Chapter 9
Madame Verdene’s Voodoo Shop was sandwiched between a well-known karaoke club and a homemade-candy shop that was famous for its pralines. The window display of the voodoo shop was draped with black velvet and adorned with various talismans and crosses. Rachel stepped inside and was immediately overwhelmed by the scent of sage. It made her feel light-headed, but luckily that tapered off once she was a few feet inside the store.
“May I help you?” asked a gravelly voice from behind the counter.
Rachel turned to find an older woman wearing a long orange dress that complimented her dark skin, with hair trailing down her back in intricate braids.
“I’m looking for Madame Verdene,” Rachel said.
“Well, you found her.”
Rachel introduced herself and Red. “We’re with Florida Omni Search. A family disappeared near this area last week, and we’re working to find them.”
Madame Verdene narrowed her eyes and looked Rachel up and down, like a simple glance would reveal if she was telling the truth or not. “The O’Malleys?”
“Do you know them?” Rachel asked, surprised.
Madame Verdene walked to the front of the store and picked up a duster. She proceeded to dust around the cashier stand. After a few beats she answered the question.
“Erin O’Malley was a customer.” Madame Verdene put down the duster and lit a single black candle.
Rachel thought about her answer for a minute. “You said she was a customer. Not anymore?”
Red shifted uncomfortably beside her.
“That’s right.” Madame Verdene looked Rachel straight in the eye.
“What happened?” Rachel asked.
“She’s dead.”