by Maggie Ryan
"Red, I swear I'm this close to…"
"It's Ruby," she said, not caring that she interrupted him. "Of course, the stew is quite good as well. It has potatoes but they are in chunks and not mashed. No green beans but plenty of peas and carrots. Both meals come with freshly baked bread."
She watched as his lips tightened but she refused to look away. It was time for him to learn that he couldn't keep threatening to spank her. His hand lifted and she took a step back, blushing when he cupped his chin in his hand in a gesture of giving her offer consideration. Ignoring the fact that her tummy flipped and her body began to tingle as she watched his fingers stroking his chin, she stammered, "Um, so, what do you want…" At his chuckle, she said, "Forget it; you're getting meatloaf!"
After telling Nettie that the sheriff was their last diner and wanted the meatloaf, she took several deep breaths as she waited for the plate to be prepared. It didn't take a genius to understand that she was pushing Jeb to his limits but he was pushing her as well. He'd ignored her when she was little and she recalled he was constantly threatening to tan her hide even then. She remembered being scared when he and Clay left to fight in the Mexican-American war in 1846. She and her ma had buried her father a year later, barely squeaking by until Clay returned the next year. He'd not returned alone, but it wasn't Jeb who accompanied him back to Culpepper Cove. When she'd asked about Jeb, Clay told her that the last time he'd seen him was in a medic tent where he was being treated for an injury that might claim his life. It had saddened her greatly but there was nothing she could do.
Clay had met and wed Maria, a Spanish girl. Their homecoming was overshadowed by not only Jeb's injury but by the fact that their ma had fallen ill. She'd never hold her grandchild as she died within a month of learning that Maria was expecting. Clay and Maria wanted her to move with them back to Maria's home. Knowing that meant they'd have another mouth to feed, Rebekah had convinced her brother that she'd be able to care for herself and reminded him that she would soon be eighteen. She'd taken the job at the laundry when gold was discovered and hundreds of men moved into the hills.
She hadn't known that Jeb had also returned safely until she saw him one day, wearing a star on his chest. She was surprised he hadn't come to visit but realized if he had, he would have found the small farm occupied by strangers. She wasn't surprised to see he was the sheriff. He'd always been bossy but she had to admit, he'd also always been a leader. She wanted to tell him she had been praying for his recovery, but he appeared far more standoffish and stern than he had in her childhood. They'd had more interaction in the last few days than they'd had in the past several months. He made her nervous, and in a way she didn't understand but knew her discomfort was not just about the knife under her mattress.
"Honey, you all right?"
"What? Oh, yes, just tired."
"Why don't you go on to bed? I'll serve the sheriff."
"No, I can do it," Rebekah said. "I don't want him to think he can scare me off. I'm not that silly little girl anymore that runs away when he makes threats."
"The sheriff is threatening you? You need to tell Mr. Gabe…"
"Well, not threatening exactly," Rebekah confessed. "More like teasing…"
"Aw, that's just part of the game," Nettie said, passing her the prepared plate.
"Thanks, Miss Nettie," Rebekah said, wondering what one was supposed to do when they didn't know the rules of the game.
"Looking good, Red," Jeb said as she set the plate down before him. She didn't know if he meant her or the food, but nodded and returned with his coffee and then a slice of cake.
"In a hurry?" he asked as he slathered butter onto a roll.
"I figured you'd waited long enough to eat and I'm tired," Rebekah said, suddenly feeling exhausted.
"You do look a bit strained," Jeb agreed, reaching into his vest pocket and pulling out a coin. "I can take my own dishes to the kitchen. Why don't you go on to bed?"
"I think I will," she said and then squealed when his arm wrapped around her waist and he casually dropped the coin into her bodice.
"What are you doing!"
"Though I'd much rather tip you across my knees, I can't say it hasn't been entertaining watching you work all evening. You've earned a tip. Here's another; remember that I'm watching. I heard what that man suggested."
"Then you also heard Mr. Gabe take him to task. And, Sheriff, that man did not take the liberties you seem to believe are yours to indulge in."
He grinned and released her, only to pop her seat when she whirled away. "Bully," she muttered and stomped away when she heard his reply of 'brat'.
She went into her room and lit her lamp. Pulling the coins she'd earned from her pocket and her bodice, her blood racing at the audacity of Jeb's tip, she untied the handkerchief and added the bounty to the pile of coins, startled to see that she'd earned almost an entire dollar. With the dollar a week that Madame Jewel said she'd be paying her, she'd soon have more money than she'd ever had before. Smiling, she retied the cloth and spent the next half-hour mending. It was still raining but if it didn't stop by tomorrow night, she'd sneak out anyway. The presence of the knife continued to fill her with guilt. She'd chance either a cold or a scolding if caught, but she had absolutely no doubt that she would indeed be tipped over the sheriff's knees if he discovered she'd stolen it even if it had been an accident.
Tuesday morning it was still pouring. Rebekah had dusted and was sweeping the main rooms when Dottie and Amy clattered down the stairs, calling out good morning. Rebekah laughed and returned the greeting though it was far closer to noon. "I heard your sheriff stopped by for dinner," Dottie said, giving Rebekah a mock pout. "I was disappointed he didn't seem to remember my offer."
"He's not my sheriff," Rebekah said.
"I wouldn't be so quick to say that; the man has been popping in and out at all hours since you moved in. Why do you think that is?" Amy asked, her smile countering Dottie's pout.
"Probably because he thinks he can boss me around but he can't. I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions. I don't need any man telling me what to do."
"Ah, honey, don't let Jewel hear you say that. I mean, you are a gem after all." Dottie said, "Men are a vital part of The Red Petticoat. But, if you aren't claiming the sheriff…"
"Don't tease her," Amy said, giving Rebekah a smile as she tugged Dottie away.
After helping serve lunch, Rebekah went to finish her chores. She smiled at the jingle of her tips in her pocket as she gathered the items she'd need. If she made this amount of money just serving food and doing chores, how much more would she make when she finally donned the coveted red petticoat? Would the men be as kind then as they were when they flirted with her as she served their meals? The repetitive task of rubbing in the oil to polish the long bar in the main room, allowed her to relive the memory of Jeb rubbing his fingers over her wrist as the doctor tended to her hand. She also remembered the feel of his palm stroking down her back. Both had helped soothe her and she had to admit that both had felt wonderful. The slam of a door had her give a little jerk and she began to move her polishing cloth a bit faster as another memory returned. His huge hand had also swatted her repeatedly which she certainly hadn't liked, no matter that she had enjoyed the feel of his arms around her and the beat of his heart beneath her ear as she'd laid her head on his chest.
"Red?" Rebekah's head whipped up but instead of Jeb, she saw Jewel with a smile on her face even as she shook her head.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."
"I could tell. I didn't know that polishing could take you so far away that you lose your hearing. I tried Ruby and Rebekah but you didn't respond until I tried Red. Were you thinking about Sheriff Justice?"
About to deny that she had been, Rebekah just sighed. "I suppose. I'm afraid I wasn't too friendly last night."
"Gabriel told me you won the hearts of many customers last night."
"He did?" Rebekah said, tucking the polish and the rag into h
er bucket of cleaning supplies.
"Yes, and he also told me about that man. I hope he didn't embarrass you."
"No, I mean, he was just teasing but Mr. Gabe set him straight. He gave me the biggest tip."
"I'm sure you earned it," Jewel said, giving her a smile. "Since the rain has stopped, how about we run our errands now?"
"Oh, that's wonderful. I'll go get my money."
Once outside, the two picked their way around the mud puddles when they had to step off the wooden sidewalk to cross the street. Rebekah couldn't deny the pride she felt when she was passed her new bankbook.
"You'll see the balance grow every week," Jewel promised.
"It's nice to have some spare change. I've never had but a few pennies my pa would give me to spend at the fair when it came to town. May we go to the mercantile now?"
"Of course," Jewel agreed.
They parted in the store. Rebekah headed to the dry goods section and picked up spools of white, pink and red thread. She added a needle which the clerk tucked into a piece of felt. It was more expensive than she could believe but she'd spent an hour last night searching for the one she'd dropped, finally finding it stuck in the hem of her petticoat. She'd decided she needed to have a spare one if she was going to be a proper seamstress.
She and Jewel returned to the saloon and Rebekah went to her room to put her purchases away. Pulling her bankbook free, she smiled. She hadn't lied; it did feel good to know that she was earning her own money. She gathered some mending and had just gone to sit in the parlor when Jewel approached.
"Are you tired or could you run an errand for me?" Jewel asked.
"I'm fine, what do you need?"
"If it makes you uncomfortable, promise you'll say so." The request had Rebekah intrigued but she nodded. "I meant to pick up the laundry and I'd not ask, but we are about out of towels. With the bad weather, well, we went through several but there is at least a dozen at the laundry."
"I remember washing them," Rebekah said. "There's no need for you to use the laundry. I can do it now."
"Not until your hand heals," Jewel countered. "Remember, you are to keep the bandage dry."
"I forgot. It doesn't really hurt any more."
"Still, you'll obey the doctor. However, if you could pick up even one bundle of towels, that would help. We can pick up the rest later, but only if you don't mind. I know that Mr. March wasn't too pleasant…"
"No, it's fine," Rebekah said, thanking God for the opportunity to finally return the knife. "I'll get my cloak and go right now."
"Thank you, Ruby. That will be a big help. Come by the office before you go so I can give you some money."
Agreeing, Rebekah hurried to her room. She'd finally be able to remove the one thing marring her complete happiness. Moving to her bed, she lifted the mattress and carefully withdrew the knife. She wrapped it in the handkerchief that had held her coins and tucked it into her pocket. Pulling on her cloak, she stopped by the office where Jewel was working and accepted the money for the laundry.
"See if Della might be available to go with you," Jewel said, her eyes never lifting from the ledger.
"Yes, ma'am," Rebekah said, tucking the bill into her pocket. Finding Della curled up, asleep in her chair with a book on her lap, she decided not to wake her. After all, it was still damp outside and she didn't wish the girl to be exposed to the inclement weather if it began to rain again. Besides, she'd be back in a flash and she didn't need a witness to what she needed to do. She set off down the street, mindful of the puddles she had to step around.
She'd headed towards the front door, her mind attempting to come up with a plan to return the knife but she was startled to find a rather large, unkempt man stepping around the front counter. He shouldn't be back there and at the sounds of her footsteps, he whirled around.
"I weren't doin' nothin'," he said, his eyes roving about the room. "Just checkin' for my… um…"
"Laundry?" Rebekah supplied.
"Yeah, but no one's here."
"Did you check out back?"
"Was just about to," the man said.
Rebekah suddenly recognized an opportunity. If she could get him to go outside, she'd be able to rid herself of the knife.
"Well, if Mr. March isn't here, he might be actually doing the wash. Why don't you go on out back and check?"
"Ain't you comin'?" the man asked.
"Oh, um, it's really muddy. If you don't mind, I'll just wait here until you bring him back. I need to pick up some towels for The Red Petticoat."
His eyes widened and she felt her skin crawl as he slowly looked her up and down before he grinned. When he ran his tongue over his yellow teeth, her stomach clenched. "Sure, though I'd think such a purty little gal who works at the saloon don't mind getting a bit dirty."
Rebekah hated her pale skin as she knew it was now turning red. Wishing she hadn't mentioned the saloon, she managed a smile and the moment he stepped past her on the way out the door, she reached her hand into her pocket. She had only pulled the knife out with the intention of dropping it over the counter top, when she yelped as she felt someone grab her around her waist. Twisting away, she saw the man had turned back. "What's your name, darlin'?"
His rancid breath had her stomach roiling as she attempted to move further away. "My name?"
"Yes, I want to ask for the right gal when I come to the saloon."
"Oh, you misunderstood. I'm just a… a maid really."
"You don't look like no maid."
"Well I am and unless I get back soon, I won't even have that job."
"Keep your drawers on," he said, then leered as he rubbed his hand across the front of his filthy trousers. "Well, only until I come visit. Nothin's better than watchin' a gal's face when her drawers are pulled down and her legs spread wide."
She would have made a full confession of her thievery if only Jeb appeared to rescue her from this… this uncouth, foul smelling, lewd man. "I told you…"
"What, you think you're too good for a man like me?" His eyes seemed to glitter as he reached out and grabbed a fistful of her hair, pulling her towards him. "You're nothing but a whore."
Rebekah cried out in pain as his fingers pressed against the tender lump hidden by her hair. "No, I-I'm… please, you're hurting me!" She barely had time to twist her head away when the man pressed his disgusting lips to her cheek.
"You got it? March is coming… what are you doing?"
It wasn't Jeb, but the newcomer had the man releasing her and stepping away. Rebekah was shaking, dropping the knife as she lifted the handkerchief to wipe the man's spittle from her cheek. Realizing the knife was no longer hidden, she looked down to see it had landed on the toe of her boot.
"Nothin' just chatting with the lady." The room added another occupant as March came in through the back.
Rebekah was grateful to see him and was bending to pick up the knife to explain its return when he said, "She's no lady. She's a thief and a whore."
He'd never accept that she hadn't purposefully stolen the knife. His accusation would cause not only her, but Jeb, Jewel and Mr. Gabe trouble. Dropping the handkerchief to cover it, she then lifted her foot and when the knife slid off her boot, she nudged it under the counter before straightening.
"Miss Jewel would like her towels," she said, surprised she was able to speak at all. Rebekah pointed to the neat pile that she'd washed a few days ago.
Mr. March might hate her, but he loved money, especially when it was already being plopped down onto the counter. Accepting the bundle and the change, she turned to leave, swallowing hard at the realization she'd have to pass the two men. "Excuse me," she said, hoping the man's friend wouldn't allow the horrid man to make another move. When they parted to allow her to pass, her stomach threatened to heave as the man chuckled.
"I'll be seeing you soon, girlie. I'll just ask for the maid."
Her vision blurred as tears filled them, all three of the men laughing as she rushed out the door. Her heart
was pounding and she was shaking as she ran across the yard. When she stepped into a deep puddle, she cursed, barely managing to keep her balance. Slimy water was filling her boot and she made a keening sound. Taking a few steps, she halted and shuddered. It was a horrid sensation, the sludge oozing between her toes. Tears slid down her cheeks as it reminded her of the man's lips against her skin.
She hobbled towards the trees to sit on a stump. It took her several minutes to pull off her boot and dump out the mud and water as she balanced the clean towels on her lap. She thought about pulling off her stocking but a rustling sound behind her had her whipping around. Seeing nothing, but afraid that the men might be following her, she slid her book back on, forgoing attempting to button it. Holding the towels close to her chest, she pulled her cloak tighter and hurried back to the saloon.
Chapter Six
She met Della on the way to her room.
"Are you all right?" Della asked. "You are shaking."
"It's just a bit chilly."
"Oh, I thought maybe the sheriff caught you."
"Caught me?"
"Yes, I thought you hadn't managed to avoid him."
Rebekah remembered their earlier conversation and shook her head. "No, I haven't even seen him today. I just had to go pick up the towels for Miss Jewel."
"You went alone?"
"Yes, but it's fine. I used to work there, remember?"
"Oh, that's right. Well, I came to see if you'd like me to help you dress."
"That would be nice. My feet are freezing. There are mud puddles everywhere." They entered her room and with Della's help, she was soon dressed except for her black stockings and the boots that would complete her ensemble. "I'll put them on after I wash up," she said, explaining how the muddy water had seeped into her other pair of boots.
"Do you need help?"
"No, I can do it and need to put the towels away. Thanks, Della. I can't wait until I won't have to ask for help all the time."
"I don't mind a bit," Della said, giving her a hug.
Tucking the bundle of clean towels beneath her arm, Rebekah stuffed her dirty stockings into her boots and went to the bathing room. Her knock wasn't answered and she entered, closing the door behind her. It took a while to pump water into one of the pails and wasn't an easy task to haul it one-handed over towards the fire. She filled another, having nothing much to do while she waited for the first pail to heat. The water was barely warm when she washed her feet but she knew she'd be expected in the kitchen soon. Not wanting to waste one of the fresh towels, she decided to let her legs air dry as she began to undo the twine holding the bundle together.