Shell Game

Chapter Twelve

Like a lazy kitty, Sharla stretched her legs and spread her toes. Then she lifted her arms to the ceiling and leaned from side to side. Not as sore as she'd been yesterday morning.

She'd thought she was in good shape. On her feet every day for hours, lifting and turning patients. Pushing around crash carts and other heavy equipment. But working out the last two mornings with Kyle had shown her just how out of shape she was. At least Kyle had been right about one thing. Every day she stuck to it, the morning soreness would lessen.

Her triceps or biceps or whatever they were still stung a bit but not nearly as much as the day before. She was actually looking forward to another workout. Even though she'd been a bit disappointed that she hadn't run into Luke at the fitness center, in the end it had made it easier for her to lift and lunge and not be self-conscious.

"You're up early again." Nana stepped out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go. Even though she didn't need to catch any worms, she was still an early riser.

"Yeah. I think I'm going to join a gym when we get home. One of those places just for women."

"Or you could join one where you'll meet men."

"Nana." Sharla pushed to her feet and grabbed the towel draped over the desk chair.

"What? You think Danny was the only man out there? You're too young to spend the rest of your life alone. You should find a nice man, settle down—"

"I know, Nana. Have a few children. Someone who will look after me when I'm old."

"That's right." Sophia slipped the day's activity list into its designated slot on her lanyard. "What about Luke? He's a nice boy. Seems to like you too."

"He's a player. He'd like anything in a skirt. You saw him with those women yesterday. The cougar and the tiger. No thank you."

"Things are not always what they seem. He's a good catch. I can tell. He's ready."

"Ready? For what?"

Nana shook her head and patted Sharla on the shoulder. "Good thing you never went into the family business. Your powers of observation are really lousy. Just trust me on this one. Luke Chapman is a man worthy of you. I'm meeting Herbie for breakfast. Want to join us?"

"Nope. Kyle is expecting me in the gym."

"That one's not so bad either. But he's young and still having too much fun. Stick with Luke."

"Nana."

"Meet us upstairs dressed to disembark. By the time trivia's over, most of the folks going ashore will be gone, and we won't have to stand in long lines to get off the ship. And wear the sexy two-piece not the boring blue bathing suit."

"Nana!"

"Sweetie, you'll never catch a man if you don't show your bait."

* * *

Last night Luke had sent Kate the photos of the fingerprints. Within minutes data was flowing in fast and heavy. Good Old George was born Antonio Montanaccio in the popular North End of Boston. By the time he was eighteen, he'd had his own revolving door to the Suffolk County Jail. During the day he had worked as a shoe salesman. At night he had done favors for the local crime boss.

At twenty-two he had married Mary DeStefano and had moved to New York. Six months later Antoinette was born. Followed by Adella and Celeste, and five years in the state pen for breaking and entering. While in Sing Sing, Mary divorced his sorry ass, and, when Antonio was released, "Michael Green" was born. Then came "Ralph King" and "Paul Dempsey," but lady luck had smiled on him when "George Bailey" went into the swindling business.