Welcome once more. Happy to know you're intrigued enough to keep reading. This is slightly shorter than ther previous chapter due to that fact this week was the week of the infamous "Finals"...I know, dreadfull. But it all worked out in the end. And so, I continue the story. Please read and review!

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Chapter 2

Night had descended upon the city that never sleeps. Snow had begun to fall lightly, coating the streets in sheets of white.

Ashe was leaning against a lamp post that was situated on the docks of the New York Harbor. It was relatively quiet at this time. She glanced at her watch; the time read about a quarter till eight. It was still fairly early in the evening, despite the sun's reluctance to stay a while longer.

Rubbing her hands together to generate some warmth, her breath appeared in the cool air. She was wrapped rather well in a few layers of clothing. Her hair was down with a few pesky strands blowing in her face by the gentle, yet icy breeze which froze her very veins. Wrapped in a long, black wool coat with a red scarf and matching gloves, Ashe felt fairly warm despite the low degrees on the thermometer nearby. Underneath the coat she wore a black, button-up blouse with a halter-neckline, and a knee-length matching skirt. Her legs were protecting by silk stockings and black suede heels. A matching silk belt was tied around her mid-section, which only allowed her to look a bit more slender.

Most would doubt a girl with her appearance or attire would fit in around a place like this. But what few dockworkers were on duty barely seemed to take notice of her. Most new her, if only by her reputation. She was a common sight in the less fortunate slums of the city, usually just strolling about. The majority of dockworkers within New York usually hung around the dingy, decrepit bars and inns located within the less glamorous sections of the Big Apple. Ashe kept a low profile, but she was well known throughout the more impoverished circles of society. Not by her real name of course. She couldn't afford the risk. But as a songstress. Known only as Ashe, yet giving the nickname, Nightingale, she would perform at various locations for a little extra money. It wasn't exactly the most lucrative career, but it paid the rent.

It was unusually silent, aside from the bellow of the fog horns from various ships pulling in an out of port. The docks were loaded with numerous wooden crates; most already had become frozen in ice from the dew. A few cranes were scattered here and there, unmoving and left unattended for the rest of the evening.

But Ashe was sent here with a specific task in mind. Her eyes scanned the ships stationed throughout the port, keeping her eyes keen for one ship in particular.

Her gaze had finally got sight of it after a few minutes.

The S.S. Venture.

It wasn't exactly what she expected. When she had heard that the ship was hired to travel with a film crew, she was expecting…well…something more. It wasn't a bad sight by any means. It seemed to be in pretty good shape for a tramp steamer, especially for a tramp steamer that survived that island. A little banged up was all that seemed to be the problem. But maybe it had just seen too many seasons at sea. Still, she was preparing to see a more extravagant vessel. Something like a luxury steamer.

Hell, that's what more of the privileged, upper class members of society would prefer to travel in. Not some rusty little steamboat. But then again, she never really would understand the inner workings of civilizations elitists. Not anymore anyways.

Ashe's mind was wandering again. She set her attention back on the job. She kept watch over the ship, seeing various workers and sailors loading and unloading cargo. She had finished reading in the paper that the ape brought back to the city had already been transferred to an undisclosed location, in preparation for its debut on Broadway. But that wasn't entirely why she was sent.

She kept surveillance on the ship as its crew went about their normal activities. She could tell from afar that repairs were being carried out on the ship. It must have taken quite a pounding at the island. Watching their actions, Ashe couldn't help but study them as they worked.

A small china-man, probably in his late forties or fifties, was scurrying about the docks, gathering various crates and cages from the deck and loading them onto the ship while removing similar objects in disrepair from the cargo hold. His name was Choy, according to the files. An Englishman, presumably around a similar age, was assisting him. He wore a chef's apron, worn and tattered, so she assumed he was the galley chef nicknamed Lumpy.

True, she had been given information on the whole crew of the Venture. She didn't really bother to read through everything. Personally, she found the files to be intrusive and unnecessary. Informative, yes. But, still, irritably intrusive.

Who did the Order have files on, exactly? Ashe could never be sure how many people were under their eye. According to Cunningham, those deemed "of interest" to the Order were kept in a systematic system of countless layers of paperwork, which were considerably secured within numerous repositories around the world.

Where these so-called facilities were to be found was anyone's guess. Did it really matter?

More movement caught her eye, and she watched as a tall, stalwart man with dark skin and intimidating posture was directing orders to several of the soldiers. She would have mistaken him for the Captain if not for the provided information which pointed out he was the first mate, Benjamin Hayes. Watching as he started talking to a younger member of the crew, she noted that the boy couldn't be older than sixteen, maybe eighteen at the latest. Jimmy was his name. He was young, regardless. But times were tough, so it wasn't entirely shocking to see the younger generations join the work force.

Ashe sighed, taking another look at her watch. She wondered how long she would need to wait. Her orders….god, she hated the term….were simply to be discreet. Sure, she could do that. She just wished the weather was more accommodating.

More movement caught her eye, and caught a glimpse of the apparent captain of the ship. If his white, weathered cap wasn't enough to point that out, than his authoritative demeanor certainly would. She watched as he ordered his men about, like a captain orders his soldiers. Englehorn, she believed was his name.

Her eyes were locked on him and his crew, studying them from afar. She watched them with a reserved expression masking a strange curiosity. She wasn't entirely sure why they're tedious tasks and bustling activities had perked up her intrigue.

For a moment, the Venture's Captain turned his attention towards her direction. Ashe froze, and not from the icy cold.

Had he seen me? Heard me? Ashe wondered.

It was possible. She was under the dull light of the lamp post, so it's more than likely he could have seen her. She felt the strange sensation that she was noticed. For a second, barely in an instant, she thought she saw his eyes on her. Maybe she'd just gotten a little rusty at this. It was more probable he was looking around her. It's possible he just heard a noise. Her hazel eyes were fixed on Englehorn and she could have sworn that she had caught a sight of light blue eyes.

Maybe it was her imagination. Though it sure felt real enough.

Turning her gaze downcast, Ashe took a minute to get her senses together. Maybe she had been going easy on herself for a little too long.

After all, it had been….what….three years. At least since she last at the Council's bidding. And being someone's little lapdog had become very old very quickly.

But another thought crossed her mind at that point. What if it wasn't her? What else could be throwing her off her game?

Shifting her eyes up once more, she noticed that the Captain had returned to his work. Ashe thought she was clear again, but then he glanced back. Once more, his eyes settled on her. This time there was no denying that Englehorn had spotted her.

She sighed softly. No matter. They were going to be meeting sooner or later anyways.

Though by this time Ashe was tired, and certainly not in the mood to be stuck in a snowstorm. With a small smile on her lips, she locked eyes with the Captain and blew a light kiss before she began to walk away. And like a shadow, she became enveloped in the darkness of the alleyways.

They had been docked in New York City' Harbor for nearly three days. The Venture was not in the greatest shape since it had returned. The giant ape, though unconscious for the entire trip, wasn't the most easy-going animal that the vessel had held in all its years.

Englehorn stood on the docks, overseeing the repairs and occasionally going through all the ridiculous amounts of paperwork. He was just relieved that Denham was nowhere near his ship. And that monster. Hayes was still angry at him, of course. He carried out his orders as usual and without question, just as he always has, but he never spoke to the Captain since their argument.

He just needed time to cool off. Perhaps the weather would help. The snow was falling lightly, making it a little difficult to transport the crates to and from the ship since the docks were all iced over. Though wearing his long dark leather coat over a few layers of shirts and khaki trousers with his laced-up leather boots, he still felt the icy chill of the winter atmosphere. It was a huge contrast compared to the raging humidity of Skull Island.

One of his sailors came up to him, handing him more paperwork for the additional cages that were needed to be replaced. They had lost a large amount of equipment while attempting to free the ship from where it had run aground on the rocks. Most of what had to be replaced was furniture, crates, food stores, and other such things.

Since Kong had been taken away in a frenzy of media, it seemed more quite then usual around the ship. He still remembered saying farewell to those who had journeyed with Denham to make this film, which now no longer existed.

Ann was quiet, a few tears in her eyes, as she had said goodbye to the crew. She added apologies for the loss of their friends. It had been a while since the captain had met someone so sincere. She even gave him a hug, which was rather surprising. If he didn't know better he'd say they were really going to miss her. She seemed to brighten up to place. Jack Driscoll had shaken hands with everyone, including him, bidding farewell and thanking everyone for their help and giving his condolences for those who didn't make it. The captain noticed that he and Ms. Darrow left separately, barely speaking words to each other. He found that rather odd.

Baxter and Preston also said their farewells, but Denham left without saying much. The last time they spoke, the director approached him, giving him assurance that he would be paid in full by the next day. And true enough, apparently after giving the creature some publicity, the check arrived the next day. It was a sum of five thousand dollars.

It was more than he expected honestly. It would pay for the repairs, restocking, and hiring a new crew. At least this disaster made some profit. He just wondered at what cost.

"Hey she's a looker," he heard one of his men say quietly. He looked up to see three of his men stopping for a second to take a break near a stack of crates.

"Get back to work," he ordered shortly. Englehorn knew they were tired. Hell, they had been working all day. He looked at his watch, noticing it was starting to get a little late. He still had somewhere to go before this night was over.

He checked again to see if those men were back at their job. They were but he still noticed them glancing past him. His gaze followed theirs and settled on the small figure standing beneath the lamp post about three piers away.

He noticed that the figure was a woman. She had pale skin, perhaps from the cold air, with long dark hair. What stood out was the red scarf wrapped around her.

It was peculiar to see a woman like that in this part of town, especially when she looked like that! He had seen beautiful women before, Ms. Darrow being one of them, but there was something different about this one. Mysterious, almost. And dangerous.

But maybe he was imagining it. He had been working all day.

But he kept looking and soon enough her eyes met his. Apparently she realized he was looking straight at her when she lowered her gaze. What was she looking at? Maybe it was just one more spectator looking to see the ship that delivered Kong. She wouldn't be the first. Many had come throughout the day.

He sighed, turning back to the paperwork. Hayes approached him, needing his signature for something. He noticed the Captain's stare and looked to the woman.

"Another fan?" he asked. Seems he was talking to the Captain again.

"More than likely," Englehorn replied, signing the papers. He looked back again, noticing her gaze once again on him. He saw her smile and blow him a light kiss before disappearing into the darkness.

"You know each other?" Hayes asked, looking to the captain with a raised brow.

But the captain shook his head, still watching where she had disappeared, "I don't…think so…"

Hayes smirked, "She seemed to know you."

Englehorn was silent for a moment, still baffled by the stranger, when he cleared his throat and his mind, settling back down to business. He looked back to the paperwork then to Hayes.

"It's getting late. Let's call it a night," he said, rubbing his eyes wearily.

The First Mate nodded in agreement. He started to turn around, then stopped and looked back.

"Captain, some of the men were wondering if you were gonna let them go on shore leave, for the holidays," he said.

Englehorn looked confused, "Holidays?"

Jimmy laughed. The boy was standing nearby.

"For Christmas, Skipper," he said. "It's like next week."

The Captain was surprised. He had almost forgotten about that. Then again, his mind was preoccupied with a great deal more than usual.

"Well," Hayes said. The Captain remained silent, thinking. "You think that would be okay. Repairs could start after New Years, then we'd be set. "

Englehorn stood still, considering the notion. He nodded, quietly. It would be more than fair to let the men go home to their families. Especially after that near-death experience. Plus, it would give him time to hire more sailors….and to see the loved ones of those who didn't make it.

Hayes returned the nod, and taking the rest of Englehorn's paperwork, he walked with Jimmy to the ship.

Englehorn returned to the ship as well, watching as the men gathered the remainder of their belongings and left for their homes if they had them. Those who didn't live in the area took up lodging in local motels and homes of friends. Only a few remained on the ship, including Lumpy, Choy, and the Captain himself.

While he was still tired, Englehorn still had to meet someone. Leaving the ship, he walked down the quiet streets of the city. It wasn't the best part of town, but he had never really lived a life of luxury so who was he to complain? Not far from the harbor were a few streets which were home to local bars and motels, located about a block away from the Fish Markets. It was here that sailors would often spend their time ashore after long trips at sea.

Things haven't changed since Englehorn was last here. As he walked, Englehorn lit a cigarette and took a hit to ease his stress. His mind occasionally wandered back to the woman on the docks. Something about her didn't feel right, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

The Captain came to a halt before a small, rather run-down pub.

The Crows Nest read the sign hanging above the door. Finishing off his cigarette, Englehorn opened the door, looking around for a familiar face. It was pretty packed, but then again it was Friday night. And he was relieved to find out that Prohibition had been repealed, which explained by business was booming. People, mostly worn sailors who were pretty drunk, were cluttered in the tiny bar like sardines. A small rag-time band played on stage, mostly blues and some Christmas music. He noticed the bar was decorated festively, with garland hung around the walls and lights strung up.

"I'll be damned! Will!" he had heard his name shouted. Turning his head, he looked to the form a burly figure approaching him.

He recognized him immediately as Joe, the club's owner. He was a bear of a man, one served in the military. He wasn't much older than the captain, but he seemed weathered by the hard years.

Quickly enveloping the Captain in a bear hug, he stood back.

"Damn, Will," he smirked. "Been a while! How ya been?"

Englehorn shrugged. It had been a while since he visited, almost 8 months. He didn't have time the last time he was ashore, since the moment he docked he ran into Carl Denham who was looking to hire a ship.

"I know," he sighed. "My apologies, Joe. I was preoccupied the last time we made port."

Joe chuckled, folding his arms across his chest.

"Indeed, you're quite famous on the streets. At least your ship is," he noted. "Brought back Kong, huh? You going to see the premiere? I imagine you'd get front tickets."

But Englehorn just shook his head.

"No, I'm too busy. Besides, I'm content with being rid of that thing altogether," he said. "But I need help, Joe."

The owner gave him a confused look.

"My crew," he said. "Most of them were killed on that island. I need sailors to take their places. I was hoping you could spread the word. Get people to contact me, if possible."

Leaning against the bar, Joe gave a heavy sigh. Indeed he had read in the papers of the horrors of the island. He couldn't be sure what was true and what wasn't, but it sounded horrible nonetheless. Given its name, it was hard to imagine it wasn't exactly a welcoming place. The keeper of the Crows Nest had heard rumors from other sailors of the island. It was a myth, he thought. Just talk of worn men who had too much sea water. But it turned out the rumors were right.

"Yeah…yeah…"he said. "I heard about the deaths. Look, Will, I'm sorry. I know you don't losing men under your watch."

He thought for a minute, then nodded.

"Yeah, I'll be more than happy. Most won't sign up until after the holidays, but I'll start lookin' for new folks," he said.

Englehorn nodded. Joe had always been true to his word. Plus he had experience with hiring men for him before. It was he who recommended Lumpy and Hayes a few years back.

"Alright," he said. "Now that we're caught up and business is settled, why don't you take a seat and enjoy a few drinks. On the house, alright?"

The captain nodded, smiling as he was more than happy to comply. He sat at the end of the bar while he ordered a shot of bourbon whiskey, removing his hat and setting it on the bar.

Waiting until the crew had all left and retired for the evening, Ashe stood in the shadows, completely hidden from all view. She watched as the Captain started walking away from the docks. Now, her job finally began.

She followed him, silent and discreet. She stayed far enough away to where, if he should turn around, he would not notice her, yet close enough so she couldn't lose him. As they walked, she couldn't help but study him. She had read his file which was provided for her, so she knew most of his life, but there were things about people that could never be filed and organized in a drawer.

Their history, name, birth date and birthplace, career, and education could all be typed and indexed. But there was always more to people. Ashe wasn't sure what it was about this particular individual which fascinated her. She had seen men like him before. But there was something different.

She stopped as he did, watching him before he entered the Crows Nest. She smiled.

At least they were meeting somewhere familiar.

She waited a few minutes before entering the bar. She had been here before, even sang a few times.

Looking around to see where the Captain was, she heard a chuckle from behind her. Turning around, she grinned at the sight of Joe, the owner.

"What brings you here, Ashe?" he asked curiously.

"Just in the neighborhood, Joe," she beamed. "Thought I' drop by."

"Ashe!" she heard someone say. It was Nick, a sailor who had heard her sing sometimes. Soon faces turned, some recognizing her as the songstress. She heard greetings and cheers from the crowd, some chanting "sing" repeatedly.

Her cheeks flushed and she shook her head.

"Aw, c'mon Ashe," Joe pleaded. "It's been nearly two weeks since your last gig."

She smiled modestly. She liked to sing, true. But she was working now…really working. She didn't really have time for this.

"Not tonight," she said sincerely.

"Ashe," she heard someone from the stage call her name….fake name…whatever. She turned regardless.

"Hound-dog!" she gasped excitedly. It had been months she seen the aged, blues singer. He was born in Louisiana, but he came to New York for more work. And because of the color of his skin, he usually only performed for local joints like Joe's. But he didn't complain, he enjoyed the music. He was a bluesman through and through.

Walking up the steps to the stage she gave the old man a hug, as well as some of his band mates.

"What are you doing here? I thought you went to Chicago!" she said.

He shrugged, "I came back. I love this city too much."

She smiled, "Well it's good to see you. I still live above the bakery. You should stop by. I'll be around. When you get a break, I'll buy you a drink."

She started to walk away but Hound-dog grabbed her hand, laughing.

"Hold on, honey. You owe me one song at least, for old time's sake!" he requested.

His request was followed by cheers from the crowd, calling for a song. She shook her head, her eyes scanning the crowd for Englehorn. She figured if he didn't see her by now, he would if she sang. But the crowd was relentless. She looked to Joe and he shrugged helplessly, handing her a shot glass of rum for courage.

Rolling her eyes, she groaned. Oh well….

"I really can't stay…" she started. Hound-dog picked up on the song and his band started the tune.

"But baby it's cold outside!"he sang in his deep, soothing voice.

"I've got to go away!" She sighed, moving away. But Hound-dog pulled her back gently."Baby it's cold outside!"

"This evening as been…." She sang."Been hoping that you'd drop in"

"So very nice…." Hound-dog held her hands in his. "I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice."

Ashe couldn't keep from grinning.

"My mother will start to worry!" Hound-dog shook his head. "Beautiful, what's your hurry?"

"My father will be pacing the floor!" She replied. "Listen to that fire place roar!"

"So really I'd better scurry!" Hound-dog looked sorrowful. "Beautiful, please don't hurry!"

She smiled, standing behind the bluesman and wrapping her arms around his shoulders before taking a sip of her rum.

"Well maybe just a half of sip more! Hound-dog laughed. "Put some music on while I pour."

The tune carried for a little bit then Ashe continued the duet.

"The neighbors might think…" Her singing partner was quick to chime in, "Baby, it's bad out there!"

Ashe took the shot of rum and downed the whole thing, bringing the crowd to cheer.

"Say, what's in this drink?" she sang smoothly, tossing the glass away and hearing it break on the stage. Another laugh was heard from Hound-dog. "No cabs to be had out there!"

"I wish I knew how…" "Your eyes are like starlight now."

"To break this spell…" Ashe's voice carried a little. "I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell!"

"I ought to say no, no, no" She shook her fingers, walking around him. "Mind if I move a little closer?"

Ashe smiled, "At least I'm gonna say that I tried!" "What's the sense in hurtin' my pride?"

"I really can't stay…" "Baby don't hold out!"

"Ah, but it's cold outside!"Their voices combined for the next line.

But it wasn't over yet. The Crowd wanted them to keep going.

The bluesman continued, "C'mon, baby!"

"I simply must go!" she sang, the melody carrying softly. "Baby, it's cold outside ."

"The answer is no " she continued. "Ooh baby, it's cold outside"

"This welcome has been…" "I'm lucky that you dropped in"

"So nice and warm." Hound-dog pointed outside. "Look out the window at that storm"

"My sister will be suspicious," Ashe cocked her head to the side. The bluesman caressed her face playfully. "Man, your lips look so delicious"

"My brother will be there at the door" Ashe took his hand in hers, but he continued. " Waves upon a tropical shore "

"My maiden aunt's mind is vicious" He laughed and repeated his line. "Gosh your lips look delicious"

"Well maybe just a cigarette mor.e" He laughed and proceeded. "Never such a blizzard before"

The tune carried out some more, and Ashe smiled with her cheeks a little flushed at the roar of the crowd.

"I've got to go home ," Ashe reprised. " Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there "

"Say, lend me your comb," she smiled, starting to take a small comb that he had in his pocket. But he stopped her, shaking his head. He protested, "It's up to your knees out there"

"You've really been grand…." He cradled her hands carefully. "I shiver when you touch my hand"

"But don't you see…" "How can you do this thing to me?"

"There's bound to be talk tomorrow" Ashe sighed. Hound-dog put his hands over his heart. " Think of my life-long sorrow."

"At least there will be plenty implied," she had a smirk on her face. "If you caught pneumonia and died"

"I really can't stay ," she said once more. "You better not hold out! "


"Ahh, but it's cold outside." They finished together, carrying the tune for a little while before it finally ending. The audience stood up in applause, whistling and shouting. Ashe smiled, taking a courteous little bow of her head as she gave the Bluesman a peck on the cheek and walking off stage.

She saw Joe who was clapping. Ashe glared.
"You owe me!" she growled, "I don't normally perform for charity!"

He smiled, "Aw, it's the holidays. Besides, my friend over there couldn't take his eyes of you."

She followed his gaze, and couldn't help but think of the coincidence. He had pointed out the very captain which she had followed here. He saw that she noticed him staring and looked back to his own drink. Well since Joe was friends with him, this might not be so awkward.

"Nice friend. Just the guy I was here lookin' for, too. I'll be in the back when he wants to talk," she said knowingly, despite Joe's perplexed expression. She gave him a peck on the cheek before she turning and walking to the back. She sat at the booth in the corner, enjoying a little peace after her stage performance.

****

Englehorn had heard some commotion near the entrance. He turned around.

I'll be damned, he thought. It was the woman from the docks. What was she doing here?

At first he was confused by all the fuss from the crowd, until he could make out what they were all yelling about. Apparently the woman was fairly well known amongst the people. Perhaps it was just coincidence that she was at the docks.

His attention turned to Joe who had returned to tend to the bar as the woman had been coaxed on stage by the current band and the howl of the audience.

"Hey, Joe," he said, getting his attention. "Who's the girl?"

Glancing at the stage before turning back to Englehorn, he smirked.

"You've been gone a little too long. That's Ashe," replied, pouring another shot. "She's been here for the last couple of months or so, usually just singing and whatnot. "

"Where is she from?" he continued.

The owner laughed, shaking his head knowingly, "You're wasting your time."

The Captain chuckled, "I'm not proposing you idiot….just curious."

Shrugging, Joe leaned on the back counter, cleaning a glass with rag, "It's not like I could tell ya much. She usually keeps to herself."

Nodding, Englehorn finished a second shot. He figured since his business was done, he'd get ready to leave. He started to stand but something stopped him. A soothing voice from the stage.

His eyes turned in full attention to Ashe as she and the lead singer of the band began a duet, apparently to some Christmas song. In truth, it was like a siren from the sea had starting to sing from some dream. Enchanted was a good word, maybe hexed would be more fitting. She was good, he wouldn't deny it.

Turning back to the owner, Joe spoke up before he had the chance.

"They call her the Nightingale. With a voice like that, it's not hard to guess why," he stated.

He leaned back on the barstool again, returning his attention to the stage as Ashe captivated the crowd with her melody. While she was onstage, unveiled underneath bright lights, Will Englehorn was able to get a much closer look at her.

She was young, but not younger than her mid-twenties at the earliest. But he was never an expert on judging age, so he could be wrong. She had shining ebony hair kept at a very long wavy length. He found that unusual, since most women seemed to keep their hair styled short. But it didn't look bad by any account. Yet it was in striking contrast with her skin, which was quite fair if not very pale. But then again it may have been the lights which lightened her skin. Even from the distance to the stage, Englehorn could still see she was more of a looker than most women who hung around this part of town. With a voice like that he wondered why she didn't perform for a more high class mass of people. But women were strange, with minds more changing than the sea.

When the song had finally come to an end, the audience cheered and stood up. Englehorn himself even clapped a little. She walked off stage and encountered Joe, who had left the bar to speak with her. He didn't hear what they spoke of, for their voices were drowned out by the noise of the bar. But he saw her glance towards him and he averted his gaze as discreetly as possible.

At least he knew what they were talking about.

Joe came around the bar and he turned and saw that Ashe had disappeared. He looked back to the bartender who smiled.

"You could have been less obvious, Will," he smirked.

Will Englehorn couldn't help but smile a little. But the man was right.

"Don't worry, you caught her eye, too," Joe added. "She said whenever you're ready to join her."

He looked to the bartender, a hint of uncertainty in his blue eyes. Joe simply shrugged.

"If I were you, I wouldn't ask. Just go for it," he said. "Most men have tried and failed miserably. Couldn't hurt to have a drink or two with her."

Taking a moment to consider the peculiarity of this particular situation, and night in general, the Captain finally got to his feet and grabbed his hat before walking back to the booth. He came to a halt before her table, and her gaze lifted to greet his.

On her face was a small smile from which hinted that she had been expecting him. He was quiet for a moment, as was she.

Finally he sighed, "You were following me. Care to explain?"

****

Ah, yes, here is the end of the chapter. Well, they have met face to face. And before I go I would like to add that the song, Baby, It's Cold Outside, was originally published in 1944, with lyrics written by Frank Loesser, a famous American songwriter. He wrote it as a duet and premiered the song with his wife at a housewarming party in the Navarro home. He eventually sold the rights to MGM in 1948. I loved this song so much that I hope you don't mind I allowed it to be performed in this story eleven years before it actually existed. Also, I hope that how I wrote it seemed okay. I didn't just want to write out the song without any action, so I couldn't help myself. Hopefully it made sense :)