Nightshades of New Orleans

By James Quinn

A fast-paced novel portraying dynastic Southern families, driven by apocalyptic events involving vampires, genetic experimentation and a serial killer investigation during Mardi Gras. New Orleans' colorful history is vividly recounted and interwoven in the plot, including notorious hauntings and mayhem for which the city is famous. This character-driven novel keeps the reader in suspense, with its diabolical twists, and turns up to the story's dramatic ending and…beyond.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Dec 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781528964289

Book preview

Epilogue

About The Author

James Quinn lives in Southern California and is the author of the novel The Vampire’s Orchids. He is an attorney who enjoys writing fiction.

Dedication

Once again, to my wife, Silvia, my muse and soulmate.

Copyright Information ©

James Quinn (2019)

The right of James Quinn to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528925228 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528964289 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2019)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgement

I wish to acknowledge my family: Silvia, Cybele, Randy, Fiona and Dylan, for their love, inspiration and encouragement.

Chapter 1

The wind came from the North, unexpected, with a bone-chilling scream that ripped the last of the autumn leaves from the trees lining Main Street.

Father and daughter made their way in the gloaming light, the frail blond girl skipping lightly ahead of the stooped man, dressed in Levi’s and cowboy boots. The girl’s shrill laughter startled the man from his dark thoughts. He watched apprehensively, as she splashed with her yellow rain boots in the puddles left by the passing storm.

Ahead, he noticed the blinking red traffic signal and a limousine making its way towards them slowly down the oil-slicked street. As it passed, the man recognized the elderly gentleman seated in the back of the limousine, his face illuminated by the car’s interior light. Grabbing his daughter’s hand, he hurried the girl onto Magnolia Street, to a shop with boarded windows and a neon pharmacist sign, a beacon of hope, as darkness fell and the storm began in earnest again.

They entered the shop just as another blast of wind and rain descended from the heavens. God’s Judgment, the man thought as the limousine accelerated down Main Street, flooding the sidewalk in its wake.

Where are we, Daddy? the girl’s voice betrayed her rising fear. A single neon bulb hung above the shop’s counter, illuminating pale green walls and concrete floor.

You need to feed Baby Sue, her father’s voice sounded strange, distant, so unlike the soothing Southern drawl that comforted her each night, when her father read her bedtime stories. The man pounded on a rusty bell on the counter, rousing the pharmacist, who had dozed off in his lounge chair in the back room, watching a game show, having finished off a TV dinner and a couple of beers.

The pharmacist approached them from the other side of the counter. He squinted, his pale face covered by a light-sheen of perspiration.

What brings you out on a night like this, Luke? The pharmacist glanced at the girl hopping up and down, clinging to her father’s hand. She sick?

Luke looked down at his daughter, noticing her glassy eyes and feverish cheeks. She needs to feed.

The pharmacist jerked his head towards Luke. She a Nightshade?

The girl backed away from the pharmacist, looming above her like a monster out of a fairy tale.

Don’t matter. She needs fresh blood, Luke replied.

The pharmacist leaned over the counter to scrutinize the girl closer.

Where’s her ma?

Luke was becoming agitated. She’s at home baking pies no one’s gonna eat.

The pharmacist took a step backward, his hands held out in front of him. I don’t have any. Feller from the hospital just bought the last of my supply. Best go home, the girl needs her ma.

As he turned away from them, Luke lurched across the counter and grabbed the pharmacist by the neck. Leave me alone! he screamed. The scream startled the girl, who began to growl, an unnatural sound that frightened the pharmacist more than the rough handling by the child’s father.

God forgive me, I have no choice.

With a swift movement, Luke pinned the flailing pharmacist onto the counter, slitting his throat with a hunting knife, sending a spray of hot red blood across the countertop.

The girl leaped up onto the counter, crouching over the prostrate man, making ungodly sounds that no father should ever hear as she began to feed. Luke broke into a cold sweat, backing away in horror.

Sweet Jesus, were his last words as he made his way out of the shop into the storm.

Chapter 2

The ancient oak creaked, battered about by the merciless Northern wind, its branches scratching against the second-floor windows of Moss Glen, the most elegant plantation manor in Oakvale.

The Tasker family had inhabited the mansion for generations. Hugh Tasker struggled with his silk bow tie, staring with agitation into his wife’s vanity mirror at his handsome reflection, green eyes, and jet-black hair, with just a touch of grey. His wife, Claire, was throwing him a dinner party in celebration of his fiftieth birthday.

Let me help you with that, sugar. His wife’s reflection loomed up from behind. Pale, dainty hands had the bow tie adjusted with one deft movement. Hugh smiled at the reflection of his wife of thirty years. She had porcelain skin prized by the Southern gentry, her eyes a lovely shade of violet. Hugh knew she was still considered a great beauty, even though approaching fifty herself. Claire was regarded highly within New Orleans society. She also was his greatest asset.

Is Roxanne coming to dinner? Hugh turned to face his wife.

I expect she will. I know she’s been looking forward to celebrating her daddy’s birthday.

Hugh frowned, She’s probably out with that good for nothing boyfriend of hers. Has she ever given a damn about my birthday?

Claire placed her hands on her husband’s shoulders. Now don’t be hard on her, Hugh, you know how much she loves you. Hugh laughed. Loves my money you mean, she sure has no problem spending it.

Claire glanced at her face in the mirror. The fine wrinkles around her beautiful eyes had not been there on Hugh’s last birthday.

I’m getting old, her voice, the soft melodic rhythm of the deep South, never failed to calm Hugh.

You’re as beautiful as on the day I first met you, honey. I expect I can put up with my daughter’s shenanigans for one night. Who all is coming to this dinner?

Claire turned to face her husband. I’ve invited only our most intimate friends.

There was a knock on the door before the white-gloved butler, Ezekial, entered. He had been with the Tasker family for three generations.

Cook needs a word, mam. Claire kissed Hugh on the cheek. Tell her I’ll be there in a moment, Ezekial, the butler nodded and left the room.

I want you at your best tonight darling. Henry Townsend is coming with his wife, Isabelle. The wind and rain lashed against the French doors.

I’ll be surprised if anyone shows up in this weather. The Townsends don’t usually accept dinner invitations. The last time I saw Henry was at the Rex Ball last year. How did you manage to get them to come tonight?

Claire smiled.

Henry knows how important it is to keep up good relations with the Tasker family. My daddy just deposited a small fortune in Henryʼs bank. The least he can do is honor my husband on his fiftieth birthday. Now hurry up and finish dressing, we can’t have the guest of honor arriving late for his own birthday dinner. Claire left Hugh to ruminate on the workings of his wife’s social manipulations and whether his daughter would make an appearance at dinner.

Chapter 3

Roxanne turned her classic Ford Mustang onto Oak Road and hit the gas pedal. Alice let out a shriek, hands flying out to brace herself against the dashboard, her baby blue eyes widening in horror, as Roxanne accelerated, exceeding the speed limit.

Roxanne, stop this car at once! Roxanne glanced over at her childhood friend cringing in the passenger seat, blond bangs fluttering from the car’s air vents, face pale as a ghost. Roxanne slowed the Mustang, turning the wheel sharply to the right into the parking lot of Junkers. The nightclub’s hot pink neon sign was steaming in a fine mist, the rain having let up.

We can’t go in there! Alice turned to stare in disbelief at her friend, who was putting on another layer of her favorite shade of red lipstick.

Chill out, Alice. I’m meeting Adam here and then we’re going to Daddy’s birthday party. We won’t be long.

Alice didn’t believe that for a minute.

I’ll wait in the car, Alice sulked.

Roxanne was about to tell her friend not to be a silly ninny when a black pickup truck pulled into the parking lot, with four young men inside. The girls watched as the men got out of the truck. The driver, dressed in black cords and a white silk cowboy shirt, smiled as they passed the Mustang. His curly black hair and dark eyes got Roxanneʼs full attention. The other men were good looking as well, dressed for a night out on the town.

Who are they? Alice whispered. Roxanne smiled slyly. They certainly aren’t from Oakvale. I bet they’re with the rodeo from Texas. She opened the car door as the men entered the bar. If you don’t come in with me, Alice, I’ll tell your mother that we never made it to the library, after all.

Laser lights and the sound of heavy metal assaulted their senses, as they made their way through the crowd to a booth at the back of the bar. Roxanne waved to the man sitting alone in the booth, wearing a red Pendelton jacket.

The glittering disco ball hanging above the dance floor made Alice lightheaded as they seated themselves across from Adam. Roxanne leaned over and playfully kissed her boyfriend on the lips. Alice looked away, noticing the men who had arrived in the pick-up truck lined up along the back wall by the bar, facing the dance floor. One of them was staring over at her.

Roxanne ordered a margarita, flashing her ID to the waiter. I’ll have a Coke please, Alice said, returning her attention to Roxanneʼs boyfriend. He had been drinking scotch and ordered another. He looked so much older since the last time Alice had seen him a few months earlier.

How have you been, Adam? Alice asked as the waiter returned with their drinks.

I was out of town for a while. My mother’s been sick and I had to take care of her at our place in Memphis.

I’m sorry to hear that, Alice said, sipping her Coke.

Roxanne downed her margarita and had the waiter bring her another.

I think we should be going, Roxanne, it’s getting late. Alice sounded anxious. Roxanne laughed. I can’t take Daddy on one margarita, come on, Adam, let’s dance. She reached over and took Adam by the hand. Before Alice could protest, they disappeared onto the crowded dance floor.

Alice watched nervously as Roxanne hung onto Adam, who appeared unsteady on his feet. The laser lights illuminating the dancers made his eyes appear unnaturally red, which gave Alice the creeps. Roxanneʼs dark red hair appeared to be on fire.

Alice left the booth to head for the ladies’ lounge but got pushed by a rowdy group of teenagers onto the dance floor. She was unable to extricate herself from the frenzied mass of gyrating bodies. Alice began to panic, recalling the time, as a child, when she had nearly drowned after being caught in a riptide while swimming in the Gulf.

Alice watched, mesmerized, as the man who had been staring at her earlier sauntered towards her from the bar. His hair was a shaggy cut blond and he wore a diamond stud earring. His black silk shirt was unbuttoned, revealing startling pale skin. Alice was shocked by the red-colored snake tattooed on his neck. He was the best-looking young man Alice had ever seen.

What’s your name, sunshine? He was on her before she could turn and make her way back to Roxanne and Adam who had returned to their booth, ordering another round of drinks. The man’s dark eyes were hypnotic. She was barely able to say her name. He held her close, whispering in her ear, My name is Kash. She could feel the heat emanating from his lithe body as he moved up and down against her in time to the beat of Tainted Love.

Snake’s restless tonight. His breath was warm as a gentle Gulf breeze. She thought he was referring to the tattoo on his neck but quickly realized otherwise, as she felt his firm cock pressing against her. She was powerless to resist his advances, a torrent of pheromones overcoming her.

As a blast of mist from the fog machine settled over them, Kash had his tongue inside Aliceʼs mouth, wet and slippery as an electric eel. She fainted, the dancers parting as she slid to the floor. Kash lifted her up like a rag doll and made his way to the booth where Roxanne was making out with Adam.

Alice revived as Kash placed her gently into the booth, smiling at Roxanne, who was looking at him in astonishment. Later, sunshine. He was gone before Alice could reply.

Who the hell was that? Roxanne glared at Alice who was flushed and short of breath.

He asked me to dance, was all she could manage to reply.

Why, Alice Townsend, I think you’ve been a naughty girl dancing with some guy you don’t know. What would your mother think of that? Roxanneʼs voice was slurred and Alice realized her friend was drunk.

Alice glanced across the dance floor and noticed Kash and the other men making their way to the exit. Her heart began to beat faster, and she felt light-headed again, realizing with a shock that she was disappointed that Kash was leaving her behind.

Roxanne kissed Adam again and got up unsteadily. We have to leave. Daddy will be furious if I miss his birthday party. Adam held onto Roxanne as they staggered out of the nightclub.

Alice kept looking over her shoulder to see if Kash was anywhere in sight. I’ll drive, Roxanne. You’ll kill us all if you get behind the wheel in the state you’re in.

Roxanne began to protest but Adam took the car keys from her and handed them to Alice. Good idea.

As Alice backed the Mustang out of the parking lot, she noticed the black pick-up truck parked on the street with the lights off. She smiled as she recognized Kash in the driver’s seat.

Turning onto Oak Road, she glanced in the rearview mirror to see if the men were going to follow, disappointed that they hadn’t. Roxanne had passed out, slumped over on Adamʼs shoulder, who was staring glassy-eyed out the window at the mist-shrouded oaks lining the street.

Hell of a night, he muttered, as Alice nervously accelerated, feeling the Mustangʼs powerful motor kick into gear. The road was slick and she was afraid of losing control of the car.

Are you going to the dinner party, Adam? Alice glanced in the rearview mirror.

Hell no. That son of a bitch will have an apoplectic fit if I show up with Roxanne in the state she’s in. Roxanneʼs going to be facing her daddy on her own tonight.

A light rain began to fall again and Alice turned on the windshield wipers, nervously looking ahead at the fog streaming across the road.

Should I drop you off at your house, Adam?

Before Adam could respond, Alice let out a scream, as the car ran over something in the road with a sickening thud, causing Alice to swerve to the right, going down an embankment into a shallow stream bed.

You idiot! Roxanne screamed.

I saw a body in the road! Alice was shaking. I think I hit someone. Alice could not catch her breath.

Don’t go and have one of your silly panic attacks on me, Alice Townsend. Roxanne turned to Adam. Go find out what she ran over, it was probably just road kill.

Adam looked alarmed at the proposition. Let’s wait a minute until you all compose yourselves.

Roxanne railed on him, Get the fuck out of the car now, Adam! Muttering obscenities, Adam pushed open the car door and got out.

Just what the hell were you thinking, Alice, swerving off the road like that? Daddy’s going to be furious with me when he finds out about this!

Alice turned and looked at her friend. Roxanneʼs eyes were bloodshot but she seemed to have sobered up somewhat.

I saw a man dragging something across the road, Roxanne. It was too late to brake. He looked straight at me before he ran into the woods leaving that thing that I hit in the road.

The women were silent for a moment, listening to the rain beating on the car’s roof. Maybe we should go with Adam, Alice sounded uncertain.

Are you kidding? Weʼll be drenched in this rain. Itʼs all your fault, Alice, so if youʼd like to go, be my guest. The wind moaned through the pines and Alice thought she heard dogs barking in the distance.

That guy you were dancing with is probably a Nightshade. Roxanne was in a foul mood and Alice didnʼt want to provoke her further.

You know thatʼs just an urban legend, Roxanne. That rumor started in New Orleans after the Mardi Gras murders began.

Roxanne laughed. I bet he can’t wait to sink his fangs in your neck tonight. Iʼd sleep with the lights on if I were you.

They were suddenly startled by the face of a man looking through the car’s windshield. His hair was wet and tangled, black eyes staring wildly.

Kash! Alice exclaimed.

Donʼt you dare open that door! Roxanne reached over the seat to restrain her friend but before she could stop her, Kash was seated next to Alice.

I saw your car go off the road. Are you girls alright? Kash looked back at Roxanne who was glaring at him, gathering her nerve to leap out of the car, leaving Alice to deal with whatever Kash had to offer.

Did you see a man on the road? Alice asked. Kash turned to face Alice, his warm breath steaming up the windshield. No. I didnʼt see anyone.

Roxanneʼs voice cut like a knife from behind. Where are your friends, cowboy? Kash did not take his eyes off Alice.

They decided to stay at the bar. Seems those boys havenʼt got sense enough to call it a night and go home and sleep it off.

Kash shook his head, water flying from his dripping hair. Just like a wolf, Roxanne thought, as she began opening the car door. I’m going to find Adam.

Kash turned suddenly and pulled the door shut. You better not go out there, girl. I saw a pack of wild dogs in the woods just now.

Roxanne was too stunned to speak.

Nothing more dangerous than a pack of hungry dogs, Kash sneered.

Roxanne had the sickening feeling that she and Alice were in mortal danger. The possibility of being strangled by this man, her body tossed into a ditch in the woods, began to creep into her consciousness, as the last vestiges of her alcoholic haze evaporated.

Who is this guy Adam? Kash asked.

Heʼs my boyfriend and heʼs gone for help, Roxanne struggled not to panic. Kash winked at Roxanne. I’ll give you ladies a ride if youʼd like. Alice didnʼt seem to notice the lascivious look on Kashʼs face.

Thatʼs so kind of you, Kash. Can you take us to Roxanneʼs house?

Alice sounded like her mother, chatting away like a magpie at one of her insufferable garden parties, Roxanne thought.

I’m not going anywhere until we find Adam, Roxanne said, sensing Kashʼs agitation.

You all stay put. I’ll go look for your boyfriend.

Before Roxanne could protest, Kash was out of the car, disappearing into the fog.

****

Adam made his way up the embankment. Nearing the top, the fog cleared briefly, revealing three men standing on the roadside. He sensed a malevolence, a gut-wrenching fear that made his skin crawl. As the men started down the embankment towards him, Adam turned and ran down the slope.

Disoriented, he fled into the woods, running for his life. Adamʼs heart began pounding as the men pursued him. He was out of breath by the time he reached a bluff overlooking a narrow ravine, turning to see the men chasing him, orange eyes glowing as they approached.

Turning to flee his pursuers, Adam tripped on a root, tumbling down the ravine, gashing his head on a rocky outcrop before landing on his back, knocked senseless in a muddy creek bed.

Adam heard tree branches snapping, followed by an avalanche of mud and leaves, as the men descended the slope. Stunned, he began crawling up the other side of the ravine, until a powerful hand grabbed him roughly by the neck, pulling him backward.

Before he could scream, the men were on him. To his horror, one of the men, tall and rangy with a gold earring and curly black hair, pinned him down and bit his neck, drawing blood. The man raised his head staring into Adamʼs terrified eyes, motioning his companions to feed. After a few moments, the black haired man pulled the other two off Adam growling, Enough! You’ll kill him. That was the last Adam heard before sinking into unconsciousness.

Chapter 4

Roxanne gasped as she saw Kash approaching the car carrying Adam hanging limply in his arms. She opened the car door and Kash dumped Adam onto the back seat.

Is he hurt? Roxanne hovered over her boyfriend, shocked at the sight of the bloody gash on his forehead.

Heʼll live. I found him in a ravine. Must have lost his way in the fog. Roxanne shook Adam, who began moaning.

Adam, are you alright? She noticed the raw wound on his neck. Somethingʼs bitten him! Roxanne cried.

Kash studied the wound.

Must have been a tree branch as he fell down the embankment. Letʼs get the hell out of here.

Alice and Roxanne stumbled after Kash, carrying Adam over his shoulder. They were all soaking wet by the time they reached the pickup truck. Kash laid Adam in the bed of the truck and hurried Alice and Roxanne into the front seat.

Where do you girls live?

Roxanne gave him directions and in half an hour, they were driving up the oak-lined drive to Moss Glen.

Alice, I think your parents were invited to my daddyʼs dinner. Are you coming in? Roxanne sounded panicked.

Alice looked frightened, as Kash parked the truck in front of the house.

Oh no, Roxanne, I can’t let my parents see me like this. What will they think?

Roxanne got out of the truck. I don’t give a damn what they think but I’m not letting that creep take you home alone.

Kash grinned at Roxanne. You don’t have to worry, darlin’, I won’t eat her. Adam was sitting up in the bed of the truck holding his head.

What happened? he groaned. Roxanne helped Kash get Adam out of the truck and they made their way to the front door.

If you lay a hand on my girlfriend I’ll cut your balls off, Roxanne warned him. Kash let go of Adam who fell heavily against Roxanne.

Yes, Mam! I won’t do anything to her that I wouldn’t do to my own sisters. He turned and walked back to the truck, his laugh making