Monday, November 28, 2011

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 401

Now, Edward.” Robert said calmly as Edward Cage aimed the pistol at his ribcage, “surely, you don’t think you’ve anything to gain by shooting us?”


“I’ve got nothing to lose.” Edward smiled.

Robert slowly stepped toward Marjani, blocking her body with his own. “This woman has nothing to do with any of this. At least let her go.”

“Not hardly.” Edward snarled. “She’s as thick with the stink of your crimes as you are.”

“As are you,” Robert reminded the man. “I don’t care what the law says, purchasing another human being is wrong—even if your aim is to raise him as your own son.”

“And, is stealing him right?” Edward scowled.

“We’re all wrong. Each of us in our own way. I’m on the side of what should have been done in the first place. For whatever reason, the child’s mother decided to sell him to Iolanthe Evangeline. I’ve met Lady Barbara’s mother. The Duchess of Fallbridge alone was enough to drive someone to madness. Look at what her influence did to the Duke! God knows how she influenced Barbara. And, of course, there were other voices in her ears. But, none of that matters now. She should not have sold the boy. He belongs with his family—the Duke. You, Sir, are a self-professed supporter of family. Can’t you, for a moment, understand that the boy is better off being cared for by his own blood and inheriting what’s rightfully his?”

“Silence!” Edward Cage bellowed. “What I understand us that the boy is mine and will inherit what I see fit for him to!” He narrowed his eyes, “Now, you have two choices. Prison or the grave.”

Robert frowned. “Neither much appeals to me.”

“You think you’re so smart.” Edward laughed. “The whole lot of ya!”

As Edward Cage stepped forward, Gerard took the opportunity to spring toward him, reaching for his man’s right hand and hoping to disarm him.

A shot rang out through the palatial house.



Did you miss Chapters 1-400? If so, you can read them here.

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