“The weather is the business of Chukwu,” Sugar Cream had said.

For once, Sunny hadn’t needed an explanation. Chukwu was her brother’s name, but he was named after someone much greater. First and foremost, Chukwu was the name the Igbo people used for the Supreme Being. The great deity known as Chukwu was so inaccessible to human beings that one didn’t even pray to it. If Chukwu gave you audience, you probably would have no idea why and you’d be in such awe, it wouldn’t really matter.

“But,” Sugar Cream had said, raising an index finger. “If the weather is already moving in a direction, we can sort of push it along. For example, if it’s breezy, with some effort and consequence, a skilled Leopard Person can make it windy.”

“What kind of consequence?”

Sugar Cream had laughed loudly. “Nothing worth discussing. There’s a reason not many Leopard People play around with changing the weather.”

Now, as Sunny looked up at the cloudy sky, she wondered. She climbed out of the Jeep and walked around to the other side where Sasha and Chichi stood smoking cigarettes.

“I don’t want to hear it,” Chichi said, rolling her eyes. “We’re outside and there’s a breeze.”

Sasha blew out some smoke as he scrutinized Sunny. Then he said, “She’s not here to whine. She’s got an idea.”

Sunny nodded. “I do,” she said. “Well, it’ll only work if one of you guys can do it. I know I can’t.” She glanced at Chukwu, who was fiddling with the stereo. Orlu was behind him reading the Book of Shadows, his brow furrowed with concentration.

Sunny nodded her head toward the sky. “It’s supposed to rain later today. Can you make it rain now? Either of you?”

They were silent as they considered. It didn’t take long. “If it rains, people will return to get their cars,” Sasha said.

Sunny nodded.

“But only if it rains hard. A deluge that covers the roads,” Chichi said.

“Exactly,” Sunny said. “Can you . . .”

“Of course, we can,” Sasha said. “But it’s the consequences that bother me.”

“What’ll happen?” Sunny asked. “It can’t kill you, right?”

“No, no,” Chichi said. “Water no get enemy.”

“Water is life,” Sasha added. “Aman iman.”

Chichi was quoting Fela, Sasha was quoting old proverbs and speaking in some Arabic type language; Sunny was completely lost.

“Sunny, get in the car,” Sasha said, bringing out his juju knife. He lowered his voice. “Talk to your brother and Orlu for a while. We’ll be right back.”

Chichi poked her head in the Jeep window. “Chukwu, we’re going into the market to find something real to eat. Do you want anything?”

Chukwu shook his head. “Just want to get the hell out of here.”

“Orlu?”

“Nothing,” he muttered, his eyes still on the book.

Sasha and Chichi quickly walked away, without a glance back. Sunny climbed into the car and sat beside Orlu. She wanted to explain to him what was going on, but Chukwu was right there. Orlu seemed too preoccupied with the book, anyway.