Crossroads

By Gale Stanley

Long time lovers, Louis Abellard and Jesse Trudeau work in a Voodoo shop in the French Quarter. Jesse is a believer, but Louis turned his back on the spirits when they allowed his mother to die of cancer.

When Jesse is hospitalized with leukemia, Louis is desperate to save him. He’ll do anything—except ask the spirits for help. Then one night an unlikely ally makes contact, and Louis finds himself at a crossroads. Maybe it’s time to revisit his past and confront his inner demons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Dec 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781772336450

Book preview

Published by Evernight Publishing ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2015 Gale Stanley

ISBN: 978-1-77233-645-0

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Kerry Genova

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

For those who believe…

And those who want to.

CROSSROADS

Romance on the Go TM

Gale Stanley

Copyright © 2015

Chapter One

I was almost past the nursing station—

Mr. Abellard.

Merde. That shrill voice sent chills up my spine. I put on an innocent expression and looked over my shoulder. Moi?

Nurse Wretched acknowledged me with a curt nod and a crooked index finger. Inside, I seethed. The bitch was stealing time I wanted to spend with Jesse, but I kept my cool as I walked over. I didn’t want my actions to affect Jesse’s care. She tilted her head toward me and sniffed like a scent hound who hit the jackpot.

Something smells fishy, Mr. Abellard. Is that a po' boy in your pocket?

Nah. I’m just glad to see you.

Her eyes bulged. I half expected to see steam shoot out of her ears, but she took a deep inhale and spoke in a carefully controlled voice. You’re flouting the rules again, Mr. Abellard. Hospital policy strongly advises against bringing in food. Patients' meals are carefully prepared to provide a healthy, balanced diet. We try very hard to prevent food poisoning, foodborne illnesses, bad interactions with prescribed medications…

Blah blah blah. Heartless bitch. Some people shouldn't be nurses. It’s almost Christmas and it’s Jesse’s favorite. Fried oysters dressed with lettuce, tomato, sliced pickle rounds, and mayo. I left off the hot sauce.

Her weary sigh huffed between us, and I smelled garlic. What did you have for dinner? Not the crap you give the patients.

Nurse Wretched drummed her blunt fingernails on the counter. Regardless. I can’t let you bring it in. I guarantee he won’t eat it anyway. He can’t keep anything down.

My heart sank. I guess my face did too because she quickly changed the subject. But, it was thoughtful, Mr. Abellard. How long have you and Mr. Trudeau been … uh—

Lovers? Three years. Her left eyelid twitched. Gotcha! Voodoo brought us together. I don’t know why I added that. Yes, I do. Shock value. I wanted to provoke another reaction from that smug, garlic-breathing dragon.

But, Nurse Wretched’s face stiffened into a stony mask and she spoke in a calm voice.

Right. A love spell I suppose?

No. I slept through Voodoo 101. My grandmother is the spellcaster. I leaned in and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper. If you ever get cursed, come to Mawmaw’s on Bourbon Street. My grandmother can help you.

A titter came from her throat and she waved me off. Oh, go on. And take that smelly thing with you.

The look on her face was priceless. I hit a nerve. Good. Snatching the sandwich, I took off before she could change her mind. Some people were scared silly of spells and curses. Of course, there are no such things, but voodoo did bring Jesse and me together.

Three years ago, Jesse walked into