Lila began to pace and wring her hands. She gazed longingly at the veranda, and walked out, feeling the balmy wind off the water. She looked down at the water, almost tempted to jump. She should have known better than to come aboard this floating jail. She never thought about what she would do if she were caught. She’d been blinded by all the rumors she’d heard about the rich people who rode these riverboats to gamble. She’d been stealing for years, and figured with what she could get this trip, she could retire. She turned suddenly when she felt a hand on her arm, and looked up at Val. “Time to get dressed.”
“I don’t feel well.”
“I don’t give a damn how you feel. We’re going to see the captain.”
“The captain?” she said nervously.
“To give him the jewels, of course. We also have to sto
