The sky darkened, and it looked as if rain was going to hit the city at any point. Dustin and Kelvin turned the corner into Bourbon Street as Maria followed behind. They ambled slowly as they passed the side street where the body was slumped against a wall. The police had strung Police Line Do Not Cross tape at both ends of the alley. It was just another unexplained death in a city full of partygoers. Death by misadventure was more than likely to be the coroner’s report, although the three of them knew the reason was very different than what any coroner was going to write down.

The crowds were somewhat subdued with the dark clouds that hung way above the city. It felt more like chat and reflection, rather than scantily clad women having strings of beads wrapped around there necks. Maybe, and if the clouds lifted, the party atmosphere might kick in for a while before the sun finally set. For now though, it was a pretty dismal day.

Dustin followed Kelvin into the Legs Eleven Strip Club, they walked through the open doors to the bar area. The music played, and girls flaunted their bodies around the poles at the far end of the lower level of the club. This was to entice wanting customers, and the real action happened on the second floor in the Candy Bar. The doors to the bar opened, and Dustin was immediately headed off by a redhead who bared her breasts, brazenly exposing them. She draped her arms over his shoulder and tried to entice him to a chair for a lap dance. Dustin denied her advances and walked to the bar. Kelvin stood next to him and asked the barmaid if Caron (his aunt) was around. The busty barmaid replied that she was upstairs and said she’d check to see if she was free.

Maria sat on the horseshoe-shaped bench seat that was covered in pink and white. It fitted in with the candy theme and faced directly toward the small center stage that sat at the far wall. A spotlight shone on a glitter ball overhead, and a mosaic of patterns danced over the pink-flecked walls and the mirrors. Tiny glints of reds, greens, and blues flickered over Maria's eyes as Dustin and Kelvin approached. Maria was sandwiched between them as the MC said it was time for the next girl to perform. The lights were dimmed a little, and a seductive hand pushed through the silver curtains. The girl made her way to the chrome pole and wrapped her leg around it, before spinning. Her head hung upside down as Kelvin looked on.

"Oh crap," he muttered. "How embarrassing. That's my sister."

Maria laughed as Dustin asked what was funny. He giggled when he was told it was Kelvin's long lost sister that was going to strip. Kelita stood and draped her body around the pole as the lights flickered off and on. The MC called out not to panic; it was just a power failure from the weather. Kelvin looked shocked as he glanced over his shoulder. He half-expected vlads to come pouring through the doors. The lights flashed blue and red at the stage as the curtains were flung back. Kelvin's sister vanished, and two other girls were on stage. They were dressed in Dixie cowgirl costumes and large Stetsons.

"I think you had a lucky break," Maria commented as the guys who sat closest to the dance floor cheered. One of the girls pulled off her tan leather waistcoat and flashed her tassel-covered breasts to the guests. Kelvin knew it was all part of the show. Now I can watch.

In perfect synchronization, the girls pulled their gold-edged skirts from their waists to the delight of the onlookers. Both were buck naked as the day they were born, apart from their overly-large Stetsons. It was a hell of a show and on such a gloomy day outside, it was awesome.

The waitress walked to Kelvin and instructed the three of them to follow her upstairs. The white stairway was hidden behind a dark red curtain that sat in the cloakroom. The music faded as the door closed at the bottom of the stairs. Caron sat in a small office with Kelita close to her side. They smiled as Kelvin entered. He was the first to sit on the black leather couch.

"Nice to see you again so soon, little brother." Kelita smiled at Kelvin.

"Back at ya! You scared the crap out of me downstairs. I thought you were going to strip," he replied, now with a bashful look on his face.

"Me? strip! You must be kidding. I tried it, but it’s not for me. I'm better running the show than being a part of it."

Caron called downstairs for coffee to be brought up to the office. "What are you doing back here, anyway?" she asked.

Kelvin shifted on the couch and replied. "I wanted to introduce Dustin, he's a good friend, and also, we wanted to talk to you about our trip to cemetery one to find the start of the hunt for Gabriel's shaman." Kelvin leaned his elbows on his knees. "What’re we going to walk into? More than anything, that’s what we need to know."

Caron started to explain about Marie Laveau and her role as the Voodoo Queen. There wasn't one before her, and there hadn't been one since her death. It was like she still held the position after her death, and would never relinquish it to anyone who didn't deserve to fill her shoes. She also explained how deep voodoo went into some people’s lives. Half the city believed it was real. Some, for the benefit of tourists, and the others who really believed in its existence and attended the many rituals that were held behind closed doors. Sometimes, they were held under candlelight that glowed from small skulls dotted around. Anyone who knew to visit the cemetery was on the right track, and wouldn't be classed as a tourist just looking for a thrill.

"The thing is, they don't take too kindly to just any stranger walking up and asking for a sitting," she said as the door opened and a young blonde girl walked in with a tray full of coffee mugs.

Kelita handed a cup to them and spoke. She said, "You want me to come with you?"

Kelvin wrapped his fingers around his mug and shook his head. "Nah! There's only me and Dustin going. Like you say, they don't want a party of visitors traipsing in there and attracting too much attention.

"I think you should be fine with two.” Maria fidgeted as she hadn't told Kelvin or Dustin that she and Willy were going to tag along behind. “And, anymore than that and it's a little off."

"Have you any idea what we’re going to find?" Dustin asked curiously, after he swallowed his mouthful of coffee.

Caron placed her mug onto the table. She’d only ever visited Marie Laveau's site a long time ago when Kelvin's mom was sick. She’d sought help, although it’d been too late by the time she could’ve met with the one who’d perform a ritual. It hadn't been a shaman. They were kept away from regular rituals as it took too much drain on their bodies.

"They keep vigil over her tomb. It might take some finding as they hide in the shadows. It's not as if they have torches stuck in the ground you can see from the gate," she explained. "When I went, there were around six guardians keeping watch, which I knew of."

"Who do we speak to, though?"

"There’s a nominated guardian who decides whether you can meet a shaman.” Caron pulled open her desk drawer and pulled out a small doll that hung on the end of an old, weathered, leather lanyard. “Just show them this, and you might get a location."

Caron handed the doll to Kelita who walked to Kelvin and placed it in the palm of his hand. He had an instant feeling it was something to do with his mom. He smiled.

"And that's as much as I can tell you," Caron said. "I have forgotten one important factor. She has two tombs, one for tourists and her real one. The touristy one’s covered in flowers, and you need to venture deeper into the cemetery to find the real one." She leaned forward. "When are you thinking of going?"

"Tonight’s as good a night as any other," Dustin remarked. Caron agreed. While the weather was damp the streets would be emptier, too.

"On a different note," Caron said, "Kelvin, now we know you’re alive and kicking, we have some things to sort with the club. As it’s partly yours, there’s a tidy little nest egg being saved for you, and your name needs to go on a few documents at some point."

Kelvin explained that all that could wait a while. Gabriel was more critical at the moment, and the club and his part were in good hands.

"Well, you know where to find us," Kelita replied. She gave no indication she was going to watch over him while he was in the cemetery.

Kelvin looked at Kelita. "Out of curiosity, what's it like being a hybrid?"

Kelita smiled. "It's incredible, so much better than being a regular werewolf.

"You'll have to show me at some point," he replied. "I've never, well, we've never seen one properly."

"I'll show you soon, I might surprise you."

The sun struggled to break through the dark storm clouds that silently blew over the city. Megan was relieved because she could walk around as if it was night, and so she felt no worry about burning. If it looked as if the sun was going to show itself, she dragged Gabriel off the street and made an excuse. After an hour, they found themselves on Rue Dumaine. They were directed in that direction as there was an occult store which was supposed to be the real deal. Head toward the river they were told, and ignore the voodoo museum, and you'll come to an occult store.

Megan linked her arm through Gabriel's as her eyes were fixed on the sky above. She thought they might be safe as it wouldn't be much longer before the sun finally decided to give up the ghost and begin to set. Night could set in, and it’d be the job of the moon to try and cast its silvery glow over the damp, murky streets of New Orleans. A flock of tourists hung around outside the museum and the other voodoo stores, it was as if they were experiencing the ancient arts. Gabriel shook his head. It was easy to convince a lot of people they were buying into the experience.

The stores stopped, and the far end of the street appeared half-derelict. Any tourist that ventured this far down might think that they were lost. Gabriel and Megan crossed the street as the signal lights flashed above their heads. Three guys stood from the steps by an old steel shutter that had been ornately decorated with a Fuck You and more graffiti surrounding it that was a dig at the cops. The bright colors were mottled by the darkness that slowly fell.

"Hey dude, you’re off the beaten track. You lost?" a tall and slender guy muttered. His backup stood close by.

A slightly chunky kid stood behind, his large afro enlarged the size of his head, threefold. His afro comb was wedged firmly above his ear. His fist now nestled in the palm of his other hand and rubbed as if he was ready for a fight. Gabriel noticed the third guy was the proud owner of an ear full of silver earrings. The faint outlines of tattoos filled his arms, and they showed he had done some time previously, other than spending time on this street corner.

"Sorry folks! We're not lost. We’re headin’ to the occult store."

"No store down here!" the first guy replied. "How about you hand me your wallet?” The tattooed guy stepped forward and lifted his shirt to reveal the handle of a revolver that had been shoved in his pants.

"I don't think so," Gabriel said as they walked forward.

Guy three attempted to block their path. Gabriel raised his hand and grabbed the silver hoops that hung from the guy’s ear. Before his hand reached his waist to lift his shirt and wrap his fingers around the pistol handle, Gabriel yanked the hoops from his ear. With a high-pitched scream, the kid threw his hands to the side of his head, and Gabriel's hand lunged for the gun. He stood calmly in front of them as he pulled back the chamber of the gun. He laughed and threw it to the first guy with the loud mouth.

"You better have bullets if you're gonna follow through with a hold-up," he said as he dropped the earnings on the floor. Drops of crimson blood fell on the shoulder of guy three’s white t-shirt.

Megan licked her lips as she smelled the salty aroma of fresh blood. Maybe she’d have a chance to pay them another visit later.

The occult shop neared, and Gabriel pushed open the door. They stepped inside and could smell the aroma of incense that filled the store. An old woman pushed her way through a massive red curtain and greeted them.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"I hope so. We’ve been guided here as we were told you’re involved with the real black magic, so to speak," Gabriel replied. "Do you mind if I lock the door and then I'll explain?"

"Is this for both of you, or only one of you?" the store owner asked. Gabriel looked at the thick lines on her face that were way past wrinkles. These were ravines that showed she was much older than she appeared.

"It's just for me," he replied.

The old lady pointed to Megan. "She needs to wait outside. What I say is for your ears only."

"You mind waiting outside?" Gabriel asked Megan.

"No problem. I'll go and get a bite to eat." And I know exactly where I'm going for a nibble.

"Give us an hour," the old woman told her.

"Not a problem. That's enough time to have my fill."

Megan stepped onto the dark street. She looked left toward the river and then right, back to the street corner. The faint smell of drying blood hung in the breeze. She turned left.

Gabriel closed and bolted the door. He turned back into the store. The old lady smiled and told him to flip the door sign.

Closed.

“The dark’s so much darker than it was before; the candle in my hands is not burning as bright as it was before.”