“His man?” Odo scowled. “I thought I was gonna be his man. Ain’t that bearded fella your man?”
“Gerard will attend His Grace.” Robert declared. “And, you will not change the subject.”
“Of course, Sir.” Odo nodded. “I reckon that means I’m gonna be your man. Well, ain’t it an honor to be responsible for such an important fella as yourself—a doctor and all?”
“Odo.” Robert spat impatiently. “You’ve not answered my question.”
“What question was that?”
“Damn you!” Punch hollered, his eyes bulging. “Why is it so important that I come with you and not Gerry? What are you hiding?”
“I ain’t hidin’ a thing, Your Grace. I jus’ think it’s better if the master comes along to see ‘bout your friend, is all.”
“His Grace has made his decision. His man will accompany you. You will take him immediately to Marie Laveau and see to it that Mama Routhe is safely returned to her home and family. Then, you will promptly return here so that we may depart for England.” Robert declared.
“Your Grace,” Odo spoke up, ignoring Robert, “Don’t you want to see for yourself that Mrs. Routhe is out of harm’s way?”
“I trust Gerard.” Punch glowered. “It’s you I don’t trust. You and your yellow eyes.”
Odo’s face registered both panic and irrefutable disgust.
“Come on, you little bloke.” Gerard said firmly. “Do as the doctor says.”
“But,” Odo protested.
“Go!” Punch yelled.
“What if Marie…” Odo stammered.
“What?” Robert asked impatiently.
“I was told…” Odo trembled.
“I knew there was more to your story than you let on.” Robert sighed.
“No, Sir.” Odo shook.
“You’re carrying out some sort of scheme for Marie Laveau, aren’t you?” Robert asked.
“I can’t say, Sir.”
“Go to the Devil!” Punch growled. “Just go to Blazes.” He took Robert by the arm and indicated that they should walk away. Gerard nodded.
“You’re gonna leave me here?” Odo moaned.
“Yes.” Robert responded.
“Marie won’t like that.”
“Marie can go to Blaces, too!” Punch shouted as he Robert and Gerard walked back to their friends.
“What about your precious Mama Routhe?” Odo shouted after them. “Like I done said, she’ll die if you don’t do what I say!”
Punch glanced at Robert who shook his head reassuringly.
Robert smiled at Gerard who responded. “I’ll go right now on me own.”
“There you have it,” Robert winked at Odo. “We don’t need you.”
Odo watched as Gerard ran toward Marie Laveau’s narrow, mean house.
“You’ll regret this!” Odo screamed wildly.
“No.” Punch spun around. “You’re the one what’s gonna regret it. We ain’t gonna be made into slaves no more—not by your wickedness nor anyone else’s. You—you like bein’ a slave, you do. But, not us! We don’t gotta do nothin’ what no one says no more. We won! You hear me! We won!”
“You think so?” Odo growled.
“I know!” Punch responded.
“Don’t waste any more of your time on him, dear Punch.” Robert whispered. “Your nephew wants his sweet uncle as do Fuller, Toby, Columbia and your puppet. Join your family and leave this man to the Devil.”
“Can’t I just push him in the sea now?” Punch muttered. “I know it ain’t the same as throwin’ him from a ship, but it’ll do and I’d feel a lot better, I would.”
“No.” Robert grinned. “As much as I’d like to see it, no.”
“Coo.” Punch pouted.
Odo watched as Robert and Punch joined the rest of the family. Everyone but Marjani ignored him. She looked him squarely in the eyes and knew—at that moment—that they had not, in fact, won. Not at all.
Did you miss Chapters 1-429? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday, January 9, 2012 for Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 431.
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