Hoodoo Heaven (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue) by Reggi Dupree

Author:Reggi Dupree [Dupree, Reggi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kimchi Soul Press
Published: 2022-09-13T16:00:00+00:00

SIX

“Dear ancestors, this is...” My feet were barely on the ground and it was clear that Texas had a rival for my affections. Ash’s home was a kaleidoscope of a compound. The explosion of blues and whites with hints of dark green should have been dizzying and overwhelming, instead it filled me with calm.

The driver left us in what looked to be a back courtyard with a small seating area tucked beneath a vine covered pergola. The large waxy leaves gave enough shade in the April afternoon, while allowing a sprinkling of sunlight to pepper the white wrought iron furniture.

With a gallant wave, Ash motioned for me to proceed into a wide tunnel, its curved ceiling and walls covered with more elaborate tiny mosaic tiles. If I thought the back courtyard was beautiful, I had no idea, and whoa, I wasn’t ready.

We stepped out of the shaded area and entered paradise.

What I’d planned to do was remain sophisticated and unimpressed. But this was me we’re talking about. “Daaaaammn...”

“You like?” Ash’s face was a mixture of amusement and pride.

“It’s okay. Better than a tent.” I shrugged, then burst out laughing.

But now, with the iron gates shuttered behind me and burly well-armed men patrolling the grounds, a sister could almost taste freedom. And the best part? This joint was one hundred percent supernatural creature free.

At least so far.

A part of me ached to poke, prod, and examine how that could happen, especially in such an old building. Either a: this was a new build, or b: humans weren’t the only beings Ash intimidated.

I had to go with option a, for sanity’s sake.

Once again, Ash seemed to fight back a grin. “The name Ash Modeus has been connected to this piece of land since...” He nodded as if counting the years before adding, “...Forever.”

I studied him intently. If twenty-first century Ash hopped in a time machine and traveled back a century or two, he’d have no problems. Standing in this sumptuous compound, I imagined Ash a warlord or someone equally dangerous and powerful. His was a body meant to wield a wicked curved sword. The image of this man rocking MC Hammer pants while slaughtering his enemies made me smile.

“I wonder how much you resemble the first Ash Modeus,” I finally said before I burst into hysterical laughter.

“Some days I ponder that myself, Gwendolyn.” His expression grew distant for a nanosecond before he returned to himself. “This is the favorite of my homes. It pleases me that you like it.”

“I didn’t say all that.” We walked an entire three steps before the word vomit started up again. “You know, I’d always imagined my heaven would look like Moorea, with the white sand beaches and crystal-clear azure water. It’s my favorite place on the planet.” We walked beneath an overhang around a massive inner courtyard filled with plants, pottery, and water structures—including a lap pool—I looked at Ash and sighed. “I may have to reassess.”

Ash’s face, usually all lines and angles softened, as did his voice.

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