Free Avenge by Sarah M. Ross Page B

feel bad
for the Nevada bunch. Those poor people get it even worse with
everyone thinkin’ their state is only about legal prostitution and
‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’ debauchery.” She squeezed
my arm, reassuring me that I was forgiven for my crass assumption
and continued. “The French Quarter is an amazing place to be, both
day and night. It’s a shame you didn’t get a chance to visit when
you were alive. The antique shops and art galleries that line Royal
Street can keep you busy for days and have happily emptied many a
pocketbook. You can tour St. Louis Cathedral, which in my humble
opinion is one of the finest churches in the South. And don’t even
get me started on Café du Monde. I swear I can still taste that
powered sugary goodness if I close my eyes and think about
it.”
    I licked my lips imagining the fresh,
warm doughnuts that would no doubt be a new favorite addiction if I
could eat them. “It sounds amazing.”
    “ It really is, sugar.
Bourbon Street is a small part of what New Orleans has to offer.
When I was a little girl, I used to take the streetcar into the
Garden District and imagine I lived in one of the Victorian homes.
Years later when I signed my first major recording contract, I
bought one of those homes that I used to marvel at.” Sadie Ann
shook her head, coming out of her memories and back to the present.
“Now, Bourbon Street itself is a fine place to be on a Friday
night. They have a little somethin’ for everyone and no one will
judge you there. It’s a great place to let your hair down and live
a little. Which is why the vampires have such an easy time findin’
prey. Everyone lets their guard down and ignores the warning in
their gut tellin’ them somethin’s wrong.”



Chapter Eleven
     
    “ So how exactly is this
going to work?” Cassie asked. “Are we going to walk up and down the
block looking fierce and scaring the bad guys away?”
    “ Sadie Ann and Elizabeth
came up with a plan before our arrival. Do you want to outline it,
ma’am?” James walked a few paces behind her so she could have the
floor and our undivided attention.
    “ We’ll walk and talk. We’re
still quite a ways away from the center of the city and it’s after
nine, just when things start to pick up.”
    We said goodbye to Louis, who would be
manning the headquarters while we went into the city. I was
surprised Sadie Ann’s team wasn’t joining us, but she explained
that they got a call about an attack in Shreveport and had to
leave.
    We walked to a trolley station and
stopped. “We’re taking public transportation in?”
    “ More like we’re hitching a
ride,” Sadie Ann explained. “It’s the easiest and fastest option.
When we get to our destination, we want our presence known to the
enemy. We need to present a formidable and united front that will
make them fear crossing us. We’ll walk in a single, wide line and
take our time. I want to look in every alley way and dark corner to
make sure no one is lurking, and to let them know we leave no stone
unturned. Keep your weapons out and visible. Let them know we mean
business. ”
    “ And be prepared for any
sudden attacks. The young ones may think it a good opportunity to
rise in the ranks,” Adam chimed in.
    “ A foolish opportunity,”
Lola muttered under her breath.
    “ Thank you, Adam,” Sadie
Ann agreed, ignoring Lola’s comment. “I don’t think they’ll try
anything with a group our size, but it’s always better to be
prepared for the worst. And Lola, I agree with you as well. It
would be foolish, but we’re not dealing with Mensa members
here.”
    “ Yes, but we can’t
underestimate them either,” James pointed out. “While they lack
common sense and intelligence, they make up for it in cunning at
trickery. Their only goal is power, no matter the cost.”
    We rode the rickety streetcar through
the Garden District and onto the edge of the Quarter. Max let me
sit against the window so I could take in