by Maggie Ryan
“Well, some men have all the luck,” Paul said. “Not many find either gold or the woman of their dreams.”
“And that brings me to you,” Gabe said. “Originally my men didn’t believe they’d welcome help, but after a few days, they decided it sure wouldn’t hurt. So, we’re gonna need some more men. I don’t want to just hire anyone but thought you might have an idea who might be interested. The pay would be good and I’m even willing to build another cabin or two.”
“So single men only?” Adam asked.
Gabe gave that some thought and shrugged. “I guess I hadn’t really thought of that. I mean, none of my men are married… well, except for the lawmen I’ve hired for security. But even those are only doing me a favor until I get more men. Tripp is setting up meetings with a few men he knows.” He paused, giving the question more thought. If he was right, he thought there was at least several years’ worth of work at the mine and perhaps more once they explored deeper into the mountain. Making a decision, he answered.
“Not necessarily. Since none of my men are currently married, I guess I just thought anyone interested would be single. But, I won’t be surprised if my head man takes the plunge soon. So, sure, if you know of someone who’s married, I’m not going to automatically count them out.”
Paul nodded, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “You know, you could always join the mining cooperative. They’d provide both protection and miners.”
Gabe instantly shook his head. “Not interested. None of us have busted our asses to give some strangers any amount of control or share. Nope, I don’t mind hiring my own people.”
“Very good, just wanted to mention the option. But, about the miners. I asked because I had a couple of fellows in here just a few days ago. Seems they had spent almost a year now working on a mine with a bit of success early on but have finally admitted its petered out. One has a family… a wife and some young’uns. Though he could return to England, he’d rather stay in America if he can find a job to support his family. Doesn’t want to stay in the city though and I can’t say I blame him. We’re changing but not fast enough to offer a man a wholesome place to raise a family unless he’s rich. Miller isn’t but he’s a good man, an honest man.”
“And if he’s mined for a year, an experienced man,” Gabe added, nodding his head. “Sure, I’ll meet him if you can set it up. I’m heading back home in a couple of days.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” The two talked for a bit longer, catching up. Paul finally stood when Gabe did. “Which hotel are you staying at?”
“Call me sentimental, but we’re at the Emory Inn.”
Paul chuckled. “You might look the same but you’re a different man, Vasquez. Men in this town tend to stay in the waterfront district.”
“Not interested,” Gabriel said with a grin.
“Yeah, I know and I’m happy for you. I’ll send Miller and Townsend to you.”
Gabe shook his hand. “Thanks, and you’ll have the paperwork ready before I leave?”
Patting the pad on the surface of his desk, the lawyer nodded. “I will, but like I said, it would be a good idea to find someone with experience to help you with this as well.” When Gabe just sighed, Paul slapped him on his back. “Chin up. When you first started out, you were a loner, responsible only for yourself. Today, you’re not only a successful miner, you’re an employer and are going to be a philanthropist. If you don’t look out, you’re going to be besieged by any number of people promoting their cause. A good manager would keep that to a minimum.”
“I’ll discuss that with Jewel as well,” Gabe said with a shudder. “God knows, I’ve got a full plate with just the mine and the Petticoat and Jewel works too hard as it is.”
“Welcome to the American dream,” Paul quipped.
Gabe walked back to the inn where he’d first met Jewel to find John and Tripp had already returned and were in the sitting room, talking with Walter Emory. “How’d it go?” Gabe asked, taking a chair across from Tripp.
“Good. I’ve set up a meeting for tomorrow. All four are interested,” Tripp said with a grin.
“That’s good news,” Gabe acknowledged. “I’ve also agreed to interview a couple of men who Adams recommended. They are both experienced miners looking for a job.”
“It would be convenient to take care of all the hiring in one fell swoop,” John said. “I’m anxious to get back to Culpepper.”
All three men nodded in agreement.
“Speaking of that, how is everyone?” Mrs. Emory asked, walking into the room, her son on her hip.
“Everyone is fine,” Gabe said, grinning as Walter reached for the baby. “Jewel’s going to be pleased to learn your family is well. That little boy is growing like a weed.”
Mrs. Emory beamed. “He is. He’ll be walking any day now. Oh, and how is that poor child? Della?”
“She’s wonderful. Healthy as a horse and a new mom as well. Married the town doc and became a mother to his son and had another boy a couple of months back.”
They chatted for a few more minutes before Mrs. Emory said she needed to get supper on the table. Once they were eating, Walter turned to Gabe again. “And Miss Nettie? She’s happy?”
“As a lark,” Gabe said with a chuckle. “And no, she’s not interested in coming back to San Francisco.”
“Darn,” Walter said, softly, his quick look towards the door where his wife had disappeared evidently freeing him enough to say, “I love my wife, but her cooking skills can’t hold a candle to Nettie’s. That woman is one hell of a cook. You’re a very lucky man Mr. Vasquez.”
Gabe insisted both Tripp and John sit in on the interviews the following day. Tripp knew more about the men experienced in the protection business and John would be working closely with any new miners they hired. Gabe not only trusted their opinions, but knew that being able to work as a team, to have personalities mesh well was just as important as any skill.
After the last man left, the three discussed the prospects. “I’m happy with Franks and Jackson,” Gabe said. “I’m not so sure about Richardson or Worthington. They seem rather young and I remember you saying older men would work better. What’s your opinion?”
“Naw, I said that older men are more likely to stay in one place. But, despite their age, Richardson and Worthington both state they want to settle down and both are good men. They’ve worked in law enforcement for a decade or more. I’d say go with all four. That way, you’d be able to cover twenty-four hours’ security in shifts of eight hours. Any more hours than that and a man can get sloppy just because he’s tired. Heck, put the younger two on night duty.”
Nodding, Gabe turned to John. “And Miller and Townsend?”
“As far as hiring them, I don’t think you can go wrong. They both have extensive experience with sluicing which we’ve already decided we’re gonna need. We’ve yet to dig more up the mountain to find the mouth of that tributary. My only concern is the living situation. I know the plans are to build a larger cabin and adding to the one we already built. The Miller family can have the cabin until a new one is built. Being a family man, Miller’s gonna need a place of his own. The rest of us can camp or if necessary, travel back and forth.”
“That would be a long day, but might be necessary. We’ll see about hiring some men from town to get the cabins up. We’ve got plenty of land up there. In fact, that meadow right above the mine would be a perfect spot to build a cabin. Jewel thought it was beautiful. The weather might be a factor but I’m sure we can figure something out.” As the two men nodded, Gabe continued. “Then we’re done here. I’ll offer them positions and, if they accept, instruct them to report to Culpepper Cove as soon as possible. If I go now and pick up the papers from Adams, we could leave at dawn… unless you want to stay?”
“Hell, no,” Tripp said. “The faster I get back to my bride, the better.”
“I just need to pick up something for Opal,” John said with a grin.
Gabe nodded. �
��Yeah, I need to do a bit of shopping myself. All right, I’ll see you later then.” He hailed a carriage to take him back to Paul’s office. He was eager to get business out of his way. He’d finally thought of a gift for his Jewel.
Chapter 14
It was Saturday night and the Red Petticoat was full to capacity. With the weather cooling and the days growing shorter, the men were coming down from the mountain earlier. Jewel made sure to chat with those who were patiently waiting to exchange some of their hard earned coin for a filling, home-cooked meal. There had been a line for the dining room for the past hour with no end in sight.
Pushing through the kitchen door with yet another table’s order, she watched as Nettie filled plate after plate with mounds of mashed potatoes, a big spoon of greens flavored with bacon, and slabs of meatloaf. “I don’t remember being so busy before,” Jewel said. “I’m afraid we’re going to run out of food to serve.”
“Naw, I have two more pans of meatloaf about ready to come out of the oven,” Nettie said, placing fresh yeast rolls on the readied plates. “Even if we run out of pie, we still got cake.”
Jewel picked up the plates and transferred them to her tray. “You are truly an incredible woman, Nettie. I don’t see how you can produce such incredible meals day after day.”
Nettie shrugged, moving to the oven. “It’s my job, child, and I’ve never been happier. Now, scoot. I don’t want those hungry men to get cold food.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jewel said with a smile. She loved the fact that even though she had no doubt that the men wouldn’t mind, Nettie felt that each and every one deserved not only a very generous portion of food, but one served piping hot. There wasn’t a soul in town who didn’t know that Nettie could open her own restaurant and that it would be an instant success, but the woman let it be known she was exactly where she wanted to be—with her family.
Jewel and Silver served in the dining room for the next hour until Charlie appeared. “You go on in a half-hour, honey,” he said.
“Should I send someone in to help you?” Silver asked, using the back of her hand to wipe a strand of her hair off her face.
“No, I think we’ve just about seen the end of the dinner crowd. Go on and take a break before you start singing.”
A short time later, the sound of Silver’s beautiful voice floated through the saloon. It never failed to happen. Men who had been conversing loudly, banging glasses down onto tabletops, or either celebrating their win or complaining about their losing hands, all instantly quieted when the woman took her place beside the piano. After carrying the last of the empty plates to the kitchen, Jewel gave Nettie a hug, thanking her for yet another wonderful meal.
Moses pushed away from the wall as Jewel entered the saloon proper, giving the madam a nod. “Everything under control?” Jewel asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Came close to tossing a couple out on their ear but a quiet word was all it took for them to decide to behave. They’re playing at different tables now.”
Jewel smiled and patted his arm. “Thank you, Moses. Go ahead and take a break. Nettie might have managed to save a slice of cake for you, but no promises.”
His big smile lit up his entire face. “Don’t you worry ‘bout me. Even if there’s no cake, I’ll get my dessert,” he said.
Moses left for his break as the men continued to listen to Silver sing, a few giving up a coin to accompany a gem about the dance floor. Jewel wove between the tables, greeting her customers, quietly asking about the men’s weeks, offering words of encouragement when listening to the tales of woe or sharing in their excitement over even the smallest success. She’d spent a life of privilege in England, would never have had to lift a hand to wash a dish or serve a meal or a drink and yet she’d never felt happier or more fulfilled than she did among the people in these rooms. The only thing that could make it any better was if she’d be sleeping in Gabriel’s arms when she went to bed.
Onyx arched her back, allowing her long jet black hair to flow over her client’s chest, moaning as his fingers massaged her scalp. “You have magical fingers,” she said, giving a soft moan, “but I should be the one pleasuring you.”
“You will,” he said, slipping his hand around the slender column of her throat as he bent forward to press his lips against her glistening skin. “But do we need to hurry?”
“Oh, no, I’m yours for as long as you want me,” she assured him, turning to look over her shoulder, thick black lashes fluttering.
Yes, she was. All it took was money and he had plenty of that. He’d stood in the shadow of a different tree, just waiting for the coin to come to him. A good week, a few drinks, and men tended to brag a bit too much for their own good. It hadn’t taken very long before his unsuspecting benefactor stepped out the back of the saloon and headed for the outhouse. A single blow to the back of his head had knocked the man out cold and a quick foray into his pockets had the miner’s weekly profits being transferred from his pockets to his attacker’s.
He’d left the man behind the privy and walked around the building, staying out of the light shining out into the side yard from the kitchen. His stomach had growled at the tempting aromas wafting out on the breeze. He’d been living on beans and jerky for weeks. He was still standing there contemplating if perhaps he shouldn’t treat himself to a meal when the light was momentarily blocked as a man stepped through the doorway. His dark skin made it hard to see any specific features, but his size easily gave him away. He had to be the biggest man he’d ever seen. It was the same giant who had been stalking about the saloon the night before. Security he supposed. When the sound of a woman’s laugh drifted across the open space and he watched the behemoth begin smooching all over a rather short, rotund woman, he grinned. The night was working out in his favor. Leaving the couple to their illicit courting, he continued on his way, pushing through the saloon’s swinging doors.
“Another beautiful woman,” he’d said, giving this new woman a smile when he finally reached the bar. “What stone has been lucky to have you take its name?”
“I’m Amy, and you are?”
Ignoring the question, he shook his head. “Don’t recall ever hearing of a gemstone named Amy.”
“There you are. I was hoping you’d return.” A familiar voice had him turning to see Onyx.
“How could I stay away?” he asked, taking her hand and bending to press a kiss on its back, earning both a blush and a giggle. “I was just about to pick up a bottle of champagne, hoping you’d like to share it in the bath you mentioned last night?”
“I’d love to,” Onyx said. “Have you met Amethyst?”
“Ahh, Amy for Amethyst. Yes, I just had the pleasure.” After slapping some money down on the counter, he accepted the bottle and two flutes. “Shall we?” he asked, gesturing for the whore to precede him.
She giggled again, tossing her long black locks as she looked over her shoulder. “Perhaps I should warn you, liquor makes me a bit silly.”
Perfect, he’d thought, but said, “Ah, then we shall relax and be a bit silly together.” They wove their way through the crowd and here he was, pouring her yet another glass of the bubbly.
Clinking his glass against hers, he said, “Tell me, is the saloon always so crowded?”
“Every weekend,” she said, sipping from her glass. “At least it has been since I’ve been here. Madam Jewel runs a very successful business… well, she and Mr. Gabe that is. They’re partners you know.”
No, he hadn’t known. Filling her glass again, he said, “Hmmm, perhaps I was mistaken. My amigo was a miner, not a whorehou… saloon owner. Too bad as I really was hoping to catch up with him.”
“Oh, Mr. Gabe owns a mine too so don’t give up hope. Even Miss Jewel said she hoped you were his friend. When Mr. Gabe gets back from San…”
Why had she stopped herself? He already knew that Vasquez was in San Francisco. “Yes?” he prompted, running his fingers through her hair again.
“Nothing… I’m just talking
too much,” she hedged.
Bending forward, he kissed her neck again. “I love having you talk to me. It gets awfully lonely without a pretty gal to share a conversation.”
Onyx tilted her head to the side, giving him better access to her throat. “Ummm, that feels so good, but I should be returning the favor and giving you a bath.”
“In a minute. Let me rinse your hair.” I can’t wait to feel your locks brushing against my skin when we go upstairs.”
“I’d like that.” She practically purred when he poured a pitcher of water over her head, using his fingers to help sluice the suds away. Once he had, she turned to face him, a smile on her lips. “My turn,” she said, reaching for a cloth hanging over the edge of the tub. Sudsing it, she moved to her knees, bending a bit to begin rubbing the soapy cloth over his chest. The sight of her heavy breasts swaying with her movements, the fat, rosy nipples dipping into the water as she bent further to run the cloth down his abdomen had his cock thickening and it was his turn to utter a soft groan.
