Night Magic (14 page)

"When they moved back six months later,
Therese was pregnant with you. For the first time since they got
married, Therese was happy. She wasn't nervy like before. She went
through being pregnant with no problem. Folks was whisperin' that
Francine was gonna do somethin' to her and the baby. But when you
was born, normal, healthy, just as pretty as your Monmon, folks
said old Odette must had lost her power. But then, Therese started
to fret every time you coughed. When you had the colic so bad, she
was beside herself thinkin' you was on death's door. She took to
gettin' up all through the night, checkin' on you. There was times
she woke Antoine up screamin' that you wasn't breathin'.

"Antoine and the doctor finally got her to
settle down some, but she went back to bein' on edge just the same.
It was two years later that your maman started gettin' sick.
Therese started havin' pains in her joints. Tired all the time,
some days she could hardly get outta bed. She get headaches and
fevers for no reason. Then she started forgettin' things, like
where stuff was in the cabinets, or the way to church. She just
went down, cher. Broke my heart to see her waste away. Antoine took
her to the doctor. He started treatin' her for anemia, and then
gave her nerve pills. Doctor Patin ended up givin' her medicine for
high blood pressure, too. A year later she was dead. That's when
the whispers started. Folks said Odette had worked a powerful gris
gris on Therese." Tante Marie took a deep breath, then made the
sign of the cross.

"It can't be true. I won't believe that. It's
all old superstition," Savannah said, her voice unsteady. She
gripped her hands together.

"Superstition can affect folks in a powerful
way, cher."

"You believe it then, that they killed
Mama?"

"I'm a Christian, baby. I believe in spirits,
good and bad."

*****

With the announcement that the Department of
Environmental Protection would bring suit against Batton Chemical
and the Big River plant, the level of tension in Beau Chene rose.
People who had been friends and neighbors all their lives quit
speaking to each other. Antoine became the focus of hostility from
those who were in favor of the plant. There were men who confronted
him about trying to take their jobs. Savannah was getting very
worried about him for the first time.

"Hey what's with the frown, baby?" Paul
tugged at Savannah's chin playfully. They sat together over
lunch.

"Nothing. I just hope this Christmas isn't
spoiled by everything going on." Savannah stirred the untouched
bowl of corn and shrimp soup in front of her."It's going to be a
fantastic Christmas. We'll be together. I'm really looking forward
to getting you under some of that mistletoe." Paul's caress changed
from playful to loving. His eyes shone bright with yearning for
her.

"I'm looking forward to spending the holidays
with you too." The frown was smoothed away as she returned his
gaze.

Once again, a touch of his hand transformed
her. No other man could arouse such a craving, could sooth away all
apprehension with little effort. Savannah felt a thrill knowing
that this marvelous man cared for her. And of that she no longer
doubted. Each time he looked at her, it was written in his
eyes.

"I know you're preparing that report, and
maybe I've said some mean things about that." Savannah grasped his
hand firmly.

"Savannah, you don't have to apologize.
Really, honey. Your commitment to see that your community is safe
is one of the things that drew me to you." Paul raised her hand to
his lips. "I understood where you were coming from. Even when you
took a few well aim licks at me." He grinned at her.

"Hope it didn't do too much damage. You don't
seem to be bruised still." Savannah grinned back.

"Well, there one wound left. But it's one
that hurts so good." His lips curved into a smile that was warm
with passion.

"What wound is that?" Savannah held her
breath. The grip of his hand caused a physical, aching hunger to
ripple through her.

"The wound on my heart. Feel." He raised her
hand to his chest. "I don't care if it doesn't heal. This is one
injury I'm more than willing to live with."

Paul was filled with joy to see the sparkle
in Savannah's eyes. For too long, he had convinced himself that
falling in love was the last thing he needed. Now he was astonished
and delighted to find himself rushing headlong into the very thing
he made efforts for so long to avoid. Savannah ignited his passion
in a way that had taken a complete hold over him. He wanted to meld
his life with hers, to wipe away any barrier to having her with
him.

"I don't want Big River or Batton Chemical to
come between us," Savannah said, her voice tremulous."We won't let
it." Paul spoke with more conviction that he felt. More than ever,
the secret of his relationship to Claude hung heavy on him. Seeing
the trust and affection in her face, he felt a twinge of guilt.
"Nothing will come between us." He said firmly. Pulling her to him,
they sat with their arms about each other in the booth.

*****

Back at the shop, Savannah breezed through
inventory, a task she normally grumbled about. Still feeling the
elation of Paul's words she no longer felt the tension surrounding
the Big River plant that existed between the town's residents. But
threats scrawled on the door waited for her when she left the shop
that evening. She was glad her father had gone out of town on
business. With help from Leon, the ugly words were scrubbed away
quickly.

"Was you gone tell me 'bout that graffiti on
the shop." Antoine gave her an admonishing look at home that night.
He stood in the door to the den.

"I didn't want you to worry, Poppy."

"In case you done forgot, I'm grown. I been
handlin' hard times a lot longer than you, little girl."

"That was some juvenile delinquent with too
much time on his hands. Forget it."

"I hope so, cher. I surely do hope so."

The next day they arrived at the shop to find
one of the large windows shattered."Merry Christmas from the Big
River fan club, eh?" Savannah looked around in dismay.

"Could have been worse." Antoine headed for
the phone to get the glass replaced.

Savannah sighed deeply, and then set about
cleaning up the mess. Moments later she was grateful to see Paul
coming through the door. He grabbed a broom and started sweeping
glass.

"Did you file a report with the sheriff?"
Paul picked up a basket that had been smashed.

"Yeah, won't do much good though. There are
no witnesses, and no physical evidence left behind to possibly
identify whoever did it."

"Don't let it get you down. This coward won't
dare stand up to you in the daylight."

"One thing, I better get used to it. By the
time that trial starts in February this town might be split so that
it will never be the same." Savannah began rearranging the window
display as best she could with what was left, replacing items from
the shelves.

"There's got to be some sort of compromise. A
way we can have industry that is safe and good paying jobs."

"Maybe so, but compromise means both sides
give something up. Obviously Trosclair doesn't see that as an
attractive option." Savannah pointed to the large shards of glass
in the waste basket.

"You don't believe Trosclair did this? That's
really stretching it."

"He may not have broken the glass, but that
doesn't mean this wasn't his handiwork. He has some real scum
working for him. Remember good old Manny? And he's not the only
one."

"Oh come on. The man is wealthy, cultured,
and from what I've seen since meeting with him, he is concerned
about how Big River affects the community. This sort of thing
doesn't seem to be his style at all." Paul sounded defensive.

"Claude Trosclair is concerned about one
thing, his own interests. He can be vicious when someone gets in
his way. And you better remember that."

"What do you mean?"

"How is he going to react when he finds out
that you are getting friendly with the enemy?"

"Number one, I really don't think he's the
person you say he is; and number two, who I get friendly with is my
business. It has nothing to do with the work Batton Chemical pays
me to do. Which by the way, is pretty much completed." Setting the
broom aside, he came up behind her and hugged her around the
waist.

"Yeah, but he wants you to do even more work
for him." Savannah turned to face him."

"And if I do, it will be business only. Now,
give me a smile." He brushed his lips up and down the side of her
face.

"I can give you a little more than that. How
about some sugar, sugar." Savannah forgot her anxiety, all doubts
swept away by the intoxicating touch, smell, feel of him. A horn
blew and someone let out a long whistle. Realizing that they were
on display just like her father's merchandise, they separated.

"Lady, you had me so wrapped up, I forgot
where we were for minute." Paul laughed, and then became serious.
Gazing into her dark brown eyes, it hit him full force how much she
meant to him. Never had he know such sweetness and strength in one
woman. A strong need to protect her always surged through him. He
twisted a thick, dark lock of her hair through two fingers savoring
its velvety texture."You mean a lot to me," he murmured.

Savannah stared at him for a long moment
before brushing her hand lightly along his jaw line. All that had
gone on between them, the fights and the loving moments, came
together in one magical instant forcing her to acknowledge the
sweet surrender of her heart to this marvelous man. A man whose
strength, caring, and tenderness had won her completely.

"Hey, y'all ain't no help standin' around
starin' soulfully into each other’s eyes. Get to work," Antoine
rumbled a good-natured scolding.

For the next three hours they laughed,
exchanged jokes on one another, and worked to restore order to the
shop. Savannah felt as though she really was home now, a home she
had missed all her life without even knowing it.

The crisp, yet sunny days added to the
general mood of happy anticipation of Christmas day. All around
Beau Chene, homes and businesses were decked with traditional
decorations. Few doors did not have a large, green wreath wrapped
gaily in red or green ribbon. Mistletoe, gathered from oak trees in
the woods surrounding the town hung in restaurants, shops, even the
gas station. Gleefully used as an excuse to get a quick kiss when
the unwary stood beneath it. Laughter and good food was plentiful.
Adults and children alike eagerly awaited the arrival of Papa Noël.
The division over the Big River plant put a strain on the festive
mood, especially the usually jovial community meeting to plan the
town's annual celebration, which included the traditional bonfire
on the levee on Christmas Eve. After a bumpy start, old Mr.
Melancon blurted out "Aw come on y'all, it's Christmas after all.
Let's put all dat aside and make dis a Joyeux Noel."After that,
there was a more relaxed attitude. Men who had argued with each
other worked side by side. All hands were needed to construct the
elaborate creations that would be set ablaze so spectacularly. With
each passing day the logs, large and small, gradually took shape.
It wasn't long before a Viking ship, a grand mansion, a fire truck,
even a large rocking horse were among the temporary landmarks that
took shape high above River Road. Paul threw himself into the
preparations as though he had been a part of them all his life. He
marveled at the inventiveness that went into the building of each
figure. He pitched in to help erect the booths that would sell
barbecue sausage, chicken, and beef. Large cast iron pots that
would be used to fry hog skin cracklins, not used since the last
festival, were brought out of storage. His mouth watered as he
listened to the men and women who would cook describe the
jambalaya, gumbo, pralines, and sweet potato pies they would make
for the occasion. Savannah was kept very busy by the growing number
of visitors in town. Last minute gifts, some to be shipped as far
away as Canada, claimed her attention for most of the day. She was
grateful that Leon was out of school for the holidays. His extra
pair of hands were much needed with Antoine and Tante Marie setting
up a booth for the Christmas Bonfire Festival. Yet she and Paul
found time to be together, happily planning Christmas day. At
Antoine's suggestion, Savannah had invited Paul's family to
town.

"They will love it, cher. Since you so
nervous, maybe you'll feel better meetin' 'em the first time on
your stompin' grounds. Besides, who don't wanna come to see the
bonfire, eh?"

"Poppy, besides being handsome, you're a
genius." Savannah planted a big kiss on his beaming face.

*****

"Now are you sure your mother will like this
cameo pin? I want to be sure," Savannah questioned Paul. "And your
father, you did say he could use this key chain with the little
tools attached? And the cakes and cookies for everybody else?"
Savannah critically evaluating the still unwrapped gifts under the
large Christmas tree in her living room.

"Babe, I told you, they'll love it all.
Especially your Tante Marie's cookies and cakes. And you." Paul
seated on the couch, patted the cushion next to him.

"I just want us to get off on the right
foot." Savannah sat next to him, moving comfortably into the crook
of his arm.

"It isn't about material things with them,
they’re good people. They will see you for the beautiful person
that you are and make you feel at home. Trust me."

"If you say so." Savannah sighed.

Looking around, it seemed to Savannah that
combining the two families was an unqualified success. Mrs. Honorè
and Tante Marie took to each other instantly. They chattered away
in French about everything from cooking to what it was like in the
old days. There was eating, games, and storytelling in every room.
Paul was like the pied piper with his nieces and nephews. Watching
him play with them, getting them sweets, wiping their little faces
clean, Savannah felt a longing to put her arms around him. The red
sweater did not conceal the outlines of his muscular build. The
memory of how it felt to be pressed against that hard, warmth
caused a stirring deep within. As he gave a tiny kiss to one of the
youngest of his nieces, Savannah remembered the touch of his full
lips on hers. Suddenly, Paul looked up into her eyes. His smile
seemed to say he knew exactly what was on her mind, and that he
felt the same. The noise faded, everyone else disappeared. A voice
to her left forced her to leave that magical place. She sighed
shakily, hoping what she was feeling wasn't written all over her
face.