Tortured Spirits Read Free Page A

that riled a lot of the locals. Secret ways are supposed to stay secret, you know? After Katrina, her grandma Louise’s body floated right down the streets. I never knew Ramera’s aunt Miriam, but Louise mentioned her. Why are you looking for her?”
    â€œRamera’s dead. I need to find Miriam to tell her.”
    â€œSomeone kill her?”
    â€œNo.” A lie: Edgar had killed the bokor, who had adopted the name of Katrina. “She fell at a construction site in New York City. Why would you think someone had killed her?”
    â€œBecause Ramera changed after Louise drowned. Who wouldn’t? Last time I saw her was at Louise’s funeral.She was all fancy and educated, but she also seemed … dangerous. Dangerous and vodou don’t mix well. I heard she went back to New York. Heard she got into trouble, did bad things.” She glanced at the children in the pool. “I guess things didn’t turn out so bad for me after all. Who hired you to find Ramera’s aunt?”
    â€œNobody. I’m doing this on my own. My best friend dated Ramera. Something happened to him. I’m told Ramera’s aunt is the only person who can help him.”
    The spirit of Jake’s dead wife, Sheryl, had appeared in Jake’s office and told him only a blood relative of Katrina’s could reverse the transmogrification spell that had turned Edgar into a raven. Jake had since discovered Katrina’s aunt was her sole remaining relative.
    Elaine narrowed her eyes. “I heard Ramera was dating some big-time drug dealer out there. If he was your friend, that doesn’t say much about you. If something happened to your drug dealer friend, I can just imagine what it was.”
    â€œRamera was trouble; I’ll give you that. And she did get involved with some bad men. But my friend is a cop—a good, clean cop. He didn’t know what kind of woman she was, and he didn’t deserve what happened to him.”
    â€œAnd you came all the way here to help him?”
    Jake nodded.
    â€œLouise migrated here from Pavot Island. Miriam was born there, too, but Havana was born here. Miriam went back to Pavot Island and got married. When she returned to the States, she settled in Miami. That’s where she lived the last time I spoke to Louise.”
    Miami!
“Do you know her married name?”
    â€œSantiago. Now you know what I know.”
    Elaine handed the card back to Jake, and when he returned it to his wallet he removed two twenties. “Thanks for your help.”
    She took the money and folded it in one hand.
    Jake returned to the car and got into the front seat.
    â€œWell?” Vincent said.
    â€œI need to get to Miami.”

    Standing in his hotel room, Jake called Carrie in New York City. He had left his assistant in charge of Helman Investigations and Security while he was away.
    â€œHi, boss,” Carrie said, no doubt recognizing his cell phone number on the display on her desk.
    Jake tossed his clothes into his rolling suitcase. “I’m checking out. Book me a room in Miami for tonight, even though I probably won’t be checking in until morning. I’ll need a car when I get there, too.”
    â€œShould I get you a motel room, so Edgar isn’t a problem?”
    â€œYou read my mind.”
    â€œHow long are you staying in Miami?”
    â€œTell them three nights for now. Find me everything you can on Miriam Santiago, daughter of Louise Du Pre, sister of Havana Evans, aunt of Ramera Evans. Miriam was born on Pavot Island. Havana was murdered in the Bronx.Louise died in New Orleans during Katrina. Ramera died in Manhattan nine months ago.”
    â€œYou hope to find Miriam in Miami?”
    â€œThat’s the idea. E-mail me whatever you find but call me, too.”

    â€œIt was nice having you, Mr. Helman,” Walter said as Jake signed the credit card charge slip. The middle-aged black man glanced at Edgar. “And your