(A report from the desk of Police Inspector Roseline Baptiste)

Translated from Haitian Creole

There was a momentary pause, Elvis and his friend both stared at me.

"I have a plan to help you two escape, but I need some time to set up a distraction." Elvis continued staring at me. He shook his head in disbelief.

"What do you mean by distraction? And nevermind about that, you're still hurt-"

"Please,-" I cut him off. "I need you to trust me. I do not have time to explain but I want to help you." I motion up the stairs. "Take your friend and get moving. The police will be here any moment now."

Roseline rolls a 19 on a diplomacy check

There was a deafening silence. He looked at me still in confusion. Eventually he looked over to his partner.

"Al, I think she's telling the truth." His friend began a series of hand movements. "He says he trusts you." His partner glared at him disapprovingly. "Sorry, I mean why should he trust you? Hey Al man I'm trying here but I need you calm down a little. Your signing is all spastic when you're upset."

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

"Signing? Is he deaf?" Al began to signal a response but was interrupted by the sound of distant sirens. A distant sound that was quickly becoming louder.

"They are coming for you." I shift my.gaze between the two men. "Please, go now!" I point up the stairs again.

This time there is no push back as both men started up the stairs. As I turned away and started to prepare the "distraction" I was called from behind.

"Hey Rosie, I…thanks." I wanted to say "You're welcome." But I could not make my mouth form the words in time. Before I could fully rotate to look up the stairs the men had disappeared onto the roof.

At last it was just me standing alone on the stairs. I had a plan but I did not know if it would work. I started down the stairs I had regained my vitality from earlier. When I reached the bottom floor I closed my eyes. Then grabbing the charm around my neck I spoke the words that had been pervading my brain since the night.

Papa Legba, hear my cries…

I need your help and your advice.

I opened my eyes to the elderly figure I had seen in my dream. He had white hair, a long white beard. He wore a straw hat with a long black coat, his eyes were striking white pits set deep into his gaunt face.

"Hello my child." He started. "What can I do for you?"

I took a deep breath and looked up into the glowing embers that were his eyes.

"I want power, strength enough to help Elvis and his friend escape." He stood puzzled for a moment. His eyes focused on me and his hand running the length of his chin. Then he let out a chilling laugh.

"Yes," he flashed a big twisted grin. "I think we can manage that."