Here Comes the Money

The Mike and the White Shell lay quietly at anchor, just as Lin Nuo had instructed before leaving.

Suddenly, the water beside the ships burst apart, and a nimble silver figure leaped onto the deck.

Kokoro hurried over to Alice at the helm and Moria and the others keeping watch at the bow.

"Bad news. About three nautical miles ahead and to port, three ships are coming our way."

Alice frowned slightly. "Merchant ships? Or..."

"Not merchant ships." Kokoro shook her head. "They're flying pirate flags!"

"And I think they've spotted us. They're changing course and closing in!"

As she finished speaking, Moria added warily, "The Shadow Bats have reported back too. They're looking for trouble. Boys, get ready to work!"

He crooked a finger, and the shadows on the deck stirred.

The zombies Gerlo, Fera, and Dorum, along with the zombies made from those Marines, sprang into action and took their positions.

The remaining zombies waiting aboard the White Shell quickly crossed the rope net connecting the two ships.

Before long, three ships emerged from the thick fog, surrounding the Mike and the White Shell in a triangular formation.

The lead ship was the largest, with a figurehead shaped like a skull clutching a gold coin in its teeth.

Captain John stood at its bow.

He still held a bottle of liquor, and his drunkenness had yet to wear off, but his eyes, red with drink and greed, were unusually sharp.

His gaze went straight to the Mike, nestled between the other ships.

That ship... It looked familiar. He thought he had heard a description like it somewhere.

The lean swordsman officer beside him immediately leaned closer. "Captain, remember that merchant ship we intercepted a few days ago? What did that merchant who pissed himself say?"

"He said Tom's