Voodoo Vengeance

By Don Potter

Mac McFarland, investigative reporter turned mystery novelist, learns of the ritualistic murders of four boys in New Orleans. He follows clues that lead him to Haiti to track down the killers. There he uncovers a Devil worshiping cult planning to topple the Haitian government and rule under a dictatorship. Only Mac and a handful of companions stand in the way of their victory.
   Voodoo Vengeance is the seventh book in a series of stand-alone but connected stories. Each story is a murder or adventure mystery. You may enjoy reading them all to better relate with the recurring key characters and the people they have become.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781667811727

Book preview

1

Mac McFarland was deeply disturbed by the newspaper article he was reading. He put down the newspaper and called out to Katie, his wife, in the other room. "Did you read the story in the Times about the kids in New Orleans being kidnapped? Their mutilated bodies were found in Lake Pontchartrain."

That’s terrible, Katie said, as she entered the room. Do the police have any idea who’s behind this?

According to the article, these could be ritualistic killings. But, there are no details.

Thank God it’s not happening here in New York. We have enough violence in the city without cult members going around killing kids, Katie said.

How do you know it’s a cult?

You said ritualistic killings in New Orleans and my mind went right to Voodoo. That’s a cult, isn’t it?

Or, maybe it’s simply some demented soul.

You’re right. I shouldn’t point my finger at anyone without more information. Whoever is doing this is sick, whether it’s one person or a whole group. Hope they get what’s coming to them, real soon. Love to speculate more, but I have a meeting first thing this morning. Want to go out for Italian tonight?

I’ll always go for Italian. Call me when you leave the office and I’ll make reservations at Café Roma.

You don’t have to make reservations. Bruno always finds a way to squeeze us in.

I like to know the special of the night. That way my appetite can work its way into a gastronomical frenzy. Knowing what’s coming makes the meal tastier.

If you say so. Katie kissed her husband goodbye on the cheek. Are you going to shave for dinner? I heard that makes the food tastier. Talk to you later.

Mac rubbed his three-day old beard, poured another cup of coffee and turned on the computer in his home office. He started a search to gain more information about the killings in New Orleans and learned the boys were Black, ten years old and all lived in the Lower Ninth Ward. According to the local Times-Picayune newspaper, the children were normal in every way and came from two-parent households — the latter being unusual for that poor part of town. There were similar marks on all the bodies, and unspecified ritualistic symbols were where each of the youngsters was last seen.

He went to other New Orleans news sources and found the paper, along with reporting on its website, provided the most thorough information about the crimes. He called the newspaper and asked to speak to the journalist who wrote the stories. Mac did not know what drew him to these horrible incidents but felt compelled to learn more.

Laurent here, said the voice at the other end of the phone.

This is Mac McFarland in New York City.

The investigative reporter who now writes murder mystery books?

That’s me.

Love your stuff. Got another one coming out soon?

Got a couple of possibilities but nothing nailed down.

What can I do for ya?

Like to learn more regarding those three young boys you wrote about.

The ones fished out of Lake Pontchartrain?

Yes.

Why the interest? It’s a local story.

Something struck me, Mac said.

The ritualistic angle?

That was it.

Had a tough time getting that one past the editor.

Why?

It suggests Voodoo was involved.

Was it?

Typical question. Do the research, and you’ll see Voodoo is a misunderstood and mostly peaceful spiritual practice.

If it’s so peaceful why did your editor push back on the word ritualistic?

Never saw anything quite like this, Laurent said without answering Mac’s question.

How so?

The markings on each one of the boys looked a little like Voodoo along with some Satanism thrown in. Nothing I could identify.

I don’t know what you mean, but why didn’t you say that in the article?

Can’t. The police don’t want to stir up anything. Just stick with the facts. My paper’s management agrees.

How about the other news outlets?

TV has a bunch a pretty reporters who look good on camera but don’t want to dig into a story for fear of getting their hands dirty.

Tell me more about what you found.

Looking to out-scoop me with a national story?

I’m not reporting anymore, Mac said.

You could write a book about it.

By the time a book comes out, the case will be solved and you’ll be on to something else.

Got a point there. Tell you what, I’ll fill you in on what I know if you promise to give me an autographed copy of one of your murder mysteries, Laurent said.

Absolutely. I’ll send you signed copies of my two most recent books. These are adventure/mysteries.

Really?

You bet. I’ll FedEx them. You’ll have them tomorrow. Want them to go to the office or home?

Laurent laughed, The office will be fine. I’m starting to feel good that you called. Let me fill you in on what I know or suspect is going on. Laurent spent the next hour sharing his thoughts with Mac.

2

Mac got to the restaurant before Katie and was making notes and sipping Chianti when she arrived. He raised a hand to stop her from talking until he finished writing down a final thought.

What has you so engrossed? Katie asked, taking a seat as Mac put aside his pen and note pad.

This New Orleans thing is intriguing.

Thinking of pitching it to an editor?

It’s not a national newspaper or magazine story for me. A local reporter has that covered. But, it could be the basis for my next book.

A day of research and you’re at this point already?

"I spoke with the guy who wrote the stories for the Times Picayune. He seems to feel the ritualistic angle is the secret behind the murder of those three kids."

Voodoo? Katie asked.

He briefed me on what Voodoo is all about and thinks the killer may be Haitian, since the markings on the victims don’t resemble any symbols used by Voodoo practitioners in the New Orleans area.

Don’t tell me you’re going down there to investigate.

Okay. The special here tonight is veal. Bruno suggests the picante, since it’s a delicate sauce and does not overpower the flavor of the veal.

Stop it. Answer my question. Are you planning to go to New Orleans?

Since you put it that way, the answer is yes, Mac said as he poured her some wine. I already made reservations.

Can’t you stay here and use the reporter as your local investigator?

Not if I’m going to capture the feeling of New Orleans, the people there as well as the practice of Voodoo.

But the killing of those innocent boys may have nothing to do with Voodoo.

In that case, I need to do some digging in order to find out the motives behind the murders.

That could be dangerous.

Going to the Amazon and the Aleutians was dangerous.

This sounds like supernatural wackos might be involved. Katie looked concerned as she fiddled with her wine glass.

I’ll be with an experienced local reporter. JP Laurent is a noted journalist and knows his way around New Orleans.

What else do you know about this guy? And what does JP stand for?

Jean Paul. He goes under the byline of JP Laurent, but said everyone calls him Laurent. Whatever else I need to know about him can be learned when I get there.

You get bolder with each of your adventures.

Don’t you find that more exciting than the old stick-in-the-mud, boring guy I was a few years ago?

Yes, you’ve changed. I love how vibrant and committed to work you’ve become. But you’re in your forties. Chasing bad guys for a story is for younger reporters.

Maybe I’m going through a midlife crisis. This might be my last fling at a fading youth before retiring to a lake-house in upstate New York. I’ll write books all week and spend weekends with my wife who comes up from Manhattan to check on me.

Save the melodrama for your novels. I don’t like this Voodoo stuff. It’s scary.

That’s what makes the story so exciting. People are afraid of the unknown. Few people know much about Haiti or Voodoo. By investigating the murders I hope to unmask some of the secrets as well as misconceptions about the practices brought to the Western Hemisphere by diaspora slaves and explain how these fit into today’s culture.

I don’t know how you went from an article buried in the paper to writing a novel about the modern world of Voodooism.

Katie, the truth is I don’t know what I’ll find when I get to New Orleans. But, if I stay at home I won’t learn much more than I already know.

If your mind’s made up, I won’t try to talk you out of going.

Good, because it looks like Bruno is bringing our dinner to the table. Wouldn’t want to let a heavy discussion get in the way of a good Italian meal.

Bruno stood by the table until they tasted the veal. Both gave him a thumbs up.

Buon appetito, Bruno said with his strong and nurtured Italian accent. Remember, leave room for dessert.

While they shared an Italian lemon cheesecake for dessert, Katie asked, When are you planning to go to New Orleans?

Leave Sunday and come back Friday, at the latest.

Promise you’ll be careful, she implored.

Of course. Nothing to worry about.

3

The plane arrived late at New Orleans’s Louis Armstrong Airport. A short, round, bald man in a wrinkled cord suit was waiting near the baggage claim area holding a sign with Mac scribbled on it. Mac could not help thinking, if this is JP Laurent, he certainly eats a lot of that famous Louisiana cooking.

Mac, I recognized you from the photo on your book covers. Thanks for sending them. You could have waited and brought them with you, Laurent said.

I promised next day delivery. A promise is a promise.

You sound like my kind of guy.

Nice of you to take time to meet me on your day off.

Can’t let you get lost on your first day in the Crescent City. Besides, I have nothing better to do on a hot, steamy Sunday afternoon.

On the walk to the parking lot, Mac felt as if he were melting. New York is stifling, but New Orleans has to take the cake when it comes to humidity.

It’s the middle of summer. You must remember, the city is next to the Gulf and surrounded by lakes, rivers and swamps. On top of that, we are below sea level and slowly sinking every year. Even with the levees, chances are the city might be underwater before the end of the century. But don’t worry, we have today and that’s what counts.

Wish we were doing this in the winter.

The Amazon Rainforest had to be worse than my fair city, Laurent said.

You expect the Amazon to be unbearable. And it is. This is a major US city and I didn’t think the air would literally take my breath away.

In a few days, you’ll adjust to it. Won’t even notice the weather, Laurent lied but did not want Mac thinking about such trivial things during his stay.

Hope you’re right. Enough of my comments on the weather, what’s the agenda for the rest of the day?

Depends if you’re buying dinner or not.

I’ll pick up the tab, Mac said.

In that case, I suggest Commander’s Palace over in our beautiful Garden District.

What’s it known for?

Refined Creole fare.

Sounds pricey.

It is, but worth it. You’re registered at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. I’ll drop you off at your hotel. Shower, take a nap, whatever. I’ll pick you up at 6:30 sharp and make reservations for 7pm. You don’t need a tie, but a jacket is preferred.

If I had said we’ll split the check would that have changed your mind about where to eat? Mac asked.

"No way, mon pote. This is a top-notch restaurant. Hope you don’t mind me calling you ‘mon pote.’ It means ‘friend’ down here. Besides, I was sure I could have talked you into taking care of the check. After all, you want to get this relationship started on the right foot." Laurent belched out a big laugh.

Mac was in front of the hotel at 6:30 pm when Laurent pulled up. A few minutes later they walked into Commander’s Palace. The restaurant was buzzing with activity. They ordered drinks. But it appeared that while Mac was in his hotel room, Laurent was at a bar downing a few drinks. He wasn’t drunk, just a bit too talkative for someone who was totally sober. Mac saw this as a good thing, since it might loosen Laurent’s tongue and get him to talk about things he had not disclosed before.

They ordered, with Mac following what Laurent selected: turtle soup for starters, the fresh fish of the day entree and bread pudding soufflé for dessert. Once ordered, Mac was ready to start the questioning.

Anything you haven’t told me about the cases?

You already know the basics, but I’m still rooting around.

What about the symbols? Have you narrowed down the list of those who use them?

This has me stumped. Those I recognized were turned upside down.

What’s that mean? Think they’re Haitian?

Talked with people familiar with symbols from Haiti and other Caribbean Islands. They said a true practitioner would never show talismans pointing down. That’s a sacrilege. But, it’s the other symbols that bother me the most.

Why? Mac asked.

Because they are signs used by Devil worshipers.

Such as?

A crucifix turned on its head, a pentagram and others. Voodoo does not recognize Satan. Man is responsible for evil, not a fallen angel.

So what’s the message?

It could be a cry for a revolution, Laurent said.

A war? That’s a stretch.

Probably, but someone is sending a serious message.

Why kill children?

To get to the parents to commit to them, particularly the fathers, because of their love for their children.

That’s a strange way to recruit people to join a cause.

Not necessarily. Back in the slave times, owners would threaten to send the children away or even kill them if a parent was not toeing the line.

That was a long time ago.

Not if your ancestors were slaves. Those tales have been passed on from generation to generation.

Are you a historian? You seem to know a lot about Voodoo and other cultural traditions.

Oh no, mon pote. I was married to a wonderful woman who was deeply involved in the practice of Voodoo. She came down with cancer and died three years ago.

You practice Voodoo?

No, I am a devout Catholic. Voodoo is not for me. Laurent put down his fork and blessed himself.

Isn’t there some overlap?

Not as far as I’m concerned. Enough questions for now. Let’s enjoy our food.

4

Laurent was sweating profusely and his eyes were red with dark bags under them when he picked up Mac the following morning. Mac suspected Laurent had stopped for a few more drinks after dropping him off the night before. He chose not to say anything that might embarrass his new friend.

Laurent’s eyes suddenly came alive. "Let’s stop at the Café du Monde for coffee and the New Orleans version of a donut, the beignet. We say benyay. You’ll say delicious."

At the café, Mac took the first bite of the beignet and dusted off the powdered sugar that fell onto his shirt. You’re right. These are delicious. What’s our schedule for the day?

We’ll be meeting with police detective Ardion. He’s in charge of investigating the murder of the four boys.

Three boys. Mac corrected Laurent.

Another body was found last night.

I’m sorry to hear that. Was this victim the same age and from the same neighborhood as the others?

Yes. They say he was friendly with one of the other boys.

Who’s they?

The parents of the latest vic told me. I spoke with them when they were brought in to identify the body of their son around two this morning.

You’ve been up most of the night?

Since one, when I got the call from Ardion.

Mac felt bad about being so quick to assume Laurent was on a late night drinking spree. Do you want to go home a grab some shuteye?

Love to, but there’s work to be done.

Were the body markings similar to the others? How about the evidence where the boy was last seen?

All questions will be answered in due time. Fabien Ardion is an old friend and has invited you to hear the facts of the case first hand. Finish your coffee and we’ll go visit him.

They entered police headquarters on South Broad Street a little after ten. It was teeming with people, including the press, because word had leaked out about the discovery of a new victim. Laurent darted down a hallway and Mac followed. This took them to the back door of the Homicide Section. A tall, wiry man with cropped hair and a moustache to match was in a small conference room studying photographs that were spread across the table. Laurent tapped on the door frame and popped his head inside. "Bon jour."

Ah, my favorite reporter, JP Laurent. Come in. And you must be Mr. McFarland. Never met a famous author before, Ardion said.

Mac thought the murder of innocent children in the dark and mysterious city of New Orleans, with Voodoo and all that, might be an excellent topic for a book he’s thinking of writing, Laurent said.

Is that so? Ardion replied. As long as you promise not to make the NOPD look bad, you’re welcome to tag along with Laurent and me.

Tell him about the strange things first, Laurent said.

As if the killing of four young boys isn’t bad enough, each of them had a limb missing, Ardion said. He shook his head and pointed to the photos laid out in front of them. One lost a right arm, another a left arm. One gave up a right leg another a left leg. And, a doll was found near where each of them was last seen, along with some beads and shells.

Did the dolls have a pin in the extremity that was severed from the boys? Mac asked.

Yes, a pin was stuck in the body part to match the one that the victim eventually lost, after being abducted.

Before or after they died?

After.

How did they die? Mac asked.

A knife through the heart, according to the medical examiner.

Voodoo? Mac was fascinated by the possibility.

Either it’s a side of Voodoo I’ve never seen before, or some people want us to think it is.

Could it be the work of a lone perp? Laurent asked.

There’s no indication the children were restrained by ropes or chains. The brutality of the ceremony would have required that they be held down. This indicates at least two others were present and active.

Could the boys have been drugged?

The toxically report will tell us that, but the bruising on the arms, legs and chest suggest the vics struggled.

Maybe the bruises occurred during the kidnaping?

Probably some did, but not all of them.

Can you tell me about the beads and shells at the abduction scene? Mac asked

Ardion turned on his heel and frowned at Laurent. How ‘bout this guy, Laurent? He’s doing your work while you sit back and take it all in, mon pote.

I’m just a humble tour guide, Laurent slid down in his chair and put both feet on the table.

Ardion knocked Laurent’s feet off the table. You’re not going to get off that easy. Since you know more about this stuff than I do, take a look at the photos and tell us what it means.

Laurent scanned the photographs. Best we take the photos to Papa Prince. Laurent turned to Mac and said, He’s the top Voodoo priest around these parts.

Yeah. Let’s pay him a visit, Ardion said.

Papa doesn’t see people before noon, Laurent warned.

He’ll see us, unless he wants a string of early morning visits from NOPD probing his various questionable activities.

You’re so cruel, Laurent said with a faint smile.

I’m not cruel, Ardion said, What was done to those boys is cruel.

5

On the ride to Papa Prince’s place Mac learned more facts about the Lower Ninth Ward by Detective Ardion, with some help from Laurent.

"New Orleans is a city of color, 59 percent Black. The Ninth Ward is 93 percent Black. It is the poorest area of the city with household income of just over 30 thousand dollars a year. The population dropped off a lot after Hurricane Katrina. Rita swept through the area several years later, dropping the area from five thousand households to just a thousand. Less than ten percent