Charlotte stood up taller. "It's that bitchy blonde's fault. She's playing the pity card just because of that chair, and Kenny buys it."

The corner shadow solidified into a woman tall as a man with sharp features and eyes as flat black as a snake's.

Charlotte had trouble meeting Mam's gaze but stood her ground in spite of the urge to run.

"You really afraid of a woman in a chair? Other things in this world, this swamp, to fear."

Charlotte pleaded. "Will you help?"

Mam smiled. She had filed, pointed teeth. Creepy. Charlotte didn't dare show it on her face. What if Mam got angry and refused to give her what she wanted?

"I brought money, everything I have."

Mam hissed like a swamp snake." Money's no use to spirits. Might want something else though."

"I'll give you anything. I want to make Kenny happy. I can do that with her out of the picture."

Mam picked up a blue bottle and put it on the table under the side window where she'd arranged a cloth, some pictures Charlotte couldn't see, and candles. Mam scattered something in front of a mirror. She drew shapes around the bottle and chanted, mumbling. Charlotte could here sounds, but not words.

Charlotte watched and listened but things were blurred and indistinct. She watched Mam from far away, far above. Strange, she knew where she was but didn't feel there. Her body became too heavy to move.

Mam turned and held the bottle out to Charlotte. "You ready for this? Charlotte had trouble forming words. When she could speak she said,"Yes, Mam. I sure am."

"Give me the money. This potion give you your wish. Your man be happy."

Charlotte handed over $100 in silver, took the bottle in her hand and shivered. It felt warm, alive, not like glass at all.

Mam put both boney hands on Charlotte's shoulders and they felt strong enough to push her through the floor. "Remember, girl, use it before midnight tomorrow, all three of you. Don't wait too long. Go home. I have work."