The Black Jester (Episode One, Kings of New Orleans Series)

Returning to his vehicle, Michael sits for a quiet moment staring up at the second floor window of Rose’s hotel room. He’s lost in thought when his cell phone rings. Reading his friend’s name on the incoming call screen, he answers.

  “Johnny,” he says.

  “Hey, did you find her?”

  “Yeah. She’s at a hotel on the west side.”

  Johnny sighs on the other end. “Look, I know you feel something for this girl, but this could be a slip-up.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, the Detective is hot on her trail. If he finds her, he could find … others.”

  “I don’t care,” Michael says flatly. “I’m helping her. She’s got no one else.”

  “Just be careful, man. Be extra careful. I’ll feed you what I can, but I can’t always guarantee that I’ll be able to head him off before he makes a move.”

  “Understood, John,” Michael says, peering into his rear view mirror at the redness in his left eye. There’s always a slight amount of irritation from the contact lens. “I gotta go.” He ends the call.

  Resolved to help the frightened girl, he decides that finding her a suitable, safe place to live is the first logical step. The city’s population is still lighter than its pre-Katrina days and there is no shortage of the need for tenants. But, he already has someone in mind to help him find a place, the man who saved his live during Hurricane Katrina and remains his benevolent protector.

  Driving away from the hotel, and from the beautiful girl, he dials his contact and leaves a voicemail. “Doctor Percy, this is Michael. I need a favor.”