Mr. Punch took a deep breath and clenched his fists. He stepped cautiously onto Marie Laveau who had thrown her body—wrapped in a damp quilt—over the angry pile of burning debris which had fallen across the doorway.
“So sorry, magic chum.” Punch whispered as he scampered over the mound of smoldering ship parts.
He reached out his hand and assisted Robert over the mound, and then, together, they helped Charles who was carrying Gerard.
Robert and Mr. Punch grabbed Marie’s feet and pulled her off of the hot rubbish. Up until this point, she made no sound, and Punch feared she had died. However, once she was one cooler ground she squealed and wriggled to be released from the charred quilt.
“Are you well?” Punch asked nervously.
“I think,” Marie croaked.
“Here, that’s fine. I’d hate to think we’d lost ya just when we went and made friends.” Punch smiled.
“We don’t got time for sentiment,” Marie nodded. “Though I thank ya.” She took Punch’s hand, “We gotta get you off this ship.”
“Robert,” Punch said quickly. “Would you lead Gerry, Marie and Charlie to safety?”
“I will.” Robert said.
“I think the path is clear ahead—just try not to drown in the smoke.” Punch continued.
“What about you?” Robert asked.
“My boy is up there!” Punch pointed. “Along with Marjani and Gamilla, and me pup and puppet!”
“As are my brother, his wife and their child.” Robert shouted. “But, you don’t see me trying to fight my way through a blaze. I’m sure Marjani and Gamilla have gotten the child to safety by now!”
Marie shook her head.
“I gotta go, Chum. I know you understand.”
“I see in my mind a picture of Mr. Halifax, his wife and your nephew, Doctor.” Marie nodded. “They’re safe on the deck—waiting for you.”
Robert’s hands began to shake.
“Go to them!” Marie said. “And, take these two men with you.”
“And, you go with them, too.” Punch ordered.
“No, Sir.” Marie shook her head. “I’m going with you.”
“Marie, you take the men. I’ll accompany His Grace.”
“No.” Marie replied firmly. “If something happens, the others need your leadership. I will go with this man.”
Robert’s eyes welled with tears.
“I’ll be back, Chum.” Punch smiled.
“But, I…” Robert argued.
The ship began to groan again—just as it had before the ceiling in the passage had given way.
“I know you do, Chum. Me, too.” Punch nodded. And, with that, he and Marie disappeared into the smoke.
Robert shuddered and, then, placed his hand on Charles’ back. Charles, who was still holding Gerard, allowed Robert to guide him through the smoke.
When they reached the deck above, they coughed and sputtered, gasping for clean air. Immediately, Robert spotted Cecil, Adrienne and Fuller.
“Thank God!” Cecil whooped. Then, he paused. “Where’s Punch?”
“Gone for Marjani, Gamilla and the child.”
“Oh, dear.” Adrienne sniffed. “The captain is insisting we all disembark immediately.”
“You go on.” Robert nodded. “I will wait here for Punch and the others.”
“He went alone?” Cecil asked.
“No.” Robert shook his head. “He went with Marie Laveau.”
“What?” Adrienne gasped.
“She’s proven to be not as entirely wicked as we thought.” Robert sighed.
“Crisis brings out the best and worst in people.” Cecil nodded.
“Please,” Robert said quickly. “I’ll feel better if you go to safety.”
Cecil looked at his wife who nodded reluctantly.
“You should know,” Adrienne added, “that Marjani’s friend, Pete, has also gone to look for the others.”
“I’m glad.” Robert said. “Now, please, hurry.”
Without another word, Cecil and Adrienne took their child to safety.
Robert clasped his hands together and watched the flames which licked at every opening of the ship.
“Please, please come back to me.” Robert whispered. “I will be lost if you don’t.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-470? If so, you can read them here.
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