Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  “Why did he leave home, Kathryn?” he asked.

  “I don’t know and I don’t care. I have work to do.”

  “For your own peace of mind and happiness, Kathryn, I pray you’ll hear him out when you find him.” he stated, watching her intensely.

  Kathy wouldn’t say anything else before taking the stage.

  Ben fretted over her coldness and bitterness. How can I break your heart or make you believe me? he thought. Dory had only prayed for the return of her lover, Morgan Reynolds. All these years she never told you one word of truth! How can I ever hurt you? Isn’t it better to let the lies stand? My trusting child, are you so hurt that you don’t even realize you’re the spitten image of me?

  Tuesday morning, Kathy went to the saloon to practice as usual. She wanted to make certain all was set for her departure. She nodded to the guard as she entered. The barkeeper was in the back room counting liquor stock. No one was around. She headed for Soapy’s office; it was empty. She went to ask Monte where Soapy was this morning.

  He told her Soapy was in a meeting with some other men at the bank; he shouldn’t be back for a couple of hours. Kathy returned to his office, staring wistfully at his desk. Did she dare take the file? Did she owe Landis anything, even his life? She couldn’t help but hope he hadn’t deluded her. He had offered the Jurrell name for protection, and it had succeeded. He had made no attempt to get her to spy on Soapy. What if it wasn’t true? But if he was a Mounty, that explained many statements and actions. How to whisk the file away? Steal it and hide it in her chamber pot! This could be her only chance…

  She locked the door and hurried to the front of the desk. She dropped to her knees. She found the catch and released it. She twirled the dial and opened the door. She lifted two files, glancing at both. She recognized the sprawling script of Landis on one; how could she ever forget seeing it on her pillow that heart-rending morning at Log Cabin? Worse, she mentally matched Soapy’s to that mysterious letter that had misled her back in Skagway! She trembled. Thinking there might be evidence against Soapy in his personal papers, she seized them. She didn’t consider taking the jewelry as a cover for theft. She closed the safe and locked it, then shut the panel door and fastened the catch. She concealed the files under her flowing shawl. She went to the door and peeked out. All seemed clear. She headed for the front entrance. The door opened before she could reach it—She nearly fainted. A man walked in. She just gaped at him, helplessly wishing he were Landis…or Clinton…

  Twenty-Five

  “Hurry, Jack,” she anxiously whispered, racing to him. “Hide these and get out. Don’t fail us. Sneak out a side window; there’re guards at all doors. Please hurry,” she fearfully coaxed, passing the two files to him.

  Stunned, he asked, “You got them? He’ll kill you, Kathy!”

  “They were locked in his safe. I shouldn’t be able to get them out. Leave before you’re seen. Follow our plan, Jack,” she demanded.

  “The guards are talking out back. No one will know I was here.”

  He concealed the files and slipped out. Kathy hurried to the piano and started her practice session. Shortly, Monte came to see if she wanted any coffee. She smiled and sighed, “I would love some, Monte; thanks.”

  He returned carrying two cups. He handed her one, then sipped from his. “I love to hear you play, Miss Kathy. We’re gonna miss you,” he voiced the words she was hearing frequently these last days.

  “I’m going to miss all my new friends, Monte,” she chatted, masking her tension with her newly acquired skills at deception. They discussed her times here and her future plans. Talking with Monte was easy, especially since she was telling the truth. It would soon be over. She was feeling calmer, even slightly confident. It had almost been too easy—but too late.

  “I think I have two workers loafing on the job,” Soapy remarked as he walked into the room, eying Kathy from tawny head to foot.

  “Taking a justly earned break, boss,” Monte responded with a chuckle. “We’ve been working hard, haven’t we, Kathy?”

  “I was learning a couple of new songs for my last night. Monte thought I was banging too much, so he broughtme some coffee to rest his poor ears.”

  “I have some papers to put away. I’ll join you two in a minute,” Soapy informed them, turning to leave.

  Monte asked if he wanted coffee. “Laced with brandy,” Soapy responded. “Join me for a farewell lunch, Kathy?” he halted and invited.

  “Can we eat at the hotel?” she replied politely.

  “I don’t own it yet, but you deserve a nice going-away meal.”

  She murmured, “Thank you, Mr. Smith.”

  “You’ve been in high spirits since Sunday. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I was worried about you last week.”

  She forced herself to give credit to this despicable man, “I have you to thank, Mr. Smith. I appreciate all you’ve done for me,” she stated with convincing sincerity, wanting to spit the bitter words from her mouth.

  When he left for his office, Kathy braced herself for a stormy return. She was playing and singing a new melody when he rushed from his office, shouting for his men. The guards and Monte instantly responded. Kathy halted. She turned, her brow lifted inquiringly at his hysterical tone and enraged prancing. He screamed for her to come forward.

  She responded, joining the others who were staring at him in bewilderment as well, all silent and still. They waited to learn what offense had been committed and by whom. Smith was dangerously furious, but Kathy didn’t feel threatened, for no one had seen Jack come or go with the papers.

  “I want to know who’s been in my office this morning,” he coldly demanded, glaring from one person to the other, his lips twitching.

  The guards had entered the office for their rifles from the gun rack, their normal routine. Monte had placed his stock report on Soapy’s desk. Kathy told him she had glanced inside to see if he needed to see her. She added Monte had told her he was out, so she started practicing.

  “Who came in while I was gone?” he snarled in rapidly rising fury.

  The two guards hadn’t seen anyone. Monte had been in the storage room. Kathy said her back had been to the center of the room.

  “None of the other girls or men came here while I was out?”

  All four people shook their heads. “You’re all saying you were present while I was being robbed, and none of you saw or heard anything!” he shouted, his temper unleashed, a pulsing vein standing out on his forehead.

  “Robbed?” they all shrieked in unison, gaping at Smith.

  Smith drilled his gaze into each person’s eyes in turn. They all appeared stunned by the news. “The money and jewels?” Monte inquired.

  Smith’s face went livid and his body tense. “That’s the crazy thing! They weren’t touched! Just papers were stolen!”

  Disbelief was shared by all. “They didn’t take those jewels?” Kathy asked incredulously. “But they’re worth a king’s ransom!” She dared not let the word “papers” cross her lips for fear of guilt clouding her eyes.

  “So are those papers!” Smith yelled at her.

  She shrank back as if he had struck her, inhaling sharply at the ferocity in his voice and slashed across his rage-distorted features. “You don’t have to attack me; I’m not a thief,” she retorted angrily.

  Monte spoke up in everyone’s defense, “Boss, you keep everything in that locked safe. None of us could break into it.”

  “Safe?” Lewis echoed. “I’ve never seen a safe in your office.”

  “It’s hid…” Monte began, but Smith harshly silenced him.

  “If one of you saw anybody leaving and returning, speak up now.” He paused. “It wasn’t a ghost!” he snarled.

  “Monte?” Soapy accused.

  Monte nervously cleared his throat. “I can’t answer for these two,” he stated, nodding to the two guards, “but Kathy hasn’t left.”

  “Kathy?” Smith prodded, trying to terrify her with his gaze.<
br />
  “I saw Lewis when I came in. Monte was in the storeroom. We talked twice. I’m certain he didn’t leave at any time.”

  “Lewis?” he continued, his expression tight and his face red.

  “I didn’t see either Kathy or Monte leave, even for a minute. Every time I checked the sides of the building, I called out to Tom and he was there.” It didn’t occur to him to mention those few minutes of conversation when he and the other guard were loafing.

  “Tom?” he prodded the last man.

  “I can’t vouch for Kathy and Monte from my position out back. Like Lewis said, boss, we call out every little while to make sure the others are all right. I didn’t see or hear anyone come near the saloon.”

  Smith spoke clearly and controlledly, accusing, “One of you is lying through your teeth. With guards posted and two people inside, how do you suppose someone walked in and robbed me, then left without anyone seeing him? It ain’t possible,” he sneered. “Luther!” he shouted.

  The sturdy man came rushing from the office. “Yes. Soapy?”

  “Get my men and Molly. Sit down and don’t move,” he commanded icily.

  “Listen, boss, if you think I…”

  Smith tersely cut Monte off, “Shut up and sit down! Nobody’s leaving here until this place and each of you are thoroughly searched.”

  Kathy gasped in astonishment. “You wouldn’t dare search me!”

  “I’ll have Molly do it for me,” he replied.

  “You expect me to submit to such an outrage! Pray tell, where would I hide papers?” she scoffed. “Do you hear any papers crackling? This is unforgivable, Mr. Smith. How dare you accuse me of theft!”

  “I’m not accusing anyone, Kathy. I plan to clear each one of you in turn. Just relax,” he said.

  Lewis and Tom both argued against the possibility of getting into the safe mentioned by Monte; Monte said the same about himself and Kathy.

  The men and Molly arrived, wondering what was taking place. Soapy commanded, “I want this entire building searched from top to bottom, inside and out. Search these men. Molly, you make certain Kathy has nothing on except her clothes and that look of anger.”

  Smith’s jest brought smiles and laughter from nearly everyone. Kathy glared at him, not the least amused. Soapy revealed the robbery to the newcomers. He described what he was missing. “There’s a thousand dollar reward for finding it,” he enticed. The treasure hunt began.

  The men were searched in Smith’s office, another man with each at all times. Kathy went to the back room with the devilishly happy Molly and undressed. “As you can see, I have nothing to hide,” she said.

  To antagonize Kathy, Molly took an absurd amount of time to check her clothes, leaving Kathy standing naked getting chilled. Vexed, Kathy seized her clothes. “Considering the size Soapy described, Molly dear, it’s obvious to even an imbecile they aren’t in my clothes! I’m not going to stand here freezing just so you can be spiteful!” She began to dress.

  “I’ll tell Soapy you refused to let me search you,” Molly warned.

  “He isn’t a fool, Molly, he’ll see your hatefulness. He’s terribly upset by this robbery. I wouldn’t tangle with him if I were you.”

  They left when Kathy was dressed. She returned and sat down. Molly entered, glaring at Kathy. “Well?” Soapy asked for her report.

  “She didn’t have nothing, except the best looking tits and arse I’ve ever seen, including mine,” Molly crudely announced before the men.

  As Molly started to reveal more, Kathy was on her feet instantly to deliver a stunning slap to Molly’s smirking face, sending her backwards to land roughly on her seat. “You filthy-mouthed piece of trash! Open it once more and I’ll give you the most unladylike beating of your miserable life!”

  Molly shrugged indifferently and kept silent.

  Smith came forward. He grabbed Molly by the arm and yanked her to his chest. “If you ever act like the feather-brained slut you are in front of me again, I’ll make you regret the day you were hatched. Don’t ever presume my authority! And keep your vulgar mouth shut!”

  “She’s trying to get me into trouble,” Molly vowed petulantly.

  “Molly, my harlot, I was standing outside the door. I heard every word spoken. I don’t tolerate liars or troublemakers,” he murmured in a deceptively calm voice, then brutally slammed his balled fist into Molly’s face as she pleaded for mercy. Kathy was too stunned to move or speak. Smith shoved Molly toward the door, shouting, “Get out of my sight and my house. You’re fired. My women don’t act and talk like cheap trash.”

  Even with a crushed and bloodied face, Molly raced to fall on her knees to plead with him.

  “You won’t have trouble finding another job around here,” Soapy remarked. “Charlie, see that she’s out of my house within the hour. And make sure the guard knows she’s not allowed to go back in.”

  “Please, boss, no one will dare hire me if you throw me out. I’ll starve and freeze,” she wailed fearfully, a pitiful sight.

  “You know my rules—and the punishment for breaking them.”

  “I was just mad at her. Everybody loves her. Ya’ll act like she’s a queen. I was only teasing her,” she confessed.

  “You idiot! She’s a lady, and she behaves like one. It isn’t her fault if you’re jealous of her. Haven’t you girls learned anything from her? That’s why I brought her here, to teach the rest of you some manners! She’s done a lot of teaching, but no one’s learning. I’m surrounded by dunderheads! If the others won’t hire you, you’ll find some way to survive with thousands of starving men around,” This conversation was for Kathy’s benefit. Her reaction to his uncontrollable beating had shocked her delicate senses. Soapy didn’t want any bad reports taken back to Skagway to be given to newly arriving girls. He was witnessing fear and repulsion in her sapphire eyes. That wasn’t any way to end their pleasant relationship.

  At last, Kathy was allowed to leave. As she swept past Soapy, he caught her arm and halted her to say, “I’m sorry about this, Kathy. But those papers are critical. A lot of people would be interested in getting their hands on ’em. Please don’t take it personal.”

  She coolly met his entreating gaze. “I’m afraid I do take it personal,’ Mr. Smith. I realize I haven’t been here very long and you don’t know me well, but I resent being treated like some common criminal. The facts speak for themselves. How did I know you had a safe? How could I break into it? Where could I have put your papers? Your actions and innuendoes have spoiled my last days here. I’m glad I’m leaving this awful place.”

  When Kathy entered the boarding house, for the first time the girls flocked around her, pressing her for answers. Kathy related the news of the robbery, Soapy’s actions, and Molly’s punishment. While she had their undivided attention, she announced, “And you should all be happy to know I’m leaving after Friday’s show.” She turned and walked to her room.

  Nelle knocked on the door the minute it closed. Kathy opened it, smiling to find Nelle there. The two discussed the intimidating scene at Soapy’s saloon. Nelle was flabbergasted to learn how Kathy had been treated, and was angry and sympathetic.

  It seemed forever to Kathy before Friday arrived. She sang and played as usual each night. But she was distant and formal with Smith. As promised before this catastrophe, she did a magnificent job during those four remaining nights. She knew Soapy was still carrying out his personal investigation into the daring theft. Thankfully, no one had seen Jack that morning, at least no one who was around to report it…

  Friday night, Kathy dressed for her last performance in Dawson. She sang all the regular numbers and the two new ones. Jack had arrived as scheduled. Luckily she had seen him in time to get their stories to match about their last known meeting, the week before the theft.

  During her breaks, she related the events following the robbery. He was dismayed to hear of her treatment, but was very proud of how she had handled matters. When she ended her night’s work, the appla
use continued to ring for fifteen minutes. She shook countless hands and accepted words of farewell and good luck. Nugget after nugget was pressed into her hands. She realized what she had been bringing to these lonely people. She smiled so much her cheeks ached. At last, she reached Smith’s office. She handed him the jewels and said a crisp goodbye.

  “I want you to have this as a remembrance of your time with us,” he stated, handing her a gold chain with a single diamond droplet.

  “I can’t accept this, Mr. Smith.”

  “Please, Kathy, isn’t there some way to thank you?”

  She thought for a moment, then replied, “Just words.”

  “If you ever change your mind, Kathy, you’ll always have a job open here,” he offered, handing her her final wage.

  “Goodbye.” She prayed she wouldn’t see him again.

  Jack walked Kathy to her room to see her safely locked in, then left to join a friend. Knowing what she would face along the trail tomorrow, Kathy went to bed, the chair propped under the doorknob.

  Kathy couldn’t have imagined what was taking place with Landis to the south. Landis had reached Log Cabin late Thursday evening to find Trace Blitch in conference with Bill Thomas. A report was due soon on Jake, so he kept silent about his personal suspicions. He had assigned Mounty McLorey to guard his precious love. Recalling the last time he had seen Trace, he greeted him coolly. Both Trace and Thomas stared at Landis in puzzlement. This whole mission was going crazy!

  “Don’t mind me, just continue as you were,” Landis mumbled sullenly as he sat down, boring his gaze into Trace.

  “Anything up, Clint?” Bill questioned in mild irritation.

  “Nope!” he growled like a hungry bear. “Continue,” he said.

  Trace watched Landis closely as he stated, “Bill and I were discussing Kathryn Jurrell. Do you still want to sit there?”