”

“It will all be fine. You’ll see…”

“So says you Karfa, so says you.”

__________________________________________________________

Karfa climbed the steps to his apartment with legs that ached, a head that was full of too many thoughts, and nerves that were a bit frazzled. His usually ready smile wasn’t so ready today and it was all he could do to keep it plastered to his face. The last 3 days had not been especially bad but they were not so great either. Karfa had to keep running interference between the bulls he was living with. Larry upon Joe’s entrance into the apt had decided that he would be king cock of the block and Joe of course chaffed until everything was becoming almost Discovery channel. Its wonder, Karfa mused as he put his keys in the lock, that those 2 haven’t killed each other yet. Karfa fully expected them to begin butting heads like cape buffalos or something. That would be a sight. Karfa laughed in spite of himself and was shocked to find both men chillin’ at the kitchen table tossing back some beers.

“Who are you and what have you done with Larry?” Karfa asked wide eyed at the sight of Larry and Joe laughing easy and having a conversation that didn’t involve either of them holding their dicks in their hands.

“Whathcu mean K we jus’ chillin.’ Joe responded.

“Yeah we’re jus’ hangin’ out.” Larry said. Karfa reached down and pecked him on the lips. “Actually it’s a bit of celebration. It seems Joe found a place to stay on Craig’s List.’

Karfa turned and rolled his eyes and thought I should’ve guessed. Well at least I don’t have to deal with their insufferable posturing any longer. However he spun back around and exclaimed:

“Oh Joey that’s great! But how and where and what? I mean you don’t have job.” Karfa paused now suddenly uneasy. Why did he feel uneasy? “I mean if you need-”

“Aww naw see yo’ boi got it covered. Imma man. See this old broad she gotta room for me in her house. I aint gotta pay rent jus’ help her round the house and stuff. I mean I aint gonna be there long but you know while I’m there I can handle my bizness and get things crackin’ again.” Joe said his eyes bright with anticipation.

“Larry what do you think?” Karfa asked unconvinced. Larry lifted his tall long body from the chair and headed to the fridge a smile on his face. He had shaved off his goatee and Karfa thought that his statuesque boyfriend was no more handsome in that moment and no greater of a smug ass either. He could barely wait for Joey to be gone and that made Karfa a bit angry but he swallowed the feeling down.

“Well I mean Joe’s got a plan. Stay with this lady for a bit, find work and then go on from there. I think it’s a solid plan.” Larry said. Of course you do, Karfa thought, any plan he has is “solid” so long as he is no longer living with us.

“Well Joey,” Karfa asked as Joey and Larry toasted to Joe’s good fortune. “Who is this woman? I mean have you even seen this lady’s home? How do you know you want to be rooming with her? I mean who just lets you live with them rent free without knowing you?”

Both Larry and Joe stopped now and looked at Karfa for a moment.

“Well?’

“Well what K?” Joe asked.

“Yeah well what K?” Larry echoed. Karfa wanted to slap Larry at that moment but simply glared at him.

“Joe you can stay here longer if you need too sweetie.” He began. He fixed a stare into Larry’s brown eyes. “We would love to have you here. Both of us.” Karfa said pointedly. Larry’s own eyes turned hard and his Vulcan face came out. Two can play at this game, Karfa thought. Oblivious to the conflict within the offer Joe shook his head eliciting a look of happy shock from Larry.

“Naw K. I can do this. I’m grown and I can make this work.” He decided. Karfa sat down opposite him and grabbed his hand.

“Of course you can man but I mean I dunno shouldn’t you have a little bit more info on this whole setup before you just rush in. At least let me and Larry go with you to scout this place out. What if it’s like an organ stealing ring or something?”

“Oh Karfa be serious!” Larry shouted in exasperation.

“Oh Larry shut da hell up!’ Karfa shouted back. Joe tried to look taken aback but his eyes couldn’t hide the smile at Larry chastisement. “I’m sorry baby… I didn’t mean that…”

“Y’all aint gotta be fighting over a Nigga. I mean look if it’s like that maybe you right we should check it out and if it’s all gravy then you know Imma post there.” Joe said.

“That sounds reasonable and responsible doesn’t it baby?” Larry half snarled. Karfa weary already of all this nodded slowly. “Well…” said Larry calming himself and taking Karfa by the hand. “Since Karfa is concerned for how you will be living Joe let’s all go and check it out.”

____________________________________________________________

The house was an old Brownstone in the kind of neighborhood that you didn’t go to unless you knew somebody who lived. Addicts haunted the alleyways like so many bedraggled wraiths, one openly hitting a crack pipe while a drunk wandered past the car spinning and swaying in time with music only he heard. Streetlights flickered off and on like sputtering giant fireflies casting shadows that crept and reached with eagerness at the men.

“I don’t like this place.” Karfa whispered to Larry. Larry rolled his eyes.

“Karfa he can take care of himself. Look it’s not like we’re going to leave him with some psychotic murderer. Plus Joe has lived in worse hoods. Shoot we’ve lived in worst hoods. He can handle himself.”

“It’s not the hood or him I’m worried about.” Karfa confessed.

“Then what?” Larry hissed as they pulled up to the brownstone.

“That house it feels wrong.”

“Oh pleeze.” Larry dismissed. “So is this it Joe?” he asked.

“Yeah. This is it.” He asked.

“Well lead on this is gonna be your spot.” Larry encouraged. The three men climbed out of the car and gazed up at the once elegant now derelict looking home. Joe bounded up the stairs while Larry half dragged Karfa behind him. “Stop this.” Larry hissed into Karfa’s ear as Joe rang the door bell. They heard nothing.

As they waited Karfa’s eyes took in the ground of the house. The yard was overgrown choked with weeds and he could swear he saw a despised and familiar creature running through the grass into house’s foundation. The stairway leading up was cracked and crumbling with the railing seeming to be holding to cement more from sheer will than anything that had to do with physics. There was a creaking and Karfa turned his attention to a figure bathed in the soft glow of light from the hallway of the brownstone.

A woman the color of butterscotch, with wispy white hair, a genial face full of wrinkles, age spots and eyes that shone green and clear with a dangerous glinting fire appeared before them. She looked them over almost appraisingly but there was more to it Karfa thought. It was like a predator sizing up her prey. Whatever was behind the once over it made Karfa shudder.

“Good evening gentlemen. How can I help you?” she asked. Her voice held a lilt to it that Karfa immediately identified as West Indian.

“Excuse us, but are you Ms. Abernathy?” Joe asked as respectfully.

“Yes I am and you must be Joseph?” she asked now her green eyes glittering for a moment. “Come to see about the room have you now?”

“Well yeah.” Joe responded.

“Well then I was just preparing some tea, if you would come in we can talk,” she said holding her small bony arms in a sweeping gesture. Joe went in first, followed by Larry upon whose shoulder her bony, bird clawed hand patted for a moment. “My what a strong man. Remind me of me husband back in St. Thom-”

“Pas une chance isalope!” Karfa snarled then at the woman and immediately regretted it. It came out almost as if… Karfa felt dizzy in the confines of this house. He wanted out. Mrs. Abernathy looked confused and gave him a weak smile while Larry and Joe both starred at him their mouth’s agape.

“How delightful you come from the islands too?” she asked in a voice that was so sugary sweet it literally almost made Karfa want to vomit. It was like poisoned honey.

“Sort of, forgive me….I am.”

“Oh dear you look like you are just a wee sick. You okay darlin’? She asked with that voice. Karfa nodded simply feeling as if all of his will was seeping from his body.

“You okay Karfa?” Larry asked now.

“ I’m fine just, the stairs…I’m winded.” Karfa managed.

“Right” Larry said a look of vexation on his handsome face. Unfazed Mrs. Abernathy nodded and ushered the men into a salon which in Karfa’s opinion had seen better days. For one it smelled of must and rot, even Larry seemed uncomfortable. The walls were covered with dusty pictures of proud looking Black men and women whom Karfa assumed to be members of the Abernathy line who seemed glare with utter contempt at the men who now lounged beneath their gazes. Joe however happy go lucky as he was seem just as unfazed as Ms Abernathy.

“Well then let me go get that tea.” She announced sweetly. She gestured to the men to seat themselves which they did. “Y’all take sugar with your tea? Milk or both?”

“Sugar for me thank you.” Larry decided.

“I’m good.” Joe said.

“So am I,’ Karfa agreed knowing in that moment he would never eat or drink anything this Thomesian woman ever offered him that he did not watch her prepare. Instinctively he did not trust her or like her and it was bothering him because he hadn’t the slightest reason to not trust or like her. She was just harmless old woman. As soon as she left Karfa jabbed at Larry.

“Oww! Karfa wha’s up with you?!” he snapped in query.

“I want to leave. I want to leave now all of us.” Karfa found himself begging.

“Why it’s kool?” Joe asked now a hint of anger in his voice. “Why you trippin’ and what you say to her man? Why you actin’ all funny? I thought you was glad I found a place?”

Karfa sighed and looked about the salon. The place looked like nothing as much as a room in a haunted house inhabited by the living. A voice whispered softly from behind and Karfa’s head snapped around searching for the sound.

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?!” Joe snapped now in irritation.

“Joey I don’ want you staying here. We’ll find you someplace else.” Karfa decided.

“What?!” Joe and Larry exclaimed in unison.

“Something about her is not right.”

“Fuck you Karfa!” Larry hissed. “The only thing maybe not right is that you seem to want to have your fuckin’ cake and eat it too!” Karfa put his face in hands and groaned.

“Larry that is not even the-”

“Wait wait hold up here she comes, ahy y’all don’ start no bullshit up in here! I aint letting y’all fuck up my chance for a place to call my own!” Joe spat quietly his face brightening as Ms. Abernathy entered the room.

“Sorry man Joe we sorry.” Larry apologized.

“One of y’all is at least.” Joe hissed throwing Karfa a look that could’ve burned a hole into his chest. Karfa hung his had and said nothing. Mrs. Abernathy came into the room holding a tarnished tea service and placed it gently on a coffee table which looked as if it was about to splinter into a million pieces from the impact.

“Well now darlings serve yourselves. Your mommas don’t live here.” She insisted with a smile that to Karfa was feral. The bitch looked like a crocodile.

“Of course thank you ma’am.” Larry accepted.

“Well” she asked after a moment her eyes settling on Joe. They glittered again, Karfa was sure of it and it was not a glitter as much as it was a flash of a glow. He turned back to a smiling Joe and a relaxed Larry before settling his astonished gaze on the witch. For that’s what she seemed to be. Some kinda witch. How are they not feeling this or seeing this…?

“Well see these is my folkz K and Larry and well Larry helped me find you online.” Joe began.

“Online?” Mrs. Abernathy asked gently.

“Yeah the internet.” Joe expounded. Mrs. Abernathy threw up her bony bird claw hands in a helpless gesture.

“Oh dear I don’ really have no experience with computers. This nice man at the library helped me place the ad. He was so helpful. But that is how you found old Angela huh?”

“Yeah I guess. So tell me a lil mo’ about wassup with this deal Ms. Abernathy.” Joe pressed. Mrs. Abernathy gave a delighted giggle and clapped her hands together in gesture of pure girlishness that made Karfa once again feel nauseated. Larry and Joe on the other hand both seemed entranced and leaned in closer towards her, unable to even sense the revulsion Karfa felt for this... This… Crone. Infact Joe was even now pouring himself some tea like a little West Indian gentleman while Larry laughed easily along side the crone who continued to giggle nonsensically. Karfa just starred at them all, full of trepidation.

“Well dear it’s simple. I’m an old woman without anyone here. I miss St Thomas-”

“Then why don’t you go back?!’ Karfa interjected rudely unable to contain himself. The looks Larry and Joe gave him were so full of hate that Karfa wanted to hide.

“Forgive him Mrs. Abernathy.” Larry apologized gently. He glared at Karfa and spake through gritted teeth “Our friend is not himself.”

“Oh fiddlesticks he’s just feisty. All them Geechee bois are feisty.” Ms. Abernathy cooed and she gave Karfa a knowing wink. “I like them feisty. They’re better that way sometimes…” she trailed. “So as I say I live here and need some company and well Joseph a good strong set of hands would help me good round here. This home needs lots of working. It would be a great help to me and in turn you my son are helped yes….” She finished with a hissing that sounded no less like cobra. Karfa involuntarily shuddered. “Is ya cold luv?” she asked him now, seeming to Karfa to take relish in his discomfort. Embarrassed Karfa shook his head refusing to look her in the eye.

“What kinda work we talking?” Joe asked.

“Oh regular house hold duties. Things a man can do that an old woman can’t. I can offer you a bed to sleep in, food to eat, and a safe place to be at night. For these streets can be cold wicked places.” She explained. Joe and Larry nodded like 2 puppets on a string. “Don’t you agree child.” She whispered now and Karfa had the sinking feeling that she was speaking to him.

“I suppose I do.” He answered tonelessly. He didn’t dare look at her.

“Of course you do dear.” She sighed. It sounded like roaches crawling in mass and Karfa felt his skin crawl. She turned quickly to Joe and Larry. “So what shall we say my darling. A tour baby?” she asked genially. Joe nodded eagerly and rose looking to Karfa and Larry to follow. Mrs. Abernathy stood stiffly and licked her lips in Joe’s direction before looking at them as well. Larry gave them both a wide smile.

“Joe man you go on bruh look around this is your new place for a minute at least. Karfa and I will stay here.”

“Aiight.” Joe smiled. He turned and offered Mrs. Abernathy his arm. “Lead on mama.” He proclaimed. Mrs. Abernathy gave the high pitched girlish giggle and playfully patted at his arm before taking it.

“Oh Joseph you make me feel like a young girl again back in St. Thomas.” She sighed before they strolled off. As soon as they were gone Larry fairly rounded on Karfa.

“What da fuck is up with you Nigga!? Huh? You like Joe still, you want him in you still?” he snarled.

“Keep your voice down.” Karfa demanded.

“The hell with that! Wassup with you? You actin’ like you aint got no fuckin’ sense, talking crazy to this old woman who is offering Joe the very chance he needs. Which is a stable fucking place. Why are you trying to mess that up for him unless it’s to do some sneaky shit with him?”

“She terrifies me Larry!” Karfa blurted out now unable to hold it back any longer. Larry just gaped at Karfa and then gave a derisive laugh.

“She terrifies you? What? What is this harmless and kind old woman going to do you-”

“Not a damn thing because if she touches me again I swear I will bash in her skull!” Karfa hissed.

“What da fuck I can’t believe you! Do you hear yourself? Using an old woman to cover up your feelings for some child! You disgust”

“It isn’t about you or him so much as it is what will happen to him!’ Karfa exclaimed. He let out a sigh of relief. The air felt cleaner, he felt better already. She was gone and it was if the world was alright again. “That… thing…that … woman will hurt him.”

“Stop!” Larry ordered. “Just stop Karfa. Just stop.” Larry shook his head and gave Karfa a look of utter disgust and then sat back and took a sip of tea, his hands trembling in anger. Karfa reached out a hand to comfort and Larry shrugged it off.

“Larry-’

“Karfa I swear if you say one more thing Imma….” Larry exhaled slowly. “Just don’t talk to me.” Karfa gave Larry a mournful look and then fell silent. They sat in silence until Joe and Ms. Abernathy came back both of whom were chatting like best friends though they’d met only moments ago.

“Well looks like I gotta place. I’m moving in tomorrow!” Joe cried.

“That’s great Joe!” Larry congratulated.

“Oh we’ll have so much fun.” Mrs. Abernathy cried. She turned and grinned at Karfa. Eyes wide Karfa looked at them both and crossed himself.

_______________________________________________________

That night Karfa was in the dog house. With Larry and with Joe for what had transpired in the brownstone. Joe refused to speak to him, saying Karfa was hating on his good fortune for what reason he didn’t know, and Larry was seething that Karfa had moved Joe in only to get back with him. Karfa slept next to Larry crying himself to sleep besides an angry man and feeling as if that Abernathy woman was in the room watching his misery with relish.

That night Karfa had the most hideous dream. He dreamed of a bloody, festering skinless thing….Could it have been a human…? Its eyes were bright and clear glowing green and its voice was soothing but there was an undertone of something bitter and vile….And it flew on flaming wings of fire. Stranger still to Karfa when he recalled later the bits and pieces of the nightmare, it moved just like Ms. Abernathy.

_________________________________________________________________

Days passed and Joe moved into Ms. Abernathy’s home and Larry was able to accept Karfa’s apology for it seemed that perhaps Karfa was being silly. Joe had forgiven Karfa as well and seemed as happy as a clam. He started working at the bank, and was saving money waiting for the chance to get his own place. He would visit them from time to and time and give them updates, always chiding Karfa for being scared of that “down ass old lady”. Karfa laughed and took it all in stride and that might have been that. For things for Joe seemed to be going well. But it wasn’t.

Joe began to look…Different if that could be said. He seemed a bit older…A bit haunted…He was at times desolate if such a word could be ascribed to Joe. A couple times when Karfa ran into him swore that the man’s eyes were red from seeming lack of sleep and some people began to whisper that Joe was on drugs…The hard ones.

As with all those in the Life the network began to buzz and whisper, then openly gab and gossip. Folkz said Joe was on crack, others explained that he had a meth addiction. Friends close to him began to say that Joe hated to be alone but hated to be around people, acquaintances blabbed that Joe had developed quite a temper something that he had never had before and was prone to fighting after the club closed and being put out of places.

“You should talk to him Karfa he listens to you.” People would say. Even Larry joined the ever growing chorus of people asking for Karfa’s investigation at least into Joe’s strange behavior. Larry apparently had been in the middle of a fight that Joe had started. Even though he’d broken it up, Larry had come away with a bloody nose and blackened eye and was none to please about it.

“I knew he had it in him but he’s never been like this.” Larry related to Karfa that night as Karfa held a steak over his wounded. “Everyone’s been saying he’s loosing it. I hate to say it but maybe you should talk to him Karfa.” Larry mused after a moment of silence. Karfa only nodded and stayed silent keeping his own counsel. ___________________________________________________

It all came to ahead however when Joe came by one afternoon unannounced, enraged, hollering and carrying on. Karfa was shocked to see him. Joe looked horrible. His eyes had lost their youthful sparkle rimmed in a hideous red, his skin once a rich dark brown color was now an ashen gray, and he seemed jerky. It was not a version of Joe Karfa had ever seen and he could not believe he was seeing such a thing now. Steeling himself, Karfa calmed Joe down, poured him a drink, gave him a smile and an ear to listen. Joe with his lips loosened by the first calming sips of vodka began to speak.

“Why you so mad Joey? I thought things were well where you stay.” Karfa asked. After all these months he still could not mention that crone’s name.

“It was at first but…I dunno.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s like she sprung or sumthin. Like she stuck on a Nigga and we aint together or no shit.”

“Well of course not.” Karfa smiled gently. Joe gave him a look that was so feverish Karfa for a moment almost faltered. “Joey?”

“Right but she always blowing me up. Like Joseph where you at? Joseph why you no come home last evenin’. Joseph me needs your help.’ He imitated which made Karfa laugh in spite of himself.

“Joey you did agree to that.” He reminded him.

“So I did but it’s getting weird. Man she can cook but her food is bland. The bitch never uses salt.”

“Joseph don’t call her that! She is old enough to be your mother.” Karfa admonished him hitting playfully.

‘Fuck dat u don’ know she actin’ like she wanna be my bitch!” Joe shouted now with such conviction that Karfa immediately took notice. Joe began trembling. “She wants me around all the time…” he stammered.

Karfa took his hand.

“Okay Joey. Okay baby clam down. Tell me about her.” Karfa soothed.

“She never cooks with salt. Every damn thing that bitch cooks is bland as hell. She says it’s to help my blood pressure but I am 20 I aint thinking about no damn blood pressure. I went to Burger King one night, got me a value meal some fries you feel me right? Brought that shit in sat at the table in the kitchen put the salt on my fries and that bitch flipped the fuck out. Screaming, shouting, throwing shit at me. Told me she would put me out over some salt. It was crazy… I talked her down but damn. And that aint all. Her house it makes me crazy now…It whispers things to me….” Joe’s eyes took on the look of madness and young man stared off now into a place Karfa could not see.

“Joe…” Karfa whispered.

“Dark things, evil things, always wanting me to sleep. And I have nightmares every time I sleep there. A hag on wings of fire she comes to me and drinks me…Drinks my blood I think. I can’t get away…I can’t…” Tears began to flow down Joe’s face. “In the morning I feel drained and my chest and neck be covered in scratches. I hate going home. She be on my like she my bitch….” He trailed off now. Karfa gasped because he understood why that Abernathy creature had rubbed him the wrong way but he scarce could believe it. He did not want to believe it.

“ Joe.” Karfa sighed and took him in his arms in an embrace while Joe just sobbed.

“Naw Nigga she be singing sometimes I think I hear at night in my bedroom. She be singing this crazy ass song…Skin, skin, skin, come to me! She be singing it over and over and it’s like it drills in my fucking head.” Joe cried out now almost screaming. Desperate and afraid Karfa just held the man close and whispered:

“I’m here. I’m here. Calmes toi….” After awhile when Joe was asleep on the couch Karfa made a cursory examination of his neck and gasped. There were marks of such nature that Karfa knew exactly what he was dealing with and he was afraid for while he knew he did not yet believe and what was worse he had no idea who would believe him.

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West Indian Vampires

Karfa: I feel like a complete idiot doing this. I am a grown man and I live in the year 2008. There are no such things as vampires. There is no such thing. Je suis un idiot pou ces.

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Soucouyant or Soucriant

The Soucouyant or Soucriant in Caribbean and specifically Trinidadian folklore is a creature that lives by day as an old woman at the end of the village. By night, however, she strips off her wrinkled skin, puts it in a mortar and flies in the shape of a fireball through the darkness, looking for a victim to suck the life-blood out of. To get rid of her, you must put coarse salt in the mortar containing her skin, and then she cannot put it back on and must perish. The Soucouyant practices witchcraft, voodoo, and black magic. Belief in Soucoyants is still preserved to some extent in Trinidad

Origin
Belongs to a class of spirits called Jumbies. Some believe that soucouyants were brought from the European countries in the form of French vampire-myths. These beliefs intermingled with those of Africans, which were then enslaved. Others believe that soucouyants were actually elder ladies, who experienced many things a lot of people could not bear. Those with mean humour would make up witch stories about them in regard to their wrinkled skin, and wisdom.

Beliefs
The skin of the soucouyant is said to be very valuable, as it is used when practicing the Black Magic - Obeah. The soucouyant can enter a home by turning into a fireball, and then entering through the keyhole or any crack/crevice in the home. If the soucouyant draws out too much blood from its victim, it is believed that the victim will die and become a soucouyant themselves. However some believe that the victim dies and that the existing soucouyant takes over/possesses the victims’ skin.

Karfa: Aie merde. I knew it. I knew that was why I felt so creeped out by that bitch!

Yahoo Search: Immigration records St Thomas

Angelique Nicole Abernathy

Country of Origin: Trinidad.

Date of Immigration: 06/15/1903

K: How can she be walking…. If she came in 1903 she should be dead…But…Oh fuck me!

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Karfa: Allo Meme?

Meme : Allo?

K: Meme se Karfa.

M: Aie Karfa how you doin’ douxdoux?

K: Bon Meme. And you?

M: I’m still alive and I still got Jesu. This is a treat indeed you calling me up. All is well ouais?

K: With me ouais but Meme I got a friend who needs your expertise.

M: Whatchu mean garcon?

K: Meme what is a soucouyant?

Silence. The line goes still as if death himself put himself on the line. Karfa hears his grandmother sigh heavily and the rustling of pots and pans in the background.

K: Meme? Meme what is a soucouyant!?

M: Sicre Marie, Joseph, et Jesu! Karfa why you ask me?

K: Meme please you know!

M: To speak of such evil. Thems things can hear you. You just don’t go talkin’ ‘bout such things like you talk about recipes or people having gosses! Aie Mon Grand Met se tu foux?! Merci Jesu the sun is out now.

K: Meme my friend needs my help and therefore he needs your help now tell me.

M: Imma good Christian.

K: I never said you wasn’t.

M: Just so you know boi. See in the French and Dutch Creoles we call’em soukangou. Geechee and Gullah folkz call her the Boo Hag. The West Indians call her the soucoyant. But all the names se tous li meme choses. She is demon crossed from Africa on the backs of your ancestors hiding in their misery, living off they pain. Crossed from the whip’s lash from them Bekes as they killed and raped and beat and punished all because they owned us. She come from those evils. So they still live. Old women by day who shed their skins in the darkness of night and rises up on wings of fire searching for blood to drink. She can enter any place to find her prey and once she wants her prey….Oh my Karfala can nan stand against her in that quest.

K: You believe in them?

M: Yea and you must to otherwise why you call me? To chat about a christening? Don’t mock me child I seen things in my life that you never want to see in your nightmares.

K: Meme forgive me.

M: Aint nothing to forgive make sure that you listen. Has she marked you? Is she after you? Disez moi!

K: Non ,non pas moi!

M: Alors ki?

K: Mo zami.

M: He live with you?
K: No with her.

M: Saints preserve us! Aie Sainte Marie!

K: Meme how can you tell? If they are soucoyant?

M: Salt kills em. Coarse salt the best but salt kills em. Find her skin and rub it in while she out. When she come back she can’t put it on and she perish by the light of the sun and holy bells pealing from the church. She is an evil thing and she can not stand by the light of Jesus.

K: So if I offer her salt she won’t eat it.

M: She will refuse it as you do a woman.

K: Ha-ha. Very funny.

M: Had to lighten the mood. But you listen now serious are you sure of who you think is the soucouyant? I mean that she is one of them demons.

K: Pretty sure Meme.

M: That aint no answer. Even in my day back in Louisianne they would sometimes kill old women, innocent old women who were to strong for their own good in those times on suspicion of being one. They still do in the backwoods of the Islands. You can’t go accusing some woman of being that unless you got the proof.

K: Well duh Meme why you think I called you.

M: Don’t get smart garcon. I can still beat you.

K: Oui madame I’m sorry.

M: You young people today. Rude, forgetful, high siddity, and unaware. No one remembers the old ways to keep themselves safe. Y’all think that such things do not exist and so they prey on you and y’all never know it until you be restin’ six feet under.

K: Meme you can’t be serious….

M: Well that is foolishness to say to me. I can’t be serious but you callin’ my house to find out about a demon that you believe is killing your friend. Now as I asks you before do you have proof?

K: Well she says she is from St. Thomas but I did some research online and she came to St. Thomas from Trinidad-

M: Where Soucriants dwell.

K: Right.

M: When she come to Etas Unis?

K: 1903.

M: Jesu preserve us. You seen this woman?

K: Ouais.

M: How she look?

K: Not that old 69 to 73 maybe. Not old enough to be past 103.

M: What else? How you feel round her. You seen her so you felt something. You always been sensitive to things.

K: She (cough) scares me. And I think I’ve had a nightmare of her once.

M: Well if you scared of an old woman she must be evil. Your proof good so far but not enough. I’m coming over and then we go visit this woman. If she be a woman….

K: Meme I’m not going to confront her!

M: Yes you are.

K: No I aint.

M: Don’t sass your Meme!

K: Oui Madame….

M: Tellin’ me what you aint gonna do and I’m tryin’ to help you with this demon and you ruinin’ my religion makin’ me dabble in obeah and that even part of my old ways….(Sigh). We have to see her and get more substantial proof than what you read on the internet. Then if we establish she Soucriant then we can act in accordance.

K: But Meme aren’t Soucriants powerful witches? They have grand oungas et noirs magiks puissants! If she is soucouyant and figures we on to her than she will-

M: I have my own protections Karfa. You stop worryin’. Now have some bourbon and a cigarette for me when I get to your place so I can collect my nerves you done frazzled with this phone call. Then we will see about this creature. Adieu bebe! –CLICK!

K: I so do not want to do this.

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Karfa left a note for Larry telling him to let Joe stay with them for the night and to leave him alone and then headed off with his grandmother back to chez Abernathy. Thankfully Karfa thought it was still summer and he was grateful that the sun was still shining and would be shining later on in the evening. His cocoa colored Meme sat beside him the car her full lips pursed tight and her glasses hovering on the tip of her nose regarding the house before them with avid interest. Her jet hair was upswept in a little bun that she covered with her good visiting hat.

“I gotta have my good hat. I don’ know this woman.” Meme had declared.

“Meme she is a blood sucking demon why do you care what she thinks of you?” Karfa sputtered.

“Well I still want to look my best.”

“Oh God.”

“Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain. And why is you asking me all these questions honey!? You just stay quiet and let me do what I do best. You called me didn’t you?” Meme asked tartly.

“Yes.” Karfa grumbled.

“Well then shut up honey and let Meme do what it do.” Meme responded.

“Whatchu know about do what it do?” Karfa asked surprised.

“I see your 106& Park. I’m old not dead. No you stop worryin’ bout what I’m doing. Hush now garcon I gotta gather myself.” She held her small black purse against her stomach tightly and then moved her lips in what Karfa was sure was a Hail Mary prayer.

“Allons-y! I’m ready.” Meme said with such a finality and strength that Karfa was almost comforted as they climbed the crumbling steps to Ms. Abernathy’s heavy door. Almost because when the door opened and he was face to face with the woman he felt his knees buckle because it was not Ms. Abernathy who answered the door.

____________________________________________________

“Yes?” The lovely butterscotch toned woman asked, her voice once again reflecting a lilting musical accent that could have only come from the West Indies. She wore a smart blue dress that seemed to be reminiscent of the thirties or forties and her long black hair hung loss and long around her back. Her eyes too were green and glittered like gems in the night. Karfa gasped. Meme unfazed simply nodded her head and took charge.

“Yes good day dear. I am Nanette Marie Soulouque and this is my grandson Karfa. Forgive our intrusion ma chere, but my grandson and I were wondering if Ms. Abernathy was available we would like to speak with her if you do not mind?” Meme introduced and stated smoothly. The lovely lady smiled at that.

“Well I am Ms. Abernathy.” She stated proudly. Karfa made a chortled sound and Meme elbowed him sharply but discreetly in the side.

“Tais-toi!” she said softly through gritted teeth the smile never leaving her face. “Oh Mon Grand Met, there must be a mistake…I was led to believe Ms. Abernathy was much older.”

“Oh-ho!” the lady exclaimed in a high pitch girlish voice that made Karfa’s blood run cold when he heard it. Unconsciously he grabbed Meme’s hand grateful that unlike Larry she understood his fear and did not pull away. However she did whisper in Creole for him to persevere and be cool. “You mean my mother.” She giggled. “She is resting, her roomer who has been staying with her has I suppose ran off or something so she needs my help around here. Always a lot to do. Always much for a strong man to do.” She reiterated as her eyes glittered hotly. She gave Karfa a look that made him feel like she was regarding him as the juiciest rack of baby back ribs she’d ever seen.

“Well aren’t you a helpful and lovely young woman. More of these young people need to be like you. And so modest in your dress, not like these girls running about with their butts hangin’ out like ti kochanris,” Meme observed. The lady did a curtsey with all the alacrity of a 4yr old and giggled again.

“Well I try. I suppose it would be alright if you came in for a moment. Just be quiet I don’t want to wake mother.” The lady said. “Please come in.”

“Of course not my dear and your name please ma cherie?” Meme acquiesced almost pulling Karfa along with her into the hallway.

“Belle. Belle Angelique Abernathy.”

“Oh what a lovely name and French too. How brilliant.” Meme praised.

“Well I’m sure you know the history of the islands. All the different colonial rulers and such.” Belle suggested. “The islands are as awash in history and culture as anywhere else in this world.”

“Oh of course my dear. You young people have revived such an interest in the past we didn’t have when I was coming up. All this talk of African Empires, and being from Kings and Queens. It makes this old woman’s head spin.” Meme agreed.

“And such a thing to be Mam Soulouque.” Belle sighed softly. Meme turned and smiled at her.

“To be what chere?” she asked.

“To be old.” Belle stated flatly. Karfa looked tersely at Meme. Had anyone else said such a thing in that way to Meme she would’ve hauled off and slapped them but to this one Meme gave her a grin that beamed with kindness. “What I mean to say,” Belle continued, “just how I imagine you live so long in this body that begins to betray you. Your eyes give here, a pain hits you here. “

“Oh but we all age dear. Even a flower like you must feel the frost of winter.” Meme reminded her.

“Yes some flowers I suppose must.”

Meme and Karfa stood stock still for a moment and Belle seemed to have forgotten herself, or was in Karfa’s opinion either very brazen or clueless as hell. Belle smiled now.

“Well shall I put on the kettle?”

“That would be lovely chere.” Meme agreed with a smile as fake as her affectations.

________________________________________________________________

Tea time was as pleasant as it could’ve been given the circumstances. Karfa remarked that at least the house was certainly more presentable. More clean. More homey, though it seemed to be to Karfa still quite creepy. The 2 ladies spoke of various things at length, about Louisiana and the islands, the similarity of their cultures, this and that. Towards the end of the visit Meme began to make her move.

“So this boarder you have… Where do you think he has gone too?” Meme asked Belle. Belle gave that laugh again though for a moment Karfa thought he heard a growl in the laughter.

“Oh he is somewhere but I do not worry. I’m sure I will find him and convince him to come back to help mother.”

“What if he does not want to come back?” Meme asked.

“Why would he not?” Belle asked. Her face suddenly grew hard and her eyes glittered with a maliciousness that Karfa recognized and his leg began to tremble. Deftly and discreetly Meme clamped her hand on his leg and stilled it.

“I am just say-”

“Why would he not?!” Belle hissed now. “He made a deal with us! He promised to stay with mother! To help her! To give her his strength! After all she has done for that ungrateful Yankee man ghetto dweller he owes her! Do you hear me! Sneaky, backstabbing dirty no good boi staying out all night when mother has needs that need tendin’ to! Things only he can help her with!”

“You act as if your mother and Joe have some kind of relationship. Which I find hard to believe.” Karfa interjected now in alarm. Belle gave him smile which Satan himself would’ve been proud of.

“Why? ‘Cause he is some Batty Boi? You think I’m talking of the filthy things you and your ilk do sissy man. Mother had her uses for him as he had for her!” Belle shouted now. She cast about realizing that Karfa and Meme were staring at her wide eyed. “Oh my…I’m sorry,” she said now in that gentle girlish voice. “I just get worked up when anything goes wrong with mother. Forgive my words they were rude. I know nothing of you.”

Meme stood now fuming and gave Karfa appointed look. She had no patience for homophobes and none the more so for those who went after her grandson.

“We should be going Mam Abernathy. It was… A pleasure.” She said stiffly. Karfa took her lead. Belle sensing she had done something wrong shook her head.

“Oh leaving so soon?” she asked. Karfa could see in his grandmother’s face that if Belle came within reach she would slap the woman shitless.

“We have things to do. Come along Karfa.” Meme gritted. Deftly with a quickness that surprised Karfa Meme spun around and tossed something in Belle’s direction. Belle shrieked like a banshee and jumped back her green eyes bulging and her slim hands clawing the air in rage.

“What are you doing!” she spat at Meme. The salt had made a clean line between them and Karfa noted that she seemed in no mood to cross it. “You old bitch do know what you have done!?” Meme cast about in mock confusion.

“Oh my goodness, I’m sorry dear I spilt that…You know us old women…” she tried without much effort Karfa noted.

“My mother and I…. My mother is allergic to salt! You should be more careful!’ Belle fumed still making no move to clean up the scant amount of salt on the floor.

"That's hardly enough salt to bother your allergic mother who is upstairs sleeping." Karfa bristled now at the woman sure of her origins. " I demand that apo-"

“It was an accident." Meme broke in now cutting Karfa off. "You seem industrious enough you can clean it up dear. Forgive me I’m just an old woman who has forgotten the ‘SENSE’ of youth. Begging your pardon.” Meme pleaded the insincerity thick in her voice. Karfa wanted to laugh but kept his face in careful mask of concern for his Meme.

“Leave. Now.” Belle commanded now all kindness having washed clean from her face and voice.

“It was nice to meet you Belle,” Karfa said sweetly.

“GET OUT!” she screamed. As Meme and Karfa walked out the door (they had to let themselves out) and headed down the stairs Karfa risked a look back. Belle never moved instead she stood glued to her spot her eyes glinting in a fury that could only be called murderous and in that moment Karfa felt a terror so strong he almost sank to his knees.

“Oui. Li se un jablesee. Yes she is a devil. A Soucriant if I have ever met one, demons that I have seen in my life my Jesu send all of you back to the fires of Hell!” Meme confirmed firmly as they headed to Karfa’s car. “I could’ve have slapped that creature!” She spat now in frustration. “Call me a bitch!”

“She has gotten younger.” Karfa observed with trepidation as he started the car aware of the Abernathy thing’s glare upon them.

“Ouais that is how Soucriants do, they continue to drink from their victim, gaining the strength of magik, and vitality all the while the victim gets crazed and wretched looking. Eventually the victim will die and then one of 2 things will come to pass. Either your friend will become a Soucriant-”

“Which is impossible since he is man?” Karfa questioned.

“Ouais. So then the other will take place.”

“What?”

“You said you looked this up on the internet before you called me did you not?”

“Meme.”

Meme sighed more from frustration than anything else.

“A victim will become as their killer or their killer shall collect and wear their skin.” Meme sighed softly now. “And their soul…” she managed. Karfa gave her a look of horror.

“Your friend is in terrible danger.”

“Meme you have to help him.” Karfa begged.

“Aint nothin’ more for me to do garcon. You have to help him. Only love can fight darkness. I can prepare you, give you things to stop her, but you have to defeat her. She wants him bad I feel it she wants him. She will seek him out; smell him out with her obeah.” Meme mused now her mind fixed on some past memory she refused to share. She turned and gave Karfa a pleading look. “Karfala you have to stop her.”

“I don’t know how.” Karfa confessed glumly. “I’m scared.” Meme rubbed his head softly and sighed.

“So am I bebe so am I. I’ll help ya some more I guess.” She decided softly. Then she brightened. “Mais premier poulet!”

“What?! Meme you want chicken? How on earth can you be hungry at a time like this?” Karfa asked in exasperation. Meme gave him the look.

“Well I was about to make myself some lunch but someone had to get my help with their demon palaver. So I being a good grandmere hastened to his side to help him. Now I’m hungry because that thing done frazzled me again and I want fried chicken. Now gets this tin can moving garcon. Popeye’s aint but 4 blocks away. Come one now. Tout suite!” Meme ordered. “We can’t be fighting demons on an empty stomach.”

Karfa could only sigh, start the car, and hope this would all end well. He was not sure that it would for any of them.

(To be continued)

Kyon Saucier copyright 2007