MR. SERIOUS

I appeared seamlessly among the drunken masses of the French Quarter. With my head high, I quested for those eleven letters.

A moment later, I locked onto the sign hanging above the shop entrance. Viera Lemeau. A clever anagram. Crossing the street to the wooden door, I sighed before entering her darkened parlor. Dark curtains of varying patterns covered the walls while multiple rugs hid whatever surface the floor might be. There was no scheme to the random furniture scattered about. Only that every piece was tattered and old. The smell of incense filled the air.

Viera’s creole-infused voice entered the room before she did. "I was wondering how long it would take for you to seek my help." A brown-haired, caramel-colored woman in her late thirties stepped in.

I retrieved a stack of hundred-dollar bills from my suit pocket while walking to her divining table, and carefully set it on the offering plate.

Viera’s eyes widened at the amount. “Money won’t stop what’s coming, cher.”

My voice remained low upon approaching her. "It will be the end of everything."

Viera took a seat at the table, which was adorned with candles and white voodoo symbols. "You and I know there is no true end.”

I narrowed my eyes and sat across from her. "Look further."

Viera snapped her fingers and the candles on the table and around the parlor lit. She took a deep breath and removed a small satchel from her skirt’s waistline. Viera dumped the contents of bones on the table and began to hum. Her gaze and hands moved over the bones until her expression became fearful. “Well, now. You may be right. This will be the end of everything. Creation as we know it. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.” Viera gathered the bones and threw them again. She studied each one and turned back to me. “The ritual is happening Saturday, cher.”

The bones erupted in black flames and turned to ash. “Damn. Those were my best bones. Someone with magic much older than mine does not want me interfering. I can tell you no more.”

"That was more than enough. Thank you for your help, Marie." I raised a hand at my mistake. "I beg your pardon. Viera. I will see myself out." I stood and moved towards the exit.

Frantic whispers filled the air and Viera smirked. "They're calling for you.” She closed her eyes and listened. “Mr. Serious? Well, ain’t that hittin' the nail right on its head.” Viera chuckled, but her tone became grave. “You know your eyes glow red from time to time? Sooner or later, the past catch up to everyone. Can’t hide the truth forever, cher.”

After swinging the entry door open, I paused. “For this world's sake, pray I can.”