‘All passengers please put on your life jackets and make your way to the nearest emergency meeting point.’ The call was repeated over and over again.
People pushed and shoved, trying to get out onto the deck as fast as they could. Children’s cries punctuated the air, momentarily drowning out all other sounds.
Maura grabbed a fistful of the back of Jane’s shirt, her knuckles snow white as she held on for dear life.
“Stay with me, Maur.” Jane reached back, pulling Maura forward and holding her awkwardly in front of her, guiding her through the crowd before joining the end of the queue for the stairs.
“Mommy!!” The terrified shriek of a small child ripped through the ominous silence that hung heavily in the stairwell. Jane and Maura turned simultaneously towards the small voice.
As Jane scanned the crowd, she spotted a young girl, clinging to a fire extinguisher and sobbing.
Meeting worried hazel eyes, Jane shoved Maura towards the stairs. “Go!” she said, “I’ll be right behind you.”
Jane barged her way through the throngs of people towards the terrified girl.
“You’re going the wrong way, young lady!” A man with a broad Scottish accent informed her as she forced a smile and pushed past him.
“You’re causing a problem. Again!” Jane knew that shrill cackle anywhere. “Why can’t you people just fit in?!” There she was, large as life; Lana Logue. Jane felt her fury bubbling as the woman blocked her path to the child. “Just follow the crowd!” Lana berated her loudly, causing everyone in the immediate vicinity to stare at the spectacle unfolding before them.
“Lady, I need to get back here. Please move!” Jane tried to be polite and surprised herself with how damn close she’s managed to come. An older man, whom Jane was sure she’d seen before, peered over Lana’s shoulder.
“Oh, how did I know?” he barked, “Always wanting special treatment.” He snapped as Jane forced her way past both complainers and wrapping the young girl in her arms, hoisting her up.
“Come on sweetheart.” Jane whispered in her ear. “We’ll find your mom, ok?”
Jane re-joined the line of people waiting to go up the stairs, clinging to the girl as she searched the crowd for Maura.
“What’s your name, honey?” Jane asked, brushing the girls hair out of her eyes.
“Cassandra.” She replied, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. “My mommy calls me Cassie.”
“I’m Jane.”
“Hi Jane.” Cassie sniffed loudly. “Can you really find my mommy?” she asked, her hopeful blue eyes penetrating deep into Jane’s.
“You betcha!” Jane told her as they climbed the stairs.