Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 332

Gerard walked into the kitchen of the house on Royal Street. As he did, his mind was muddied by the memories of what he had just seen at the Place Congo—the burning bodies of Arthur (his one-time companion) that woman he didn’t know and the man he assumed was a relative of Marie Laveau. He recalled Barbara’s blood-curdling cries as Marie’s men wrapped long snakes around her body and the ensuing quarrel between Iolanthe Evangeline and Ulrika Rittenhouse with Marie who laughed at their protests as a bowl was filled with Charles’ blood which was then thrown upon the fire along with a fistful of his hair.

Gerard cleared his throat and grabbed the porcelain pitcher with sat on the large wooden table in the center of the kitchen. He drank directly from the pitcher and was saddened to learn it was only water.

“We like to use a glass when we drink in this house,” Meridian said from the corner of the room.

Gerard jumped. He hadn’t seen Meridian in her rocking chair by the kitchen fire when he first entered.

“Didn’t mean for to startle you,” Meridian smiled.

“Sorry,” Gerard said sheepishly as he put down the pitcher. “Want me to wash it for you?”

“No.” Meridian shook her head. “His Grace and Mr. Halifax are waitin’ for you in the front parlor. Marjani’s in there, too.”

Gerard nodded.

“Did you find Charles?” Meridian asked.

“No.” Gerard lied.

“I see,” Meridian nodded slowly. “That’s too bad. You think he’ll come back before ya’ll sail?”

“I don’t know,” Gerard shrugged.

“Maybe Marjani’ll know,” Meridian smiled.

“How’s that?” Gerard asked.

“Well, Gerry, don’t you know? Marjani’s got a sense ‘bout things. She can see through all the falseness in the world and see what’s gonna happen. Sometimes, she just knows things without seein’ ‘em first.” Meridian explained.

“Oh.” Gerard nodded. “I didn’t know that.”

“It’s true. Even Dr. Halifax has got a bit of that sense to him.”

“Uh huh,” Gerard frowned.

“So, is there anything you want to tell me before you go in to see those fine gentlemen who took a chance by lettin’ you stay here with us? Those men who showed you such kindness when most would have just thrown you out on the street.”

Gerard sat down at the table. “I know that they been kind to me. I’m grateful, you know. More grateful than I think anyone can see.”

“That’s right fine,” Meridian nodded. “So, I’m sure you’ll show them the respect they’re do and tell them the truth.”

“I want to tell them the truth,” Gerard nodded.

“Then, that’s what you should do.” Meridian answered firmly.

Gerard sat still.

“You sure there’s nothin’ you want to tell me?” Meridian asked.

“Miss…” Gerard began.

“Meridian.”

“Meridian, you ever know somethin’ what’ll hurt someone and think that it’d be better if they didn’t know?”

“I think we all have, honey.” Meridian answered.

“What’d you do?”

“I told them anyway.” Meridian replied gently.

“Ah,” Gerard sighed.

“Go tell them men what you saw, honey.” Meridian said sweetly.

‘I’d best.” Gerard said, standing up. “Thank you.”

“I ain’t done nothin’.” Meridian chuckled. “Now, you go and talk to them before His Grace wears a hole in the carpet with his pacin’.”

Gerard nodded and walked toward the front parlor.

“Gerry!” Punch said, leaping toward the door. “Did you find the fake Dutchman?”

“I did.” Gerard answered quietly. “And, your sister, too, Your Grace. And, Arthur as well.”

“What’s this?” Robert tilted his head to one side.

“At the Place Congo.” Gerard continued.

“Marie,” Marjani muttered.

“That’s it,” Gerard nodded.

“What’s that witch done now?” Mr. Punch growled.

“I don’t know for sure, but Miss Iolanthe and Miss Rittenhouse were there too—all standin’ ‘round a fire.”

“Fire,” Punch sighed. “Just like Naasir said.”

“Punch?” Robert asked.

“Naasir said that ‘The Great Man of the Rocks’—which were me—would battle the monsters before a terrible fire. I ‘spose the time has come.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-331? If so, you can read them here.