Outside a small, ugly group had gathered and blocked their way. Jared had frowned and handed the packages to Mariah, freeing his gun hand. A middle-aged woman, plain as a horse, looked Mariah up and down, then slyly delivered a slurring comment to her companion. Mariah blanched as his hand hovered near his gunbelt and her hand gently restrained him from violence. Head proudly high, she stared the crowd down, defying their crude remarks. Finally the crowd began to disperse, shuffling away and she handed the packages back to him, hooking her arm in his to walk back to the wagon. He went reluctantly, his hand itching to repay them for the insults.
They’d ridden out of town, never looking back and only when they were alone on the trail had Mariah broken down, weeping in humiliation, and he’d stopped the team to draw her into his arms and comfort her.
Mariah’s voice suddenly broke into his thoughts, bringing him back to the present. “You look so fierce, Jared! What are you thinking of?”
“Man can’t have any private thoughts, married to you,” he replied sternly. “Actually I was thinking about that day in town, how proud I was of you. You made them all look like ants, striding away like you were the Queen of England!” Mariah blushed at the embarrassing memories. “Hate to admit I was wrong, but there’s more to you than that beautiful face. You’re coming through this trip better than most women raised out here.”
Mariah stared at him, wide-eyed and puzzled, as though she suspected some trick—an insult to follow the compliment. “Come over here, Mariah,” Jared requested. “Bet it’s cold over there by yourself. Just out of necessity we ought to stay close. You could freeze to death in these parts.” Jared’s face was serious but his eyes crinkled at the corners, fighting the threat of exposure.
Mariah wasn’t sure she should trust him, but moved to obey, knowing he could easily be moved to a violent display of temper. As she sat next to him, he drew a blanket over them both and pulled her close against him. She turned to him, to find him smiling down at her and as she relaxed, she melted into his arms and his mouth softly claimed her lips.
Chapter 19
Having finally reached San Francisco by way of Yuba City and Sacramento, Mariah and Jared found lodgings at a small hotel on Kearny Street off the Portsmouth Square area of the city. Tired and worn, they were nevertheless jubilant to be at the end of their journey. Jared arranged for them both to bathe and rest, then went off in search of old acquaintances. He promised to return in time to take her to dine at the fanciest place in town. “Get out your prettiest dress and be ready, love, I won’t be back later than six. I think you’ll be surprised how cosmopolitan the town is. Now, give me a kiss for luck and I’m off to find work.” Mariah hugged his neck, picking an imaginary piece of lint from his shoulder, her mouth pouting. They’d had several arguments about the “work” he was seeking. Jared insisted he’d be a dealer again, possibly in the same casino, the Sunburst on Washington Street.
“Of course, I wish you luck, Jared, but do you have to gamble to earn a living?” Mariah was sure the casinos were vile places, filled with loose women and nasty brutes spoiling for a fight. Over and over, she recalled what he had told of his having to leave town because of the man he’d shot, and she’d scared herself so much she was convinced it would happen again. Suddenly she had an idea. “Jared, don’t leave me here alone. If these casinos are such interesting places, why can’t I go too?” Her mouth curved in a gently pleading smile as she flirted to get her way. Reaching up, she softly touched his lips with hers, and she felt his mouth curve into a grin beneath the slight pressure of her mouth.
His voice low and husky, Jared whispered an emphatic no. “You think I want those slick gamblers and women-starved miners staring at you, stripping you naked with their eyes? Places like the Sunburst aren’t for ladies, my sweet. I can see you blushing with embarrassment at the sight of paintings of nude women, not to mention the bar girls who service the patrons upstairs!” He laughed aloud. “No, there’s no chance. You’ll wait here like an obedient wife.” She pouted as Lil had so frequently, but on Mariah the expression seemed sweet and only slightly spoiled. He kissed her once again and was off.
Mariah sullenly threw herself on the bed, temporarily defeated and close to a tantrum. Jared had begun to return to his original warmth toward her on the long trip. It seemed possible that he had decided to forgive her for the imagined wrongs she had done him, and she had grown confident they could rediscover the loving tenderness that had begun their marriage.
Jared walked along Washington Street, heading for Ben McCabe’s casino. The multitude of people crowding the streets amazed him. In ’49 when he’d arrived, the town had numbered only two thousand, and in the six months of his stay it had begun to grow, but now the town seemed almost like St. Louis or New York. The streets were still unpaved; rough-and-tumble types mixed with the nouveau riche, but the place had the exciting smell and sound of a big city. He smiled, thinking how much Mariah would enjoy shopping in the varied stores.
Jared stood before the Sunburst a moment before entering the casino. Judging by the noise, it was highly successful. He managed to make his way to the crowded bar. The sounds of high, feminine laughter mixed with shouted curses as miners in from remote claims won or lost fortunes at a turn of the roulette wheel or at the flip of a card in Monte. Carefully surveying the scene, Jared located McCabe’s dapper figure leaning against the bar, drink in one hand while his other slyly fondled the firm rounded derriere of one of his scantily clad girls. Jared’s long ambling strides carried him across the room and as he came upon the gambler, McCabe saw him in the reflection of the ornate, gilded mirror that ran the length of the bar. McCabe wheeled, surprised to see him.
“My God, Bryant, never thought I’d see you here again! Where’ve you kept yourself the past couple of years? Here, Finney,” he ordered the bartender, “give my friend whatever he wants. Still drink brandy, Jared? I never forget what a man drinks, son.” He brushed aside the blonde’s hand when she hooked it in his while flirting openly with Jared. “Off with you, Mabel, my friend and I have a lot of catching up to do.” He watched her leave and winked at Jared. “Fancy that, m’boy? She’s yours— compliments of the house for old time’s sake!” They sat in a small alcove, away from the noise, but affording them a view of everything that went on in the casino.
“I think I’d better pass on the offer. I got married since I saw you last, and I don’t think Mariah would appreciate my coming back smelling of cheap perfume.”
“Married, by God! You, of all people, never thought I’d see the day. She must be a looker—why didn’t you bring her along? We could’ve had a celebration!”
Jared smiled, amused by the suggestion. “Mariah is hardly the type to come here, Ben. I’m afraid I robbed the cradle when I married her. She’s only seventeen and has had a very proper upbringing in St. Louis. She was curious to see a casino, but I wouldn’t let her come along.” Jared took a swig of brandy and admitted, “This isn’t a strictly sentimental visit. I’d like to work for you again. With a wife to support…well, I’ve got responsibilities now. Got an opening?”
“I’d take you back anytime, m’boy. You were the best God damn dealer I had…why we lost…”
He was interrupted by a glad cry in a high, feminine voice as a slender silver-blonde threw herself into Jared’s lap, hugging him and planting a passionate kiss, long and full, on his mouth. “Jared Bryant, you scamp—when did you get back? Oh, darling, I missed you!”
Jared managed to extricate himself from her arms and, holding her back a bit, smiled a greeting. “You look better than ever, Del. By now, I would’ve thought you’d be married to some gullible old miner who’d struck it rich!” The curvaceous blonde had been his mistress when he worked there. She was the most sought-after of all the bar girls, and although she appeared to be in her early twenties, she was a well-preserved thirty-five. As he did now with every woman he met, Jared instantly compared her with Mariah. He decided Mariah would probably be jealous of Del�
�s worldly sensuality. He caught McCabe’s wry, amused grin and lifted Del to the seat next to him.
Del pouted prettily and then dimpled, showing even white teeth. All the girls who worked the casino wore heavy makeup but hers was skillfully applied and accentuated her best features. “I saved myself, you scamp, I knew you’d come back someday! This kind of atmosphere gets into your blood. Are you staying long?” Her hand teased the blond curls at his nape and he reluctantly removed it, pressing a kiss in the soft palm before he returned it to her lap.
McCabe watched Jared to see if he would mention his marriage and when he didn’t, finishing his drink instead, the gambler felt obliged to perform the task for him. “Jared’s come back to work for us, Del. I’m sure that should make your night.” He paused, slyly watching excitement light her face and then continued, “He’s got some other news, though. He married while he was away, and his wife’s here in town with him.” Jared frowned at Ben for informing her so bluntly.
“Jared Bryant, how could you! You always swore, at least to me, you’d never be trapped! I’d love to meet the paragon of virtue who made you change your mind. Why don’t you bring her by tomorrow night?” She was offended by the news and anxious to judge his wife for herself; then, about to leave and return to her duties, she impulsively threw her arms around his neck and pressed an open-mouthed, wanton kiss on his mouth. “I’m still glad you’re back, rascal. If you need a little variety, I’ll always be here.” Her blue eyes swept over him with a warm promise that was impossible to miss.
McCabe laughed heartily, slapping his knee, and signaled the barkeep for another round. “I thought I’d die when she said it was you she wanted to marry!” He pointed in the direction Del had taken. “Don’t know whether you noticed, but we got women dealers now. Del’s the best we got. You and she used to be quite a pair. Still don’t regret getting hitched?” Jared shook his head. “Hope your wife isn’t the jealous type—I got a fair idea you’ll be going home every night drenched in Del’s perfume.”
Sniffing the overpowering fragrance in the air, Jared was inclined to agree with his old friend. Already, he smelled like he’d had a bath in the stuff. The time passed so quickly as they discussed mutual acquaintances and continued to drink that before he knew it, it was almost eight o’clock. “I’ve got to get going, Ben, or you won’t have a dealer starting next week! I promised Mariah I’d be home for dinner two hours ago.” He rose and stuck out his hand, then had a sudden idea. “Ben, why don’t you come along and join us. I’d like you to meet Mariah.”
McGabe was more than happy with the invitation for he was as curious as Del about the woman who’d finally caught Jared, and after fetching his hat, he walked with Jared to the hotel.
In their room, an elegantly gowned Mariah tapped her foot impatiently. For the past hour she’d alternated between wanting to kill her husband and worrying that something horrible had happened to him. She swore if she had to wait another half-hour, she’d go out and search for him, regardless of whether or not it would make him angry. She furiously paced the room, planning what she would say to him when he finally arrived. So, you finally remembered you left me waiting, or, how nice of you to remember, darling, you’re only two hours late! But when she heard the sound of his key in the lock, Jared was barely in the door when she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and clinging tightly. “Oh, Jared, you had me so worried! I imagined all sorts of terrible things, gunfights, brawls…” Not to mention women, she thought, sniffing the heady perfume that lay about him like a cloak.
“I’m sorry, love. I started talking to McCabe and didn’t watch the time.” He kissed her and smiled. “You look as lovely as usual. I suppose you’re starving. I’ve got a surprise—brought McCabe with me. We can all have dinner together. He’s waiting for us in the lobby; just give me a minute to change clothes.”
“Jared,” she said coolly, “does Mr. McCabe by any chance have blonde hair?” She picked a strand of hair from his collar, holding it to the light.
Jared had the grace to flush, then quickly found an excuse for the evidence. “One of the girls I used to know came up and gave me a kiss for old time’s sake. No need to worry,” he lied, “I barely looked at her.”
As soon as he had changed into evening clothes, they went downstairs. McCabe rose from his seat as they came down the staircase into the lobby. Bowing over her hand, he told her he was charmed to meet her. Mariah had a chance to study him, while he turned to compliment Jared on his luck. He was over five feet eleven inches with straight, well-groomed sandy hair. Originally from England, he retained just enough of an accent after almost ten years in the States to make his speech clipped and courtly. A neatly trimmed, narrow mustache gave him a dapper air, and his clothes were well cut.
“Jared, I suggest since we’ve kept your lovely bride waiting so long, we treat her to the best restaurant in town. What do you say to the dining room at the St. Francis? It’s on me to celebrate your return to San Francisco and,” Ben added, with a deferential smile at Mariah, “your marriage to this stunning creature.”
At dinner, Mariah was so charmed by the gambler’s suave manners and wit that she lost her reservations about Jared’s choice of work. The man was charmingly attentive and when she told him they were looking for a permanent place to stay, he immediately suggested the Sunburst. “I have my own suite of rooms behind the main casino and there’s an empty apartment that would be just big enough for the two of you. It’s completely furnished and since no one’s making use of it, if Jared would agree, I’d be glad to make it part of his salary.” He glanced curiously at Jared, who wasn’t taken with the idea of having Mariah so close to the casino. “The apartment’s entirely closed off from the casino, Jared. There’s even a separate entrance from the street, so there’s no need for Mariah to mix with the customers or the girls.”
Jared wouldn’t agree at supper, but told Ben he’d discuss it with Mariah and let him know. Returning to the hotel close to midnight, McCabe graciously thanked them for joining him and politely tipped his hat to Mariah as he bid them good night.
When they returned to their room, Jared was adamant about finding other lodgings. “I didn’t want to insult Ben, but I won’t hear of it, Mariah. That’s final! Tomorrow we’ll go looking for a place. Now, be a nice girl and come to bed. You were enchanting tonight, and I’ve a mind to see whether you really missed me this afternoon!”
Mariah temporarily surrendered, joining him in the large, comfortable bed, but she’d pushed the offer from her mind only for the moment. The next day, they searched the town for the right type of rooms and nothing seemed to meet Mariah’s exacting standards. Finally, tired and worn, she managed to break down Jared’s resistance by pleading that he at least look at the apartment McCabe had offered. Glowering at her stubbornness, Jared gave in and took her to the Sunburst.
For all her insistence, Mariah was actually a little hesitant about entering the place. It looked wild and decadent, even from the outside, and the inside was worse. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling and the red velvet-papered walls were adorned with paintings of women in various stages of nudity. A balcony bordered the second floor and the ornate, heavily carved bar that paralleled one wall had a gold-veined mirror hung behind it.
At three in the afternoon, the place was just beginning to fill and as Jared cleared a path through the crowd, Mariah was aware that she was drawing attention by being the only woman present who was entirely clothed. The bar girls and women dealers wore brief, brightly colored costumes that showed more flesh than they covered. From the corner of her eyes she noticed one woman in particular, a silver-blonde, staring in their direction. When they found McCabe at the bar, he greeted them with a warm smile but Jared sensed a smug amusement in the gambler’s glance.
“I see the little lady prevailed upon your good judgment. Well, shall we go back and see the apartment?”
Once they were shown the rooms, Jared had no chance to disagree. Mariah fell in lo
ve with the lovely furnishings. Secretly, she had a desire to be close to Jared at work and she urged him to accept the offer with such a soft plea that he sighed and gave in. He still worried, but Mariah’s contented smile as she hugged him convinced him it would work out.
Chapter 20
The time passed quickly for Mariah while she was occupied with turning the small apartment into a home. It was really the first place of their own since they were married, and she was anxious to make it warm and cozy, a place where Jared could relax after work.
Once she had satisfactorily arranged the apartment, she realized she was bored. After about a month she still had no new friends to speak of although one of the girls from the bar, Natalie Moore, had struck up an acquaintance with her. Sometimes in the afternoons, Natalie would come to the apartment and visit with Mariah, fascinated by her elegant manners. Mariah would serve tea and tell her about St. Louis and Montana, and Natalie would recall her home town in Virginia.
Mariah was in a somewhat odd position, living between two worlds. She wasn’t the type to associate with the bar girls, but because of Jared’s position as a dealer, she would hardly be accepted into town society.
Sometimes Jared would bring Ben for a visit; and while the man was always charming, Mariah found his behavior rather strange. Several times she glanced up to catch him studying her, but when he noticed her puzzled expression, he would quickly drop his gaze. She was glad he wasn’t bold enough to visit when Jared wasn’t around for she had the strangest feeling that without Jared’s presence, he might have made an advance.
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