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At pier 4, the steamship Moro Castle was docking. Deck hands busily weighed anchor and tied the hawsers to the pier posts and cleats. Several families stood on deck watching the process with excitement. With the vessel secure and the gangplank set out, passengers stepped down onto the dock to the waiting throng of tip-hungry ninos begging to perform some minor service. The women looked stunning with their corseted waistlines, long dresses, brimmed hats, and white gloves. Jerome sat on the bench outside a row of merchant shops across from the wharf and stared at them thinking how inappropriately dressed they were for their days ahead. Just then, Captain Max Badger stood at the top of the gangplank holding his eyepiece up to his eye before taking the first step onto the plank. He looked up and smiled benevolently over the city like some newly arriving dignitary. At the sight of him, Jerome’s anguish melted as he wondered how he dared to feel some of the uncharitable thoughts that he harbored for this man and that burdened his soul. Jerome felt a momentary compulsion to rush over and embrace him, knowing it wasn’t the worst thing in the world to have his friend and mentor in on his new undertaking. Things would turn out somehow. This man was Glory’s godfather, after all. He would do anything for her, and as Glory’s husband, that generosity would surely extend to him. The notion filled him with guilt as he knew his scheme blatantly disadvantaged this man who was magnanimous through to his core and deserved nothing but the utmost of respect and the kindest affection. Wincing from a flash of shame, Jerome’s neck flushed red. But he didn’t have time for hesitation or self-reflection. This was his time in his life! The captain was fond of the saying, Carpe Diem. Yes, Jerome thought. Today was the day to be seized.
