Who Do Voodoo? by Elaine Donadio

Author:Elaine Donadio
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: friendship, mystery, new orleans, environmental issues, middle grade readers, family bonds, hero fantasies, new york city characters
Publisher: Elaine Donadio

Chapter 16: Pretend to Cooperate

As Angel Not pulled the car into the driveway, I realized the house no longer looked beautiful to me. Old-fashioned and strange, it now filled me with tension. My nerves were shot, like a dried twig ready to snap. I was on a mission to find the truth. I owed it to my family. I had to get through it.

I made sure to give Aunt Delphine a big kiss and hug and even complimented her dress. It was blue denim with a big-buckled red leather belt with matching western boots. “Aunt Delphine, you look really pretty today.”

“Well, thank you. Ah feel pretty today.” She picked up the hem of her dress and twirled around.

Nestor’s eyes opened wide. I was afraid he might make a dumb comment, so I shook hands with Uncle Antoine extra hard and gave him a pat on his shoulder for good measure. “You’re looking good, Uncle Antoine.” He smiled from ear to ear.

Nestor took his cue from me. “Now I know Phil gets his good looks from this side of the family.”

Did Nestor really come up with that on his own?

I guess we were laying it on a little thick, but everyone was smiling. Except Angel Not. For a split second, I thought about saying something nice to him but quickly pulled myself out of that moment of temporary insanity.

“Well, Ah’m almost sad you boys are going home so soon, now that you’ve finally learned your manners.” Aunt Delphine fluttered her eyelashes.

“Don’t get any ideas. They’re leaving tonight.” Uncle Antoine meant business.

“We’ll eat dinner then Angel can drive us to the station.”

“Ah wasn’t planning on doing any cooking tonight. We thought y’all were leaving right away.”

I knew I needed time. My mind started working, and my brain kicked in. “I can cook dinner. I’ll look around and see what I find. We’ll even clean up the kitchen so you won’t have to do anything except sit down and enjoy.”

“Well, aren’t you sweet,” Aunt Delphine said.

“OK, by me, but don’t make anything weird.” I guess Uncle Antoine was the fussy type.

I looked at Angel Not. Silence.

This got me thinking. Maybe my great-aunt and -uncle didn’t know what Angel Not was doing. Maybe they needed protection from him. Then again, I shouldn’t assume. Keep my mind open and take in more facts. And think.

“You go and sit down, and I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.” I walked with them into the living room and waited for Uncle Antoine to put the country-western music on, and for the three of them to make themselves comfortable.

I pushed Nestor back into the kitchen and whispered, “While I’m looking for food, try to find keys for the doors.”

“Where should I look? How will I know if they’re the right ones?”

“Look in the drawers. Take whatever you find, especially if it looks big and old like for the front door. Do it quietly and keep a lookout in case anyone walks in.”

While Nestor looked for keys, I checked out the cabinets and the pantry.

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