Avenge by Sarah M. Ross

the sights, for which I
was grateful. I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to travel much
outside of Florida during my lifetime save for a few trips to
Atlanta and one cruise to the Bahamas. The city reminded me of St.
Augustine with its Spanish moss trees and in its ornate
architecture. Both cities were among the first to be colonized in
the South and were remarkably well preserved.
    When the train ride ended, I was
saddened to end my sightseeing. Max leaned his head on my shoulder
and whispered in my ear, “After this is over, I’m going to show you
the world.”
    My heart fluttered at his words and I
knew they weren’t only wishful thinking. He really would move
heaven and earth to make me happy, and I wanted to do nothing more
than to kiss him endlessly in thanks. We didn’t work a normal 9-5
schedule, with weekends and holidays off. We worked hard because we
liked the job and we took pride in it, not because someone forced
us for a paycheck. If we wanted time off, it was usually
approved.
    Max took my hand to help me to my feet
and we stepped off the train and onto the outer edge of Bourbon
Street. Neon signs welcomed us and advertised stores and goods
while crowds of people laughed and drank as they walked down the
center of the streets, cups in hand. The street was closed off to
motor traffic, allowing people access to walk and drink. Street
performers set up their posts every few blocks, drawing large
crowds and delighted cheers.
    Everything about it appeared to be the
ultimate party, but if you looked closer, you noticed the fist
fight between two drunks, the drug deal going down on the corner,
or the pick-pocket weaving between the crowd, lightening tourists
of their hard-earned money.
    “ Stay close to the center
of the street. We want a visible presence.” James and Sadie Ann
capped the ends of our line while Max and I took the dead center. I
wouldn’t be using any weapons unless absolutely necessary since I
was the only one who could protect myself and wanted to keep my
hands free to call up a shield instantly if necessary. Adam,
Cassie, Lola, and Zander stood between us with their guns out,
cocked, and ready to go. I was glad the tourists couldn’t see us,
because I’m sure we would have scared the crap out of a few of
them.
    We took our time marching down the
street, slowly making our way block after block. We passed several
blocks full of strip clubs, girls hanging out the doors giving
passersby a “sample” of what was inside. Next, several blocks
offered bars with every kind of music or dancing you could ask for.
People gyrated and sloshed their drinks as they danced, not caring
who might be watching. Then, a few streets later, there were
several gay bars. The bright feathers and outlandish costumes from
the drag show inside were visible from the street.
    We took our time walking, checking
each dark corner and making our presence known as we took in the
sights. After walking a dozen or so blocks, we came to the end of
the crowded bar section and hit a more residential area. On the
corner of one of the streets, an old woman clutched her cane and
toddled out of a lamp-lit bar, beckoning us forward. “I seek a word
with you.”
    “ Is she motioning for us to
go over?” I asked. Surely I was imagining it and she actually meant
the group of drunken frat boys vomiting behind us.
    “ Yes, that’s Madam Dufrane.
She’s a local voodoo priestess and a bit of a local legend. She’s
also one of my informants. I’ll be right back.” Sadie Ann jogged
over to the hunched, wrinkled woman and was led into a small
courtyard. While we waited, the rest of the group broke formation
and took a look around.
    “ I know she looks like a
sweet old grandmother, but that woman scares me,” Lola whispered to
Cassie and me.
    “ It is pretty scary knowing
someone can see us. I’ve been assuming for years that no one else
could. I wonder how many have been secretly spying on me.” Cassie
shuddered, rubbing her hands up