Chapter 2
Triple digit pay was the best motivator, it insured men didn't ask too many questions, which was exactly what Angelica needed.
At 2,000 tons and 200 feet along the waterline, the Moonlight Sonata was the largest ship to visit off the docks of Salem. The ships presence managed to stir up quite a conversation on the docks.
Angelica adjusted her binoculars. She envied the men aboard the Sonata. It was rare that she allowed herself to appreciate some of life's more serene moments, but the moment she'd seen the sleek vessel she knew she had to have it. On those rare occasions she'd been off, she'd found solace aboard the vessel. There was something about the open water that calmed her soul and lifted her spirits. Having it anchored off the coastal waters of Salem, was a clear signal of her presence.
She swore she'd never return to Salem – yet…Angelica cursed. Now was not the time to think of the past. She had a job to do. She stuffed the binoculars into a large crate filled with trash. Her first stop – the Cheating Heart.
The place was littered with the usual Friday night bar crowd. Workers from the docks and local construction sites filled the Cheating Hear. It was easy for Angelica to mingle. She managed to catch the bartender and ordered a beer. Sitting quietly at the bar, she listened to the conversation near the pool table.
They were speculating about the Moonlight Sonata, but all they had was here-say and guesses.
A big guy, who either spent a lot of his time at the gym or the majority of his time loading and unloading fishing boats, banked his shot and picked up the cash from the corner of the pool table. His buffed body added to the arrogance he displayed.
"Any time boys – I'll be glad to take your money, anytime." He pulled a big busted woman into a kiss.
She watched as Steve and Bo walked in. A small crowd of men circled them.
The big guy Angelica had been watching all night, swaggered toward Steve. "I hear you're good." He pointed toward the table.
"I've shot a few tables," Steve replied.
The guy held up a large wad of money and slammed it on the table, "I got five c-notes that say I can beat anyone here." He stepped up to Steve.
Steve smiled, "Anyone?" He asked.
"Yeah, anyone."
Steve reached in his pocket and pulled out five one-hundred dollar bills and placed them on the table.
The guy smiled, "I'll even let you break," he told Steve.
Steve shook his head, "Me?"
"Yeah, you." He turned and looked at his friends, then back at Steve. "Unless of course you're wimping out on me."
The crowd chuckled.
Steve shook his head. "No dude, you don't understand."
The guy waited.
"I'm not playing you."
No one moved.
Steve pointed towards Angelica.
"She is."