Suited for Luck

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “Yeah. I might have tried to get her to stay longer, but I think she knew that. She practically bolted from the room.”

  “I’m going to tell her, if that’s okay?”

  “Tell her what?” Doc asked, hesitant to agree without clarification.

  “About me trying to step above my current station in life. I’m going to wait until after we speak with Lia, though. That way, I’ll know if I’m leaving entirely or not.”

  “Good plan,” Doc said as she stepped aside for him to get to the basin. “Meet you downstairs in a few?”

  “Yes.” Giving him a kiss, Fiala shrugged into the basics of her outfit before leaving him.

  “Not what I imagined life was going to be like,” Doc murmured before he began to clean himself up.

  ~*~*~

  When he made it downstairs, he had barely said good morning to Dillon before Fiala came downstairs, wearing a dress more demure than anything he’d seen her in. Fiala blushed a little when he watched her come down the stairs.

  “Morning to you both,” Dillon said. “Engage her for more than the night?”

  “Not exactly,” Doc admitted. “Can you let Lia know that I really do need to speak with her, and about more than I had anticipated?”

  Dillon’s eyes widened fractionally, and he looked between them twice before he nodded and walked away. Fiala’s cheeks burned as he left, clearly upset and embarrassed about something.

  The door next to the stairs opened, admitting Posy with a plate of food. Her steps slowed when she saw Fiala sitting next to him. “Your breakfast, sir,” she said, putting the plate in front of Doc.

  “Posy, can I get a plate, please?” Fiala asked her.

  Posy looked at her for a long moment. “Are you leaving us?”

  Fiala blinked, giving Doc an almost shocked look before turning back to Posy, “Umm... I don’t know yet.”

  “You better make her happy,” Posy said to Doc before she walked away, her bouncy stride muted.

  “I’ll try,” Doc called after her.

  “She’s smart,” Fiala sighed. “Smarter than some of us.”

  “Doc, you want coffee?” Dillon asked when he came out of the back hall.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “Me, too, please.”

  Dillon nodded and poured a couple of cups for them.

  “I’ll take one, as well,” Lia said as she came out of the back. “I was going to ask you to join me, but since you are eating, I’ll sit with you two.”

  Fiala sat up straight, looking nervous when Lia crossed the room to them. “Madam.”

  Lia took her seat, staying silent as Dillon delivered three coffees to them. Once Dillon retreated from the table, Lia was stopped from speaking when Posy came out of the back with another plate of breakfast. Lia smiled fondly at the small child. “Posy, my usual, please?”

  “Yes, Madam,” Posy replied.

  “Now, I have a feeling this conversation includes Fiala,” Lia said as she sipped at her coffee.

  Fiala licked her lips, not having touched her plate yet. “Yes... I’m thinking it’s time for me to stop my current job.”

  Lia’s eyebrow rose and she glanced at Doc briefly. “Why, Fiala?”

  “Over the last week, I haven’t been able to do my job,” Fiala admitted. “I had someone on my mind and found that I wanted to be able to walk beside him as a respectable woman.”

  Lia looked to Doc disapprovingly, “You don’t find my girls respectable?”

  Doc swallowed quickly, the food catching as it went down. Clearing his throat, he shook his head. “Never said that,” he croaked before coughing and trying again. “I find no fault with what the people do here. I told her that when we talked the first night.”

  “It isn’t him,” Fiala added. “I know how the townsfolk think of us. I don’t want that to hurt him if I’m to be with him.”

  Lia stared at her in silence for what felt like a long time before nodding. “Very well, Fiala.”

  “On that note,” Doc said, “are there any jobs she can do here while I’m trying to help with the reacquisition?”

  Lia thought about it. “We can teach her to deal. I’ve considered having the girls do the dealing to bring in more clientele... we can see how they react with Fiala first.”

  Fiala beamed, “Really?”

  “If you can do the job. I don’t keep freeloaders,” Lia said not unkindly.

  “I can do it. I just need to practice some,” Fiala said eagerly.

  “Finish eating and practice. We’ll try you out on the penny table later,” Lia said. “I might need to get another table in soon, as it is.”

  “Gold Strike hasn’t copied us yet?”

  “No. I find it odd,” Lia said. “Goodman is normally willing to steal from others, so I’m not sure why he hasn’t copied it.”

  “Hmm. Might expect it all to fall apart during the tournament,” Doc suggested.

  “Possibly,” Lia nodded. “I will be keeping an eye out for trouble. Now, what else did you need to talk to me about?”

  “Miners. Who do I talk to to see about hiring workers?”

  Lia frowned, “Hmm. The best ones are already working on the active mines. I’d suggest asking amongst the dwarves. Many of them would likely take an option to work a different mine if they could make the same money. Neither of them promotes dwarves, and their henchmen are the foremen of their mines.”

  “Time to get a shave, anyway,” Doc chuckled as he pushed his empty plate away.

  “You found a claim?” Lia asked.

  Doc grinned, “I’m blessed by Luck.” Taking a small pouch from his pocket, he put it in front of Lia.

  Lia took the pouch and opened it, glanced inside, and closed it again before sliding it back to him. “Indeed, it looks like you are. My best girl is already devoted to you and you have a chance to make me indebted to you, as well.”

  “Rather have a friend than a debtor,” Doc said as he pocketed the pouch. “I need to go see about mining law and then talk to some dwarves. Thank you, Madam Lia, for your advice and for being okay with Fiala and me.”

  “I wouldn’t say okay,” Lia sighed. “Fiala has been the best of my employees for the last ten years. It will pain me when she leaves with you.”

  Fiala blinked, her eyes starting to water. “Madam, I—”

  “Shh, it’s okay. That’s life. You have found happiness. Embrace it,” Lia silenced her with an outstretched hand. “I have things to see to. Have a good day, Doc. Fiala, I’ll be watching you tonight. Make me proud.” She was up and moving away before either of them could reply.

  Doc watched her go, “She’s a powerful woman.”

  “Yes,” Fiala sniffled. “Thank you, Doc.”

  “No need for thanks,” Doc said, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “I’ll see you in a bit. We’re going to have to see about updating your wardrobe.”

  Fiala smiled at him, though sadness still lingered in her eyes. “Of course.”

  “Saying goodbye is always hard,” Doc said, covering her hand with his. “You have time to do that, though. It isn’t going to be quick, so don’t feel bad. Embrace them, love them, and know that they love you, too.”

  Tears started to trickle down her cheeks. “Yes, Doc.”

  “Finish your food, silly. I’ll see you tonight.” When he got up, he kissed the top of her head before heading for the door.

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  “Morning, sir, how can I… help you?” Otto asked when the bell jingled, his tone dropping off when he saw Doc standing in his doorway.

  “Shave and a haircut?” Doc asked, having just come from doing paperwork at the stables. “I was also hoping you could help me with information.”

  Otto’s frown didn’t abate. “What kind of information? And have a seat.”

  “I’d have thought you’d be friendlier with me,” Doc said, taking a seat.

  Otto gritted his teeth, “I am, but I also dislike you a great deal.”

  “Oka
y, why?”

  Otto got the chair reclined and put the hot towel over Doc’s face. “Because of my daughter. I’m extremely grateful that you did what you did. Whittaker hasn’t come by yet, and she would still be in pain or dead without your aid. But… she’s also been speaking of little else since then.”

  Doc felt a chill along his spine, “Ah, I didn’t realize. I have no intentions there, sir.”

  Otto let out a deep sigh, “I wish the same was true for her. Sadly, you are going to find out what a determined dwarven woman is like.”

  Doc kept quiet as Otto began to trim his hair, wondering how complicated his life was about to become. “On a different note,” Doc said a moment later, “I am looking to find skilled miners. Would you happen to have any leads for me, Otto?”

  Otto slowed in his work for a moment. “You have a claim?”

  “I have to register it still, but I will have a claim by the end of today.”

  “I can ask around for you, but the miners I know aren’t cheap labor.”

  “If you can set up for me to meet with a skilled foreman, I’ll have him handle hiring others.”

  “You’re fine with a dwarven foreman?” Otto asked speculatively.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” Doc asked, though he knew the answer.

  “The others with claims don’t allow anyone other than humans as the foremen in their mines.”

  “Damned silly,” Doc said. “Only thing that matters is if they can do the job.”

  “You’re different. I’ll ask, but it’ll likely be tomorrow before I can arrange the meeting.”

  “I’ll be busy all day tomorrow with the tournament at the Lily. Can you set it for the day after?”

  “Here or at the Lily?” Otto asked.

  “Either works, just let me know,” Doc replied.

  “Very well.”

  The shave had just finished when a young female voice caught the ear of both men, “Father? Do you know if he’s back in town yet?”

  Doc was now suddenly very happy the sharp metal razor was away from his face.

  Otto turned quickly toward the hall. “I told you I’d let you know,” he shouted back. “I’m with a customer.”

  Doc froze in the chair, unsure if he should stay still or pay and run. The sound of footsteps coming down the back stairs made Doc shift in the chair. Otto grabbed a towel and flung it to Doc, who hurriedly put it over his face.

  “He should’ve been back by now,” Sonya said, coming into the room. “They said he was planning to be back today.”

  “I’m still cross with you for going to that place,” Otto said. The ire in his voice was clear, his voice switching to a deeper tone. “My daughter should never be seen in such an establishment.”

  “I’m an adult, Father,” Sonya said firmly, her voice changing to a deeper tone. Doc wondered if that meant they were speaking dwarvish. “I will go where I wish and see whom I wish. Why are you so against me seeing the man who saved my life?”

  “You don’t even know him!” Otto snapped. “He could be a murderer…. or married! What would you do then, hmm? Become his mistress?”

  “Blood debts must be paid,” Sonya snapped back at him. “Or are you going to turn your back on tradition, Father?”

  Otto spluttered, “Of course not. But… what if he doesn’t see it the same way? He’s human, and we know that they don’t follow our ways. How will you feel if he brushes you off?”

  “I will make that decision for myself. In fact, I will go back there right now and ask them directly.”

  The sound of booted feet marching across the shop made Doc stop breathing.

  Otto’s heavier footfalls followed hers. “Don’t you dare! You’ll shame our whole family!”

  “Shamed more than you?” Sonya growled, the single chime of the doorbell telling Doc she had paused with the door open. “Were you not going to gamble tomorrow? Why is it so different if you go? Because women sell their bodies there? I know you’ve been in such places, Father, so don’t you dare lecture me on it being immoral.”

  The slam of the door was followed by a deep sigh of anger, regret, and sadness. “Damn it... Why do you have to be as stubborn as your mother, child?”

  Doc removed the towel and got out of the chair. “That sounded bad.”

  Otto spun on him, his face dark, “You!”

  Doc held up his hands. “Easy. I did save her life.”

  “What good is that when she is bent on throwing it away to chase after you!?” Otto roared.

  The door from the hall slammed open and heavy footsteps came thundering down the stairs. “Otto, how dare you!?” Greta snarled at Otto. “How dare you imply our daughter’s life is nothing if she chases a human! If you feel so shallowly about her, you can leave this house!”

  Otto went white and tried to placate Greta, “Dear, no, you are taking it out of context...”

  “To Apoc with that! I heard you both clearly and what you just said to him.”

  Otto glanced to Doc, who sighed and turned to Greta. “Please, a moment? Your husband’s fears are natural. If I was a father in his position, I would speak rashly, too. It is hard for a father to watch their little girl throw themselves at a stranger. I take no offense at his words, so please, blunt your anger some for my sake?”

  Greta took a few deep breaths before she spoke again, “Mr. Holyday, my daughter is too much like me. She will pursue you, and there is very little you’ll be able to do to deter her. She has even taken to praying to Lady Luck every night, thanking her for her life and for bringing you to her.”

  “Fuck...” Doc grunted. “I will speak with her tomorrow before the tournament, if that’s fine with you both. Maybe I can convince her to set aside her desire.”

  “We will see you after breakfast,” Greta said immediately.

  Otto grit his teeth but nodded, “As my wife says.”

  “Very well. I hope your day is calmer than this morning has been. I’ll make myself scarce for as long as I can today to stave off Sonya seeing me ahead of time. Good day to you both.”

  Doc took out a quarter out of his pocket and held it out to Otto. “Since I declined the free services, is this the right amount?”

  Otto took the coin, “That is what a shave and haircut cost.”

  “I had a feeling,” Doc said as he headed for the door.

  Stepping outside, Doc looked up and down the street, but didn’t see Sonya anywhere. He breathed a little easier as he made his way to the clerk’s office.

  ~*~*~

  “Morning. I’m hoping to see about mining laws, specifically on making a claim,” Doc greeted the clerk.

  The older woman sniffed and went to retrieve a book once he had placed his money on the counter. She brought the book back and flipped it open to a page seemingly at random, then slid it to him. “Here are the sections you asked for.”

  Taking the book, he found it open at the start of mining law. “Thank you.” He went over to the chairs, placed his hat on his knee, and started reading.

  After a couple of hours, Doc closed it. Placing the book on the counter, he gave the woman a smile. “Thank you. Do you have the paperwork for filing mining claims? I need both lode and placer claims.”

  The woman sniffed again and went about collecting some paperwork before coming back to the counter. “It is fifty cents per form, or a dollar in total.”

  Doc gave her a smile and placed a silver dollar on the counter. “Thank you for your time, miss.”

  “Ma’am,” the older woman snapped at him. “I’m a married woman.”

  Doc just kept smiling, saying a silent prayer for her husband. “Apologies, ma’am, I meant no disrespect. Would that be your daughter and not your sister in charge of records, then?”

  The woman blinked at him for a long moment before she lifted her chin. “You leave her be.”

  “I have no intentions of anything other than paperwork, ma’am.”

  “And it had better stay that way.”

  Knowing w
hen to retreat was a life skill— Doc bowed his head, put his hat on, and left with the paperwork in hand. He spied Sonya leaving the Lily when he was on his way back, so he stepped into a nearby alley to avoid her. He crossed over to the next and took it up, then crossed back to enter the saloon.

  When he walked into the Lily, he was surprised to see the penny table almost full of players. The real shock was Fiala standing at the table, already dealing the cards. Dillon gave him a grin and waved him over.