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Chapter 3: Eurydice

His expression dropped. His mouth continued to hang open as his small black eyes wandered over John. They grew even wider as Iris moved forward, stepping out from behind her husband, becoming visible to the man. His quick eyes searched her, coming to rest variously on her breasts and her hair. He then turned away to cast his gaze down the length of the wharf, and allowed an impassive grimace to settle over his features.

“That’s fine,” he said. “That’s fine. That’s fine. We’ll be off for the ship in just a bit. Waiting for some crewmen. Just a bit. Settle in then,” he directed them to sit in the boat behind him. “We’ll be off in just a bit.”

John stepped down into the boat without assistance from the man, who continued staring expectantly down the wharf, then turned to help Iris in. They sat obediently toward the stern, and placed hands demurely on knees. The small crewman acted as though they were not there.

Iris leaned forward. “What’s your name?” she said to the man, her voice indicating that they might soon become the best of friends.

“I’m called Wiley,” the man said, without turning. “Wiley. It’s what the men call me.”

“Hello, Wiley,” she said, “I’m Mrs. Merchant, and this is my husband John.”

The man ignored them.

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