Page 23 of Mardi Gras Murders & Midnight Masquerades
"We need to base our next move on what we know for certain," I added.
Noah stepped away from our huddle while the others continued debating next steps. I watched him make a series of quick calls in the corner of the ladies’ parlor. His expression grew more focused with each conversation.
When he returned, the hint of a smile played at the corners of his mouth. "I've reached out to some contacts. Madame Vivianne has agreed to meet us immediately. She mentioned having information about Society recruitment efforts in the Quarter."
"Perfect," Dre said. "Dani, you go with Noah. Your psychometry might pick up something we'd miss otherwise."
"The rest of us will dig deeper into other areas to investigate," Phi said as she turned back to her research.
Noah twined his fingers with mine and lead me outside.The night had surrendered to dawn as Noah and I drove toward the French Quarter. He filled me in on what little his contacts had shared while I watched the sky gradually transform from deep indigo to soft pastels. By the time we parked and made our way through the awakening streets, sunlight was painting the cathedral spires in gold.
"Vivianne's shop should be open," Noah said as we turned onto Royal Street. "She keeps odd hours, especially during carnival season. And if anyone has the pulse of the supernatural community, it's her." I nodded and squeezed his hand.
Madame Vivianne's tea shop was tucked between a high-end art gallery and a vintage clothing boutique. The "Closed" sign still hung in the window, but a warm light glowed from within. The bell above the door chimed softly as we entered. It seemed to release the scent of chamomile, bergamot, and cinnamon-infused black tea into the morning air.
"Danielle Smith," called a woman from behind the counter. Her accent was a rich blend of French and Caribbean influences. Her silver-streaked hair was pulled into an elegant knot, and her dark eyes studied me with unsettling intensity. "You're a bit late. I expected you days ago."
I hesitated, surprised she knew my name. "I don't believe we've met."
"Not formally, no." She set a cup of tea on the counter. At Noah's nod, I accepted it, and I took a sip. "But your reputation precedes you. One of the Six Twisted Sisters doesn't go unnoticed in our circles." It was perfectly sweetened with honey as if she'd prepared it specifically for me.
"Your shop is lovely," I said and then glanced around at the shelves lined with exotic teas and herbs. "I'm surprised we haven't crossed paths before."
Vivianne's expression shifted to one of calculation. "We move in adjacentcircles. Until now, our paths didn't need to intersect." She lowered her voice. "But these are unusual times, aren't they?"
She glanced pointedly at the door as the bell chimed, announcing another customer. "This conversation requires privacy," she murmured. "Too many ears in New Orleans hear things they shouldn't."
"What can you tell us about the Society of the Masked?" I asked as we followed her through a set of doors.
A flicker of recognition crossed her features before her expression smoothed into practiced neutrality. "I have heard whispers."
"We need more than whispers, Madame," Noah said politely but firmly.
Vivianne sighed and set her teacup on a table in the back. "Several of my clients have been... approached and invited to exclusive gatherings. It is there that membership is offered. I have noted that this has only happened to those with particular talents or connections."
"Who specifically?" I pressed.
"Maurice Devereaux, for one," she replied. "The owner of that new gallery on Chartres. And Eliza Montgomery, who runs the Midnight Boutique. Both were quite flattered by the attention, I might add."
I exchanged a glance with Noah. Maurice and Eliza were both respected business owners with deep supernatural connections. "And did either of them mention anything about the recent murders?"
Vivianne's brow furrowed. "No, nothing of the sort. The Society presents itself as a networking opportunity for the supernaturally gifted. Very exclusive, very prestigious."
"What about the masks?" Noah asked. "Did they mention anything about ceremonial masks?"
"Ah, now that they did discuss," Vivianne nodded. "All members receive a mask for Society functions. Eliza wasparticularly excited about that. She has quite the collection already."
I leaned forward. "Do you think she'd speak with us?"
"For you, she might," Vivianne smiled. "But tread carefully, Danielle. She's quite enamored with her new association."
After gathering a few more names from Vivianne, we left the tea shop with a list of potential contacts. The Society was clearly casting a wide net. It seemed as if their connection to the murders remained frustratingly unclear. I had thought the connection was clear until we discussed it more.
"Let's check in with Phi before we head to the boutique," I suggested, pulling out my phone.
Phi answered quickly. "Perfect timing. I was just about to call you."
"What have you found?" I asked, putting the phone on speaker as Noah and I ducked into a quiet courtyard.
