Ms. Noel returned from the kitchen with a small glass filled with a transparent substance that looked like water. “This should make you feel better, babee,” she handed me the glass. “This is what we here in Louisiana call hooch.”
Sam’s eyes ignited. “Oh, man! Now that’s the stuff.” He broke out into a greedy grin, nearly licking his chops.
Ms. Noel flashed a warning glint at Sam. “Don’t you be gettin’ any notions, young man, this white dog ain’t to toy with.” She shook her head at the puppy-dog-faced boy. Then she turned to me. “Drink it slow, Catin. It will rest you real nice.”
“Thank you, Ms. Noel.” I tilted my head back and downed the clear liquid. Suddenly I began gasping. “What is this?” I choked out, my throat blazing.
“That’s moonshine!” Sam looked like he was salivating.
“No o
