Page 58 of Murder on the SS Leviathan
Cecile scrabbled away towards one of the bolted-down benches. Her skirts were flapping and her hair whipped wild by the wind but she saw who stood with arms extended, a gun in her grip.
Lucrezia!
As she fired again, the ship dipped alarmingly and Lucrezia careened towards the edge, her eyes wide with terror.
Cecile felt the scream tear from her throat but the wind took that too. It was all she could do to keep her arm crooked through the steel leg of the bench.
Lucrezia was tumbling forward, unable to stop herself. But, as she hit the rail, Serpico reached for her, pulling his sister into his arms.
The deck bucked again and a wave breached the side, swamping the deck.
Cecile clung fast to her anchor. The wrench on her shoulder was like nothing she'd felt before but she knew she mustn't let go.
Lifting her head, she gasped for air as the ship dipped again. The retreating wash of water swept past, pouring off the deck and back over the side.
'Lucrezia!' With heaving chest, Cecile scanned the rail.
She must be there. Serpico had hold of her. He wouldn't let go.
But there was no sign of either--only the vast grey sea and the looming sky.
As if the Leviathan of the deeps had risen to claim them, dragging the foredoomed di Cavour children to their grave, they were gone.
A piercing horror gripped Cecile's heart, but she was suddenly not alone.
Lance was sliding prone across the deck, skidding towards her as the water retreated. His arm jerked as he grabbed at the bench and he swore brutally.
'I've got you, Cecile. I've got you.' His leg hooked over hers and he hauled her into his arms.
