“Well, I could hardly believe my eyes,” Whiskers said excitedly handing the letter over to her. “She said she’s often wondered what became of me too and would like to correspond. Lorelei did marry but not until she figured I wasn’t ever coming back. Her husband passed on three years ago of pneumonia and she has a son who’s ten.”
“Yes,” Crystal said, nodding as she read, “and she says here it’s hard raising a boy alone and he needs a male influence in his life. Whiskers, I think she’s still sweet on you.”
“Oh go on,” he replied, scratching his beard nervously.
“No, I mean it, I really do. You can tell a lot in a women’s letter. Look here,” she continued. Your old homestead is still standing and sound although it needs a lot of attention. Do you think you’ll ever come back this way? Why that’s almost an invitation; see how she signed it, Affectionately, Lorelei. Yes, she’s definitely interested.” Smiling, Crystal handed back the letter.
“What should I do?”
“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know. I’m still the same man.”
“That’s not true,” Crystal insisted. “You’ve come a long way very quickly. Your handwriting’s prettier than mine,” she teased.
“I suppose I could go back for a visit, you know to check the property over,” he said. “But I look so old.”
“She’s aged too you know and had a child. Don’t expect her to look the same way she did nearly twenty years ago.”
“I imagine that’s true,” he conceded. “I’ll need new duds.”
“And a haircut and shave,” she suggested, grinning.
Whisker peered at himself in her mirror and winced. “Guess that’s so too.”
“Go on; write the letter and start making your plans before you change your mind. Of course, if you get all duded up maybe one of the ladies here in town will try to catch you,” she teased.
“I never loved no other woman ‘cept Lorelei, Miss Crystal,” he said seriously as he straightened. “Wonder what her boy’s like.”
“Probably a rascal if he hasn’t had a Pa in three years.”
“Could be, but I’d set him on the right track soon enough,” Whiskers said proudly. “Lord, I can’t imagine having a young’un to care for. That’s quite a responsibility.”
“I’m sure it is,” she replied softly.
“Think I’ll write that letter right now. Maybe you can look it over for me and make sure I got everything spelled right.”
“I’d be delighted, in fact, I am delighted. No matter what happens you must write and tell me.”
“How long you planning on staying in Culpepper Cove?” he asked, taking a seat at the dressing table they used as a desk.
“As long as I have to.” Handing him some paper, she picked up the book of poetry Gerald loaned her and began to read.
***
Crystal didn’t see any customers for two days after Jasper left town. She cried much longer than that alone in her bed each night. He was gentlemanly enough to tell her why, explaining her ‘job’ was the one thing he couldn’t get past. If she would give it up, and was willing to give him some time to adjust, he would stick around; but there was no way he could continue to allow her to rip a piece of his heart out every night.
She wanted to tell him the truth and knew she was being unreasonable and stubborn, but for some reason she couldn’t help herself. If he loved her, truly loved her, he would accept her as she was. Even knowing that if the shoe were on the other foot and Jasper was making love to some woman night after night, she’d shoot him, plain and simple didn’t help. It appeared to her that since her father’s murder, she hadn’t had her head screwed on tight. Her heart and mind seemed to be at constant war with each other.
She still hadn’t completely forgiven him for that horrible spanking he’d given her either. For heaven’s sake, it was just a little water and she hadn’t fallen. Knowing he was even capable of applying that kind of discipline to her backside made her wonder how he would react if she did something really dangerous. It was enough to make her extremely leery or very well-behaved, she wasn’t sure which.
And that paddle he’d made. He really wouldn’t use that thing on her, would he? Yes, she kind of thought he would if he felt justified. Finally, she pulled herself together and went back to work trying to convince herself she’d dodged a bullet of her own.
***
Adam Barlow returned from San Francisco having found out very little. It seemed many mines in the area were changing hands quite rapidly. This kind of thing was rampant and the Land Management office had neither the time nor the staff to investigate each and every claim that came through their office. If anything struck them as odd, they’d notify him.
Jewel and the gems tried to keep her spirits up, especially Citrine who was such a kind-hearted friend. Nothing seemed to help.
Jasper hadn’t touched her in any way that was more than cordial since she spent the night at his home. Well, except for that spanking. That was anything but cordial. As a result of his restraint, Crystal was finding herself with all sorts of desires she had no way to satisfy. Her life became a nightmare filled with dreams of her father’s killer, memories of Jasper touching her in ways that woke her up with night sweats and fear of the future.
On one particularly awful day, Jewel entered her room with a short knock and caught her stuffing her things into a bag.
“Going to chase him down, are you?” she asked casually as she stood watching.
“Certainly not,” Crystal replied. “These are just some things I’m getting rid of.”
“I see.”
“Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?”
“There is,” Jewel admitted. “I haven’t said anything to you before because Jasper and Gabe were both keeping a close eye on you. Now that Jasper’s gone, I feel I must speak with you about it.”
“Go on,” Crystal said, taking a seat on her bed.
“Sheriff Justice tells me there have been inquiries regarding Clyde McKay’s boy. Jebidiah isn’t familiar with these people and he certainly isn’t aware Clem McKay is now Crystal of The Red Petticoat Saloon. I just want you to be extra careful, especially on those morning rides.”
“You know about those?” Crystal asked surprised.
“There’s not much that goes on around here I don’t know about. Just watch your back, dear, and make sure to report anyone acting suspiciously to Gabe.”
“I will, and thank you,” Crystal replied quietly.
“Whatever you’re looking for, whatever it is that keeps you here when you’re so unhappy, I hope you resolve it soon.”
“Are you unhappy with my work here?”
“Not at all,” Jewel replied. “I have thirteen hams hanging in the smokehouse,” she continued with a laugh as she went out the door.
***
Jasper paced the bedroom of his suite like a caged animal. He’d only been gone a week and already he was regretting his decision. His ship was due to leave in two days and for the life of him he couldn’t remember where he was going. He’d booked the first passage out he could get. He wasn’t used to being on the run, and that’s what it felt like. His traveling was normally for pleasure, yet there was no pleasure in this trip.
What if she needed him and he wasn’t there? Clyde McKay’s killer was still out there somewhere, possibly searching for his son. Was Jasper the kind of man who took off when the going got rough? Apparently, he thought in disgust.
Why had he let her call all the shots? A few more spankings like the one he administered to her that day might have brought forth a ‘come to Jesus’ moment. He should have been much firmer with her regarding her behavior, insisting she give up her job. She could watch and listen for the killer just as easily serving drinks downstairs where he could have kept a close eye on her. Why hadn’t he insisted on that?
What a fool he was in thinking a little distance would cool his feelings for her. She was everything he w
anted in a woman. Beautiful, smart, kind, funny, generous, she was adventurous in bed and she smelled delicious. On the negative side she was stubborn… no determined. Yes, that sounded better. And loyal; he’d never met a woman who was more so. Not to him of course, she felt no sense of loyalty to him, but to her father. Her steadfastness in finding his killer was a credit to her, and Jasper had no doubt were she to agree to marry him, she would show him that same loyalty.
Clem was honest, sometimes painfully so, but still, it was a sign of good character. All in all, she was damned near perfect but for her sassy mouth, no wait, that was wit. She was witty which sounded much more acceptable.
Truly the only real flaw she had was she’d decided to become a whore and really, was that her fault? No it was not! Circumstances had forced her into it and it was his duty, no an obligation he owed all womanhood, to assist her in her hour of need. And what had he done; deserted her. He should be ashamed.
A man, a real man deserving of her love and devotion would hightail it back to Culpepper Cove and stand by her come what may. At the very least he could give her a little more time to accomplish her ‘mission’ before putting that paddle to good use and convincing her to marry him. Spanking her daily would be overstepping the civilized boundaries of such things, but he wasn’t above resorting to that, if need be. After all, he could spend the rest of his life making it up to her.
Pouring a glass of brandy, Jasper smiled. Yes, at first light he would head back to Culpepper Cove and show her he was made of sterner stuff than she imagined. Maybe she even missed him?
Chapter Thirteen
“I’ve heard a lot of talk about the new girl,” the man said as Clem led him upstairs. “Figured it was time I came and found out what all the fuss was about.”
“I’m glad you did.” Pasting a smile on her face, she indicated the door to her room. You have no idea how glad. I’ve been waiting for you. Her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid he’d hear it, her hands so sweaty she feared they would slip off the doorknob. “Go ahead in Mr. White. I’ll just be a moment. I want to freshen up.”
“Yes, you do that. From what I hear you’ll be worth the wait.”
“I hope so. Sometimes waiting makes everything that much sweeter,” she drawled.
In the washroom, she leaned on the sink and stared at her reflection in the mirror. It would be over soon, she realized. Soon she could leave Culpepper Cove behind her. Most likely there wouldn’t be time to say goodbye to Jewel and the others. Life on the lam meant you kept moving, never staying long in one place, never making friends. It was a lonely existence but one she was ready for, especially now that Jasper was gone.
The annoying man had finally given up on her and left town. Too bad he hadn’t waited a few more days. At least then he’d know the truth about her. It was too late now. She never got to whisper those words in his ear, never told him she was going to have his child, never told him she was delighted, and never told him she loved him.
Wiping away a tear, she splashed cold water on her face and pinched her cheeks. It wouldn’t do to look wan. Her entire future depended on what happened in the next few minutes. Either Carl White would sign a confession admitting he’d murdered her father or he’d be dead and she’d be on her way to Mexico. Thank God she had money.
He looked like such a harmless man, slightly overweight, rosy cheeks, the kind of man who would have a lot of friends. Amiable, she thought absently. Could she kill him? Could she take a life in cold blood? The Lord said an eye for an eye, but was that her right? Carl White hadn’t shown her father one ounce of mercy. He’d driven what he thought was a penniless young boy off the land that was rightfully his. Yes, damn it to hell, she could kill him if she had to. Her reflection showed a pretty young girl whose brown eyes were cold, purposeful. Drying her hands, she walked stiffly to her room.
“So, they call you Crystal,” he remarked, taking off his gun belt.
“Yes, they do. Here, I’ll take that for you,” she offered sweetly, holding out her hand.
He hesitated before handing it over and she clamped her lips closed on her sigh of relief when he finally did. Going to the door, she hung it on a hook on the back. “All the girls here have the name of a gem.” Walking to her dressing table she began to unfasten her dress.
“Why Crystal?” he inquired conversationally as he sat on the bed and toed off his boots.
Oh that voice, that calm pleasant voice. It made her want to vomit.
“Crystal is not really a gem,” she replied. “Not in the truest sense of the word anyway. It’s colorless and a little cold maybe,” she continued, dropping her dress and exposing her red petticoat and corset. Picking it up, she draped it over the chair and turned around. She watched him in the mirror, saw his eyes cloud over with desire as she leaned forward, patting her hair.
“It doesn’t have the fire of a diamond, or the rich hues of the other gems, but there is still something special about it, don’t you think?” she asked. Picking up a bottle, she dabbed a touch of perfume on her neck before opening a drawer and reaching inside.
“If you say so, honey,” he agreed. “Now, why don’t you come on over here to the bed?”
“A crystal has other attributes though,” she continued as though he hadn’t spoken. Her cold fingers closed around the grip of her gun and picked it up. “It has brilliance to it, reflecting back the colors around it. It’s a unique and clever little stone, stealing from its environment. Don’t you agree?” she asked, turning around and pointing her gun squarely at his chest.
Carl White jumped to his feet in shock.
“Sit down, Mr. White. It would bother me to kill you before telling you why.”
His eyes traveled to the door where his guns hung and he wisely decided he couldn’t reach them before she pulled the trigger. Sinking to the bed, he looked at her and smiled.
“What’s this all about, Crystal? If it’s money, it’s a piss poor way to make it, robbing your customers,” he taunted.
“I guess in a way it is about money, for you. For me, it’s about justice. You see, I want you to pay for killing Clyde McKay.”
“Yes, I heard something about that. Word is his funeral was well attended by gems. Was he one of your favorites? I was sorry to hear about his death,” he offered congenially as his glance darted around the room as though seeking another way out.
Pleasant, his voice was always so pleasant and it made her furious. He inched toward the foot of the bed and she cocked the gun.
“Were you, Mr. White? Were you sorry to pull the trigger and shoot him in cold blood? And don’t move another inch,” she snapped, bringing up her other hand to grasp the heavy barrel of her weapon.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he snorted. “You’d better stop this right now. No one knows how Clyde McKay died, except maybe his half-witted boy and he ran off.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I’ve asked around town, wanted to help the lad if I could, but he up and disappeared.”
Crystal laughed. The sound was as cold and colorless as her name.
“You’re mistaken, Mr. White. Not only did he not run off, but he’s still around to bear witness to his father’s cold blooded murder… against you, Mr. White.”
“That’s impossible,” he snarled, losing his composure for the first time. Suddenly, his narrowed eyes and his rough voice allowed a glimpse into his dark soul. “I’ve searched all over for that kid.”
“You were looking in the wrong places,” she informed him coolly. “You see Clyde McKay never had a son, only a daughter.”
“A daughter?” he demanded.
“Yes, a daughter who watched you murder her father and is now ready to blow you to kingdom come.”
“You?” he asked, sweat beading on his brow.
Crystal nodded, once. “You have two choices and at this point I really don’t care which you pick,” she said, regretting the weight of the pistol in her hands. Her arms were starting to sh
ake. “You can sign a confession stating you killed my father in cold blood to get your hands on our mine, or I can kill you. Truthfully, I prefer the second one as my arms are getting tired and I’ll kill you if I think for one second I’m going to drop it. Hurry up, Mr. White. Each second you delay is bringing you closer to meeting your maker.”
“Suppose you miss?” he suggested with a smug expression on his face.
“You can pray for that if you wish, something you didn’t allow my father, but it’s unlikely.”
“Where’s the paper?” he sighed.
***
Jasper entered The Red Petticoat Saloon and made straight for the bar. The look on his face didn’t encourage conversation and the gems looked at each other before Opal approached him.
“What can I get you?” she asked, wiping the bar in front of him.
“Bourbon,” he replied.
“I thought you left town,” she remarked, setting his drink down.
“I did, but I forgot something.” With a frown, he picked up his glass and stared into it.
“Crystal?” she enquired gently.
Jasper nodded once before taking a drink and Opal patted his hand in sympathy. Shooting Gabe a look, she walked away.
“Things didn’t work out for you in San Francisco?” Gabe asked, taking Opal’s place.
“You could say that. Any good games going on?” he asked, looking around the room.
“Only upstairs,” Gabe replied, nodding toward the upper level.
Whiskers approached the bar and ordered a beer. He wiped his lip after taking a drink of the frothy brew Gabe placed before him. Watching the clock, he drummed his fingers on the bar.
Jasper looked at the clock too as an unsettling feeling came over him.
“Aren’t you usually with Crystal around this time?” he asked with a cool tone.
“Yes, and it’s mighty important I see her tonight. This isn’t like her at all, being late, I mean.”
Crystal's Calamity (The Red Petticoat Saloon) Page 12
