La Soulier Rouger / the Red Shoe

Even in New Orleans the good guys are hexed by juju. Especially in New Orleans. Sometimes Death is the suspect in the prime of life.... He had grown in the city of New Orleans and he knew all the back streets and alleys. It was this knowledge that he was relying upon to save his life. He looked down at the growing red stain spreading on his shirt. A loud blast sounded. He turned and watched in horror as the bullet moved through the air as if in slow motion before it hit its target. His body jerked up, then back downward from the impact, as he fell to the ground. Something was gently laid in his hand and then as if from very far away he heard the sound of pounding feet leaving him to die.