“If ole Nelle had any money, she’d give it ta ye ta leave.”
Kathy smiled and embraced the tender-hearted creature. “You are a wonder, Nelle. You’re my first friend here. I’ll remember all you’ve told me.” Kathy thought it best not to mention her husband.
The woman giggled and remarked, “I ain’t had no friend afore. Ye be differ’nt, Miss Kathy. Ye be special. Tha other girls treats ole Nelle like she wuz trash. Ye be needin’ anythin’, ye calls Nelle.”
“I will, Nelle. But I’m not here to be waited on or pampered like the other girls. I can do most of my own chores. I’m certain you have more than you can handle.”
“I has he’p some days. If’n one of them girls makes Soapy mad, he punishes ’er. She hasta stay ’ere ‘til tha whippin’ don’t show. Soapy make ’em he’p me then, added lickin’, he says. I’m ‘posed ta work ’em ‘til they’s glad ta obey him an’ git back ta playin’ o’er there.” The woman noticably tried to cover her slight burr and rustic dialect.
“You mean he beats the girls here?” Kathy stated incredulously.
“He don’t calls it that. He says he’s like they’s papa an’ hasta punish ’em when they’s bad. Most ’em afraid ta cross ‘im. That Michelle weren’t! I knowed she wuz headin’ fur trouble. She been actin’ up fur weeks. Onest I heared him threaten ta smash ’er face if’n she didn’t behave. She wuz a mean un. Spoiled like a brat.” Nelle laughed. “She had ’er due.”
“Nelle, that doesn’t sound very kind to speak of the dead that way,” Kathy softly rebuked her. “Was she mean to you?”
“I don’t be meanin’ ’er death. She wuz after tha’ Jurrell chap. Couldn’t stand it ‘cause she didn’t have ‘im ‘round her little finger like tha rest. I seen tha’ gurl pitch fits after he’d leave. She shorely wanted tha’ man somethin’ fierce. I’m glad she didn’t git ‘im. ’E’s ta good fur tha likes of ’er.”
“But I thought Landis and Michelle were…” She couldn’t complete her sentence, blushing and feeling madly excited.
“Oh, he came ta see ’er ever’ week. But he wuz ta strong ta handle. That crazy gurl wanted ta marry ‘im. Kin ye imagine that? Ye called ’im Landis; ye knows ‘im?” Her eyes glowed with affection.
“Yes. He’s the most infuriating man alive.”
“Ye be seein’ ‘im all wrong, Miss Kathy. He be tha kindes’ soul I knows. He makes ole Nelle laugh an’ feel good. He sneaks me gold nuggets when he’s ’ere. If’n I had more like ‘im, ole Nelle could leave.”
“I don’t understand. I was told Michelle and Landis were very close, maybe in love. You make it sound as if she was after him, but he wasn’t interested in her. Why did he keep coming to see her?”
“Ye has a mind as pure as snow, Miss Kathy. He be a man,” she hinted, as if that should tell Kathy of his only interest in Michelle. “Michelle weren’t like them other girls. She could pick an’ choose her men. Them others go with any man who has tha gold ta pay fur their pleasures. Michelle didn’t sleep with no rough prospec’ors. She took care of Soapy’s rich friends, them chaps who could afford tha best. But I thinks she did more’n tha’ fur him. She plays up ta ’em an’ steals theys secrets. That’s why ole Soapy let ’er have ’er way so much. She be va’uable property.” She looked as if divulging a national secret.
“You mean she was spying on Landis and others?” Kathy probed, intrigued by this first clue, sensing she could trust this plain woman.
“Others, yep. But Mis’er Jurrell ain’t nobody’s fool. I bet me week’s wages she told ‘im more’n she learnt. ‘E came fur news, not love. She wuz actin’ mighty scared them last few days afore she took tha’ fall. I ‘spected Soapy uncovered her. I heard ’em fussin’ one night. She wouldn’t tell ‘im ‘bout Jurrell’s visits, claimed he didn’t talk none. Soapy don’t lean ta lies. He wuz madder than I ever seed ‘im. If you askt me, I bet she wuz runnin’ away when she fell an’ kilt herself.”
“You don’t think Mr. Smith had anything to do with her fall, do you?” she pressed, clearly worried.
Nelle actually went white. “Don’t be saying nuttin like tha’ ‘round ’ere. Soapy’s a dangerous man. Ye don’t cross ‘im. Ye ever seed them iron knuckles of ‘is? He kin crush a face with ’em. Ye best askt no questions. Soapy don’t like nosy people.”
“Do you think Landis was using Michelle to spy on Soapy?”
“He be my friend, an’ I don’t says nuttin’ bad ‘bout ‘im.”
So, that Jurrell charm had worked on this woman, too! Her slips had given Kathy something different to ponder. Perhaps Landis had only been using Michelle. What if Michelle found out? Would Landis kill her to silence her? Would Soapy? What secrets were so critical that Michelle had been slain because of them? Perhaps this self-appointed mission was far more perilous than Kathy had imagined. Should she pull out now? She couldn’t; somewhere in this deadly maze was the truth about Landis Jurrell.
“Ye won’t be tellin’ nobody what I said?” Nelle asked warily.
“Certainly not. We can look out for each other. It will be nice to have a friend I can trust and talk to. We’ll keep our talks a secret from everyone,” she promised, smiling radiantly. Knowing Nelle would discover her identity, Kathy felt compelled to enlighten her to hold her trust and loyalty. But just in case Nelle was on Soapy’s payroll in another facet or recklessly babbled, Kathy told her it was a mock marriage for her protection. Nelle grinned and stated she bet it wouldn’t remain that way. Nelle was relieved and delighted by their marriage.
“I best git ye bath water. Ye be careful o’er there.”
“I will, Nelle. But you also be careful over here.”
The tub was filled with warm water. Kathy hurriedly bathed, knowing time was passing swiftly. She dressed in her red gown and brushed her long hair, allowing it to curl and fall softly around her shoulders. Nelle returned to see if she needed anything else, informing her Luther was waiting for her. Kathy smiled and thanked her.
Kathy slowly devoured her supper, hungry after missing lunch. The talk was light and genial. Soapy left her several times to speak with friends or to settle disputes amongst gamblers. As the evening passed, she was introduced to many local people, male and female. Sometimes they would approach Soapy’s private table or Soapy would take her over to theirs. It didn’t take long to realize she was sparking great interest and anticipation. Soapy was cunningly flaunting her like delectable food before a starving man. Although she resented being displayed, she reluctantly accepted it.
She knew she was revealing concern and tension, so she guilefully remarked to him once, “I’m so nervous, Mr. Smith. What if they don’t like my music? What if they hiss and boo? I’m inexperienced.”
He grinned. “Don’t worry. They’ll love anything you play. I’ll give you five dollars for every catcall. See how confident I am?”
“I just hope I don’t disappoint you or them. But what do I have to lose with an offer like that?” she quipped.
“Nothing,” he replied, a glow she didn’t like filling his eyes.
As Soapy had vowed, those next two days went smoothly. She practiced each morning, then rested each afternoon. She witnessed leering looks and noted how several patrons just bearly restrained their mouths and hands. Soapy had warned everyone she was “hands off.” Knowing Soapy, the warning was respected, for now anyway. But what about Soapy himself, she fretted.
The morning of her scheduled first appearance, Kathy practiced for one hour. She returned to her room to wash and dry her hair. Nelle took special pains to assist her, delighting in this fresh and natural girl. After lunch, Kathy rested for several hours.
She was just about to dress when someone knocked on her door. Feeling safe, she opened it. It wasn’t Nelle or one of the other girls, girls who had been avoiding her and casting hateful looks in her direction. They had nothing to be jealous of, for she didn’t plan to take any of their business! Luther and Soapy were standing at the door, several wooden boxes on the floor. Nell
e came up to join them.
“Yes, Mr. Smith?” she hinted in bewilderment. “I was just about to dress. You did say seven o’clock?”
“I meant to send these earlier, but I was busy,” he began, confusing her even more. “I’m going to loan you some fancy gowns and jewels while you’re here. Naturally they’ll remain with me when you leave. Nelle can help you dress; shell press anything with wrinkles.”
Kathy dreaded to look at his choice of clothes. Luther brought the crates inside and opened them. Soapy lifted several gowns and gave her a closer look at them. Her eyes widened in astonishment. “They’re beautiful. I really couldn’t borrow such elegant and expensive gowns,” she politely declined. “I wouldn’t risk damaging one.” What wily enticement was this?
“The gowns go with the job, like food and shelter. As you can see, not a single one is cheap. As to the jewels, you’ll pick them up each night in my office, then return them before you leave. I wouldn’t want to endanger your life or safety by tempting some desperate thief.”
His office? That would give her a safe way to look around. Kathy knew she couldn’t refuse. What did it matter? He was right; the gowns were exquisite. Since he wasn’t trying to give them to her, it made it simple for her to agree. “Thank you, sir. I shall be most careful with them.” Her first stroke of luck!
Soapy and Luther left Nelle and Kathy going through the crates. “They be lovely, Miss Kathy. Which ’um ye be wearin’ tonight?”
Kathy abruptly asked, “Were these Michelle’s?”
“No, Missy. She be green if’n she knowed ‘bout these.”
Kathy sighed in relief. Evidently Soapy had been collecting them for another purpose and person. Several gowns caught her appreciative eye: an emerald, a deep sapphire, and a lush scarlet. Her mother had worn gowns like this, but she never had. She decided on the sapphire gown: it had the fewest wrinkles. The skirt possessed flowing lines to attest to the changing styles. The stamp of the French was on it: it was striking and feminine, but proper and delicate. If only Landis could see…
Kathy dashed such dreams and traced her fingers over the soft satin. She tested the strength of the matching lace from bodice to throat, from shoulder to hand. It couldn’t be old, for the material was supple and the style too new. Satin ruffles adorned the tail, while lace ruffles and tiny pearls were secured near the throat and above the breasts. The satin was sensual and soft, possessing a hardly noticable rustle.
Kathy freshened up and fixed her hair while Nelle worked on the wrinkled gown, frequently heating the iron’s surface by placing it on the wood stove. Kathy piled curls on her head and allowed several shorter ones to dangle over her ears. It was a romantic style which suited the elegant gown. Nelle returned to help her into the dress. Ready just in time, she went to join the waiting Luther.
His brows lifted with admiration. He smiled and swept off his floppy hat. She flashed him a warm smile. Catching up her dress, she followed him across the busy street. When one roughly clad prospector surged forward to take a closer look at the vision in blue, Luther knocked him aside and warned him to keep his distance from “Miss Kathy.”
Kathy joined Smith for a light meal before she was scheduled to begin. She accepted the proffered glass of wine with his merry suggestion it would calm her nerves. When she was ready, he approached the stage and announced her name, saying she was there to bring enjoyment and culture to this harsh wilderness. Kathy gracefully arose and took her place, the room utterly and nerve-rackingly silent.
She skillfully played several agreeable tunes which the people readily recognized, drawing smiles of pleasure and stares of awe for her beauty and talent. After one mellow and hauntingly sweet song, she played other lively tunes. Then took a short break, following roaring applause. She smiled and curtsied, thanking them for their attention and gratitude. It wasn’t a fancy recital, but it was fun.
She sipped one glass of wine before taking her place once more. This time, applause preceded her playing. Soon, she mentally closed out the entire room and concentrated on the music. After her second break, she dared to sing several songs. The room fell silent, as did the other two. Men listened with teary eyes as she sent forth silvery peals of a lovely ballad which reminded many of home and family. Noting this melancholy effect, she played a spirited song. These songs and music unfamiliar to her, she had to use the sheets on the piano.
When one man came up to her, he requested a favorite ditty. She smiled ruefully and told him she didn’t know it. He named another song; she smiled and complied. After that, others made requests. During one happy song, the audience clapped to the rhythm. She selected one she thought they should know and invited them to sing along. Her winning smile and bewitching aura charmed them. To her surprise, the evening passed swiftly after her first break.
When Luther came to escort her to her new home, the crowd booed him and begged her to stay longer. She smiled and invited them all to return tomorrow night. Soapy was pleased by her talent and congenial manner and complimented her on her way out.
Nelle was waiting to help her undress, but didn’t linger at the sight of Kathy’s fatigue. One distressing fact had come to light earlier: Soapy’s office was nearly impenetrable, and a deadly obstacle to Kathy’s scheme. Exhausted, Kathy was asleep the moment her head touched the pillow on the tormenting bed.
Twenty
Those following two days were spellbinding for Kathy. She realized what it was like to be artistically popular, deeply appreciated for her own abilities. It was a heady feeling to have people pay highly to sit practically hypnotized while she played and sang each night. She had been fondly received by the town’s upper class. Often, she was given many tips of gold nuggets. When she appeared embarrassed to accept them, Soapy placed a metal plate on the piano to prevent her from having to take the needed prizes from the sweaty hands of admirers. Very few made requests without dropping something into the plate. She knew the folly of keeping the money in her room, placing it in the local bank that third day, adding her first week’s wages to it, withholding only a small amount for emergencies and for tipping Nelle for her extra work.
The woman had tried to refuse, but Kathy insisted. Through teary eyes, Nelle had concealed the nuggets in her bosom. She had fondly embraced Kathy and bussed her cheek. Friday and Saturday nights had produced added strain, as Kathy feared Landis’s arrival. When he failed to come, she assumed it was due to news about Michelle. Or perhaps he had heard about Kathy’s work?
She discounted her last thought; he would relish antagonizing Kathy again. She could not forget the menacing tinge to his voice when he had snarled vows of revenge, when she was surprised he hadn’t dragged her off to Log Cabin to be further harassed for answers she did not possess.
She spent part of Sunday seeing the town with Soapy, unable to decline, and late with Nelle. How she wished she had a book to read. When she mentioned that to Soapy, he took her to his office and suggested she borrow one of his. She thumbed through them and selected a volume of poems by Browning. She thanked him and allowed him to escort her home around noon, wishing she had been given some time alone in his office.
Late that afternoon, Jack came to visit. She squealed when Nelle told her who was out front. She forgot her parka to race outside and hug him fiercely. “I’ve been frantic with worry over you. You didn’t come Friday night. I was afraid you’d taken a turn for the worse, but you look much better.”
“I’m just fine, Kathy. Some business came up. It won’t happen again. But I needed the money,” he contritely explained.
“You need money? I’ll loan you some,” she hastily offered.
“No need. I made plenty guiding two fellows upriver to check out new trapping grounds. Things going all right?” he probed anxiously.
“Almost too good. They love me. I’ve earned a small fortune this week alone. I put it in the bank,” she rapidly informed him.
“That’s smart. Any trouble?”
“They guard me like a treasure. Eve
ryone’s been so wonderful. I can tell they appreciate me. They seemed to brighten up after my arrival. It must be awfully lonely and difficult up here.”
“That’s the price for seeking gold, Kathy. How’s the act going?”
“The one on stage or the one I’m playing?” she teased, relieved and excited to see a friendly face.
“Both,” he stated succinctly, then grinned.
“Both are going perfectly. I’m moving slowly and carefully. I think Soapy would give his right arm if he could persuade me to stay here. Business has steadily increased. We’ve stolen a great deal from the other places. Two of their owners have offered me jobs with more money. Soapy quickly told them we had an iron-clad bargain. Lucky for me, he made it appear impossible for me to leave his employ. But I haven’t dared look around this early or ask any probing questions. I’m never alone over there.”
“Has Landis been in yet?” he unwillingly asked.
“No. I worried he might show up Friday or Saturday. I did learn about him and Michelle; it sounded as if they were spying on each other.”
“How did you learn that?” he asked incredulously.
“The woman who lives here and takes care of Soapy’s girls told me. She and I have become friends. Of course it doesn’t help that she adores Landis and thinks he can do no wrong.” She gradually related their many conversations, then added, “Soapy has also dropped several hints about them.” She went on to tell Jack of their talks. “I almost got the feeling he’s pushing me on Landis. You think he has plans of enticing me to spy on him, to take Michelle’s place?”
“It’s my guess Smith’s hoping you’ll be in a position to innocently pass information to him. Or he could have hopes of passing phony information to Landis through you. You might give Smith’s ruse some thought. You could learn something from both men.”
Golden Torment Page 39