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If Willard was an assassin, he was without doubt a master of disguise, presenting to the world (and to Linette) a flawless facade of a simple sailor with lax hygiene and even laxer morals, who readily swallowed her insinuation that she was a prostitute retained for his pleasure by a friend. Only briefly did he seem to flirt with something resembling awareness in taking note of Conrad's presence.
Linette provided a breezy explanation, however, tipping Conrad a quick wink that he gave no sign of noticing (he even reached back and scratched his ass for good effect ... and because it itched), and Willard readily returned to what could ostensibly – if one were not too picky or sober – be described as flirting with Linette. Nothing in his tone or posture indicated that he suspected anything amiss.
As they moved away from the ship, Conrad stirred himself in the manner of one caught woolgathering and ambled in their wake.
Linette provided a breezy explanation, however, tipping Conrad a quick wink that he gave no sign of noticing (he even reached back and scratched his ass for good effect ... and because it itched), and Willard readily returned to what could ostensibly – if one were not too picky or sober – be described as flirting with Linette. Nothing in his tone or posture indicated that he suspected anything amiss.
As they moved away from the ship, Conrad stirred himself in the manner of one caught woolgathering and ambled in their wake.