CHAPTER SIX
“I need to sit, Ruby,” said Irene, taking a seat in the grove.
“I’m gonna get Matthew.”
“I’m here,” said the man walking toward them. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s a long story, Matthew, but she’s hurt. I’m gonna get the bandages ready in the big house. Bring her on over when she’s able,” said the old woman, practically running toward the mansion.
“My love, what happened?” he asked.
“Oh, Matthew. It’s such a long story, but there’s a man runnin’ for office in New Orleans, and he wants to tear down the live oaks in Jackson Square.”
“He can’t do that,” scoffed Matthew.
“I know, I know, but I stood up to him, me and Ruby, and he took a cattle prod to the both of us. I’m hurtin’, Matthew.” Matthew huddled close to her, whispering sweet things, then gently guided her toward the house.
Millicent watched from the door of the cafeteria as she prepared the meal for the evening. Sara walked up to her, wondering if she was okay.
“Millicent, you good, honey?” asked Sara.
“I’m not sure. I’m worried about them,” she said, pointing.
Sara watched as they shuffled slowly toward the big mansion. They didn’t live there any longer. It was only Claudette and Jake.
“Shit. Stay here,” she said, racing back up to the front. A few minutes later, Gaspar, Miller, Luc, Antoine, Rafe, Baptiste, Alec, Suzette, Marie, Camille, Adele, and Rachelle went running across the grove toward the house.
“What’s going on?” asked Trevon, standing next to his new wife.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t think it’s good. Everyone except Gabe and Claudette went running toward the house.” Trevon looked down at her and frowned.
“I think that’s because they’re already there.”
“He did what?!” screamed Gaspar. As he yelled, Irene moaned as Riley and Kelsey dressed her wound.
“We’re almost done, Mama Irene,” said Kelsey. “I think he hit you exactly where he got you the other day. It’s going to hurt for a bit, but you can go to the pond tomorrow, and you should be fine.”
“Miss Ruby, who is this man?” asked Miller.
“Allen Snow. He’s running for mayor but ain’t qualified to run for garbage collector.
Irene heard him talkin’ about clearing out the Square and everything around it.
We can’t let him do that,” she said, staring at the children she thought of as her own.
In fact, one of them arriving late was her own.
“Grandma! Grandma, are you okay?” asked Carsen.
“I’ll be fine, honey. Don’t worry about me. Irene got the worst of it. I got a lot of flesh to help me,” she smirked.
“Grandma, this isn’t funny,” said Carsen.
“I know,” she nodded, gripping Irene’s hand. “Believe me, I know.”
“I don’t agree with him tearing down the Square, Mama, but what is so important that you risked your life?” asked Marie.
“We met a new spirit,” she said softly. “He’s different. I don’t know how just yet, but he needs us to make sure that tree isn’t taken down or damaged. He needs us, and I think we need him.”
“Mama, he’s a ghost. Why would he need us?” asked Miller.
“I think Mama is right,” said Gabe. His father looked at him with a small smile, the strong, silent Matthew just listening until more was needed.
Gabe’s siblings looked at him, waiting for more.
“Gabe, I need a little more than ‘Mama is right,’” said Gaspar.
“That’s all I can give you right now, Gaspar, but I think Grover needs us, and we need to find out what this man, Snow, is doing.”
“Grover?” frowned Rafe.
“The ghost,” said Gabe.
“Mama didn’t give us a name. How did you know his name?”
“Didn’t you say his name, Mama?” he asked innocently of his mother.
“You know, son. I’m hurtin’ so bad I can’t remember,” she smiled.
“Y’all are up to something,” said Gaspar. “Look, we’ll have a conversation with this man, Snow, but you are to stay here and not go back to the Square unless we are with you.”
“I understand,” said Irene. “I believe I’d like to have some lunch now if that’s alright.”
“I’ll get it for you, Mama,” said Camille.
“I’ll help,” said Claudette. “We’ll all have lunch together here in the house, just like old times.”
Matthew helped Irene to stand, and they walked toward the steps together. Gaspar, standing with folded arms, watched her carefully.
“What do you think, Gaspar?” asked Luc.
“I think we’re about to experience the height of what Mama and Miss Ruby are capable of. Hold on. It’s going to get bumpy.”