by Maggie Ryan
Leaving the two, she checked in on the dining room, not the least bit surprised to find it at capacity. With Ruby confined to her home, Jewel wondered if perhaps she should put up a notice in the window for help. She and Gabe had discussed his hiring a few more men to help with the mining, John, Carlos and Sam agreeing that it might be a good idea as the amount of work involved in mining the gold found would assure not only steady work but a steady income for quite some time. Perhaps they should discuss hiring more help for the saloon as well. A woman wouldn’t have to offer her body to make a living at the Red Petticoat. She could assist in the kitchen, serve meals and drinks, or even deal cards. A pink petticoat beneath her dress would let any customer know that she was not going to put one foot on the stairs.
Jewel smiled seeing Dottie leading not one but two miners into the bathing room. What had been originally conceived as giving the men a gentle shove towards deciding to perhaps clean up a bit after a hard week of mining, had turned into a huge moneymaker for the Petticoat. Men might not want to jump into some icy river, but had quickly accepted the fact that a clean smelling miner not only had more luck with a gem, but when that gem assisted with a bath… well, what miner in his right mind would resist?
Moving into the saloon proper, she smiled and greeted guests. Opal was behind the bar, customers lined up along its length. Since Amy was not in sight, Jewel assumed the woman had gone upstairs with a client. Slipping behind the mahogany counter, she began to pour whiskey, chatting with each customer, giving them a smile and thanking them for the coins pressed into her hand or slid across the glossy wooden surface.
“Thanks for the help. We are busy tonight,” Opal said as she wiped up a spill.
“It makes the time go faster,” Jewel said, placing two tumblers of whiskey, glasses of tequila and a pair of mugs filled with beer on a tray for Silver who served drinks during breaks from singing.
“Oh, a new face, and quite a handsome one as well,” Opal said, moving back down the bar, a smile on her lips as she greeted a new customer.
Jewel smiled. Opal had been with her from the beginning and always had a ready smile and a kind word for anyone who walked in the door. With that thought, she paused in setting the bourbon bottle on the shelf on the wall. Perhaps she should have kept her suggestion to herself… who was she to hint to John that he might use a portion of his pay to make an honest woman out of Opal? In fact, didn’t making the suggestion hint that she thought Opal somehow wasn’t happy with her life as it was? She’d just always assumed the two were a couple and yet when John wasn’t in residence, Opal usually didn’t find her bed empty… at least not during business hours. She was a very popular gem, one who had a steady clientele. A gem who truly seemed to enjoy her work.
Then again, Jewel watched with a bit of surprise when Opal introduced Onyx to the stranger, giving them both a wave as the man stepped away from the bar to follow the gem up the stairs. Moving closer to Opal, Jewel smiled. “What’s the matter? He didn’t meet your expectations?”
Opal’s cheeks flushed as she busied herself wiping a counter that was sparkling clean. “No, um, he seemed very nice.” Sighing, the gem met Jewel’s eyes. “I don’t know… I just keep thinking about John. I guess I’m a bit more worried than I thought I’d be. I’m sorry if you don’t think I’m pulling my weight.”
“Hush, you have nothing to apologize for,” Jewel said, giving her friend a hug. “I keep worrying about Gabe as well.”
Opal managed a smile but shook her head. “Still, you don’t pay me to hide behind a bar when I could be making more money upstairs.”
Jewel put her hands on her hips, her eyes flashing. “Actually, I don’t pay you at all. You work and pay me a share of your profits. You make your own decisions and if you no longer want to go upstairs, not just tonight but at any time, you just let me know.”
The gem took a moment to respond and then nodded. “You are so unlike any madam I’ve ever known, Jewel.”
“Maybe, but I can’t change who I am no more than you can. You are the only one who knows what you want. I’ve got a pink petticoat waiting if that’s what you decide.”
Sighing, Opal again nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out.”
Jewel gave her another hug. “Take your time. We can always keep you busy down here.” The two women moved apart, their smiles returning as they busied themselves serving the men standing three deep around the bar.
With Amy’s return, Jewel took a break to stroll through the rooms again. She wasn’t the least bit surprised to find Ben leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, his eyes darting daggers at any man who did more than ask for another card, announce they were folding or stating their bid. He was quite possibly the only man at the tables who knew which dealer was Damaris. Ben had staked his claim and it didn’t appear that it mattered how long it would take for Damaris to capitulate. Dottie had reappeared and was dancing across the floor while Silver’s voice lifted on the air. Both glasses and coins clinked repeatedly, laughter overrode the occasional grumble. All in all, it had been a very successful evening. It took Moses making an appearance, standing right beside the batwing doors for the final stragglers to get the hint that the saloon was closing. Moses thanked each one for coming, reminding them that tomorrow was another day but his deep voice and huge presence assured the men that it wouldn’t do to argue or complain or demand yet another swig of whiskey “for the road.”
“Thanks again for letting me stay,” Delaney said as she and her sister walked towards the room that had once been Diamond’s but was now occupied by her sister, Coal.
“You’re always welcome,” Jewel assured her. “I must admit, I don’t think either of you had a vacant chair all night.”
“We didn’t,” Coal confirmed.
“Not even Ben could keep them away,” Delaney said, bumping her hip into her sister’s. “That man is just so dang cute.”
“That man is…” Damaris began and then smiled. “Yeah, he is pretty cute isn’t he?” The sisters giggled, waving their goodnights before disappearing into the bedroom. Jewel went into the kitchen, smiling when Nettie immediately handed her a cup of her special coffee. “In case I haven’t told you lately, I do love you so, Nettie,” Jewel said, giving the woman a kiss on her cheek as she accepted the cup. “Did you ever get a break?”
“No, but I ain’t complainin’. It makes my heart glad to see my food being eaten.”
“Not just eaten, but enjoyed,” Jewel corrected, snatching two of the last cookies remaining on a platter as Moses entered the room, followed by the other occupants of the saloon.
“Everyone’s gone, Miss Jewel,” he told her. “I even checked upstairs to make sure no one had fallen asleep in one of those comfy beds.”
“Thank you, Moses,” Jewel said, smiling as he swept at least a half dozen cookies from the platter. “Though I can’t say I’d blame them. As much as I enjoyed camping up at the mine, I admit I missed my own bed.”
“Hey!” Opal said, her hand coming away empty as Charlie plucked the last cookie up.
“Here,” Jewel said, offering her one of hers.
“Thanks, I’m starving!” Opal said.
Onyx slid into a chair, reaching over to break off half of the cookie in Opal’s hand. “Me too!”
Watching her take a huge bite, Jewel remembered the stranger. “So, how was the new man?”
“Even though I think he was disappointed that Opal turned him down, he was very polite and seemed very, um, appreciative,” Onyx said.
“Of course he was,” Opal teased. “After all, he got to spend some time with a beautiful gem who is known for voicing her own appreciation quite loudly.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” Onyx asked, her expression showing her puzzlement.
“I did mention beautiful, remember?” Opal reminded her.
“Oh, right. Why thank you,” Onyx said, giving her a slight bow. “But, he seemed to enjoy talking. He asked all sorts of quest
ions…”
Jewel saw Charlie’s head pop up at that statement. “What sort of questions?”
Onyx shrugged. “You know… the regular. Wanted to know about the saloon. Seems like the last time he was in town, it wasn’t here. Well, the building was here but it was all rundown or something?” She finished her half of the cookie and brushed the crumbs from her décolletage. “Oh, and I think he’s a friend of Mr. Gabe’s. He asked if I knew a Señor Vasquez. That is Mr. Gabe’s last name? Right?” Before anyone could answer, she giggled, continuing. “I hope it is because I told him that I did. Anyway, he said that he was an old friend from some town in Mexico… some hilly place?”
“Could it be Guadalupe Hidalgo?” Jewel asked, finally managing to get a word in.
“I think that was it. I don’t understand Spanish but that sounds right,” Onyx confirmed. “Anyway, I told him that it was too bad he didn’t come earlier in the day because he could have talked to Mr. Gabe.” She giggled and leaned forward displaying her ample bosom a bit more. “Of course, after I told him that Mr. Gabe had left today to go to San Francisco, I encouraged him to return every day so he won’t miss him when he returns. Wasn’t that smart? I’m sure he’ll be coming back.”
“Ladies, I think it’s best we don’t advertise the fact that Gabriel is gone,” Charlie said with a frown. “People have come to not only expect his presence but tend to be better behaved knowing he’s on the premises even if they don’t see him.”
Seeing the disappointment on Onyx’s face, Jewel reached over to pat her arm. “But, yes, it never hurts to give a bit of encouragement to a customer, to invite him to return if he appears to be a nice person.”
“Oh, he was very nice. Very nice indeed if you know what I mean,” she said with a giggle.
Not particularly wanting to hear the exact details of their time spent upstairs, Jewel just nodded. “Yes, I’m sure we do. And Charlie doesn’t mean be rude to anyone even if it winds up he doesn’t know Gabe,” Jewel said, sipping her coffee. “Though it would be nice for Gabe to reunite with a friend from his hometown,” Jewel said. “If this… what’s this man’s name?”
Once again, her brow furrowed and she sat back, waving her hand. “I don’t know. He didn’t actually ask for a formal introduction. I just called him darlin’,” Onyx said with a big yawn.
“Well if he comes in again, make sure to point him out to Charlie or Moses and, I’d like to meet him as well. If he is a friend of Gabe’s or planning on staying in town, I’ll extend an invitation to the Christmas party.”
“I will. But if everyone actually invited comes, this place is gonna be bursting at the seams.”
“I know, but I can’t turn anyone away. No one should be alone on Christmas day,” Jewel said, turning to where Nettie had finally taken a seat. “In fact, I was thinking we might need to hire a few people to help you…”
“I don’t need no strangers messin’ up my kitchen,” Nettie said.
“Even if they don’t actually do the cooking, they could help prep and serve. Every chair was full tonight and I don’t want you to become exhausted,” Jewel said, reaching over to pat Nettie’s hand. “I want you to enjoy the holidays and not work yourself into a tizzy.”
“That’s a good idea,” Moses said. “I keep telling her to add a few breaks even if she manages a nap.”
“Pshaw, I’ve got things to do and people are countin’ on me to do them! Besides, how am I supposed to nap when you take up the whole dang bed?” Nettie said, her eyes flashing but her smile huge.
“And on that note, it’s time we retire,” Charlie said, standing and taking Silver’s hand.
“Me too,” Opal stated, rising from the table. “I’m beat and if tonight is any indication of what we can expect tomorrow, I need my beauty sleep. Thanks for the cookie… well, half a cookie, Jewel.”
“I’ll share mine the next time,” Onyx promised. She turned to Nettie. “Jewel’s right… if you had more help, we could have more cookies.”
“You just want more sweets,” Amy teased.
“Don’t we all?” Jewel quipped, finishing both her coffee and cookie and rising. “I’m going to bed as well.” Once the kitchen was empty except for Moses and Nettie, she turned back. “I’m serious, Nettie. Gabe and I will discuss it, but you work far too hard and I’ve asked you to do even more with all the cooking for the party. You deserve some rest.”
“Child, don’t you fret about me,” Nettie said. “I’m happiest when I’m busy, but if you find someone like Ruby or Della… that help I wouldn’t turn away.”
“We’d make sure you have the last say,” Jewel assured her. God knew she certainly wouldn’t want to upset the rhythm of Nettie’s kingdom. She wanted to make Nettie’s life easier, not have the woman feel like her feelings didn’t matter or… heaven forbid, having her chasing some poor soul about the kitchen table, threatening the new employee with a taste of her wooden spoon.
Once in her bedroom, Jewel removed her clothing and sighed. Why did the bed look so large, so empty? Smiling as she remembered Nettie’s words, she slid between the sheets, pulling the pillow where Gabe rested his head into her arms. Perhaps she’d be asking David Cray if he could build a much larger bed for Moses and Nettie to share. The man’s size guaranteed that he had to bend in half to even fit on the bed presently and Nettie wasn’t quite as tiny as Moses seemed to believe. Mr. Cray had done a wonderful job helping them build the saloon and she couldn’t think of a better gift for the man who seemed as determined as she in making Nettie happy.
Chapter 13
So, Vasquez was in San Francisco. That was actually a good thing as far as he was concerned. It would give him an opportunity to scope out the mine and since he wasn’t expected back for days, it also gave him time to return to the Red Petticoat. Though he thought the name was a bit ridiculous… he had to admit, he’d been pleasantly shocked at the vast improvement it was over his previous watering hole. Not only was the interior the finest he’d ever seen in any saloon, the liquor had gone down without the usual acrid burn of rotgut and the women… well, they were some of the prettiest whores he’d ever seen. Even though the first woman hadn’t accepted his invitation for a tumble, he could understand her need to help that gorgeous blonde in serving drinks behind the bar. Hell, he’d had to push through the crowd to even place his order.
Onyx, not her real name he’d learned but her gem name used to protect her real identity had been well worth the coin he’d parted with. A bit too talkative for his liking but she hadn’t hesitated to answer his questions. He grinned thinking he’d managed to cut off the endless flow of her words when he’d stated his preference was for a woman to use her mouth. Once his cock was deep within her throat, he’d discovered she was quite talented in that department. He’d been in countless brothels and had seen many sickly whores. However, the women at the Petticoat weren’t only pretty, they kept high standards of cleanliness. Onyx had insisted on washing him herself and offered to actually give him a full bath or even share one with him. If she was as clean as she looked, hell, he’d be more than happy to sink his cock into her cunt.
Slipping from his saddle, he looped the reins around a low hanging branch. He’d walk the rest of the way. No need to announce his presence. A half hour later, he stood in the shadows, scanning the area. It seemed that Culpepper Cove wasn’t the only thing to have changed. A cabin now stood where there should have been nothing but a clearing. Smoke curling from the chimney assured him that even with Vasquez being gone, the cabin was occupied. Was Carlos still working for Vasquez? More importantly, who else might be up here?
Moving again, he squatted down behind a boulder at the tree line where it met the edge of the river. From here, he could see the entrance to the mine. It appeared a great deal deeper than most holes he’d seen poked into the dirt, but was it any more profitable? He stood and instantly dropped down again as a man stepped from the mouth of the mine. It definitely wasn’t Carlos. This man was a gringo and the fact
that he was holding a rifle, his eyes doing their own scanning told that he was most likely not a miner either.
So, Gabriel had the need for security? That could only mean one thing. The man had found gold… and enough gold to build a cabin and hire protection. That was very interesting. Still, he needed to know exactly how many men were up here. A growl had him only moving the direction of his gaze. Some sort of dog was standing a few feet away, his beady little eyes locked onto him. Not moving a single muscle, the two continued to stare at each other until a shrill whistle had the dog turning his head.
“Scamp? Come on boy. Leave the fish alone.”
The dog gave a final growl and then turned and trotted off. Yeah, that’s right, scamper away. He’d have to find a better place to watch the comings and goings of anyone up here. Then again, perhaps he’d just return to the saloon and Onyx. With a few drinks in her and some personal, intimate attention, the whore might give him all the answers he needed without the need to shoot some stupid dog, though, with a name like Scamp, he’d be doing the mutt a favor.
“Seems your persistence has served you very well,” Paul Adams said. “That’s quite a deposit.”
Gabe nodded. “I’m pleased,” he stated, then grinned. “Hell, I’m thrilled. Nothing like seeing a gamble pay off.”
“And how’s that pretty partner of yours?”
“Better than any amount of gold,” Gabe said without hesitation. The two men were friends, Paul having helped Gabe with the legalities of staking his first claim and adding to it over the past several months. He’d also been the one to inform Jewel that the piece of paper she’d won in a poker game didn’t give her the rights to an entire gold mine… but half of one. Paul had told him of Jewel’s obvious shock at the news, but Gabe had learned what an incredible, resilient woman she was. She’d instantly adjusted her expectations and worked to keep her dream alive. And not only her dream but those of the women who’d traveled from New Orleans to California with her. Jewel had never allowed him to doubt his dream either. She’d encouraged him at every turn, poured money into paying their men as weeks passed when nothing more than rocks and dirt were pulled from the earth. He’d never forget her expression as she’d stood in the cavern, the pure joy of discovery like a light shining through her very soul. He’d known it wasn’t purely for the gold they’d found, but that she was sharing in the exact moment that Gabe had realized his dream. She truly was a remarkable woman.
