Chapter 86: Humiliation

"That's right! You know you love me!"

It wasn't even ten minutes later and I'd have happily traded places with Vivian and her dumb outfit. Or better yet, biffed Skip Anderson over the side and run for the hills if I thought I could get away with it. The moment the carriage began to move, Hank clucking softly to the team, Skip's abrasive running commentary started up and didn't stop. If anything, the slur in his voice grew worse, not better, until he was barely coherent and immensely loud.

He'd stood for his latest tirade, in line with the towering statue of Captain Reading, perhaps triggered by the sight of the jauntily cocky privateer's grim grin. I lived in fear of Skip collapsing on top of me and Petunia and pinning us to the green velvet as he swayed with the roll of the carriage over the street.

"He needs to sit down," Hank hissed over his shoulder at me.

"So you tell him," I shot back, hugging my pug to me for dear life.