“Don’t let go!” Mr. Punch shouted. As he did, he accidentally inhaled deeply, his lungs filling with smoke. He sputtered and coughed, all the while, trying not to lose his grip on Marie Laveau’s hand.
“Ain’t no use,” Marie screamed—dangling above a veritable pit of furious fire and smoke.
“That’s not true!” Punch yelled again. He strained and groaned as she tried to pull her back onto the level where he stood. The more he strained, the weaker the floor beneath his feet felt.
“After all I done to ya,” Marie cried out, “jus’ let me fall.”
“No!” Punch growled. “You helped me! And, you come up here with me to save me son! I owe you!”
At that moment, Punch realized that it was the first time he had ever called Colin “his son.”
Even though the boy was his nephew, Punch--as the Duke of Fallbridge—would raise Colin as his very own child, with Robert’s help, of course.
Suddenly feeling stronger—fueled by his paternal feelings—Punch grasped Marie’s small rough hand in both of his and pulled with all of his might.
Before he knew it, he was flat on his back with Marie next to him.
“We done it!” Punch yelped happily, helping Marie to her feet.
“You…you saved me.” Marie panted.
“Sure I did.” Mr. Punch smiled, nodding at his new friend. “But, there’s time ‘nough to think about all that later, there is, only now we gotta get outta here and go find me chums and me boy.”
“Wait,” Marie paused, grabbing Mr. Punch by his elbow. “I hear somethin’.”
Punch strained his ears. Over the roar of the fire, he could hear his name being called.
“Chum!” Punch shouted back. “Robert! We’re here.”
“Follow my voice, Mr. Punch.” Robert shouted. “Colin is safe! Marjani, Gamilla, and Toby are all safe! Walk toward the sound of my voice and let’s get off this ship!
“Thank the Holy Mother!” Punch squealed. “As Marjani would say!”
“Come to me, Mr. Punch!” Robert continued to shout. “Is Marie safe?”
“Yes, we’re comin’!” Punch shouted back. “You promise Colin’s well?”
“Completely unharmed!” Robert yelled.
“What of me puppet?” Punch asked.
“Yes!” Robert screamed. “Now, please, follow my voice!”
“We can’t!” Marie shouted. “The floor done fell in! We can’t go the direction you’re in!”
“Where are you?” Robert hollered as loud as he could.
“Near our cabin, I think.” Punch answered.
“Hol’ on, Mr. Robert.” Peter interrupted softly. “I gotta idea.”
“What is it, Pete?” Robert asked.
“Jus’ have faith an’ follow me.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-473? If so, you can read them here.
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