Dr. John -Gris-Gris (1968)

“He’s such a polite young man.  And handsome, too”, said Mrs. Riley as she looked at her granddaughter Carrie. What she really meant was that Jordon Richman was wealthy.  True enough.  In fact, the young Richman was probably the most polite (and wealthiest) businessman in the Parish.  Everyone liked him.

From a respected old New Orlean family.  The Richman’s gave money to every charity in town.  And were in attendance in Church every Sunday morning.  They respected the traditional ways of Southern Louisiana.  Respect?  Well… yes. It was a word that the Richman family was committed too. A lot more depended on it then their “standing in the community”. 

Today was Jordon’s 21st birthday.  It was also the night he would pay tribute for the Gris-Gris talisman he kept with him.  His attendance was mandatory, as well as a significant financial donation. Some modern and educated folks snickered at the old ideas of a “Talisman”. They considered such irrational concepts beneath them. But even at 21, Jordon understood that on this night, he would fulfill the family obligation. His soul depended on it. 

His father made it clear: Respect the old ways.  As a college student, Jordon thought it was an interesting legend, even fun.  The midnight ceremony at the Saint Louis Cemetery… filled with old , ancient ways. The sounds and rhythms of the old world existing just below the surface of our lives. For all his charm and wealth, the yearly ceremony reminded him that arrangements must be made to pay the annual tribute to Jordon’s Voodoo Priestess, Marie Catherine.

First created by the Order of the Golden Dawn, the Richman’s  Talisman was said to be powerful magu; a symbol of payment made on a debt that would never be complete.  The ceremony used for the Talisman’s creation was said to be so bizarre and unsettling that those in attendance refused to be near the small, red stone afterward.  Yet, Jordon wore it faithfully each day.

This was the price that Jordon’s family had been paying since their business was founded in 1887. It was no light matter and it worried him. It hung around his neck every morning. It was his burden, and there was no escaping it.

“Happy Birthday, Jordon”.