CHAPTER TEN
Luca slipped out of the alley with me following close behind him. Sailors and citizens alike traversed the streets in search of a quick buck or a quick way to spend it. Barkers employed by local businesses strolled the roadways and advertised their clients’ operations as being open the entire night. They shouted about the endless fun of drink, women, and song, though not often in that order. With our disguises, barkers and prospective patrons alike ignored us, though a few men with some impressive beer goggles whistled at me as we hurried past.
I sidled up close to Luca and lowered my voice to a whisper, though with all the hubbub around us that was hardly necessary. “So why don’t the official dock workers have the complete books?”
A slightly bemused smile spread across
