Bad Juju by Dina Rae

summer.  I want to go .”
    “T.J., that’s Leah’s brother who was staying with us, died early Sunday morning.  That’s why I wasn’t home.  I’ll tell you about it during free time.”
    Both walked to the Zoo in silence, almost late for the bell.  Mrs. Powell predictably allowed them free time in the afternoon while playing news coverage on Haiti.  Jake told Henry everything, including his thoughts on the Voodoo spell they had cast .
    “Thought you wanted your uncle dead,” blurted out Henry.
    “ Shhh !  Not in public.  Lucien’s after school, okay?”  Henry nodded and they remained quiet, watching the news.
    ***
    At 3:10 p.m. the boys were dropped off by Henry’s mother.  As Lucien got to know Henry, the boy grew on him.  He carefully listened to Jake as the boy reported his tragic weekend.  For the first time in their relationship Lucien was upset, but sat stone-faced , instantly recognizing the problem.  The loas would be angry.
    “Say something!  What should I do?” cried Jake.
    Lucien wobbled over to the Voodoo doll and opened it up.  “Is it possible some of your uncle’s taglocks were not your uncle’s, maybe T.J.’s perhaps?  Where did you get these things?  Pete’s bathroom?”
    “Yes, that’s where Jake told me to go,” Henry answered defensively.
    “Does T.J. use Pete’s bathroom or yours, Jake?” Lucien asked.
    “Mine.  Pete wouldn’t let him in his bathroom, but…sometimes he went in there when Pete wasn’t home.  Oh no!  T.J. smokes a different brand of cigarettes …I think…But he’s always bumming off of Leah and Pete.  I didn’t think about that.  We screwed up.”
    “We?  Henry?  Me?  No, Jake, you screwed up,” Lucien sternly said. Jake ’s eyes misted .  “S top crying.  I guess I wasn’t emphasizing the importance of the taglocks .  It’s okay, well not for T.J., but we can undo his fate in the afterlife h e is about to enter.  And Pete?  From the sounds of it, he’s getting more violent .  We’ll try again , but first you must undo a wrong.  After T.J.’s wake, before he is buried…”
    “Lucien, I ’m so sorry.  I want to make things right!  Will you please help me?  I want to be the best bokor in Wisconsin.  Give me another chance ,” Jake pleaded.
    “ The next time you place a hex on your uncle, it will be much simpler since T.J. is not around .  It’s impertinent that you direct T.J.’s gros -bon- ange to the C osmos so he can be free.  I’m very serious.  The loas have their own way of doling out justice.  Once you have information on T.J.’s wake, I’ll tell you what to do,” Lucien promised.
    “Have you heard from your family?  I’m trying to talk my mom into going to Haiti this summer for a mission,” Henry rambled.  Lucien ’s irritated demeanor vanished.  Could Henry be a gift from Papa Legba ?  The wheels in Lucien’s mind began to turn .
    ***
    Jessica ran a literacy program with other church members within the community.  They volunteered at Indian reservations to teach adults and children how to read.  While they interacted with their students, Jessica began to ask her friends about the upcoming trip to Haiti.
    “Jess, why are you so interested?  Thought Henry was difficult to travel with,” Carol stated.
    “Yes, but I think he’s been moved by the Spirit to go, or at least that’s how Tom is spinning it.  It is kind of peculiar , though.  He’s fascinated with the earthquake and the island …”
    “Keith and I are going.  We signed up yesterday after the sermon.  I’m so excited.  This is our first mission,” Carol added.  “That would be wonderful if you and your family came along!”
    “I’m thinking about it,” Jessica said.
    “Well , you two are just too good for mankind.  There is no way in hell, pardon my French, that I would ever go to that God-for saken island.  They’re rampant with AIDs and who knows what else .  They practically worship the devil with