Chapter 22
Haunted Mansion
Two days later, my eyes fluttered open at noon from the smell of candle wax and smoke curling up my nose. Thinking I’d forgotten to blow out the candles from last night, I kicked free from under the blanket and bolted out of bed.
I halted in the center of the pub, lips tight, fretting. My eyes washed over the room as I did a complete circle, hands resting on my hips. In every nook and cranny, I spied white candles radiating a gilded glow. I didn’t recall this many candles from last night. “Hey, Lafitte!” I shouted. Apparently, he was here. I could smell his strong perfume. “You’re about to set off my water sprinklers.”
Lafitte stuck his head out from the kitchen. “I’m gettin’ ready for tonight. The candles set off good juju.”
“The ambiance is nice, but if th
