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Beyond the assortment of dried flora, however, were jars that sent a chilly unease down my spine.
Man, I don’t know. . .
Obscure, alien objects floated in clear liquids, their identities obscured by a thick fog of reluctance in my mind.
Is that some sort of. . .animal fetus?
I checked out the other jars.
A few jars had tangled roots of plants that were unrecognizable. Some contained tiny bones which may have come from birds or maybe small animals. There were other containers filled with peculiar stones and crystals.
In the far corner of the shelving unit, a collection of parchment scrolls bound with twine and wax seals leaned against the wooden frame. The scrolls were yellowed with age and frayed edges.
An ancient iron stove dominated one corner of the room. Blackened pans hung overhead.
The low hum of a simmering pot on the stove sounded. Within it, the occasional sizzle and pop of ingredients added an unsettling rhythm. From it wafted a rich, savory smell that mingled with the heavy scent of the room.
My stomach growled.
Oh hell no. Better shut your ass up, stomach. We are not eating anything here.
The taste of fear was heavy on my tongue, a bitter note that stood out starkly against the heady mixture of spices.
Delphine brought me over a glass of shimmering blue liquid. “You need to drink this. Enjoy.”
I gazed at it. “What’s this?”
She gave me a firm look. “New Yorkers don’t have the manners to accept things and say thank you, when they are visitors in someone’s house?”
I sucked my teeth. “Your berries had me about to hook up with my fiancé in the garden.”
“Do you want to heal or not?”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t tell me what’s in there.”
“You wouldn’t know what was in there, if I told you.” She set the glass on the table. “Now don’t make me have to pour it down your throat myself.”
I wish you would try that shit.
Delphine scowled as if she heard me.
I blinked.
Did she hear me?
Buzzing sounded next to me.
I turned to Max as he pulled out his phone, checked the screen, and then pressed the ignore button.
At least this time, I caught the name he had put for the contact.
Interesting.
I raised my eyebrows. “Why did you name the person, Hell to the No?”
Delphine snickered and headed off.
Max put the phone into his pocket and gestured to the glass. “How about you focus on drinking that bullshit in your glass.”
