Chapter 21
Tony cleared his throat and stood up. After a moment, everyone looked at him expectantly. He had done so much and earned their trust and friendship in such a short period of time. Sylvia’s heart swelled with pride. Everyone had all but forgotten the disagreement over stealing Ruford’s ship.
“I realize I am a newcomer to your way of doing things,” he began. “But perhaps that gives me the ability to see things from a different perspective. I know smuggling is a time-honored tradition around these parts, and offers the potential for great profits. I’ve also seen how dangerous it can be. I want to propose an alternative.”
This was his idea? Sylvia had expected an entirely different kind of proposal. She tried to not let her disappointment show.
“In selling the brandy to your inl
