4
Angelica had no problem fitting in with the regulars after her game with Joe, she did find it extremely difficult to get anyone to play her.
Information regarding Dock 67 poured in. This afternoon she'd have enough information for Steve and Bo to give Hope regarding the layout of the place.
She dropped a few coins in the jukebox, swaying as Jonny Lang's Touch, blasted over the speakers. She'd managed to convince the new owner of the Heart, to include a full Jonny Lang album. There was something in his music that spoke to her.
She closed her eyes, allowing the gentle strands to ease the tension of the day.
A cool breeze accompanied the opening of the door, along with an abrupt change in the atmosphere. Angelica turned to see Edmond Moretti enter - his bodyguard following close behind.
Her eye's locked with his. He was as out of place as a thoroughbred in a barn full of mules.
She made her way towards an empty table. Something about the man made her heart beat a half-second out of time.
She'd spent three weeks recovering on his island, and another six at a rehab facility Kayla had found for her.
He stood beside her table, waiting for an invitation to join her. For a moment, Angelica toyed with the idea of sending him packing – but only for a moment.
"Are you lost?" She asked, motioning for him to join her.
He smiled and shook his head as he sat opposite her. She half expected him to remove his silk handkerchief and wipe the seat down first.
"No, I don't think so – you see I own this place."
Angelica laughed, "The hell you do, Moretti!" She jerked her head in the direction of the bar, "Mike over there owns this joint."
Moretti waved a manicured hand around the bar, "No, Mike rents this place from me." He leaned back into his chair, and turned his head towards his bodyguard. The man stepped forward and Moretti glanced at the amber bottle she held. "Please get Ms. Stone another," he paused and looked at her.
Angelica waved her bottle at Mike, who nodded and went about getting her a fresh beer.
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence between them.
Mike brought her the beer and picked up her empty bottle, before disappearing behind the bar.
Angelica leaned back in her chair, studying him. His dark hair was just starting to grey at the temple. She was sure if he had any idea how sexy it was, he would hire a crew of stylist to make sure it remained way. His Italian ancestry gave him a natural golden brown tan and the air of wealth and power was like an intoxicating aftershave.
She shook her head. Now was not the time to regale herself in the virtues mother nature had given Edmond Moretti. Now, she needed to find out why he was here. A man like Edmond might own a place like this, but they never visited them.
"So, you're just here to see how the other half lives?" She asked.
He smiled and the tiny laugh lines near his eyes kicked her heartrate up a notch.
She couldn't make out if he were amused or hiding something.
"Actually, I came here looking for you."
Angelica felt something stir below her belly.
"I understand you have an interest in the contents of Dock 67."
She was guessing his money could buy anything. Including it seemed the loyalty of the patrons at the Cheating Heart.
"I'm impressed by the security." She answered flippantly.
He slowly nodded, "I see."
Angelica forced herself to sit perfectly still, but his unnerving way of looking at her made her feel as if she were facing a firing squad.
"Well Ms. Stone, let me assure you the security is the least of your worries."
She studied him for a long moment, "Is that a fact?" She asked.
He shrugged, "If you don't believe me – why don't you ask your friend Bo Brady?"
He stood, and Angelica watch his bodyguard opened the door for him.
Steve and Bo almost tripped over themselves trying not to run over him as they burst in.
He turned and tilted his head in her direction before disappearing out the door.
Angelica released the breath she'd been holding. She was going to do just that, if Bo and Steve didn't beat her to it.