The Mystery at Belle Magnolia (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 3) Page 5

  A tall, scrawny woman, with dark, stringy long, black hair and yellowed teeth spoke to her, "Morning to ya,' did you hear about the hanging at old Belle's place?"

  "Unfortunately, I did. You see I'm a guest at Mademoiselle Mayfair's home. I can tell you; we are all in shock. I've come to see if anyone may have knowledge about the person or persons who committed this crime. Did any of you ladies hear anything?" Madeline asked.

  After introductions, she learned the lanky woman's name was Elizabeth, and the others were Meredith, Mary, and Alice. The others seem to show deference to Elizabeth, and she was the one who did most of the talking.

  "They say it's revenge. It's Marie; it is. Everyone knows it. They saw her in her white robe walking on the grounds. The voodoo priestess, Madame Clarice, said she come to her in a séance—spoke right to her. It's because he got that man Finaldi out from under the noose. We all know he was guilty, especially Marie Laveau. She knows everything. They say that even though she's in the spirit world, she can see her people's suffering," said Elizabeth.

  The other ladies nodded; Meredith, youthful, but grim looking, with what appeared to be one glass eye, stood holding a crucifix around her neck. She continually rubbed it, while all the ladies made the Christian sign of the cross.

  Alice spoke now to Madeline and said, "I'm afraid for you, Miss if you live about the place. No good can come from your staying there. You'll stain with the same curse as Mr. Randolph. I would think you would leave as soon as you could."

  "If you don't, they'll be no saying what could happen to ya,'" added Elizabeth.

  "Perhaps the best thing I can do would be to speak with Madame Clarice, and find out directly from her what she knows," said Madeline.

  "She won't see you without money. You must have a spiritual connection that she feels before she takes you into her confidence," said Alice, the most pleasant looking, with fine, yellow hair and fair skin.

  Madeline asked, "Can you tell me where I can find her?"

  "In the woods near the bridge," said Elizabeth. "I'll take you there if you want."

  "I have to join my companion. We must return to Belle Magnolia. However, could I meet you at the coffee house tonight at, let's say, eight o'clock?"

  She could see Elizabeth was curling her fingers around her dress, so she added, "Of course, I will pay you for your trouble."

  Elizabeth then showed her tangled yellow smile and nodded.

  Hugh was walking toward her in the distance, and she waved in recognition that she saw him.

  "Did you have a fruitful time of it?" he asked.

  "I did not yet go to the bookstore, but I am most pleased. What have you to relate?"

  "I have learned that the local men believe it is the work of the Sicilians that are part of a crime organization. They say someone called 'Quick Vinnie' might have perpetrated the act. He is known to be adept at committing a crime in such a manner done so deftly and with such expedience that there usually are no witnesses. Only one of the men said he knew what he looked like. No one has seen him in public for a while. They seemed reluctant to speak of the Sicilian clan, looking over their shoulders as they spoke," Hugh narrated.

  "They said he has been known to frequent the French Market coffee shop after midnight, but this is a rumor only. One of the men drew me a rough sketch of what they thought he looked like," as he showed her the piece of wrinkled paper.

  "It is just a profile, nothing particularly of interest except perhaps for this strange scar near the hairline."

  "It almost looks like the track of an animal. Perhaps an injury from an object hitting his head," said Madeline.

  "It's worth noting if it may help us identify him."

  They hired a carriage to take them back to Belle Magnolia, both of them somber, speaking about their remembrances of Wesley in hushed tones. Arriving, they found man police officers canvassing the property. Belle was outside with a tall, lanky man, who appeared to be fidgeting with his hat, and gaining support from a stout cane he was leaning against.

  Belle had her hands on her hips, with a stern look upon her face. He seemed to be taking little note of what she was saying, continuing to appear in a state of unease, and moving back and forth on each foot.

  When they were within speaking range, Belle said, "Could you please make this man understand that it is indeed possible Marie Laveau was here on these grounds. I believe she may very well be responsible for Wesley's untimely death."

  "I have been trying my best to make Mademoiselle Mayfair understand that it was someone of flesh and blood who did this and not some spirit come from the dead," said the man.

  "I am Madeline Donovan, and this is Hugh Scott. May I inquire as to your name, sir?"

  "Inspector Matthews, New Orleans division of homicide. I have been told you found the body," he said directing his question to her.

  "Yes, I'm afraid I am still in somewhat of a shock. He was a fine man trying to do the best for his family and his city. On the same tree where he hung was found a white robe attached to one of the limbs of the oak. I believe people associate the white robe with Marie Laveau. People say she is seen walking the streets in it, even though she is deceased. Everyone within these walls has come to think a curse put on the family. The reason is that Mr. Randolph defended Guy Finaldi. They think that Marie Laveau's spirit or someone acting on her behalf has come to seek vengeance."

  Belle nodded her head and looked defiantly at the inspector as if to confirm that Madeline's comments were the factual truth.

  "Do you believe this to be so, Mrs. Donovan?" asked Mr. Matthews.

  Madeline did not wish to state her true feelings in front of Belle and only said, "The fact is that Marie Laveau is involved in this. Dead or not, the beliefs in her power have caused actions by many that are extraordinary. Perhaps someone of real flesh and blood has taken it into their mind to make the curse appear to be true."

  She realized what she had said sounded vague. Belle looked at her quizzically as if she could not decide if what Madeline had said meant she was in agreement with her or not. Nevertheless, she came to stand beside Madeline, putting her arm around the other's her waist as if they were now bonded together against Marie and Mr. Matthews.

  "Well, we have the robe, and it has a fresh streak of blood on it. I don't believe the dead bleed," the inspector said sarcastically. "I will try to rid the city of whatever human did this, and the three of you can rid it of the spirits. If you come down to the station tomorrow morning, I would like to get from you both a more detailed account of what happened."

  He tapped his cane upon the walk with a resounding snap. Straightening himself, he walked away from them in such a manner that Madeline thought he must think very well of himself and his abilities, and perhaps not so much of others.

  Belle asked, "How can it be that such a man will be a central figure in finding out who did this to my dearest Wesley?"

  She took the brightly colored fan she was holding, and waved it dramatically in rapid motion across her face.

  Hugh walked over to her, guiding her to a white wooden bench near the front entrance.

  "Madeline and I will assist in finding out who did this. We will not rest until we do. You may trust us completely in that. You will need all your strength to care for Hannah.

  Do you think now she may consider going to your other home in Virginia?"

  "No...she spoke little but has assured me that, if it means her death too, she will not leave until she sees someone hanged for his murder. Then, perhaps, we may both relocate. I don't know. My New Orleans has turned into a place I do not recognize. We will see what the future will bring," answered Belle.

  Madeline wished there was something more she could do for Belle, but knew the only thing that she could do was to continue her investigation in the marketplace. She would leave at once.

  "I would like a cool, glass of tea. I will also take one up for Hannah. Will you join us?" Belle asked.

  "I'm sure Father will join you, but I wo
uld like to return to the French Market area. I'm certain people will be talking, and we will be listening," Madeline said, nodding to Hugh.

  Belle replied, "Yes, that would give me some solace knowing someone other than Mr. Matthews had their hand in this."

  Madeline waited while Hugh escorted Belle back to Hannah's room, thinking how anxious she was to meet with Madame Clarice. With the stories she had heard about voodoo, and the people who participated in it, she now couldn't wait to be immersed into the strange—and unknown to her—experience.

  In the carriage, Hugh said, "Perhaps we can go together to the bookstore."

  "Yes, that would be a good place to start. What is your opinion of Inspector Matthews?"

  "I think he is the type who will throw the first person he meets, who is of Italian or Sicilian descent, into jail, if he sees them gathering together. However, I suppose he didn't become an inspector without merit, and we may yet be surprised. He seems quite arrogant."

  "We have our beginning this evening when we meet the infamous Madame Clarice. From what I have heard, she has anointed herself the new Marie Laveau. She has made it widely known that Marie speaks through her in the séance, and that she reacts to Marie's will."

  "I am ashamed to admit that I have little knowledge of such things, but they do fascinate me. For an entire city to be held spellbound, with what seems, is silly nonsense, is also most intriguing. I had an aunt who would sometimes have her fortune read. That is the extent of my experience with the supernatural."

  "There is the bookstore," said Madeline.

  In the back of the building, there was a room where people met to discuss books and to smoke cigars. It was there that they met Frank Dowdry, somewhat of an expert on voodoo practices in the area, and someone who had attended many séances performed by Madame Clarice.

  "You say you will be meeting her tonight. Is it for a séance?" he asked.

  "No, I just want to speak to her about the bizarre events that are taking place at Belle Magnolia. Of course, our Wesley's hanging has brought this matter to an elevated state. All the happenings before were of concern, but this, this is monstrous, and I worry for the remaining family members, whether they also are in danger.

  "She will know what is being said about the cursing and so forth. Whether she will reveal it to us, of course, is another matter," said Madeline.

  "Do not take it lightly; this belief in the powers of the dead brought to life through assimilation into a living body. No, those who take it lightly do so at their own peril. Many dark deeds can be attributed to the believers of this practice. It seems to have parts of the Catholic religion intertwined in it. Those that do believe do so without question. They seem to be in an almost trance-like state during the séance, and most emphatically involve themselves in the process," said Frank.

  "Do any of you gentlemen have any opinion on who may be responsible for Mr. Randolph's death?" asked Hugh.

  An elderly man, seated against the back wall, near a cracked window, his long, black coat frayed, and his face reddened spoke, "There is no question: —it is Madame Clarice herself."

  They all turned toward him, and Madeline said, "Surely, you don't mean that in actuality. Do you mean someone who has been influenced by her may be responsible?"

  "I do not. I mean, it is her. She manipulates the lot of them. She has either done it herself or had her hand in it somehow," added the old man.

  "This shall make our meeting with her all the more interesting," said Madeline.

  "Meeting with her, are you? Be careful, Miss, be very careful," he concluded.

  Chapter Six

  Madame Clarice

  Lingering in the market area, they again heard the name of Quick Vinnie. He was someone that was feared by all who have heard of him. Known throughout the area as the mysterious midnight henchman, he was believed to be the one who carried out the deeds of the devil heads of the Mafia. Still others believed Wesley's murder was staged to make Madame Clarice's followers look guilty.

  One thing was certain, the market square of New Orleans was abuzz with nothing else but the talk of Wesley and Belle Magnolia.

  When they had returned to the mansion, they were surprised to see a dozen or so people lingering outside of the winding entrance to the grounds. Approaching Madeline and Hugh, one man spoke out that they were most curious to see the place of the hanging, and to catch perhaps a glimpse of the ghost of Marie Laveau strolling about the property.

  Hugh spoke to them in a gentle manner, appealing to their sense of empathy towards the family during this difficult time. Except for a young, waif of a strawberry-haired girl, they disbanded. But she, with a backward glance, and strange smile at them, ran straight ahead onto the property, moaning softly as she zigzagged across the lawn.

  "What do you make of that?" he asked as they both watched the girl disappear into the brush.

  "Perhaps another person compelled, by her trance-induced state, to haunt Belle Magnolia," Madeline said with some sarcasm.

  "We are facing an element that is elusive. You can almost feel it when in the midst of the residents. Although it may seem childish to us, it is very real to them. There is no hint that they do not believe emphatically in the supernatural world that exists here."

  "Yes, and we will soon get to see someone who is at the heart of it. We will just have time for dinner and to return to meet Elizabeth at the coffee house."

  Father greeted them at the door, ushered them back outside onto the outdoor veranda and said, "One of the servants will bring the tea out. Unusual as it may seem, one of the servants who have left have returned, claiming his loyalty to Mr. Randolph, and wishing to help Belle in the face of this tragedy. Samuel has come back."

  "What else has happened, Father?"

  "Hannah stays in her room and mutters to herself about revenge. Belle stays by her and assures her there will be. Saying she will take it on herself to vindicate poor Wesley. I hope either the police or you and Hugh, may find out something that may prevent this spiraling of emotion. I don't know what either of them might do in that state of mind. They may be capable of either harming themselves or someone else. I don't know...I just don't know.

  "I feel I may have done something medically unethical by giving them each more sedatives than I believe to be safe, but I truly felt it must be done," he continued.

  "Belle and Hannah were already frantic before we ever arrived. Now this...act of cowardice, this horror. I'm sure it is worse than anything they could have thought. They feared the house would burn, but I don't believe they thought it would come to...murder," said Madeline.

  "I don't feel it is safe to stay here. I suppose the men should take their turns keeping an eye open now. There are four of us, and soon will be six," said father.

  "Six?" she asked.

  "Oh—a telegram was delivered. It was addressed to us both. I hope you don't mind that I read it. Jonathan has finalized his plans and has taken a short leave from the paper to join us. Of course, he knows nothing about the murder, but knowing Jonathan, it would not deter him. He said he was bringing someone with him. I know I will feel better with additional men in the house."

  "May I see the cable, Father? I had always hoped he would come. We shall all be together again," said Madeline.

  "I concur with your father. We will need to keep a close eye out in the midnight hour. If anything untoward will happen, it will not be in the light of day," Hugh said.

  "I hope you are right, but somehow I still feel an unease even in the bright sunlight," said Madeline.

  "Yes, it will be difficult after such an event for any of us to feel safe again," said her father.

  When she finished reading Jonathan's telegram and then handed it to Hugh, she said, "He will be here tomorrow! Oh, he will arrive amid chaos and great sadness."

  "He will understand," said Hugh.

  "Father, we will not be here for dinner; we have a meeting in the city. We will just have some soup, and then we will be returning to town."<
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  "That is fine. I will do the same, and take some to Belle and Hannah. Should I worry as to what you are about?"

  "No...we are doing some research. Besides, Hugh will be with me."

  There was a light, shimmering mist falling on New Orleans, giving the place an eerie look and smell. The leavings of the horses—and sometimes cows—was evident on the sticky, mud roads. When they arrived at the coffee house, nonetheless, it was as crowded with people as if it were a pleasant, sunny day. There was no seating available, so they mingled amongst the noisy patrons, looking for Elizabeth. They found her at the back of the room, near an exit, sitting with her companions.

  "You've come. I thought you might have let your mind change. It's not too many people that goes that do not believe," she said.

  "We have no judgment, but only curiosity. We must know what is at the heart of the events taking place at the plantation—if there is a connection to these voodoo practices," said Madeline.

  Hugh said, "In England, where I am from, there are friends of mine who believe in the occult. I believe we both are open to finding out more of the mystery of how powers exist."

  "Come along...maybe if she knows you're with me, she'll give you a private audience. I don't know. Sometimes if she feels you are interfering with the coming of the spirits, she may ask you to leave," said Elizabeth.

  "Either way, we are grateful for your guidance in this matter," Madeline said as she put money into Elizabeth's outstretched wrinkled hand.

  Elizabeth, her companions, Madeline, and Hugh, scrunched together in a wobbly carriage, driven by a man with one eye and one arm. He laughed manically as he whipped the underfed horses that enabled the carriage. Madeline touched Hugh's hand, glancing at him in a way that made him squeeze her hand back.

  A sudden feeling of fear gripped her, such as she had to creep along the streets of Whitechapel when she was looking for Jack the Ripper.