“Mr. Punch,” Robert began. “I’m not quite sure I understand.”
“Naasir left a key inside us.” Mr. Punch said weakly.
Robert nodded. “What does the key open?”
“Not sure.” Mr. Punch croaked. “I think it’s gonna open the door behind what I hid all them things what I don’t want me master to remember. Not a real door, mind you, but a kind of…I don’t know…ghost door.” Mr. Punch’s eyes filled with tears. “None of it makes no sense.”
“Punch, my dear,” Robert responded softly, “I know you’ve done an excellent job of protecting Julian from the things which you feel will hurt him. But, you can’t protect him forever.”
“Can, too.” Mr. Punch said frantically.
“When you love someone,” Robert said, “sometimes the kindest thing you can do is let him find the things he needs, even if they’ll hurt him.”
“No.” Mr. Punch sniffed.
“I can appreciate that you’re concerned,” Robert smiled. “However, presently, I think it’s most important that you rest and let your body recover. You’ve contracted an awful infection, and let’s not forget, you’re recovering from a gun shot.”
Mr. Punch sighed. “I know.” He shook his head. “Meanwhile all them folk what wants to hurt us are out there—doin’ God knows what.”
“True,” Robert nodded. “And, there’s nothing we can do to stop them.”
Mr. Punch sighed again.
“All the more reason for you to get your strength up.” Robert continued.
“I ‘spose you’re right.” Punch said.
“Of course I am,” Robert joked.
Mr. Punch chuckled, wiping his eyes.
“It’s hard not to feel stronger already what with you here takin’ care of us.” He paused. “Where’s Marjani?”
“She’s downstairs,” Robert whispered. “There’s a man on his way—from a mortician’s…”
“Ah,” Mr. Punch nodded. “For Naasir?”
“Yes.” Robert answered.
“He’ll be taken care of?” Mr. Punch asked. “Treated well?”
“We’ll make sure of it.” Robert responded.
“Good.” Mr. Punch said. “I ‘spose that’s all we can do.”
Meanwhile, Barbara Allen made her way toward an imposing Garden District mansion. She paused on the front porch, adjusting her gown and her hair. She knocked.
A sour-faced man opened the door. He was young and handsome, but clearly disgruntled.
“Yes?”
“Good morning.” Barbara smiled nervously. “I’ve been sent to attend to Miss Harelda’s coiffure. My name is Barbara Allen.”
“Come in.” The man said. “But, next time, Girl, use the back door.”
“Of course.” Barbara responded quickly.
“Who’s that, Charles?”
“The girl come to fix your hair, Miss.” Charles answered.
Harelda came down the stairs and fixed her eyes on Barbara Allen.
“This is no hairdresser.” She grunted. “What do you want? Really?”
Did you miss Chapters 1-169? If so, you can read them here.
4 comments:
It seems that despite his protests that Punch is probably aware that the right thing to do is to open Julian's mind to the past. But it must be very hard for him to let go of his role as protector.
New characters to add to the mix, still more to find out, this story keeps intriguing.
It is, Dashwood. On one hand, he feels as though he's betraying Julian's trust, but on the other, yes, he does know it's the right thing to do. Thanks for reading!
Hi Darcy, yes, we've got some new characters coming up with some very old secrets and some very new connections! Happy Valentine's Day!
Post a Comment