All That Glitters — May Not Be Gold: A Short New Orleans VooDoo Occult Novella

All That Glitters

May Not Be Gold

Judith Lucci

Bluestone Valley Publishing

All That Glitters

May Not Be Gold

A Novella

By

Judith Lucci

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center

Prologue

Chapter 1

About The Author

The Women of Valor World

This book is dedicated to my readers and the incredible team of people who help me keep on writing! You know who you are!

Don’t be a stranger, stop over and visit me.

www.JudithLucci.com

Chapter One

The dark forces are taking over our Angelina, Maria Delacroix murmured from her bed. Her long, dark hair lay lusterless on her pillow, her skin sallow against the white sheet. She’d been ill, very ill for some months. I’m so afraid for her! I can feel the fear in my bones. Maria’s eyes filled with tears as she looked up at her husband. He looked down at her, a small frown on his face. Even though his hair had thinned he was still a handsome man. His dark eyes searched her face.

He sat on the side of her bed and touched her shoulder. No, my dear. They are not. Charles smiled at her. There are no forces. It’s your imagination, he reassured her, as he enclosed her small hand into his larger one.

His smile angered her. Yes. Yes, they are, Maria snapped as she snatched her hand away. Her energy was minimal, and she didn’t want to play games. She was far too tired. Don’t deny it, husband. Open your eyes. They’re all around us. She shivered either from fever or fear as Charles reached for her frail hand. They locked eyes. Her eyes filled with tears. If we can't reason with her, then they will completely snatch her from us.

Maria’s husband shook his head, leaned over and gave his once beautiful wife a kiss. Nonsense, my love. Our Angelina is just going through a stage like most teenagers. He smiled. You must not worry about such things, Chére. It is important for you to save your energy. You must get well. Charles touched her hand again for reassurance.

Maria looked up into her husband's face. Charles was a wonderful man, but he denied everything and had for years. For him, life was holidays, family meals and vacations. It was so frustrating. She shook her head. But Charles, you must listen to me. I do not think so, my love. I had a dream last night. It is them. They spoke to me…

Charles’ brow furrowed. His fingers gripped the bedrails. His nailbeds were white. "Who spoke to you? Who was it? You know we don’t listen to or believe anything that occurs in a dream." He held on to his temper, but his handsome face was flushed. He hated talk of spirits. He’d been battling Maria’s spirits and demons since before they were married. It had started back when they were teenagers, just about Angelina’s age. Charles was shaken by the thought. His heart skipped a beat. Oh no, not my sweet Angelina…certainly they won’t come for her like they did my Maria. His eyes burned with unshed tears as he remembered back to those painful, heart-wrenching days.

Maria raised her voice in anger. I can’t control my dreams! Can you control yours? Her voice mocked him. It angered her that her husband thought she should be able to control" such things. Besides, why was he so obstinate. He knew she had little time left and very little energy.

Charles shook his head. His voice was gentle as he held his temper. No. I cannot control my dreams, but I don’t have the dreams that you do. I don’t have demons, spirits, and apparitions trying to steal my soul. But you, apparently, do. Even after all of these years. His voice sounded tired and he felt exhausted.

Maria stared at him with tired eyes. This had been their argument for over twenty years. The conversation, his disbelief and lack of understanding had worn her out. She wasn’t going to win. She weary and worn-out. She’d used her energy for the day, and it wasn’t even mid-morning. She turned her face to the wall. For her, the conversation was over.

Her husband continued, But you can. Yes. You can control these things, Charles insisted as he