Free A Darker Shade of Midnight by Lynn Emery

took one of LaShaun’s hands in both of hers. “But remember to pray for strength against the evil that tempts you. For many years, I thought the power passed to me could overcome any obstacle. Certainly, no man would control me, and no spirit frightened me. I had to learn many hard lessons.”
    “Yes, Monmon.” LaShaun gazed at the solemn expression her grandmother wore.
    Monmon Odette smiled as though to banish the clouds that her words had brought. “Ah, but you are young and lovely. And the day is bright with sunshine. No more gloomy talk. Here is Tasha, on time as usual. Get out of the house.”
    “But I need to prepare your lunch, and change the linens.” LaShaun shook her head. She went to the front door, opened the lock and the door.  
    “Hello there. How you feelin’ today Miz Odette?” Tasha   grinned at them both.
    “Doing okay for an old, old lady,” Monmon Odette smiled back at her.
    “Glad to hear it. I’m going to get set up so we can do your exercises. First, I’m going to change your linens, take a look at your medicines to make sure we got the latest changes from the nurse and then we’ll get started. Then you’ll have a nice relaxing warm shower.” She bustled off humming to herself.
    “See? I’m going to be tied up with Miss Bumble Bee buzzing around for the next few hours. Go on out and enjoy yourself.” Monmon Odette pushed against LaShaun to press her point.
    “Okay, okay. No need to shove me out the door.” LaShaun laughed. “Seems like those exercises are working.”
    “Bunch of nuisance nonsense if you ask me,” Monmon Odette grumbled.  
    LaShaun made sure Monmon Odette didn’t need her, and Tasha had everything under control. Only then did she take her grandmother’s advice. Grabbing her keys from the kitchen counter LaShaun decided to go for a drive.  
    She followed Rousselle Lane until it intersected with the larger street.   Only two narrow lanes and not much bigger than Rousselle Road, Bayou Rouge Road had only been paved for two decades. Palmettos and other thick vegetation came right up to the edges of the black top. To clear her head LaShaun drove with the windows down. Instead of keeping strait to Teche Bayou that lay on the edge of Rousselle family property, she turned south. Ten minutes later, she arrived at Bayou Rouge, a smaller body of water that flowed into Teche Lake six miles to the west.  
    This used to be her favorite getaway spot when she was in trouble with her grandmother. She parked on a grassy slope. Once out of the SUV LaShaun followed a dirt path down to the water. A breeze brought a little relief from the hot noonday sun. Cattle egrets and herons perched around the far shore. Sunlight sparkled on parts of the water like tiny crystals. The soothing sounds of insects, birds, and wind in the leaves soothed away the tension from her body.
      Her mind free, LaShaun thought about the “thing” that had taken control of her back at Monmon’s house. Years ago her wild ways had awakened more wickedness that LaShaun had been prepared to embrace. And now it was back, and just as hungry to possess her. She’d known the risks, but couldn’t bear to stay away. Not when she might never see her grandmother alive again. Monmon Odette could help her, but she was weak. Such an effort would kill her. Besides, LaShaun had no right to ask that of her grandmother. She would find a way to deal with this force on her own. She had no choice. LaShaun fingered the amulet around her neck. Then she took the onyx and silver wolf’s head amulet from the pocket in her shirt. The stone felt warm in her hand. In the past she had allowed envy, resentment, and even lust to rule in her heart. Had she changed so much? If she had then no spirit should be able to influence her so easily. Deep in thought, LaShaun didn’t realize she wasn’t alone until it was too late.
    “Hey, baby. How you doin’ today? Now we can really get this party started.”
    Two men, each holding