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left to lose.”

CHAPTER 6
    The men didn’t look at her as they navigated through the water. The sun rose higher. Mosquitoes buzzed. Now and then, a ripple disturbed the murky water. No one spoke. Monsieur Dumas stood behind her, and Rowan was tempted to lean back far enough to push him off balance. She sensed that he was the only thing keeping the other two from touching her, though, and she couldn’t fight them both. She needed him, for now.
    Who was he? She wondered. What did her mother do to anger him enough to want her dead? She had to speak to Mama, and she needed to do it soon. As they neared the shack, Jolene came out to the porch.
    “Please, may I at least say good bye? I don’t even have any clothes.”
    He glanced down at her, frowning. “Why should I do you any favors? You have been nothing but trouble for me since you came into this world. I only let you live because Rosaline wants you, and because it is far better to watch you suffer than to end your miserable life.”
    “Why do you hate me so? I don’t even know you.”
    “Oh you will know me very well soon.”
    Rowan shivered at the gleam in his blue eyes. This man was evil, full of hate and bitterness.
    Mama Gator had gotten the better deal in the end. At least she wouldn’t have to face him again. Rowan’s heart ached as she thought of her friend. She deserved so much better. But Rowan would exact revenge for Mama Gator. She would like that.
    “You have a few minutes. Pierre will take you in. I have no wish to see that whore. I may kill her if I am forced to breathe her air.”
    Rowan looked up, surprised. “Thank you”
    “I am doing you no favors. Your mother has to sign some papers for Rosaline. You are now a slave cherie , papered and legally bound to your master. Now you have a purpose. Isn’t that a happy thing?”
    Rowan bit her tongue to stop the words that erupted in her throat. He wanted to anger her and she would not give him anything he wanted. She allowed Pierre help her from the boat and then followed him up the bank to her mother. Jolene looked terrible, pale and hunched as though years had passed since Rowan ran off rather than hours.
    Jolene looked to the boat and back to her daughter. “Rowan, are you okay? I didn’t know she’d send him to fetch you. I’m sorry.”
    “I am only allowed a short visit, Mama. I don’t have time for this.” Rowan pushed past her and into the shack. Jolene followed while Pierre waited on the porch.
    “Please, Rowan, I have to tell you some things before you go. I didn’t know he was even around.”
    “Tell me then. Stop apologizing. You owe your regrets to Mama Gator, not me. She’s gone because you are so greedy. I’ll never forgive you for what they did.”
    “They didn’t—”
    “They did, but don’t worry. I paid them back just a bit. They are three now instead of four and soon they will be none. When I’m through with them they’ll wish they had been fed to the gators as well.”
    “Oh honey, don’t you realize it’s not worth it? I did this to keep you safe. Rosaline will protect you. I don’t know why she’s involved him, but I know she will care for you. She will. She promised.”
    “You’d take the word of a whore? I guess you’ve forgotten whores are not trustworthy, Mama. They’ll stab you in the back for a dollar. I know this firsthand.”
    Jolene wrung her hands and a tear slipped down her cheek. Rowan looked away. She would not feel sorry for her.
    “I deserved that,” Jolene whispered. “And I’m sorry you can’t understand. That man out there is Lucien Dumas. His whole family is cursed. Please, you must listen to me. He’s dangerous and you must stay away from him. Do you hear me? When you arrive at Rosaline’s you tell her I said to keep him away from you. She will listen.”
    “Why Mama? What if he pays for my services? I am to turn him away? I don’t think that would be very profitable. He appears to have deep pockets.”
    “There is so