Mala came rushing into the room.
“Whatever is happening, Miss?” Mala groaned in her nasal whine.
“She took it!” Iolanthe shouted manically. “That thieving…”
“What?” Mala asked.
“Our future, Mala. Our future!” Iolanthe growled.
Meanwhile, on Royal Street, tucked away in her bedroom with Arthur, Ulrika Rittenhouse rolled over onto the bed next to her lover and held the diamond high above their heads.
“How’d you get it, Pet?” Arthur scrambled to get dressed. “How’d you do it?”
“While we were there last night,” Ulrika grinned, “I planned my route. Don’t you remember when Iolanthe and Marie were bickering? Remember how I was pacing around the room?”
“Yes, I thought you were being impatient.”
“I was being clever!” Ulrika laughed. “The old fool left her jewel case on her vanity. The diamond was just inside.” She howled with delight. “This morning, while she was sleeping, I simply slipped into the servants’ entrance, walked into her room and took it! You’d think she’d have been more creative in her hiding place. But, her enormous pride is her downfall! She thinks she’s invincible. How wrong she is!”
“She’ll know you took it, Pet.” Arthur said, pulling his boots on. “She’ll be out for revenge.”
“Let her try,” Ulrika winked. “I’m ready for anything.”
At that very moment, further up the Royal Street, Robert gently put his hand on Julian’s shoulder. “You need to remain calm, dear Mr. Punch.”
“You gotta help me, Chum.”
“That’s just what I aim to do.” Robert smiled. “You’re still feverish, and you’re still in a great deal of pain. Let’s not forget, you’ve just suffered a terrible gunshot wound.”
“We saw Naasir.” Mr. Punch said wildly.
“Did you?” Robert asked. “Were you aware when he was in here last night?”
“No, he was in here.” Mr. Punch pointed to Julian’s chest as he tried to sit up, gently moving the dog who still slumbered on Julian’s stomach.
“Naasir is at peace now.” Robert said softly.
“I know.” Mr. Punch whispered.
“What did you mean when you said he left you a present?” Robert asked.
“A key.” Mr. Punch answered.
“Key?” Robert said, looking around. “I don’t see a key.”
“No.” Punch coughed. “Inside us. A key that only we can have.”
“What does the key open?” Robert asked, slightly confused.
“The lock to the things what I been tryin’ to keep from me master all these years.”
“Perhaps Naasir thought it was time for Julian to find those things.” Robert answered.
“But, it ain’t!” Mr. Punch moaned. “He ain’t ready!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes!” Punch said loudly.
“Punch…”
“No, no, Chum!” Punch said quickly. “You got to help me make sure he never remembers!”
Did you miss Chapters 1-168? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday, February 14, 2011 for Chapter 170 of Punch’s Cousin.
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